Category: Blog

First Tee launches National Alumni Advisory Council to strengthen engagement across its growing Alumni Network 

The First Tee National Alumni Advisory Council held its first in-person meeting in Charlotte 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 15, 2025) – First Tee has launched a National Alumni Advisory Council, a group of 20 dynamic alumni who are business and community leaders from across the United States. The council will play a key role in shaping the future of the organization’s growing Alumni Network. 

The Alumni Council’s primary focus will be to guide and direct strategies that engage more alumni in meaningful ways — helping them stay connected to each other and to First Tee’s mission of empowering young people through golf and life skills programming. 

In addition to virtual meetings, the Alumni Council will gather annually, with its first session having taken place Sept. 12-14 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event is sponsored by Gallagher. 

“First Tee alumni are an essential part of our story and our future,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The Alumni Council will help ensure we are creating opportunities for them to continue to grow, give back and lead, while staying connected to the values they developed through First Tee.” 

The Alumni Council is co-chaired by Rayshon Payton of First Tee – Metropolitan Oklahoma City, who works as general counsel for Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt, and Sara Diaz of First Tee – San Antonio, a presenter for ESPN+ and PGA TOUR Live and vice president of recruiting for Capstone Hospitality. 

“I’m thrilled to come full circle with First Tee, an organization that has shaped not only my life but the lives of so many others,” Payton said. “Serving as board chair of the Alumni Council is a special opportunity to give back, support the next generation and help strengthen a community that continues to inspire growth on and off the course.” 

“I’m excited to continue being part of the First Tee, the program where my golf journey began,” Diaz said. “I’m truly honored to be selected as co-chair of the First Tee Alumni Council and look forward to expanding our Alumni Network to foster lasting connections and meaningful opportunities.” 

Council members represent a diverse group of graduates who embody the impact of First Tee programs. They were appointed and will serve terms of two, three or four years. Together, they will guide efforts to recruit alumni, design impactful engagement opportunities and drive alumni reconnection to local chapters. As ambassadors of the program, they will inspire current participants and help grow a powerful, united Alumni Network. 

The First Tee Alumni Network includes thousands of former participants who have carried the organization’s values into their careers, communities and lives. Since its launch in 2020, the First Tee Alumni Network has provided career assistance, professional and personal development opportunities and fun events for former participants. It’s free to join and open to all First Tee Alumni. 

For more information about the Alumni Network, visit firsttee.org/alumni. 

2025 Alumni Council members 

Rayshon Payton Metropolitan Oklahoma City General Counsel, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester 
Sara Diaz Greater San Antonio VP of Recruiting, Capstone Hospitality 
Anthony Bonales Central Valley Finance Manager, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling 
Grace Kehoe Greater Charlotte Media Logger, PGA TOUR 
Karrington Knight Greater New Orleans Staff Assistant, Rep. Jasmine Crockett 
Steven Outlaw, PGA Hammond (Historical) Director of Sales & Marketing, Troon 
Colm Parrish Pittsburgh Category Manager, Catalent Pharma Solutions 
Hannah Rens Siouxland Systems Engineer, Boeing 
Benjamin Nganga Tennessee Real Estate Valuations Analyst, Baker Tilly 
Ashley Noda Greater Sacramento Director of Outreach & Competitive Activities, First Tee – Greater Sacramento 
Alyssa Ramont Central Valley Executive Administrative Assistant, San Francisco Giants 
David Singh Tampa Bay Program Manager, Cleveland Clinic of Florida 
Blake Christenson Tennessee Designer, Cooper Carry 
Michelle Xie Silicon Valley Software Engineer, Dave 
Mia Bishop Metro Atlanta Psychotherapist 
Brittany Gill Greater Richmond Corporate Partnerships Manager, PGA TOUR 
Derrick Ow Monterey County Communications & Customer Service Coordinator, Northern California Golf Association 
Connor Shooks Benton Harbor Sports Management Student, University of Michigan 
Callen Williams Metropolitan New York Assistant Program Director, First Tee – Metropolitan New York 
Taryn Yee Greater Sacramento Program Manager, Meta 

Jr. Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Blake Fowler!

