On the Golf Course
At First Tee – Greater Charlotte, we’re Building Game Changers by empowering kids and teens to be the best version of themselves.
By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with character-building, we create learning experiences that help kids uncover their inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that they can carry to everything they do.
Our trained coaches not only provide an introduction to junior golf and an opportunity to enhance golf skills, but they also create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to help participants prepare for life ahead, including friendships, school, college, and even their careers.
Through our program, participants will learn skills that stay with them for life:
- Understanding and managing emotions
- Resolving conflicts
- Setting up step-by-step goals
- Planning for the future
- Appreciating diversity
- Golf fundamentals
First Tee – Greater Charlotte emphasizes 9 Core Values: Sportsmanship, Courtesy, Respect, Perseverance, Confidence, Judgment, Honesty, Integrity, and Responsibility.
Advancing through the Program
At each age-based program level, participants will engage with the 5 Key Commitments: Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, and Using Good Judgement, while focusing on mastering golf fundamentals and building upon a golf skill foundation as they advance within the program.
Age 5-9
First Tee Program for ages 5-9 teaches the game of golf in a fun, safe, and empowering environment. At this age group, we are introducing and engaging participants with both golf and life skills.
- Be active and have fun with peers in a safe and encouraging manner
- Build inner strength and self-confidence
- Learn to play golf
- Focus on building relationships with other players while exploring the game of golf
Classes are designed to accommodate new and returning golfers of the same age. Participants will register and be grouped by age and will progress through the program as they age up, with lessons adjusted to challenge player at their skill level.
Age 10-11
First Tee Program for ages 10-11 supports the exploration of both character and golf skills in active and collaborative ways.
- Explore character concepts in active and collaborative ways that are valuable on and off the course
- Develop golf skills and enthusiasm for the game
- Support positive Game Changing behaviors in fun and meaningful ways
Classes are designed to accommodate new and returning golfers of the same age. Participants will register and be grouped by age and will progress through the program as they age up with lessons adjusted to challenge players at their skill level.
Age 12-13
First Tee Program for ages 12-13 focuses on the development of both golf and character skills. The lessons and activities in this program empower participants to explore both golf skills and character commitments appropriate for their stage of growth and development.
- Explore both golf skills and characters commitments while having fun with peers
- Provide opportunities to demonstrate mastery and growth in golf skills and abilities
- Support growth and development of early adolescents
Classes are designed to accommodate new and returning golfers of the same age. Participants will register and be grouped by age and will progress through the program as they age up, with lessons adjusted to challenge players at their skill level.
Age 14+
First Tee Program for ages 14+ places a greater emphasis on the personal development of participants. These lessons help participants elaborate on their understanding, applying what they have learned to new situations on and off the course to deepen their skills as they evaluate, reflect on, and provide evidence of their new understanding of life and golf skills.
- Build character and support personal development
- Develop additional golf skills and abilities
- Look toward their future and plan their own paths
- Evaluate, reflect, and apply their understanding of life and golf skills to new situations on and off the course
Classes are designed to accommodate new and returning golfers of the same age.
Program Locations
Learning Center at Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course
The First Tee – Greater Charlotte home office is located here at 2661 Revolution Park Drive | Charlotte, NC 28208, adjacent to the Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course.
Learning Center at Pineville
Located at 10401 Cadillac Street | Pineville, NC 28134
Charles T. Myers Golf Course
Located at 7817 Harrisburg Road | Charlotte, NC 28215. This course is close to the University area.
Emerald Lake Golf Club
Located at 9750 Tournament Drive | Matthews, NC 28104. This is our Union County/Matthews location.
Fort Mill Golf Club
Located at 101 Country Club Drive | Fort Mill, SC 29715
HangTime Golf
Located at 3119 S New Hope Road | Gastonia, NC 28056
Springfield Golf Club
Located at 639 Hambley House Lane | Fort Mill, SC 29715