Founding Partners

A fundamental strength of The First Tee is the direct support it receives from some of the game's most respected and influential organizations.  Their leadership has inspired others to embrace the mission of The First Tee. 

Masters Tournament The Augusta National Golf Club has provided start-up and development funding along with continued support and belief in The First Tee, its mission, goals and purpose. Through the Masters Tournament, funding and golf equipment have been provided to The First Tee Chapter in Augusta.

LPGA The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) has provided The First Tee with information, educational materials and curriculum models from the LPGA Urban Youth Golf Program, a community based junior golf program that was established by the LPGA in 1989. Several LPGA Tour members have participated in The First Tee events and are serving on local Boards of Directors for The First Tee Chapters. There are also a number of LPGA Teaching and Club Professional Division members who teach or manage programs for The First Tee Chapters throughout the United States.

PGA of America The PGA of America has provided start-up and development funding to The First Tee and made teaching grants available through its local Sections to fund golf instruction at The First Tee Chapters nationwide. PGA of America Professionals are personally involved; conducting lessons, mentoring young people and serving on The First Tee Chapter Boards of Directors.

PGA TOUR In addition to start-up and development funding from tournament proceeds, the PGA TOUR demonstrates leadership and assistance by lending its considerable resources to promote The First Tee, and by assisting Chapters with facility design through PGA TOUR Design Services, Inc. Additionally, many PGA TOUR members volunteer their time and services to participate in The First Tee Chapter events. A number of PGA TOUR tournaments provide financial and volunteer support to various Chapters of The First Tee.

USGA Through the United States Golf Association's "For The Good of the Game" Initiative, which is a $50 million grant program over a 10-year period, the USGA Foundation has provided start-up and development support to The First Tee as well as grants directly to The First Tee Chapters. The Foundation reviews grant requests directly from Chapters on a case-by-case basis for a variety of needs that range from golf course access and instruction to academic tutoring.