ABOUT US

Mission
The mission of The First Tee of Los Angeles is to teach golf to at-risk youth and instill the values of personal responsibility, respect, honesty, integrity and self-discipline. The program achieves its mission by providing professional instruction, discounted access to golf courses and practice facilities, and properly fitted equipment.

History
The Ladies Professional Golf Association founded the program, originally know as LPGA Junior Golf and later The Urban Youth Golf Program, to give youth of all backgrounds a chance to play golf, especially those from low-income families. The Amateur Athletic Foundation provided seed money to the LPGA to launch the program in the summer of 1989. Since that time, more than 7,500 children have participated in the program and more than 1,000 enroll each year. In 1999, the LAJCC acquired the Program from the LPGA, making it truly a community run organization.

Programs Offered
The foundation of The First Tee of Los Angeles' curriculum is weekly instruction with a golf professional. Golfers participate in classes with a consistent instructor, location and classmates. Additional programs are available after meeting certain eligibility requirements. These include: Introduction to Competition Series, Team Play, Pro-Am participation, Junior/Adult tournaments and others.


Milestones
1989-First classes offered
1991-First annual Pro-Am held
1994-Callaway Golf Company donates $1 million dollars to be paid over four years
1995 to 1998-Major growth period due in part to growing popularity of Tiger Woods
1999-Becomes part of the LAJCC Charity Foundation
2009-Joins The First Tee Network, adding its Life Skills Experience to the curriculum

Major Achievements
Has grown from less than 100 participants to more than 1200 annually since its inception
More than 300 graduating participants have gone on to college, many with academic or golf scholarships
Continues to be a leader in male/female ratio participation