National Opportunities

The fifth annual First Tee National Championship will be held at University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, bringing together 48 of First Tee’s elite players for a 54-hole national competition designed to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate level and beyond. Applications were released January 15, 2025, and are due on March 19, 2025. Selections will be announced on April 29, 2025.

FIRST TEE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

This annual $5,000 scholarship is a need and merit-based program, renewable for up to four years of college admission. Compete details are available upon request. Applications were released January 15, 2025, and are due on March 19, 2025. Selections will be announced in May 2025.

The 72 participants selected to attend the academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota will have the opportunity to further strengthen and develop their leadership skills in various methods. They will be encouraged to develop their leadership qualities and skill set through engaging workshops, panel discussions/seminars, and volunteer opportunities. Applications were
released January 15, 2025, and due on March 19, 2025. Selections will be announced on May 13, 2025.

See First Tee Pittsburgh’s 2024 Gamechanger slideshow by Anthony Knouse:

An official PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California, the tournament pairs up to 81 top participants from First Tee with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs. To be selected, juniors are measured in both golf ability and life skills knowledge. The tournament is televised on Golf Channel. Applications were released January 15, 2025, and due on March 19, 2025. Selections will be announced on June 27, 2025.

This event is for up to 32 participants, and will be held in Jacksonville, Florida. First Tee Innovators Forum equips and empowers teens to develop a meaningful service project in their community focused on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. This event provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging participants who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their respective communities. Applications are released May 14, 2025, and due on July 16, 2025. Selections will be announced on August 20, 2025.

JOHN DEERE DRIVE YOUR FUTURE ACADEMY (ALL GIRLS EVENT)

This event is for female participants ONLY, and is held in Jacksonville, Florida. The event focuses on leadership development, remaining active in the game of golf, learning the value/impact of volunteerism, and recognizing the importance of teamwork and up to 36 participants will be chosen. Potential participants should be able to break 100 for 18 holes. Applications are released May 14, 2025, and due on July 16, 2025. Selections will be announced on September 10. 2025