Category: Coaching

New Study from The Harris Poll and First Tee: Coaches are the unsung heroes of youth development

Parents rely on sports – and trained coaches – to help their children build character and learn life skills, including working with others.  

CHICAGO, Ill. & PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2024) – While 93% of parents agree that kids can learn important life skills from playing sports, four out of five parents also believe there is a shortage of high-caliber coaches today.  

That is from a new survey by global consulting and market research firm, The Harris Poll, and youth development organization, First Tee. The U.S.-based survey was conducted online in April 2024 with feedback from 2,049 adults.​ 

The survey captured data on youth involvement in extracurricular activities and sports. The data was also analyzed by gender, age, race, education, and income, among other characteristics.​ 

“Since our mission is centered on positive youth development, we think it is important to seek parents’ perspectives as the world around them continues to change and their kids face new challenges,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “It helps us better understand and serve youth, and in the case of this study, it reinforces the importance of our investment in training our coaches.” 

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. The training system is built on research-proven methods of positive youth development, providing coaches with the tools to make kids feel safe, included and empowered. As part of First Tee’s onboarding, each coach is background-checked and completes training from the U.S. Center for SafeSport. 

The key findings from the survey include: 

  • 89% of parents feel character is a lost value that should be more emphasized in today’s society – an increase of +4 percentage points from the 2023 survey. Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles. Parents understand that need, as nine out of 10 parents seek opportunities for their kids to build character. 
  • Parents believe sports can help close the character gap. Parents put their kids in extracurricular activities – with sports being most popular – for socialization and to build confidence. According to 93% of parents, children learn important life skills from playing sports.  
  • Parents believe coaches are essential to youth development. Parents turn to coaches to help teach their kids character, self-confidence, determination and leadership. 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire children to excel both on and off the field. 
  • Safety is critically important to parents. They prefer coaches who have been background checked, with 94% of parents citing it as a priority in today’s world and 83% wishing their child had more access to well-trained coaches. 

“While every generation confronts their own unique challenges, kids are facing new barriers to character development,” said Harris Poll CEO Will Johnson. “Our research findings make it clear: Parents, when registering your kids for the upcoming school year, don’t forget the critical development that comes outside the classroom.” 

This is the second annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee.  

Download the full 2024 Report. 

For the results of the 2023 parent survey, click here.  

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)    
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.   

About The Harris Poll 
The Harris Poll is a global consulting and market research firm that strives to reveal the authentic values of modern society to inspire leaders to create a better tomorrow. It works with clients in three primary areas: building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. One of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., The Harris Poll has tracked public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963, and is now part of Stagwell, the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS:     
Annika Mayers, First Tee     
[email protected]  
904-273-3513  

Addison Bidoli attends The 2024 Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis

Addison Bidoli, a rising 10th Grader at Jack Britt HS in Fayetteville and a First Tee – Sandhills participant, was selected as one of 72 teens nationwide to attend the Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis this past month. The seventy-two teens from across the country attended the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow Jr. where the teens participated in important conversations on topics like inclusivity and community building facilitated by RISE, a national leader championing social justice in sports.

Here is Addison’s Recap from the experience:

Day 1 Recap

I arrived Tuesday, July 9th. In the airport, I met an amazing group of people who I stayed close with the entire trip. We settled into the dorms, and started to get ready for the welcome reception. Before the reception, I met my roommate who was very sweet and we instantly got along! Between these events I began to meet the other participants and tried to get to know everyone I could.

At the reception after dinner, I sat with 3 other girls who I got to know, one of the coaches, and NFL hall of fame-r John Randle. We then had a few individuals go up and speak at a panel where we learned from people with different experiences and careers about inclusive leadership. We got to experience different perspectives and ultimately learned the importance of being an inclusive leader in the workplace.

Day 2 Recap

The next day we woke up and ate breakfast at the cafeteria on campus, and then left for Highland National Golf Course to play some icebreaker golf activities. My group started off at the chipping station. The intent of the game was to help build our confidence and I really enjoyed it! Our next station was full swing. We were asked to aim for a target out on the range and each target was paired with a unique question that I answered and discussed with my partner. It was exciting to learn more about the other participants and their past experiences. The last activity we attended was putting which was my favorite station of the day. We rotated around the green where we had to complete a different task at each hole.

We then ate a delicious pasta lunch and went back out to the course to play a few holes. I was partnered with three participants I had not had a chance to mingle with yet. I was able to make three new friends while growing my confidence!

