Programs – First Tee – Greater Charlotte

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, kids 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 First Tee Program

Participants progress through levels by demonstrating inner strength, character, and the life and golf skills they have learned.

All participants regardless of age start at the PLAYer level.

Introduction to the First Tee program (Teeny Tees: 5-6 years old and PLAYer 7&8: ages 7-8)
PLAYer (required minimum age 9) – Tee it up for the first time and learn the game of golf and First Tee’s Code of Conduct
Par (recommended minimum age 9) – Focus on interpersonal and self-management skills on and off the course
Birdie (recommended minimum age 11) – Emphasis on setting goals and making them a reality
Eagle (recommended minimum age 13) – Learn resilience, conflict resolution, and future planning
Ace (required minimum age 14 or entering 9th grade) – Put it all together and hone in on setting goals, career education, and giving back to the community

For additional information about each level, please click on the Certification Requirements tab below.