About Us

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.

Our Progress

Led by a dedicated board of directors, the commitment and generosity of all the major golf organizations in the United States, Foundations, and individual contributions, The First Tee Central Coast has grown rapidly.
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National Support

U.S. corporations and the golf industry have banded together and given there unprecedented support to The First Tee; nearly two dozen companies provide discounted goods and services to The First Tee Chapters throughout the country, thereby lowering construction and operating costs. National fundraising efforts have produced $45 million in financial support, which in turn has been used to leverage our local fundraising efforts. National youth service agencies such as the Police Athletic League, YMCA and the Boys and Girls Clubs have embraced the concept of The First Tee and we are coordinating our programs.
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Our Future Goals

As we focus on the next five years, The First Tee Central Coast has established ambitious goals to serve the young people in our community; to raise $1 million in order to enroll and support a minimum of 2,500 children at seven golf and Life Skills learning facilities in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County.
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More Than A Game

Welcome to The First Tee Central Coast (TFTCC) and the Life Skills Experiences. With the ten sites on the central coast, our youth service program is designed to advance educational and character development through the game of golf. TFTCC is open to all juniors 17 years and younger.
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Home Office Highlights

Our History

The First Tee has grown into a vibrant youth development organization reaching young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and other programming locations.
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Our Impact

How does The First Tee programs help young people?
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A Parent's Guide to The First Tee

What parents need to know about The First Tee and its programs.
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