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

Wells Fargo Succeeding Together | May 3-9
First Tee teens have an opportunity to take part in a national essay contest for the opportunity to attend the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, N.C. Four winners are selected, with the grand prize winner receiving the opportunity to play in the pro-am with the PGA TOUR player of their choice.

First Tee National Championship | June 20-25
The inaugural First Tee National Championship will be held at Clemson University, bringing 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.

John Deere Power For Good Contest | July 5-8
Participants submit a written essay about how they are a ‘Power for Good’ through service in their local communities. Three essay applicants will each receive an enriching learning experience at the John Deere Classic and $5,000 to assist with their future educational endeavors.

Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr | July 20-24
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.

First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore | August 2-6, 9-13
The Leadership Summit is designed to strengthen the participants leadership skills through dynamic outdoor and team-building activities, preparing them to transfer those skills to other scenarios they will face in the future. The teens will also participate in collaborative workshops in which they will be influenced to challenge their conceptions of transformational leadership.

First Tee Corporate Connect in partnership with the Coca-Cola Company
Five semifinalists are selected to spend two days in the heart of downtown Atlanta visiting the Coca-Cola headquarters, networking with a young professional panel, and taking part in interviews with Coca-Cola senior staff members. The teens will also experience VIP access during the TOUR Championship at the historic East Lake Golf Club.

John Deere Drive Your Future Academy | September 3-6
This all-girls event focuses on leadership development, remaining active in the game of golf, learning the value/impact of volunteerism, and recognizing the importance of teamwork.

PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee | September 21-26
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.

First Tee Innovators Forum | October 8-11
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.

Academic Recognition

First Tee College Scholarship Program

The Scholar 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.

Local & Regional 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.

Local (NW Ohio & SE Michigan)

More information coming soon

Regional (Great Lakes Area)

More information coming soon

Girls Golf Opportunities

Here you will find opportunities that are available ONLY to those who are part of the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf.

For more information on joining the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf at First Tee – Lake Erie, click here.

The Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship

The Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship is a need-based award granted to a high school senior from a recognized minority background who will be playing golf at the collegiate level.  Qualifications for all scholarships include strong academic programs, community service, and recommendations. One $1,250 scholarship will be awarded in 2020.

Application Information

The Marilynn Smith Scholarship

The Marilynn Smith Scholarship is granted annually through The LPGA Foundation and the Marilynn Smith Scholarship Fund. Established in 1999 by Marilynn with the proceeds of a golf tournament she organized, the objective of the Marilynn Smith Scholarship is to provide a scholarship to a female high school senior who has played golf in high school or in her community and is planning to play golf at an accredited college or university in the United States.  The Marilynn Smith Scholarship will be awarded to high school seniors who will be playing golf at the collegiate level. Five $5,000 scholarships will be awarded in 2020.

Application Information

Dinah Shore Scholarship

The Dinah Shore Scholarship receives tremendous support from Kraft Foods, Inc., the Fund’s largest corporate donor, and the Kraft Nabisco Championship, one of the LPGA Tour’s four major championships.  The Dinah Shore Scholarship is granted annually to a female high school senior who is pursuing a college education, but will not be playing collegiate golf. One $5,000 scholarship will be awarded in 2020

Application Information

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