Tag: Inclusivity

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.

2024 Annual Review

2024 officially marked First Tee – Canada programming being available in every province across the country. In addition to this significant advancement, First Tee – Canada achieved another milestone by surpassing 100,000 participants since its inception in 2021. Last year alone, First Tee – Canada provided programming to over 84,500 participants at 386 program locations (golf facilities, schools and community centres) led by 239 coaches across Canada. Seventy per cent of programming was offered at no cost to participants and 74 per cent of partnered schools and community centres serve equity-deserving communities with 45 per cent of participants identifying as BIPOC and 41 per cent identifying as female.

First Tee Stats

The continued growth of First Tee – Canada reflects the sustained impact of corporate and champion donors driving the philanthropic excellence of the Golf Canada Foundation which experienced another banner year with more than $11.2 million in funds raised in support of the game of which $5.487 million was for First Tee – Canada and its six regional chapters across the country.

Read First Tee – Canada’s full 2024 Annual Review here.

Susan Wright-Cassan and Carly Crooks named 2024 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards

Wright-Cassan wins Community Leader Award; Crooks wins
Future Leader Award following submission of nominations
from the Canadian golf community

Duo will be honoured during the RBC Hall of Fame Day in August at the CPKC Women’s Open

Oakville, ON – Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation are pleased to announce that Susan Wright-Cassan of Thunder Bay, Ont. and Carly Crooks of Scarborough, Ont. have been named the 2024 recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards.

Following a national call for nominations to the Canadian golf community, Wright-Cassan and Crooks were identified by the selection committee as recipients of the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards. The recognition celebrates a pair of individuals who demonstrated excellence in using golf as a platform to positively impact their communities.

“On behalf of Golf Canada and the Golf Canada Foundation, we are very proud to recognize Susan Wright-Cassan and Carly Crooks as our 2024 Lorie Kane Community Spirt Award recipients,” said David McCarthy, President, Golf Canada. “Nominations were brought forth from across the country highlighting the many contributions of passionate individuals who willingly give their time to inspire others through the game of golf. Congratulations to Susan and to Carly for this deserved honour and we thank them for their continued contributions to the sport in their communities.”

Wright-Cassan has been named the recipient of the 2024 Lorie Kane Community Leader Award, having made a significant impact in her community where she has been volunteering for over 20 years. Wright-Cassan currently serves as the President of Golf Manitoba and is a member of the Emerald Greens Golf Course and Driving Range in Thunder Bay, Ont. Wright-Cassan earned her community coaching certificate from First Tee and has been teaching junior golf and supporting the introductory First Tee – Canada program in Thunder Bay. Among her many contributions to the game, she has organized a variety of programming including “Golf in Schools” for over 1000 students, “Summer Camps for Kids”, the “Thunder Bay Queens”, “Try Golf Day” held in conjunction with the Thunder Bay Multi-Cultural Association and the Superior North Ladies Golf Association which has an outreach of 800 kms. Last year, Golf Manitoba presented Wright-Cassan with her 20-year volunteer certificate in recognition of her involvement with course rating in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario.

“I want to thank those that have supported me in my golf endeavors. I am honoured to be the recipient of the 2024 Lori Kane Community Leader Award. I must thank the people with the First Tee Program and Golf in School, those that I’ve met teaching at the junior and adult levels, playing at club and competitive levels and especially to those that without thinking of it, have encouraged myself and others,” said Susan Wright-Cassan. “This is a game that I love both to play and share my passion. It is a game for all ages, juniors through senior. The social aspects at all ages, the discipline, self-imposed applications of the rules, health benefits, friendships developed and maintained over the years, and other countless benefits are a few of the reasons that I and many others are involved with the game. The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award will fuel me to carry on with the programs I’m involved with.”

Crooks has been named the recipient of the 2024 Lorie Kane Future Leader Award. The 21-year-old has dedicated her summers to coaching with First Tee – Canada, both in her community and across Ontario. After completing training as a First Tee – Canada coach in 2023, Crooks has coached in First Tee – Canada programming at the RBC Canadian Open, Golf Ontario’s Indigenous Try it Day, All-Girls First Tee along with programming at Tam O’Shanter Golf Course in Scarborough, Ont.

