“Our children absolutely love First Tee! It’s not just the sport that they are growing to love, but also the culture that they have an admiration for! The coaches are wonderful role models of the values that First Tee teaches, offering our children both skill and good sportsmanship lessons. It is always a good sign when your child is never too tired to attend a lesson, but rather sees it as an opportunity to decompress and have fun! They have made wonderful friends with the other kids in the program and now love the idea of family golf evenings! Thank you for all that you do, and in particular, providing our kids something to look forward to this summer!”
– Miranda & Jon Taft
“My daughters have been part of The First Tee program for 5+ years. Coach Jason and Sami are amazing! They are patient, relatable to kids, have the best interest in the players, and go the extra mile with their teaching. All the Coaches give high-quality instruction and we have only received positive experiences. The program teaches them Core Values which include Sportsmanship, Responsibility, Respect, and honesty to name a few which is priceless. These lessons can be applied in all aspects of their lives. My daughters have excelled in other sports because of the core values and positive teaching they receive. My daughters have garnered some wonderful relationships with the coaches and other players in this program. Huge thanks to the First Tee!”
-Amanda Badorek
“I remember when we started taking Diego to the First Tee summer sessions at the Islands Golf Center, when he was in 6th grade. He would enjoy learning about the virtues and participating in the golf “obstacle courses” and playing on the short course with other young players. He always looks forward to the “give away” for golf items at the end of the sessions. As he continued to reach each level at First Tee his golf game and mind-set improved significantly, as a result. What’s really ironic, is that he became an Eagle member of First Tee and was a junior coach for two years, working with many young players. Now, he will become an Eagle at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with fall, where he will continue to soar! We are so grateful to First Tee for all the experiences and life lessons that were bestowed on our son, Diego Gonzalez.”
– Rebecca Gonzalez
“I have been a volunteer with the First Tee for three years. Having played golf from the time I was 8 years old, I can relate to the young aspiring golfers. I thoroughly enjoy every session. The great thing about First Tee is that in addition to golf, it is focused on real life lessons by tying in the 9 core values of First Tee. It is a great program.”
– Mark Lyons, Volunteer
“My daughter loves this program! She does not want to go anywhere else!”
– Stacey Jo Merritt Arellanes
“This is a AMAZING program! So amazing that its well worth driving 20 minutes each way. The coaches are amazing. My daughters especially love coach Caitlin. Not only is it fun for my kids, but they teach and instill important values that will stay with my kids forever. So grateful for bringing this program to OC.”
-Jonathan Hiitz Yu
