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During First Tee Week, we celebrate the coaches who make First Tee a safe and special place for kids to learn golf and life skills.  

As vice president of programs, Ryan Graff meets First Tee coaches from across the globe. He knows they’re the beating heart of First Tee but finds they don’t always take credit for their incredible impact.  

According to research from First Tee and The Harris Poll, parents believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and show resilience in the face of challenges (88%). 

Ryan shared his perspective on the power of coaches after attending a coach training in Denver: 

As I travel and meet with the amazing people who volunteer and work at First Tee chapters, our conversation leads to me asking, “So what do you do at your chapter?” A common response is, “Oh I am just a coach.”  While I rarely correct people on the role they serve – because what do I know? – in these cases, I have to respond with, “You are not JUST a coach … you are a COACH.” 

So many thoughts fire off in my brain: Do you know the power you have in the lives of participants?  Do you understand the impact of your engagement and interactions with these kids and teens?  Do you realize they are watching and listening to how you carry yourself? 

When observing a First Tee class, it may look like play, fun and learning a lifelong sport. But there is serious work going on underneath the game.  

• There are decisions being made on which club to select or shot to play (using good judgment) 

• Participants are selecting targets (pursuing goals) 

• They’re learning to navigate obstacles on the course (growing through challenge) 

• They’re having moments of success and connecting their actions to outcomes (building positive self-identity) 

• They’re learning how to cooperate and show respect to others in their class (collaborating with others) 

At best, a golfer left to their own devices has a 50/50 chance for these skills to transfer and apply to their life off the course. But with a trained coach guiding them through the process, this will increase those odds to 80% or higher. While I am not a gambling man, I like those odds.  

The word “coach” is derived from an old English term for a horse-drawn carriage. Coaches took important people where they wanted to go. It’s no different today; kids and teens are important people and coaches assist them to get where they want to go in life.   

I get it: As coaches, we often do not see the fruits of our labor. Sometimes, we never know the impact we had. But you are not JUST a coach; you are playing a critical role in the development of a human being – the development of their character, their moral compass, and assisting to shape their values.   

Coaches are role models, and the actions they display imprint and affect how kids and teens show up in this world, carry themselves, and interact with others.   

So, let’s drop the JUST. Being a coach is the highest honor and position one can have in the life of a kid or teen. Coaches leave lasting lessons and shape the character of participants lives, long into the future. If you are a coach, be proud and know you are making an impact on your participants.  Future generations depend on you!   

Interested in getting involved? 

You don’t have to be a great golfer to become an impactful First Tee coach. We train all of our coaches to deliver our proven curriculum.  

Find a chapter near you. 

Maria Ramos tried her hand at several sports before fate intervened. Her grandfather was a talented golfer and caddie. Though they never met, his legacy helped shape the path she walks today. With his memory in mind, Maria’s mom encouraged her to try golf.

Watching tournaments on TV, Maria noticed there weren’t many players who looked like her. Still, the presence of trailblazing players like Lorena Ochoa and Maria Fassi helped her envision a place for herself in the sport. “One day, we went to First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, and there was this overwhelming sense of kindness and care for students,” Maria said.

She quickly discovered that First Tee offered more than golf instruction. One lesson that left a lasting impression is the importance of using good judgment, Maria said. On the course, this means evaluating your shot from every angle, making a decision and executing with confidence, Maria explained. Off the course, it’s the mindset Maria brings to solving computer algorithms — thinking critically and acting with clarity.

College, community and continued growth

Maria now studies artificial intelligence at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s a member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program, which provides financial support, professional development opportunities and mentorship to standout First Tee alumni.

The program has helped Maria sharpen her networking skills, and she’s built strong bonds with her fellow Scholars, she said. “Now, as an adult I represent the future of First Tee,” she said. “I have no doubt we will all be friends for the rest of our lives and maintain involvement.”

Maria’s commitment to making a difference was recently rewarded by First Tee Trustee, Accenture. Maria teamed up with classmates to win Accenture’s 2025 Innovation Challenge an opportunity she learned about through Accenture’s partnership with First Tee.  During the competition, Maria and her teammates consulted for the Special Olympics, integrating technology and social impact.

“Partnering with the Special Olympics for this year’s Accenture Innovation Challenge was a delight,” said Christy Sovereign, senior managing director at Accenture and president and CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “Being able to witness how the next generation of leaders applied technology and teamwork to make a real difference in the lives of athletes and their communities was truly inspiring. Congrats to Maria and team for launching their Impact Passport program that empowers individuals with IDD to build social connections, track progress and engage with Special Olympics communities.”

Maria also explored her passion for making a difference through technology while studying abroad in Costa Rica. “I saw that some rural farmers had engineered amazing technologies that would likely never make it to market,” she said. “With my engineering background, eventually I hope to work in impact investing, focusing on technologies made by or for marginalized communities.”

