First Tee Is Changing the Score
In a world where youth development often gets buried beneath screens and shrinking extracurricular budgets, First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky stands tall as a beacon of opportunity. Yes, it’s a golf program. But if that’s all you think it is, you’re missing the heart of the story. First Tee isn’t in the business of building better golf swings—it’s in the business of building better people.
This summer, First Tee is rolling out more than 30 unique programs across six locations throughout the region. Registration is open now through May 19, and the response has already been enthusiastic. Parents are signing up not just because their kids want to play golf—but because they want their kids to grow. And that’s exactly what First Tee promises: growth on the course, and far beyond it.
At its core, First Tee believes the golf course is a classroom. Every shot presents a lesson in perseverance. Every round is a seminar in respect, integrity, and resilience. From ages 7 to 18, kids and teens of all backgrounds are welcomed into a culture that values effort over ego and learning over winning. The experience is tailored, thoughtful, and grounded in the kind of life lessons that often show up in report cards, relationships, and future careers.
The programs themselves are as dynamic and inclusive as the young people they serve. The Skill & Age-Based Clinics provide foundational instruction while reinforcing positive values and teamwork. These sessions meet each student where they are—whether they’re picking up a club for the first time or honing a short game for high school competition.
For those ready to go deeper, First Tee Academies offer a more immersive experience. These multi-day camps explore advanced technique, mental strategy, and course management. Think of it as golf school—but with laughter, leadership, and plenty of sunshine.
Then there’s the Back to School Scramble, an end-of-summer celebration where kids team up for a lighthearted competition that’s equal parts fun and friendship. It's not about trophies—it’s about togetherness.
In a space where girls are often underrepresented, the Girls-Only Golf Camp creates something powerful: a safe, supportive environment where young women can learn, lead, and lift one another up. Led by female mentors and coaches, this camp is about more than hitting fairways—it's about finding your voice.
Equally vital is First Tee’s commitment to accessibility, and nowhere is that more evident than in the Adaptive Golf Series. Designed for players with cognitive and physical disabilities, this series makes the game approachable, inclusive, and joyful. No barriers. No judgment. Just the thrill of the game and the pride of personal achievement.
Once players hit age 10, they’re invited to take their skills onto the course through on-course instruction, a crucial piece of First Tee’s curriculum. Here, kids get a feel for the real game—managing pace of play, reading greens, and learning the kind of etiquette that transcends sport and shows up in everyday life.
But let’s step back for a second. What exactly is First Tee accomplishing?
Across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, they’re doing what many organizations only talk about: empowering youth through consistent, values-driven mentorship. They’re giving every child—regardless of financial situation, background, or ability—a chance to be part of something bigger. They provide equipment. They offer financial aid. They show up, week after week, ready to coach and connect.
This isn’t about grooming the next PGA or LPGA star. This is about helping a shy 9-year-old become a confident communicator. It’s about watching a teenager navigate a tough shot—and realizing they now have the grit to navigate a tough day at school. It’s about making sure no child is left out of the game, or out of the growth that comes with it.
So if you’ve been looking for a summer program that offers more than busywork, more than just a sport—this is it. First Tee is not just teaching kids to swing a club. They’re helping them swing confidently into life.
And if you ask the families, coaches, and thousands of young players who have walked these fairways? They’ll tell you: that’s the kind of scorecard that really matters.