A Pinehurst Native with Golf in His Roots

Blake has called Pinehurst home his whole life, growing up surrounded by the game of golf. Some of his earliest memories are on the course with his dad, sparking a love for the game that has only deepened over time. In spring 2019, Blake attended his very first First Tee program at Beacon Ridge. Since then, he’s participated in countless programs, camps, and events that have shaped not only his skills on the course but also his growth as a person.

Lessons in Perseverance and Confidence

Through First Tee, Blake has discovered the power of perseverance and confidence, qualities that have helped him thrive as both a competitive golfer and a young leader. Today, he plays competitive golf year-round and gives back to the program that gave him so much by serving as a volunteer coach at First Tee – Sandhills. Blake’s love for golf has even inspired his family. His younger sister, now 10, has joined First Tee programs herself, and often enjoys playing alongside Blake and their dad. For them, golf is more than just a sport, it’s a family tradition!

Giving Back as a Coach

One of Blake’s favorite volunteer memories came during his second summer as a coach. He was welcomed back by kids who remembered his name and were excited to see him again, a moment that reminded him of the impact he was making.

“Seeing kids excited to learn at camp makes me want to keep coming back,” Blake shares. “Watching their growth is so rewarding, and I hope to provide the same fun and encouraging experience my coaches gave me.”

Full Circle

At First Tee – Sandhills, we’re proud to watch Blake’s journey come full circle from participant, to mentor. His story is a testament to the lasting impact of our programs and the power of giving back. We are grateful for his dedication, his passion, and his heart for inspiring the next generation of golfers. Thank you, Blake, for reminding us that the best game we can play is the one where we lift others up.

Board of Directors Spotlight: Meet Bob Klug!

At First Tee – Sandhills, we’ve been fortunate to grow under the guidance of leaders who believed in our mission from the very beginning. One of those foundational figures is Bob Klug, a founding board member, mentor, and tireless advocate whose legacy continues to shape our chapter today.

A Founding Visionary

Bob’s journey with First Tee – Sandhills began in the early 2000s, when he helped establish our chapter. As a longtime Pinehurst resident and owner of Pinehurst Area Realty, Bob recognized how golf could be used to mentor young people and build character. With his background in accounting and years of experience in both business and golf, Bob brought wisdom, heart, and a clear vision for growth.

A Lifelong Love of the Game

Originally from Pennsylvania, Bob played competitive golf in school and carried that passion throughout his life. After moving south, he met his wife Barbara through work, and the two built a life both on and off the course. When Bob competed in the British Amateur, Barbara proudly served as his caddy, a partnership that has only deepened over the years. Today, they share the joy of seven grandchildren, their own cheering gallery in life.

Leading First Tee – Sandhills

As board president, Bob was instrumental in expanding First Tee’s reach across the Sandhills. He forged partnerships with local schools, raised vital funds, and led signature events like the “Bucket List” fundraiser. His leadership helped establish First Tee – Sandhills as a trusted pillar in the community, offering programs that build character and confidence in young people. Even now, in an emeritus role, Bob continues to support First Tee as a mentor, volunteer, and champion of our mission. When asked what stands out most from his experience, Bob is quick to answer. It’s this heart and commitment that make Bob such a special part of our First Tee family. His legacy lives on in every child who finds confidence, every teen who discovers purpose, and every family who feels the power of community through our programs.

“Seeing the growth through the programs, the people, and most importantly, the participants. We get to mentor and encourage them to be their best selves. That’s why I’m here.” – Bob Klug

Guidance and growth: Inside the bond between a First Tee Scholar, mentor

One of the most impactful aspects of the First Tee College Scholarship Program is mentorship. Each Scholar is matched with a dedicated adult to support them as they enter college and prepare for life after graduation.

First Tee Scholar Esther Etherington is a senior at Franklin College, where she’s majoring in elementary education and nonprofit leadership with plans to enter the golf industry. Last summer, Esther interned with First Tee — Greater Charleston’s Pathfinder Program and served as a USGA Pathways intern at the U.S. Open. This past summer, Esther worked at her former chapter, First Tee — Indiana, as the site director in Richmond. Her team helped to successfully launch three new community partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc. and Townsend Community Center, reaching its highest number of participants since COVID-19, 160 youth.

Esther’s mentor is Hope Oaks, a Ball State University graduate. Hope is a health science systems specialist at Pfizer, Inc., and she currently serves on the board of directors for the Indiana Golf Foundation and the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. 

