Feature Stories Archives - First Tee

RBC breaks down barriers to golf for Canadian youth

As a long-time supporter of professional golf, RBC deepened its commitment to the sport in 2021 with the launch of RBC Community Junior Golf and continues to support this initiative, which provides affordable access to golf for youth across Canada.

In partnership with Golf Canada, RBCsupports the national delivery of two junior golf programs, First Tee – Canada and Youth on Course.

First Tee – Canada, launched in 2021 by Golf Canada in partnership with First Tee, is a youth development program that offers life-enhancing experiences through accessible golf programming for young people from low socio-economic communities. Youth on Course is a complimentary program to First Tee – Canada that provides youth aged six to 18 with subsidized rounds of golf for five dollars or less.

Since 2022, RBC Community Junior Golf has engaged over 55,000 youth through providing First Tee – Canada programming at no cost and subsidizing green fees for junior golfers through Youth on Course.

“The growth of our programs and the ability to introduce thousands of young people to golf every year would not be possible without the steadfast support of RBC,” said Adam Hunter, Executive Director, First Tee – Canada. “RBC Community Junior Golf has expanded our reach and has played a pivotal role in providing communities across Canada with inclusive and affordable access to golf.”

All RBC Community Junior Golf sites across Canada, including municipal or publicly accessible golf courses, offer no-cost First Tee – Canada programming to participants with all necessary equipment, and provide participants with a complimentary Youth on Course membership to play affordable rounds of golf at participating golf courses.

At RBC Community Junior golf sites, youth in surrounding low socio-economic communities are prioritized access to the First Tee program.

Private, no cost registration links are shared with select schools and community groups, and RBC covers transportation costs to the golf course, to encourage participation from families who may not have considered golf as a sport for them.

RBC also covers the cost of First Tee coach certification, helping to onboard more dedicated coaches, increase program offerings, and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for participants.

Partnered schools and youth centres are also able to run First Tee programming in-house at no cost, with provided curriculum, training modules and equipment kits.

“We believe young people from all communities deserve the chance to play golf and reap the benefits the sport has to offer,” said RBC’s Chief Brand Officer, Shannon Cole. “Together with Golf Canada, we are breaking down barriers of entry to the game and bringing golf directly to communities in a meaningful and engaging way.”

Last year, in addition to the 36 established RBC Community Junior Golf sites, nearly 165 elementary schools, community centers, and youth organizations across the country partnered with RBC Community Junior Golf to further expand the benefits of First Tee programming. This expansion resulted in nearly 3,500 subsidized Youth on Course rounds being played at RBC Community Junior Golf sites alone.

Looking ahead, RBC Community Junior Golf will continue to grow the game, inspire the next generation of golfers and help make a positive impact in their lives, on and off the course.

First Tee – Premier départ Québec and FitSpirit provide secondary school girls a new swing at confidence

For the third year in a row, First Tee – Premier départ Québec has partnered with FitSpirit to introduce more young girls to sport — and to golf, for the first time.

Between May 6 and May 27, First Tee coaches were on site at all five of FitSpirit’s Celebration events, which brought together thousands of girls aged 12 to 17 from secondary schools across Québec. The events — held at community parks in various regions — featured a mix of physical activities, social connection and leadership-building workshops in an inclusive, all-girls setting.

FitSpirit, a Québec-based non-profit, focuses on promoting physical activity and wellness among teenage girls. Its Celebration events aim to help girls build confidence, try new things and experience the joy of movement.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with First Tee – Premier départ Québec to offer golf discovery at FitSpirit Celebrations,” said Élisabeth Lagacé, program advisor at FitSpirit. “A welcoming, non-judgemental introduction to golf shows teenage girls that they belong in this sport and that trying something new can be exciting, rather than intimidating.”

Each participant was given a card to collect hole punches by completing different activities. The First Tee stations — each led by one of four female coaches — offered a welcoming space where girls could learn golf fundamentals and develop life skills through sport. Activities included a chipping target practice and a distance control putting challenge, all rooted in First Tee’s emphasis on confidence, respect and perseverance.

