Category: News Releases

First Tee, PGA TOUR Superstore invite 40 teens to Montana for life-changing Leadership Summit  

 The event is supported by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation 

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. 

Game Changers Academy – First Tee’s longest running participant event – celebrates 25 years of impact

The speaker lineup will feature a who’s who of Minnesota sports legends, including Maya Moore and John Randle.

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 25th 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 25th 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 .

First Tee – Phoenix’s Jordin Cowing and First Tee – Greater Dallas’ Jacob Lewallen claim 2025 First Tee National Championship 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (June 26, 2025) – Jordin Cowing of Gilbert, Arizona, and Jacob Lewallen of Wylie, Texas, won the girls’ and boys’ divisions of the 5th annual First Tee National Championship at the Warren Golf Course at the University of Notre Dame. The event brought together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped them build the confidence, perseverance and skills needed to play at the next level. 

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. 

First Tee National Championship returns to University of Notre Dame for 2025, showcasing young golf talent from across the U.S. 

All 8 previous tournament champions are currently on collegiate golf team rosters

SOUTH BEND, IND. (June 23, 2025) – National youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce its 2025 National Championship will take place June 23-26 at the University of Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course. Now in its fifth year, the First Tee National Championship brings together 48 of the organization’s top male and female players from across the country for a 54-hole stroke play event designed to provide participants with the opportunity to compete at a high level while demonstrating the values they have  developed through the First Tee program. 

The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. Fourteen players in the field have already committed to college golf teams. All eight past winners are on collegiate golf rosters, including Megan Meng of First Tee – Greater Trenton, a member of Northwestern’s 2025 NCAA Division I women’s golf championship team. 

Before the tournament kicks off, the event will feature a fireside chat with Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, who has been a leader in the golf industry through roles with the USGA, the PGA of America and NBC Sports. Participants will also attend a coaches panel, where they will learn more about playing at the next level. 

“We’re excited to return to the Warren Course for the 2025 National Championship, and we are grateful to the University of Notre Dame and First Tee Trustee Fred Tattersall, who makes this impactful tournament possible,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This tournament not only highlights the incredible talent of our participants on the course but also the leadership and character they display off the course. It is a celebration of what First Tee is all about.” 

In addition to presenting the Tattersall Cup to the male and female tournament winners, one boy and one girl from the field will be awarded playing spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, a player development program that aims to achieve greater diversity in golf through an increased focus on developing talent from diverse and historically underrepresented groups.  

First Tee may also award up to two exemptions into the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs professionals and junior players for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach Golf Links each September. Tournament participants are eligible for an exemption into the PURE Insurance Championship if they are in high school, they haven’t previously played at the PURE Insurance Championship and they finish in the Top 5 at the First Tee National Championship. 

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college campuses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience. Next year’s event will take place at the University of North Carolina’s Finley Golf Course.  

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. 

View the full list of selected participants here. Scoring will be available on Golf Genius. 

New $10 million grant from Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation deepens relationship between First Tee, PGA TOUR Superstore

Since 1999, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to First Tee, supporting youth development across the U.S. through the game of golf

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 20, 2025) – First Tee today announced a landmark $10 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which reaffirms PGA TOUR Superstore’s strong commitment to the youth development organization. The gift marks a milestone in the organizations’ ongoing relationship, which began more than 25 years ago with an investment in First Tee – Metro Atlanta. With the growing popularity of youth golf – 3.7 million juniors hit the links in 2024, according to the National Golf Foundation – this grant helps ensure that youth from all backgrounds have access to the sport and its inherent values.

Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, joined First Tee as a National Trustee in 2011. Since then, support from Blank’s PGA TOUR Superstore and family foundation has helped fuel the growth of First Tee’s character-building programs across the country, which now reach more than 3 million youth annually on golf courses, schools and community centers. The new grant will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen First Tee’s curriculum for teenage participants.

“Junior golf is the fastest-growing segment of the sport, and that’s no coincidence. It’s a testament to the power of First Tee, which has made the game more accessible and enjoyable for young people, helping them experience golf in new and fun ways,” said Arthur Blank, owner and chairman, Blank Family of Businesses. “The innovative and engaging experiences that First Tee provides help kids build self-confidence and inner strength, qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. We’re proud of our deep partnership with the First Tee and are committed to the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth.”

