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.

Program Locations
Learning Center at Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course at Revolution Park
The First Tee – Greater Charlotte home office is located here (2661 Barringer Drive). Adjacent to the Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course.
Charles T. Myers Golf Course
Located at 7817 Harrisburg Rd. Charlotte, NC 28215. This course is close to the University area.
Emerald Lake Golf Club
Located at 9750 Tournament Dr. Matthews, NC 28104. This is our Union County/Matthews location.
Springfield Golf Club
Located at 639 Hambley House Ln. Fort Mill, SC 29715. This is one of our Fort Mill locations.
Fort Mill Golf Club
Located at 101 Country Club Dr. Fort Mill, SC 29715.
Stonebridge Golf Club
Located at 2721 Swilcan Burns Dr. Monroe, NC 28112.
Learning Center at Pineville
Located at 10401 Cadillac St. Pineville, NC 28134.
Chester Golf Club
Located at 770 Old Richburg Rd. Chester, SC 29706