They shared their experience and tips on building a successful mentor-mentee relationship.

FT: Describe your experience as a Scholar mentor.

HO: I felt honored when asked to be Esther’s mentor because I had already been a witness to her leadership at First Tee when she would speak at our fundraising events while she was in high school.  Her confidence, authenticity and desire to share the gifts she was given resonated with me. 

FT: How did you build trust with your mentee?  

HO: My experience has been that trust is built with time and keeping commitments with one another.  My mentors have set a good example for me by creating a safe space to share questions, challenges, goals, disappointments, frustrations and the emotions that go with them.  It’s vital to know you can 100% show up and express your true self.   

FT: What is one word you’d use to describe your mentoring relationship and why?  

HO: Joy. Whenever the next thing on the calendar is coming up that we have set, I know that our time together will result in a happy spirit and a positive memory.  Esther inspires me and we both have similar humor.   

FT: Describe a memorable moment you’ve shared with your mentee. 

HO: One of my favorite moments was this summer when I spent the day observing and volunteering at Esther’s First Tee location in Richmond. Her organization and leadership skills are to be coveted. It was so much fun to see it all in action with her coaches, volunteers and students.  She was truly sharing her gifts with the world. The parents were happy their kids were in the program, and you could see the kids were delighted to be there and having fun while learning. Esther is a connection and networking queen, and she built a successful program in less than six months from scratch because of her reputation and genuine relationships in her community. She connects with each child at their level: kindness, care, thoughtfulness and fun are all in her bag of superpowers. She continues to inspire me as an example and I’m grateful for the opportunity this program has afforded us.   

FT: How has your mentor helped you feel more confident or prepared for life after college?   

EE: Hope has helped me feel more prepared for life after college by celebrating and capitalizing on my strengths. Her perspective has provided valuable connections, advice and friendship which has made me a better and more well-rounded person.  

FT: How do you feel your relationship with your mentor has changed your college experience? 

EE: The relationship that I have with Hope has been a transformative part of my college experience because she is a close member on my “go to” team. Hope is always a phone call or text message away.  

FT: Drawing from what you’ve observed in your peers’ mentoring relationships, what advice would you share with someone just starting out as a mentor? 

EE: When you are just starting out as a mentor, it is important to remember that the mentor and mentee relationship is a two-way street. Your mentor is there for you in the highs and lows of college and beyond, so effort and transparency are important.  

FT: Describe a memorable moment you’ve shared with your mentor.   

EE: We have had many memorable moments including going to a Purdue basketball game, the Indy Jazz Kitchen and lots of golf together. At the top of the list includes Hope traveling from Indianapolis when I was the site director at First Tee – Indiana in Richmond to volunteer with the kids. 

Back to school: Ohio teacher introduces thousands to golf  

Kent Hamilton is an educator based in Canton, Ohio, where he was named the state’s 2024 Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year. In this role, he teaches over 800 students at two schools.  

Kent grew up playing golf on his family’s farm, where he would use natural features, like a tree or fence post, as hazards or targets. This creativity has continued to inform the way that he brings physical education to life in the classroom.  

A few years ago, Kent began sharing videos of the creative activities his students were doing on Facebook. These videos showcase activities like bowling, basketball choreography and golf, all with the materials available in an elementary school gym. These videos have amassed millions of views, earning Kent recognition on ABC News, The Today Show and others.  

“As a PE teacher, I am always trying to advocate for my programs,” Kent said. His goal with sharing these activities on social media was to give a window into his classroom and show that each day is filled with activities that are both fun and intentionally designed to promote learning.  

As a member of the First Tee School Program, one of the units that Kent incorporates into his classroom is golf. Throughout this unit, Kent introduces the students to golf in fun and innovative ways, like by creating Topgolf bays or mini golf courses. At the same time, he also introduces them to the life skills that golf can teach. His students learn values like kindness and respect by complimenting each other’s good shots, or the ability to grow through challenge when their shot doesn’t go the way they want it to.  

In addition to the physical education, Kent also makes an effort to incorporate additional learning opportunities that go beyond the time his students spend in the classroom. He invited a local author and parent at First Tee – Canton, Tim Satava, to present at a reading night held at the school. Tim read his book, “You and Me Are on the Tee,” to the students in attendance and then answered any questions they had about both golf and reading. After that, the students had the opportunity to set up a mini golf course in the gym and compete against one another.  

