PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is expanding its youth development programming into South Jersey, bringing its nationally recognized curriculum to young people in Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties.
The expansion marks an important step in the organization’s mission to make golf and its life-changing opportunities accessible to more families throughout the region. Through partnerships with local golf facilities, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is now offering programming that combines golf instruction with lessons in confidence, resilience, honesty, respect, and perseverance.
“Our mission has always been to help young people build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges,” said Bill Hyndman, CEO of First Tee – Greater Philadelphia. “We know there are families throughout South Jersey looking for affordable, high-quality youth programs, and we’re excited to bring First Tee to these communities. This expansion allows us to serve even more young people while building meaningful partnerships that will strengthen the game of golf for years to come.”
The first South Jersey program locations include:
- Pomona Golf & Country Club (Atlantic County)
- Twisted Dune Golf Club (Atlantic County)
- Avalon Golf Club (Cape May County)
- Sea Isle City Community Center (Cape May County)
Additional locations are expected to be announced in the coming months, including locations in Cumberland County.
Designed for children ages 7–18, First Tee programs provide a welcoming environment where participants of all skill levels can learn the game of golf while developing important life skills. Lessons are led by trained coaches who complete comprehensive background checks, SafeSport training, and First Tee coach education to ensure every participant experiences a safe, positive, and engaging environment.
To celebrate the expansion, introductory programming in the South Jersey region will be offered at no cost to participating families, with golf equipment provided during class.
“Our goal is to meet families where they are and make our programming more accessible,” said Jake Norton, Vice President of Programs. “Expanding into these counties allows us to reach more young people who can benefit from what First Tee offers. We’re building a strong foundation in Atlantic County and Cape May counties, and are excited to grow into Cumberland in the months ahead.”
First Tee – Greater Philadelphia currently reaches more than 46,000 young people annually through school partnerships, community programs, and golf course programming throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The organization’s expansion into South Jersey reflects its continued commitment to removing barriers to participation and ensuring more children have access to positive youth development opportunities.
Families interested in learning more or registering for upcoming programs can visit https://firstteephiladelphia.org/programs/register/.
About First Tee – Greater Philadelphia
First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is a youth development organization that enables kids and teens to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates learning experiences that help young people become more confident, resilient, and prepared for whatever comes next. Each year, the organization impacts more than 46,000 young people across Greater Philadelphia through programs delivered in schools, community centers, and golf courses.