Impacting the Lives of Kids Through Golf

The First Tee of Charlotte is a non-profit, junior golf and mentoring program that focuses on delivery of fundamental golf skills as well as integral life skills to its participants.

The program for kids 5-18 is centered around 9 Core Values: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Judgment, Confidence, Courtesy, Respect, Responsibility and Perseverance. Each of these life skills is woven into a variety of interactive lessons done both on and off-course during the program.

In addition, The First Tee of Charlotte creates a multitude of opportunities for its participants to experience and explore career, service and educational opportunities both within and outside of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community.

In 2009, The First Tee settled into their new facility located at Revolution Park Golf Course. The Learning Academy has office space, a computer lab, multi-purpose room and small kitchenette inside. Outside is a beautiful practice area outside consisting of Charlotte’s largest practice putting green, two practice chipping and pitching greens, and a full driving range.

The First Tee of Charlotte’s Life Skills Experience offers kids real-life skills that can be used at home, school, church or wherever life takes them. The Tiny Tees (5-8 years) learn lessons in interpersonal skills in self-management facilitated with simple lessons like how to introduce yourself, shake someone’s hand firmly or how to keep your cool when you face a challenge.

Older kids learn about goal setting, conflict resolution and an appreciation for diversity.

“The program is designed to meet a child in adolescence and equip them with these tools over their development through high school and hopefully prepare them for the transition into college, trade school or other plans thereafter,” says Brandi Edwards, Director of Programs.

Christopher Carson volunteers for First Tee and his sons, Shane and CJ, have attended programs there. He thinks the program has benefitted  both them and him.

“Over the past 5 years, the life lessons learned at the First Tee of Charlotte have allowed my sons to develop their speaking and leadership  skills. Volunteering at the First Tee and being a parent of a first tee participant has allowed me to experience making a difference in a kid's life,” he says.

For details on summer sessions and more information visit www.thefirstteecharlotte.org or call 704-348-2515.