At First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, the heart of our mission is found in the people who show up every day for our kids. Few embody that more fully than Tai Crutchfield—known to our community simply as Coach Tai.
Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Tai knows what it means to grow up with challenges and choices. Though his father was physically present, the emotional support he needed wasn’t there. His older brothers took difficult paths, and Tai knew he wanted something different. His lifeline came at the local barbershop, where mentors placed a basketball in his hands and gave him a vision for something greater.
That vision carried him far. Playing on courts in Italy, Spain, France, and Germany, Tai’s career became global. But the most important lesson he took from those experiences was that sport is a universal language—one that can empower young people no matter where they come from.
When he returned home, Tai chose to devote his life to education and youth development. Today, as Dean of Students at Elkins Park School and as a beloved coach with First Tee, he uses every moment as an opportunity to teach lessons that go far beyond golf.
“Everything we do in golf is a lesson in life,” he tells his students. “Even missing your target offers a chance to learn. Take the miss, analyze it, recharge, and try again.”
More Than a Coach
On the course, Coach Tai is known for his patience and his presence. He sees each child for who they are—and who they can become. Many of our participants will tell you that he is the voice they didn’t know they needed, the steady reminder to shine brightly, never dim their light, and always lift others up along the way.
It’s why so many of his students continue to call him long after they’ve left First Tee—sharing milestones, victories, and life updates with the mentor who helped them believe in themselves.
For Coach Tai, it’s personal. “Everyone needs that person,” he says. “And I want to be that person for as many kids as I can.”
A Ripple Effect
His impact is felt not only in regular programming, but across hundreds of students he reaches through summer camps, community partnerships, and our Sports for Juvenile Justice program. On weekends, you’ll often find him at Walnut Lane, working with adjudicated youth who attend with their probation officers. Off the course, he organizes enrichment experiences—from trips to basketball courts and museums to service opportunities in Kensington—because he knows that growth comes from exposure as much as instruction.
He is also a proud father. His daughter, Skylar, has been swinging a golf club since she was four years old. Under his guidance, she recently won her first Philadelphia Junior Tour tournament and earned a special invitation to the annual PJT Championship. For Coach Tai, teaching Skylar isn’t about trophies—it’s about passing on the same lessons of character, perseverance, and joy that he instills in every student he coaches.
Voices of Gratitude
The truest measure of a coach is found in the voices of those he’s impacted.
“Even beyond competition, Coach Tai shows up every day with patience, dedication, and a true passion for helping kids learn and love the game,” said Andi Jones, a 17-year-old participant. “I’m incredibly grateful to have had him as a coach and a constant source of encouragement.”
For Rory Jones, 15, the impact has been just as lasting: “He made me feel like part of the First Tee family. I’ve become a better golfer, but more importantly, I’ve gained life skills I’ll carry forever.”
And for Maria Ramos, now a student at the University of Pennsylvania, Coach Tai remains central to her journey: “When I was asked in an interview to name the mentor who had shaped me most, I didn’t hesitate—it was Coach Tai. He believed in me before I believed in myself.”
A Lasting Legacy
Through his teaching, his mentorship, and his presence, Coach Tai has changed lives. He’s proof that a coach can be more than someone who teaches the game—they can be a role model, a steady guide, and a source of hope.
At First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, we’re proud to call him ours.