Category: Feature Stories

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. 

College golf recruiting: Advice from 3 First Tee alumni

Now in its fifth year, the First Tee National Championship returns this week to the University of Notre Dame. It’s an opportunity for top players from across the country to showcase the skills they developed at their chapters.

All eight past champions are currently on college golf rosters, including First Tee – Green Valley Ranch alumnus Hunter Swanson, who plays at the University of Colorado, Boulder. While playing collegiate golf can be a rewarding experience, the process of getting there can be demanding.

First Tee – Greater Washington DC alumna Joey Nguyen is a member of the team at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, where she was named Women’s Golfer of the Year by the Landmark Conference last season. First Tee – West Virginia alumnus Argyle Downes is a First Tee Scholar who’s heading into his sophomore season at Rutgers University.

As former First Tee National Championship competitors, we asked Joey, Argyle and Hunter about their journeys from First Tee to college golf.

When did you start thinking about college golf?

Joey started reaching out to coaches in 8th grade, sending introductory emails to get on their radar. She wasn’t sure which NCAA Division would be the right fit — but she knew it was important to get her name out as a potential recruit.

Meanwhile, Argyle got serious about college golf after his freshman year of high school, when his confidence caught up with his ambition. “I always had a goal but until that time I didn’t really have true self belief,” he said.

Key takeaway: While there’s not a specific recruiting timeline you need to follow, start early if you can, and know that belief in your own potential is just as important as raw skill. As you navigate the recruitment process, remember to set goals that are positive, specific and under your control.

How important are academics?

Both players emphasized the importance of grades in the recruiting process. “There are so many successful players that grades often become a deciding factor whether a player will be part of the team or not,” Argyle said, noting that the razor thin margin between recruits sometimes leaves coaches looking for reasons to leave a player off the roster.

Joey noted that grades and test scores are also critical for academically selective schools, opening doors that golf scores can’t.

Key takeaway: Strong academics can show good judgment, which is important to college golf coaches.

What’s your advice for connecting with coaches?

For Hunter, a busy competition schedule helped him get his name in front of coaches. “I played as many of the top junior golf tournaments as I could, not only to play against the best junior golfers, but knowing that college golf coaches would be watching the scores,” Hunter said.

When it comes to outreach, Joey used a combination of emails, phone calls and texts to build relationships with coaches. Hunter said social media is also an important recruitment tool.

When you do exchange messages with coaches, it’s important they come from players, not parents. Joey recommends starting with a concise intro email that includes:

  • Name, school and grad year
  • Tournament schedule
  • Key stats and highlights

Once the conversation starts, it’s important to send updates, results and anything else that keeps you on their radar. “If a coach doesn’t respond, that doesn’t mean you stop emailing. Be persistent,” she said.

When coaches do reach out, you can expect them to ask a wide variety of questions:

  • What are your academic and athletic goals?
  • What do you want in a team, school and coach?
  • What’s your practice routine and tournament schedule?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses — on and off the course?

Key takeaway: Coaches may not find you unless you help them, and while it can be intimidating, try to show your personality, not just your golf skills. Showing that you can work well with others and respect differing opinions indicates you’re likely to be a good teammate.

What were the biggest surprises during your freshman year?

A campus visit helped Joey decide on Drew University. “I could see myself living there and really enjoying the courses and practice facilities we have,” she said. “I considered what was important to me and what I wanted to get out of my college experience, and that also helped me decide.”

But she faced a challenge before the start of the season, when the coach who recruited her left for another school. “That was definitely tough,” she said.

Hunter also had to be flexible throughout the process as he wasn’t able to go on recruiting visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, he decided on Colorado because he felt like he could contribute to the team, grow as a player and student and trust the coaching staff, he said.

For Argyle, the biggest surprise has been just how busy life is for student athletes. “From 6 a.m. until bedtime, it’s honestly just a fully packed day with practice, recovery and school responsibilities,” he said. “There may be a few small breaks but it’s a very busy and demanding schedule.”

Key takeaway: It’s important for collegiate golfers to be flexible and prepared for change. While you’re likely to face challenges during your college golf career, it’s important to consider what you can learn from them.

Any final words of advice?

During periods when you’re playing well, play in as many tournaments as you can to boost your scoring average and showcase your skills, Joey recommends. And keep in close contact with coaches: “Send updates frequently about how you are playing, what you are working on or anything you would like to share,” she said. “It never hurts to show you are interested or really want to play at their school.”

“My best piece of advice for juniors hoping to play in college is to honestly love working hard and love the sacrifices you have to make to succeed,” Argyle said. “I may not have been the most talented or successful junior golfer, but I really love the sport and love playing and competing, and without that I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today.”

And Hunter recommends enjoying the journey as much as possible. “This is something that a lot of kids in this world do not get the opportunity to experience, and it is a process that could change the life of someone forever,” he said. “Enjoy the process, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to perform and understand that things will work out how they are supposed to with hard work, dedication and having fun.”

