Category: News Releases

First Tee National Championship returns to University of Notre Dame for 2025, showcasing young golf talent from across the U.S. 

All 8 previous tournament champions are currently on collegiate golf team rosters

SOUTH BEND, IND. (June 23, 2025) – National youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce its 2025 National Championship will take place June 23-26 at the University of Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course. Now in its fifth year, the First Tee National Championship brings together 48 of the organization’s top male and female players from across the country for a 54-hole stroke play event designed to provide participants with the opportunity to compete at a high level while demonstrating the values they have  developed through the First Tee program. 

The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. Fourteen players in the field have already committed to college golf teams. All eight past winners are on collegiate golf rosters, including Megan Meng of First Tee – Greater Trenton, a member of Northwestern’s 2025 NCAA Division I women’s golf championship team. 

Before the tournament kicks off, the event will feature a fireside chat with Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, who has been a leader in the golf industry through roles with the USGA, the PGA of America and NBC Sports. Participants will also attend a coaches panel, where they will learn more about playing at the next level. 

“We’re excited to return to the Warren Course for the 2025 National Championship, and we are grateful to the University of Notre Dame and First Tee Trustee Fred Tattersall, who makes this impactful tournament possible,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This tournament not only highlights the incredible talent of our participants on the course but also the leadership and character they display off the course. It is a celebration of what First Tee is all about.” 

In addition to presenting the Tattersall Cup to the male and female tournament winners, one boy and one girl from the field will be awarded playing spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, a player development program that aims to achieve greater diversity in golf through an increased focus on developing talent from diverse and historically underrepresented groups.  

First Tee may also award up to two exemptions into the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs professionals and junior players for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach Golf Links each September. Tournament participants are eligible for an exemption into the PURE Insurance Championship if they are in high school, they haven’t previously played at the PURE Insurance Championship and they finish in the Top 5 at the First Tee National Championship. 

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college campuses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience. Next year’s event will take place at the University of North Carolina’s Finley Golf Course.  

The championship is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities which are designed to keep teens engaged with the program. In addition to competitive golf opportunities, First Tee headquarters offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event and a community service workshop. 

View the full list of selected participants here. Scoring will be available on Golf Genius. 

New $10 million grant from Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation deepens relationship between First Tee, PGA TOUR Superstore

Since 1999, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to First Tee, supporting youth development across the U.S. through the game of golf

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 20, 2025) – First Tee today announced a landmark $10 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which reaffirms PGA TOUR Superstore’s strong commitment to the youth development organization. The gift marks a milestone in the organizations’ ongoing relationship, which began more than 25 years ago with an investment in First Tee – Metro Atlanta. With the growing popularity of youth golf – 3.7 million juniors hit the links in 2024, according to the National Golf Foundation – this grant helps ensure that youth from all backgrounds have access to the sport and its inherent values.

Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, joined First Tee as a National Trustee in 2011. Since then, support from Blank’s PGA TOUR Superstore and family foundation has helped fuel the growth of First Tee’s character-building programs across the country, which now reach more than 3 million youth annually on golf courses, schools and community centers. The new grant will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen First Tee’s curriculum for teenage participants.

“Junior golf is the fastest-growing segment of the sport, and that’s no coincidence. It’s a testament to the power of First Tee, which has made the game more accessible and enjoyable for young people, helping them experience golf in new and fun ways,” said Arthur Blank, owner and chairman, Blank Family of Businesses. “The innovative and engaging experiences that First Tee provides help kids build self-confidence and inner strength, qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. We’re proud of our deep partnership with the First Tee and are committed to the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth.”

“We are grateful to Mr. Blank and his family of businesses for their continued support of First Tee,” said Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair of First Tee Board of Governors. “Arthur’s vision and commitment reflect a deep understanding that investing in First Tee is truly an investment in the future. Through this transformative gift, Arthur is helping open doors for young people nationwide – empowering them to grow as golfers and as people.”