With all of Kent’s innovation, it is no surprise that he’s earned recognition, like being named a Community Playmaker by the Cleveland Cavaliers.  

In the future, Kent hopes to continue to spread learning and joy through physical education and golf, both for the students in his schools and also for the community he has built on social media.  

“The school program is so important to give all students the opportunity to be introduced to golf,” Kent said. “There is so much joy in the game of golf.”    

Click here to learn more about the First Tee School Program or to get involved at your school.  

From SMART goals to bold dreams: Skyler’s leadership journey 

For Skyler Xue, an Ace participant at First Tee – Greater Washington DC, taking part in the First Tee Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore was nothing short of life changing. As a high school junior uncertain about what lay ahead, he found clarity and confidence through the experience, he said.  

The five-week workshop, which is held at PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country, helped him explore his strengths and values, while envisioning a career that blends his passions for golf and STEM. “The staff at PGA TOUR Superstore shared their insights on leadership and resilience, which had a lasting impact on me,” he said. 

For Skyler, one of the most impactful sessions focused on goal setting and career planning. Learning how to apply the SMART goals framework helped him map out actionable steps toward his dream of working in sports analytics. 

S: Specific 
M: Measurable 
A: Achievable 
R: Relevant 
T: Time bound 

Skyler aspires to use data to help athletes and coaches optimize performance. With a strong foundation in STEM and experience in data science and computational modeling, he’s already developing an AI-powered golf caddie that analyzes course maps and player data to recommend the best shot strategy.  

This project is a perfect example of his passion for applying analytical thinking to solve practical problems. 

Skyler is now heading home from Montana, where he attended the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The weeklong retreat builds on the skills taught during the in-store Leadership Series. 

Participants are encouraged to build confidence and grow through challenge as they try new things, like horseback riding, whitewater rafting and archery. 

Accumulating nearly 200 community service hours in 2024, Skyler is a junior coach at First Tee – Greater Washington DC, founder of his school’s math club and a member of the golf team. There’s no doubt the lessons he learned in Montana will be put to good use by this future leader. 

Learn more about First Tee’s teen participant events, and join PGA TOUR Superstore in supporting participants like Skylar by donating today. 

First Tee, PGA TOUR Superstore invite 40 teens to Montana for life-changing Leadership Summit  

 The event is supported by the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation 

EMIGRANT, Mont. (Aug. 4, 2025) – National youth development organization First Tee is proud to host the 2025 First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, taking place over the next two weeks at West Creek Ranch in Montana. Teens will spend an impactful week in the Paradise Valley, where they’ll experience leadership development, outdoor adventure and personal growth. Actor Michael Pena and Olympic medalist Kellie Wells-Brinkley will be guest speakers for Week 1 and Week 2 respectively. 

Leadership Summit is designed to equip participants with the tools and mindset to lead with character, overcome challenges and make a meaningful influence in their schools and communities. The immersive program encourages participants to step outside of their comfort zone and experience activities like horseback riding, whitewater rafting, ropes courses and archery. Throughout the week, leadership development experts and PGA TOUR Superstore staff lead reflective sessions to help participants identify their leadership strengths and values. 

First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore have a long and impactful history. This is the fifth year they’ll team up to host Leadership Summit at West Creek, a working ranch owned by PGA TOUR Superstore chairman and owner and First Tee board member Arthur M. Blank that borders the Yellowstone River and Gallatin National Forest. During the event, PGA TOUR Superstore staff will facilitate sessions on topics like communication and growing through challenges. 

“The Leadership Summit is one of the most memorable and meaningful experiences these teens will have at this stage in their lives. They learn about themselves, working with others, face challenges and build lifelong friendships,” said Ralph Stokes, Vice President of Social Impact, Partnerships and Community Relations, PGA TOUR Superstore. “At PGA TOUR Superstore, we are committed to investing in programs like this that empower young people to grow – as individuals, as leaders and as engaged members of their communities.”

“At First Tee, golf is just the beginning of what we do,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “During Leadership Summit, teens will explore who they are as individuals, who they want to become and how they can lead with purpose. It is one of our most impactful opportunities, and we are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for making it possible.” 

