This week, we’re celebrating coaches and their impact on our participants and their communities. The incredible coaches and the meaningful relationships they foster have always been the heartbeat of First Tee.
Our team of trusted, trained and caring coaches and staff develop meaningful relationships with participants that prepare them for what’s next – on the course, at school and in daily life. First Tee coaches and mentors set our program apart and change the landscape of their communities every day.
First Tee has 150 chapters across the globe, and they are celebrating First Tee Week with events, storytelling and programming. Find your nearest chapter to learn more about enrolling your child, volunteering as a coach and more!
Dear Coach, you taught me…
Click on the photos below and read the first-hand stories of how coaches have impacted our participants, alumni, staff and supporters.
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Dear Coach Barry,
“Thank you for always being so kind and nice to us!”
Goldie, First Tee Utah
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Dear Coaches at Southgate,
“Thank you for teaching me how to hit my driver and woods”
First Tee Utah
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Dear Coach Barry,
“Thank you for teaching me at Big Shots, I was there playing golf with my family and coach Barry was there to so he stopped and helped me with my swing for a little bit”
First Tee Utah
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Dear Coach Rob,
“Thank you for teaching me how to hit with the driver”
Lilly, First Tee Utah
Dear_Coach__0005_Derrick Ow
Dear Coach Nick & Jessica,
Thank you for giving a kid on the Autism spectrum a chance to be successful at life. I’ll never forget you helping me out on national event applications. You instilled the values of respect and confidence, and I will always remember those lessons.
You changed the arc of my family’s lives forever. You will always have a special place in our family. Thank you for everything, and I hope I can continue to make you proud.
Warm regards, Derrick Ow First Tee – Monterey County alumnus
Dear_Coach__0002_Cameryn Smith
Dear Coach Terry,
Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for your countless hours invested in me. Thank you for lighting my spark in my bigger purpose for life. Because of you I became my true self. Because of you I bought into every possibility for my future. Your guidance on and off the course helped transform me into a forever game changer. Because of you I will spend my life giving back to the future of First Tee, the future of golf, the future of the world.
“Put a golf club in a child’s hand and watch them grow.”
Look at me, Coach T. I’m all grown up now, thanks to you.
Cameryn Smith First Tee – Coastal Carolinas alumna
Dear_Coach__0003_Najae Butler
Dear Coach Jenae,
You taught me to always dream big and go after whatever I dreamed of. No matter the circumstance I was in, you always supported my dreams of becoming an LPGA Tour player. You’ve spoken highly of me to people when I’m not in the room, and you do the same when I am there. I know when I hear “Najae Butler” very loudly that it’s you, one of my biggest supporters. And for that and more, I’m forever grateful and will be your biggest supporter too.
Najae Butler First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumna
Parents believe coaches are essential to youth development
A finding with The Harris Poll shows parents turn to coaches to help build their kids’ character, self-confidence, determination and leadership.
Ninety-one percent of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire their child to excel both on and off the field.
