From Parking Lot to Serving Our Community

In 1998, Harding Park Golf Course served as a parking lot for the U.S. Open at the Olympic Club. Sandy Tatum reminisced about the days when professional golf tournaments were held on this course in the 1960s. Sandy saw Harding Park’s potential as a place where young people could learn, grow, and discover new possibilities, as well as a place to bring back professional tournaments. Sandy believed golf should be open to everyone and knew how much the game could change lives. As a close friend of Tim Finchem, PGA Tour Commissioner and First Tee Founder, Sandy believed in the mission and values of the First Tee organization. Thanks to his vision, when Harding Park was restored, it also became a home for First Tee — San Francisco, turning a forgotten spot into a place of belonging, mentorship, and opportunity for generations of San Francisco youth.

Opening Our Doors

In 2004, First Tee — San Francisco opened with one clear goal: to serve young people in our community. We started at Harding Park and soon saw that real access meant reaching youth where they are. By working with the San Francisco Unified School District and Community Organizations around San Francisco, we brought golf into schoolyards and local parks, breaking down barriers and giving kids a chance to try the game, even if they had never held a club before.

The Birth of Future Foursome

In 2005, when some school programs stopped, four young participants were about to lose something that meant a lot to them. Instead of letting that happen, we created something new called Future Foursome. What started as a response to loss grew into one of our most important programs, offering mentorship, stability, and a way forward. Now, more than 20 years later, its impact is still felt, with alumni coming back to mentor and support the next generation.

One example is Denise Wei, who first picked up a club through Future Foursome. With encouragement from her First Tee — San Francisco coaches, she not only learned the game but also gained the confidence to pursue her dreams. Denise became the first in her family to attend college, and now she continues to volunteer her time with us through Sandy’s Circle, helping other young people find their place both on and off the course. Check out Denise’s story here.

Bringing Golf to the Schoolyard

After five years of serving our community, we recognized that many young people in San Francisco faced barriers simply getting to Harding Park. In Visitacion Valley, a bold idea came to life. In partnership with retired Principal Jim Dierke, we built the only golf practice facility on a public middle school campus in the country. With nine hitting stalls, a putting green, and a chipping area, this space brings opportunity directly to students, transforming an everyday schoolyard into a place where confidence grows and new possibilities begin.

Today, Visitacion Valley Middle School students spend their lunch breaks on the range, picking up clubs and building skills in a space that belongs to them. After school, neighboring schools and community organizations come together to experience the game, creating a hub of activity, connection, and growth. What started as an effort to remove barriers has become a vibrant community space where access to golf, and all it represents, is no longer out of reach.

From Harding Park to Golden Gate Park

As our community grew, we saw a greater need for places where youth could play and learn. This inspired the creation of the Golden Gate Park Golf Development Foundation and the renewal of the 9-hole course at Golden Gate Park. After renovations in 2023 and reopening in 2024, this course became more than just a place to play. It now stands as a symbol of access, equity, and community support, welcoming youth and families to the game in a new way. Today, more than 500 young people and their families regularly use the course throughout the year, bringing energy and enthusiasm to every corner. For example, Golden Gate Park Golf Course hosts First Tee — San Francisco classes 5 days a week.

Remembering Sandy Tatum

On June 22, 2017, we lost Sandy Tatum at the age of 96, but his vision continues to guide everything we do. As a founder of First Tee — San Francisco and a true golf legend, Sandy dedicated his life to the belief that golf had the power to transform lives — not just on the course but far beyond it.

Sandy championed the idea that the game should be accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. His passion for youth development and his commitment to equity in golf laid the foundation for what First Tee — San Francisco has become today. Through his friendship with PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem and his tireless advocacy for Harding Park, Sandy helped create a home where generations of San Francisco youth could discover the game, build character, and find their place in the world.

Though he is no longer with us, his spirit is present in every program we run, every scholarship we award, and every young person who walks through our doors. His legacy lives on in the coaches who mentor, the alumni who give back, and the countless young people who step onto the course with confidence, knowing they belong.

The Sandy Tatum Scholarship

To honor Sandy’s legacy, the Sandy Tatum Scholarship started in the 2017–2018 school year. It began with three scholars and has grown into a life-changing program, supporting a total of 31 scholars by 2026 and awarding over $650,000 in scholarships. For many, this is more than just financial help. It’s a path to college, a show of belief in their potential, and a reminder that their future matters. One recent scholar is Kelly Woo.

Kelly’s journey with First Tee — San Francisco began in the 5th grade, when she was first introduced to the game and a community that would shape her future. As she grew in the program, Kelly became a member of Future Foursome, where she developed not only her golf skills but also confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose.

Her connection to First Tee didn’t stop there. Throughout high school and college, Kelly gave back as both a volunteer and a coach, mentoring younger participants and becoming the kind of role model she once looked up to. As a Sandy Tatum Scholar, she attended the University of San Francisco, where she studied Psychology, becoming the first in her family to go to college. With the support of the scholarship, Kelly graduated debt-free, opening doors not only for herself but for her family’s future.

Today, Kelly’s story comes full circle. She continues her commitment to First Tee — San Francisco as the Program Manager of the Sandy Tatum Learning Center, helping create the same opportunities that once shaped her journey.

From Shack to a Learning Center

What began as a modest space has grown into the Sandy Tatum Learning Center. A place thoughtfully designed to support every aspect of a participant’s journey, both on and off the course. Equipped with state-of-the-art TrackMan technology, the center offers participants the tools to analyze and refine their game with precision. Dedicated areas for studying, collaboration, and connection ensure that growth extends well beyond the fairway.

But it’s far more than just a facility. The Sandy Tatum Learning Center is a true home base and a welcoming space where participants practice their swing, build lasting friendships, develop confidence, and gain the skills and mindset they need to thrive in life beyond the course. For many, it represents not just a place to play, but a place to belong.