Why Golf?

Golf is unique from other sports because players learn values like honesty and responsibility by calling penalties on themselves and reporting their own score. The sport is a perfect platform for helping young people develop character because just like in life, players experience the highs and lows of the game. Because our mission is broader than simply teaching young people how to play golf, The First Tee of EBRP also has a strong character development component - the Life Skills Experience. Life Skills is one of the unique features differentiating our organization from other successful junior golf programs. Through Life Skills, young people inherit more than the ability to understand and enjoy the game of golf. Participants are taught important Life Skills that encourage improved self-image, positive attitude, problem solving, decision-making, integrity, and sportsmanship. Taught and reinforced through a variety of golf-related exercises, these life skills are designed to help young people apply values from the golf course to everyday life. Through the Life Skills experience, as opportunities on the golf course expand, so do the opportunities for a participant's future. Graduates of The First Tee are eligible for scholarships, awards and recognition for contributions made to their community through The First Tee programs.