First Tee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the stated goal of improving children's life skills through golf lessons.[1][2] Based in Ponta Vedra Beach, Florida, the organization claims to teach more than 3.6 million youth annually through programs across the country and internationally.[3][4][5]
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan serves as chairman of the board of governors, which is composed of business leaders.[6] Former President George W. Bush serves as the honorary chair; he succeeded his father, former President George H. W. Bush, who served from 1997 to 2010.[7]
First Tee was founded in 1997.[8] Started by PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, the organization began as a partnership among the PGA Tour, PGA of America, LPGA, USGA, and the Masters Tournament Foundation.[9]
In 2019, First Tee made the transition to a new nonprofit entity, PGA Tour First Tee Foundation.[10] First Tee has featured in the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA Tour Champions event played annually in September at the Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Club in California.[11][12]
The participants of First Tee are children aged five to 18, with participants progressing through the program over time.[13] Although the individual cost of participation is unclear, First Tee offers full scholarships and reduced fee programming for those with financial need.[14]
Since 2004, First Tee claims to have trained educators at more than 10,000 elementary schools to teach physical education courses.[15][16]
Walter Morgan (golfer)