At First Tee, we believe every child deserves a safe, welcoming and empowering space to grow — both on and off the golf course. That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on class management. But what does that mean for your child? 

It means we’re committed to creating an environment where your child feels seen, supported and inspired — not just to learn golf, but to build confidence, character and life skills. 

Building relationships first 

Our coaches start by getting to know each participant. Greeting kids by name, asking about their day and showing genuine interest helps your child feel like they belong. When children feel respected and valued, they’re more likely to engage positively and feel confident in their surroundings. 

Clear expectations = safe kids 

We work with participants to set clear, age-appropriate expectations that keep everyone safe and focused. For example: 

• “Stop, look and listen on the coach’s signal.” 

• “Stay in the safety zone when not hitting.” 

• “Only swing in the hitting area.” 

By involving kids in creating these expectations, they understand not just the rules, but the reasons behind them. This helps them take ownership of their behavior and feel more invested in the group’s success. 

Keeping kids engaged and active 

We know that kids learn best when they’re active and having fun. That’s why our sessions are designed to keep everyone moving, learning and participating. We use stations, group rotations and fun visuals to keep things fresh and safe. Even when it’s not their turn, kids are encouraged to help a partner or review what they’ve learned. 

And safety isn’t just physical — it’s emotional too. Our coaches use positive reinforcement and fair, consistent responses to behavior, helping every child feel secure and supported. 

Consistency builds confidence 

Simple cues like a whistle or a phrase (“1, 2, 3, all eyes on me”) help coaches get kids’ attention quickly and respectfully. Using the same cues across all classes helps your child know what to expect, which builds confidence and comfort. 

Our coaches are trained to support your child 

At First Tee, our coaches are more than instructors — they’re mentors. Each coach receives training in youth development, class management and safety practices. We also partner with trusted organizations like the Positive Coaching Alliance to ensure our team is equipped with the latest tools and strategies to support your child’s growth — on and off the course. Through ongoing learning and development, our coaches are prepared to create a positive, inclusive and empowering experience for every participant. 

Together, we’re creating a space where your child can feel safe, supported and ready to grow — not just as a golfer, but as a person. Because when we manage our classes with care, we make room for character to shine. 

Find a First Tee Chapter near you!

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First Tee – South Puget Sound alumna Carly Ikei is preparing for her first season of collegiate golf at Western Washington University. But despite embarking on an exciting new chapter, she’s not giving up her connection to First Tee.

“I want to stay connected to First Tee as an alumna because I think it’s a great program and it gives so many great opportunities to make new friends and to play golf,” she said. “My biggest takeaway from First Tee – South Puget Sound is that meeting new people is always a fun experience.”

She recently joined a group of fellow former First Tee participants for a Seattle Mariners game at T-Mobile Park hosted by the First Tee Alumni Network, which aims to facilitate networking, professional and personal development opportunities for First Tee alumni.

For Carly, the game of golf has always been about more than just swings and scores. It’s about connection, growth and pushing herself to new heights, both on and off the course.

One highlight of her First Tee experience was competing in the Gearheart Cup, a friendly tournament between chapters in South Puget Sound, Greater Seattle and Oregon. Held in the scenic town of Seaside, Oregon, the event wasn’t just about competition; it was about community. “It’s a lot of fun to connect with other First Tee members,” Carly said. “It’s such a unique chance to make new friends through golf.”

Carly also represented First Tee – South Puget Sound as a competitor at the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach, where she played alongside Shane Bertsch.

Carly’s dedication and talent on the golf course are undeniable. As she heads to Western Washington University to join the golf team, Carly is excited to travel, compete and experience the camaraderie of collegiate athletics, she said.

But her achievements extend far beyond the fairway. She recently earned her associate’s degree in computer science while finishing high school.

To help us bring more life-changing programs to teens, donate today.

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The five-week workshop, which is held at PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country, helped him explore his strengths and values, while envisioning a career that blends his passions for golf and STEM. “The staff at PGA TOUR Superstore shared their insights on leadership and resilience, which had a lasting impact on me,” he said. 

For Skyler, one of the most impactful sessions focused on goal setting and career planning. Learning how to apply the SMART goals framework helped him map out actionable steps toward his dream of working in sports analytics. 