“We are grateful to Mr. Blank and his family of businesses for their continued support of First Tee,” said Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair of First Tee Board of Governors. “Arthur’s vision and commitment reflect a deep understanding that investing in First Tee is truly an investment in the future. Through this transformative gift, Arthur is helping open doors for young people nationwide – empowering them to grow as golfers and as people.”

The new grant extends programming established by a $9.5 million grant in 2020 and will support First Tee’s efforts to keep teens engaged with the organization, where they have access to safe spaces, educational opportunities and positive role models during a traditionally challenging time in adolescence. The grant will be deployed in several ways:

  • Chapter grants: First Tee Chapters in PGA TOUR Superstore markets will receive grants to support youth to develop life and golf skills.  To date, grants have impacted 50 First Tee chapters across the country, a number that will grow as PGA TOUR Superstore’s footprint continues to expand.
  • Leadership Series: PGA TOUR Superstore general managers across the country lead a five-week, in-store leadership series in partnership with First Tee designed to help teens uncover their strengths and personal values and explore potential career opportunities. The program was offered at 44 PGA TOUR Superstore locations in 2024 and plans to expand to 70 by 2029.
  • Leadership Summit: Each summer since 2021, Arthur Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, Montana, has welcomed 40 First Tee teens for an unforgettable experience where they grow as leaders by taking on new challenges – like whitewater rafting, ropes courses and horseback riding – and learn about the power of building authentic relationships.

“This incredible partnership with the Blank Family of Businesses reflects our shared commitment to using golf as a vehicle for positive youth development,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We are grateful to Arthur Blank, who has been a longtime, committed supporter of First Tee. This transformative investment will allow us to introduce more youth to golf, keep them engaged with First Tee and teach them essential life skills like leadership and teamwork.”

This week the Blank Family of Businesses welcomed 48 First Tee teens from across the country to Atlanta where they learned about what it takes to lead a successful organization. The weeklong program included visits to PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters, the Atlanta United training ground, the Atlanta Falcons practice facility and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, where the new grant will be officially celebrated this afternoon with a check presentation and remarks from the foundation’s president, Fay Twersky, and managing director, Youth Development, Daniel Shoy, Jr., PGA TOUR Superstore’s vice president, Partnerships & Community Relations Ralph Stokes and First Tee’s senior director, Philanthropy Amanda Zedrick.

First Tee’s evidence-based program combines golf instruction with a life skills curriculum, reaching youth ages 7-18 at golf courses, schools and community centers across the globe. The organization impacts more than 3 million young people annually.

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to First Tee to date. In 2022, First Tee presented Arthur Blank with its Founders Award, for his generous support of the organization. 

Parents continue to believe investing in youth sports will pay dividends, new study shows

More than nine in 10 parents with adult children aged 18-35 say they’ve seen how youth sports can shape a child’s future

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (May 8, 2025) – Despite an unsteady economy, nearly nine in 10 American parents say they are making room in the budget for extracurricular activities (88%), including sports. Nine in 10 parents say playing sports helps children build character (92%) and teaches them important life skills (90%), according to new research from The Harris Poll and First Tee.

The global consulting and market research firm teamed up with the nonprofit youth development organization to explore the value parents place on youth sports, with a particular focus on the long-term impact of coaches. The Harris Poll surveyed 2,042 U.S. adults in March 2025 and analyzed the data by gender, age, race, education and income, among other characteristics.

While few young athletes ultimately turn professional, parents believe youth sports can have lifelong benefits off the field. Nearly nine in 10 parents strongly recommend youth sports to other parents, believing that coaches can impact a child’s ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and be resilient in the face of challenges (88%).

“According to this new research, parents with adult children say the confidence their child built through sports continues to shape their success today, a data point that reinforces First Tee’s mission of teaching not only golf skills but also life skills and values that equip kids to face new challenges,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “While we have heard success stories from countless First Tee alumni, we are grateful to Harris Poll for helping us quantify the incredible impact of extracurricular activities.”

