Blog Archives - First Tee - Colorado Rocky Mountains

First Tee launches National Alumni Advisory Council to strengthen engagement across its growing Alumni Network

The First Tee National Alumni Advisory Council held its first in-person meeting in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 15, 2025) – First Tee has launched a National Alumni Advisory Council, a group of 20 dynamic alumni who are business and community leaders from across the United States. The council will play a key role in shaping the future of the organization’s growing Alumni Network.

The Alumni Council’s primary focus will be to guide and direct strategies that engage more alumni in meaningful ways — helping them stay connected to each other and to First Tee’s mission of empowering young people through golf and life skills programming.

In addition to virtual meetings, the Alumni Council will gather annually, with its first session having taken place Sept. 12-14 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event is sponsored by Gallagher.

“First Tee alumni are an essential part of our story and our future,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The Alumni Council will help ensure we are creating opportunities for them to continue to grow, give back and lead, while staying connected to the values they developed through First Tee.”

The Alumni Council is co-chaired by Rayshon Payton of First Tee – Metropolitan Oklahoma City, who works as general counsel for Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt, and Sara Diaz of First Tee – San Antonio, a presenter for ESPN+ and PGA TOUR Live and vice president of recruiting for Capstone Hospitality.

“I’m thrilled to come full circle with First Tee, an organization that has shaped not only my life but the lives of so many others,” Payton said. “Serving as board chair of the Alumni Council is a special opportunity to give back, support the next generation and help strengthen a community that continues to inspire growth on and off the course.”

“I’m excited to continue being part of the First Tee, the program where my golf journey began,” Diaz said. “I’m truly honored to be selected as co-chair of the First Tee Alumni Council and look forward to expanding our Alumni Network to foster lasting connections and meaningful opportunities.”

Council members represent a diverse group of graduates who embody the impact of First Tee programs. They were appointed and will serve terms of two, three or four years. Together, they will guide efforts to recruit alumni, design impactful engagement opportunities and drive alumni reconnection to local chapters. As ambassadors of the program, they will inspire current participants and help grow a powerful, united Alumni Network.

The First Tee Alumni Network includes thousands of former participants who have carried the organization’s values into their careers, communities and lives. Since its launch in 2020, the First Tee Alumni Network has provided career assistance, professional and personal development opportunities and fun events for former participants. It’s free to join and open to all First Tee Alumni.

For more information about the Alumni Network, visit firsttee.org/alumni.

2025 Alumni Council members

Rayshon Payton	Metropolitan Oklahoma City	General Counsel, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester
Sara Diaz	Greater San Antonio	VP of Recruiting, Capstone Hospitality
Anthony Bonales	Central Valley	Finance Manager, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling
Grace Kehoe	Greater Charlotte	Media Logger, PGA TOUR
Karrington Knight	Greater New Orleans	Staff Assistant, Rep. Jasmine Crockett
Steven Outlaw, PGA	Hammond (Historical)	Director of Sales & Marketing, Troon
Colm Parrish	Pittsburgh	Category Manager, Catalent Pharma Solutions
Hannah Rens	Siouxland	Systems Engineer, Boeing
Benjamin Nganga	Tennessee	Real Estate Valuations Analyst, Baker Tilly
Ashley Noda	Greater Sacramento	Director of Outreach & Competitive Activities, First Tee – Greater Sacramento
Alyssa Ramont	Central Valley	Executive Administrative Assistant, San Francisco Giants
David Singh	Tampa Bay	Program Manager, Cleveland Clinic of Florida
Blake Christenson	Tennessee	Designer, Cooper Carry
Michelle Xie	Silicon Valley	Software Engineer, Dave
Mia Bishop	Metro Atlanta	Psychotherapist
Brittany Gill	Greater Richmond	Corporate Partnerships Manager, PGA TOUR
Derrick Ow	Monterey County	Communications & Customer Service Coordinator, Northern California Golf Association
Connor Shooks	Benton Harbor	Sports Management Student, University of Michigan
Callen Williams	Metropolitan New York	Assistant Program Director, First Tee – Metropolitan New York
Taryn Yee	Greater Sacramento	Program Manager, Meta

Guidance and growth: Inside the bond between a First Tee Scholar, mentor

One of the most impactful aspects of the First Tee College Scholarship Program is mentorship. Each Scholar is matched with a dedicated adult to support them as they enter college and prepare for life after graduation.

