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First Tee announces 23 new Scholars selected for academic excellence, leadership and service

In addition to financial support, First Tee Scholars receive mentorship and professional development opportunities

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (June 2, 2026) – Youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce its incoming class of Scholars, welcoming 23 exceptional young leaders into the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Selected from chapters across the country, the incoming Scholars represent the organization’s highest ideals, demonstrating outstanding commitment to academics, community service and the values they developed through years of First Tee participation. 

Young men and women from 20 First Tee chapters comprise this year’s Scholar class, including three collegiate golfers and four first-generation college students. They will arrive at universities across the country this fall, studying subjects including engineering, sports management, business, biology and more. On average, incoming Scholars have spent an average of 9.3 years with First Tee and boast a weighted GPA of 4.3. 

“The exceptional participants who make up this year’s Scholar class represent the very best of what First Tee stands for: a relentless commitment to excellence in the classroom, in their communities and to their character,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The First Tee College Scholarship Program exists to ensure that these exceptional young leaders have the resources they need to reach their full potential, and we are grateful to the donors and corporate partners who make this program possible.” 

New Scholars will be invited to attend a Pre-College Retreat in Ponte Vedra Beach this summer, where they will meet their peers, network with professionals and attend workshops to help them prepare for their first semester of college. 

Launched in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program provides selected alumni with financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities designed to help them succeed in college and beyond. Scholars participate in workshops, gain access to an expansive professional network, and receive ongoing guidance as they navigate their college journeys.  

Candidates are selected based on academic achievement, dedication to service and commitment to their First Tee chapter and community. The program reflects First Tee’s broader mission of using golf to teach young people life skills that develop character, extending well beyond the course. 

In April, leaders from Chevron, a supporter of the First Tee College Scholarship program, surprised Carlie Matengula (left) and Aarya Shewale (center) with invitations to the program during The Chevron Championship.

The full list of incoming First Tee College Scholars is below. 

Name Chapter University Major 
Riley Albright Central Ohio Ohio State University Sports Management 
Natalie Chen Silicon Valley Stanford University Business 
Noelle Gagnon New Hampshire Connecticut College International Relations 
Lilyanna Hathaway Colorado Rocky Mountains Colorado Mesa University Marketing 
Justin Hsieh Raritan Valley Rutgers University Aerospace Engineering 
Nick Huang Greater Seattle Northwestern University Electrical Engineering 
Riley Jamison Tennessee Palm Beach Atlantic University Communications 
Joshua Ju Tennessee Vanderbilt University Pre-Medicine 
Carlie Matengula Greater Austin Howard University Political Science 
Jasmine McGhee Greater Chicago Cornell University Psychology 
Colby Palacio Raritan Valley Rutgers University Accounting 
Ishani Patel Metropolitan Oklahoma City University of Oklahoma Biomedical Engineering 
Kailyn Peterson Idaho Boise State University Nursing 
Jack Polansky Greater San Antonio Berry College Environmental Science 
Lula Rivera Greater Wilmington North Carolina State University Engineering 
Alexis Roth Greater Charlotte University of South Carolina Sports Management 
Isabella Russo Florida Gold Coast University of Central Florida Engineering 
Aarya Shewale Greater Houston Texas A&M University Aerospace Engineering 
Sydney Socha Toledo University of North Florida Business 
Anabella Van Cotthem San Diego University of California, Irvine Biology 
Weston Wakefield Central Arkansas Southern Nazarene University Kinesiology 
Ashton Washington Tampa Bay Florida A&M University Finance 
Bailey Webb Colorado Rocky Mountains Ohio State University International Business 

Since its inception, 120 First Tee Scholars have benefited from this comprehensive support system. The First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of individual supporters and corporate partners. Learn more about supporting First Tee. 

From participant to coach: Libby Chamberlin’s First Tee story

This First Tee Week, we’re celebrating game-changing coaches like Libby Chamberlin. 

The youngest of three siblings, Libby watched her older brother and sister take classes at First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky for as long as she can remember. She wanted in. The moment she turned 7 and was old enough to join, she was ready. 

“I was ecstatic,” she said. 