Generations of Americans have been shaped by youth sports, with nearly 70% of parents who grew up with coaches saying they wouldn’t be where they are today without those influential adults in their life (67%). First Tee knows its coaches are the key to its success, which is why it’s celebrating them during First Tee Week, May 19-25. The new brand awareness campaign will mark the launch of a PSA titled “Dear Coach” and feature a panel discussion on the impact of coaches at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge.

Other key findings from the survey include:

  • 69% of parents believe there aren’t enough female coaches or mentors in youth sports. That number increases to 74% among parents of color. While parents see the impact of coaches, they believe coaching is significantly more accessible to boys than girls.
  • 92% of parents believe that playing sports helps kids build character. That number jumps to 97% when surveying parents whose children are currently enrolled in sports. Parents see improved mental health and exposure to new things as additional benefits of extracurricular activities.
  • More than half of parents say trustworthy coaches could increase their child’s chances of committing to an activity (51%). Parents cite positive role modeling as their top priority when assessing a coach, followed by skill development and motivation and encouragement. All First Tee coaches are trained and background checked, so they’re prepared to teach golf skills and life lessons that extend beyond the course.

“Even amid economic uncertainty, parents see youth sports as a non-negotiable investment in their child’s future,” said Abbey Lunney, Managing Director of the Trends and Thought Leadership Practice at The Harris Poll. “Nearly 9 in 10 say the experience helped prepare their children for the future. Our data shows they’re not just hoping for athletic success—they’re prioritizing confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills shaped by meaningful coaching.”

This is the third annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee.

Download the full 2025 report.

For the results of the 2024 parent survey, click here.

Liberty National Foundation extends support for First Tee and its character-building golf program

The Liberty National Foundation announced earlier today an extension of its long-standing support through 2029. 

Committing an additional $1 million, this latest gift brings the Fireman family and Liberty National Foundation’s total contribution to First Tee to $8 million since its first commitment in 2012.

The announcement was made during a special event at Liberty National Golf Club, where the Fireman family was celebrated for their continued support of First Tee’s mission to build character in young people through the game of golf. The new commitment will primarily support four First Tee chapters across New Jersey, which collectively impacted nearly 29,000 youth in 2024.

Jennifer Weiler, Senior Vice President of Network Relations at First Tee, joined Liberty National Foundation and New Jersey’s First Tee chapter leaders at the event.

Jennifer Weiler, First Tee, and Dan Fireman, Liberty National Foundation

“What makes this partnership so meaningful is how it helps us shape young potential into lifelong character,” said Weiler. “The continued support from the Liberty National Foundation allows us to reach thousands of children across New Jersey, particularly in underserved communities where access to character-building programs like ours can be transformative.”

Dan Fireman, Founder of the Liberty National Foundation, emphasized the alignment between First Tee’s mission and his family’s values. 

“Through this continued partnership with First Tee, we’re committed to ensuring that more young people, especially those from underserved communities, have access to the character-building power of this great game,” said Fireman.

Dan’s father, Paul Fireman, was recognized last November when First Tee honored him with the Lifetime Achievement award. 

First Tee has grown into a global youth development organization impacting more than 3.1 million kids and teens annually through its network of 150 Chapters with programs delivered at more than 1,700 golf facilities, as well as in nearly 12,000 schools and more than 2,000 youth centers. The organization has expanded internationally, with programs now in Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Morocco.

The Liberty National Foundation’s gift will help further First Tee’s commitment to providing inclusive access to its programs, with a focus on reaching young people from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

FIRST TEE-GREATER WASHINGTON,DC SIGNS SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT WITH MARCUS BYRD, CHAPTER ALUM

Prince George’s County Native and Professional Golfer Got His Start in the Game with First Tee-GWDC

Washington, D.C. – April 23, 2025 – First Tee-Greater Washington, DC has signed a one-year sponsorship agreement with Marcus Byrd, professional golfer and alum of the First Tee-Greater Washington, DC, local chapter of the national non-profit youth development organization.

