At First Tee – Central Arkansas, we’re Building Game Changers by empowering kids and teens to be the best version of themselves. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with character-building, we create learning experiences that help kids uncover their inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that they can carry to everything they do.
Our trained coaches not only provide an introduction to junior golf and an opportunity to enhance golf skills, but they also create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to help your child prepare for life ahead, including friendships, school, college and even their careers.
Through our program, kids will learn skills that stay with them for life:
- Understanding and managing emotions
- Resolving conflicts
- Setting up step-by-step goals
- Planning for the future
- Appreciating diversity
- Golf fundamentals and advanced techniques
First Tee Age-Based Classes | Spring, Summer, Fall
At each age group, participants engage with the 5 Key Commitments: Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, and Using Good Judgement, while focusing on mastering golf fundamentals and building upon a golf skill foundation as they advance within the program.
Ages 5-6
- Learn the basics of golf
- Make new friends while being active and having fun
- Play interactive golf games taught by encouraging coaches
- Develop self-confidence and consideration for others
Ages 7-9
- Be active and have fun with peers in a safe and encouraging manner
- Build inner strength and self-confidence
- Learn to play golf
- Focus on building relationships with other players while exploring the game of golf
Ages 10-11
- Explore character concepts in active and collaborative ways that are valuable on and off the course
- Develop golf skills and enthusiasm for the game
- Support positive Game Changing behaviors in fun and meaningful ways
Ages 12-13
- Explore both golf skills and characters commitments while having fun with peers
- Provide opportunities to demonstrate mastery and growth in golf skills and abilities
- Support growth and development of early adolescents
Ages 14+
- Build character and support personal development
- Develop additional golf skills and abilities
- Look toward their future and plan their own paths
- Evaluate, reflect, and apply their understanding of life and golf skills to new situations on and off the course
Other Unique Programs:
Field Trips & Outreach Programs | Year-Round
Research reveals convincing evidence that youth involved in our programs transferred life skills to multiple settings and learned and used life skills through the game of golf. Our curriculum, combined with trained educators, empowers participants with a set of skills that prepares them for a lifetime of new challenges. We partner with schools and youth centers like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Club to bring the program to life and introduce golf using games that are flexible to the ages and abilities of the kids involved.
Homeschool Classes | Spring & Fall
Group homeschool golf classes provide numerous benefits for children. They offer an avenue for socialization, allowing homeschooled students to interact with peers and develop essential social skills in a structured environment. Additionally, these classes promote physical activity and fitness, as golf requires coordination and physical exertion. Through group instruction, children have the opportunity to learn and improve their golf skills under the guidance of qualified instructors, fostering both individual growth and teamwork. Moreover, the structured setting of group classes ensures that students receive quality instruction in proper techniques, rules, and etiquette. Furthermore, these classes can be tailored to accommodate the unique needs and schedules of homeschooling families, offering flexibility and adaptability.
In-School Programs | Spring & Fall
Since 2004, First Tee has been integrating the First Tee School Program into P.E. classes across the country! We’ve equipped educators at elementary and middle schools with our curriculum built around the game of golf, while positively impacting kids through both the game and its inherent ability to improve Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) skills. We work with the school to identify funding opportunities, such as sponsors or donations.
First Tee School Program gives physical educators all the tools to get started. We provide the training, equipment, and lesson plans that integrate life skills and values with the game of golf and motor skills. We have an online community for teachers and youth leaders delivering our program, providing access to the curriculum, resources, and connections with peers delivering the program around the country. Click here to learn more.
Leadership Academy | Summer
Through hands-on activities, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, students will gain valuable insights into different industries and career paths. This academy aims to foster leadership skills, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship among teens while simultaneously showcasing the diverse range of businesses that contribute to our community’s vibrancy. By connecting students with local businesses, we aim to broaden their horizons, inspire career exploration, and cultivate a deeper understanding of the opportunities available to them.
Twelve (12) participants will be invited to the First Tee – Central Arkansas Leadership Academy. The main purpose of Leadership Academy is to give our participants an opportunity to develop leadership skills, understand the importance of service to the community, and explore different career options. Our criteria for selection include FTCA or above participants between the ages of 13 to 18. Students will travel to seven (7) site visits between May and October, and participate in six (6) classes occurring on Saturday’s through the Summer and varying days throughout the Fall. Parents will need to provide transportation for off-site excursions.
LPGA*USGA Girls Golf | Once a Month
Girls Golf sites provide girls with quality golf instruction led by LPGA and PGA teaching professionals or certified coaches from The First Tee. Not only are they experts in taking girls from beginner to advanced golfers, but they also specialize in creating experiences that show girls just how much fun golf really is! What could be better than that? Well, Girls Golf members learn more than just the game of golf. We help empower them with confidence and teach them valuable life skills. From Leadership skills to inspiring healthy living, we use the 5 E’s of Girls Golf to Empower, Enrich, Engage, Exercise, and Energize girls ages 5 to 17 through the game of golf. Click here to learn more.
Middle School League | Spring
Middle School League is organized with parents registering their middle school players through The First Tee program. After the instructional golf practices for all players has began, golfers are encouraged to take that knowledge onto the golf course! In addition, all players and especially beginning golfers are encouraged to practice ball striking skills between team practice. The format for play is team competition, best ball play and individual stroke play on both our 9-hole Regulation Course and 9-hole Par-3 Course. Junior Membership Cards will be given, allowing players to hit range balls and play the courses for free outside of practice time. Each team will have their own practice schedule, identified by their Coach. Participating schools listed here.
Operation 36 Academy | Spring & Fall
Operation 36 is a developmental golf program designed to guide a beginner from playing their first round, to shooting par or better for 9 holes. Operation 36 can make becoming a skilled golfer a fun and measurable journey. Meet new people, participate in engaging classes, and learn a sport that you can play for life! At First Tee, we use the Op36 curriculum to give golfers a roadmap to compete on the golf course. Click here to learn more.
STEM Golf | Summer
The United States has become a global leader, in large part, through the genius and hard work of its scientists, engineers and innovators. When you hear or see “golf,” what are some of the first words that come to mind? Were biomechanics and materials science on that list? You may not realize it, but golf, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are closely related. Participants will learn how having an understanding of environmental science, energy transfer, aerodynamics, measurement and computation, and more can help them be better golfers and students- It can even help them plan for future careers! Click here to learn more.
Summer Camps
Our Summer Day Camps are the ultimate golf experience! Youth learn new golf skills and valuable life skills, have fun through creative games, and get the opportunity to make new friends. Each week of camp will have campers going through different skill rotations to work on different aspects of their game. Skills will include Putting, Chipping, Full Swing/Pitching, and On-Course related activities. On Friday’s, we will have a Drive, Chip, and Putt skills challenge! Click here to learn more.