First Tee Scholar Esther Etherington is a senior at Franklin College, where she’s majoring in elementary education and nonprofit leadership with plans to enter the golf industry. Last summer, Esther interned with First Tee — Greater Charleston’s Pathfinder Program and served as a USGA Pathways intern at the U.S. Open. This past summer, Esther worked at her former chapter, First Tee — Indiana, as the site director in Richmond. Her team helped to successfully launch three new community partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc. and Townsend Community Center, reaching its highest number of participants since COVID-19, 160 youth.

Esther’s mentor is Hope Oaks, a Ball State University graduate. Hope is a health science systems specialist at Pfizer, Inc., and she currently serves on the board of directors for the Indiana Golf Foundation and the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation.

They shared their experience and tips on building a successful mentor-mentee relationship.

FT: Describe your experience as a Scholar mentor.

HO: I felt honored when asked to be Esther’s mentor because I had already been a witness to her leadership at First Tee when she would speak at our fundraising events while she was in high school. Her confidence, authenticity and desire to share the gifts she was given resonated with me.

FT: How did you build trust with your mentee?

HO: My experience has been that trust is built with time and keeping commitments with one another. My mentors have set a good example for me by creating a safe space to share questions, challenges, goals, disappointments, frustrations and the emotions that go with them. It’s vital to know you can 100% show up and express your true self.

FT: What is one word you’d use to describe your mentoring relationship and why?

HO: Joy. Whenever the next thing on the calendar is coming up that we have set, I know that our time together will result in a happy spirit and a positive memory. Esther inspires me and we both have similar humor.

FT: Describe a memorable moment you’ve shared with your mentee.

HO: One of my favorite moments was this summer when I spent the day observing and volunteering at Esther’s First Tee location in Richmond. Her organization and leadership skills are to be coveted. It was so much fun to see it all in action with her coaches, volunteers and students. She was truly sharing her gifts with the world. The parents were happy their kids were in the program, and you could see the kids were delighted to be there and having fun while learning. Esther is a connection and networking queen, and she built a successful program in less than six months from scratch because of her reputation and genuine relationships in her community. She connects with each child at their level: kindness, care, thoughtfulness and fun are all in her bag of superpowers. She continues to inspire me as an example and I’m grateful for the opportunity this program has afforded us.

FT: How has your mentor helped you feel more confident or prepared for life after college?

EE: Hope has helped me feel more prepared for life after college by celebrating and capitalizing on my strengths. Her perspective has provided valuable connections, advice and friendship which has made me a better and more well-rounded person.

FT: How do you feel your relationship with your mentor has changed your college experience?

EE: The relationship that I have with Hope has been a transformative part of my college experience because she is a close member on my “go to” team. Hope is always a phone call or text message away.

FT: Drawing from what you’ve observed in your peers’ mentoring relationships, what advice would you share with someone just starting out as a mentor?

EE: When you are just starting out as a mentor, it is important to remember that the mentor and mentee relationship is a two-way street. Your mentor is there for you in the highs and lows of college and beyond, so effort and transparency are important.

FT: Describe a memorable moment you’ve shared with your mentor.

EE: We have had many memorable moments including going to a Purdue basketball game, the Indy Jazz Kitchen and lots of golf together. At the top of the list includes Hope traveling from Indianapolis when I was the site director at First Tee – Indiana in Richmond to volunteer with the kids.

In-School Golf Programs for Kids to Energize and Inspire Students

Imagine a school gymnasium resonating not only with the satisfying sound of golf clubs connecting with golf balls, but also the sounds of laughter, learning, and memories being made. That could be reality for your class in the upcoming school year. Through the First Tee School Program, students partake in physical exercises that boost fitness while simultaneously honing essential life skills such as perseverance, respect, and cooperation. Learn how these First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains in-school golf programs for kids cultivate character, support academic progress, and establish a nurturing foundation for lifelong achievement.

Why Golf Should Have a Place in Your P.E. Class

Golf’s rich tapestry of learning experiences makes it an ideal choice for fostering youth development in educational settings. It encourages a balanced approach to personal growth by integrating physical, mental, and social dimensions, which equips students with invaluable tools for life. Unlike traditional P.E. activities, golf introduces unique opportunities for both individual and group learning.

