PA R E N T S ’ G U I D E T O T H E F I R S T T E E

EMPOWERING YOUTH

Parents’ Guide to The First Tee

“My daughter has been several years. I have

only become a importantly a

in The First Tee for watched her not

better golfer but more finer, caring young lady.”

~ Renee Guilbault, Parent from The First Tee of The Grand Strand

Welcome to The First Tee! The First Tee delivers high-quality programs that build character and develop leadership skills…but what’s just as important is that it’s fun!

Each lesson is designed to be exciting, interactive and engaging. Our coaches follow a philosophy centered on positively reinforcing yourchild’s actions and ensuring a great experience.

The First Tee works with experts in a variety of fields to help coaches deliver programs that seamlesslyweave golf and character-building activities into each lesson. As your child progresses through The First Tee’s programs, the activities and life lessons become more involved, helping your child build character and become even more equipped to make good choices on and off the golf course.

On pages 10–13, you will see the wide-ranging and ever growing golf, life and leadership opportunitiesfor high school-aged participants. These opportunities, many available because of generous sponsors,are designed to provide enriching experiences for teenagers who have stayed in the program andmoved to the advanced levels of curriculum. The First Tee Scholars Program also offers a wonderfulopportunity for young people to be rewarded (see page 12).

After each lesson, I encourage you to ask your child to share with you the life lesson discussed thatday. You can help your child bridge the lessons to life by encouraging them to use what they havelearned at school, at home and in situations with friends. The First Tee’s focus on character will helpyour child prepare for success in life … it’s more than a game.

I hope you and your family find The First Tee experience to be both enjoyable and rewarding.

Sincerely,

Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.Chief Executive Officer

EMPOWERING YOUTH

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Golf & Life SkillsA Seamless ExperienceThe First Tee’s programs are designed around teaching young people the game of golf, as well as helping them understand and ultimately develop The First Tee Nine Core Values™: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

The First Tee’s curriculum was developed by experts in the field ofpositive youth development through sport and is delivered by caringadults (coaches) who have been formally trained by The First Tee.

At The First Tee, golf and life lessons are seamlessly incorporatedinto each experience. In addition to learning fundamentals of thegolf swing and the game, a sample of life skills lessons include:

I N T E R P E R S O N A L S K I L L SProper introduction when meeting someone new and how to effectively communicate with others.

S E L F - M A N A G EM E N TTechniques for managing thoughts and emotions.

G O A L S E T T I N GSetting attainable goals to reach desired dreams.

R E S I L I E N C Y S K I L L SStrategies to adapt, to manage and overcome challenges.

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LevelsSomething for AllYoung people progress through The First Tee bymoving through levels that introduce new andmore advanced concepts of golf and life skills.

PLAYer (required minimum age 7)Introduces playing the game of golf with special emphasis on learning golf and The First Tee Code of Conduct, appreciating the rules and etiquette of the game, and The First Tee Nine Core Values.

PAR (recommended minimum age 9)Focuses on interpersonal communication and self-management skills.

BIRDIE (recommended minimum age 11)Emphasizes goal-setting.

EAGLE (recommended minimum age 13)Emphasizes resilience skills, conflict resolution and planning for the future.

ACE (required minimum age 14 or entering 9th grade)Once a young person has progressed through all program levels, he/she can become Ace-certified,focusing on setting goals for golf, career and education, and giving back to the community.

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The First Tee CoachesMaking a DifferenceThe First Tee has more than 2,500 coaches in the network.They include PGA and LPGA professionals and volunteerswho donate their time because they believe strongly in The First Tee’s mission.

The First Tee Coach Program was createdwith the help of youthdevelopment experts to successfully traincoaches to deliver the highest quality experience available in youth developmentthrough sport.

Y O U N G P E O P L E E X P E R I E N C E :

A fun learning environment

A sense of empowerment to make decisions by exploring the implications of their actions

A positive relationship and rapport with coach(es)

Progressive golf and life skill development

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PhilosophyA Solid FoundationThe First Tee believes positive youth development happens through a meaningful, quality relationship between the coach and participant. Young people do not care what a coach knows until they know a coach cares. This philosophy is implemented through four building blocks.