Maria has big plans for this summer as a USGA Pathways Intern, which means she’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 U.S. Open.

The First Tee Alumni Network is your resource for job listings, networking and access to First Tee alumni meetups. Learn more.

From her first swing to inspiring the next generation of girls in golf, Caitlyn embodies what it means to grow through the game.

Since stepping onto the course for the first time in 2014, Caitlyn has spent nearly eleven years growing through First Tee—both as a golfer and as a leader. What began as a simple “yes” to her mom’s question about summer golf classes turned into a journey filled with opportunity, friendship, and personal milestones. Now, Caitlyn is preparing to serve as a standard bearer at the Truist Championship. Caitlyn—one of 50 First Tee — Greater Philadelphia participants selected to serve as a standard bearer at the event—will get to walk inside the ropes, alongside the pros, for this one-in-a-lifetime experience.

Want to help Caitlyn experience this once-in-a-lifetime moment? Become a sponsor and support her journey today.

We’re thrilled to introduce Brayden, one of 50 incredible First Tee — Greater Philadelphia participants selected to serve as a standard bearer at the 2025 Truist Championship.

Standard bearers have the unforgettable opportunity to walk inside the ropes alongside professional players, carrying the scores for fans and getting a unique, behind-the-scenes experience of a professional golf event. For our participants, this is more than a moment on the course—it’s a chance to see what’s possible for their futures.

Want to help Brayden experience this once-in-a-lifetime moment? Become a sponsor and support his journey today.

National Volunteer Week Spotlight

At the heart of every great program are individuals who go above and beyond— not for recognition, but because they truly care. This National Volunteer Week, we are proud to celebrate one of our most dedicated and impactful volunteers: Coach Scott Yard.

In 2018, Coach Yard extended his commitment to youth development by volunteering with First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, expanding the chapters’ programming into Chester County at Rossi Driving Range. Since then, he has coached countless participants, ages 7 to 18, across locations like The Golf Zone Family Fun Center, Downingtown Country Club, Ingleside Golf Club, and Honeybrook Golf Club.

Coach Yard’s coaching philosophy goes far beyond perfecting a golf swing. He is deeply committed to shaping young people into well-rounded individuals who live with integrity, respect, and perseverance. Whether it’s a student’s first golf class or a high-stakes tournament, Coach Yard brings the same passion, patience, and encouragement to every interaction.

Coach Yard is more than a volunteer— he’s a mentor, a teacher, and a constant source of support for the next generation of golfers and leaders. We are incredibly grateful for his time, talent, and unwavering dedication to our mission.

Thank you, Coach Yard, for all you do. You are helping shape the game—and the future—one young golfer at a time.

As part of our exciting partnership with the 2025 Truist Championship, 50 of our students have been selected to serve as standard bearers, walking alongside professional golfers and experiencing the game from inside the ropes. It’s an opportunity that recognizes their dedication, leadership, and love for the game—and we’re honored to highlight their stories leading up to the event.

Today, we’re highlighting Jake, a thoughtful and driven participant whose commitment to personal growth and love for golf shine both on and off the course. Jake, age 17, is currently a student at Father Judge High School.

Meet Jake

“A Friend on the Course”

An Opportunity to Represent

Inspired by Greatness

If he had the chance to play a round with any pro, Hideki Matsuyama would be the one—because of his consistency, humility, and mental focus under pressure.

“His ball striking is incredible, and it’s amazing to see how he makes it look so effortless… I love when he hits a great shot and throws his hands in the air like it’s the worst shot ever.”

Life Lessons From the Course

Big Goals, Bright Future

Sponsor Jake and our Student Standard Bearers!

Jake is one of 50 First Tee — Greater Philadelphia participants selected to serve as standard bearers at the 2025 Truist Championship. Your sponsorship of $1,000 supports our participants in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and young people like Jake, who are working hard to grow into the best version of themselves.

“Sponsoring me would support someone who values growth, responsibility, and contributing to the community in meaningful ways.”

At First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, we’re proud to help young people grow through the game of golf—not just as athletes, but as leaders, students, and community members. As part of our exciting partnership with the 2025 Truist Championship, 50 of our students have been selected to serve as standard bearers, walking alongside professional golfers and experiencing the event from inside the ropes.

Today, we’re proud to highlight Emery, a participant whose journey embodies the power of opportunity, hard work, and personal growth.

Meet Emery

Reflecting on her time in the program, Emery shared:

“First Tee has helped me learn important values and life lessons on and off the green. I’ve made friends with other students in my classes and with some of the other caddies I work with.”