The Celebration events were held at Parc Maisonneuve (Montréal), Parc de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres (Québec City), Parc de la Terre-des-Loisirs (Trois-Rivières), Parc Beauséjour (Rimouski), and Centre de plein air Hélène-Larochelle (Gatineau).

Across the five events, nearly 3,350 girls participated — many experiencing golf for the first time.

“Over 95 per cent of FitSpirit participants were discovering golf for the first time,” said Marie-Michèle Richer, program manager for First Tee – Premier départ Québec. “It was incredible to see them focus on their tee shots and celebrate hitting the target. The more they played, the more they connected — with the game and with each other. We’re grateful to FitSpirit for welcoming us and making it possible to share golf with so many girls.”

At the conclusion of this year’s FitSpirit Celebrations, participation at the First Tee – Premier départ Québec stations rose by 55 per cent compared to 2024.

First Tee – Premier départ Québec aims to continue working with FitSpirit each season, using golf to empower more girls across the province to be active, confident and brave with anything that comes their way.

Learn more at firstteequebec.ca/en/register or fitspirit.ca.

Jim Nantz welcomed as new Honorary Chair of First Tee during RBC Canadian Open

On May 23, 2025, Jim Nantz, a legendary broadcaster best known as the voice of CBS Sports, was named Honorary Chair of First Tee—a role previously held by former U.S. president George W. Bush. Read the full press release here.

Saturday, June 7, marked a special moment for First Tee – Canada as new Honorary Chair Jim Nantz visited the First Tee Game Changers Pavilion at the 2025 RBC Canadian Open.

First Tee is a youth development program that empowers youth from all backgrounds through golf, helping them build confidence, character and life skills both on and off the course. With Nantz lending his support, the program will continue to grow its presence and impact across North America and internationally.

Upon arriving at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ont. to commentate through tournament weekend, Nantz made a stop at the First Tee Game Changers Pavilion, where 20 young golfers were waiting to greet him.

He sat down with Golf Canada CEO Laurence Applebaum to speak with the group and share some words of encouragement.

“It’s a fantastic program to be a part of,” said Nantz. “When I see the First Tee program, which is expanding every year, and the commitment Golf Canada has made […] it’s been a rocket ship of success. Because when you get around golf, you learn to do things the right way.”

After the conversation, the group gathered for a photo with Nantz. To welcome him into the First Tee family, the team surprised Nantz with a congratulatory cake. The celebration continued with the presentation of a framed First Tee – Canada flag, signed by program participants.

First Tee – Canada extends its thanks to Jim Nantz for taking the time to inspire the next generation of golfers. His leadership as Honorary Chair is destined to further elevate the program’s reach and long-term impact.

Dear Coach: The Unsung Heroes of First Tee

In honour of First Tee Week, we are celebrating the incredible coaches, teachers, and community leaders who bring our mission to life—on and off the course.

Across Canada, more than 270 certified First Tee coaches are delivering life-enhancing experiences through golf at over 100 green grass facilities.

We are also proud to partner with passionate teachers and community leaders who have introduced First Tee in nearly 360 schools and community centres—more than 70% of which serve equity-deserving communities.

Thanks to their efforts, more than 170,000 youth have experienced the impact of First Tee since 2021—learning life skills that extend far beyond the game.

Being a First Tee coach is more than just a title.

At First Tee – Canada, golf is more than getting the lowest score—it’s about helping youth develop into the best version of themselves. This starts with the mentors in front of them.

Our coaches are role models. They guide and support our youth. They create safe, inclusive spaces where participants feel seen, heard, and ready to realize their full potential.

That commitment begins before stepping onto the course. Each coach completes Safe Sport certifications and training to understand golf as a vehicle to teach valuable life skills.

Through engaging activities, participants develop resilience, focus and leadership. Our coaches teach youth how to navigate life’s obstacles and remind them that failure is a stepping stone to growth.

To every First Tee coach, teacher, and community leader—thank you.

Thank you for leading with purpose and shaping the next generation of Canadian golfers, one swing at a time.

