The First Tee’s mission is to introduce young people to the game of golf & the life lessons it teaches. Through the Life Skills Experience, participants learn amongst other skills the importance of self-management, interpersonal communication, goal-setting, mentoring and effective conflict resolution.

The First Tee Life Skills Experience is a progressive educational program which includes the following program levels: PLAYER, PAR, BIRDIE, EAGLE and ACE Levels.

Through professional instruction participants can develop their golf skills and acquire a lifelong love for the game. The First Tee Life Skills Experience is taught nationwide in various venues (See Affiliated Venues) and run concurrently with the school year. The program is supplemented by Coaching Camps, competitive events and visits to other programming venues.

Modular Units

Each program level consists of a “core” lesson that all participants must be exposed to. The core lessons are suitable for delivery to any age group. In addition, each module includes optional activities. Some give participants additional practice in the core life skills; some are designed for participants 12 and older; others deal with the application of life skills to non-golf situations at home or school.  Their understanding of the core lesson is enhanced through role-plays, golf-related activities, and workbook exercises.

Each program level also consists of a certification process.  Students must successfully complete the certification process in order to move to the next program level. 

As part of the Certification Process, participants must demonstrate that they understand and can apply the core life skills by answering written questions and performing skills for an instructor. When they meet certification requirements, they progress to the next level.

See "The First Tee Life Skills Experience" for more specific information on program levels.