All participants must complete a leadership training course hosted by their local PGA TOUR Superstore before applying to Leadership Summit. This year’s group was selected from a competitive pool of applicants and represents 21 First Tee Chapters from across the country. 

First Tee offers a full slate of participant opportunities, including Leadership Summit, to further its mission of building game changers through golf. For more information, visit firsttee.org. 

Teed Up for Impact: Celebrating Pat McGowan’s Role at First Tee

To many in the world of golf, Pat McGowan is a name that carries weight. A standout professional, Pat earned PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors in 1978, landed a top-three finish at the 1983 PGA Championship, and spent decades competing at the sport’s highest level. But here at First Tee – Sandhills, we know Pat for something deeper than his achievements on the course: his unwavering belief in the power of golf to shape character, create access, and change lives.

As a Board Member Emeritus, Pat has been with our chapter since the very beginning, playing a foundational role in bringing First Tee to the Sandhills region. Alongside fellow golf advocate and Board Member Bob Klug, Pat championed the idea that golf could, and should, be a vehicle for youth development, particularly for kids who might not otherwise have access to the game.

“The opportunity First Tee gives to the community and these young players is unmatched,” Pat says. “Access, affordability, and mentorship, these are things that aren’t always easy to come by in golf. First Tee opens that door, and that’s the biggest reason I do what I do.”

Though he’s stood on some of the biggest stages in professional golf, Pat’s greatest legacy may lie in his local impact, sharing his knowledge, passion, and heart with the next generation. His dedication to mentorship and service shines through in everything he does, whether he’s engaging in programming, contributing to long-term strategy, or helping to raise the funds that keep our mission alive.

“There’s no way I could ever repay the game of golf for what it’s ultimately taught me,” Pat reflects. “But I can pass that gift on.”

Pat’s presence has been a steady guiding force in the growth of First Tee – Sandhills, helping us build a chapter that doesn’t just teach golf, but fosters belonging, belief, and a lifelong foundation of values. His leadership has shaped the way we show up for our community and for our kids.

Thank you, Pat, for your legacy of leadership, heart, and service throughout. Your belief in the power of the game continues to inspire everything we do. We are so excited you are a part of our First Tee family.

A Life of Leadership: Meet Jack, Volunteer Extraordinaire

At First Tee – Sandhills, we’re lucky to have incredible volunteers who bring their life experiences, passion, and heart to the course. One of those familiar faces is Jack, a man whose story speaks to the very core of what we teach: resilience, integrity, and giving back.

Jack grew up in New York as the eldest of six siblings, a natural-born leader shaped by responsibility at a young age. At just 13, Jack faced the devastating loss of his father, a life-altering event that forced him to grow up quickly. But in true Jack fashion, he leaned into the challenge, showing the kind of strength and character that would guide the rest of his life.

That sense of discipline eventually led Jack to the United States Air Force, where he served his country and laid the foundation for a career built on commitment and integrity. After his military service, Jack transitioned into banking, working his way up to become a senior officer, a role that took him across the country and around the world.

But despite all of his professional success, the hustle and grind of New York City began to take its toll. So Jack enrolled in a six-week course at Duke University, and on a whim, he and his wife decided to spend a night in Pinehurst. One night was all it took. The Sandhills had them both hooked. The peace, the charm, the pace. By the next day, they were touring homes. Just like that, they knew: this was home.

Still, Jack wasn’t quite ready to slow down. A lifelong golfer, known to play up to six rounds a week, he was looking for a way to stay engaged with the game he loves while making a difference. That’s when he found First Tee – Sandhills. For Jack, it was the perfect fit. Our mission aligned with his values, and the opportunity to invest in the next generation through golf was something he couldn’t pass up. Since then, Jack has become a cornerstone of our volunteer team. Dependable, encouraging, and always ready with a story or a smile.

When you ask Jack why he shows up week after week, his answer is simple: “It’s the kids. Watching them grow, not just in their swing, but in confidence, character, and values, it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve been part of.”

We’re incredibly grateful for Jack and the energy, wisdom, and heart he brings to every session. His story is a reminder that no matter where life takes you, there’s always a way to make a meaningful impact, especially when you lead with purpose.

