2014 Top-Rated Nonprofit

First Tee Idaho

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Children & Youth, Golf, Sports, Youth Development Programs

Mission: To positively impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that promote character development, life-enhancing values, and healthy choices through the game of golf.

Community Stories

43 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

KateMcGwire General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/09/2014

The thing that really stood out for me with The First Tee of Idaho is how dedicated the volunteers and staff members are to the children benefiting from the program. They all show such passion in getting kids on the golf course and making a difference in their lives. The passion resonates with the kids. They can feel it, they can see it. These individuals invest so much that these children can't help but benefit. The game of golf is such a great way to teach children about character and life skills but even more than that, these kids build confidence in themselves. That comes from the dedication of the staff and volunteers and for a young person, that is priceless.

kevinandmaggie Client Served

Rating: 5

10/07/2014

My husband & I were thoroughly impressed with the First Tee program this past summer. It was our first experience with the program as our daughter had just turned 6 and wanted to try out the sport of golf. Not only did she acquire some basic skills for beginners, but she also came away with some wonderful life lessons. One of our favorite moments was when she learned that anyone can play golf - they simulated playing golf with one arm, standing on one foot, blindfolded, standing on the range ball baskets, and placing a ball under their shirts as if pregnant. The whole session was incredible, and we look forward to another session next summer!

AJacobs General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/02/2014

My experience with the importance golf in the life of a youngster is with my family. My son learned golf from his grandfather, began to play at a young age, and became a caddy at age 14. He is now an adult working in the industry. Golf has a way of helping kids learn processes, manners, goals, strategies, how to get someplace on time and do a great job even when it’s physically taxing, and it’s all topped off by meeting some fabulous people and getting some one-of-a-kind experiences because of those people. Helping kids who may not have another way to learn these life skills – that’s a fabulous idea. I wish First Tee of Idaho all the best!

SummerGrounds Client Served

Rating: 5

09/08/2014

This non-profit is such a blessing. My daughter has taken a summer course when she was 10 & just finish a summer camp at the age of 13. She had the best instruction and became confident in herself and her golf skills. I highly recommend having your son or daughter at least try one session. It could change their life.

jwalls Client Served

Rating: 5

09/06/2014

This past summer was our fist experience and it was fabulous! I had 3 of my kids in the golf program and they each had an individual positive experience. They even suggested we take their clubs to the park and hit the ball around! This was amazing, they wanted to practice the sport outside of practice time!! The coaches were organized, supportive, and knowledgeable. It was a wonderful experience, something we will defiantly participate in next summer.

sheditz17 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/06/2014

We love First Tee. My son and daughter have been involved in First Tee for 3 years now and they have learned not only great golfing ability, but have also great responsibility and respect in life and daily responsibility. We are so happy to be a part of First Tee and looking for many years to come.

dventuri Client Served

Rating: 5

09/06/2014

My son is very pleased with the First Tee experience, as am I. The coaches and staff are friendly, personable and knowledgeable. This organization teaches more than golf - it teaches my son how to become a productive, ethical person. I would highly recommend First Tee as golf and life instructors.

amyalderman1 Client Served

Rating: 5

09/05/2014

This has been an amazing program for my son. He was tentative about learning golf but after a session in First Tee, he feels confident and really enjoys the challenge. The volunteers are knowledgeable and work well with the youth. This is a great program and I would highly recommend it.

Cheri9 Client Served

Rating: 5

09/05/2014

My daughter learned the game of golf through First Tee. I cannot say enough about this program. Although she has only gone through lessons for two summers she has come so far! They not only helped her learn to play golf they also taught her many great life lessons. The program has done so much for her. They set her up with clubs, golf shoes, balls, etc. It is so nice to have a program that truly cares so much for it's players. It is obvious they want to see our youth succeed.

krweber Client Served

Rating: 5

09/04/2014

My son had expressed interest in golf. This program allowed him to learn about golf and core values. I especially appreciated the ability to rent the clubs for a year to keep the expenses reasonable. He enjoyed the experience and wants to continue with golf.

bvkmhmac Client Served

Rating: 5

09/04/2014

my Daughter injured her knee playing soccer two years ago after playing for six years it has been her only sport and life she is in High school has been struggling since having coaches take her seriously since they here knee injury . Her Friend was talking about golf and how much fun it was. My Daughter thought golf sounded great to try another sport but was going to be unable to try it because our limited income in today's struggles. but first tee gave her the opportunity through there great scholarship program now she is hooked and loves it. Thank you so much first tee of Idaho for giving her another sport and being such great role models and teachers. We all know important and how great sports are for our kids keeps them focused and healthy and out of trouble.

You are all Great !!!!!!!!!!!!

carissa.hansen Client Served

Rating: 5

09/04/2014

Love this program! My daughter was the recipient of financial assistance and the gift was greatly appreciated. This program helped foster her love for golf!

danapeachey Client Served

Rating: 5

10/14/2013

I have son with special needs and 1st Tee of Idaho has been wonerdul in working with him.

1

Golf3 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/14/2013

I am enrolled in The First Tee of Idaho program and I am also a teen volunteer. I love playing the game of golf and enjoy working with the kids. I highly recommend parents signing their kids up for this program. It teaches not only the game of golf, but the Nine Core Values which are valuable life lessons. The kids also have fun while learning!!!

