First Tee

15 years. 1,000+ hours of instruction in the last year alone. Countless lives changed. Coach Arod isn't just teaching golf: he's creating safe spaces, launching programs and building bridges between underserved communities and the game. From the Practice & Play Program to partnerships with Bronx schools, he's proving that great coaches don't just develop players; they develop people. Coach Arod is a true Game Changer, and we’re proud to call him our Coach of the Year.

Keeping kids safe is at the heart of everything we do at First Tee. 💛 That’s why all our coaches and staff go through background checks and SafeSport training—so every young golfer can focus on having fun, learning new skills, and discovering their potential in a space where they feel respected and supported. Safety isn’t just a rule—it’s part of how we show we care. ✨ Read more: https://lnkd.in/efcYNYRx

Last week we wrapped up our 2025 Regional Summits. Alumni, coaches and chapter leaders from around the country gathered over the last few weeks to take part in educational sessions, share best practices, and connect with peers and HQ representatives. Thank you to Next Round for supporting continuing education for our network.

Visionary. Philanthropist. Game Changer. Andrew Hunt didn’t just found a First Tee chapter; he created a movement. Over 13 years, he’s continued to invest in making golf accessible to young people, including developing a new learning center for @firstteetreasurecoast in Fort Pierce, the chapter’s most underserved community. As a dedicated board member and enthusiastic mentor, Andrew leads by example, believing in potential and helping others see it in themselves. That’s what it means to change the game. Congratulations, Andrew, on receiving our Tim Finchem Leadership Award.

Three days of growth, connection, and discovery at the Drive Your Future Academy. 🌟 Throughout the weekend our girls showed up ready to own their futures. Thank you to @JohnDeere for continuing to invest in these future leaders and making this experience possible. To our participants: keep showing up, keep connecting, keep driving forward. Until next time. 💚

At First Tee, we believe golf is for everyone. ⛳️ That’s why we work closely with parents to support participants with IEPs and 504 plans, ensuring every young golfer can thrive both on and off the course. 💙 By partnering with families and tailoring our programs, we create an inclusive environment where every participant feels confident, capable, and empowered. Learn more about how we make the First Tee experience accessible for all: https://lnkd.in/eXBAVbJH

Celebrating Game Changers at First Tee ✨ Presented in partnership with Golf Digest, the First Tee Awards honors remarkable individuals whose leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact through First Tee. George H.W. Bush Volunteer of the Year: Allen Doyle from First Tee – Troup County Tim Finchem Leadership Award: Andrew Hunt from First Tee – Gold Coast Coach of the Year: Anthony Rodriguez from First Tee - Metropolitan New York Teacher of the Year: Michelle Phillips LeBlanc from First Tee – Atlantic Golf Canada Barbara A. Douglas & Dr. William J. Powell Community Award: First Tee - Greater Richmond, First Tee Birmingham, First Tee – East Baton Rouge Parish These Game Changers are helping young people build confidence, character and resilience — skills that last far beyond the golf course. To recognize their achievements, Golf Digest will award grants to support these honorees and their chapters in continuing their work. Join us in celebrating their contributions to empowering the next generation.

Our mastery-driven approach focuses on both process and outcome—teaching young people that how they achieve a goal matters just as much as the result itself. Through frameworks like STAR (Stop, Think, Anticipate, Respond) and an emphasis on self-reflection, we help participants become their own best coaches. This approach builds self-awareness, intentionality and the ability to assess and adjust their own performance. Step by step, we're not just developing golfers — we're building confident, self-directed game changers in our communities.

One decision to give back can change everything. 💫 After learning about a volunteer opportunity through his job at Accenture, Stuart Furlow joined First Tee — Metro Atlanta to teach golf—but what he found was something much deeper. His mentorship with Ethan became about more than swings and scores—it was about college goals, personal growth, and navigating life’s biggest choices. Because at First Tee, coaches like Stuart invest in the whole person, not just the golfer. ⛳💚 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ed2Ux_JB

At First Tee, we embrace a growth mindset, teaching young people that mistakes aren't failures, but opportunities to learn and improve. Our coaches help participants reflect on their experiences, understand what went wrong, and apply those lessons moving forward. This approach to continuous learning extends far beyond golf, equipping young people with decision-making skills they'll use throughout their lives. When coaches model and encourage continuous learning, they prepare youth to face challenges with confidence and adaptability.