First Tee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the stated goal of improving children's life skills through golf lessons. Based in Ponta Vedra Beach, Florida, the organization claims to teach more than 3.6 million youth annually through programs across the country and internationally. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan serves as chairman of the board of governors, which is composed of business leaders. Former President George W. Bush serves as the honorary chair; he succeeded his father, former President George H. W. Bush, who served from 1997 to 2010.

History

First Tee was founded in 1997. Started by PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, the organization began as a partnership among the PGA Tour, PGA of America, LPGA, USGA, and the Masters Tournament Foundation. In 2019, First Tee made the transition to a new nonprofit entity, PGA Tour First Tee Foundation. First Tee has featured in the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA Tour Champions event played annually in September at the Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Club in California.

Demographics

The participants of First Tee are children aged five to 18, with participants progressing through the program over time. Although the individual cost of participation is unclear, First Tee offers full scholarships and reduced fee programming for those with financial need.

First Tee School Program

Since 2004, First Tee claims to have trained educators at more than 10,000 elementary schools to teach physical education courses.