Category: Coaching

The Importance of Accessibility in Denver Kids Golf Programs 

Golf has often been perceived as an exclusive sport, associated with privilege, even when many municipal golf courses are located nearest to underserved urban communities. Across Colorado, First Tee is igniting a passion for the game in kids and teens, ensuring that every child, regardless of their background, can experience the joy and growth that come from playing this beloved sport. Our Denver kids golf lessons aren’t just about teaching swings and putts; they’re about transforming lives.

At First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, we’ve created a vibrant community where affordability and opportunity stand as the greatest pillars of our mission. Today, we will explore how inclusivity, community involvement, and a commitment to fostering positive experiences through our golf school for kids can create a powerful impact in the lives of our young participants. 

Inclusivity Changes Lives 

Directly serving the young people of the city with our Denver kids golf programs is where the real impact lies. We collaborate with schools, local organizations, and families to create a network of support that goes hand-in-hand with our dedication to providing a nurturing environment for our students. From in-school programs that can introduce the sport to future champions, to summer camps that turn July afternoons into skill-building adventures, and the local events and tournaments organized by our dedicated staff, our initiatives seek to create a cohesive bond with the community. 

Our goals are to: 

  • Offer life-changing alternatives that counter societal challenges like school dropout rates, substance abuse, and violence. 
  • Enhance self-esteem, self-confidence, and promote the beauty of teamwork. 
  • Leverage partnerships for cost-effective, far-reaching operations. 
  • Motivate a love for the sport, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide memorable experiences. 

Affordability and Flexibility 

Our commitment to inclusivity means that no child is ever turned away for an inability to pay. Considering the unparalleled impact that extracurricular programs like our Denver kids golf programs can have for disadvantaged young people, it becomes all the more crucial that these programs are accessible for all. When it comes to cost considerations, First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains has a heart for the community. First Tee programs are designed to fit different budgets and financial situations. For families worried about the expense of enrolling their children, we offer both free and reduced-fee programs. Our aim is not simply to teach golf, but to develop character and teach life skills without breaking the bank. 

Accessibility for All at First Tee 

Accessibility has been at the core of our values since our inception. We believe every child deserves the chance to experience the joy of golf, along with the lasting lessons it teaches young players. Our programs are designed to welcome kids from all backgrounds, regardless of their economic circumstances. From the moment a young person walks onto the green, they are equipped with everything they need, from golf clubs to hours of instruction by our dedicated staff of professionals. 

Learn how you can get involved with our life-changing Denver kids golf programs today.

Golf Lessons for Kids—Perfect Your Swing! 

Golf is a game that combines precision, patience, and a strong sense of discipline, making it an ideal sport for young people looking to build these skills. Developing a strong technical foundation through dedicated golf lessons for kids in Denver can help foster a lasting love for the sport—and it all starts with the swing. Getting the right swing can be a huge boost to your game, and we’ve crafted this guide to help bring your child’s skill to the next level. 

Learning Proper Technique 

Grip 

The way you grip the club is one of the most essential aspects of an effective swing. In a junior golf program, young golfers may be taught the three main types of grips: the overlapping grip, the interlocking grip, and the ten-finger grip. Each child may find a different grip more comfortable based on their hand size and strength. With expert golf lessons for kids, they will practice holding the club with each grip to discover what feels best and allows for more control and comfort. 

Stance and Posture 

A powerful stance sets the foundation for a successful swing. Kids should learn to stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight evenly distributed. Teaching them to keep a relaxed posture will help them swing more freely and maintain balance throughout their motion. A straight back, square shoulders, and a head-up position are also critical elements that are taught in a junior golf program. 

Swing Mechanics 

The swing itself can be broken down into components that kids can practice step by step. Start with the takeaway, emphasizing a smooth motion where the club moves away from the ball along the target line. Then, introduce the backswing, where the club should be lifted fluidly back through the shoulder and torso while maintaining a relaxed grip, pivoting the feet, and finally the transition from the backswing to the downswing: golfers should shift their weight from their back foot to their front foot while engaging their core to create power. This movement should be natural and unhurried, allowing the golfer to feel the mechanics of the swing rather than forcing it. 

