Empowering Youth Through Golf

From aces to triple bogeys, golf is a perfect platform for helping kids and teens develop character. Just like in life, players experience the highs and lows of the game. Youth between the ages of seven and 18 can join The First Tee of Central Florida’s Life Skills Experience Program, which introduces them to the game of golf, and more importantly, the positive values, healthy habits and life skills associated with the game.

At The First Tee of Central Florida, kids and teens don’t just learn the fundamentals of a golf swing. The program’s character education and life skills curriculum help teach them how to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, communicate and set goals.

The First Tee helps shape the lives of kids and teens from all walks of life by introducing them to values inherent in the game of golf like integrity, respect and perseverance. Additionally, The First Tee’s Nine Healthy Habits, which were developed in collaboration with the ANNIKA Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children, provide a smart and systematic approach to health and fitness, developing habits and skills related to physical, social and emotional choices.

Locally, you can find The First Tee junior golf and life skills programs on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth development organizations. The First Tee runs programs throughout the spring, summer, fall and winter in Casselberry, East Orlando, Hunter’s Creek, Kissimmee, MetroWest, Sanford, West Orlando and Winter Park, with more locations coming in the near future.

At The First Tee, no child will ever be turned away for an inability to pay, so there is an ongoing need to raise funds to deliver and grow the program. Any contribution can make a lasting impact on a local child’s life and will pay big dividends in fostering the development of engaged, respectful leaders who are the future of our community.

How You Can Help:
1) Make a donation. Any contribution will help to empower today’s youth to become tomorrow’s leaders.
2) Become a coach. We’re always looking for coaching volunteers, and we have a great training program that will give you everything you need.
3) Show us what you’ve got! The First Tee of Central Florida hosts several tournaments each year and we’d love for you to register a foursome. Contact tlawrence@thefirstteecfl.org to request information about the next tournament.