On a warm August afternoon at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, the short course and driving range were alive with laughter, competition, and learning. I had the opportunity to visit First Tee – Green Valley Ranch during one of their weekly summer sessions, and what I saw was a powerful reminder of how golf continues to grow both the game and the next generation.
Out on the short course, kids rotated between holes, playing creative putting and chipping games designed to build both skill and confidence. Coaches and volunteers were stationed throughout, not only offering instruction but reinforcing the values that define the First Tee experience: honesty, respect, perseverance, and judgment.
Meanwhile, on the driving range, a high-energy competition took place. Participants were challenged to land shots into strategically placed targets. Every clang of plastic drew cheers, high fives, and a healthy dose of playful rivalry. It was a perfect snapshot of how First Tee blends fun with fundamentals.
What impressed me most was the level of engagement — from the kids, who were clearly having fun and learning at the same time, to the coaches, who knew every name and offered encouragement at every turn.
It’s clear that First Tee – Green Valley Ranch isn’t just teaching golf, but they’re building a pipeline of character-driven young people through the game we all love. Programs like these are critical to the CGA’s mission of expanding access, growing the game, and shaping future leaders through golf, and we couldn’t be prouder to support their efforts through our grantmaking.
As we look to the future of the sport, visits like this remind us that the next great players, caddies, coaches, and club members are already out there — they just need a place to start.