S: Specific 
M: Measurable 
A: Achievable 
R: Relevant 
T: Time bound 

Skyler aspires to use data to help athletes and coaches optimize performance. With a strong foundation in STEM and experience in data science and computational modeling, he’s already developing an AI-powered golf caddie that analyzes course maps and player data to recommend the best shot strategy.  

This project is a perfect example of his passion for applying analytical thinking to solve practical problems. 

Skyler is now heading home from Montana, where he attended the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The weeklong retreat builds on the skills taught during the in-store Leadership Series. 

Participants are encouraged to build confidence and grow through challenge as they try new things, like horseback riding, whitewater rafting and archery. 

Accumulating nearly 200 community service hours in 2024, Skyler is a junior coach at First Tee – Greater Washington DC, founder of his school’s math club and a member of the golf team. There’s no doubt the lessons he learned in Montana will be put to good use by this future leader. 

Learn more about First Tee’s teen participant events, and join PGA TOUR Superstore in supporting participants like Skylar by donating today. 

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EMIGRANT, Mont. (Aug. 4, 2025) – National youth development organization First Tee is proud to host the 2025 First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, taking place over the next two weeks at West Creek Ranch in Montana. Teens will spend an impactful week in the Paradise Valley, where they’ll experience leadership development, outdoor adventure and personal growth. Actor Michael Pena and Olympic medalist Kellie Wells-Brinkley will be guest speakers for Week 1 and Week 2 respectively. 

Leadership Summit is designed to equip participants with the tools and mindset to lead with character, overcome challenges and make a meaningful influence in their schools and communities. The immersive program encourages participants to step outside of their comfort zone and experience activities like horseback riding, whitewater rafting, ropes courses and archery. Throughout the week, leadership development experts and PGA TOUR Superstore staff lead reflective sessions to help participants identify their leadership strengths and values. 

First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore have a long and impactful history. This is the fifth year they’ll team up to host Leadership Summit at West Creek, a working ranch owned by PGA TOUR Superstore chairman and owner and First Tee board member Arthur M. Blank that borders the Yellowstone River and Gallatin National Forest. During the event, PGA TOUR Superstore staff will facilitate sessions on topics like communication and growing through challenges. 

“The Leadership Summit is one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences these teens will have at this stage in their lives. They learn about themselves, working with others, face challenges and build lifelong friendships,” said Ralph Stokes, Vice President of Social Impact, Partnerships and Community Relations, PGA TOUR Superstore. “At PGA TOUR Superstore, we are committed to investing in programs like this that empower young people to grow – as individuals, as leaders and as engaged members of their communities.”

“At First Tee, golf is just the beginning of what we do,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “During Leadership Summit, teens will explore who they are as individuals, who they want to become and how they can lead with purpose. It is one of our most impactful opportunities, and we are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for making it possible.” 

All participants must complete a leadership training course hosted by their local PGA TOUR Superstore before applying to Leadership Summit. This year’s group was selected from a competitive pool of applicants and represents 21 First Tee Chapters from across the country. 

First Tee offers a full slate of participant opportunities, including Leadership Summit, to further its mission of building game changers through golf. For more information, visit firsttee.org. 

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For 17-year-old Finley Mentzel, First Tee has been an integral part of her leadership journey. The guidance and support Finley has experienced through First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky have been foundational in developing her character both on and off the course, she said. 

This summer, Finley will attend First Tee’s Game Changers Academy. Now in its 25^th year, the weeklong event brings together teens from across the country for meaningful discussions on self-awareness, inclusive leadership and community building – skills they will carry with them throughout their lives.  

“This experience has inspired me to lead and make a difference on and off the course,” she said. “I’ve learned so much and want to create more positive change in my community,” Finley said.

Finley joined First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky at age 8 with her older brother Henry, who’s now a First Tee Scholar, and fraternal twin Tiernan, an attendee at the First Tee’s Game Changers Academy in 2024. Throughout her golf journey, Finley has received mentorship that she believes has shaped her into the athlete, student and friend she is.  

“First Tee helped me by teaching me life skills in how to manage work, hard teachers and to set smaller goals to accomplish larger ones,” said Finley. “The First Tee lessons and coaches have helped me accomplish many things both big and small.” 

Finley currently serves as a volunteer coach and participant advisor, known by her coaches and peers for her patience and ability to connect with participants of all skill levels. 