The new grant extends programming established by a $9.5 million grant in 2020 and will support First Tee’s efforts to keep teens engaged with the organization, where they have access to safe spaces, educational opportunities and positive role models during a traditionally challenging time in adolescence. The grant will be deployed in several ways:

  • Chapter grants: First Tee Chapters in PGA TOUR Superstore markets will receive grants to support youth to develop life and golf skills.  To date, grants have impacted 50 First Tee chapters across the country, a number that will grow as PGA TOUR Superstore’s footprint continues to expand.
  • Leadership Series: PGA TOUR Superstore general managers across the country lead a five-week, in-store leadership series in partnership with First Tee designed to help teens uncover their strengths and personal values and explore potential career opportunities. The program was offered at 44 PGA TOUR Superstore locations in 2024 and plans to expand to 70 by 2029.
  • Leadership Summit: Each summer since 2021, Arthur Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, Montana, has welcomed 40 First Tee teens for an unforgettable experience where they grow as leaders by taking on new challenges – like whitewater rafting, ropes courses and horseback riding – and learn about the power of building authentic relationships.

“This incredible partnership with the Blank Family of Businesses reflects our shared commitment to using golf as a vehicle for positive youth development,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We are grateful to Arthur Blank, who has been a longtime, committed supporter of First Tee. This transformative investment will allow us to introduce more youth to golf, keep them engaged with First Tee and teach them essential life skills like leadership and teamwork.”

This week the Blank Family of Businesses welcomed 48 First Tee teens from across the country to Atlanta where they learned about what it takes to lead a successful organization. The weeklong program included visits to PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters, the Atlanta United training ground, the Atlanta Falcons practice facility and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, where the new grant will be officially celebrated this afternoon with a check presentation and remarks from the foundation’s president, Fay Twersky, and managing director, Youth Development, Daniel Shoy, Jr., PGA TOUR Superstore’s vice president, Partnerships & Community Relations Ralph Stokes and First Tee’s senior director, Philanthropy Amanda Zedrick.

First Tee’s evidence-based program combines golf instruction with a life skills curriculum, reaching youth ages 7-18 at golf courses, schools and community centers across the globe. The organization impacts more than 3 million young people annually.

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to First Tee to date. In 2022, First Tee presented Arthur Blank with its Founders Award, for his generous support of the organization. 

Parents continue to believe investing in youth sports will pay dividends, new study shows

More than nine in 10 parents with adult children aged 18-35 say they’ve seen how youth sports can shape a child’s future

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (May 8, 2025) – Despite an unsteady economy, nearly nine in 10 American parents say they are making room in the budget for extracurricular activities (88%), including sports. Nine in 10 parents say playing sports helps children build character (92%) and teaches them important life skills (90%), according to new research from The Harris Poll and First Tee.

The global consulting and market research firm teamed up with the nonprofit youth development organization to explore the value parents place on youth sports, with a particular focus on the long-term impact of coaches. The Harris Poll surveyed 2,042 U.S. adults in March 2025 and analyzed the data by gender, age, race, education and income, among other characteristics.

While few young athletes ultimately turn professional, parents believe youth sports can have lifelong benefits off the field. Nearly nine in 10 parents strongly recommend youth sports to other parents, believing that coaches can impact a child’s ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and be resilient in the face of challenges (88%).

“According to this new research, parents with adult children say the confidence their child built through sports continues to shape their success today, a data point that reinforces First Tee’s mission of teaching not only golf skills but also life skills and values that equip kids to face new challenges,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “While we have heard success stories from countless First Tee alumni, we are grateful to Harris Poll for helping us quantify the incredible impact of extracurricular activities.”

Generations of Americans have been shaped by youth sports, with nearly 70% of parents who grew up with coaches saying they wouldn’t be where they are today without those influential adults in their life (67%). First Tee knows its coaches are the key to its success, which is why it’s celebrating them during First Tee Week, May 19-25. The new brand awareness campaign will mark the launch of a PSA titled “Dear Coach” and feature a panel discussion on the impact of coaches at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge.