The agreement includes First Tee-Greater Washington, DC logo placement on the A-panel of Byrd’s tour bag which will be used when he’s competing in professional tournaments plus appearances at three local events: Politics and Pros outing on July 21 at Army Navy Country Club, Arlington; Larry Byrd Memorial Junior Golf Clinic featuring Marcus Byrd at Langston Golf Course on July 22; and a third event to be determined.

“We’re proud to partner with Marcus who’s one of our most successful alumni golfers,” said Clint Sanchez, Executive Director of First Tee-Greater Washington, DC. “Marcus was involved with our Chapter for many years where he made lifelong friendships and developed his golf skills as well as his life and leadership skills.”

Byrd, 27, joined First Tee-Greater Washington, DC at age nine, taking classes at both historic Langston Golf Course and Henson Creek Golf Course. The program was more than just golf to him as his father hosted First Tee classes at the family’s driving range, making it a deeply personal part of his upbringing.

“I’m proud to partner with First Tee-Greater Washington, DC,” said Byrd. “My Dad introduced me to the game, and First Tee shaped how I play it, and how I carry myself. Langston will always feel like home, and Henson Creek was just as meaningful, especially with my Dad helping bring the program to life. I’m honored to be an example of what the next generation can become.”

In 2011, as a high school freshman at North Point High School in Waldorf, MD, Byrd earned 2nd place in the Maryland High School State Golf Championship. Following that season, he and his mother moved to Georgia so he could play and practice in nicer weather and face better competition. He was named the 2013 Georgia State Golf Association Junior Player of the Year while at Dunwood High School.

Following high school, Byrd earned a scholarship to Middle Tennessee State University where he played on the golf team all four years. During his senior season in 2018-2019, he won two tournaments and was named Conference USA’s Player of the Year. After graduation, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Byrd worked a regular job for two years before picking up the sticks again and pursuing a full-time career as a professional golfer.

Since then, he’s competed on the Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) Tour, the Korn Ferry Tour as well as select PGA TOUR events including the 2023 Genesis Invitational where Tiger Woods awarded him the Charlie Sifford Exemption and the 2024 RSM Classic where he Monday qualified. In addition, he has status on the PGA TOUR Americas Tour where he recently has competed in tournaments in Argentina and Brazil.

About First Tee-Greater Washington, DC

First Tee-Greater Washington, DC is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. In 2024, the chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee-Greater Washington, DC impacts more than 200,000 young people each year through programs delivered at 25 program locations, 300 schools and 30 community partners throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, MD and Prince George’s County, MD. Learn more at firstteedc.org.

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”) 

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrated its 25th anniversary and has reached millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair. Learn more at firsttee.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Palmer Moody

Sr. Director of Communications and Advancement

First Tee-Greater Washington DC

847.804.2721 mobile

[email protected]

First Tee Week: National campaign launches May 19 at the Charles Schwab Challenge, celebrating coaches who are game changers in their communities  

Parents call coaches the “unsung heroes of youth development.” First Tee will celebrate these mentors during its inaugural network-wide awareness campaign. 

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (March 11, 2025) – Leading nonprofit youth development organization First Tee is launching a weeklong national awareness campaign to celebrate the impact of its coaches. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build character like inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. 

Kicking off at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, from May 19-25, First Tee Week aims to engage communities across the country, encouraging them to celebrate the coaches who make a difference locally. Entitled “Dear Coach,” the campaign will feature a variety of in-person and online activities, including: 

  • First Tee will launch a new creative campaign, including an updated PSA that speaks to the power of youth sports coaches to instill confidence, values and life skills in the kids they serve. 
  • On Wednesday, May 21, First Tee will host a group of alumni at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge, where they’ll hear from a panel on “The coach effect: The importance of coaches and the stories that shape us.” The panel will feature New Orleans Saints defensive end and First Tee – Phoenix alumnus Cameron Jordan alongside other First Tee alumni. 
  • First Tee chapters across the country will host a variety of activations, including a fundraising tournament at Winged Foot (Metropolitan New York), meet the coach night (San Francisco), golf marathons (Greater Baltimore, West Michigan) and more. Find a First Tee chapter in your area. 
  • First Tee’s corporate partners will celebrate First Tee Week in a variety of ways. “Dear Coach” content will appear at Topgolf and PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country, with organizations like Golf Digest, the USGA and Morgan Stanley planning to highlight coach stories on their own channels. 
  • First Tee has launched a digital experience at FirstTee.org/DearCoach and social content featuring stories from participants, alumni and notable supporters like former NFL player Larry Fitzgerald and PGA TOUR professional Wyndham Clark on the incredible relationships between coaches and participants. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to engage. 

“Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and parents are looking for character-building programs because they know strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “For nearly 30 years, our dedicated and trained coaches have set First Tee apart because we have developed a training system built on research-proven methods of positive youth development. We are excited to celebrate their contributions and raise awareness for their work during First Tee Week.” 

According to research from Harris Poll, 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire their child to excel both on and off the field, and they believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others and be resilient in the face of challenges. 

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engage more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. First Tee serves more than 3.1 million kids annually. 

Learn more about getting involved with First Tee. 

FIRST TEE-GREATER WASHINGTON DC TEEN INVITED TO PLAY PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS’ PURE INSURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP IMPACTING FIRST TEE AT PEBBLE BEACH

Washington, DC (September 16, 2024) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions have announced that Samantha Nguyen will represent First Tee-Greater Washington DC at the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee. The event will bring teens from First Tee chapters to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course for the PGA TOUR Champions tournament, Sept. 17-22. The annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, is televised nationally on Golf Channel.

Samantha, 16, or “Sammi” as her family and friends refer to her, is a junior at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, VA and has been a First Tee participant for nine years. She plays on her high school golf team where she’s been a team captain the past two seasons and also competes in US Kids Golf, Middle Atlantic PGA Section and Peggy Kirk Bell Golf Tour tournaments. In addition to playing golf, Sammi is also involved with STEM Exploration for Youth Club, LPGA*USGA/First Tee-GWDC Girls Golf and is part of both the National Honors Society and the National Art Honors Society.

“We’re very proud of Sammi’s accomplishments both on and off the golf course,” said Clint Sanchez, Executive Director of First Tee-Greater Washington DC. “She’s following in her sister Joey’s footsteps by competing in the PURE Insurance Championship and making her own positive impact on our chapter, participants and families.”

Sammi’s sister, Josephine or “Joey”, competed in the 2022 PURE Insurance Championship and was a First Tee-Greater Washington DC participant for 10 years.

Sammi has also taken the reins as president of G.I.R.Ls Club (Girls in Roles of Leadership), which is the organization that Joey founded a few years ago. The group hosts a professional women’s leadership conference each year and develops several different service projects as well.

“I am really excited about competing at the PURE Insurance Championship. I watched my sister have a great time at the event, playing with the Pros at such nice golf courses and making new friends. It’s something that I knew I wanted to strive for as well,” said Sammi. “I am grateful for the impact First Tee has had on my life and the lasting lessons it has instilled in me.”

Sammi will showcase the skills and values she learned at First Tee during a week of competition and mentorship, during which they’ll be paired with a PGA TOUR Champions pro and amateurs from the business world. She will join 80 total teens from First Tee chapters across the country and – for the fourth year in a row – a participant from First Tee — Morocco.

Participants were selected by a national panel of judges based on their personal growth and development through First Tee’s programs, as well as their playing ability. The full junior field was revealed live on Golf Channel’s “Golf Today.”

This year’s field of PGA TOUR Champions players will feature legends including Ernie Els and Vijay Singh, as well as three-time PURE Insurance Championship winner Kirk Triplett and Thongchai Jaidee, who will defend his title. Last year, Diego DeJesus from First Tee-Greater Washington DC participated in the PURE Insurance Championship and was paired with Jaidee and had a wonderful experience playing with the eventual champion. Clint Eastwood serves as chairman of the PURE Insurance Championship.

Play will be conducted on Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course on Friday and Saturday. The final round will be contested solely at Pebble Beach Golf Links on Sunday, where 24 First Tee juniors will compete based on their 36-hole performance. The tournament will crown one male and one female First Tee junior champion on Sunday.

More than 1,000 teens from First Tee have played in the PURE Insurance Championship, experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet, play and be mentored by PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs in the field.

