TWM Gives Back: The First Tee of Fort Worth

The First Tee of Fort Worth believes every young person should have the best shot at leading an exceptional life and they use the challenges and rewards of golf as a platform to teach the life skills necessary to do just that! For almost 20 years, this youth development organization has been providing local youth with valuable character-building experiences and endless opportunities through the game of golf and lifelong relationships.

The First Tee’s signature Life Skills Experience features year-round sessions in which participants and their families from all walks of life come to gain the life skills and healthy habits needed to be successful now and in the future. Participants learn lessons like making proper introductions, resolving conflicts, managing emotions, goal setting, planning for the future, appreciating diversity and much more. Caring coaches help participants make lasting connections between life and golf through activities on and off the course, including at home and at school. As kids progress through the program, they’re offered opportunities to travel across the country to participate in once-in-a-lifetime experiences that encourage personal growth through golf, networking, and leadership events, all free of charge.

The organization operates out of six main programming sites across Tarrant and Parker counties including locations at Rockwood Park Golf Course, Squaw Creek Golf Course, Benbrook Par 3, PGA Tour Superstore in Southlake, Briscoe Elementary, as well as their newest partner location at Texas Golf Center. In addition to their main locations, they conduct classes with various community centers, after-school programs, and in-school physical education classes.

One of their most unique program locations resides at Edward J. Briscoe Elementary in East Fort Worth. It is here that The First Tee of Fort Worth has established a safe and welcoming environment to teach The First Tee’s curriculum to the youth of the Morningside Community. The first of its kind, the facility features two turf practice greens, artificial driving range mats, and a classroom on land provided in partnership with Fort Worth ISD. Most kids here would not normally have the opportunity to be exposed to the game of golf, but here they are excelling with the help of their compassionate coaches setting them up for a successful future.

This year the number of participants at camps may be smaller, but this won’t stop The First Tee from reaching just as many, if not more, youth! From early June to mid-August, The First Tee of Fort Worth will offer week-long camps at more locations than ever! Each location will feature The First Tee’s signature curriculum taught through various games surrounding golf and other engaging activities. From morning through afternoon, Monday through Friday, kids of all ages come to learn and grow. For those who cannot attend that week due to smaller camp sizes, The First Tee of Fort Worth offers participants the chance to learn valuable Life Skills through online classes and activities. Many alumni come full circle and return as coaches for summer camps and to assist with online programming, allowing current participants to connect with individuals who have lived through The First Tee experience.

It is the mission of The First Tee of Fort Worth to impact the lives of all young people. The organization aims to offer programs to every child from ages 5 to 18 by removing traditional barriers to the game of golf. No child is ever turned away due to an inability to pay and every child is provided with their own set of clubs should they need them. This summer, the organization will also be obtaining a small bus to allow The First Tee to transport participants to green grass facilities. This transportation will provide them with the ability to reach even more youth who would not otherwise have access to this life enhancing program.

Wondering how you can help? Your donation could sponsor a child through a Life Skills session or summer camp. Donations of youth golf equipment can help provide a child in need with their own set of clubs. However, one of the most important ways that you can help influence the life of a child is through a donation of your time. The First Tee of Fort Worth relies on its dedicated volunteers to reinforce its life enhancing lessons and make connections with participants during classes – no golf knowledge required!

If you would like to find out more about how you can donate or get involved, please visit firstteeftworth.org/getinvolved/ or send an email to info@thefirstteeftworth.org. Help us make an impact on the youth of North Texas!

Good at Golf. Great at Life!

Olivia Gibbs is an alumna and coach for The First Tee of Fort Worth who has been involved with the program for 14 years. She currently oversees the Summer Camps program and involvement in local schools. To find out more about The First Tee of Fort Worth and how you can get involved visit firstteeftworth.org. Have a question? Send an email to info@thefirstteeftworth.org or call at (817) 420 9370.