Become a Coach

Roseland Golf and Curling Club Honoured as First Tee – Canada Program of the Year

Windsor, ON’s Roseland Golf and Curling Club has been named the 2024 First Tee – Canada Program of the Year, an award extended by Golf Canada recognizing exceptional efforts to grow youth participation in golf.

Roseland stood out for its inclusive programming, rapid growth, and deep community impact.

“Roseland provided us an affordable way for our son to experience golf for the first time,” said a parent of First Tee – Ontario participant. “Not only was he exposed to the game, but also life lessons like patience and perseverance.”

Roseland has been offering First Tee programming since 2023, with a dedicated 9-hole par-3 course for their weekly program sessions. In 2024, participation jumped over 200%, with nearly 60 youth participating in weekly registered programming or introductory golf events at the course – at no cost.

Thanks to RBC’s support, First Tee – Ontario and Roseland were able to break down a common barrier of entry to golf, the financial commitment.

“It has been incredible seeing the growth of First Tee in Southwestern Ontario,” says Amaya Athill, Program Manager for First Tee – Ontario. “Roseland has played a large part in that. Their ability to connect with the community and collaborate with nearby youth organizations has introduced many families to golf who otherwise would not have the opportunity.”

Roseland’s certified coaches have also played a pivotal role in the community impact of the program.

“Being a First Tee coach is so rewarding,” said Roseland First Tee Coach, Steve Pronger. “We provide an opportunity for many kids who under no other circumstance would be able to come out and participate at a golf course like this.”

The Roseland coaching staff have fostered strong relationships with families and spearheaded unique initiatives at the course like Caddie Night, where First Tee coaches accompany participants on the course, helping ease the transition to individual play.

With a dedicated coaching staff like Pronger and his team, it is not a surprise that First Tee programming has grown exponentially in the Roseland community.

Looking ahead, Roseland plans to host a spring introductory golf event in collaboration with a local youth organization, alongside its summer eight-week program. A new intermediate level to their First Tee program will also be introduced, offering enhanced on-course lessons for returning participants who are ready to take the next step.

Congratulations to Roseland Golf and Curling Club on a standout year — it is proof that with the right support, golf can be a game for all.

Read more about the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf winners here.

How to make your golf course more inclusive

At First Tee – Canada, we value inclusivity and acceptance. There are many impactful ways you can make your golf course a more inclusive environment to everyone that visits.

Offer diverse programming

Provide a variety of programs or events for different ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. This includes golf programming for youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, specific tee times throughout the week for beginners, and encouraging women’s participation through women’s leagues or tournaments.

Get involved with your community

Build connections with local schools, community groups and organizations nearby to promote golf. This helps introduce golf and encourages participation among a range of individuals – from youth to retired folks who may have not thought of golf as a sport for them.

Provide accessible facilities

To ensure that everyone feels welcomed and accommodated at your course, restrooms, parking and walkways should be accessible to individuals of all abilities. Many courses also have gender neutral washrooms available.

Educate your staff

Provide education on diversity and inclusion to ensure that everyone feels respected and valued when they visit your course. At First Tee – Canada, we require all staff, coaches and volunteers to complete the Respect Group training program, as well as upholding Safe Sport Policies.

Provide affordable options

Financial barriers should never stand in the way of enjoying the game. Offering equipment rentals, affordable lessons, and special membership packages such as family rates or student rates are all options that can contribute to a more inclusive course.

Promote diversity

Highlight a diverse range of golfers, coaches, and staff at your course and through your online channels. In addition, think of ways your course can celebrate or acknowledge days of diversity such as pride month.

Get involved with First Tee – Canada

Become a Program Location

First Tee is offered at golf courses across the country. If you’re interested in becoming a program location, click here (https://firstteecanada.ca/chapters/).

Green Fees Grow the Game

In a few simple steps, you can support your community by adding a $1 donation to each green fee. Learn more about how to get started: https://firstteecanada.ca/greenfees/

What to expect at a First Tee – Canada session

Trying new things is a great way to build self-confidence. However, it can also be intimidating. While First Tee – Canada aims to create welcoming environments, knowing more about what to expect may help your family feel more comfortable heading into your first session.

