Key Commitments:

First Tee’s 5 Key Commitments will help our participants ages 7 and older discover and uncover what is inside of them and build and strengthen those assets
that enable them to grow and flourish throughout life. Key commitments seamlessly cohere with the core values.

Pursuing Goals

A goal is something that you want to be, do, or have and need to work for. We teach participants the steps to take in order to succeed at their goals. Game changers pursue goals as they grow in the game of golf and in life outside of the course. We will make attainable goals and work on outlining the steps that can get us there.

Growing through Challenge

Commit, Don’t Quit! Life is full of challenges and we must learn how to overcome them by digging deep when things get tough and persevering. Participants will learn how to grow through challenges and what obstacles they might face on the golf course or in life.

Collaborating with Others

Learning how to build a Go-To Team. We teach participants how to do team exercises and work together towards a common goal. Learn how to treat one another with respect, and help them feel valued and important. We will show kindness, consideration and care for others. In the game of golf we are presented with opportunities to demonstrate respect and courtesy for ourselves, others and our surroundings each and every day.

Building a Positive Self-Identity

We teach participants how to have confidence in themselves and their abilities on and off the course. We work on building characteristics for becoming that Go-To Person for yourself and others. Confidence is not something that you are born with, it is something that develops over time.

Using Good Judgment

Participants learn that golf is the perfect sport to practice being honest as they rely on themselves and fellow players to keep their own score. Unlike other sports, there is no referee therefore we must act with both honesty and integrity. This is one of the most important commitments you can make as a game changer both on and off the course.

Life Skills:

Ages 5-6

Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, Judgment

Ages 7-9

Show Respect & Courtesy, Respect the Rules, Make Good Choices, Be a Team Player, Grow Your Confidence, Be Honest, Set a Goal, Play with Perseverance

Ages 10-11

Meet & Greet with A.L.R, Dip Deep & Show Grit, Stay Cool – Relax & Replay, Play the Course, Find Your Personal Par, Set Your Goals, Respect Other Perspectives, Grow Your Confidence

Ages 12-13

Set a Goal Using the 4 Guidelines, Goal Ladder: Plan to Succeed, Play the Course, Build Confidence with S.T.A.R, Celebrate Differences, Be a Go-To Person, Build a Go-To Team, Stay Cool with 4 Rs

Ages 14+

Use C.A.R.E, Fail Forward, Take Ownership of Your Goals, Play the Course, Be Trustworthy, Build Self-Confidence, Respect Other Perspectives, Have Courage to do What’s Right

Golf Skills:

First Tee will always incorporate at least two fundamentals per class and may be taught through fun games or drills. The 4 golf fundamentals we work on at every level include the following:

Putting

Takes place when one is on the green and involves rolling the ball to the hole.

Chipping

Takes place when one is near the green and typically involves a low shot designed to roll/run the ball to the pin. Usually a quarter to half swing.

Pitching

Takes place when one is further from the green and typically involves a high shot designed to land the ball softly on the green. Usually a half to three quarter swing.

Full Swing

Takes place off the tee and often in the fairway. Can be used with any club from driver to wedge.

Core Values:

First Tee’s 9 Core Values are integrated into golf instruction for participants ages 5-6 to promote healthy, active lifestyles and mindsets for youth. Playing the game of golf can improve your quality of life as there are many physical, emotional and social benefits.

Honesty

The quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive. Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalies on themselves.

Integrity

Strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct. Personal honesty and independence. Golf is a game of honesty, etiquette and composure. You are responsible for your actions and personal conduct on the golf course.

Sportsmanship

Observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace. You must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct yourself in a respectful manner.

Respect

To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem. In golf it is important to show respect for yourself, your partners, your opponents and the golf course as well for the honor and traditions of the game.

Confidence

Reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance. Confidence plays a role in the level of play you achieve. You must have confidence in your abilities everytime you play.

Responsibility

Accounting for one’s actions; Dependable. In golf, you are responsible for yourself and your actions on the golf course. It is up to you to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair bal marks on the green and keep up with the pace of play.

Perseverance

To persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles. To succeed in golf, you must learn to persevere through bad breaks and your own mistakes.

Courtesy

Considerate behavior toward others. A polite remark or gesture. A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Show courtesy toward others by remaining still and quiet while they prepare to execute a shot.

Judgment

The ability to make a decision or form an opinion. A decision reached after consideration. Using good judgement in critical in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy club selection, when to play it safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot you consider executing, as well as understanding and abiding by etiquette.