Looking Ahead

A Life Influenced by Golf

Support Emery and Her Fellow Standard Bearers

We’re honored to have students like Emery represent First Tee — Greater Philadelphia at the 2025 Truist Championship. Their stories remind us why this work matters—and how far a little opportunity can go.

You can help make this experience possible. With a $1,000 sponsorship, you can support one student’s participation as a standard bearer and continue to fuel the life-changing work we do year-round.

Stay tuned for more participant spotlights as we lead up to this incredible event!

At First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, we believe in using golf as a tool to build confidence, create opportunities, and inspire our youth on and off the course. At this year’s Truist Championship, 50 of our students have been selected to serve as standard bearers, walking inside the ropes alongside professional golfers in a truly unforgettable experience. 

Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Marek, one of our incredible participants who will take on this special role!

For Marek, golf has been a gateway to personal growth. When asked how First Tee has impacted him, he shared:

“First Tee has helped me feel more confident in my goal-setting skills.”

Beyond the game, golf has opened new doors for Marek, connecting him with people, resources, and opportunities that extend far beyond the fairways. 

Support Marek and Our Standard Bearers!

We’re so proud of Marek and all of our students who will represent First Tee at the Truist Championship this May. You can help support these students by sponsoring a participant! With a $1,000 sponsorship, you’ll support a student’s journey.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting the incredible participants who will be part of this experience!

Lauryn Nguyen received her first set of clubs at age 5 and her lifelong love of golf began shortly after. Her mother, a golfer herself, enrolled Lauryn in classes with First Tee – Greater Seattle while she was in kindergarten and Lauryn quickly picked up the game as well as found a golfing community. 

“It was a great introduction to the sport and a great way to be surrounded by other people who were interested in golf,” Lauryn said about her early years in First Tee.  

As her love for golf grew, so did her passion for giving back to her community. As Lauryn began to make the transition to playing competitive golf, she continued to stay involved with First Tee as a junior coach to share the knowledge she had learned and mentor other participants growing up through the program.  

Through her time involved with First Tee, Lauryn not only learned golf, but also found a community of like-minded individuals. While junior coaching, Lauryn met and began mentoring a group of young women who shared her last name. Although the girls are not related, they share similar life experiences as first-generation Americans who found their community through the game of golf. They all became fast friends and together they founded the Nguyen Junior Am, a golf tournament that gives back to First Tee – Greater Seattle and the Washington Junior Golf Association.  

“They’ve done so much for us and our upbringing. We wanted to give back to the organizations that gave so much to us,” Lauryn said.  

Lauryn continues to excel both on and off the golf course.  She is currently a senior at Northwestern University where she is studying marketing and communications and playing on their Division I golf team.  

This year, for the second year in a row, Lauryn has been invited to compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, a tournament that highlights the top talents in amateur women’s golf and takes place at Augusta National Golf Club the week before the Masters Tournament.  

As she continues to prepare for the week ahead, her community at home is never far from her mind. Lauryn recognizes that each time she tees it up, she’s representing everyone who has played a part in getting her there, all the way back to her first class at First Tee at age 5.  

“I’m playing for myself, but I’m also playing for something so much bigger,” Nguyen reflected.  

Lisa Longino has over 30 years of experience in education with a focus on health, physical education and wellness. As the physical education specialist for the East Cleveland City School District, she is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive physical education and intramural programs for Pre-K through sixth grade students. 

At the beginning of this school year, Lisa inquired with First Tee about implementing the School Program into the five Title I schools where she teaches. She was first introduced to First Tee through her interest in incorporating diverse programs into her curriculum.  

“First Tee’s focus on integrating life skills into golf education is more than just an innovative approach,” said Lisa. “It’s a transformative opportunity for my students.” 

Through a grant, Lisa was provided with training, golf equipment and lessons plans that integrate life skills and values with the game of golf at no cost to herself or the district. She will now be able to introduce First Tee programming to students at all five schools.  

“I’m truly excited to bring this program into our schools because it goes beyond teaching a sport,” said Lisa. “By providing equipment designed specifically for youth, I can create a safe and engaging environment where students can develop fundamental skills, both in golf and in life.” 

As Lisa begins to integrate First Tee programming into her classes, she will have the support of First Tee – Cleveland as well as an online community for teachers and youth leaders that deliver First Tee programming across the country. She looks forward to seeing how these activities will help students overcome barriers, develop resilience and build social and emotional strength that extends into their academic lives and beyond.  

“For many of our students, this will be their first introduction to golf, and I’m confident that it will open doors to new opportunities, build confidence, and inspire a love for golf that can stay with them throughout their lives,” Lisa said.  

Since 2004, First Tee has been integrating its curriculum into PE classes in schools in the United States and Canada. We’ve trained educators at nearly 12,000 schools to teach our program and in 2024, we reached more than 2.4 million kids at these schools.