Follow Through 

After connecting with the ball, the follow-through is equally significant. Children should continue their swing motion fully, allowing the club to rise after impact with the ball. A proper follow-through helps maintain balance and maximizes distance. Remember, a good follow-through is an indicator you’ve executed your swing correctly and showcases your form. 

Common Mistakes 

As with any sport, kids may encounter challenges as they learn the game of golf. Don’t let it stand in the way of developing a life-long passion! Identifying and addressing these common pitfalls can support their learning and ensure they remain engaged and excited about the game. 

Over-Gripping 

Many young golfers will instinctively grip the club too tightly, which can lead to excess tension and hinder their swing. Instruct them to grip with just enough pressure to keep control of the club while allowing their wrists to hinge freely. A helpful tip for kids is to think of holding the club like holding an egg—firm enough not to let it fall from the hand, but gentle enough not to cause it to break. 

Poor Posture 

Another common issue is poor posture. Kids might crouch or lean too far forward, which can affect their balance and swing mechanics. Always maintain a straight back, bend slightly at the hips, and keep your chin up. You can easily and effectively practice good posture even without a club at home. 

Lack of Patience 

Golf is a challenging sport that requires considerable patience, especially for young learners who may want to see immediate results. Instilling a sense of patience during our golf lessons for kids is essential. Improvement comes with repetition and time, and the knowledge that it’s okay to make mistakes. Celebrating their small victories along the way will also keep them motivated and focused. 

Learn More with First Tee 

If your child is interested in bringing their golf skill to the next level while building character and relationships in a junior golf program in Colorado, First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains has a perfect class for their skill level, location, and age group. Take a look at our offerings and sign up for a program today! 

The Power of Connection: Building the Coach-Participant Relationship

By Kristin Westberg, Senior Director of Curriculum and Education

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

At First Tee, coaching involves far more than just teaching golf skills and life skills in a class; it’s about cultivating relationships that foster growth, build confidence and demonstrate resilience. But how can coaches create a foundation of trust that cultivates legitimate relationships with participants? Empowering Youth, one of the First Tee Coach Building Blocks, focuses on this aspect of development and is one key to building relationships that create impact.

Trust is the foundation

Eighty-three percent of parents wish their child had more access to trustworthy coaches. Trust forms the bedrock of any enduring coach-athlete relationship. It’s the glue that holds everything together, facilitates effective communication, skill development and overall progress. All First Tee coaches are background checked and formally trained to connect with participants, whether they’re passionate golfers or just trying something new.  They prioritize building trust early on to establish a strong foundation that can lead to a lasting connection.

Positive role modeling

Ninety-two percent of parents say they hope their child has a coach who they would consider a role model. First Tee coaches serve as mentors and role models for participants. They lead by example and demonstrate the values they expect from participants. Kids are far more likely to do what you do, rather than what you say, and coaches recognize this as an opportunity to positively model both golf skills and life skills that can be applied on and off the course. Coaches are committed to Building Game Changers, work hard to embody the Key Commitments, set a positive example of pursuing goals, grow through challenge, collaborate with others, build positive self-identity and use good judgment. These behaviors help to build trust and foster connections with participants of all ages.

Continuous improvement

Fifty-three percent of parents say having a trustworthy sports coach or mentor would increase their likelihood to commit long-term to the activity. First Tee coaches understand that building meaningful connections with participants is an ongoing process, and the First Tee curriculum exists to support them through that. First Tee offers a variety of eLearning courses and supplemental resources, as well as HQ led trainings to deepen their knowledge and develop new skills, such as understanding the stages of youth development or tips and tricks for tackling skill disparities. These practices  improve the learning environment in a class and create opportunities to develop relationships and strengthen connections with participants.

