© 2015 The First Tee. All rights reserved. Use with permission.

Many corporations, foundations and individuals have believed in The First Tee’s mission since 1997, creating the foundation for our impact and growth across the United States and select international locations.

Because of their support, The First Tee offers extraordinary opportunities for young people to expand their perspectives and prepare for the future.

Groundwork for Success

The First Tee Nine Core Values The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits

1 HONESTY - Golf is unique from other sports in that players

regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score.

2 INTEGRITY - Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players

are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf

course even at times when others may not be looking.

3 SPORTSMANSHIP - Players must know and abide by the

rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and

respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.

4 RESPECT - In golf it is important to show respect for oneself,

playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the

honor and traditions of the game.

5 CONFIDENCE - Confidence plays a key role in the level of

play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their

abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing

well regardless of the outcome.

6 RESPONSIBILITY - Players are responsible for their actions

on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots,

rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the

pace of play.

7 PERSEVERANCE - To succeed in golf, players must continue

through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from

past experiences.

8 COURTESY - A round of golf should begin and end with a

handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be

still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.

9 JUDGMENT - Using good judgment is very important in golf.

It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection,

when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players

consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the

golf course.

PHYSICAL HEALTH is the result of regular physical activity (Play), proper diet and nutrition (Energy), and incorporating proper safe practices (Safety) and rest for physical recovery.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH is a state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities (Mind), contribute to a healthy home (Family), and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life while preparing for the future (Vision).

SOCIAL HEALTH is the process of creating and maintaining healthy relationships (Friends) through the choices we make, obtaining knowledge (School) and participating in extended social opportunities (Community) that contribute to good health conditions, longevity, productivity and a positive attitude.

I am excited yet anxious for the tasks and challenges that lie ahead, and I know The First Tee values and skills that I have acquired will be there helping me every step of the way. – Kurt Alexander Ramont, The First Tee of Central Valley

More than a game.

World Golf VIllage - 425 South Legacy Trail - St. Augustine, FL 32092904.940.4300 - www.thefirsttee.org

Our Mission: To impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

The First Tee teaches young people life skills and character education through the game of golf. Its research-proven programs are having a positive impact on participants, their families and their communities.

Through chapters around the United States and in select international locations, The First Tee delivers its life skills curriculum to young people (generally ages 5 to 17). The First Tee chapters provide programs at 1000 golf facility locations, and the network continues to grow. Chapters also reach out in their communities to bring The First Tee programs to a growing number of locations beyond the golf course, finding ways to reach young people where they are.

Why We Do ItWho We Are What We Do

Having mental toughness, composure and perseverance improved my golf game but will also help me throughout my life. – Dillon McDonald, The First Tee of Eagle County (Colorado)

For the first time [my son] has made the honor roll and gets excellent reviews from his teacher about his focus and determination to do his best. – participant’s parent, The First Tee of San Francisco

An independent research study* confirmed that youth involved in The First Tee Life Skills Experience learn and use life skills on the golf course and transfer these skills to other areas of their life. In fact, 100% of The First Tee participants interviewed said they transferred life skills learned at The First Tee to school. Seventy-eight percent are transferring skills such as decision-making, setting goals and managing their emotions from the golf course into the classroom, as well as other areas of their lives including situations with friends, family, after school activities and jobs.

The study also revealed The First Tee Life Skills Experience’s ability to impart core values on youth. After participating in The First Tee for three years, 73% reported high confidence in their academic ability and 82% felt confident in their social abilities with peers.

* “Longitudinal Effects of The First Tee Life Skills Education Program on Positive Youth Development” led by University of Minnesota’s Maureen R. Weiss, Ph.D. Visit www.thefirsttee.org to see full summary report.

What makes The First Tee effective in building positive character traits in young people is The First Tee Life Skills Experience ™, a curriculum developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and delivered by trained coaches. Through this experience, participants learn to apply life skills and transfer the positive values of golf to everyday life.

The First Tee National School Program introduces elementary students to the game of golf, The First Tee Nine Core Values™ and Nine Healthy Habits during physical education classes. This ever-expanding program creates an environment where young people experience the lifelong sport of golf while learning basic golf motor skills and the inherent values of the game. Physical educators receive professional development training and are provided age-appropriate curriculum and equipment for effective implementation into their programs.

Seeking to continue its positive impact and take more programs to where young people are, The First Tee has launched The First Tee DRIVE. It is designed to Develop Rewarding, Inspiring Values for Everyone who participates. Specifically written for coaches and volunteers at youth-serving organizations, such as the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs, The First Tee DRIVE uses a golf platform to seamlessly introduce the Nine Core Values to young people who may not previously have been exposed to golf.

At The First Tee chapters, participants learn to:

• Introduce themselves

• Manage emotions

• Resolve conflicts

• Set step-by-step goals

• Plan for the future

• Appreciate diversity

The First Tee Coaches are trained to:

• Empower youth to make decisions by thinking about the consequences

• Build rapport and establish positive relationships

• Nurture golf and life skills development

• Create a fun learning environment

Since 1997, The First Tee has:• Introduced golf and its values to 10.5 million participants

• Introduced The First Tee National School Program to more than 7,000 elementary schools

• Increased diversity in golf participation