First Tee’s Colorado Rocky Mountains chapter was founded in 2002, 23 years ago. In that time, our dedicated team of coaches, volunteers, mentors, and more have instilled moral values in a generation of youngsters in Colorado by lighting a lifelong passion for the sport of golf. From our earliest days, our focus has been enhancing the accessibility of golf, so that any child from any background has an opportunity to participate, make friends, have fun, and go on to great things. Let’s take a closer look at the history of our program, and how we’ve impacted the lives of thousands of kids across multiple decades of Denver golf lessons.
Origins in Denver Junior Golf
The story of First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains begins in 2001 with the vision of David Kolquist, the former Junior Golf Director of Denver Junior Golf. At the time, it was a modest program, serving around 200 children at a single location. The children were primarily drawn from affluent areas, and the potential of using Denver golf lessons as a tool for youth development was largely untapped.
Recognizing the limitations of the existing program, David embarked on a mission to reach out to schools within walking distance of the City Park Golf Course. His goal was simple yet revolutionary: introduce the joy and discipline of golf to children who were unfamiliar with the game, many of whom participated in the free and reduced lunch programs of nearby schools. These children passed these golf courses every day but were unfortunately priced out of participating.
A New Approach to Youth Engagement
David’s initiative was not just about teaching children how to play golf. He envisioned a comprehensive program that would combine the sport with essential life skills, fulfilling a critical need for academic and character development outside the traditional school environment. Through unique and engaging golf experiences, the children discovered a fun and positive alternative that would aid their development into responsible, confident adults.
What Is First Tee?
Let’s take a break from the story of David to look at First Tee. It is an international youth development organization that empowers young people through the game of golf. It focuses on building character, enhancing life skills, and promoting healthy habits in children and teenagers. The organization integrates golf with a life skills curriculum to provide students with a supportive environment where they can grow both on and off the golf course.
First Tee was established in 1997 as a collaborative initiative led by the World Golf Foundation. Its founding partners included notable golf organizations such as the LPGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, and the USGA, alongside the Masters Tournament. First Tee’s mission perfectly aligned with David’s vision: bringing golf to kids from diverse and underprivileged backgrounds to teach not only the sport, but life skills and core values.
From Denver Junior Golf to First Tee- CRM
In response to the growing demand from under-served youth for these enriching experiences, the First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains chapter was officially launched in 2002. Driven by a determination to serve the community, the program offered free or reduced-fee access, breaking down economic barriers and embracing a diverse group of children from the city’s predominantly African American and Hispanic neighborhoods.
The focus was not only on providing Denver golf lessons but also on offering alternatives to the challenges many young people face, such as dropping out of school, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and gang involvement. By motivating kids to learn a new sport, First Tee provides endless positive experiences for children and young people, ranging from four years old through their college years.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains continues to innovate and expand, working relentlessly to reach more children each year while enriching existing programs. By effectively leveraging partnerships for cost-effective operations, the organization remains a vital resource for the community. If you’re interested in supporting our initiatives, you can volunteer with us or donate to fund our programs. If you know a young person who could benefit from our Denver golf lessons, be sure to check our upcoming classes and join the First Tee family.