After our morning golf activities, we went back to campus for our first lecture! It was with the RISE program. This had to be my favorite workshop of the whole trip! Our instructor was very engaging and easy to listen to. At the workshop, we were assigned to write 10 things that describe our identity. We rotated around the room and read our list to another participant, who then ripped off a word from the list that shouldn’t define us. We continued moving around the room and deleting words from our list until only one word was left.

I really enjoyed getting to listen and learn about the other participants and myself as well. The opportunity provided a fresh perspective to how you view yourself and what defines you.

After the workshop, we ate dinner at the cafeteria then started one of my favorite activities, the scavenger hunt. We had a list of items to find around campus, such as finding a building with a prime number or finding a map and taking a picture of our group in front of it looking lost. I loved getting to explore the campus like a student alongside an amazing group of people! Everyone was so kind and fun and we all got along so well. Our chaperone was awesome and added an exciting energy to the group.

Our day was coming to an end, and we made our way back to our sleeping arrangements. We stayed up for a while talking about everything we had done and learned throughout the day, and then said our goodnights to one another. After all the excitement, we were all tired and fell right asleep!

Day 3 Recap

After a good nights rest, we kicked off the morning at the golf course. We were split into groups of five and sent out on course to play a few holes. I was able to meet two new people and continue growing friendships with two other individuals I had already spent time with.

We then rotated around another set of golf activity stations focused on target awareness. I learned to block out the things I can’t control and put more effort into focusing on the end goal.

After an exciting morning of golf, we were surprised with an ice cream break! It was by the far the best ice cream I’ve ever had and one of the best parts of the day.

Later that day, we took a short bus ride over to TopGolf and met with one of the directors of the company. She spoke to us about being an inclusive leader and gave us advice and pointers. I walked away with a new found perspective on being an effective, inclusive leader and how to be open and responsive to others ideas and opinions and how to adapt to their needs in a leadership role.

Another guest speaker, Victoria Arlen, spoke to us about her life and corporate experiences. We were able to interact and ask questions about her experiences. She is an amazing women and a perfect example of what it means to persevere.

After listening to the guest speakers, we were split into groups again and played TopGolf games, in addition to eating some wonderful snacks. It was a fun, relaxing way to end the day!

Day 4 Recap

To round out our last day at Game Changers Academy, we participated in another RISE workshop. We used the SMART acronym to create a theoretical community service project. Each group shared their ideas and received feedback and suggestions on how to bring the service project to fruition. The objective of the workshop was to equip us with the tools to create achievable goals in our personal life.

We then went to a workshop hosted by AWS. Members of the company shared AWS mission statement and values and how they incorporate each one to create an inclusive work environment. We were split into groups and tasked with creating a theoretical leader based on one of AWS values and how that value could be presented by the leader in a workplace. This activity really tied in everything we had learned thus far at the academy and how we could apply it in our daily lives and as leaders in our community.

After a hearty lunch, we headed over to Theodore Wirth Golf Course to play an 18 hole scramble. I was paired with a positive, encouraging group that created a fun, competitive environment. This 18 hole scramble was the most fun I have ever had golfing competitively. The experience was really eye opening. I am usually stuck in a negative mindset and worry more about my performance than having fun. I was able to focus on my golf game with a positive attitude and actually have fun and enjoy my time on the course. This was my favorite part of the entire trip and the best way to round out our time in Minneapolis!

Overall, this trip allowed me the opportunity to meet so many kind, amazing people and see and try new things in a fun, supportive environment. Plus, I got to stay on a college campus and get a feel for what college will be like, as I will be attending soon. I definitely walked away with the skills and knowledge to becoming an inclusive leader. I sharpened my creative skills in finding solutions to create equality, as every person is so different. I look forward to taking everything I learned from my experience and incorporating it into my upcoming school year and daily life. Thank you First Tee for instilling confidence in myself and actions! I am beyond grateful for the experience Game Changers Academy offered me and I can’t wait to share a positive impact with my community.


Help your child stay calm with the 4 Rs 

There was a viral moment at the 2024 U.S. Open, when in a news conference, First Tee – Sandhills participant Tytus Solt asked World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler about staying calm after a recent triple bogie. 

“I think that’s something you just learn playing more and more golf, that bad breaks are going to come, but it’s more about your response to those things,” Scheffler answered. 