Ninety percent of parents believe that coaches are the unsung heroes of youth development. A coach’s influence extends beyond the course and long after the round ends. Genuine connection matters when building the coach-participant relationship and even more when building game changers. At First Tee, we recognize that when participants know you care, they’ll care what you know and that’s when true learning and growth happens.

The statistics used throughout this story are from a new study between First Tee and Harris Poll. Visit the Character Gap research to learn more.

Q&A with a Coach

Sterling Simmons III is a First Tee alumnus and the player development instructor at First Tee – Greater Richmond. In that role, Sterling leads First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Player Development Academy, First Tee matches and oversees the organizations PGA Jr. League teams.   

How did you get involved with First Tee?

My father took me to the First Tee Greater Richmond driving range when I was younger, and I met my first golf coach Craig Wood. I’ve stayed involved ever since.

Why do you continue to coach?

I enjoy being able to be a part of the development process for our participants, both on and off the golf course.

What have you learned from coaching at First Tee?

First Tee has taught me that each participant is unique in their own way and as a coach, you have to be able to adapt how you teach to match the participant.

What do you think new First Tee students should know?

The course of life and the golf course are very similar. You will be presented with obstacles and challenges along the way, but the ability to navigate and overcome adversity will help you in the future on both of these “courses.”

What do you think new/inquiring coaches should know?

You don’t have to be a great golfer to make an impact on a participant’s life.

New Study from The Harris Poll and First Tee: Coaches are the unsung heroes of youth development

Parents rely on sports – and trained coaches – to help their children build character and learn life skills, including working with others.  

CHICAGO, Ill. & PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2024) – While 93% of parents agree that kids can learn important life skills from playing sports, four out of five parents also believe there is a shortage of high-caliber coaches today.  

That is from a new survey by global consulting and market research firm, The Harris Poll, and youth development organization, First Tee. The U.S.-based survey was conducted online in April 2024 with feedback from 2,049 adults.​ 

The survey captured data on youth involvement in extracurricular activities and sports. The data was also analyzed by gender, age, race, education, and income, among other characteristics.​ 

“Since our mission is centered on positive youth development, we think it is important to seek parents’ perspectives as the world around them continues to change and their kids face new challenges,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “It helps us better understand and serve youth, and in the case of this study, it reinforces the importance of our investment in training our coaches.” 

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. The training system is built on research-proven methods of positive youth development, providing coaches with the tools to make kids feel safe, included and empowered. As part of First Tee’s onboarding, each coach is background-checked and completes training from the U.S. Center for SafeSport. 

The key findings from the survey include: 

  • 89% of parents feel character is a lost value that should be more emphasized in today’s society – an increase of +4 percentage points from the 2023 survey. Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles. Parents understand that need, as nine out of 10 parents seek opportunities for their kids to build character. 
  • Parents believe sports can help close the character gap. Parents put their kids in extracurricular activities – with sports being most popular – for socialization and to build confidence. According to 93% of parents, children learn important life skills from playing sports.  
  • Parents believe coaches are essential to youth development. Parents turn to coaches to help teach their kids character, self-confidence, determination and leadership. 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire children to excel both on and off the field. 
  • Safety is critically important to parents. They prefer coaches who have been background checked, with 94% of parents citing it as a priority in today’s world and 83% wishing their child had more access to well-trained coaches. 

“While every generation confronts their own unique challenges, kids are facing new barriers to character development,” said Harris Poll CEO Will Johnson. “Our research findings make it clear: Parents, when registering your kids for the upcoming school year, don’t forget the critical development that comes outside the classroom.” 

This is the second annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee.  

Download the full 2024 Report. 

For the results of the 2023 parent survey, click here.  

*** 

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)    
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.   