Her siblings eventually found passions elsewhere, but Libby kept coming back, through middle school, high school and eventually into a coaching role she’s now held for six years. What started as a little sister tagging along has become a career shaped by First Tee’s values and the coaches who modeled them. 

Ask Libby what kept her coming back year after year before she even fell in love with golf, and she’ll tell you: the coaches. 

Tom and Mellisa Briner helped found First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky and helped shape Libby’s path. Swing instructor Bill Donaldson has been a constant presence throughout both her years as a participant and now as a fellow coach. 

“I want to give kids the same great experience with the program that I had,” she said. 

Game-planning for the future with Ace 

During her time as a participant, Libby was selected for two First Tee participant events: Game Changers Academy and Drive Your Future Academy. At both, she connected with participants from across the country and first learned about Ace. 

The seed was planted. 

In the spring of her junior year, Libby and her friend Abigail Laake decided to go for it together. They became the first participants at their chapter to complete Ace, meeting regularly with then-executive director Alicia Lawrence to work through it side by side. 

Libby remembers those meetings vividly — not just for the work, but for what they meant during a stressful stretch of senior year. 

“It was so helpful to have a mentor to consistently check in with,” she said. “I loved the way that the Ace experience encouraged me to create a game plan for life after graduation in all aspects of my life, like exploring ways to invest in my community and deciding how golf will fit into my life after I stop playing on a team. It provided me with an opportunity to explore who I am, what I want and what my long-term goals are.” 

A coach is born 

It was through volunteering in First Tee classes and serving as a role model for younger participants that Libby discovered her love for coaching.  

Alicia encouraged her to pursue it, and six years later, she’s still at it. Coaching part-time through college deepened her passion for working with young people and pointed her toward a career in youth development and education.  

She graduated from Transylvania University where she played golf while studying education and social change, developing a particular passion for literacy and learning outside traditional classroom settings. She’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in library sciences with a focus on public libraries and youth services. 

The thread running through all of it traces back her First Tee chapter and the coaches who showed up for her. Now a Level 3 coach herself, Libby is certified to teach the Ace curriculum. 

For any First Tee alumni thinking about getting involved again, Libby has a simple message: Reach out to your local chapter. 

“I know it can be hard to meet people post-grad,” she says. “Helping out with a First Tee class is a great way to dip your toes back in while also giving back to the community — and it’s a fun way to get back into golf yourself.” 

According to research from The Harris Poll and First Tee, 90% of parents believe coaches are the “unsung” heroes of youth development. But most parents also agree there’s a shortage of high-caliber coaches today. That’s why we’re honoring impactful coaches during First Tee Week, May 23-30, 2026. Learn more.

First Tee Week Is Here. Here’s How to Celebrate.

First Tee Week (May 23-30) is a nationwide celebration of everything the First Tee stands for: the game, the mission, and the coaches and instructors who show up every day to build character in young people. Here in Southeast Wisconsin, we’re marking the week with a Registration Rally, a celebration of our coaches, and an open invitation to the community to get involved.

Register This Week and Support the Mission

Summer programs are open and registration is now live at firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org/register. During First Tee Week, every new registration triggers a $5 donation from an anonymous donor to First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, and every new registrant is automatically entered to win a First Tee Week Prize Package.

Programs are available for young people ages 4-18 at sites across Southeast Wisconsin, including Noyes Park, Brown Deer Park, Currie Park, and Dretzka Park in Milwaukee, Rolling Meadows in Fond du Lac, and Washington Park in Kenosha.

Know a kid who belongs on the course this summer? Now is the time to sign them up.

This Year’s Theme: Dear Coach

The 2026 First Tee Week theme is “Dear Coach,” and it’s a fitting one. The coaches and instructors of First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin show up season after season to do something that goes far beyond teaching golf. They build character. They model resilience. They help young people develop the confidence and values they’ll carry for the rest of their lives.

Their dedication is a big reason we served 45,514 young people through First Tee programs last year, and why on-course participation nearly doubled between 2018 and 2025. That kind of growth doesn’t happen without people who genuinely care about kids.

If a First Tee coach has made a difference for your family, this is a great week to let them know. Visit firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org/dearcoach to learn more about the Dear Coach theme.