Here’s what you can expect:

A warm welcome

From the moment you arrive, expect to be greeted by a friendly First Tee coach and/or volunteer. Coaches are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where every participant feels valued and supported.

As part of First Tee – Canada’s commitment to safety, all First Tee – Canada coaches and volunteers receive background checks and must complete Safe Sport and Respect in Sport training. In addition, First Tee – Canada coaches are trained and certified by the joint efforts of First Tee and the PGA of Canada.

Golf equipment and attire are not necessary

Come as you are! We provide appropriate junior golf equipment and encourage kids to wear whatever they feel most confident in. We recommend wearing comfortable closed-toe shoes.

Our coaches modify the equipment and activities based on age level and skill. Some participants or sessions start with plastic clubs and tennis balls to ensure a safe environment, then work their way up to feeling comfortable with golf irons and balls.

Intro to basic golf skills

Participants will learn the fundamental skills of golf in a fun and interactive setting. From gripping the club to mastering the swing, our coaches are there every step of the way to provide guidance and encouragement.

The First Tee program incorporates many other sports and games into sessions. For example, using unique versions of bowling or tic-tac-toe to teach chipping, putting speed, and distance control.

Life skills integration

First Tee – Canada is more than a golf program. We aim to provide kids with tools for success both on and off the course. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that continue to foster life skills like inner strength, self-confidence, resilience, honesty, and respect.

To achieve this, we incorporate a life lesson or skill into every session. For instance, if the life skill or theme of the month is honesty, the coach will discuss the importance of honest scoring and have teams keep track of their score during a game or competition. Participants will discuss amongst the group why honesty is so important in the game of golf and at school and home.

Empowering environment

Coaches and volunteers are there to offer guidance, support, and plenty of high fives. Here at First Tee – Canada, we celebrate every milestone no matter how small.

Even though you’ll find participants of all varying levels at First Tee, many kids can feel nervous during their first session. We like to remind them that every golfer was once a beginner! We all start somewhere.

What’s next?

How do you stay connected after your child loved their experience with First Tee – Canada? Sign up for our newsletter for updates and visit your chapter’s registration page to find spring, summer, and fall programming near you.

If your child is ready for a round of golf, check out Youth on Course to learn more about courses near you that offer $5 subsidized rounds for children under 18.

In the news: First Tee – ON x Global News

Integrating the game of golf with life skills for children

Susan Hay (Global News) visited with First Tee – Ontario participants at Oakdale Golf and Country Club in Toronto. These summer camp excursions in collaboration with community groups within the area introduce children to golf and the learning experiences that come along with the sport.

September 5, 2023 | Courtesy of Global News Toronto

Renewed Relationships: National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day

The world just turned its attention to Toronto for the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open. Meanwhile, First Tee – Canada is also taking a moment to reflect in honour of National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day.

This month serves as a reminder to acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the unceded traditional homelands of Indigenous communities, stand with those who are impacted by residential school systems and ongoing colonial structures and policies, and celebrate Indigenous cultures, traditions, and heritage together.

Canada recognizes three groups of Indigenous peoples: First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, each with unique histories, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs. Nearly two million Canadians identify as Indigenous.

First Tee – Canada is made up of five chapters: First Tee – British Columbia, First Tee – Premier départ Quebec, First Tee – Atlantic, First Tee – Ontario, and First Tee – Prairies, with First Tee – Alberta launching later this year.

Each chapter has unique and dynamic relationships with local Indigenous communities.

BC has the greatest diversity of Indigenous cultures in Canada. First Tee – British Columbia opened its first program location, The Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy, on traditional Musqueam First Nation territory in 2021.

Since then, it has expanded to over 53 program spaces and sold out every session this year. This summer, CPCK Women’s Open will be held at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, which is also located on Musqueam traditional territory. During tournament week, First Tee – British Columbia will host youth clinics at Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy, offer behind-the-scenes tours of the event grounds for local community groups, and provide children with positive experiences through golf.

