About Us

Our mission: First Tee – Western New York is a chapter of First Tee, an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to kids and teens. Through after-school and in-school programs, we help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance through the game of golf. And it’s making a difference.

2023 Annual Report

Please review our 2023 Annual Report to learn more about our Chapter’s activities in 2023.

Program Overview

A Youth Program Unlike Any Other

At First Tee – Western New York, we’re Building Game Changers by empowering kids and teens to be the best version of themselves.

By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with character-building, we create learning experiences that help kids uncover their inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that they can carry to everything they do.

Our trained coaches not only provide an introduction to junior golf and an opportunity to enhance golf skills, but they also create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to help your child prepare for life ahead, including friendships, school, college and even their careers.

Through our program, kids will learn skills that stay with them for life:

• Understanding and managing emotions
• Resolving conflicts
• Setting up step-by-step goals
• Planning for the future
• Appreciating diversity
• Golf fundamentals and advanced techniques

Advancing through the First Tee Program:

At each age group, participants engage with the 5 Key Commitments: Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, and Using Good Judgement, while focusing on mastering golf fundamentals and building upon a golf skill foundation as they advance within the program.

Age 7-9

• Be active and have fun with peers in a safe and encouraging manner
• Build inner strength and self-confidence
• Learn to play golf
• Focus on building relationships with other players while exploring the game of golf

Age 10-11

• Explore character concepts in active and collaborative ways that are valuable on and off the course
• Develop golf skills and enthusiasm for the game
• Support positive Game Changing behaviors in fun and meaningful ways

Age 12-13

• Explore both golf skills and characters commitments while having fun with peers
• Provide opportunities to demonstrate mastery and growth in golf skills and abilities
• Support growth and development of early adolescents

Age 14+

• Build character and support personal development
• Develop additional golf skills and abilities
• Look toward their future and plan their own paths
• Evaluate, reflect, and apply their understanding of life and golf skills to new situations on and off the course

Upon successful completion of the certification process, participants are prepared for the next level of programming.