First Tee of Tucson

The First Tee of Tucson is the one-stop shop for junior golf in Southern Arizona. On top of facilitating programming at nine golf courses, they also conduct junior tournaments throughout the entire year, known as the Tucson Conquistadores Junior Golf Program, SAJGA Series & Ricki Rarick Series. Both the SAJGA and Ricki Rarick were previously their own program but merged under The First Tee umbrella last year. To learn more about the TCJGP please visit www.tucsonjuniorgolf.com The First Tee of Tucson also has their own league within the Southern Chapter PGA Jr League. The First Tee hosts four teams out of El Rio golf course each season, and each team consists of 12-16 kids each. To be eligible to play on one of these teams, participants must be enrolled in The First Tee program and must be at least certified into the Par level or be invited based on their display of the nine core values. PGA Jr League is available to kids ages 7-13. For teenagers, The First Tee will begin offering a Teen League; participants must be enrolled in The First Tee program. Competitions will include participating in the PING Interclub season, as well as other special events hosted throughout the city.

The goal is to send every junior golfer in Southern Arizona through The First Tee program while also providing fun and competitive avenues for those who wish to take their game to the next level. The First Tee program is designed to teach juniors life skills and strategies to continue to build a better community. By attending classes, juniors will learn all the ins and outs of golf, how to play, how to practice on their own, and what opportunities are available to them. If juniors wish to become a great golfer, they can use the practice drills, games and tips taught in classes to practice on their own time. To become a member of The First Tee, there is a $25 membership fee with that each child will receive a shirt and hat with The First Tee logo. Each session (typically 3 or 6 weeks, in which class will occur once a week) is $10. No equipment is required and all registrations must be completed online through www.thefirstteetucson.org The First Tee also conducts free programming at various times throughout the year to the Boys & Girls Club, Rancho Sahuarita summer camp, Manzo & Satori Elementary schools, Nosotros Academy, and the Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind. The National School Program is active within the Marana, Vail, Amphi and Flowing Wells school districts. To get involved with The First Tee of Tucson please contact our office at 520-628-1555. Volunteer applications are also available on our website, www.thefirstteetucson.org T HE FIRST TEE OF TUCSON was established in 2006 with the support of the Tucson Conquistadores. The First Tee has developed into a youth development organization providing an array of proven programs that build self-esteem and encourage healthy behaviors while teaching the game of golf. The First Tee engages children from all corners of the community, especially disadvantaged children, as participants in their programs. During 2018, FTT provided youth development programs in greater Tucson, each emphasizing basic golf motor skills, core values and healthy habits for nearly 40,000 students at 80 elementary schools in the Tucson Unified School District and almost 1100 participants in the Life Skill Experience curriculum.

Programming is offered at nine golf courses throughout Southern Arizona; El Rio, Randolph, Crooked Tree, Sewailo, Rolling Hills, Country Club Green Valley, Forty Niner, Del Lago and El Conquistador. Programming is offered for 5-6- year old’s at El Rio only, while children ages 7-17 can attend programming at any of the nine locations. The classes that are taught at these golf courses are more than just learning how to play the game. Participants will learn about the nine Core Values (Respect, Honesty, Courtesy, Responsibility, Judgment, Confidence, Sportsmanship, Integrity and Perseverance) along with learning various life skills such as; self-management, interpersonal, goal setting and resilience. Participants advance through the program by meeting required hours spent in each level, being the correct age, passing written tests on golf knowledge and core values/life skills and lastly, passing the golf skills tests.

The journey through The First Tee program is a marathon, not a race. The coaches and volunteers are committed to delivering quality lesson plans and conversation starters to help the maturation of the participants. Once participants reach the third level of the program (Birdie) and are at least 13 years old, they are eligible to apply for national opportunities organized by The First Tee Home Office. These national opportunities include events such as the Joe Louis Barrow Life Skills and Leadership Academy.

In 2019, an Eagle level participant and University High School Student, Brock Nehls, attended the Life Skills and Leadership Academy. Brock was one of 100 junior golfers from across the nation selected for this great opportunity. Brock was able to develop and hone skills to become a better leader while also experiencing championship golf, career exploration and dorm living.

Participants of The First Tee of Tucson receive a Member Card, which grants them special playing privileges at all nine programming locations.