About The Harris Poll 
The Harris Poll is a global consulting and market research firm that strives to reveal the authentic values of modern society to inspire leaders to create a better tomorrow. It works with clients in three primary areas: building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. One of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., The Harris Poll has tracked public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963, and is now part of Stagwell, the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. 

###        
MEDIA CONTACTS:     
Annika Mayers, First Tee     
[email protected]  
904-273-3513  

Help your child stay calm with the 4 Rs 

There was a viral moment at the 2024 U.S. Open, when in a news conference, First Tee – Sandhills participant Tytus Solt asked World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler about staying calm after a recent triple bogie. 

“I think that’s something you just learn playing more and more golf, that bad breaks are going to come, but it’s more about your response to those things,” Scheffler answered. 

Everyone has highs and lows on the golf course, but the most successful players have strategies to control their emotions. And the important thing is, those strategies can be useful in tough moments off the course too. 

At First Tee, we teach the 4 Rs.  

Relax: “This can look a few different ways,” explained AnnaLeis Caldwell, from the Programs team at First Tee. “You might hum a song while walking to your next shot. You might close your eyes for a moment or visualize your next shot.” The former collegiate golfer said she uses breathing patterns to calm down while walking to her ball. “Every player may find something a little different works best for them,” she said. 

Replay: This technique is not just useful when you hit a poor shot, Caldwell explained. It is most effective when you use the 4 Rs to keep your emotions level, so you do not get too excited or upset. Replaying a good shot can help boost your confidence. Meanwhile, Bobby Jones famously said, “I never learned anything from a match I won.” Replaying a poor shot and considering what went wrong can be enlightening too. 

Ready: This is when you choose your target and club before completing your pre-shot routine, Caldwell said. Consistency and rhythm are important in golf, which explains why research shows that having a pre-shot routine can help you play better. 

Re-do: In this step, you put everything together, hit your next shot and start the process over again. “This is your opportunity to start fresh,” Caldwell said. 

Caldwell still uses the 4 Rs when she is playing golf but acknowledged there can be off-the-course applications too. “It could be helpful for kids during testing, maybe after receiving a poor grade or even while playing other sports,” Caldwell said. 

Find a First Tee location near you. 

Encourage your child to warmup before exercise this spring 

For many families, the return of spring means outdoor sports are back in play.  

Whether your children play golf or participate in other physical activities, it’s important to keep them safe. Did you know a third of childhood injuries occur during sports?  

One of the best ways to make sure your child is prepared to play this spring is by encouraging them to warm up before exercise. 

“At First Tee we utilize warmups in a couple different ways,” said Ali Miller, senior manager of programs training at First Tee. “If it has been a little while since your child has been active in sports or they are new to sports in general, warmups are a great way to get their body used to being active. Warmups also allow our coaches to build a foundation of movement that helps facilitate better golf technique using exercises and movements that your child may be more used to such as throwing or kicking a ball.” 

All First Tee classes start with a warmup, and coaches aim to make them fun, so kids feel excited about the rest of the lesson, Miller said. Not only is warming up healthy before exercise, but it’s also a great way to instill in kids the importance of preparing for a task.  

Miller recommends warmups that combine a few different exercises to focus on different skills and muscles. For example, she’ll combine skiers for balance and agility with lunges for strength and flexibility. 

“Lastly, I always have kids do some kind of throwing, kicking or hitting motion, which covers object control. All these actions mimic golf skills and help me see what kids are capable of movement wise,” Miller said.  

“I also usually organize these exercises into some kind of circuit or obstacle course to keep things fun and keep kids moving for the whole warmup.” 

When it comes to other tips to prepare for spring sports, Miller said kids are generally resilient, but it never hurts to take your child to the doctor for a physical, especially if they’ve been more sedentary over winter.  

“Our coaches place safety as a number one priority but parents can help by making sure kids are wearing golf or athletic shoes and clothing that is easy to move around in,” she said. “As always if your child has any allergies or physical limitations let your local First Tee staff know so they can make sure everything is in order and they’re set up for success.” 