The First Tee School Program gives participating physical educators all the tools they need to get started. We provide training, equipment, and lessons to give your students a unique, memorable, and invaluable experience in your class.

Physical Activity and Fitness

Our structured golf lessons enable students to experience the benefits of regular activity, which include increased endurance, improved coordination, and enhanced physical development. By participating, children learn to appreciate the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle that can contribute to long-term fitness and health. First Tee’s in-school golf programs for kids align with the National Standards for Physical Education established by the Society of Health & Physical Educators (SHAPE).

Development of Life Skills

Golf offers a remarkable platform for teaching life skills to young individuals. The First Tee School Program is designed not only to impart golf fundamentals but also to cultivate character concepts that will benefit students throughout their lives. Skills like goal setting, using good judgment, and persevering through challenges are ingrained into the learning process. The program emphasizes key commitments such as developing a positive self-identity and making healthy lifestyle choices. There’s also our Club Building program, in which students learn how to design and construct their own custom golf club set from scratch. The curriculum emphasizes mathematics, reading, and scientific skills while the children find an interest in and motivation for learning a new sport.

Promotion of Mental Well-being

Beyond physical and skill-based advancement, First Tee’s curriculum highlights essential practices that support mental health, creating a supportive environment where students can reflect, persist, and succeed. The structure of golf as a slow-paced, strategic game affords students the opportunity to develop concentration and mental clarity, especially with the support of our proven curriculum. Engaging with golf can provide a therapeutic experience, reduce stress levels and enhance overall emotional balance. As students master golf skills, they also learn to embrace challenges positively, leading to improved self-esteem and mental fortitude. Looking beyond our in-school golf programs for kids, our on-course Read ‘n’ Swing program is designed to match athletics with literacy. By encouraging students to read outside of a traditional classroom environment, they learn to associate academics not just with school, but with their lives.

Fostering Teamwork and Cooperation

Golf is traditionally seen as an individual sport. But it offers ample opportunities to cultivate teamwork and cooperation among students when it’s taught the First Tee way. Group activities emphasize the importance of working together toward a common goal of improving skills while having fun. Students learn to communicate effectively, support each other, and strategize as a unit, leading to successful collaboration both on and off the golf course. These experiences encourage students to appreciate diverse perspectives and build unity in pursuit of common goals. First Tee students recognize the significance of collaboration in achieving shared success, both in sports and in life.

Building a Foundation for Future Success

Join us in nurturing the inner strength of our youth and inspiring love for a new sport. By incorporating First Tee into your curriculum, you receive a holistic, all-inclusive program that is designed to fit neatly into your pre-existing P.E. lesson plans. We can provide everything you need to get started, just get in touch with our team today!

Back to school: Ohio teacher introduces thousands to golf

Kent Hamilton is an educator based in Canton, Ohio, where he was named the state’s 2024 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. In this role, he teaches over 800 students at two schools.

Kent grew up playing golf on his family’s farm, where he would use natural features, like a tree or fence post, as hazards or targets. This creativity has continued to inform the way that he brings physical education to life in the classroom.

A few years ago, Kent began sharing videos of the creative activities his students were doing on Facebook. These videos showcase activities like bowling, basketball choreography and golf, all with the materials available in an elementary school gym. These videos have amassed millions of views, earning Kent recognition on ABC News, The Today Show and others.

“As a PE teacher, I am always trying to advocate for my programs,” Kent said. His goal with sharing these activities on social media was to give a window into his classroom and show that each day is filled with activities that are both fun and intentionally designed to promote learning.

As a member of the First Tee School Program, one of the units that Kent incorporates into his classroom is golf. Throughout this unit, Kent introduces the students to golf in fun and innovative ways, like by creating Topgolf bays or mini golf courses. At the same time, he also introduces them to the life skills that golf can teach. His students learn values like kindness and respect by complimenting each other’s good shots, or the ability to grow through challenge when their shot doesn’t go the way they want it to.

