National Opportunities

Involvement in First Tee provides unique opportunities for teen participants. Recognizing and rewarding the commitment participants have made to being a game changer on and off the course, the national office hosts a series of events that offer leadership skills and character development, elite golfing experiences, and college scholarships. 

First Tee Leadership Academy in Partnership with the PGA TOUR Superstore

Minnie Jackson, Matthew Stolte, and Gavin Zwiefelhofer traveled to Atlanta, Georgia in June to attend the Leadership Academy.  During their time, they learned how effective teams operate, tested leadership strategies to influence, engage, and encourage excellent team performance, and explored diverse career opportunities in the sports industry. 

“For me, the best part of the leadership program in Atlanta was hearing from many unique speakers. Their stories of success were so inspiring, I will carry their words of advice with me as I navigate my future.”  -Minnie Jackson

“The First Tee Leadership Academy was a great opportunity. Hearing from such extraordinary speakers was a privilege that provided fantastic insight on what it means to be a leader. Since coming back from Atlanta, I am better equipped to positively impact and lead the teams I am a part of.”  -Gavin Zwiefelhofer

“My favorite part about the trip was getting an inside look on how things operate at the PGA Tour Superstore, the Falcons practice facility, the Atlanta United practice facility, the PGA Tour Superstore support center and the Mercedes Benz stadium. I really enjoyed listening to all the speakers and learning valuable career and leadership advice” – Matthew Stolte

First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore 

Seth Damsgard attended the Leadership Summit at West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, Montana this past August. This summit offers teenagers the chance to explore leadership concepts, develop awareness and adaptability, and build positive self-identity through outdoor activities facilitated by experts from PGA TOUR Superstore, West Creek Ranch, and First Tee headquarters. 

“One word to describe this week so far is “unique.” The outdoor adventures we’ve been on were one of a kind. The speakers who have shared with us care so much about the development of our leadership skills and about us as people. That’s not something you get too often. I’ve learned so much already and I can’t wait what the rest of this adventure has in store for me!” – Seth Damsgard

First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. 

Matthew Stolte was also selected to attend the Game Changers Academy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The experience is designed to develop a sense of confidence and equip participants to be Game Changers in their communities. Activities to build self-awareness, community building, and creating environments where all perspectives are valued were facilitated by RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice.  

“The speakers, team building exercises, and group conversations at the Game Changers Academy taught me about the importance of vulnerability.  A week of putting myself in vulnerable situations grew my self-awareness. Since then, I have applied what I learned at school, work, and in my everyday life. It has pushed me to open up to new people, build relationships, and challenge myself to keep growing. Now I know that taking one small step outside your comfort zone can lead to valuable opportunities that help you grow as a person and a leader.” – Matthew Stolte

First Tee Scholarship sponsored by PGA TOUR Superstore 

First Tee – Minnesota alumna Saloni Somia is receiving a college scholarship from First Tee headquarters.  Saloni is in her first year at Brown University in Rhode Island, where she is studying economics and computer science.

The First Tee College Scholarship Program recognizes excellence in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement. It is designed to provide financial support, life skills development, and mentorship of First Tee alumni through their college journey.   

“The scholarship allows me to follow my passions while providing me with an invaluable community. Learning from enlightened speakers and my fellow scholars at the January retreat exceeded my expectations and provided me with many relevant skills. I cannot express how grateful I am to be a First Tee Scholar and part of this supportive and empowering organization.” – Saloni Somia

Teens who are active with First Tee Minnesota and are interested in these national opportunities should email [email protected] to learn more about the process.