Learn about First Tee programs in your area. 

Because of First Tee – Alumnae feature on Grace Kehoe 

1. Where are you today and how’d you get there? 

I am currently in my last semester of my undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University double majoring in Business Administration concentrating in Marketing and Foreign Languages and Literature concentrating in Mandarin. 

I was a Tournament Services Management intern for the 2022 Presidents Cup held at Quail Hollow Club. In 2023, I attended the Middlebury College Language School participating in an intensive language immersion program adhering to the Language Pledge, with emphasis on Chinese literature and culture. 

I hope to one day use my language proficiency to promote collaboration between the US and China while encouraging strategic stakeholder relationships and analyzing emerging markets.


2. How had First Tee positively impacted your life? 

First Tee offered a space for me to find community and mentorship. Because of First Tee, I have developed the confidence to trust my ability in navigating life. 

I have been encouraged to set goals and work towards them, always knowing I could turn to my mentors for guidance. One of these goals was to become the first participant of the First Tee of Greater Charlotte chapter to become ACE Certified. I have had the opportunity to travel to many incredible places across the US and meet wonderful people across different First Tee chapters. 

I played in the 2018 Pure Insurance Championship and attended many life skills and golf development academies. 


3. What advice would you share to participants in the program now? 

Embrace every opportunity big or small. 

Picking between my favorite memories at First Tee is impossible because walking down the fairways of immaculate and acclaimed courses around the world holds just as much weight as those walking down the fairway of Dr. Charles L. Sifford with the friends I made in my chapter. I would also say to give back to your chapter and community as much as you can. Volunteering within your chapter and neighboring chapters is a valuable experience that helps develop leadership and organizational skills. You only have so much time in your life to be a part of First Tee as a participant, make sure to embrace the connections that will last beyond that time. To this day I go to my mentors for guidance and advice as it remains helpful as life goes on

First Tee – Coachella Valley alumna and coach, Karla Garcia, on her journey with First Tee

Karla Garcia was born on March 11, 2002, in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico. 

She moved to Novillero, Nayarit at the age of 4, where she spent almost eight years with her maternal grandparents. She worked in her grandparents’ vegetable field during those years, planting, picking and selling vegetables. Karla and her older sister immigrated to the Coachella Valley in 2013 where their mother and stepfather lived. 

Karla’s stepfather enrolled her in the First Tee in the summer of 2013 when she was 11. It was there that she learned how to play golf for the first time. Karla didn’t speak English and couldn’t understand a word the coaches said to her but she enjoyed striking a small ball with a club. 

Karla started working as a lead instructor with the First Tee in 2021, and she enjoys passing on her knowledge to other young children. Karla has recently accepted the position as outreach coordinator, and she is extremely excited to be able to work and grow with First Tee. 

Karla is also a student at the College of the Desert where she is pursuing a degree in golf management. Karla intends to continue working with First Tee in order to make a positive impact on the lives of children. 

Go from Beginner to Pro with Youth Golf Lessons in Denver 

Is your kid a young aspiring golfer looking to take their skills to the next level? If so, then golf lessons may be just what they need to go from beginner to pro. Denver is a city well-known for its love of sports, and golf is no exception. With numerous golf courses and a thriving golf community, there are plenty of opportunities for young athletes to pursue their passion for the sport. However, becoming a skilled golfer requires more than just natural talent – it takes proper training and guidance. 

Youth golf lessons in Denver provide junior golfers with the essential skills and knowledge they need to excel on the course. Whether they’re just starting out or already have some experience, these lessons are designed to help improve their technique, master the fundamentals, and ultimately, level-up their game. Let’s explore how the programs offered by First Tee — Colorado Rocky Mountains can help pave the way for any kiddo to become a great golfer. 