In addition to the physical education, Kent also makes an effort to incorporate additional learning opportunities that go beyond the time his students spend in the classroom. He invited a local author and parent at First Tee – Canton, Tim Satava, to present at a reading night held at the school. Tim read his book, “You and Me Are on the Tee,” to the students in attendance and then answered any questions they had about both golf and reading. After that, the students had the opportunity to set up a mini golf course in the gym and compete against one another.

With all of Kent’s innovation, it is no surprise that he’s earned recognition, like being named a Community Playmaker by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In the future, Kent hopes to continue to spread learning and joy through physical education and golf, both for the students in his schools and also for the community he has built on social media.

“The school program is so important to give all students the opportunity to be introduced to golf,” Kent said. “There is so much joy in the game of golf.”

Click here to learn more about the First Tee School Program or to get involved at your school.

From SMART goals to bold dreams: Skyler’s leadership journey

For Skyler Xue, an Ace participant at First Tee – Greater Washington DC, taking part in the First Tee Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore was nothing short of life changing. As a high school junior uncertain about what lay ahead, he found clarity and confidence through the experience, he said.

The five-week workshop, which is held at PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country, helped him explore his strengths and values, while envisioning a career that blends his passions for golf and STEM. “The staff at PGA TOUR Superstore shared their insights on leadership and resilience, which had a lasting impact on me,” he said.

For Skyler, one of the most impactful sessions focused on goal setting and career planning. Learning how to apply the SMART goals framework helped him map out actionable steps toward his dream of working in sports analytics.

S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Achievable
R: Relevant
T: Time bound

Skyler aspires to use data to help athletes and coaches optimize performance. With a strong foundation in STEM and experience in data science and computational modeling, he’s already developing an AI-powered golf caddie that analyzes course maps and player data to recommend the best shot strategy.

This project is a perfect example of his passion for applying analytical thinking to solve practical problems.

Skyler is now heading home from Montana, where he attended the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The weeklong retreat builds on the skills taught during the in-store Leadership Series.

Participants are encouraged to build confidence and grow through challenge as they try new things, like horseback riding, whitewater rafting and archery.

Accumulating nearly 200 community service hours in 2024, Skyler is a junior coach at First Tee – Greater Washington DC, founder of his school’s math club and a member of the golf team. There’s no doubt the lessons he learned in Montana will be put to good use by this future leader.

Learn more about First Tee’s teen participant events, and join PGA TOUR Superstore in supporting participants like Skylar by donating today.

First Tee, PGA TOUR Superstore invite 40 teens to Montana for life-changing Leadership Summit

The event is supported by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

EMIGRANT, Mont. (Aug. 4, 2025) – National youth development organization First Tee is proud to host the 2025 First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, taking place over the next two weeks at West Creek Ranch in Montana. Teens will spend an impactful week in the Paradise Valley, where they’ll experience leadership development, outdoor adventure and personal growth. Actor Michael Pena and Olympic medalist Kellie Wells-Brinkley will be guest speakers for Week 1 and Week 2 respectively.

Leadership Summit is designed to equip participants with the tools and mindset to lead with character, overcome challenges and make a meaningful influence in their schools and communities. The immersive program encourages participants to step outside of their comfort zone and experience activities like horseback riding, whitewater rafting, ropes courses and archery. Throughout the week, leadership development experts and PGA TOUR Superstore staff lead reflective sessions to help participants identify their leadership strengths and values.

First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore have a long and impactful history. This is the fifth year they’ll team up to host Leadership Summit at West Creek, a working ranch owned by PGA TOUR Superstore chairman and owner and First Tee board member Arthur M. Blank that borders the Yellowstone River and Gallatin National Forest. During the event, PGA TOUR Superstore staff will facilitate sessions on topics like communication and growing through challenges.

“The Leadership Summit is one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences these teens will have at this stage in their lives. They learn about themselves, working with others, face challenges and build lifelong friendships,” said Ralph Stokes, Vice President of Social Impact, Partnerships and Community Relations, PGA TOUR Superstore. “At PGA TOUR Superstore, we are committed to investing in programs like this that empower young people to grow – as individuals, as leaders and as engaged members of their communities.”

“At First Tee, golf is just the beginning of what we do,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “During Leadership Summit, teens will explore who they are as individuals, who they want to become and how they can lead with purpose. It is one of our most impactful opportunities, and we are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for making it possible.”