Game Changers Academy – First Tee’s longest running participant event – celebrates 25 years of impact

The speaker lineup will feature a who’s who of Minnesota sports legends, including Maya Moore and John Randle.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 8, 2025) – Over the last quarter century, thousands of First Tee participants have attended Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., the nonprofit youth development organization’s flagship event, where they learn about inclusive leadership and community building. First Tee proudly announces the event’s 25th anniversary edition will take place July 8-12, 2025, in Minneapolis. Seventy-two exceptional teens from across the country will participate in the transformative week of leadership training and personal growth that will include visits to U.S. Bank Stadium and Topgolf Brooklyn Center, as well as the opportunity to stay on-campus at the University of Minnesota.

The First Tee Game Changers Academy is supported by AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands, and is designed to challenge participants to elevate their voices, embrace their differences and become advocates for positive change, both on and off the golf course. As First Tee’s longest running participant event, it paved the way for a full slate of unique teen opportunities.

The 2025 First Tee Game Changers Academy is headlined by guest speaker Maya Moore, a Minnesota Lynx legend who will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. Moore is an Olympic gold medalist, WNBA MVP and college basketball national champion. She’ll speak at a celebratory dinner supported by U.S. Bank. Throughout the week, participants will also spend time with NFL Hall of Famer John Randle and current Minnesota Vikings rookies, while engaging in interactive workshops, challenging conversations and immersive golf experiences.

“The Game Changers Academy is about giving young people the tools, confidence and support they need to become changemakers in their communities,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are proud to celebrate the event’s 25th anniversary this year and grateful to our dedicated partners – AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands – for making it possible.”

First Tee continues to serve children and teens of all backgrounds, using golf as a vehicle to build life skills and core values like integrity, collaboration and perseverance.

For more information about the Game Changers Academy and First Tee’s national opportunities, visit firsttee.org .

How Stephen Im has gone from First Tee participant to game changer 

Stephen Im’s golf story is about giving back to the community that helped shape him.

Stephen grew up in the inner city of San Diego, just minutes from Pro Kids, home of First Tee – San Diego. It was the 1990s, and “Tiger Mania” had a whole generation dreaming big. For Stephen, First Tee – San Diego quickly became his second home. “I describe my time at First Tee as the best years of my youth, when life was simple,” he said.

His journey through First Tee wasn’t just about swing mechanics or lowering scores — it was about building character and finding belonging. “The reason I credit much of my own development to First Tee has to do with my involvement during my teenage years,” he said. Being multiracial, Stephen struggled at times with identity and community, he said. “Learning who I was and what made me unique led me to develop better judgement.”

One defining moment of his youth came when Stephen was selected to attend the very first Game Changers Academy at Kansas State University. From navigating dorm life to playing one of the toughest golf courses in the country, Colbert Hills, the week was packed with new experiences.

Returning to Game Changers for a special anniversary

This year, Stephen returns to Game Changers Academy — not as a participant, but as a coach and mentor. The event, which focuses on inclusive leadership and community building, is taking place in Minneapolis and celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer.

Stephen is excited to be involved so he can help teens expand their horizons, just as he did decades ago. “There’s something about visiting another community that opens your eyes to the world we share with others,” he said. He hopes participants walk away with broadened perspectives — and the courage to inspire others through their experiences.

More than anything, Stephen is excited to spark those lightbulb moments. “Guiding teens to find their place in the world and giving them a safe space to express themselves. That’s what this work is about,” he said.

Coaching with Purpose

Since getting involved as a kid, golf has been an important part of Stephen’s life. While earning his degree from Cal Poly Pomona, he joined First Tee – Greater Pasadena as a coach and found his calling.

Over the years, Stephen wore many hats: coach, mentor and leader, becoming a Level 4 coach in 2020. Through his eight years in Pasadena, he watched young participants grow from beginners to high school graduates, and they, in turn, witnessed his own evolution.

Stephen returned to San Diego in 2023, and now he’s back in the same neighborhood where it all began, allowing him to bring experience and relatability “For the kids I get to work with now, I can literally say, ‘I’ve been in your shoes,’” he said.

He credits his own growth to the coaches who once saw his potential: “I can still describe a specific conversation with a coach from 30 years ago,” he said. “That’s the power of intentional mentorship.” He now strives to be a mentor for others by helping kids find their own strengths.