Advancement and Certification 

Believe it or not, kids can get started with youth golf lessons in Denver as early as four years old. Beginning with level I of their age group, each participant has the opportunity to advance through the various First Tee programs by passing a certification test. Each level focuses on developing specific abilities and knowledge related to golf, as well as teaching important life skills such as confidence, perseverance, and responsibility. The certification process not only allows kids to improve their golfing prowess but also helps them develop character traits that will benefit them both on and off the golf course. 

National Opportunities 

Participating in First Tee’s golf lessons can also open the door to national opportunities that allow junior athletes to meet new people, play golf, and achieve great things. These opportunities may include participating in prestigious tournaments, attending national golfing events, or even receiving scholarships for further education. By being a part of First Tee, participants have the chance to form connections with like-minded individuals, mentors, and coaches who can provide guidance and support on their journey. With dedication, hard work, and the right opportunities, getting involved with golf lessons in Denver can lead participants to truly excel in the sport. 

Teeing Up for Success 

Growing up with golf equips young people with valuable life skills and attributes that can contribute to their success in various aspects of life. Youth golf lessons in Denver teach patience and discipline as the sport requires a great deal of focus and analysis when setting up shots. These attributes can translate into other areas of life, such as academics or professional pursuits, where persistence and determination are crucial. Likewise, the importance of honesty and integrity in golf can easily be applied in personal and professional relationships. The social aspect of golf can also be a wonderful avenue for young golfers to connect with others and build networks that can benefit them in many arenas of life.  

Ready to Give Golf Lessons a Try? 

If your junior athlete is looking to step up their golf game, there’s no better place to start than with golf lessons in Denver offered by First Tee — Colorado Rocky Mountains. With their experienced instructors, dedicated mentors, and comprehensive curriculum, First Tee provides the perfect environment for young golfers to develop their skills, learn the values of sportsmanship and integrity, and ultimately excel in the game. 

Explore all of the available programs and get your child enrolled today! 

Coach Jordan explains why First Tee felt like the perfect fit  

Coach Jordan explains why First Tee felt like the perfect fit  

Jordan Hall found her home at First Tee – Triangle during a college internship.   

As a sports management student at North Carolina State University, Jordan heard about First Tee through her school’s job board. After interviewing at multiple other places, she said that First Tee was the only place that felt right.   

“I walked in, they welcomed me, I felt that same sense of home and I knew that the program, the life skills, and development that kids were receiving as a result of being involved in First Tee was so similar to how I was fortunate to grow up. 

The opportunity to be a part of that and think that it could be a career for me was really awesome, and I’ve been here ever since,” said Jordan.   

Coach Jordan explains why First Tee felt like the perfect fit  

Jordan’s passion is coaching and youth development. She is now the vice president of programs at First Tee – Triangle where she did her first internship seven years ago.   

Jordan is currently pursuing a master’s degree in parks, recreation, tourism, and sport management from NC state. She explained how she’s learned to grow through challenges and lean on those around her.   

“Starting grad school and balancing a full-time schedule and trying to find the balance between that and my personal life has been difficult.   

I’ve been able to lean on my friends and my peers for support, but also finding strength in routine and [using] some of the things I’ve learned through the game [of golf] to help me off the course as well as help me find that right balance,” Jordan said.   

Coach Jordan explains why First Tee felt like the perfect fit  

Even with her busy schedule, Jordan still prioritizes her time with First Tee. She especially enjoys seeing participants that she taught in middle school go off and play in college or pursue their dreams and come back to the chapter to share all that they’ve accomplished.  

“There are so many little moments that over time add up to really big moments. In a lot of cases, it’s the kids you don’t realize you’re impacting,” she said. “You didn’t realize in the moment that you were impacting that child’s life.”   

Jordan continues to positively impact the participants at First Tee – Triangle and teach them the same lessons that help her to grow through challenge in her own life.   

Hannah Sudbury, First Tee – Tennessee Program Coordinator gives her tips on coaching while having fun with intention

“I’ve been working with First Tee for over 10 years now!”