All participants must complete a leadership training course hosted by their local PGA TOUR Superstore before applying to Leadership Summit. This year’s group was selected from a competitive pool of applicants and represents 21 First Tee Chapters from across the country.

First Tee offers a full slate of participant opportunities, including Leadership Summit, to further its mission of building game changers through golf. For more information, visit firsttee.org.

Open Youth Golf Lessons Near Denver, Aurora, Vail, and More

Participants in our youth golf programs are flourishing throughout Denver, Aurora, Vail, and beyond, because we create safe, supportive environments where young players can refine their skills and passion for the sport. These programs introduce the next generation to golf’s rich traditions while emphasizing personal growth, sportsmanship, and enjoyment. Learn how youth golf lessons near you can ignite a lifelong passion in your child, and how First Tee stays accessible for all.

First Tee Offers Renowned Youth Golf Lessons Near You

Eager to introduce your child to the world of golf? First Tee has been providing top-notch golf instruction across the country for decades. Our chapter here in the Colorado Rocky Mountains area is introducing new players to both the fundamentals of the game and the importance of sportsmanship. Whether your child is interested in a golf camp, group lessons, or honing their skills, there’s something suitable for every level of player.

Perfect for Beginners

If you’re looking to introduce your child to the world of golf, First Tee – CRM offers youth golf lessons at nearby Colorado courses tailored specifically for beginners. These programs are perfect for teaching young players the basics, including swing technique, short game essentials, and golf etiquette. We combine these practical skills with the core First Tee values like honesty, respect, and sportsmanship, ensuring that new golfers not only improve their game but also develop character. With access to golf equipment and trained instructors in a friendly environment, your child is in good hands as they begin their golfing journey.

Refining Skills for Advanced Players

Is your young golfer already familiar with the basics and looking to take their skills to the next level? First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains also offers comprehensive youth golf lessons aimed at advanced player development. Guided by experienced coaches, junior golfers participate in high-level lessons that emphasize advanced strategies and techniques and provide opportunities to compete in a variety of tournament events.

Affordable Pathways to Play

Exploring golf’s expansive landscape can often be daunting due to costs and accessibility. However, First Tee is lightening that burden to keep our youth golf lessons near you as accessible as possible. We made a promise to never turn away a child due to an inability to pay and offer free and reduced-fee classes to those who need them. Plus, enrollment in a First Tee class also enters your child in the Youth on Course program. This program offers significant discounts on green fees, making golf more accessible to young golf enthusiasts of all backgrounds.

Teaching Golf Across Colorado

Ready to introduce your child to the joys of golf? Whether they’re just picking up golf for the first time or looking to refine their talents, our experienced instructors are dedicated to guiding them every step of the way. Join us at First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains and see firsthand how golf can be a catalyst for personal growth and leadership development. Enroll your child in an upcoming session at the course most convenient to you!

Game Changers Academy – First Tee’s longest running participant event – celebrates 25 years of impact

The speaker lineup will feature a who’s who of Minnesota sports legends, including Maya Moore and John Randle.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 8, 2025) – Over the last quarter century, thousands of First Tee participants have attended Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., the nonprofit youth development organization’s flagship event, where they learn about inclusive leadership and community building. First Tee proudly announces the event’s 25^th anniversary edition will take place July 8-12, 2025, in Minneapolis. Seventy-two exceptional teens from across the country will participate in the transformative week of leadership training and personal growth that will include visits to U.S. Bank Stadium and Topgolf Brooklyn Center, as well as the opportunity to stay on-campus at the University of Minnesota.

The First Tee Game Changers Academy is supported by AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands, and is designed to challenge participants to elevate their voices, embrace their differences and become advocates for positive change, both on and off the golf course. As First Tee’s longest running participant event, it paved the way for a full slate of unique teen opportunities.

The 2025 First Tee Game Changers Academy is headlined by guest speaker Maya Moore, a Minnesota Lynx legend who will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. Moore is an Olympic gold medalist, WNBA MVP and college basketball national champion. She’ll speak at a celebratory dinner supported by U.S. Bank. Throughout the week, participants will also spend time with NFL Hall of Famer John Randle and current Minnesota Vikings rookies, while engaging in interactive workshops, challenging conversations and immersive golf experiences.

