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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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/.
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.
In August 2023, the small town of Gladstone, Manitoba joined forces with the newly launched First Tee – Prairies program to create more accessible pathways to junior golf and make a positive impact on youth in their community.
Ivan Milne, the president of Gladstone Golf and Country Club, recognized the potential of First Tee – Prairies programming and was a huge part of bringing this initiative to life.
“I’ve always loved golf, and when I saw First Tee was coming to Canada, I knew it was something our community needed and could benefit from,” Milne shared.
The Westlake – Gladstone area has a population of 3,100 and faces unique challenges such as limited access to organized sports, proper equipment, and certified coaches.
That is where First Tee – Prairies stepped in.
There are currently six schools, Austin Elementary, Langruth Elementary, Plumas Elementary, Isaac Beaulieu Memorial School, Gladstone Elementary, and William Morton Collegiate, delivering First Tee – Prairies programming to students through their phys. Ed curriculum.
First Tee – Prairies provides online training for teachers, necessary equipment and turnkey lesson plans to deliver programming, all at no cost to the schools or participants.
Additionally, in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation, Recreational Director and First Tee – Prairies coach, Jesse Spence, has witnessed firsthand the positive impact First Tee has made on the community.
“Being a part of this program is so rewarding,” said Spence. “Without First Tee, many kids would not be exposed to golf or think of golf as a sport for them. My goal is to introduce them to golf here at school and make it fun and inviting so that they want to try it again.”
Sandy Bay’s Councillor, Jason Starr, and Educational Director, Rene Roulette have also helped grow the program within Sandy Bay.
In addition to Spence, four other dedicated coaches from the Westlake – Gladstone area including Darcy Zairwney, Mirv Spence, Morris Pelletier and Jason Lucas attended First Tee coach training administered by the PGA of Canada this spring.
“This is different than your regular junior golf program, it’s bigger than golf,” said coach Zairwney. “Each lesson plan integrates valuable life lessons learned through golf. We discuss the value of honesty when teaching them about scoring, perseverance after you hit a bad shot, self-confidence to believe you can sink that putt, the importance of respect and etiquette on the course, and more.”
Gladstone Golf and Country Club offers registered on-course programming and field trips for local schools and community organizations.
“We hope that many children can call First Tee – Prairies and Gladstone Golf Club home,” said Milne. “We want to ensure that kids from all backgrounds feel welcome here and find a sense of comfort on the course.”
First Tee came to Canada in 2021 and is Golf Canada’s youth development program that provides life-enhancing experiences through golf to children from all backgrounds. First Tee – Prairies is one of six chapters operating programming in its respective regions across the country.
Although newer to the Prairies, First Tee has engaged over 30,000 youth with free golf programming since last summer, across nearly 40 program locations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
This is only the beginning of a lasting impact First Tee – Prairies aims to have on this community.
“Who knows, the next Brooke Henderson or Corey Conners may come out of Gladstone,” said Milne. “If not, hopefully we created a golfer for life, or at the very least provided a positive impact on a child’s development through the sport we love.”
The growth of First Tee across the Prairies is made possible by a network of generous individuals and corporations who champion youth. If you are interested in donating to help First Tee – Prairies’ mission, please click here.