Last fall, Finley attended the First Tee Innovator’s Forum in Phoenix, Arizona. Her experience resulted in a community service project that aims to connect chapter alumni with current participants. Her chapter is currently working to implement it. 

Finley plans to pursue a career in the health care industry after college with hopes of someday working in a children’s hospital. She hopes to combine her passion for working with children with her desire to make an impact on her community. 

Mayo Clinic supports First Tee’s Game Changers Academy, helping to prepare the next generation of leaders, including those in the health care industry like Finley.  

Learn more about Game Changers Academy and follow this week’s activities on social.

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PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (July 8, 2025) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions are proud to announce the 80 exceptional teens selected to compete in the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, to be held September 19–21 at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. 

The annual tournament is hosted by PURE Insurance and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and broadcast internationally on Golf Channel. It uniquely pairs First Tee participants with PGA TOUR Champions professionals and amateurs from the business world for a week of competition and mentorship. The teens, ages 15 to 18, represent 48 First Tee chapters nationwide and will compete for the male and female pro-junior titles. 

Participants were chosen based on both their golf skills and personal growth through First Tee’s youth development programs. This year’s class boasts an average GPA of 3.89 and nearly seven years of involvement with First Tee. 

“The PURE Insurance Championship is more than a golf tournament — it’s a celebration of the dedication, perseverance and character of First Tee juniors,” said Katie Krum, Chief Marketing Officer at PURE Insurance. “Having experienced firsthand the lasting impact of youth sports, I am proud to support such a worthy cause and thrilled to share that we have extended our title sponsorship commitment through 2029 and continue championing these inspiring young leaders.”  

The 2025 junior field was announced live on Golf Channel, featuring an interview with Dylan Au, an alumnus of First Tee – Greater Seattle, who competed in the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship alongside Fred Couples. Au will begin pre-med classes at the University of Washington this fall. 

In addition, Marley Pedrique of First Tee – Florida Gold Coast earned an exemption into the tournament by finishing third at the 2025 First Tee National Championship, held in June at the University of Notre Dame’s Warren Course. 

“This moment represents years of hard work and dedication for these 80 teens,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “Thanks to our partners at PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel for supporting this event. It is a week filled with incredible golf, mentorship and invaluable life lessons.” 

This year’s PGA TOUR Champions field will include legends such as David Duval, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and defending champion Paul Broadhurst. Clint Eastwood returns as chairman of the PURE Insurance Championship. 

Tournament play begins Friday on both Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Following Saturday’s rounds, the top 24 juniors will advance to Sunday’s final round at Pebble Beach, where one male and one female First Tee participant will be crowned champions. 

The junior field for 2025 PURE Insurance Championship can be viewed here.  

For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com.

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MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 8, 2025) – Over the last quarter century, thousands of First Tee participants have attended Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., the nonprofit youth development organization’s flagship event, where they learn about inclusive leadership and community building. First Tee proudly announces the event’s 25^th anniversary edition will take place July 8-12, 2025, in Minneapolis. Seventy-two exceptional teens from across the country will participate in the transformative week of leadership training and personal growth that will include visits to U.S. Bank Stadium and Topgolf Brooklyn Center, as well as the opportunity to stay on-campus at the University of Minnesota.

The First Tee Game Changers Academy is supported by AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands, and is designed to challenge participants to elevate their voices, embrace their differences and become advocates for positive change, both on and off the golf course. As First Tee’s longest running participant event, it paved the way for a full slate of unique teen opportunities.

The 2025 First Tee Game Changers Academy is headlined by guest speaker Maya Moore, a Minnesota Lynx legend who will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. Moore is an Olympic gold medalist, WNBA MVP and college basketball national champion. She’ll speak at a celebratory dinner supported by U.S. Bank. Throughout the week, participants will also spend time with NFL Hall of Famer John Randle and current Minnesota Vikings rookies, while engaging in interactive workshops, challenging conversations and immersive golf experiences.

“The Game Changers Academy is about giving young people the tools, confidence and support they need to become changemakers in their communities,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are proud to celebrate the event’s 25^th anniversary this year and grateful to our dedicated partners – AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands – for making it possible.”

First Tee continues to serve children and teens of all backgrounds, using golf as a vehicle to build life skills and core values like integrity, collaboration and perseverance.

For more information about the Game Changers Academy and First Tee’s national opportunities, visit firsttee.org .