“The Game Changers Academy is about giving young people the tools, confidence and support they need to become changemakers in their communities,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are proud to celebrate the event’s 25^th anniversary this year and grateful to our dedicated partners – AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands – for making it possible.”

First Tee continues to serve children and teens of all backgrounds, using golf as a vehicle to build life skills and core values like integrity, collaboration and perseverance.

For more information about the Game Changers Academy and First Tee’s national opportunities, visit firsttee.org .

How Stephen Im has gone from First Tee participant to game changer

Stephen Im’s golf story is about giving back to the community that helped shape him.

Stephen grew up in the inner city of San Diego, just minutes from Pro Kids, home of First Tee – San Diego. It was the 1990s, and “Tiger Mania” had a whole generation dreaming big. For Stephen, First Tee – San Diego quickly became his second home. “I describe my time at First Tee as the best years of my youth, when life was simple,” he said.

His journey through First Tee wasn’t just about swing mechanics or lowering scores — it was about building character and finding belonging. “The reason I credit much of my own development to First Tee has to do with my involvement during my teenage years,” he said. Being multiracial, Stephen struggled at times with identity and community, he said. “Learning who I was and what made me unique led me to develop better judgement.”

One defining moment of his youth came when Stephen was selected to attend the very first Game Changers Academy at Kansas State University. From navigating dorm life to playing one of the toughest golf courses in the country, Colbert Hills, the week was packed with new experiences.

Returning to Game Changers for a special anniversary

This year, Stephen returns to Game Changers Academy — not as a participant, but as a coach and mentor. The event, which focuses on inclusive leadership and community building, is taking place in Minneapolis and celebrating its 25^th anniversary this summer.

Stephen is excited to be involved so he can help teens expand their horizons, just as he did decades ago. “There’s something about visiting another community that opens your eyes to the world we share with others,” he said. He hopes participants walk away with broadened perspectives — and the courage to inspire others through their experiences.

More than anything, Stephen is excited to spark those lightbulb moments. “Guiding teens to find their place in the world and giving them a safe space to express themselves. That’s what this work is about,” he said.

Coaching with Purpose

Since getting involved as a kid, golf has been an important part of Stephen’s life. While earning his degree from Cal Poly Pomona, he joined First Tee – Greater Pasadena as a coach and found his calling.

Over the years, Stephen wore many hats: coach, mentor and leader, becoming a Level 4 coach in 2020. Through his eight years in Pasadena, he watched young participants grow from beginners to high school graduates, and they, in turn, witnessed his own evolution.

Stephen returned to San Diego in 2023, and now he’s back in the same neighborhood where it all began, allowing him to bring experience and relatability “For the kids I get to work with now, I can literally say, ‘I’ve been in your shoes,’” he said.

He credits his own growth to the coaches who once saw his potential: “I can still describe a specific conversation with a coach from 30 years ago,” he said. “That’s the power of intentional mentorship.” He now strives to be a mentor for others by helping kids find their own strengths.

The Game Changers Academy is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities designed to keep teens engaged with the program. First Tee offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event, competitive golf opportunities and a community service workshop.

Finding balance: How First Tee is using technology to build character on and off the course

One of the best things about playing golf is the chance to unplug – to step away from screens and into nature, where players can breathe in fresh air, socialize with peers and get some exercise. But as the sport’s popularity grows, many golf courses are operating at or near capacity. Add in factors like weather and transportation, and it becomes clear: green grass golf isn’t always within reach, especially for kids.

That’s why meeting kids on their turf – in schools, online, and at community centers – has long been central to First Tee’s approach. It inspired the launch of the First Tee School Program and more recently, the First Tee app. While we believe time spent outdoors is time well spent, we also recognize that kids today need to build strong technology skills and learn how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

First Tee leaders Ben Jarvis, vice president of strategy and business enablement, and Ryan Graff, vice president of programs, regularly discuss both the opportunities and the challenges technology presents for young people, and for the adults supporting them.

What parents should know about kids and apps

“When evaluating apps for your child, start with privacy and data protection,” Ben said. Look for apps with clear, transparent policies that limit data collection. All of this information is available in the app store.

To see if an app is age appropriate, Ben recommends reading reviews from trusted sources like Common Sense Media and checking whether it offers parental control options – many kids’ apps do. Parents can also research app developers to see if they have a strong track record and good reputation.