Get Involved

Register at firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org/register. Share this post with a family who should know about us. And if you’d like to support the work beyond registration, visit our website to learn about giving, volunteering, and partnership opportunities.

First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is building game changers. We’re glad you’re part of it.

Put Your Old Golf Balls to Work

Most golfers have a bag of used balls sitting in the garage, a sleeve from last season, a bucket of mismatched finds from the rough. Now there’s an easy way to turn that clutter into something meaningful.

First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin has partnered with BreakfastBalls.Golf as our Official Used Golf Ball Recycling Partner, giving donated golf balls a second life while generating proceeds that come back to support youth programming right here in Southeast Wisconsin.

How it works is simple. Drop off your used golf balls at any of our equipment donation locations. Our program participants get first access to what they need, so every kid we serve is equipped to play. Surplus inventory is then purchased in bulk by BreakfastBalls.Golf, with proceeds coming back to support our youth programming across Southeast Wisconsin.

And if you’re in the market for quality used golf balls yourself, use promo code FTSEW10 at checkout on BreakfastBalls.Golf for 10% off your purchase.

To donate used golf balls, find a drop-off location near you here or learn more about BreakfastBalls.Golf here.

Teeing It Up with Kappa League at PGA TOUR Superstore

Big smiles, big swings, and an even bigger reminder of why we do this work.

BROOKFIELD (Feb. 25, 2026) – At First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, we believe golf creates a powerful environment where youth in our community can learn and grow. Recently, we had the opportunity to bring that belief to life through a special junior golf event in partnership with Kappa League at PGA Tour Superstore.

From the moment the kids arrived, the afternoon was designed to be an experience. It started with something we think matters just as much as any swing tip: a conversation about growth. Participants dove into a lesson on growing through challenge, the idea that the obstacles we face on and off the course are often our greatest teachers. It set the tone for everything that followed.

Before picking up a club, the group got a full tour of PGA Tour Superstore. For many of the kids, it was their first time exploring a space dedicated entirely to the game, from equipment to apparel to training tools. Seeing golf through that lens has a way of making the sport feel more accessible, more exciting, and more like something that belongs to them.

Coach Tom breaking down the fundamentals with a participant on the putting green at PGA Tour Superstore.

Then it was time to play. Participants worked on their putting on the store’s putting green, learning the focus and feel that the short game demands. From there, they moved to the simulator for full swings, which created a high-energy experience that had everyone locked in and having fun. The afternoon wrapped up the right way: with pizza and good energy in the room. Moments like that, where young people are laughing, talking about their shots, and just being together, are a reminder of why community-based programming matters.

This event is a glimpse of what we are continuing to build at First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin. We are always looking for new ways to bring young people into the game and connect them with partners who share our vision.

Golf in Wisconsin Is More Than a Game

Here’s the Data to Prove It.

If you’ve spent any time around a golf course in Wisconsin, you already know something the numbers are now confirming: this sport runs deep in this state. It’s in the municipal layouts tucked into neighborhood parks, the historic courses where generations of families have played, the tournaments that draw visitors from across the country, and the charity scrambles that raise millions for local causes every year.

This week, the Wisconsin Golf Alliance released a comprehensive statewide economic impact study, and the findings are striking. Wisconsin golf generates $6.44 billion in total economic impact, supports 56,595 jobs, contributes $2 billion in wages, and returns $288 million in state and local taxes. Those numbers represent real livelihoods and real community investment across every corner of the state.

For context, the study notes that Wisconsin’s golf industry outpaces the combined economic contributions of craft beer, wine, local spirits, and Packers home games, sectors that most people would immediately associate with Wisconsin’s identity. Golf belongs in that conversation too, and this study makes that case clearly.

What the Numbers Mean for Youth Development

At First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, we spend a lot of time talking about what golf does for young people. We know, from the kids we work with every day, that the game teaches patience, accountability, respect, and resilience in ways that carry far beyond the course. But the economic impact study also shows what golf does for young people in a broader, structural sense.

