Frequently Asked Questions

Golf Canada will manage First Tee – Canada national operations and work with provincial golf associations to launch a First Tee chapter in each province or region. Golf Canada, in collaboration with the provincial golf association, will hire a First Tee Manager to oversee the operation of each chapter and an additional staff position to drive fundraising for each chapter. These individuals will work out of the provincial golf association office.

First Tee programming will be delivered at program locations – including schools, community centres, and golf facilities – throughout each province or region.

First Tee – Canada will launch seven chapters nationwide by 2022:

• First Tee – British Columbia
• First Tee – Ontario
• First Tee – Québec
• First Tee – Alberta
• First Tee – Saskatchewan
• First Tee – Manitoba
• First Tee – Atlantic Canada

Each chapter will work with golf facilities, schools, and community centres to deliver programming at the target dates listed below:

• First Tee – British Columbia: July 2021
• First Tee – Ontario: August 2021
• First Tee – Québec: September 2021
• First Tee – Alberta: January 2022
• First Tee – Saskatchewan: Spring 2022
• First Tee – Manitoba: Spring 2022
• First Tee – Atlantic Canada: Spring 2022

Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada will strive to implement First Tee across Canada as quickly as possible. However, the transition to First Tee programming is substantial and requires significant resources to launch successfully. Accordingly, the implementation of First Tee chapters across Canada will proceed sequentially and in alignment with the intent of donors from various provinces who are making chapter-founding gifts.

Golf Canada will be offering the following junior golf support for provinces where First Tee is not launching in 2021:

1. Golf Canada Transition Grant – Funding support for each province to help offset junior golf programming costs.
2. Golf Canada Junior Skills Challenge – Each province will have approximately $4,000 in program costs covered. Golf Canada will also provide technology and customer service support through a new online leaderboard and website. The 2021 Junior Skills Challenge National Event will be hosted by Golf Canada as part of the CP Women’s Open.
3. Junior golf programming resources – Previous Future Links manuals, curriculum and drills have been ‘white labeled’ and will be sent to facilities by their provincial golf association.
4. Schools & Facilities – Programming at Future Links participating schools and facilities may continue until we transition these schools to First Tee in-school curriculum, with no online support provided.

Golf Canada will be offering the following support for golf facilities in provinces which have a First Tee – Canada chapter that are not First Tee program locations in 2021:

1. Golf Canada Junior Skills Challenge – Golf facilities are able to host the Golf Canada Junior Skills Challenge.
2. Junior golf programming resources – Previous Future Links manuals, curriculum and drills have been ‘white labeled’ and will be sent to facilities by their provincial golf association.
3. Schools & Facilities – Programming at Future Links participating schools and facilities will continue until we transition these schools to First Tee – Canada program.

Future Links, as a brand, will no longer be operational. The work done over the past 24 years through Future Links will be carried on through the First Tee brand.

First Tee – Canada is a partnership between Golf Canada and the PGA of Canada. The PGA of Canada will be responsible for all First Tee – Canada coach training. Also, lead coaches at First Tee golf facilities will be PGA of Canada members.

There are several ways you can bring First Tee to your community:

• Partner with a First Tee – Canada chapter: Each chapter works with multiple program locations to implement First Tee at the facility.
• Bring the First Tee – Canada School Program to your school: This program uses golf lessons to introduce students to character development during physical education class.
• Bring the First Tee – Canada Community Program to your local youth centre: This activity-based program was specifically designed for youth-serving organizations such as YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club.

Contact us for more information on how to bring First Tee – Canada to your community.

First Tee – Canada needs your support to accomplish our mission and connect with more youth nationwide. Your donation to First Tee – Canada helps strengthen the character of children and teens today. Together, we can change the game. Contact us or donate online today.

First Tee – Canada is seeking corporate partners who are interested in supporting youth development through golf in Canada. Please contact us if you are interested in exploring a partnership or sponsorship.