Everyone has highs and lows on the golf course, but the most successful players have strategies to control their emotions. And the important thing is, those strategies can be useful in tough moments off the course too. 

At First Tee, we teach the 4 Rs.  

Relax: “This can look a few different ways,” explained AnnaLeis Caldwell, from the Programs team at First Tee. “You might hum a song while walking to your next shot. You might close your eyes for a moment or visualize your next shot.” The former collegiate golfer said she uses breathing patterns to calm down while walking to her ball. “Every player may find something a little different works best for them,” she said. 

Replay: This technique is not just useful when you hit a poor shot, Caldwell explained. It is most effective when you use the 4 Rs to keep your emotions level, so you do not get too excited or upset. Replaying a good shot can help boost your confidence. Meanwhile, Bobby Jones famously said, “I never learned anything from a match I won.” Replaying a poor shot and considering what went wrong can be enlightening too. 

Ready: This is when you choose your target and club before completing your pre-shot routine, Caldwell said. Consistency and rhythm are important in golf, which explains why research shows that having a pre-shot routine can help you play better. 

Re-do: In this step, you put everything together, hit your next shot and start the process over again. “This is your opportunity to start fresh,” Caldwell said. 

Caldwell still uses the 4 Rs when she is playing golf but acknowledged there can be off-the-course applications too. “It could be helpful for kids during testing, maybe after receiving a poor grade or even while playing other sports,” Caldwell said. 

Find a First Tee location near you. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Patrick Dean

Patrick Dean, raised in Columbus, GA in a military family, graduated from the University of Georgia. He spent 25 years in the U.S. Air Force in Special Operations and Joint Special Operations. Twelve of those years Patrick served at Fort Bragg. Patrick has been a resident of Southern Pines and the Sandhills for the last 20 years! A lifelong golfer, Patrick’s family experienced first-hand the support youth received through the game in our community, so when the came up, Patrick decided he wanted to give volunteering at First Tee a try for a season. And, today, Patrick is hooked! Six seasons in, he has rarely missed a class of our 5 & 6 yr old program at Campbell House Field. This spring he dipped his toes into supporting the 7 – 9 yr old program at Southern Pines Golf Club. Patrick looks forward to each season as youngsters are introduced to golf, its valuable lessons and the positive learning environment provided at First Tee – Sandhills!

“Working with First Tee – Sandhills is so rewarding. Seeing a five year old arrive for the first time, timidly walking to the table to get their name tag and then years later the experienced golfer excited and ready to go out and play the game. It is truly a privilege. It’s amazing to watch the kids gain confidence, accomplish a goal, and experience all the life lessons that golf has to offer. Then, to get to share smiles and laughter with one another along the way. Nothing is better,” said Patrick.

Encourage your child to warmup before exercise this spring 

For many families, the return of spring means outdoor sports are back in play.  

Whether your children play golf or participate in other physical activities, it’s important to keep them safe. Did you know a third of childhood injuries occur during sports?  

One of the best ways to make sure your child is prepared to play this spring is by encouraging them to warm up before exercise. 

“At First Tee we utilize warmups in a couple different ways,” said Ali Miller, senior manager of programs training at First Tee. “If it has been a little while since your child has been active in sports or they are new to sports in general, warmups are a great way to get their body used to being active. Warmups also allow our coaches to build a foundation of movement that helps facilitate better golf technique using exercises and movements that your child may be more used to such as throwing or kicking a ball.” 

All First Tee classes start with a warmup, and coaches aim to make them fun, so kids feel excited about the rest of the lesson, Miller said. Not only is warming up healthy before exercise, but it’s also a great way to instill in kids the importance of preparing for a task.  

Miller recommends warmups that combine a few different exercises to focus on different skills and muscles. For example, she’ll combine skiers for balance and agility with lunges for strength and flexibility. 

“Lastly, I always have kids do some kind of throwing, kicking or hitting motion, which covers object control. All these actions mimic golf skills and help me see what kids are capable of movement wise,” Miller said.  

“I also usually organize these exercises into some kind of circuit or obstacle course to keep things fun and keep kids moving for the whole warmup.” 

When it comes to other tips to prepare for spring sports, Miller said kids are generally resilient, but it never hurts to take your child to the doctor for a physical, especially if they’ve been more sedentary over winter.  

“Our coaches place safety as a number one priority but parents can help by making sure kids are wearing golf or athletic shoes and clothing that is easy to move around in,” she said. “As always if your child has any allergies or physical limitations let your local First Tee staff know so they can make sure everything is in order and they’re set up for success.” 