According to the study, 97% of surveyed Wisconsin golf facilities support at least one youth development program. That includes junior golf, scholastic golf, and First Tee programs across the state. More than 30 Wisconsin courses participate in Youth on Course through the Wisconsin State Golf Association, offering rounds for $5 or less to junior golfers statewide.

These aren’t small gestures. They represent a coordinated, industry-wide commitment to keeping the game accessible and to investing in the next generation of players and community members.

Charitable Giving at Scale

One of the most remarkable data points in the study is this: Wisconsin golf facilities hosted more than 9,000 charitable events in 2023, raising $166 million for local nonprofits. Every single surveyed facility hosted at least one charitable event. The golf course has long served as a venue for community fundraising, and that function is now documented at a scale most people probably hadn’t considered.

Those dollars flow to youth development organizations, conservation groups, healthcare nonprofits, schools, veterans initiatives, and many others. First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is proud to be among the beneficiaries of golf’s charitable culture in this state, and we take seriously our responsibility to put those resources to work for young people.

A Sport That Is Genuinely Accessible

One of the most common barriers people cite when it comes to golf is cost. The study offers some helpful context: 55% of Wisconsin’s public golf facilities charge under $50 per round, and 87% of all facilities are open to the public. The picture of golf as an elite or exclusionary sport does not match the reality of how most people in Wisconsin actually experience the game.

Our programs at First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin are designed with accessibility at their core. Scholarships are available, and we partner to operate programs at Noyes Park, Lake Park, Brown Deer Park, Dretzka Park, Currie Park, Rolling Meadows, and Washington Park, all public courses that are woven into the fabric of their communities. We want every young person in Southeast Wisconsin to have a genuine pathway into the game.

What This Means for Us

We are a small organization with a big mission. We use golf to teach life skills and character development to young people ages 4 to 18. We couldn’t do that work without the golf community around us, and this study is a reminder of just how substantial that community is.

The $6.44 billion figure reflects the collective investment of course operators, equipment retailers, tourism businesses, tournament organizers, and charitable donors. It reflects the volunteers who show up to coach, the businesses that sponsor events, and the families who prioritize the game as part of how they spend time together. We are grateful to be part of that ecosystem.

If you’d like to support First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, or if you’re interested in learning more about our programs, we’d love to hear from you. And if you haven’t had a chance to read the Wisconsin Golf Economic Impact Report, it’s worth your time. The full executive summary is available through the Wisconsin Golf Alliance.

Read the Executive Summary

Coach Shayna: First Tee coaches are ‘building the future of the game and the character of the kids who will carry it forward’

Some people find golf. Golf found Coach Shayna before she could even see over the top of the flagstick. Growing up in Unionville, Missouri, Shayna was just 3 when her grandparents cut down a putter and packed her into their three-wheel Harley-Davidson golf cart, heading to their nine-hole course with sand greens.

“My grandparents were intentional about teaching me the game the right way,” she said. “They made sure I understood both the mechanics and the integrity behind golf.”

By 11, Coach Shayna was playing on real grass greens for the first time. By 13, she shot a 79 at the Timber Ridge Junior Golf Tournament in Memphis, Missouri — the best score of the day — with her Grandpa Gary, affectionately known as “Schoonie,” walking every hole beside her.

Blazing her own trail

Golf wasn’t always easy to access, especially for a girl growing up in rural America in that era. There were no First Tee programs nearby, no girls’ golf team at her school and no shortage of moments that tested her resolve. When she was excluded from a Father’s Day tournament because organizers believed there should be “no girls,” she didn’t walk away from the game. She found another way in.

Shayna earned a spot on her high school boys’ varsity golf team — and held her own in the top five all four years, competing weekly for the number one position. Golf was just one chapter in a standout athletic career that earned her 16 varsity letters across golf, softball, basketball and track. Her softball team was later inducted into the Missouri State Hall of Fame.

Finding her way back to golf

Coach Shayna stuck with softball through college, where she earned a degree in psychology before becoming a cosmetologist. Golf took a backseat as she moved to Florida and became a mom of five, but the love of the game never left.

“For years, I mostly daydreamed about it and occasionally hit balls in the yard,” she said. “But the desire to compete and be part of the golf community never left me.”