Other key findings from the survey include:

  • 69% of parents believe there aren’t enough female coaches or mentors in youth sports. That number increases to 74% among parents of color. While parents see the impact of coaches, they believe coaching is significantly more accessible to boys than girls.
  • 92% of parents believe that playing sports helps kids build character. That number jumps to 97% when surveying parents whose children are currently enrolled in sports. Parents see improved mental health and exposure to new things as additional benefits of extracurricular activities.
  • More than half of parents say trustworthy coaches could increase their child’s chances of committing to an activity (51%). Parents cite positive role modeling as their top priority when assessing a coach, followed by skill development and motivation and encouragement. All First Tee coaches are trained and background checked, so they’re prepared to teach golf skills and life lessons that extend beyond the course.

“Even amid economic uncertainty, parents see youth sports as a non-negotiable investment in their child’s future,” said Abbey Lunney, Managing Director of the Trends and Thought Leadership Practice at The Harris Poll. “Nearly 9 in 10 say the experience helped prepare their children for the future. Our data shows they’re not just hoping for athletic success—they’re prioritizing confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills shaped by meaningful coaching.”

This is the third annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee.

Download the full 2025 report.

For the results of the 2024 parent survey, click here.

Liberty National Foundation extends support for First Tee and its character-building golf program

The Liberty National Foundation announced earlier today an extension of its long-standing support through 2029. 

Committing an additional $1 million, this latest gift brings the Fireman family and Liberty National Foundation’s total contribution to First Tee to $8 million since its first commitment in 2012.

The announcement was made during a special event at Liberty National Golf Club, where the Fireman family was celebrated for their continued support of First Tee’s mission to build character in young people through the game of golf. The new commitment will primarily support four First Tee chapters across New Jersey, which collectively impacted nearly 29,000 youth in 2024.

Jennifer Weiler, Senior Vice President of Network Relations at First Tee, joined Liberty National Foundation and New Jersey’s First Tee chapter leaders at the event.

Jennifer Weiler, First Tee, and Dan Fireman, Liberty National Foundation

“What makes this partnership so meaningful is how it helps us shape young potential into lifelong character,” said Weiler. “The continued support from the Liberty National Foundation allows us to reach thousands of children across New Jersey, particularly in underserved communities where access to character-building programs like ours can be transformative.”

Dan Fireman, Founder of the Liberty National Foundation, emphasized the alignment between First Tee’s mission and his family’s values. 

“Through this continued partnership with First Tee, we’re committed to ensuring that more young people, especially those from underserved communities, have access to the character-building power of this great game,” said Fireman.

Dan’s father, Paul Fireman, was recognized last November when First Tee honored him with the Lifetime Achievement award. 

First Tee has grown into a global youth development organization impacting more than 3.1 million kids and teens annually through its network of 150 Chapters with programs delivered at more than 1,700 golf facilities, as well as in nearly 12,000 schools and more than 2,000 youth centers. The organization has expanded internationally, with programs now in Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Morocco.

The Liberty National Foundation’s gift will help further First Tee’s commitment to providing inclusive access to its programs, with a focus on reaching young people from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

First Tee Week: National campaign launches May 19 at the Charles Schwab Challenge, celebrating coaches who are game changers in their communities  

Parents call coaches the “unsung heroes of youth development.” First Tee will celebrate these mentors during its inaugural network-wide awareness campaign. 

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (March 11, 2025) – Leading nonprofit youth development organization First Tee is launching a weeklong national awareness campaign to celebrate the impact of its coaches. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build character like inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. 