Learn about First Tee programs in your area. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Joe Derosa

Born and raised in The Five Towns area of Long Island, Joe Derosa completed his bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate of advanced study degrees in education and administration at the State University of New York at New Paltz and State University at Albany. From there, he embarked on a 35-year career as a teacher, administrator, and baseball coach in the Arlington Central School district and Dutchess Community College near Poughkeepsie, NY.

Following retirement from teaching and coaching in 2005, Mr. Derosa relocated to Boca Raton, FL, where they assisted family with a new business venture and returned to coaching youth baseball. This eventually led to coaching opportunities with the Federation of Italian Baseball, where they spent six years teaching and coaching in Italy. In 2011, he returned to New York and volunteered as an assistant coach for the New Paltz baseball team until 2013.

Derosa’s journey eventually led to Pinehurst, NC where he learned about the First Tee Program in 2018. And, lucky for us, it was an instant fit! Derosa quickly became involved, volunteering under different coaches and embracing its curriculum focused on life skills through golf.

He first served as a volunteer under the leadership of coach Jim Curley at Pinewild CC, then added the program at Seven Lakes under
coach Bill Baker. From time to time, Joe filled in at Legacy Golf Links and Knollwood Fairways. Derosa embraced the curriculum built around “The Nine Core Values,” using golf as a platform to integrate and convey Life Skills to all participants.

When asked to reflect on any extra special moments at First Tee – Sandhills, Mr. Derosa said, “every session provides unique memories and teachable moments, however there is one that stands out above the rest. My first volunteer assignment was a clinic at Pinehurst No. 6. The lead coach assigned me to work at the chipping and pitching activity. Now, I am a mid-handicap player and this is the weakest part of the game… My hands turn to stone as I get anxious over sending the ball flying across the green or chunking the shot.”

He continued that as part of his ice breaker to encourage the kids to not be hard on themselves he shared this story, “as I was conveying my anxiety to the kiddos by saying I get nervous about hitting a bad shot in front of my playing partners, this one young girl stepped up to me and said she had a solution to my problem.” She stated, “the next time I am faced with that situation, tell the other golfers in my group to turn around and not look while I’m chipping! Precious advice.”

After sharing this sweet story from 2018, Mr. Derosa was quick to provide a kind review of our Chapter’s team. He shared, “The administrative and teaching staff from the Sandhills branch provide an outstanding foundation for delivering a comprehensive curriculum. They encourage sensitive observation, timely intervention, and multi-disciplinary teamwork. The on-site coaches and fellow volunteers engage in positive interaction to mold, shape, and refine their approach that makes it motivating and fun for all involved. Who would not want to be a part of that environment?”

We agree, Joe. And, THANK YOU Coach Derosa for your commitment to Building Game Changers.


Because of First Tee – Alumnae feature on Grace Kehoe 

1. Where are you today and how’d you get there? 

I am currently in my last semester of my undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University double majoring in Business Administration concentrating in Marketing and Foreign Languages and Literature concentrating in Mandarin. 

I was a Tournament Services Management intern for the 2022 Presidents Cup held at Quail Hollow Club. In 2023, I attended the Middlebury College Language School participating in an intensive language immersion program adhering to the Language Pledge, with emphasis on Chinese literature and culture. 

I hope to one day use my language proficiency to promote collaboration between the US and China while encouraging strategic stakeholder relationships and analyzing emerging markets.


2. How had First Tee positively impacted your life? 

First Tee offered a space for me to find community and mentorship. Because of First Tee, I have developed the confidence to trust my ability in navigating life. 

I have been encouraged to set goals and work towards them, always knowing I could turn to my mentors for guidance. One of these goals was to become the first participant of the First Tee of Greater Charlotte chapter to become ACE Certified. I have had the opportunity to travel to many incredible places across the US and meet wonderful people across different First Tee chapters. 

I played in the 2018 Pure Insurance Championship and attended many life skills and golf development academies. 


3. What advice would you share to participants in the program now? 

Embrace every opportunity big or small. 

