The Unsung Hero
Our team of trusted, trained and caring coaches and staff develop meaningful relationships with participants that prepare them for what’s next – on the course, at school and in daily life. First Tee coaches and mentors set our program apart and change the landscape of their communities every day.
First Tee has 150 chapters across the globe, and they are celebrating First Tee Week with events, storytelling and programming. Find your nearest chapter to learn more about enrolling your child, volunteering as a coach and more!
Dear Coach, you taught me…
Click on the photos below and read the first-hand stories of how coaches have impacted our participants, alumni, staff and supporters.
Dear Coach Don,
Thank you for pushing us all to be our best selves. The lessons you’ve taught me have lasted a lifetime.
Larry Fitzgerald
Former National Football League Professional
Dear Coach McGraw,
You taught me that there is more to life than golf. Don’t let golf define you. You are more than your accomplishments.
Wyndham Clark
PGA TOUR Professional
Dear Coach Craig,
You taught me to embrace my true self and to be a confident leader. You have been a constant in my life, and I cannot thank you enough for your mentorship and friendship. You always provided opportunities for me to grow as a person and leader. You trusted me to coach the generations of tomorrow and peers at a very young age. You advocated for me to have a seat at the table, cheered me on during my life highs and knew how to support me during my lows. If I can be half as good of a mentor as you are to me, and pay it forward to someone else, I’m doing something right in life.
Thank you for being my lifelong mentor and friend.
Sincerely,
Brittany (Woo) Gill
First Tee – Greater Richmond alumna
Dear Coach Nick & Jessica,
Thank you for giving a kid on the Autism spectrum a chance to be successful at life. I’ll never forget you helping me out on national event applications. You instilled the values of respect and confidence, and I will always remember those lessons.
You changed the arc of my family’s lives forever. You will always have a special place in our family. Thank you for everything, and I hope I can continue to make you proud.
Warm regards,
Derrick Ow
First Tee – Monterey County alumnus
Dear Big B and Butch,
Thank you for being more than coaches! You both are two of the most impactful people in my life.
Rickie Fowler
PGA TOUR Professional
Dear Coach Jenae,
You taught me to always dream big and go after whatever I dreamed of. No matter the circumstance I was in, you always supported my dreams of becoming an LPGA Tour player. You’ve spoken highly of me to people when I’m not in the room, and you do the same when I am there. I know when I hear “Najae Butler” very loudly that it’s you, one of my biggest supporters. And for that and more, I’m forever grateful and will be your biggest supporter too.
Najae Butler
First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumna
Dear Ken,
Thank you for standing by me for the last 25 years. Through thick and thin, agony defeat and success. The stubbornness and tenacity you instilled in me is one of the big factors in why I am so successful now.
To continued success in the future.
Stephan Jaeger
PGA TOUR Professional
Dear Coach Brown,
You taught me how to not only keep my cool on the course, but how to apply these values off of the golf course. You created an inclusive and welcoming environment for me prior to my freshman year and provided me with opportunities to gain lifelong friends. I have loved getting to know you these past two years and look forward to the rest of high school golf with you as my coach.
Thank you so much,
Samuel Freeman
First Tee – Greater Richmond participant
Dear Coach Terry,
Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for your countless hours invested in me. Thank you for lighting my spark in my bigger purpose for life. Because of you I became my true self. Because of you I bought into every possibility for my future. Your guidance on and off the course helped transform me into a forever game changer. Because of you I will spend my life giving back to the future of First Tee, the future of golf, the future of the world.
“Put a golf club in a child’s hand and watch them grow.”
Look at me, Coach T. I’m all grown up now, thanks to you.
Cameryn Smith
First Tee – Coastal Carolinas alumna
Dear Eduardito,
Thank you for always believing in me. For letting me understand everyone has their own unique swing and allowing me to trust in myself and the amount of work we put in throughout the years.
Love you, buddy!
Rafael Campos
PGA TOUR Professional
Dear Coach Harry & Cole,
You taught me how to be an authentic Black man and golfer. Your example shaped my entire life. Not only did you deepen my understanding of the game, you prepared me for life! I wouldn’t be who I am today without you!
Kevin B. Banks Jr.
First Tee – Greater Chicago alumnus
Dear Coach Steve,
You taught me more than just the game of golf but how to face challenges with resilience, patience and determination. Whether it was navigating a tough round or confronting personal obstacles, you have helped me see that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Thank you for being a coach who mentors not just athletes but the person behind the game.
Kavya Shah
First Tee – Howard County participant
Parents believe coaches are essential to youth development
A finding with The Harris Poll shows parents turn to coaches to help build their kids’ character, self-confidence, determination and leadership.
Ninety-one percent of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire their child to excel both on and off the field.
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