Furthermore, there’s the matter of in-app purchase: “Check whether the app includes premium features that might lead to unexpected charges,” Ben said.

Ultimately, determine whether new apps fit into your family’s screen time philosophy. “Consider whether an app educates, inspires creativity, meaningful connection or develops skills rather than just capturing time and attention,” he said. “The First Tee app, for example, reinforces life skills and golf concepts through interactive activities.”

Building digital skills – and character

Technology skills are nonnegotiable, and today’s kids need more than just familiarity with devices. “Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate and analyze digital information critically, distinguishing between credible sources and misinformation,” Ben said.

Exposing kids to technology in a healthy way can help ensure they understand how to protect personal information and navigate digital spaces safely.

Equally important is helping kids develop healthy relationships with tech. “Families are searching for how to find a balance when it comes to technology,” Ryan said. “First Tee is impactful because it’s more than golf. Kids and teens learn valuable life skills to navigate the course but also other contexts such as school and extracurricular activities. We explore the values that are inherent to the sport, like honesty, good judgment and overcoming challenges – all of which are important in life and online.”

In addition, First Tee provides opportunities to help kids build social skills with coaches and their peers within class, so attending First Tee classes can be a support in developing this balance.

In a world filled with technology, there are lots of lessons we can learn from golf:

Focus and presence: Golf provides a space with fewer external distractions and the opportunity to focus and be present with the golf shot before you – a rarity in a world full of notifications.

Patience and delayed gratification: In an age of instant rewards, golf teaches that improvement comes through consistent effort over time.

Good judgment: Golf’s emphasis on integrity – calling penalties on oneself, playing by the rules – builds the ethical foundation that guides responsible technology use.

Face-to-face social skills: The in-person connections formed during golf provide interpersonal experiences that screens can’t replicate, building social confidence.

Emotional regulation: Managing frustration after a bad shot by learning the 4Rs (Relax, Replay, Ready Redo) builds emotional resilience that helps children navigate online challenges.

Strategic thinking: Golf can help build creative problem-solving abilities, like STAR (Stop, Think, Anticipate and Respond) that transfer to technological contexts.

Physical activity and nature connection: The experience of being outdoors and moving provides essential balance to screen time, contributing to physical and mental health.

According to data from First Tee and The Harris Poll, 85% of parents believe character is a “lost value” in society, and 93% agree that kids can learn life skills through sports. “Our coaches are trained not just in golf, but in youth development,” Ryan said. “That’s what makes the experience so impactful.”

At First Tee, technology isn’t a replacement for these experiences; it’s an enhancement. As Ben puts it, “We’re preparing kids for a world full of digital tools. But more importantly, we’re helping them develop the character and confidence to use those tools with awareness, purpose and integrity.”

Find a First Tee Chapter near you.

Build a Caring Community with Youth Golf Lessons in Denver

When you think of kids’ sports programs, you probably picture weekly practices, the occasional tournament or game, and very little else. At First Tee, on the other hand, we believe that the value of sports goes beyond the sport itself—we believe our golf lessons in Denver have a lifetime of opportunity to offer. That’s because First Tee’s impacts extend far beyond the junior golf lessons and into community outreach, in-school educational programs, youth leadership opportunities, mentorship, scholarships, and even career support. When your child joins First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, they’re not just joining a sport; they’re joining a caring community that will support them for years to come in endeavors both on and off the course.

Invested Coaches

Because we’re so invested in the success of our participants, First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains employs coaches that are not only knowledgeable about the game of golf and the best methods of instruction, but also emotionally supportive as well. Sports can present difficult moments for children, with competition and failure as regular aspects of the game. But with our staff, your child has someone on their side to guide them towards not only more skillful play, but greater emotional intelligence and perseverance. Our coaches are passionate about making a difference, especially because many of them participated in First Tee programs themselves. They’re interested in paying forward the benefits of our junior golf lessons to the next generation of learners in a supportive environment. All First Tee employees are thoroughly vetted and rigorously background checked to ensure safety for all participants.

National Opportunities

Beyond the golf lessons in Denver and surrounding areas, First Tee participants are able to pursue national opportunities including tournaments, championships, summits, conferences, and more. Selected participants can travel to exciting locations to participate in workshops that develop the values of hard work, leadership, and community service. Not only do these present learning experiences but also help connect First Tee – CRM participants with First Tee students from across the country. Your child can make new friends, access networking opportunities, and learn all while traveling and enjoying the game of golf.