“Winning this award is so exciting, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing people in my corner,” said Carly Crooks. “Shout out to my coach, Sean Burke, for always pushing me to be better, and to my parents for their endless support. My twin sister has been with me through everything, and I’m especially grateful to the First Tee – Ontario team for getting me involved.”

Wright-Cassan will receive a $5,000 donation from the Golf Canada Foundation to advance a golf program or golf-related initiative of her choice. Crooks will receive a $5,000 donation towards her post-secondary education. Wright-Cassan and Crooks will be honoured during the RBC Hall of Fame Day in August during the CPKC Women’s Open at Mississaugua Golf and Country Club in Mississauga, Ont.

Submissions for the Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were evaluated by a selection committee that includes representatives from Golf Canada, the Golf Canada Foundation, Honoured Members of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame, industry representatives and the Golf Journalists Association of Canada.  

The Lorie Kane Community Leader Award celebrates individuals over the age of 19 with a demonstrated ability to lead community initiatives; who have contributed a measurable impact through volunteerism or charity; or have showcased excellence in their involvement with, or support of youth programs such as First Tee – Canada or other junior golf activities.

The Lorie Kane Future Leader Award honours a young individual who embodies community leadership; has a history of sportsmanship or demonstrated activities to make the game more inclusive; or an individual who has used golf to create a meaningful impact in their community.

The Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards were named to honour the Canadian golf icon for a longstanding commitment to advancing the sport, charitable work and giving back to the game that defined her Hall of Fame career. Kane is a member of the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Canada Sports Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Order of Canada.

A call for nominations for the 2025 Lorie Kane Community Spirit Awards will go out later this year.

Read the full story here, written by Golf Canada’s Mike Masaro.

First Tee – Atlantic Hosts a Girls Golf Series to Drive Female Participation

“It’s not often that golf, or sports in general, are just for girls,” said a mom of one of the 150 First Tee – Atlantic participants.

For the third consecutive year, First Tee – Atlantic has recorded the highest percentage of female participants among six First Tee Canadian chapters.

In 2024, over 8,000 young females were introduced to golf out east, representing more than half of the chapter’s participant base.

First Tee – Atlantic has prioritized female participation by hosting free golf events for girls aged five to 13. The events are hosted at golf courses across all four Atlantic provinces, with over 90 percent of participants being first time golfers.

Coaching at each event is female dominant, with a total of 16 female First Tee trained coaches supporting the initiative.

The force behind the Girls Golf Series is Emily Nickerson, program coordinator, First Tee – Atlantic.

“Sports helped shape me into the person I am today, so being able to motivate girls to try something new, make a new friend, or have a female coach to look up to is fulfilling,” said Nickerson. “If we can make a positive impact on even one girl and she sticks to golf, or another sport, then I’m happy.”

The series is bigger than golf – it’s about girlhood.

The two events in New Brunswick were hosted in collaboration with She is Active NB, an organization focused on enhancing barrier-free opportunities for women and girls to be physically active through sport and recreation.

At these events, participants learned more than how to chip and putt. After learning skills on the golf course, participants were led through a confidence building workshop, spearheaded by Meghan Beland at She is Active NB.

“That’s what sets First Tee apart from other junior golf programs or sports programs,” said Nickerson. “We focus on building golf skills with a life skills integration, and we are striving to break down barriers to reach underrepresented groups, like females, and make golf more inclusive.”

First Tee – Atlantic has been in operation since 2023 and currently offers programming at partnered locations across 16 golf courses, 46 schools and 23 community centres.

The goal for 2025 is to continue to increase female participation through more try golf series and introduce a six-week registered girls program supported by an extensive roster of female coaches.

The work First Tee – Atlantic has done to drive female participation would not be possible without a supportive network including the Calgary Foundation’s Daryl K. Seaman Canadian Hockey Fund, the four provincial golf associations, and community partners like the Multicultural Association of Fredericton and She is Active NB.

To help introduce more girls to the game and make positive impacts on young females across the Atlantic, please visit https://firstteeatlantic.ca/giving/ or https://firstteeatlantic.ca/get-involved/.

