"Help better the lives of as many children as you can ! Teach them golf and the values inherent to the games."

The First Tee, a not for profit organization, was established in 1997 by World Golf Foundation to do just that-----to better the lives of children from all areas, through golf and its values. It gained support from the Augusta National Golf Club, PGA of America, the Ladies Professional Golf Association, PGA Tour, and the United States Golf Association. President George Herbert Walker Bush serves as an active Honorary Chairman. The mission statement of The First Tee reads: To impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life enhancing values through the game of golf. Knowing that many children, especially those who are economically disadvantaged, do not have access to golfing facilities, much less golfing instruction, The First Tee established 100 golf learning facilities by 2000. And, now The First Tee program also goes into 2,091 elementary schools in 23 states. Over 500,000 children are participating in this program. This reaches children in all areas, and diversity is key. New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and Singapore also have The First Tee opportunities. All teachers and volunteers are trained and certified to teach golf, but also to emphasize the character development program. Golf is played indoors and out, in gymnasiums, on playgrounds and on affiliate golf courses. But, it can be taught anywhere. The nine core values around which the program is developed are as follows:

1. Respect
2. Judgement
3. Responsibility
4. Confidence
5. Honesty
6. Integrity
7. Courtesy
8. Sportsmanship
9. Perseverance

Golf is unique in that it depends upon the honesty and integrity of the players for its very existence. Golf has no officials to call a breach of the rules. Instead, each golfer reports his or her own score. Golf is truly a game of character. Children study these life enhancing values while learning to deal with the challenges of life. All this happens while they are having fun. Participants are taught through a variety of golf-related activities, and their progress is observed as they advance through The First Tee certification levels of Par, Birdie, Eagle, and Ace. Each level teaches different golf skills and applies the core values. Interviews were held with parents, guardians, and teachers to check the effectiveness of The First Tee program. The results were as follows: responsibility improved by 74%; school grades by 52%; communications skills by 74%; social skills by 66% and confidence by 76%. And, on the average, 75% of the children starting the program finish it. The First Tee also celebrates golf with the Wal-Mart Tee Open at Pebble Beach every Labor Day weekend. Talent and character of young people who participate at The First Tee facilities worldwide are showcased during this tournament that pairs one junior with a champion tour player and two amateurs. Seventy eight junior spots are awarded, and these 78 students of the game enjoy the weekend of a lifetime and may end up getting advice from Jay Haas or Clint Eastwood. The First Tee was designed for young people from age 8 to 18. It recently expanded to include a PACE Resource Center. PACE (Providing Assistance for Careers and Education) is helping participants with information about college scholarships and career exploration. At this time 180 scholars have received financial aid and are furthering their education and planning careers. All these students' lives are made better through the game of golf. But, the men and women who have made The First Tee a success know the truth............Golf is more than a game. "The First Tee is built around a wonderful sport while teaching these young people to serve others. It builds character and values. That's what I love about this program." President George Herbert Walker Bush Linda Porter