When Shayna began working with Dixon Golf, a tournament consulting company, the golf world started pulling her back in. The more she played, the more one organization kept coming to mind: First Tee.

“I knew firsthand how transformative starting young in golf could be,” she said.

About three years ago, she met First Tee – Gulf Coast executive director Marty Stanovich and signed on as a volunteer. In the fall of 2025, she achieved her goal of becoming head coach at Fort Walton Beach Golf Club.

The joy of coaching

Coach Shayna’s background is uniquely suited for the work. Her degree in developmental psychology, combined with raising five kids of her own, gives her a nuanced lens when working with young people.

“I know they are constantly growing,” she said. “They are resilient, perceptive and capable of more than they realize.”

With support from First Tee partner, Morgan Stanley, Coach Shayna recently reached another milestone – she attended First Tee’s Level 2 coach training in Tampa, where she learned more about the youth development organization’s Coach Philosophy.

“Being surrounded by others who care deeply about youth development and the game itself was energizing,” she said. “Learning together reinforced that coaching doesn’t have to be done alone.”

A message to future coaches

“My favorite part of coaching is all of it,” Coach Shayna said. “I love showing up, maximizing our time and creating an environment that is both fun and challenging. I see kids as intelligent, capable and full of possibility. My goal is to draw that potential out of them and empower them.”

For anyone on the fence about getting involved with First Tee, her advice is direct: Don’t wait.

It’s rewarding to impact not only children, but the broader community, she said. Almost every class, an older club member stops her or another First Tee coach to thank them for introducing the next generation to the sport they love.

“And that is what First Tee is really about — building the future of the game and the character of the kids who will carry it forward,” she said.

First Tee coaches shape character, build confidence and create supportive environments where every participant feels inspired to grow.

In collaboration with The Harris Poll, our research shows parents believe trained coaches are better equipped to teach new skills, demonstrate a dedication to safety and adapt to the needs of individual children.

Morgan Stanley donates $5,000 for each Eagle recorded at THE PLAYERS Championship to support First Tee’s coach training efforts. Over the last five years, First Tee has been able to send hundreds of coaches to valuable, in-person trainings, where they learn to teach golf and serve as crucial mentors for the next generation.

From the golf course to the spotlight: First Tee participant Cienna Collado brings her passion to TGL

First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant Cienna Collado aspires to a career in entertainment, and she’s found a unique way to boost her resume that incorporates her love of golf.

Through her First Tee chapter, Cienna earned the opportunity to serve as a ball runner for TGL, professional golf’s newest innovation. Her responsibilities include handing players their golf balls, announcing club selections and retrieving balls after they’re hit. But it’s the unexpected moments that make the experience truly special.

“My most memorable moment was when I was working one of the L.A. matches and Shonda Rhimes was sitting behind me the whole time,” Cienna said. “I was absolutely freaking out because I love her show ‘Scandal.’ After the match I actually got to meet her and she was the sweetest person. It will definitely be a memory I remember for a long time.”

A First Tee journey rooted in values

Cienna’s path to TGL began with her family’s decision to join First Tee. When her private golf instructor joined the organization, her family was drawn to First Tee’s values and mission. “It has come to be one of the best decisions we have ever made,” she said.

Through the program, Cienna has learned lessons that extend far beyond the golf course. “First Tee has taught me the importance of integrity,” she explains. “Especially on the golf course, no one is there to hold you accountable except for yourself. Through golf I’ve learned how much the game is a reflection of life. No one is standing by me all the time to hold me accountable, I have to do that myself.”

Breaking barriers in entertainment

While golf plays a significant role in Cienna’s life, her true passion lies in TV and film production. She’s heavily involved in her school’s production academy, competing at district, state and national levels. In her own time, she creates vlogs, produces and directs content, acts, anchors, reports and even hosts a podcast.

Looking ahead, Cienna has a clear vision for her future: pursuing a career in the entertainment industry while using her platform to inspire the next generation of female golfers.

“There is a severe shortage of female golf representation for young girls to look up to,” she said. “Even if I don’t play on the LPGA Tour, golf is a part of me and my story. I plan to be in a position where I would get to share that story and make an impact on the younger generation of female golfers.”