Picking between my favorite memories at First Tee is impossible because walking down the fairways of immaculate and acclaimed courses around the world holds just as much weight as those walking down the fairway of Dr. Charles L. Sifford with the friends I made in my chapter. I would also say to give back to your chapter and community as much as you can. Volunteering within your chapter and neighboring chapters is a valuable experience that helps develop leadership and organizational skills. You only have so much time in your life to be a part of First Tee as a participant, make sure to embrace the connections that will last beyond that time. To this day I go to my mentors for guidance and advice as it remains helpful as life goes on

First Tee – Coachella Valley alumna and coach, Karla Garcia, on her journey with First Tee

Karla Garcia was born on March 11, 2002, in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico. 

She moved to Novillero, Nayarit at the age of 4, where she spent almost eight years with her maternal grandparents. She worked in her grandparents’ vegetable field during those years, planting, picking and selling vegetables. Karla and her older sister immigrated to the Coachella Valley in 2013 where their mother and stepfather lived. 

Karla’s stepfather enrolled her in the First Tee in the summer of 2013 when she was 11. It was there that she learned how to play golf for the first time. Karla didn’t speak English and couldn’t understand a word the coaches said to her but she enjoyed striking a small ball with a club. 

Karla started working as a lead instructor with the First Tee in 2021, and she enjoys passing on her knowledge to other young children. Karla has recently accepted the position as outreach coordinator, and she is extremely excited to be able to work and grow with First Tee. 

Karla is also a student at the College of the Desert where she is pursuing a degree in golf management. Karla intends to continue working with First Tee in order to make a positive impact on the lives of children. 

Coach Jordan explains why First Tee felt like the perfect fit  

Jordan Hall found her home at First Tee – Triangle during a college internship.   

As a sports management student at North Carolina State University, Jordan heard about First Tee through her school’s job board. After interviewing at multiple other places, she said that First Tee was the only place that felt right.   

“I walked in, they welcomed me, I felt that same sense of home and I knew that the program, the life skills, and development that kids were receiving as a result of being involved in First Tee was so similar to how I was fortunate to grow up. 

The opportunity to be a part of that and think that it could be a career for me was really awesome, and I’ve been here ever since,” said Jordan.   

Jordan’s passion is coaching and youth development. She is now the vice president of programs at First Tee – Triangle where she did her first internship seven years ago.   

Jordan is currently pursuing a master’s degree in parks, recreation, tourism, and sport management from NC state. She explained how she’s learned to grow through challenges and lean on those around her.   

“Starting grad school and balancing a full-time schedule and trying to find the balance between that and my personal life has been difficult.   

I’ve been able to lean on my friends and my peers for support, but also finding strength in routine and [using] some of the things I’ve learned through the game [of golf] to help me off the course as well as help me find that right balance,” Jordan said.   

Even with her busy schedule, Jordan still prioritizes her time with First Tee. She especially enjoys seeing participants that she taught in middle school go off and play in college or pursue their dreams and come back to the chapter to share all that they’ve accomplished.  

“There are so many little moments that over time add up to really big moments. In a lot of cases, it’s the kids you don’t realize you’re impacting,” she said. “You didn’t realize in the moment that you were impacting that child’s life.”   

Jordan continues to positively impact the participants at First Tee – Triangle and teach them the same lessons that help her to grow through challenge in her own life.   

Hannah Sudbury, First Tee – Tennessee Program Coordinator gives her tips on coaching while having fun with intention

“I’ve been working with First Tee for over 10 years now!”

Position with First Tee: First Tee Tennessee Program Coordinator 

How long with First Tee: I have been with First Tee – Tennessee since I was 15 years old (became a level one coach at 17 years old); 10 years over all! 

Why you joined the First Tee: I joined First Tee to learn about the game of golf! My dad really wanted me to try another sport other than softball and golf was next on my list. My dad found First Tee and I have been here ever since!

Your favorite memory so far with First Tee: I personally do not have one favorite memory with First Tee. My favorite memories include all the relationships that I have built over the years with the participants and their families. The love and support I have received from each of them has made my time with this program unforgettable. I hope to continue making these memories in the future!

If no one had heard of First Tee before, what would you say? First Tee is an incredible organization to get your kids involved in golf! Golf can be a hard sport to learn, but First Tee makes learning golf knowledge and skills fun by incorporating games and activities that are essential and engaging. First Tee is a great environment for young children to get out of their comfort zone and make new friends, while enjoying the game of golf. Not only does First Tee offer golf, but we also incorporate life skills in our curriculum that the participants can take on and off the course!