First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

The junior field for 2024 PURE Insurance Championshipcan be viewed here.

For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com. To learn more about First Tee, visit FirstTee.org.

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About First Tee — Greater Washington DC

First Tee — Greater Washington DC is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee — GWDC reaches kids and teens through programs delivered at 22 program locations, 260 schools and several youth centers. Learn more at www.firstteedc.org.

About Monterey Peninsula Foundation

Surpassing nearly $250 million in total donations, Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.

www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org

www.attpbgolf.com

www.pureinsurancechampionship.org

About PURE Insurance

Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) Insurance is a property and casualty insurance company designed exclusively for successful, responsible families. We opened for business nearly 20 years ago with the goal of offering something different in the insurance space: a company focused on doing what’s right for our membership (policyholders), one that promotes transparency and alignment of interests, and delivers greater value. Today, with a membership of more than 100,000 individuals and families, we are the most awarded insurer in our category, offer coverage in all 50 states that includes high value homeowners, automobile, collections, watercraft, personal excess liability, fraud & cyber and flood. pureinsurance.com | 888.813.7873

About PGA TOUR Champions

PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 34 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour and on Instagram @pgatourchampions.

All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Tournament programming is available via 25+ TV linear partners in 145+ countries and territories, with 25 channels carrying long-form and/or highlights coverage, and 200+ hours of live coverage distributed in 135+ countries and territories. Programming is also available via the OTT platform GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR in every market outside of the United States, excluding China and Korea, with live coverage distributed in 130+ countries and territories.

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FIRST TEE KIDS SELECTED TO SERVE AS STANDARD-BEARERS AT 2024 SOLHEIM CUP

13 Participants from First Tee-Greater Washington DC and First Tee Prince William County Chapters Earned the Inside-the-Ropes Roles

Washington, D.C. – September 9, 2024 – Thirteen participants from the First Tee-Greater Washington, DC and First Tee Prince William County chapters were selected to be standard-bearers at the 2024 Solheim Cup, which will be contested Sept. 13-15 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va.

“We are so excited for these participants,” said Clint Sanchez, executive director of First Tee-Greater Washington, DC. “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people who are interested in the sport to get an inside-the-ropes look at the competition and see firsthand how these professional golfers prepare, play and compete.”

“The Solheim Cup is honored to partner with our local First Tee chapters to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these First Tee participants to be standard-bearers. They will receive an exciting up-close experience at this premiere international women’s golf competition,” said Matt Hoover, tournament director of the 2024 Solheim Cup.

The Solheim Cup combines the tradition and prestige of the game of golf with the passion for one’s country and continent. This biennial, transatlantic team match-play competition features the 12 best European players from the Ladies European Tour (LET) and the 12 best U.S. players from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour.

Following is a list of the 13 First Tee standard-bearers, their First Tee chapter affiliation and some background information about each person.

Joelle Barksdale

Age: 17

Hometown: Washington, DC

School: School Without Walls High School

Chapter: First Tee-Greater Washington DC

First Tee class location: Langston Golf Course and East Potomac Golf Links

Favorite part of First Tee: learning the life skills that have aided me thus far and will carry me through life

Standard-bearer excitement: watching how the players strategize and play each hole, the sportsmanship, and the dynamic environment created by the spectators and players

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Mariah Stackhouse

Favorite local golf course: Columbia Country Club

Dream foursome: Ben Hogan, Oprah Winfrey, my Dad and me

Grace Burrell

Age: 13

Hometown: Manassas, VA

School: Parkside Middle School

Chapter: First Tee Prince William County

First Tee class location: Lake Ridge Golf Course

Favorite part of First Tee: Getting to meet new people and play golf

Standard-bearer excitement: Getting a great view of action and seeing players up close

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Nelly Korda

Favorite local golf course: Stonewall Golf Club

Dream foursome: Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, my Dad and me

Andrew David

Age: 16

Hometown: Alexandria, VA 

School: Saint Paul the Great Catholic High School

Chapter: First Tee-Greater Washington DC

First Tee class location: Ft. Belvoir Golf Club

Favorite part of First Tee: Being around others who love the game and all of the support and opportunities the First Tee family offers me