From the SoFi Center to the golf course and behind the lens, Cienna is well on her way to creating the representation she wishes to see in the world.

2025 Impact Report

See the difference you are making through golf!

Take a closer look at our 2025 Impact Report to discover how donors and partners like you made a lasting impact on kids and teens in our community.

Download

Actor, avid golfer Michael Peña joins First Tee as Brand Ambassador

Peña will support First Tee’s efforts to bring its game-changing golf and life skills curriculum to young people from all backgrounds

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 20, 2026) – Youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce that actor Michael Peña has joined the organization as a Brand Ambassador. As a longtime golfer, Peña is enthusiastic about bringing the sport and its inherent values to families across the globe. 

Known for roles in films and television series including “Ant-Man,” “A Million Miles Away” and the recent hit series, “All Her Fault,” Peña has been a dedicated supporter of First Tee since 2023, when he first attended the organization’s annual Leadership Summit as a guest speaker. The Summit brings together teen participants from First Tee chapters across the country for leadership development, networking and golf. 

As a Brand Ambassador, Peña will support First Tee’s efforts to reach kids from all communities with programming that uses golf as a vehicle to help young people build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. Through First Tee’s network of 150 chapters, the organization serves young people ages 5-18 with programs that extend beyond the golf course and into participants’ homes, schools and communities. First Tee also offers robust scholarship and alumni programs. 

An accomplished golfer himself, Peña regularly competes in pro-am events and has witnessed firsthand how the game can positively impact its players. 

“Golf has been an important part of my life, teaching me patience, discipline and how to handle both success and failure,” Peña said. “I’m honored to become a Brand Ambassador and help First Tee reach even more young people with programs that will help them succeed on the golf course and beyond.” 

“Michael’s genuine passion for golf and his commitment to empowering young people make him an ideal Brand Ambassador as we work to reach more kids with our life-changing programs,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Michael has inspired teens at our Leadership Summit with his authenticity and his message about the power of perseverance. We are grateful he is taking his valuable time and energy to support First Tee.”  

First Tee reaches more than 3 million young people annually through programming at chapters, schools and community centers. Peña joins three existing First Tee Brand Ambassadors: Actress and First Tee alumna Kathryn Newton and PGA TOUR players Alex Smalley and Austin Smotherman, who is also a First Tee alumnus. 

First Tee Joins National Alliance to Get More Kids Playing Sports

First Tee partners with PGA of America and Youth on Course to support Project Play’s 63×30 initiative

First Tee has joined the PGA of America and Youth on Course in a groundbreaking alliance to support Project Play’s 63×30 initiative, a national movement to increase youth sports participation to 63% by 2030.

The collaboration addresses a concerning trend: only 55% of children ages 6-17 in the U.S. currently play organized sports, down from 58% in 2017. The three organizations will work together to elevate youth sports participation through golf by removing barriers that prevent access to the game and promoting quality sports experiences for all young people.

“While First Tee’s mission is to help young people build character through golf, development of the game of golf has always been an important byproduct of our work,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “Aspen Institute’s Project Play is engaging an array of organizations involved in youth sports to work together. First Tee is proud to come alongside PGA of America and Youth on Course to support this initiative.”

Why Youth Sports Matter

Research shows that achieving 63% participation could deliver more than 1.8 million Quality Years of Life and generate $80 billion in societal benefits through reduced medical costs and increased worker productivity. Beyond the numbers, sports participation helps young people develop physical health, social-emotional skills, character strengths, and a sense of belonging.

“The benefits of youth playing sports are immense, for their own development, and our society as a whole,” said Adam Heieck, CEO of Youth on Course. “We have a collective responsibility in golf, to ensure our sport is accessible for any kid who wants to play, and that’s what this collaboration is about.”

A Framework for Quality Youth Sports

As part of this commitment, First Tee has endorsed the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, joining more than 500 organizations in supporting standards for youth sports that include safe environments, qualified coaches, and developmentally appropriate activities. This framework aligns with First Tee’s commitment to positive youth development and reinforces the organization’s focus on creating quality experiences for young people.