Kicking off at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, from May 19-25, First Tee Week aims to engage communities across the country, encouraging them to celebrate the coaches who make a difference locally. Entitled “Dear Coach,” the campaign will feature a variety of in-person and online activities, including: 

  • First Tee will launch a new creative campaign, including an updated PSA that speaks to the power of youth sports coaches to instill confidence, values and life skills in the kids they serve. 
  • On Wednesday, May 21, First Tee will host a group of alumni at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge, where they’ll hear from a panel on “The coach effect: The importance of coaches and the stories that shape us.” The panel will feature New Orleans Saints defensive end and First Tee – Phoenix alumnus Cameron Jordan alongside other First Tee alumni. 
  • First Tee chapters across the country will host a variety of activations, including a fundraising tournament at Winged Foot (Metropolitan New York), meet the coach night (San Francisco), golf marathons (Greater Baltimore, West Michigan) and more. Find a First Tee chapter in your area. 
  • First Tee’s corporate partners will celebrate First Tee Week in a variety of ways. “Dear Coach” content will appear at Topgolf and PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country, with organizations like Golf Digest, the USGA and Morgan Stanley planning to highlight coach stories on their own channels. 
  • First Tee has launched a digital experience at FirstTee.org/DearCoach and social content featuring stories from participants, alumni and notable supporters like former NFL player Larry Fitzgerald and PGA TOUR professional Wyndham Clark on the incredible relationships between coaches and participants. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to engage. 

“Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and parents are looking for character-building programs because they know strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “For nearly 30 years, our dedicated and trained coaches have set First Tee apart because we have developed a training system built on research-proven methods of positive youth development. We are excited to celebrate their contributions and raise awareness for their work during First Tee Week.” 

According to research from Harris Poll, 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire their child to excel both on and off the field, and they believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others and be resilient in the face of challenges. 

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engage more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. First Tee serves more than 3.1 million kids annually. 

Learn more about getting involved with First Tee. 

New Study from The Harris Poll and First Tee: Coaches are the unsung heroes of youth development

Parents rely on sports – and trained coaches – to help their children build character and learn life skills, including working with others.  

CHICAGO, Ill. & PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2024) – While 93% of parents agree that kids can learn important life skills from playing sports, four out of five parents also believe there is a shortage of high-caliber coaches today.  

That is from a new survey by global consulting and market research firm, The Harris Poll, and youth development organization, First Tee. The U.S.-based survey was conducted online in April 2024 with feedback from 2,049 adults.​ 

The survey captured data on youth involvement in extracurricular activities and sports. The data was also analyzed by gender, age, race, education, and income, among other characteristics.​ 

“Since our mission is centered on positive youth development, we think it is important to seek parents’ perspectives as the world around them continues to change and their kids face new challenges,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “It helps us better understand and serve youth, and in the case of this study, it reinforces the importance of our investment in training our coaches.” 

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. The training system is built on research-proven methods of positive youth development, providing coaches with the tools to make kids feel safe, included and empowered. As part of First Tee’s onboarding, each coach is background-checked and completes training from the U.S. Center for SafeSport. 

The key findings from the survey include: 

  • 89% of parents feel character is a lost value that should be more emphasized in today’s society – an increase of +4 percentage points from the 2023 survey. Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles. Parents understand that need, as nine out of 10 parents seek opportunities for their kids to build character. 
  • Parents believe sports can help close the character gap. Parents put their kids in extracurricular activities – with sports being most popular – for socialization and to build confidence. According to 93% of parents, children learn important life skills from playing sports.  
  • Parents believe coaches are essential to youth development. Parents turn to coaches to help teach their kids character, self-confidence, determination and leadership. 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire children to excel both on and off the field. 
  • Safety is critically important to parents. They prefer coaches who have been background checked, with 94% of parents citing it as a priority in today’s world and 83% wishing their child had more access to well-trained coaches. 

“While every generation confronts their own unique challenges, kids are facing new barriers to character development,” said Harris Poll CEO Will Johnson. “Our research findings make it clear: Parents, when registering your kids for the upcoming school year, don’t forget the critical development that comes outside the classroom.” 

This is the second annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee.  

Download the full 2024 Report. 

For the results of the 2023 parent survey, click here.  

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)    
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.   

About The Harris Poll 
The Harris Poll is a global consulting and market research firm that strives to reveal the authentic values of modern society to inspire leaders to create a better tomorrow. It works with clients in three primary areas: building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. One of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., The Harris Poll has tracked public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963, and is now part of Stagwell, the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS:     
Annika Mayers, First Tee     
[email protected]  
904-273-3513