Standard-bearer excitement: walk along the course with the best female golfers in the game and observe the high-intensity matches right in front of me

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Nelly Korda

Favorite local golf course: The Club at Creighton Farms

Dream foursome: Steph Curry, Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer and me

Philip Gray

Age: 14

Hometown: Kingstowne, VA

School: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Chapter: First Tee-Greater Washington DC

First Tee class location: Ft. Belvoir Golf Club

Favorite part of First Tee: the values I have learned and the various playing opportunities

Standard-bearer excitement: to try something new and be so close to the players

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Nelly Korda

Favorite local golf course: Burke Lake Golf Course

Dream foursome: Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, my Dad and me

Malaika Jha

Age: 18

Hometown: Fredericksburg, VA

School: Muhlenburg College

Chapter: First Tee Prince William County, chapter employee/assistant

First Tee class location: Forest Greens Golf Course, PWC Golf Course, Lake Ridge Golf Course

Favorite part of First Tee: the kids I meet and get to work with

Standard-bearer excitement: meeting the players

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Lexi Thompson

Favorite local golf course: Shenandoah Valley Golf Course

Dream foursome: Lexi Thompson, Nelly Korda, Rose Zhang and me

Rosangela Le

Age: 17

Hometown: Woodbridge, VA

School: Osbourn Park High School

Chapter: First Tee Prince William County

First Tee class location: Lake Ridge Golf Course and Forest Green Golf Course

Favorite part of First Tee: meet new people while golfing and hit bomb shots

Standard-bearer excitement: walk the course with the players

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Nelly Korda

Favorite local golf course: Caves Valley Golf Club

Dream foursome: current high school golf team teammates – we’d make a fire foursome!

Maeve McGuire

Age: 15

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

School: Bishop Ireton High School

Chapter: First Tee-Greater Washington DC

First Tee class location: Ft. Belvoir Golf Club

Favorite part of First Tee: meeting so many welcoming and encouraging people

Standard-bearer excitement: watch the players navigate the course and play tough shots

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Lexi Thompson

Favorite local golf course: Belle Haven Country Club

Dream foursome: Lexi Thompson, Nelly Korda, Leona Maguire and me

Rory McGuire

Age: 17

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

School:  Bishop Ireton High School

Chapter: First Tee-Greater Washington DC

First Tee class location: Ft. Belvoir Golf Club

Favorite part of First Tee: improving and perfecting aspects of my game and the satisfaction of seeing it pay off in my results

Standard-bearer excitement: view the match from a first-person perspective, gaining insight into what it might feel like to play at the highest level of competition

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Nelly Korda

Favorite local golf course: Belmont Country Club

Dream foursome: Lexi Thompson, Nelly Korda, Caroline Hedwall and me

Josephine Sanchez

Age: 16

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

School:  Hayfield High School

Chapter: First Tee-Greater Washington DC

First Tee class location: Ft. Belvoir Golf Club

Favorite part of First Tee: Improving my game while having fun and building relationships

Standard-bearer excitement: getting to see the Solheim Cup competition up close

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Rose Zhang

Favorite local golf course: Pohick Bay Golf Course

Dream foursome: Rose Zhang, Hideki Matsuyama, my grandfather and me

Jack Schimler

Age: 17

Hometown: Gainesville, VA

School: Gainesville High School

Chapter: First Tee Prince William County

First Tee class location: Prince William Golf Course

Favorite part of First Tee: opportunity to increase my knowledge of the game by competing

Standard-bearer excitement: walking with players and getting an up-close view of play

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Lexi Thompson

Favorite local golf courses: Prince William Golf Course and Stonewall Golf Club

Dream foursome: Ludvig Aberg, Lexi Thompson, Luka Doncic and me

Aaliyah Shabazz

Age: 15

Hometown: Herndon, VA

School: Westfield High School

Chapter: First Tee-Greater Washington DC

First Tee class location: East Potomac Golf Course

Favorite part of First Tee: development of one’s comfort level and self-esteem

Standard-bearer excitement: walking inside the ropes with these great female players

