Be a Game Changer. Become a Coach!

Our Philosophy

At First Tee, we help kids discover what’s inside of them, guide them to strengthen it and mentor them to put it into action in everything they do. 

To do this, we need enthusiastic and caring individuals to serve as positive mentors and role models to kids and teens of various backgrounds. Our coaches’ ability to develop meaningful relationships with our participants is the backbone of our program – and we’ll provide all the training you’ll need.

Not only do participants and alumni credit their coaches with empowering them to discover their character strengths and develop life lessons, but coaches reap the benefits as well, experiencing their own personal growth and transformation.

What’s involved?

  • A passion for impact. We believe passion is contagious and we bring it to everything we do.
  • Personal growth through golf. We focus on the deeper side of golf. We prioritize personal growth of kids over their golf ability.
  • Culture of acceptance. We break down barriers that keep kids and families from feeling like they belong – no matter what walk of life.
  • Fun with intention. We believe personal growth happens when you’re captivated, emotionally invested and actively engaged.

Join us in helping kids discover what’s inside of them and guide them to strengthen it. Join us in Building Game Changers. Join us and become a First Tee Coach.

As you consider volunteering for our chapter, know that the safety of our kids is our first priority.  Please read our Prevention Policies to see how we conduct programs and activities at our chapter.

Are You Up for the Challenge?

First Tee currently has more than 3,700 coaches, including PGA and LPGA pros, as well as volunteers. But you don’t have to be a golf pro or even a good golfer. With the First Tee coach program, we provide the training you need.

Developed with input from leading experts in the field of positive youth development, our program focuses on empowering participants through decision-making and exploring options. This helps foster positive relationships between coaches and young people, inspiring the golfers of tomorrow to look to the future, set goals, and unlock their potential.

Coaches working through the First Tee coach program choose their own level of involvement. Our program is looking for both assistant coaches and lead coaches.

Assistant Coach: helps the lead coach run an 8-week on-course program involving 5-15 participants. Golf experience is helpful but no level of expertise is needed. Ideally volunteers commit to the entire 8-week session.

Lead Coach: in some cases a PGA certified professional, though an assistant coach can develop into a lead coach based on performance and additional First Tee training and certifications.

Volunteers can also provide assistance for our School Based programs, which is the First Tee program embedded into elementary and middle school PE classes. There are over 50 active School Program locations throughout our chapter.

Make an Impact Off the Course

We need more than coaches to make First Tee possible. Our chapters rely on volunteers — sometimes year-round — to accomplish our mission, and not all of those goals involve golf. Most chapters need support off the course as well. These opportunities include:

  • Fundraising & Events
  • Becoming a Board Member
  • Participating on Committees

By contributing your time and talent, you can directly make an impact in a young person’s life.

Learn More About Volunteer Opportunities

To become a volunteer, you must complete a volunteer application and screening process, which may include an interview about your skills and interests, a criminal background check, and it will be required that you complete an online SafeSport training course.