Being home to more than 200 First Nations, First Tee – British Columbia hopes to continue to strengthen its existing relationships with Indigenous communities, but also strives to expand its network and collaborate with additional Indigenous communities across the province.

In Quebec, there are over 40 Indigenous communities across the province. First Tee – Premier départ Quebec currently collaborates with the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, the Cree community of Waskaganish, and the First Nation of Mashteuiatsh through First Tee golf course, school, and community programming.

The Quebec team also works closely with the Club 24 Athletics Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting young Indigenous leaders through sport and education.

Last year, First Tee – Premier départ Quebec hosted programming for 18 Indigenous participants. The team hopes to more than double that number this year.

In the Kahnawake First Nations reserve, there are seven golf courses in under 50 km. The community’s volunteer coaches are introducing as many children as possible to golf through First Tee, developing multisport athletes to open more doors in their futures.

First Tee – Premier départ Quebec has been able to provide most programming at no cost to participants, with an entirely Indigenous coaching staff.

Ontario is home to over 23 percent of all Indigenous peoples in Canada.

First Tee – Ontario currently works with Anishnabeg Outreach Kitchener and Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre to offer First Tee community programming at their locations throughout the summer and will provide an on-course fun day at nearby golf courses this summer, too. Ahkwesahsne Mohawk Board has also come on board and will offer First Tee school programming this fall.

Additionally, last week, First Tee – Ontario coaches supported Golf Ontario’s Indigenous Try Golf Day event held at Sandusk Golf Club and led First Tee programming for children who attended the event.

First Tee – Prairies and First Tee – Atlantic are in the beginning stages of building relationships with Indigenous communities within their provinces, but hope to launch programming soon, some even this summer.

The continued focus for First Tee – Canada is to build out community hubs of accessible pathways for golf participation through community centres, schools, and golf courses, ensuring the sport of golf reflects the strengths of Canada’s diversity.

Each chapter is dedicated to building trusting and authentic relationships with community organizations, stakeholders, and volunteers in their provinces to provide support for equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous communities.

Click here for learning resources about First Nations, Inuit, and Metis across Canada. Visit firstteecanada.ca to learn more about program efforts across the country.

First Tee – Québec facility named Program Location of the Year

Golf Canada recently announced its Junior Golf National Facility Awards, and a First Tee – Québec golf location has been proudly named First Tee – Canada’s Program Location of the Year.

The criteria for the award included a program location that demonstrated high participation enrollment in First Tee programming, engaged coaching staff, and made a significant effort to grow junior golf in their community.

The winning facility, Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire (Rouyn-Noranda, Québec) hosted 66 youth participants for First Tee sessions during the inaugural season of First Tee – Québec in 2022.

The dedicated staff, Claude Murray, Eric Villeneuve, Maeva Therrien and Emeric Janhevich, were the difference makers for this program location.

“We are so happy to be the recipients of this award. I wasn’t expecting a club from a small town like us to win,” said Coach Emeric Janhevich. “Our coaching staff puts a lot of time and energy into the children. Seeing them develop skills and have fun is rewarding enough, so to be nationally recognized for our commitment to growing the game, it’s amazing.”

Dallaire offered First Tee – Québec sessions to children aged five to 13 up to four days a week for four weeks last season. Clearly, it was well received. Dallaire also facilitated two field trips for nearby schools that were operating First Tee in their physical education classes.

“Before First Tee, we had junior camps and programs, but First Tee has brought our junior programming to another level,” said Janhevich. “We attended the First Tee coach training and learned so many new activities, ways to engage with the children, and how to integrate life skill development into our sessions. We ensured our focus for junior programming was to have fun and spread positivity.”

Golf Canada partnered with First Tee in 2020 to launch First Tee – Canada and provide youth with affordable and inclusive access to golf along with life-enhancing experiences through the game. First Tee – Québec fosters the continued development of life skills such as confidence, integrity, and perseverance through golf at golf courses, schools, and community centres across the province.

Thanks to RBC Community Junior Golf, a funding initiative accelerating the launch of First Tee – Canada in equity-deserving communities across the country, children were able to participate in First Tee programming and on-course fun day events at no cost.