Activity-BasedDoing versus telling(create experience-based learning environments; seamless delivery of life skills within golf activities)

Mastery-DrivenSeek challenging tasks that helpdevelop new skills (balance thefocus on process versus outcome)

Empower YouthYoung people actively participatein the decision-making process(develop positive relationships andtake a student-centered approach)

Continuous LearningFoster long-term solutions ratherthan short-term fixes (engage youngpeople in feedback and identifycoachable moments)

P H I L O S O P H Y & B U I L D I N G B L O C K S

CONTINUOUSLEARNING

MASTERY-DRIVEN

ACTIVITY-BASED

EMPOWERYOUTH

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The First Tee Code of ConductCoaches encourage young people to follow these behaviors while at The First Tee and in other aspects of life.

R E S P E C T F O R M Y S E L F» I will dress neatly and wear golf or athletic shoes.» I will always try my best when I play or practice.» I will keep a positive attitude and catch myself doing something right regardless of the outcome.

» I will be physically active, eat well, get enough sleep, and be safe so I can stay healthy.

» I will be honest with myself, including when I keep score and if I break a rule.» I will use proper etiquette and maintain my composure even when others may not be watching.

R E S P E C T F O R O T H E R S» I will follow all instructions and safety rules.» I will keep up with the pace of play on the golf course.» I will be friendly, courteous and helpful.» I will remain still and quiet while others are playing and have fun withoutbeing loud and rowdy.

» I will be a good sport toward others whether I win or lose. » I will encourage others to be safe and physically active.

R E S P E C T F O R M Y S U R R O U N D I N G S» I will keep the golf course and practice areas clean and in as good or bettershape than I found them.

» I will clean and take care of my and others’ golf equipment.» I will be careful not to damage anything that belongs to others.

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PhilosophyA Solid FoundationThe First Tee believes positive youth development happens through a meaningful, quality relationship between the coach and participant. Young people do not care what a coach knows until they know a coach cares. This philosophy is implemented through four building blocks.

Activity-BasedDoing versus telling(create experience-based learning environments; seamless delivery of life skills within golf activities)

Mastery-DrivenSeek challenging tasks that helpdevelop new skills (balance thefocus on process versus outcome)

Empower YouthYoung people actively participatein the decision-making process(develop positive relationships andtake a student-centered approach)

Continuous LearningFoster long-term solutions ratherthan short-term fixes (engage youngpeople in feedback and identifycoachable moments)

P H I L O S O P H Y & B U I L D I N G B L O C K S

CONTINUOUSLEARNING

MASTERY-DRIVEN

ACTIVITY-BASED

EMPOWERYOUTH

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ResearchValidatesIndependent research confirms The First Tee’s ability to instill life skills and core values in youth participating in programs deliveredthrough its chapters.*

Highlights from the Study Include†

» School was unanimously identified as a setting in which participants transferred life skills.» 73% reported high confidence in their ability to do well academically.

» 82% felt confident in their social skills with peers.

» 78% described their ability to transfer life skills through specific examples and stories.

» 57% credited The First Tee for their meeting and greeting skills.

» 52% credited the program for their ability to appreciate diversity.

* “Longitudinal Effects of The First Tee Life Skills Programs on Positive Youth Development” study led by University of Minnesota’s Maureen R. Weiss, Ph.D.

† After three consecutive years of participation in The First Tee.

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The First TeeNine Core ValuesBring Them HomeBy participating in The First Tee, young people are introduced to core values which are reinforced throughout the program. Parents are encouraged to support these behaviors by talking about them,what they mean and what these behaviors look like at home.

Calling a penalty on him/herself if he/she breaks a rule.

Maintaining composure and etiquette even when he/she thinksothers are not watching.

Treating others kindly whether winning or losing.

Following instructions and safety rules.

Identifying something he/she is doing well regardless of the outcome.

Taking care of the practice areas and course by repairing ballmarks, replacing divots, raking bunkers, etc.

Trying his/her best regardless of how he/she is playing.

Remaining still and quiet while others are playing.

Making healthy choices at the golf course, such as being physically active, drinking water and eating healthy snacks.

Honesty

Integrity

Sportsmanship

Respect

Confidence

Responsibility

Perseverance

Courtesy

Judgment

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TheFirst TeeNine HealthyHabitsThe First Tee Nine Healthy Habits were created through a collaboration among The First Tee,ANNIKA Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children to promote healthy, active lifestylesfor young people. The healthy habits are a list of nine health and wellness topics presented as part of The First Tee, formatted for easy understanding and learning by elementary-age students and chapter participants.

P H Y S I C A LEnergy: It is important to understand and make healthy choices about when to eat, how much toeat, and the types of food and drinks to provide the body with the most useful energy.