The First Tee National Championship is part of our full slate of national participant opportunities, which are designed to keep teens engaged with the program. In addition to competitive golf opportunities, we offer leadership programs, a girls empowerment event and a community service workshop.

Liberty National Foundation extends support for First Tee and its character-building golf program

The Liberty National Foundation announced earlier today an extension of its long-standing support through 2029. 

Committing an additional $1 million, this latest gift brings the Fireman family and Liberty National Foundation’s total contribution to First Tee to $8 million since its first commitment in 2012.

The announcement was made during a special event at Liberty National Golf Club, where the Fireman family was celebrated for their continued support of First Tee’s mission to build character in young people through the game of golf. The new commitment will primarily support four First Tee chapters across New Jersey, which collectively impacted nearly 29,000 youth in 2024.

Jennifer Weiler, Senior Vice President of Network Relations at First Tee, joined Liberty National Foundation and New Jersey’s First Tee chapter leaders at the event.

Jennifer Weiler, First Tee, and Dan Fireman, Liberty National Foundation

“What makes this partnership so meaningful is how it helps us shape young potential into lifelong character,” said Weiler. “The continued support from the Liberty National Foundation allows us to reach thousands of children across New Jersey, particularly in underserved communities where access to character-building programs like ours can be transformative.”

Dan Fireman, Founder of the Liberty National Foundation, emphasized the alignment between First Tee’s mission and his family’s values. 

“Through this continued partnership with First Tee, we’re committed to ensuring that more young people, especially those from underserved communities, have access to the character-building power of this great game,” said Fireman.

Dan’s father, Paul Fireman, was recognized last November when First Tee honored him with the Lifetime Achievement award. 

First Tee has grown into a global youth development organization impacting more than 3.1 million kids and teens annually through its network of 150 Chapters with programs delivered at more than 1,700 golf facilities, as well as in nearly 12,000 schools and more than 2,000 youth centers. The organization has expanded internationally, with programs now in Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Morocco.

The Liberty National Foundation’s gift will help further First Tee’s commitment to providing inclusive access to its programs, with a focus on reaching young people from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

2025 First Tee National Teen Opportunities

Is your child between the ages of 13-18 years old and has been active in First Tee – Orange County classes within the past couple of years? Then he/she may be eligible to apply for a variety of incredible experiences offered by First Tee!! 

More information on each opportunity is listed below, but please know we are also hosting an optional meeting for any parents and/or participants interested in learning more about any of these opportunities from 5:30-6:30pm on Wednesday, February 12th. 

  • Attend in-person at our FTOC Office (24461 Ridge Route Dr. Laguna Hills, 92653)

                                     OR

  • Attend via Zoom using the link HERE!

Whether you plan to join the Meeting or not, please let us know 
by 12PM Friday, February 14th 
which opportunity or opportunities your child would be interested in being considered.  

**Important to know! The cost for the participants’ travel & accommodations are either covered by First Tee or reimbursed following the event!!

First Tee National Championship- South Bend, IN (June 22-26, 2025)
First Tee National Championship brings together First Tee’s top players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play under pressure at the collegiate and/or next level. First Tee National Championship is played at acclaimed college campuses, including Clemson University, Notre Dame and Stanford University, and is the only national event that is purely tournament golf.

First Tee Game Changers Academy- Minneapolis, MN (July 7-12, 2025)
First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is a five-day learning and empowerment academy. Participants selected to attend will participate in important conversations embracing topics of self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. First Tee invites its partner, RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice, to facilitate engaging and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches.

PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee- Pebble Beach, CA (Sept. 16-21, 2025)
The PURE Insurance Championship provides First Tee participants a national stage on which to showcase the skills and values they’ve learned at their chapter. Throughout the week, teens can network with peers, PGA TOUR Champions players and leaders from the business world who are competing in the amateur field, gaining exposure to the opportunities golf can provide both on and off the course. During the tournament, which is hosted at iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, each teen is paired with a golf legend who provides mentorship as they compete for the pro-junior title. 

First Tee Innovators Forum- Ponte Vedra, FL (Oct. 2-5, 2025)
First Tee Innovators Forum equips and empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focused on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. Selected participants have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders through interactive workshops and small group breakout sessions. By bringing together passionate participants from across the chapter network, First Tee Innovators Forum provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities. 

First Tee Drive for Your Future Academy- Ponte Vedra, FL (Oct. 6-10, 2025)
First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere is a female empowerment event recognizing young women who are motivated to influence positive impact at their chapters, schools and communities. The five-day academy experience focuses on the importance of building a strong network and how to approach mentorship opportunities, navigating post-graduation and career planning, and appreciating the value/impact of volunteerism. 

