The First Tee is a program of the World Golf Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, envisioned in 1997 to provide young people from age seven to seventeen an opportunity to develop character education, life-enhancing skills and values, through the game of golf. Central Coast Junior Golf, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) Chapter of The First Tee licensed to do business as The First Tee of Central Coast in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Through The First Tee Life Skills experience, youths participating in the program learn valuable lessons and life skills, including: the importance of maintaining a positive attitude; how to make decisions by thinking about the possible consequences; and how to define and set goals. In addition, and of central importance to the program, participants are taught how values such as honesty, integrity, responsibility, respect, confidence, judgment, perseverance, courtesy and sportsmanship apply to every day life.
Utilizing a curriculum based on established educational and psychological principles and taught by highly qualified and skilled instructors, The First Tee is having significant success in capitalizing on golf’s ability to teach core human and character values to the young people who participate in our program. We provide lessons that not only will have a lasting positive influence on their character and their lives, but also will educate and motivate them to become responsible and productive members of their communities.
The young people proceed through three levels of formal Life Skills instruction: Par, Birdie and Eagle. The Par level focuses on fundamental communication and self –management skills. The Birdie level deals primarily with goal-setting. The Eagle level provides participants with advanced instruction and practice in mastering Par and Birdie level skills, as well as conflict management, mentoring and career planning. To progress in the program, participants must demonstrate that they understand and can apply the core life skills by answering written questions and performing various skills for an instructor. When they meet certification requirements, the children progress to the next level.
