National Opportunities
The First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it builds experiences that strengthen what they bring to everything they do. With the help of First Tee national corporate partners, experienced teen participants can apply to attend these all-expenses paid golf and leadership events. These opportunities often become life-changing experiences for participants allowing them to meet new people, develop an awareness of the possibilities that surround them, and play some golf.
2026 National Opportunity Schedule & Info
Hard copy applications must be submitted by the Chapter Application Deadline and approved prior to submitting an online application.
Return completed applications to our Director of Programming, Ron Castillo, at [email protected].
Minimum eligibility requirements apply.
First Tee College Scholarship Program
This program awards participants who excel in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement. Thanks to generous donors, First Tee is proud to offer up to a $20,000 scholarship, mentoring throughout the college experience, professional development workshops, and assistance in securing internships and jobs through the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Learn more
Application Link: https://apply.mykaleidoscope.com/scholarships/FirstTeeCollegeScholarship2026
Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 11th
Participant Announcement: May
Number of Participants Selected: TBD
CLICK HERE to download application .pdf
First Tee National Championship
The First Tee National Championship will bring together First Tee’s elite players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level. The winners of each male/female division will be awarded with the Tattersall Cup named after First Tee Trustee, Fred Tattersall. Each winner will also earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Learn more
Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 18th
Participant Announcement: Wednesday, April 29th
Event Date: Sunday, June 21st – Thursday, June 25th
Event Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 48
CLICK HERE to download application .pdf
First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.
First Tee Game Changers Academy is a five-day leadership experience that transforms how teens see themselves and their potential. Selected participants from across the country explore self-awareness, inclusive leadership, and community impact through interactive workshops led by First Tee partners and nationally trained coaches. Through dynamic discussions and guided reflection, teens develop the skills and confidence to become leaders in their communities, today and for years to come. Learn more
Essay Deadline: Wednesday, March 5th (Email essays to [email protected])
Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 18th
Participant Announcement: Wednesday, May 13th
Event Date: Tuesday, July 18th – Saturday, July 22nd
Event Location: Minneapolis, MN
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 72
CLICK HERE to download application and essay prompts
First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore
This all-encompassing experience is being designed to strengthen their leadership skills in dynamic situations, preparing them to transfer those skills to other scenarios they will face in the future. They will also emerge empowered to understand and become environmental stewards through participation in distinctive outdoor experiences. They’ll have the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana where they’ll take part in interactive workshops and outdoor leadership and team-building activities. First Tee’s core competencies of building character, self-confidence and resilience will be a part of the experience, combined with a robust curriculum of leadership and professional development. Learn more
Prequisite: Must participate in Jacksonville First Tee Leadership Series (March 4th – April 8th). CLICK HERE to register.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 13th
Participant Announcement: Wednesday, June 10th
Event Date: Session I: Monday, August 3rd – Friday, August 7th; Session II: Monday, August 10th – Friday, August 14th
Event Location: Emigrant, MT
Number of Participants Selected: 20 attend each session (40 total)
PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee
An official PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the tournament pairs top participants from The 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. Learn More
Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 18th
Participant Announcement: Early July
Event Date: Tuesday, September 15th – Sunday, September 20th
Event Location: Pebble Beach, CA
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 81
CLICK HERE to download application
First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere (Girls only)
First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere celebrates young women who are making a difference in their chapters, schools, and communities. This five-day leadership experience empowers participants to build meaningful networks, connect with mentors, plan for life after graduation, and discover the transformative power of giving back. Learn more
Application Release: Wednesday, May 13th
Essay Deadline: Wednesday, July 1st
Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 15th
Participant Announcement: Wednesday, August 19th
Event Date: Thursday, October 8th – Monday, October 12th
Event Location: Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 36
First Tee Innovators Forum
First Tee Innovators Forum sets to empower First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focusing on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. Selected participants will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders through interactive workshops and small group breakout sessions. This experience provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities. Learn more
Application Release: Wednesday, May 13th
Essay Deadline: Wednesday, July 1st
Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 15th
Participant Announcement: Wednesday, September 9th
Event Date: Sunday, November 15th – Thursday, November 19th
Event Location: Amelia Island, FL
Number of Participants Selected: Up to 32