A successful inaugural season for First Tee – Alberta

This year marked the beginning of an impactful journey for First Tee – Alberta.  

In its first year of programming, First Tee – Alberta provided over 1,100 youth with low-barrier access to golf – and to a diverse group of participants. Nearly 40 percent of participants were female, and nearly 75 percent of families identified as part of an equity-deserving community. 

As Golf Canada’s youth development program, First Tee – Alberta joins five other chapters across the country to offer affordable golf programming that goes beyond the fairways to develop both golf and life skills. 

Through valuable partnerships with schools, community centres, and golf courses, First Tee – Alberta offers no-cost try golf events and affordable registered programming. All the necessary golf equipment is provided, and no prior golf experience is needed, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. 

The goal is to provide a positive association to golf for youth from all backgrounds, especially those who may have otherwise not had the opportunity. 

“Our goal is to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to experience golf and all the benefits it has to offer,” said First Tee – Alberta Program Manager, Michael Steele. “We are committed to breaking down common barriers of entry to the sport like affordability, accessibility, or unfamiliarity.” 

In its opening season, First Tee – Alberta onboarded four golf courses across Calgary, Edmonton, and Sherwood Park, all of which offered no-cost programming. The children learned golf skills like putting, chipping, and distance control, while simultaneously continuing to build on personal skills like confidence, honesty, and perseverance.  

Three schools and five community organizations also offered First Tee programming in 2024, and 13 First Tee coaches were onboarded and certified.  

In addition to scheduled programming and events, First Tee – Alberta’s presence was also made known at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open hosted at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, AB. 

Chapter staff activated on-site with a 50’ putt challenge in celebration of the tournament’s 50th anniversary. The activation, alongside a record-breaking 50/50 raffle, raised over $150,000 to directly support the continued growth of First Tee across Alberta.  

Over 50 youth from the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and the Youth Centres of Calgary also visited the tournament grounds for behind-the-scenes tours and First Tee clinics, where six LPGA professionals made special guest appearances for the children. 

Looking ahead, First Tee – Alberta prepares to expand into Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer in 2025, and strives to continue to provide life-enhancing experiences to youth through golf.   First Tee – Alberta’s growth and impact are reliant on a generous network of supporters. For those interested in giving back and growing the game of golf in their community, please reach out to [email protected] or visit firstteealberta.ca.

First Tee – British Columbia partners with community groups to serve equity-deserving youth across the province

For many children, golf is often seen as a sport that is unattainable to them. Whether it’s cost, finding a way to get to a course, or even the perception of the sport not being inclusive. First Tee – British Columbia (First Tee – BC) aims to break down those barriers and make golf more accessible for children of all backgrounds.

Since launching in 2021, First Tee programming has been delivered to over 33,000 youth across the province at nearly 70 locations including golf courses, schools, and community centers, with a coaching staff of over 55 coaches.

The goal is to introduce as many children as possible to golf, particularly those who might not otherwise have the chance, and to offer them empowering and positive experiences through sport.

A key contributor of the program’s reach and success is establishing meaningful partnerships with community and youth organizations.

First Tee – BC has partnered with nearly 20 community centres across the province. Additionally, youth organizations including Big Brothers BC, KidsPlay Foundation, the Central Vancouver Island Multicultural Society (CVIMS), and Extreme Outreach Society have come onboard.

Through these valuable community partnerships, First Tee – BC has already introduced over 4,000 children to golf through affordable programming offered in-house or through field trips and events at nearby partnered golf courses.

The connections being built in these communities are bigger than golf.

First Tee blends fundamental golf skills with life lessons. While children learn how to swing the club and about distance control, they also continue to develop skills like goal setting, perseverance, and self-confidence.

Perry Monych, First Tee – BC coach, encapsulates the personal impact this program can make.

“The most rewarding part is seeing kids, who might not have initially been interested in golf, return week after week with enthusiasm and willingness to take on more challenges,” said Monych. “The life skills they continue to develop through the program are invaluable and often more impactful than the golf skills themselves.”

One impactful way First Tee – BC strives to expose more youth to the sport is through try golf events.

These events are offered at no cost to community partners and participants and provide all the necessary equipment. It is an opportunity to introduce golf to children in a no-pressure, fun and inclusive environment.