FTOC Partners with AESD

First Tee – Orange County has proudly partnered with Anaheim Elementary School District to bring golf and life skills coaching to all 23 of their schools. Through this collaboration, we gave the opportunity to 7,700 students in their after-school programs, delivering lessons that embody our key commitments. Recently, selected schools enjoyed a special field trip to our home base at Dad Miller Golf Course for a hands-on driving range experience with our coaches. We are deeply grateful for the support of Anaheim Elementary in making this initiative a success. We look forward to giving back to the community of Anaheim, and continuing this partnership! 

FTOC Participants Volunteer at Ronald McDonald House, “Meal of Love” Service

During this week of Thanksgiving, on Tuesday, Nov 26th, First Tee Orange County prepared a meal for the families at Ronald McDonald House Orange County.  We had a stellar team of 12 junior volunteers and 3 adult volunteers that worked as a team to prepare a delicious meal for the families to enjoy.  In addition, families could enjoy a fun First Tee putting activity.

Ronald McDonald House Orange County provides a comforting “home away from home” for families of children receiving medical treatment in Orange County hospitals.

FTOC Conducts 6-week class for Santa Ana PAAL

Thanks to a generous grant from DevTo Support Foundation (DevTo Support Foundation), we conducted a 6-week First Tee golf class for 21 underserved kids that are part of the Santa Ana PAAL program & attend Roosevelt-Walker Academy (Title 1 school, part of Santa Ana Unified School District).  We went to their site to teach our life skills & golf skills program.  The kids also wrote essays to their parents & school teacher on the most impactful life skill & how they apply it to school/home.  This culminated into a field trip to our First Tee/Dad Miller in December.  As part of this grant, we surprised the kids with their own set of junior golf clubs with the help of Roger Dunn Golf Shops in Santa Ana.  The kids were able to use their new golf clubs on our driving range, while learning the life skill of pursuing goals.

Santa Ana Police Athletic & Activity League (“Santa Ana PAAL”) is a comprehensive community program that focuses on building a bond between kids and cops through education, fitness & activities. 

Learn More about SAPAAL

Wound Warrior Project Collaboration

On December 8th, 2024, Wounded Warriors partnered with First Tee of Orange County to host an amazing event at Topgolf, bringing together 55 participants for an afternoon of fun and connection.

The event highlighted First Tee’s key commitment of  collaborating with others and community-building, as families enjoyed a fantastic buffet and showcased their skills in a lively golfing experience. Excitement followed after showing their golf skills as raffle prizes were awarded.

We are proud of the success of this event and look forward to continuing to help serve the Orange County area.

Mackenzie Mack talks about the lasting impact of First Tee

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without First Tee.” 

For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.  

With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry. 

The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada. 

First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.  

“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.” 

Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community. 

Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.” 

Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience. 

Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.

“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”  

She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.  

Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event. 

Mackenzie Mack talks about the lasting impact of First Tee

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without First Tee.” 

For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.  

With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry. 

The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada. 

First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.  

“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.” 

Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community. 

Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.” 

Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience. 

Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.

“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”  

She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.  

Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event. 

First Tee Leadership Academy returns to Atlanta, headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore 

Teens from across the U.S. will learn about leadership from executives within the Arthur M. Blank family of businesses. 

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 17, 2024) – The First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore returns from June 17-22. The weeklong Atlanta event will bring together 48 teens from across the country who will learn about operating successful teams from executives within the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. 

The event is headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore, a 4-time WNBA, 2-time NCAA and 2-time Olympic champion, who off the court, has been a dedicated advocate of criminal justice reform. Participants will also hear from leaders like Atlanta United CEO Garth Lagerwey, Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman and CEO Dick Sullivan and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Chief of Staff Kelley Gulley. 

It will feature workshops on communication, developing a winning culture and more. Attendees will get a taste of the college experience, with the Georgia Institute of Technology serving as its hub. The group will also visit sites across Atlanta, including the PGA TOUR Superstore Support Center, the Coda building, Atlanta United’s training facility, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. 

“Our participants learn valuable skills at the First Tee Leadership Academy and have made friendships they will carry with them well beyond their time in Atlanta,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore for supporting these truly life-changing events.” 

PGA TOUR Superstore has been a partner of First Tee for more than a decade, providing financial support and in-kind donations. It provides chapter grants to promote teen retention and supports national events like the Leadership Academy, Leadership Summit and Leadership Series. 

The First Tee Leadership Academy is one of ten national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and empower teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.  

To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring.  

Wounded Warrior Project and FTOC at Coyote Hills Golf Course

On Sunday, June 2nd, First Tee had the opportunity to put on a golf clinic for wounded warriors at Coyote Hills Golf Course was a resounding success. With 61 enthusiastic participants, the day was filled with activities including chipping, putting, and driving range sessions, showing team working skills and growing through challenges! We ended  the day with an amazing banquet, coupled with exciting raffle giveaways, marking a perfect end to a fulfilling event.

The partnership between First Tee and the wounded warriors community proved to be invaluable, and we cannot wait for more events in the future, to better the community and create connections through the love of golf.