“Golf is showing what it means to be a team sport,” said Tom Farrey, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society program. “Leading organizations are working together in service of youth, creating a common language and set of aligned activities that holds the key to getting and keeping more kids in the game.”

What This Means Locally

As a First Tee chapter, First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is proud to be part of this national effort. The partnership validates the work our organization does every day throughout the region to make golf accessible and use it as a vehicle for positive youth development.

The collaboration positions First Tee as part of a larger movement and may create new opportunities for partnerships with schools, community organizations, and funders who share the goal of increasing quality youth sports participation.

About Project Play

Project Play is the flagship initiative of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program. Since 2017, it has engaged a cross-sector roundtable of leading organizations committed to getting and keeping children active through sports. Through research and community engagement, Project Play provides tools and resources so every child in America can access quality sports opportunities.

The 63×30 initiative takes its name from the national public health goal established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to achieve 63% youth sports participation by 2030.

Press Release

First Tee’s 2026 national events connect teens with mentors, experiences that shape their futures

Signature programs bring young people face-to-face with business leaders, professional athletes and life-changing opportunities

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2026) – First Tee is pleased to announce its 2026 lineup of national participant events, offering teens powerful opportunities to grow as leaders, athletes and changemakers. Through partnerships with leading companies, organizations and generous individuals, First Tee provides experiences that challenge young people to step outside their comfort zones and discover their potential in supportive environments.

These national events are part of First Tee’s broader commitment to keeping teens actively engaged during the critical adolescent years, a need underscored by research from First Tee and The Harris Poll showing that nearly 90% of parents believe character development deserves greater emphasis in today’s society. Through First Tee’s Ace capstone program, junior coach opportunities and immersive national events, First Tee builds essential life skills and creates lasting mentor connections that help teens navigate this pivotal stage of development.

2026 Participant Events include:

Leadership Series (March 2026): In partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, this five-week program guides participants through discovering their unique leadership values and strengths. It is held at PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country.

National Championship (June 21-25, 2026): The University of North Carolina’s Finley Golf Club will host First Tee’s top high school golfers as they demonstrate their character and competitive skills developed through the program.

Game Changers Academy (July 18-22, 2026): Now in its 26th year, this signature event returns to Minneapolis, challenging teens to celebrate their unique perspectives and create positive change in their communities.

Leadership Summit (Aug. 3-7 and 10-14, 2026): Leadership Series graduates can apply for this adventure-based learning experience at West Creek Ranch in Montana, where PGA TOUR Superstore executives mentor participants through activities like horseback riding and whitewater rafting, designed to strengthen their leadership capabilities.

PURE Insurance Championship (September 15-20, 2026): At the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, teens compete alongside PGA TOUR Champions players and connect with business leaders in an event broadcast on Golf Channel, blending elite golf with career mentorship.

Drive Your Future Academy (Oct. 8-12, 2026): In partnership with John Deere, this event brings young women to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to connect with accomplished female mentors from John Deere and other leading organizations and explore pathways for continued involvement in golf and leadership beyond high school.

Innovators Forum (Nov. 15-19, 2026): Participants collaborate with seasoned business and nonprofit leaders in Amelia Island, Florida, to design and launch community service initiatives that make a difference in their hometowns.

First Tee participant events provide opportunities for teens to pursue their interests, expand their horizons and grow as people. For some, these events represent their first time on an airplane, visiting a college campus or traveling on their own. This freedom gives teens the opportunity to use good judgment, grow through challenge and build positive self-identity.

“These events represent some of the most meaningful moments in our participants’ First Tee journey,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We consistently hear from teens, parents and coaches that these experiences help crystallize what is possible for their futures. We are deeply grateful to AWS, John Deere, PGA TOUR Superstore, PURE Insurance, Topgolf and countless individual supporters who invest in these life-changing opportunities.”

First Tee’s national participant events serve more than 300 teens annually. Interested teens and parents should reach out to their local First Tee chapter for application information. The First Tee National Championship, Game Changers Academy and PURE Insurance Championship are currently accepting applications through March 18. High school seniors can also apply for the First Tee College Scholarship Program.

First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization that empowers young people through the game of golf, helping them develop inner strength, confidence and life skills they’ll use on and off the course.