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Stephen grew up in the inner city of San Diego, just minutes from Pro Kids, home of First Tee – San Diego. It was the 1990s, and “Tiger Mania” had a whole generation dreaming big. For Stephen, First Tee – San Diego quickly became his second home. “I describe my time at First Tee as the best years of my youth, when life was simple,” he said.

His journey through First Tee wasn’t just about swing mechanics or lowering scores — it was about building character and finding belonging. “The reason I credit much of my own development to First Tee has to do with my involvement during my teenage years,” he said. Being multiracial, Stephen struggled at times with identity and community, he said. “Learning who I was and what made me unique led me to develop better judgement.”

One defining moment of his youth came when Stephen was selected to attend the very first Game Changers Academy at Kansas State University. From navigating dorm life to playing one of the toughest golf courses in the country, Colbert Hills, the week was packed with new experiences.

Returning to Game Changers for a special anniversary

This year, Stephen returns to Game Changers Academy — not as a participant, but as a coach and mentor. The event, which focuses on inclusive leadership and community building, is taking place in Minneapolis and celebrating its 25^th anniversary this summer.

Stephen is excited to be involved so he can help teens expand their horizons, just as he did decades ago. “There’s something about visiting another community that opens your eyes to the world we share with others,” he said. He hopes participants walk away with broadened perspectives — and the courage to inspire others through their experiences.

More than anything, Stephen is excited to spark those lightbulb moments. “Guiding teens to find their place in the world and giving them a safe space to express themselves. That’s what this work is about,” he said.

Coaching with Purpose

Since getting involved as a kid, golf has been an important part of Stephen’s life. While earning his degree from Cal Poly Pomona, he joined First Tee – Greater Pasadena as a coach and found his calling.

Over the years, Stephen wore many hats: coach, mentor and leader, becoming a Level 4 coach in 2020. Through his eight years in Pasadena, he watched young participants grow from beginners to high school graduates, and they, in turn, witnessed his own evolution.

Stephen returned to San Diego in 2023, and now he’s back in the same neighborhood where it all began, allowing him to bring experience and relatability “For the kids I get to work with now, I can literally say, ‘I’ve been in your shoes,’” he said.

He credits his own growth to the coaches who once saw his potential: “I can still describe a specific conversation with a coach from 30 years ago,” he said. “That’s the power of intentional mentorship.” He now strives to be a mentor for others by helping kids find their own strengths.

The Game Changers Academy is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities designed to keep teens engaged with the program. First Tee offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event, competitive golf opportunities and a community service workshop.

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That’s why meeting kids on their turf – in schools, online, and at community centers – has long been central to First Tee’s approach. It inspired the launch of the First Tee School Program and more recently, the First Tee app. While we believe time spent outdoors is time well spent, we also recognize that kids today need to build strong technology skills and learn how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. 

First Tee leaders Ben Jarvis, vice president of strategy and business enablement, and Ryan Graff, vice president of programs, regularly discuss both the opportunities and the challenges technology presents for young people, and for the adults supporting them. 

What parents should know about kids and apps 

“When evaluating apps for your child, start with privacy and data protection,” Ben said. Look for apps with clear, transparent policies that limit data collection. All of this information is available in the app store. 

To see if an app is age appropriate, Ben recommends reading reviews from trusted sources like Common Sense Media and checking whether it offers parental control options – many kids’ apps do. Parents can also research app developers to see if they have a strong track record and good reputation. 

Furthermore, there’s the matter of in-app purchase: “Check whether the app includes premium features that might lead to unexpected charges,” Ben said. 

Ultimately, determine whether new apps fit into your family’s screen time philosophy.  “Consider whether an app educates, inspires creativity, meaningful connection or develops skills rather than just capturing time and attention,” he said. “Our First Tee app, for example, reinforces life skills and golf concepts through interactive activities.” 

Building digital skills – and character 

Technology skills are non-negotiable, and today’s kids need more than just familiarity with devices. “Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate and analyze digital information critically, distinguishing between credible sources and misinformation,” Ben said. 

Exposing kids to technology in a healthy way can help ensure they understand how to protect personal information and navigate digital spaces safely. 