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Lydia Ko

Favorite local golf course: Oak Creek Golf Club

Dream foursome: Lydia Ko, Nelly Korda, Tiger Woods and me

Claire Varughese

Age: 16

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

School:  Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Chapter: First Tee-Greater Washington DC

First Tee class location: Ft. Belvoir Golf Course

Favorite part of First Tee: start with any skill level and you can still succeed

Standard-bearer excitement: seeing how players adjust when they don’t hit a great shot

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Nelly Korda

Favorite local golf course: Pohick Bay Golf Course

Dream foursome: Nelly Korda, Tom Holland, my older sister Grace and me

Skyler Xue

Age: 16

Hometown: Bethesda, MD

School: Montgomery Blair High School

Chapter: First Tee-Greater Washington DC

First Tee class location: Needwood Golf Course

Favorite part of First Tee: Learning about golf and life skills that  

Standard-bearer excitement: walking with some of the best female golfers in the world

Favorite LPGA Tour player: Nelly Korda

Favorite local golf course: East Potomac Golf Links

Dream foursome: Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and me

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About First Tee-Greater Washington, DC

First Tee-Greater Washington, DC is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee-Greater Washington, DC impacts more than 200,000 young people each year through programs delivered at 23 program locations, 300 schools and 30 community partners throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, MD and Prince George’s County, MD. Learn more at firstteedc.org.

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”) 

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrated its 25th anniversary and has reached millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair. Learn more at firsttee.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Palmer Moody

Sr. Director of Communications and Advancement

First Tee-Greater Washington DC

847.804.2721 mobile

[email protected]

New Study from The Harris Poll and First Tee: Coaches are the unsung heroes of youth development

Parents rely on sports – and trained coaches – to help their children build character and learn life skills, including working with others.  

CHICAGO, Ill. & PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2024) – While 93% of parents agree that kids can learn important life skills from playing sports, four out of five parents also believe there is a shortage of high-caliber coaches today.  

That is from a new survey by global consulting and market research firm, The Harris Poll, and youth development organization, First Tee. The U.S.-based survey was conducted online in April 2024 with feedback from 2,049 adults.​ 

The survey captured data on youth involvement in extracurricular activities and sports. The data was also analyzed by gender, age, race, education, and income, among other characteristics.​ 

“Since our mission is centered on positive youth development, we think it is important to seek parents’ perspectives as the world around them continues to change and their kids face new challenges,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “It helps us better understand and serve youth, and in the case of this study, it reinforces the importance of our investment in training our coaches.” 

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. The training system is built on research-proven methods of positive youth development, providing coaches with the tools to make kids feel safe, included and empowered. As part of First Tee’s onboarding, each coach is background-checked and completes training from the U.S. Center for SafeSport. 

The key findings from the survey include: 

  • 89% of parents feel character is a lost value that should be more emphasized in today’s society – an increase of +4 percentage points from the 2023 survey. Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles. Parents understand that need, as nine out of 10 parents seek opportunities for their kids to build character. 
  • Parents believe sports can help close the character gap. Parents put their kids in extracurricular activities – with sports being most popular – for socialization and to build confidence. According to 93% of parents, children learn important life skills from playing sports.  
  • Parents believe coaches are essential to youth development. Parents turn to coaches to help teach their kids character, self-confidence, determination and leadership. 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire children to excel both on and off the field. 
  • Safety is critically important to parents. They prefer coaches who have been background checked, with 94% of parents citing it as a priority in today’s world and 83% wishing their child had more access to well-trained coaches. 

“While every generation confronts their own unique challenges, kids are facing new barriers to character development,” said Harris Poll CEO Will Johnson. “Our research findings make it clear: Parents, when registering your kids for the upcoming school year, don’t forget the critical development that comes outside the classroom.” 

This is the second annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee.  

Download the full 2024 Report. 

For the results of the 2023 parent survey, click here.  

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)    
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.   

About The Harris Poll 
The Harris Poll is a global consulting and market research firm that strives to reveal the authentic values of modern society to inspire leaders to create a better tomorrow. It works with clients in three primary areas: building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. One of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., The Harris Poll has tracked public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963, and is now part of Stagwell, the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS:     
Annika Mayers, First Tee     
[email protected]  
904-273-3513