Why Golf?

Experiences are our greatest teacher. First Tee believes in developing the ones that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Through our personal growth and junior golf programs, we see kids’ build self confidence, inspiring more active participation in leadership opportunities and events, community involvement, and college scholarships.

National Opportunities

First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers them exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of our corporate partners, we host a series of events for our participants, allowing them to meet new people, play some golf,  and achieve greatness. Descriptions and selected individuals are listed in the dropdown boxes below.

Ask your chapter about applying for any of the following opportunities.

Golf & Leadership Events

First Tee Future Entrepreneurs Presented by Wells Fargo | May 3-6

Wells Fargo is committed to community organizations like First Tee that help to create a brighter future for young people. In its inaugural year, the First Tee Future Entrepreneurs presented by Wells Fargo celebrates promising First Tee alumni from Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) and provides them an opportunity for mentorship, networking, personal and professional development.

Application Released: January 24, 2022 | Application Deadline: February 28, 2022 | Participants Announced: March 15, 2022

John Deere Drive Your Future Academy | June 6-10

This all-girls event focuses on learning the value and impact of volunteerism, understanding the significance of values and skills learned through playing the game of golf, and recognizing the importance of building a strong network. The academy will take place in the city of San Francisco, where participants will be immersed in both its historic and modern culture, in addition to participating in workshops and playing golf with new mentors.

Application Released: January 31, 2022 | Application Deadline: March 28, 2022 | Participants Announced: April 19, 2022

First Tee National Championship | June 28-July 1

The First Tee National Championship brings together First Tee’s elite players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level. The winners of each male/female division will be awarded with the Tattersall Cup named after First Tee Trustee, Fred Tattersall. Each winner will earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

First Tee National Championship is a 54-hole stroke-play event featuring a Girls and Boys division for high school participants ages 14-18.

Application Released: January 31, 2022 | Application Deadline: March 28, 2022 | Participants Announced: May 10, 2022

John Deere Power For Good Contest | June 27 – July 1

Each year the ‘Power for Good’ competition recognizes participants who have a passion for improving their local communities and inspires their hard work and determination. Winners are selected for demonstrating their commitment to service and leadership through a written essay, which includes a summary of the impact of their efforts and how their work is connected to the values learned through First Tee. Contest winners will have an opportunity to play in the John Deere Classic Pro-Am, and serve as a power for good at a local volunteer event. Additionally, each winner will receive a financial contribution toward their higher education.

Application Released: January 31, 2022 | Application Deadline: March 28, 2022 | Participants Announced: May 3, 2022

Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr | July 19-23

Participants selected to attend this five-day learning and empowerment academy will participate in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. The academy builds throughout the week into a final outreach project in collaboration with DE&I leadership in the local host community.

Application Released: January 31, 2022 | Application Deadline: March 28, 2022 | Participants Announced: May 31, 2022

First Tee Corporate Connect in partnership with the Coca-Cola Company August 24-27

Dedicated to impacting communities, the Coca-Cola Company supports First Tee by offering five participants annually the chance to attend the three-day experience where they will meet and network with senior staff at Coca-Cola Company to learn about working at one of the largest corporations in the world.

The teens will also experience VIP access during the TOUR Championship at the historic East Lake Golf Club. During their time at the tournament, the teens will meet with professionals from the sports and business world, give back by volunteering in the SO COOL Zone presented by Southern Company, and watch and follow their favorite PGA TOUR players as they compete for the FedExCup.

Application Released: March 14, 2022 | Application Deadline: May 16, 2022 | Participants Announced: June 28, 2022

PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee | September 20-25

An official PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the tournament pairs top participants from First Tee with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs. To be selected, juniors are measured in both golf ability and their knowledge of the First Tee life skills curriculum. The tournament is televised on Golf Channel.

Application Released: January 31, 2022 | Application Deadline: March 28, 2022 | Participants Announced: Early July (Golf Channel)

First Tee Innovators Forum | November 16-19

The Innovators Forum sets to empower First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focusing on raising awareness on global issues focusing on education, health, and sustainability.

Application Released: June 14, 2022 | Application Deadline: August 15, 2022 | Participants Announced: September 13, 2022

Academic Recognition

About the Program

At First Tee, we believe that helping young people build strength of character is fundamental to success in life. Our active learning experiences are all about ensuring young people build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience, so when they face new challenges they are equipped to overcome them.

Going beyond our core programs, the enhanced First Tee College Scholarship Program is designed to provide further support, life skill development and mentorship of our alumni through their journey. Higher education continues to be a critical factor in unlocking opportunities for young people to thrive, and First Tee is committed to their success.

First Tee College Scholarship Program supports selected alumni throughout their college career. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. The program also provides professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. One of the key factors of the program is pairing Scholars with a dedicated adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the four years.

The program is open to graduating high school seniors planning to attend college the following year. Applicants must be active members of First Tee chapters and will be considered based on financial need, academic performance, chapter involvement, volunteerism and other criteria.

Academic Requirements

  • Must be classified as a high school senior as of December 31, 2021
  • Minimum score of 28 on the ACT and/or 1340 on the SAT
    • Test-Optional guidelines will be followed due to implications of COVID-19: If you were able to complete the ACT or SAT, please submit scores and they will be factored into your review. If you were unable to take these tests due to COVID-19, you are still eligible to apply for this program.
  • Minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
  • Intent to attend a four-year accredited college or university in Fall 2021
  • If selected, the participant must be able to attend the Pre-College Retreat and the annual Winter Workshop

Chapter and Community Participation

  • Registered and active in First Tee headquarters database at the time of application deadline
  • Involved in chapter activities at the time of application submission
    • Participants who have spent a longer amount of time in First Tee programs will receive higher consideration in the selection.
  • Evidence of responsible volunteerism or citizenship through meaningful involvement in community and/or civic activities

Need-Based

  • Dependent upon the financial circumstances of the family (Tax Return, FAFSA/Student Aid Report info required)
  • Dependent upon cost of attendance at college or university

Application Released: January 1, 2022 | Application Deadline: March 1, 2022 | Participants Announced: May 31, 2022