Play: A variety of energizing play can help the body stay strong, lean and fit, and be fun in theprocess. Sleep and other forms of “re-charging” allow one to engage in play on a daily basis.

Safety: Physical safety includes playing in a safe environment and by the rules, protecting thebody with proper equipment, warm-up and cool-down and wearing sun protection.

E M O T I O N A LVision: In order to make the most of one’s unique gifts – talents, characteristics and abilities –an individual needs to learn from the past, value the present, and create their vision and future toultimately “leave a footprint.”

Mind: The mind is a powerful tool for health. One’s mind influences his/her emotions and behaviorsand can be utilized for self-improvement, building confidence and maintaining perspective.

Family:When family members participate in activities together–share meals, communicate and establish roles and responsibilities–they are more likely to be successful in achieving theirhealth-related goals.

S O C I A LFriends: Maintaining healthy relationships includes surrounding oneself with friends and supportive people, while effectively handling challenging situations, including bullying and navigating the digital age with social media.

School: Success in school–learning, building relationships and contributing to the school environment–leads to success in other areas of life.

Community: Like the health of one’s body, it is important to also explore the health of one’s community and discover how one can give back and care for his/her environment and safety.

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ParticipantOpportunitiesThanks to corporate partners and generous donors, The First Tee offers a number of events for participants who have stayed and advanced in The First Tee program. These events oftenbecome life-changing experiences as they create an ideal time for young people to expandtheir horizons, meet new people and learn more about themselves.

Most opportunities use an application and committee review process to select participantswho will benefit the most from each opportunity. Parents should inquire with the chapter about applying for these opportunities. Except for A/B Honor Roll, participants must be highschool age to apply and in some cases, a specific age or grade is required.

For more details, visit www.thefirsttee.org/opportunities

T H E F I R S T T E E A C A D EM I E SLife Skills & Leadership Academy Each summer, selected participants of The First Tee attend a week-long Life Skills & Leadership Academy. They participate in championship golf,life skills activities and career exploration, experience dorm living and meet a wide variety ofyoung people from around the world.

PLAYer Advanced Academy This eight-day academy is intended for advanced playerswithin the network pursuing collegiate golf. The PLAYer Advanced Academy provides an experience rich in both golf and life skills learning that will improve the participants’ chancesto compete at a higher level.

Chapter-led Academies In addition to national events conducted by the home office, some chapters have started working together, or on their own, to create more regional opportunities for teens and youngerparticipants. These events can be hosted by a single chapter or multiple chapters, and can be a one-day event or several days of program activities.

Parents should inquire with their chapter aboutthese chapter-led participant opportunities.

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Participant Opportunities continued

A / B H O N O R R O L LThe First Tee A/B Honor Roll program encourages all participants to excel academically and to stayon track for eligibility in The First Tee Scholars Program (Pg. 12). Participants of all ages who earnAs and Bs (or equivalent) on their report cards will receive certificates signed by Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.,chief executive officer of The First Tee. Honor Roll certificates are distributed twice per year.

A J G A A C E G R A N T P R O G R AMThe American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) ACE Grant Program provides top-flight golf opportunities to young people regardless of financial resources. The ACE Grant has supported 73 participants of The First Tee since 2003. For more information visit www.ajga.org.

AM E R I C A ’ S F U T U R E – T H E C O C A - C O L A C OM PA N YDedicated to impacting communities, Coca-Cola Company supports The First Tee by offering fiveparticipants annually the chance to experience working at one of the largest corporations in theworld. The semifinalists spend two days in the heart of downtown Atlanta visiting the Coca-Colacampus, attending a new-hire training, meeting with executives and taking part in interviews todetermine the winner of a $5,000 scholarship during The TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola. Four runners-up each receive a $1,000 scholarship.

AUN T I E A NN E ’ S L E A D E R S & E N T R E P R E N E U R S F O R UMThe First Tee has partnered with Auntie Anne’s—the world’s largest hand-rolled and freshly-bakedsoft pretzel chain—to create an exciting event that combines The First Tee Life Skills Curriculumwith leadership and entrepreneurship insight from Auntie Anne’s executives. During the three-dayforum, participants attend interactive sessions covering career and community leadership withAuntie Anne’s executives and franchise partners. They also learn about the franchise businessmodel and what it is like to own and operate an Auntie Anne’s store.

INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAMThrough a partnership between The First Tee and the International Junior Golf Academy (IJGA),participants are selected to attend a week-long training at the IJGA in Hilton Head, S.C. Activitiesinclude daily instruction with IJGA instructors.

