The First Tee of Beaver Falls

Introduce A Child to the Benefits of a Golf Education.

MISSION: To impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character – development and life - enhancing values through the game of golf.

The First Tee was formed nationally in Nov 1997 by the World Golf Foundation. The program is overseen by committees from the PGA of America, PGA TOUR, United States Golf Association, Ladies Professional Golf Association, and the Augusta National Golf Club, along with the former President George Bush as Honorary Chairman.  The focus is to give young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and life enhancing character education.

The program was originally created as a way to bring golf to youngsters that otherwise would not be exposed to the game of golf.  In 2000 the initial program was expanded to include The First Tee Life Skill Experience program. This unique program teaches 9 core values:

• HONESTY - the quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive.  Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score.
• INTEGRITY - strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct; personal honesty and independence.  Golf is a game of etiquette and composure.  Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking.
• SPORTSMANSHIP - observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace.  Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct themselves in a kind and respectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.
• RESPECT - to feel or show deferential regard for; esteem.  In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honor and traditions of the game.
• CONFIDENCE - reliance or trust.  A feeling of self-assurance.  Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.
• RESPONSIBILITY - accounting for one's actions; dependable.  Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course.  It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.
• PERSEVERANCE - to persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles.  To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences.
• COURTESY - considerate behavior toward others; a polite remark or gesture.  A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors.  Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.
• JUDGMENT - the ability to make a decision or form an opinion; a decision reached after consideration.  Using good judgment is very important in golf.  It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.

The First Tee Life Skills Experience was formulated with the help of academic, coaching and golf experts.  The First Tee is unique in that it proactively teaches Life Skill lessons for life as part of the basic instruction program.  A child cannot participate in The First Tee and opt out of the Life Skills instructions and learning, because these lessons are seamlessly integrated into the physical instructions.

In 2003 The First Tee started expanding their programs.  Presently participants can participate in National and local tournaments, attend the Life Skills & Leadership Academy, Future Leaders Forum, apply for college scholarships, etc.  The National School Program was introduced in 2004.  The program teaches basic golf and the game's values to students through elementary school physical education classes.  In 2007 The First Tee was awarded an appropriation from the Department of Defense to extend The First Tee experience to the children of the men and women serving in the armed forces.

All chapters are non profit organizations sharing the same mission and operational guidelines. Currently there are 204 First Tee chapters in 50 states and 6 international countries, 1,100+ affiliated golf courses, over 691 program locations, 227 scholars, 3,400 elementary schools, a newly launched military program....reaching over 4.7 million young people. 

The First Tee of Beaver Falls Chapter was formed in 1999 and started operation in the year 2000 with 75 youth and to date has served more than 1500 tri-county participants. The clinics are taught by professionals and experience volunteers at the Black Hawk Golf Course driving range and 3-hole course built exclusively for the The First Tee.

At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, it is important that our youth have the chance to build their life skills, to gain the critical tools for a successful life, and to be productive in the community. Any child between 4 and 17 can participate.

The First Tee Life Skills Experience is divided into six (6) levels:  TARGET, PLAYer, PAR, Birdie, Eagle, and ACE.

1. TARGET:  Ensures each participant between the age of 4 and 6 are introduced to limited golf in an enjoyable manner, promotes curiosity, while seamlessly emphasizing essential links between golf and life skills prior to more advanced levels.
2. PLAYer:  Entry level of certification with a special emphasis on learning golf and The First Tee Code of Conduct, appreciating game rules & etiquette, and developing the game of golf and life.
3. PAR:  Introduction to golf focusing on interpersonal communication and self-management skills.
4. BIRDIE:  Intermediate golf level focusing on primarily on goal-setting.  Participants learn how to introduce themselves, respect others, keep a positive attitude, control their emotions, and set and achieve individual goals.
5. EAGLE:  Advanced golf level focusing on group and community interaction.  The lessons provide advanced instruction and practice in mastering PAR and Birdie level skills, as well as additional topics such as conflict resolution, mentoring and career planning.  Participants learn to deal more effectively with others so they can become good citizens and exert a positive influence both at The First Tee and in their communities.
6. ACE:  Skilled golf level, which is designed to help participants further develop as individuals and as assets to their communities.

Visit our facility, brush up your skills, challenge yourself, get involved, volunteer, or just have fun fostering a child with a donation.

For more information on The First Tee of Beaver Falls, click here to contact the Golf Shop, call 724-843-5512, or enter information below.

To access The First Tee national website click HERE.