The Game Changers Academy is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities designed to keep teens engaged with the program. First Tee offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event, competitive golf opportunities and a community service workshop.

Finding balance: How First Tee is using technology to build character on and off the course 

One of the best things about playing golf is the chance to unplug – to step away from screens and into nature, where players can breathe in fresh air, socialize with peers and get some exercise. But as the sport’s popularity grows, many golf courses are operating at or near capacity. Add in factors like weather and transportation, and it becomes clear: green grass golf isn’t always within reach, especially for kids. 

That’s why meeting kids on their turf – in schools, online, and at community centers – has long been central to First Tee’s approach. It inspired the launch of the First Tee School Program and more recently, the First Tee app. While we believe time spent outdoors is time well spent, we also recognize that kids today need to build strong technology skills and learn how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. 

First Tee leaders Ben Jarvis, vice president of strategy and business enablement, and Ryan Graff, vice president of programs, regularly discuss both the opportunities and the challenges technology presents for young people, and for the adults supporting them. 

What parents should know about kids and apps 

“When evaluating apps for your child, start with privacy and data protection,” Ben said. Look for apps with clear, transparent policies that limit data collection. All of this information is available in the app store. 

To see if an app is age appropriate, Ben recommends reading reviews from trusted sources like Common Sense Media and checking whether it offers parental control options – many kids’ apps do. Parents can also research app developers to see if they have a strong track record and good reputation. 

Furthermore, there’s the matter of in-app purchase: “Check whether the app includes premium features that might lead to unexpected charges,” Ben said. 

Ultimately, determine whether new apps fit into your family’s screen time philosophy.  “Consider whether an app educates, inspires creativity, meaningful connection or develops skills rather than just capturing time and attention,” he said. “The First Tee app, for example, reinforces life skills and golf concepts through interactive activities.” 

Building digital skills – and character 

Technology skills are nonnegotiable, and today’s kids need more than just familiarity with devices. “Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate and analyze digital information critically, distinguishing between credible sources and misinformation,” Ben said. 

Exposing kids to technology in a healthy way can help ensure they understand how to protect personal information and navigate digital spaces safely. 

Equally important is helping kids develop healthy relationships with tech. “Families are searching for how to find a balance when it comes to technology,” Ryan said. “First Tee is impactful because it’s more than golf. Kids and teens learn valuable life skills to navigate the course but also other contexts such as school and extracurricular activities. We explore the values that are inherent to the sport, like honesty, good judgment and overcoming challenges – all of which are important in life and online.”  

In addition, First Tee provides opportunities to help kids build social skills with coaches and their peers within class, so attending First Tee classes can be a support in developing this balance. 

In a world filled with technology, there are lots of lessons we can learn from golf: 

  • Focus and presence: Golf provides a space with fewer external distractions and the opportunity to focus and be present with the golf shot before you – a rarity in a world full of notifications. 
  • Patience and delayed gratification: In an age of instant rewards, golf teaches that improvement comes through consistent effort over time.  
  • Good judgment: Golf’s emphasis on integrity – calling penalties on oneself, playing by the rules – builds the ethical foundation that guides responsible technology use.  
  • Face-to-face social skills: The in-person connections formed during golf provide interpersonal experiences that screens can’t replicate, building social confidence.  
  • Emotional regulation: Managing frustration after a bad shot by learning the 4Rs (Relax, Replay, Ready Redo) builds emotional resilience that helps children navigate online challenges.  
  • Strategic thinking: Golf can help build creative problem-solving abilities, like STAR (Stop, Think, Anticipate and Respond) that transfer to technological contexts.  
  • Physical activity and nature connection: The experience of being outdoors and moving provides essential balance to screen time, contributing to physical and mental health.  

According to data from First Tee and The Harris Poll, 85% of parents believe character is a “lost value” in society, and 93% agree that kids can learn life skills through sports. “Our coaches are trained not just in golf, but in youth development,” Ryan said. “That’s what makes the experience so impactful.” 

At First Tee, technology isn’t a replacement for these experiences; it’s an enhancement. As Ben puts it, “We’re preparing kids for a world full of digital tools. But more importantly, we’re helping them develop the character and confidence to use those tools with awareness, purpose and integrity.” 

Find a First Tee Chapter near you.