I AM...
20 years of Impact
The First Tee is a youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. Through after-school and in-school programs, we help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance. With your support, we can look forward to the next 20 years of positively impacting youth through the game of golf.
We are excited to celebrate all of the great work you’ve helped us achieve over the years, but we also want to celebrate YOUR story! Join the many faces of The First Tee by sharing your story below.
November 1997
Announced The First Tee's launch in Central Park with Honorary Chair President George H.W. Bush.
Why We're Here
February 1999
The First Tee develops the Nine Core Values and life skills curriculum.
Our Core Values
The First Tee of Valparaiso (now The First Tee of Indiana) became the first chapter. Today, the chapter reaches more than 1,000 youth at area golf courses. The National School Program is in 225 elementary school PE classes, introducing 70,000 Indiana youth to the game of golf and The First Tee.
April 2000
Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is announced as new National Director of The First Tee.
Read Joe's Story
As chief executive officer, Mr. Barrow provides strategic direction and executive oversight for all activities of The First Tee. He joined The First Tee in 2000 and has led the organization to introduce the game of golf and its values to young people across all 50 states and select international locations.
Inspired by a speech made by 16-year-old Steven Outlaw at one of The First Tee’s Network Meetings, Dr. William Crouch, then-president of Georgetown College, surprised the audience by spontaneously offering Outlaw a scholarship to his school and the Scholars Program began.
September 2004
The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach (now the PURE Insurance Championship) begins.
Join us at Pebble
Ace focuses on personal planning and will reinforce skills such as self-management, goal setting, self-coaching, interpersonal communication, and resilience that were applied in earlier levels of the program.
March 2009
Began collaboration with LPGA-USGA Girls Golf to introduce more girls to the game.
Empowering Girls
July 2009
The First Tee College Golf Prep Academy begins for participants wanting to play collegiate golf.
Playing College GolfElite junior golfers from The First Tee attend the
College Golf Prep Academy.
Youth receive life skills and golf instruction at our
youth opportunities.
The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits were created through a collaboration among The First Tee, ANNIKA Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children to promote healthy, active lifestyles for young people.
The Nine Healthy Habits include:
Physical: Energy, Play, Safety
Emotional: Vision, Mind, Family
Social: Friend, School, Community
February 2011
President George W. Bush becomes Honorary Chair, succeeding his father.
Watch Golf Channel Interview
December 2012
Scott Langley becomes the first alumnus to qualify to play on the PGA TOUR.
September 2013
Launched The First Tee DRIVE, bringing programs to students at youth-serving organizations.
The First Tee DRIVE
November 2015
Third-party research confirms our coaches and curriculum make a positive impact on teens & alumni.
Good Golfers, Better People
The First Tee Alumni Network brings together former participants to re-connect with old friends, network and provide opportunities to give back to the community and build careers.
September 2016
Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. announced his retirement as CEO at the end of 2017.
Joe's Journey
December 2016
Third-party research completed on our coaches and their role with young people.
The First 20 Years: 1997-2017
The First Tee has reached more than 14 million youth since 1997.
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