Equally important is helping kids develop healthy relationships with tech. “Families are searching for how to find a balance when it comes to technology,” Ryan said. “First Tee is impactful because it’s more than golf. Kids and teens learn valuable life skills to navigate the course but also other contexts such as school and extracurricular activities. We explore the values that are inherent to the sport, like honesty, good judgment and overcoming challenges – all of which are important in life and online.”  

In addition, First Tee provides opportunities to help kids build social skills with coaches and their peers within class, so attending First Tee classes can be a support in developing this balance. 

In a world filled with technology, there are lots of lessons we can learn from golf: 

• Focus and presence: Golf provides a space with fewer external distractions and the opportunity to focus and be present with the golf shot before you – a rarity in a world full of notifications. 

• Patience and delayed gratification: In an age of instant rewards, golf teaches that improvement comes through consistent effort over time.  

• Good judgment: Golf’s emphasis on integrity – calling penalties on oneself, playing by the rules – builds the ethical foundation that guides responsible technology use.  

• Face-to-face social skills: The in-person connections formed during golf provide interpersonal experiences that screens can’t replicate, building social confidence.  

• Emotional regulation: Managing frustration after a bad shot by learning the 4Rs (Relax, Replay, Ready Redo) builds emotional resilience that helps children navigate online challenges.  

• Strategic thinking: Golf can help build creative problem-solving abilities, like STAR (Stop, Think, Anticipate and Respond) that transfer to technological contexts.  

• Physical activity and nature connection: The experience of being outdoors and moving provides essential balance to screen time, contributing to physical health and mental wellness.  

According to data from First Tee and The Harris Poll, 85% of parents believe character is a “lost value” in society, and 93% agree that kids can learn life skills through sports. “Our coaches are trained not just in golf, but in youth development,” Ryan said. “That’s what makes the experience so impactful.” 

At First Tee, technology isn’t a replacement for these experiences; it’s an enhancement. As Ben puts it, “We’re preparing kids for a world full of digital tools. But more importantly, we’re helping them develop the character and confidence to use those tools with awareness, purpose and integrity.” 

Find a First Tee Chapter near you. 

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Cowing, who is committed to play collegiate golf this fall at Austin Peay State University, finished 1-under (67-74-71) to claim victory. This is her third appearance at this national tournament, and she finished third at the 2024 First Tee National Championship at Clemson University. In addition to playing golf, Cowing volunteers with First Tee – Phoenix, Special Olympics and Rotary Club of Sun Lakes. 

“It means so much to win this tournament,” Cowing said. “First Tee has been such an important part of my life, and I’m so grateful to end my time with First Tee with a win.” 

Lewallen came from behind to shoot a blistering 66 on Thursday and finish the tournament 3-under (72-72-66). Lewallen, who will play collegiate golf this fall at Eastern Kentucky University, has been involved with his First Tee Chapter for more than a decade. He said he was happy to win the National Championship on behalf of First Tee – Greater Dallas, where he serves as a junior coach. 

“It means everything to me to win this tournament,” he said. “This last year of tournaments has not been great for me. After countless second- and third-place finishes, finally being able to win a tournament like this means the world to me.” 

Both winners were awarded the Tattersall Cup in honor of First Tee Trustee Fred Tattersall, who generously supports the event. Photos from the tournament are available here. 

Sophomore Marley Pedrique of First Tee – Florida Gold Coast finished third (73-72-71) in the girls’ division to earn an exemption into the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that will take place Sept. 19-21 at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The event pairs golf legends with First Tee juniors for a week of mentorship and competition. Players are eligible for an exemption if they finish Top 5 at National Championship, haven’t previously played the PURE Insurance Championship and will still be in high school this fall. 

Based on their play at the First Tee National Championship, several players will also earn spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, which aims to support talented golfers from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the sport. The PGA TOUR will announce the full roster for its Pathways program in the coming days. 

“The dedication, skill and composure of the players this week has been inspiring to witness. We are incredibly proud to congratulate Jordin and Jacob on their outstanding performances at the 2025 First Tee National Championship,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “This tournament is about building character and providing opportunities. These winners truly exemplify what First Tee stands for, and we cannot wait to see what their futures hold both in the game and beyond.” 

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college golf courses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country.  
  
The field included 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. A full list of results is available here. 
  
The championship is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities, which are designed to keep teens engaged with the program. In addition to competitive golf opportunities, First Tee headquarters offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event and a community service workshop. 

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