“It’s important to us to involve the next generation of golfers and motivate them to see every aspect of what golf can be,” said Janhevich. “We look forward to offering First Tee and meeting new children again this season.”

Dallaire will offer First Tee – Québec again this year, with spring registration open and spots almost filled up. To find First Tee – Québec programming near you, click here.

If you are a golf facility, school, or community centre interested in becoming a program location, email [email protected] for more information on how to get started.

Mike Weir Announced as First Tee – Canada Ambassador

Canadian golf icon and philanthropist to help foster donor relationships and support the advancement of First Tee programming for children and families across Canada

TORONTO, February 21, 2023 – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Canadian Golf Hall of Famer and dedicated philanthropist Mike Weir has been named the first official First Tee – Canada ambassador.

As an ambassador for First Tee – Canada, Weir will support the program through attendance at fundraising events, helping to foster donor relationships, and broadening the reach of First Tee – Canada’s positive impact on children and families.

Born and raised in Bright’s Grove, Ont., the eight-time PGA TOUR winner and 2003 Masters champion has been a philanthropic supporter of Canadian youth for nearly 20 years through the charitable work of the Mike Weir Foundation.

First Tee – Canada provides affordable access to golf for youth across the country, striving to diversify and grow the game of golf to reflect the strengths of Canada’s multiculturalism more closely. Inclusive programming is delivered at golf courses, schools, and community centres introducing golf and providing life-enhancing experiences through sport to children.

“I am honoured to take on the role of First Tee – Canada ambassador,” said Weir. “Historically, golf has not been the most accessible sport for families to get involved with, and I am proud to be part of a program that is working with donors and community leaders to break down those barriers. My passion for golf and supporting children’s development is well aligned with the First Tee – Canada’s mission and I am excited to contribute wherever I can.”

“We are extremely proud to welcome Mike Weir as a First Tee – Canada ambassador,” said Golf Canada Chief Sport Officer Kevin Blue. “Mike has meant so much to Canadian golf and his altruism and charitable experience will help generate meaningful awareness of First Tee across the Canadian philanthropic community. We highly anticipate Mike’s ambassadorship adding to the continued advancement of the program, and its ability to positively impact Canadian youth.”

Weir, who took up the game at Huron Oaks near Sarnia, Ont. was recently named International Team Captain of the 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal Golf Club. As a philanthropist, the Mike Weir Foundation has raised over $8,000,000 for Canadian children’s charities since 2004.

“I have tried to use my platform for good and being a First Tee – Canada ambassador is an extension of that commitment,” added Weir. “I hope that my involvement can inspire supporters looking to introduce more children and families to the sport I love, especially those who may have otherwise not had the opportunity. I want to welcome youth to experience the game and develop important life skills they can carry forward through life off the course.”

Launched in 2020 with the generous support of the Golf Canada Foundation and its network of donors, First Tee – Canada has operating chapters in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, the Atlantic region, and a newly launched Prairies region. With programming in schools, at community centres, and at golf courses, Golf Canada’s goal is to welcome 100,000 First Tee – Canada participants by 2024.

Make twice the impact on the next generation this holiday

Last year, Golf Canada introduced First Tee – Canada, an accessible and affordable youth development program that teaches life skills through the game of golf. Your donation will directly support First Tee – Canada’s growth across the country and will provide children with empowering opportunities through golf.

From now until the end of the year your gift has double the impact as it will be matched through the Charles Schwab Challenge Grant.

In 2022, First Tee – Canada operated across four provincial chapters in British Columbia, Ontario, Québec, and the Atlantic region with over 130 locations delivering programming at golf facilities, schools, and community centres to nearly 23,000 youth. The goal is to launch First Tee chapters in every region of the country by the end of 2023 and to enroll 100,000 First Tee – Canada participants by 2024.

DONATE NOW

Through our generous network of supporters, we will reach more deserving youth across Canada, provide training, equipment, and activity guides to instructors, and provide financial assistance opportunities for participants. Together, we are Building Game Changers.

All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt.

Category: Feature Stories