Why Golf?

Experiences are our greatest teacher. First Tee believes in developing the ones that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Through our personal growth and junior golf programs, we see kids’ build self confidence, inspiring more active participation in leadership opportunities and events, community involvement, and college scholarships.

Participant Opportunities

First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers them exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of our corporate partners, we host a series of events for our participants, allowing them to meet new people, play some golf,  and achieve greatness. Descriptions and selected individuals are listed in the dropdown boxes below.

Hear directly from our participants what kind of impact these opportunities have made on those who have been chosen to participate.

Indiana Opportunities

Roger Lundy Memorial Championship: July 27th, Eagle Creek Golf Course. This Championship is open to all ages in Middle School and High School who are currently active in a First Tee class session. Players must be able to play in a fast and safe, carrying clubs while walking, following all rules of golf and keeping an accurate score. Middle School players will play 9 holes, High School players will play 18. The First Tee – Indiana Golf Championship is limited to the first 60 players. REGISTER HERE.

Indiana Leadership Day: Information coming soon.

High School Senior Scholarships: If you are a graduating high school senior moving on to a college or trade school, and are currently enrolled in a First Tee session, and have been participating for at least three years, you are eligible to apply for a First Tee-Indiana Senior Scholarship. Applications are due June 1st. To apply, use the following application. FIRST TEE-INDIANA SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP Questions can be directed to Luci Ross at [email protected].

National Teen Opportunities

Leadership Academy, June 16-21: Held in Atlanta, participants who graduate from the Leadership Series can apply and learn about running successful teams from leaders within the Arthur M. Blank family of businesses.

National Championship, June 22-26: Taking place this year at the University of Notre Dame, Warren Course. This event brings together First Tee’s most skilled male and female high school golfers to showcase how the program has helped them build the strength of character needed to compete at the next level.

Game Changers Academy, July 8-12: In its 25th year, First Tee’s longest running event will take place in Minneapolis in 2025. Designed to inspire teens to embrace their differences and improve their communities, this event is supported by AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands.

Leadership Summit, Aug. 4-8 (Session 1), Aug. 11-15 (Session 2): Teens who complete the Leadership Series are also eligible to apply to this experience, which takes place at West Creek Ranch in Montana. From horseback riding to whitewater rafting, participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and become stronger leaders with guidance from PGA TOUR Superstore executives.

PURE Insurance Championship, Sept. 16-21: First Tee teens are paired with PGA TOUR Champions players and business leaders at Pebble Beach Golf Links. This event airs on Golf Channel and features mentorship, networking and unforgettable golf experiences.

Innovators Forum, Oct. 2-5: Taking place in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, teens will work with experienced business leaders to better understand the importance of volunteerism and develop meaningful community service projects they then implement at home.

Drive Your Future Academy, Nov. 6-10: This female empowerment event supported by John Deere connects young women with female mentors who’ve succeeded in the business world and beyond. It also explores the benefits of staying involved with golf after high school and will take place in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home of the PGA TOUR.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens who are involved with Positive Youth Development Programs like First Tee report a stronger sense of identity and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Nearly a quarter of First Tee participants are teenagers, and more than 300 teens take part in First Tee’s national participant events each year. In 2024, event attendees averaged more than eight years of participation with First Tee, and 98% said they found the event they attended to be impactful or very impactful.