What would be your 3 tips of having Fun with Intention/examples of how:

1)  Create fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities; for example, “Hungry Hungry Hippos” for putting, “Frogger” for chipping, and Golf Baseball for pitching and full swing. All these games are somewhat familiar and can be played individually, groups, and in teams.

2)  Have incentives or rewards to provide motivation to participants!

3)  Socializing; for example, giving participants the opportunity to socialize with each other and coaches to build relationships. This leads to participants to be more comfortable, allowing them to be open and engaged throughout their classes.

Coach Leroy Bates says golf made him a better person. Now he’s sharing his passion in L.A. 

First Tee – Los Angeles coach Leroy Bates estimates he’s helped more than 1,000 kids earn college scholarships over the course of his decades long career. 

He tries to instill values like integrity and responsibility in addition to golf skills. It’s why he connected so deeply with First Tee’s youth development style when he first encountered the organization 20 years ago. 

Bates has helped at least 10 kids earn spots in the field of the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs golf legends with First Tee participants at Pebble Beach. He also attended First Tee’s Life Skills & Leadership Academy as a coach in 2019. 

He was sad when First Tee – Los Angeles folded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s thrilled the chapter relaunched and is now offering programming, he said 

“Now students are coming back and it’s out with the old and in with the new,” he said. 

 Golf is thriving in Los Angeles, Bates said, especially with the eyes of the golf world on Los Angeles Country Club, site of the 2023 U.S. Open. But not all kids have equal access to the sport in a state where transportation can be difficult. Bates said almost half the kids he coaches today live with a single parent.  

He knows that can be tough.  

Bates’ golf journey began in Selma, Alabama, where his grandfather – a retired Army colonel – owned a small driving range. It’s where his mom sent him in the summer when she needed extra help, and it changed his life. Bates collected range balls and cut the grass before going on to play collegiate golf and then on mini tours. 

He understands the opportunities golf can bring. He said he’s met new people and traveled the world thanks to the sport.  

“Golf made me a better person,” he said. “I learned to respect the rules. I learned to get out and be healthy.” 

First Tee – Los Angeles is currently offering programming at courses throughout the city including Chester Washington Golf Course, which was the home course of Charlie Sifford, the first Black man to earn a PGA TOUR card. 

“Chester Washington is a gem. It makes you smile when you go on-site because there’s so much diversity. There’s so much happiness and joy on the course,” said Kathy Bihr, vice president of programs at First Tee – Los Angeles. 

Last year, U.S. Open host organization, the United States Golf Association, supported 25 First Tee chapters in their efforts to make golf more accessible to kids from all backgrounds with donations totaling $325,000.  

Learn more about becoming a First Tee coach. 

Coach Kyle Believes in First Tee’s Positive Impact

Kyle Harris has been the Director at First Tee – Massachusetts for the past five years, but his involvement with First Tee started in Utah in 2012. 

Originally from Cape Cod, Kyle attended The University of Massachusetts Amherst before working in college athletics as a Sports Information Director for 10 years.  

Although Kyle began playing golf while in college, he did not find himself a part of the golf industry until being introduced to First Tee while living in Utah. 

One of Kyle’s friends was working to establish the First Tee – Utah chapter and invited Kyle to join him at a participant recruitment event. The weather was miserable, rainy and cold, and Kyle didn’t understand why they were standing out in it. That was until he met KJ, a young boy who was more than happy to stand out in the rain to try golfing.  

After missing the ball four or five times, he finally hit it and a big smile spread across his face. That was the moment that Kyle realized how impactful First Tee was and he has been involved ever since.  

After that day, Kyle spent much of his time volunteering with First Tee – Utah’s chapter. He helped to get programs off the ground, was a volunteer coach, and oversaw the certification program to help advance participants.  

“Always with this mindset, ‘Man if I ever had a chance to work with First Tee full-time I totally would,’” said Kyle.  

Kyle’s wishes were answered when a position opened at First Tee – Massachusetts. . Although he said he would have taken a job with First Tee anywhere, he appreciates the opportunity to work with members of the community he grew up in.  

“As an adult I’ve learned as much to apply to my own life as I’ve taught to the kids,” he said. 

 “I’m a better dad, I’m a better husband, I’m a better golfer, I’m a better person, I’m a better employee because of First Tee and holding myself to the standards that I want to hold the kids to.”  

Kyle believes that if he had been a part of First Tee growing up, it would have given him a better outlook on the world earlier on. He continues to mentor and encourage participants so that they can foster that positive mindset from the beginning.