Parent FAQ

How do I apply for Financial Aid? First Tee — South Puget Sound will never turn a child away from Life Skills Experience Programs for the inability to pay. Applying for Financial Assistance is now part of our online registration process. Please follow the following steps.   Step 1: Register your child(ren) for the desired class by adding the selection to the cart.  Step 2: Proceed to checkout. Step 3: Continue the registration by completing information and answering questions. When you get to the Financial Aid Page, please (x) click that you would like to apply. Answer the questions and click continue.  Step 4: Proceed to checkout and click submit. Upon applying, your application will be reviewed by First Tee — South Puget Sound and a determination will be made. Step 5: Upon determination, you will receive an email with directions to complete your registration. You will have 48 hours to complete your registration.  Failure to complete your registration in 48 hours will result in your registration being cancelled. Does my child need golf clubs? Golf clubs will be provided for all participants, or they can bring their own if preferred. What will my child experience on the golf course?
  • A fun learning environment
  • A sense of empowerment to make decisions by exploring the implications of their actions
  • Progressive golf and life skills development

Each class is led by a certified First Tee Coach that has been taught First Tee Life Skills Experience curriculum. All coaches are equipped to create positive relationships that inspire young people to look to their future, set goals and discover their individual potential. Many of our classes are led by PGA professionals, and all are assisted by volunteer coaches. Our goal is to have an 8:1 ratio so that every participant gets the support and guidance needed to be successful.

What is First Tee Code of Conduct? Coaches encourage young people to follow these behaviors while at First Tee and in all aspects of life.

  • Respect For Myself
  • Respect For Others
  • Respect for my Surrounding
What Are the First Tee Nine Core Values? Young people are introduced to core values which coaches reinforce throughout the program. Parents are encouraged to support these behaviors by talking about them, what they mean and what these behaviors look like at school and at home. Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, Judgment

What are the First Tee Nine Healthy Habits? These will also be introduced throughout the program to promote healthy, active lifestyles for young people. Energy, Play, Safety, Vision, Mind, Family, Friends, School, Community

Behavior Guidelines: Your child will be learning important life skills during their session. All participants are expected to display these life skills and act in a respectful manner towards First Tee coaches,  volunteers and participants. If there are behavior problems, children may be asked to sit out for a few minutes. The coach will have a conversation with the child first, and then the parents after class. We want all the participants to have a productive and fun time while learning golf and life skills.

Parent Expectations: Parents are encouraged to support the First Tee Nine Healthy Habits taught by coaches at each class, what they mean and what these behaviors look like at school and at home. Because of the unique First Tee curriculum taught by certified coaches, please do not interfere with teaching. We love when parents support their children by watching them, but not necessarily participating with them. We find it sometimes difficult for a child to get the most out of our program when a parent is too involved in the learning experience. We thank you for your trust in coaches and volunteers! We also strongly encourage volunteer. If interested in becoming a certified volunteer, please contact Allie Bordeaux, Marketing & Communications Director, at [email protected]. 

Additional Opportunities: A/B Honor Roll First Tee recognizes outstanding academic achievement of all participants through its A/B Honor Roll program.  Twice annually, chapters report to National Headquarters based in St. Augustine, Florida, the names of their participants who have earned all As and/or Bs (or the equivalent) on their report cards. A Certificate of Achievement is signed by First Tee Chief Executive Officer and distributed to those participants who earned A/B Honor Roll. At the end of each semester, participants should bring their report card to their chapter. All participants, regardless of age, are eligible for this recognition. For more information on A/B Honor Roll or to submit your child's name, visit our A/B Honor Roll page. 

First Tee Youth Scholarship Fund: First Tee — South Puget Sound is committed to ensuring all young people are able to participate in our golf program, regardless of financial barriers. As a result, more than half of our participants receive partial and full scholarships. Please consider making a donation to support the First Tee Youth Scholarship Fund to ensure no child is turned away because of an inability to pay, or lack of equipment. Your gift is fully tax-deductible. Click here to donate now.