First Tee

Five weeks. Real conversations. Big goals. The Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore came to a close earlier this month, and our participants have a lot to show for it, from uncovering their leadership strengths to building a roadmap for their futures. These Game Changers are just getting started. 💚

Last week, First Tee - Greater Dallas alumna Dr. Amber Hardeman Milson was featured on Golf Channel's Women Changing the Game segment. Amber is currently a Fellow at Tulane University and will be joining First Tee Honorary Chairman Jim Nantz on a panel during First Tee Week at the Charles Schwab Challenge. Watch as she reflects on the impact of coaches and why conversations like theirs matter, then catch First Tee Week, May 23–30.

This week, 16 First Tee CEO and Executive Leaders gathered with us at the PGA Tour Global Home in Ponte Vedra Beach for orientation. New connections, shared purpose, and a lot of excitement for what's ahead.  The future of First Tee is in great hands!

Young people are always observing, and First Tee coaches understand the profound responsibility and opportunity that comes with that reality. Our coaches are trained to model the very behaviors and values they hope to inspire: respect, resilience, empathy, and integrity. Whether navigating frustration, demonstrating kindness, or owning a mistake, coaches show participants what it looks like to live these values in action. Positive role modeling isn't about perfection. It's about presence, intentionality, and authenticity. When kids see character in action, they learn how to embody it in their own lives.

This National Volunteer Week we're highlighting our 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Allen Doyle. Allen is a four-time major winner on the PGA Tour Champions and founder of First Tee – Troup County. Today not only does he remain involved as board president but he mows grass, repairs clubs and coaches each weekend. Congratulations to Allen on being named the 2025 George H.W. Bush Volunteer of the Year.

Tristan Hipolito achieved Ace last year. But his journey to get there started long before that. When First Tee — East Bay closed in 2017, Tristan and his family made the long drive to First Tee — Silicon Valley every season so he could stay in the program. Over the years he became a volunteer coach, Junior Council Committee Chair, National Junior Advisory Council rep, and Dennis Kettmann Scholar. He's now studying engineering at UC Riverside. The dedication was always there. The drive just made it visible. 🎓⛳ To read more of Tristan's story click here: https://lnkd.in/eU_kVtQ7

Kids don't care what you know until they know you care. The relationships our coaches build with Game Changers don't happen by accident. They're cultivated through empathy, trust, and showing up consistently. Our coaches aren't just teaching golf. They're changing lives. ⛳

Shy kids often have superpowers — they observe carefully, listen deeply, and notice things others miss. Some kids just need the right environment and the right tools to come out of their shell. In fact, 94% of parents believe sports help children build confidence and social skills. At First Tee, we believe golf is uniquely positioned to do exactly that. At First Tee, we teach a simple framework called A-L-R to help young people turn those natural strengths into real friendships. Swipe to see how it works 👉 To read more click here: https://lnkd.in/eks7J6eG Help us reach more young people at firsttee.org/donate

Parents know the difference a great coach makes. Our study with The Harris Poll reveals what parents value most in youth programs: ✅ 89% of parents are looking for more opportunities for their child to build character ✅ 90% of parents agree that playing sports helps children grow their confidence and social skills ✅ 94% of parents value coaching that goes beyond skill development to focus on holistic development ✅ 78% of parents say they wish their child had more access to well-trained coaches At First Tee, we take this responsibility seriously. Our comprehensive coach training ensures every coach has the skills to build character, develop life skills, and create the positive, supportive environment parents are seeking. To help support our programs and participants, visit firsttee.org/donate For more on our study with Harris Poll, visit https://lnkd.in/ggEZKK-y

Last year, The First Tee of Southeastern New Mexico teamed up with The Toro Company to host a special event at the New Mexico Military Institute golf course in Roswell, welcoming kids from the Down Syndrome Foundation of Southeastern New Mexico and others with special needs for a day of golf, STEM activities, and confidence-building. The impact speaks for itself. Check out the video below. https://lnkd.in/e9ne36i4