Position with First Tee: First Tee Tennessee Program Coordinator 

How long with First Tee: I have been with First Tee – Tennessee since I was 15 years old (became a level one coach at 17 years old); 10 years over all! 

Why you joined the First Tee: I joined First Tee to learn about the game of golf! My dad really wanted me to try another sport other than softball and golf was next on my list. My dad found First Tee and I have been here ever since!

Your favorite memory so far with First Tee: I personally do not have one favorite memory with First Tee. My favorite memories include all the relationships that I have built over the years with the participants and their families. The love and support I have received from each of them has made my time with this program unforgettable. I hope to continue making these memories in the future!

If no one had heard of First Tee before, what would you say? First Tee is an incredible organization to get your kids involved in golf! Golf can be a hard sport to learn, but First Tee makes learning golf knowledge and skills fun by incorporating games and activities that are essential and engaging. First Tee is a great environment for young children to get out of their comfort zone and make new friends, while enjoying the game of golf. Not only does First Tee offer golf, but we also incorporate life skills in our curriculum that the participants can take on and off the course!

What would be your 3 tips of having Fun with Intention/examples of how:

1)  Create fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities; for example, “Hungry Hungry Hippos” for putting, “Frogger” for chipping, and Golf Baseball for pitching and full swing. All these games are somewhat familiar and can be played individually, groups, and in teams.

2)  Have incentives or rewards to provide motivation to participants!

3)  Socializing; for example, giving participants the opportunity to socialize with each other and coaches to build relationships. This leads to participants to be more comfortable, allowing them to be open and engaged throughout their classes.

Coach Leroy Bates says golf made him a better person. Now he’s sharing his passion in L.A. 

First Tee – Los Angeles coach Leroy Bates estimates he’s helped more than 1,000 kids earn college scholarships over the course of his decades long career.

Coach Leroy Bates says golf made him a better person. Now he’s sharing his passion in L.A. 

He tries to instill values like integrity and responsibility in addition to golf skills. It’s why he connected so deeply with First Tee’s youth development style when he first encountered the organization 20 years ago. 

Bates has helped at least 10 kids earn spots in the field of the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs golf legends with First Tee participants at Pebble Beach. He also attended First Tee’s Life Skills & Leadership Academy as a coach in 2019. 

He was sad when First Tee – Los Angeles folded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s thrilled the chapter relaunched and is now offering programming, he said 

“Now students are coming back and it’s out with the old and in with the new,” he said. 

 Golf is thriving in Los Angeles, Bates said, especially with the eyes of the golf world on Los Angeles Country Club, site of the 2023 U.S. Open. But not all kids have equal access to the sport in a state where transportation can be difficult. Bates said almost half the kids he coaches today live with a single parent.  

He knows that can be tough.  

Coach Leroy Bates says golf made him a better person. Now he’s sharing his passion in L.A. 

Bates’ golf journey began in Selma, Alabama, where his grandfather – a retired Army colonel – owned a small driving range. It’s where his mom sent him in the summer when she needed extra help, and it changed his life. Bates collected range balls and cut the grass before going on to play collegiate golf and then on mini tours. 

He understands the opportunities golf can bring. He said he’s met new people and traveled the world thanks to the sport.  

“Golf made me a better person,” he said. “I learned to respect the rules. I learned to get out and be healthy.” 

First Tee – Los Angeles is currently offering programming at courses throughout the city including Chester Washington Golf Course, which was the home course of Charlie Sifford, the first Black man to earn a PGA TOUR card. 

“Chester Washington is a gem. It makes you smile when you go on-site because there’s so much diversity. There’s so much happiness and joy on the course,” said Kathy Bihr, vice president of programs at First Tee – Los Angeles. 

Last year, U.S. Open host organization, the United States Golf Association, supported 25 First Tee chapters in their efforts to make golf more accessible to kids from all backgrounds with donations totaling $325,000.  

Learn more about becoming a First Tee coach.