In August, First Tee program location Highland Pacific Golf in Victoria, BC, hosted a try golf event for over 20 youth from the Extreme Outreach Society, an organization striving to break the cycle of addiction, poverty and homelessness.

Scott Stefani, program manager, First Tee – BC speaks to the importance of connections with community organizations.

“Community partnership is such a valuable resource, helping us to provide disadvantaged children and youth with opportunities they may not otherwise have,” said Stefani. “We are so grateful for community partners like the Extreme Outreach Society.”

The goal is for children to associate a positive experience with golf. Hopefully they make new friends, have fun with their coaches, learn more about the sport and discover more about themselves.

The next step would be to offer registered programming opportunities at a nearby golf course to children who are eager to stay connected to the game.

Through a supportive network of generous donors, First Tee – BC can provide no-cost events and programming and offer financial assistance opportunities to families in need. To contribute and help First Tee – BC continue to make a meaningful impact, please visit https://firstteebc.ca/giving/.

First Tee – Ontario partners with Indigenous communities across Ontario to positively impact youth

Golf Canada is committed to ensuring that golf reflects the strengths of Canada’s diversity. First Tee – Ontario continues to strengthen its allyship and existing bonds with Indigenous communities across the province to collaboratively provide meaningful experiences to Indigenous youth through golf.

To date, First Tee – Ontario has partnered with seven Indigenous schools and community centres across the province, including Akwasasne Mohawk School, Can-Am Indian Friendship Centre, Six Nations of the Grand River Community (Dajoh Facility), Hamilton Regional Indian Centre, Anishnabeg Outreach Centre, Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre, and Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte.

In addition, four partnered golf courses, including Roseland Golf Club, MontHill Golf and Country Club, Archies Family Golf Centre, and Briar Fox Golf Club are serving Indigenous youth through on-course programming.

“Having the First Tee program at MontHill Golf and Country Club provides youth on Six Nations of the Grand River with opportunities to learn the game of golf,” said First Tee – Ontario Coach, Melanie Burgess. “Being Indigenous owned, we take pride in reducing the barriers to participation in this sport.”

First Tee – Ontario builds out community “hubs” made up of partnered community centres or organizations, schools and nearby golf courses.

The intention is to first introduce children to golf through no-cost events or programming at partnered community centres and schools, then transition them to affordable on-course programming at nearby golf courses.

Thanks to the support of RBC and corporate donors, more than half of the First Tee – Ontario golf course locations serving Indigenous communities offer programming at no cost.

“Parents don’t need to worry about the financial commitment of typical junior golf programs or purchasing equipment,” said Program Coordinator, First Tee – Ontario, Kyarra Hasmatali. “The kids can show up as they are, with no experience, and have fun. Whether they have never held a golf club or are familiar with the sport, First Tee welcomes everyone.”

First Tee – Ontario has also received generous support from Indigenous Sport and Wellness Ontario (ISWO) through hosting Try Golf events and advocating for First Tee within their network. The ISWO’s efforts have helped build awareness and connections, onboard more program locations, and reach more Indigenous youth.

First Tee – Ontario programming primarily serves youth ages seven to 13 – a key stage in development, and programming is unique in the way it incorporates a curriculum that helps progress both golf skills and life skills simultaneously.

While participants learn how to swing a golf club and practice distance control, they are also learning about goal setting and how to be the most confident version of themselves.

“Improving golf skills is just one aspect of our program. The real goal is to build confidence and connections,” said First Tee – Ontario Coach, Steve Pronger. “As kids develop their golf skills on the course, they also gain self-assurance, learn to connect with others, and grow more comfortable with who they are each week.”

Looking ahead, First Tee – Ontario is excited to strengthen existing relationships and create new connections with Indigenous communities across the province.

First Tee – Ontario aims to expand programming in 2025 to include ages 14 to 16, providing additional opportunities for adolescents to discover and develop through the game of golf.  

The reach of First Tee – Ontario across the province, and within Indigenous communities, is made possible by a generous network of supporters who believe and share the mission of championing youth and growing the game of golf.

To get involved in your community, or to donate to First Tee – Ontario visit https://firstteeontario.ca/giving/.