N AT U R E V A L L E Y F I R S T T E E O P E N AT P E B B L E B E A C H The Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach showcases the talent and character of youngpeople who participate at The First Tee chapters. An official Champions Tour event at PebbleBeach Golf Links on the Monterey Peninsula, the tournament pairs one junior with a ChampionsTour player and two amateurs. To be selected, juniors are measured in both golf proficiency andlife skills knowledge. The tournament is televised nationally on Golf Channel.

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T H E F I R S T T E E J U N I O R C O U R S E R E P O R T E R SCourse Reporters are selected from chapters located near various PGA TOUR tournament locationsto receive official media credentials and “cover” the tournament via blogs on PGATOUR.com, Twitteror other media outlets. The Junior Course Reporters enjoy a two-day, inside-the-ropes experience.

T H E F I R S T T E E O U T S TA N D I N G PA R T I C I PA N T AWA R DThe First Tee Outstanding Participant Award represents the pinnacle of accomplishment for deserving participants. It recognizes exemplary achievement in the areas of academics, communityservice, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation. TheOutstanding Participant Award is administered every other year in conjunction with The First TeeNetwork Meeting (a biennial educational conference for chapter representatives of The First Tee).Winners receive a college scholarship provided by Founding Corporate Partner Shell Oil Company.

T H E F I R S T T E E PA R - 3 C H AMP I ON S H I PThirty-two participants will be selected to compete in this inaugural two-day tournament inscenic Richmond, Va.

T H E S C H O L A R S P R O G R AMThe Scholars Program is a distinction awarded to participants who are seniors in high school and who excel in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and communityinvolvement. Each participant meeting specific eligibility requirements is encouraged to applyfor the designation of The First Tee Scholar in the fall of their senior year. A limited number ofscholarships are usually available each year and are awarded at the same time the class isdesignated. A student designated as a Scholar will be eligible to participate in any educationalscholarship programs made available by The First Tee.

R B S A C H I E V E R S O F T H E Y E A R AWARD SThe RBS Achievers of the Year Awards are given to participants who have overcome challengesin their lives while upholding The First Tee Nine Core Values. A committee selects ten semifinalistsfrom chapter nominations, then the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) chooses one male and one female winner, each of whom receives a substantial college scholarship. The remaining semifinalists also receive scholarships to be used for ongoing education.

WE L L S F A R G O S U C C E E D I N G T O G E T H E R SM

Through a variety of regional events and a national contest, Wells Fargo’s Succeeding Together community program celebrates the huge impact The First Tee has on students across the country. In 2015, teenage participants of The First Tee can again compete through an essay contest (begins February 1) for the opportunity to attend the Wells FargoChampionship in Charlotte, N.C. Four winners will be selected, with the grand prize winner receiving the opportunity to play in the tournament’s pro-am with the PGA TOUR player of their choice. All winners are given behind-the-scenes access at the tournament throughoutthe week. Wells Fargo will also host a series of local chapter events with PGA TOUR players throughout the year. Please visit www.succeedingtogether.org to learn more.

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Special EventsFor Designated Scholars OnlyEach May, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) invites select scholars of The First Tee (see pg. 12)to attend an executive business forum held during THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrassin Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. The Scholars are selected by PwC based on their college major orinterest in business management, economics, finance and accounting. The Scholars spendthree days interacting with global business leaders and attending sessions on risk management,corporate social responsibility and corporate governance. One of the Scholars addresses thecorporate attendees during a formal gathering.

†After three consecutive years of participation in The First Tee.

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About The First TeeWho We AreOur MissionTo impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character,instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

About UsSince its inception in 1997, The First Tee, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization,has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 10.5 million young people in all 50 states and several international locations. The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation and its Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America,PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partnerand Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves ashonorary chair. The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schoolsand at other youth-serving locations.

The First Tee Nine Core Values

www.thefirsttee.org

HonestyIntegritySportsmanship

RespectConfidenceResponsibility

PerseveranceCourtesyJudgment

To impact the lives

of young people byproviding educationalprograms that buildcharacter, instill life-enhancing valuesand promote healthychoices through thegame of golf

WO R L D G O L F V I L L A G E425 South Legacy Trail | St. Augustine, FL 32092

904.940.4300www.thefirsttee.org

©2015 The First Tee. All rights reserved. Use with permission.

MISSION

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