Learning Leadership

First Tee students can also become junior coaches. Our junior coach program presents older participants with a chance to develop and demonstrate their leadership skills by passing their knowledge on to younger students. Junior coaches often go on to further leadership roles in the program; they utilize the skills they learn to build self-confidence, improve communication skills, and serve their communities by inspiring new golfers. Plus, First Tee participants are actively encouraged to participate in broader community outreach programs. Students become positive forces in their communities by working on civic service projects that they develop themselves with support from First Tee mentors.

Career Support

We offer scholarships to students that demonstrate great achievement and commitment to First Tee values. Beyond financial support in pursuing higher education, First Tee scholarship recipients have access to mentorship and career counseling to support them in finding employment after graduation. Many First Tee participants end up working in the golf world, but even those who take their careers elsewhere can apply the lessons learned in our junior golf lessons to their jobs. We even have an Alumni Network, where past participants can network, stay in touch, and stay up to date on the future of the program.

Learn How Golf Lessons in Denver Can Unlock Your Child’s Potential

The best way to understand what makes our golf classes different from other sports programs is to see for yourself. Find the class best suited to your child’s skill level and location by browsing our available classes here. Sign up or join a waitlist and enter a community that will support your child’s positive development not just in golf, but in life.

First Tee – Phoenix’s Jordin Cowing and First Tee – Greater Dallas’ Jacob Lewallen claim 2025 First Tee National Championship

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (June 26, 2025) – Jordin Cowing of Gilbert, Arizona, and Jacob Lewallen of Wylie, Texas, won the girls’ and boys’ divisions of the 5^th annual First Tee National Championship at the Warren Golf Course at the University of Notre Dame. The event brought together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped them build the confidence, perseverance and skills needed to play at the next level.

Cowing, who is committed to play collegiate golf this fall at Austin Peay State University, finished 1-under (67-74-71) to claim victory. This is her third appearance at this national tournament, and she finished third at the 2024 First Tee National Championship at Clemson University. In addition to playing golf, Cowing volunteers with First Tee – Phoenix, Special Olympics and Rotary Club of Sun Lakes.

“It means so much to win this tournament,” Cowing said. “First Tee has been such an important part of my life, and I’m so grateful to end my time with First Tee with a win.”

Lewallen came from behind to shoot a blistering 66 on Thursday and finish the tournament 3-under (72-72-66). Lewallen, who will play collegiate golf this fall at Eastern Kentucky University, has been involved with his First Tee Chapter for more than a decade. He said he was happy to win the National Championship on behalf of First Tee – Greater Dallas, where he serves as a junior coach.

“It means everything to me to win this tournament,” he said. “This last year of tournaments has not been great for me. After countless second- and third-place finishes, finally being able to win a tournament like this means the world to me.”

Both winners were awarded the Tattersall Cup in honor of First Tee Trustee Fred Tattersall, who generously supports the event. Photos from the tournament are available here.

Sophomore Marley Pedrique of First Tee – Florida Gold Coast finished third (73-72-71) in the girls’ division to earn an exemption into the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that will take place Sept. 19-21 at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The event pairs golf legends with First Tee juniors for a week of mentorship and competition. Players are eligible for an exemption if they finish Top 5 at National Championship, haven’t previously played the PURE Insurance Championship and will still be in high school this fall.

Based on their play at the First Tee National Championship, several players will also earn spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, which aims to support talented golfers from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the sport. The PGA TOUR will announce the full roster for its Pathways program in the coming days.

“The dedication, skill and composure of the players this week has been inspiring to witness. We are incredibly proud to congratulate Jordin and Jacob on their outstanding performances at the 2025 First Tee National Championship,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “This tournament is about building character and providing opportunities. These winners truly exemplify what First Tee stands for, and we cannot wait to see what their futures hold both in the game and beyond.”

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college golf courses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country.
 
The field included 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. A full list of results is available here.
 
The championship is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities, which are designed to keep teens engaged with the program. In addition to competitive golf opportunities, First Tee headquarters offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event and a community service workshop.