The First Tee, is a division of the World Golf Foundation, has as its mission to impact the lives of young people around the world by creating affordable and accessible golf facilities to primarily serve those who have not previously had exposure to the game and its positive values. Our goal is to provide the facilities and experiences that will enable kids from every walk of life to partake of a game that teaches values for life and which can be played for a lifetime.

HISTORY AND BACKGROUND

Research conducted by the National Golf Foundation Studies showed that the major revealed that only two percent of children aged twelve to seventeen ever try golf and that only five percent of this nation’s golfers are minorities. barrier to attracting more children, and especially economically disadvantaged children, to the game was the lack of places that welcomed them, places they could physically get to, and places that they could afford. The First Tee was created to address these access and affordability issues.

The First Tee is overseen and has the active support of a committee comprised of members representing golf’s major organizations including the PGA of America, PGA TOUR, the Augusta National Golf Club, Ladies Professional Golf Association and Untied States Golf Association. In Addition, former President George Bush serves as Honorary Chairman.

When The First Tee was announced in November 1997, an initial goal was established of having 100 facilities in some form of development by the end of the year 2000. The First Tee announced that it had surpassed this goal on August 27, 2000 with 129 facilities in development spanning 38 states with one in Canada.

As it enters the 21st Century, The First Tee has evolved its goals for the long terms by seeking to impact the lives of 500,000 youths.