Jennifer267 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/12/2013

I found First Tee through a friend of mine a few years ago. My son, who was 8 at the time, started showing an interest in golf. I'm a single mom and couldn't afford private golf lessons, but First Tee of Idaho allowed my son to take lessons at an affordable rate and further his knowledge of the game. He's 12 now and has greatly excelled in his abilities thanks to the wonderful instructors. I also like the "life lessons through golf" concept. He's become a more responsible child and better golfer since starting, even winning a longest drive contest and longest chip contest this year. My favorite part is seeing the pride my son has when he golfs well. He's not your typical boy and didn't enjoy the typical boy sports so had never had that feeling before. Golf is something he loves and we would have never been able to let him blossom in this sport without First Tee of Idaho. Thank you!

Leisa Client Served

Rating: 5

10/09/2013

MY SON HAS PLAYED WITH 1ST TEE FEW DIFFERENT TIMES AND IT HAS BEEN THE BEST THING I EVER DID . THEY WORK WITH HIM AND HELP HIM TO GET ALONG WITH OTHER KIDS. MY SON IS 14 AND HAS ATISUM SO IT IS HARD FOR HIM TO FIT IN AND HE LOVE PLAYING WITH EVERYONE AT 1ST TEE.

kdahl Client Served

Rating: 5

10/09/2013

My son has gone to First Tee classes for 2 years. The instructors focus on respect for the child himself, others and the golf course. They also focus on quick play (which is VERY important for a fun game of golf for everyone involved) and having fun themselves! I truly enjoy the instructors and does my son. They are focused yet relaxed so the kids are not pressured and actually learn something from the lessons.
It's been a great experience all around. Thanks!!

golf mom Client Served

Rating: 5

10/09/2013

This is the fist year my son (8 years old) has participated in the First Tee of Idaho Program, and he LOVES it! The instructor was so patient and amazing! If it wasn't for the wonderful opportunity to receive a scholarship, he would be unable to participate, so it was beyond fantastic when we found out that he could join the First Tee of Idaho family. He learned so much, not only about golf, but about responsibility, courtesy, sportsmanship and pride.
Thank you to the donors that made it possible foe him to learn a life long sport and gain the self confidence to play golf.

LadyBelle Client Served

Rating: 5

10/08/2013

My daughter took three rounds of golf through First Tee. We were so impressed with the program! The structure was amazing and her skill level improved so much. Beyond that, the coaches were professional and worked to establish good character traits with the kids. I would highly recommend First Tee to anyone who would like their child to have quality golf instruction.

mrreynoldsmath Client Served

Rating: 5

10/08/2013

My daughter (9) just completed her second summer playing golf with The First Tee and she had a wonderful experience each time. She always looks forward to the practices and now loves to play on small course or just hit a bucket. My son (6) also just finished his first golf instruction with The First Tee and he also loves to play. Great organization, great coaches, recommend them to anyone with kids wanting to play golf in a safe, relaxed, positive environment.

sixgs Client Served

Rating: 5

10/08/2013

My little girl wanted to learn to golf. I like golfing but do not do it often and did not know where to start. I heard about first tee from a golf coach and enrolled two of my children. What a great value to have them obtain about 8 lessons for such a low price. They get discounts at participating golf courses too. Makes golf fun and affordable. Thanks First Tee!

TheDavises Client Served

Rating: 5

10/08/2013

My 13 year old son has been involved with the First Tee Program for three years now. It is a wonderful program that not only teaches the kids the game of golf but also is teaching them the "Nine Core Values" to apply to everyday life. (Honestly, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgement). The coaches are great with the kids and the program is very cost efficient. They also offer a club loaner program. This gives a set of clubs to the participants for them to use as long as they are involved in the program. If the kids outgrow the clubs they just talk to their coach and exchange them for the proper size. I highly recommend this program

baldwinrenee Client Served

Rating: 5

10/08/2013

My 7 year old daughter has had a great time learning how to play golf. This organization has made it possible for my daughter to be able to take lessons at a rate that a single mom can afford. She has been so excited to go to lessons and enjoys telling me all the things she has learned. She even told me that she sees mommies out there golf so I should take lessons too. We plan to continue on with this program since we have had such a great experience so far.

CFam Client Served

Rating: 5

10/02/2013

The First Tee program has been absolutely wonderful for our two boys. It's more important than ever for children to learn positive life skills, and what First Tee encourages children to be and to do is invaluable. The golf that's learned is good, but what kids learn about being a good human is more important and rewarding for us as parents. Coach John and Coach Allyson are wonderful people, teachers, and mentors. Their love of the game and of working with children is plainly evident. First Tee is fantastic!

snurfette Client Served

Rating: 5

09/03/2013

All three of our children have been through the programs at First Tee. We are also local business owners and have worked with them in fundraising and promotional activities. They truly are in this not for themselves but for the kids in our community. The values our children learn in classes match those we teach at home, so it's a great fit for us!

Tommype General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

11/26/2012

I have had the pleasure to work with The First of Idaho in a school setting. I'm a Physical Education and Health Teacher the Meridian School District. John Stein and his staff have come out the past three years to work with my students. This has been one of the most popular units I have engaged my students in over the last three years. John and his staff work extremely well with kids of all ability levels offering them tips to learn and experience success. I could not be happier with my decision to partner with The First Tee of Idaho and make them a part of the curriculum. My students love it and look forward to it every year. Can't thank John and his staff for their willingness to provide their instructional time and love of this life long sport. Thanks again First Tee of Idaho. This is a wonderful starter program if your looking to get your kids started in golf. Keep up the good work!

damggbm Client Served

Rating: 5

11/05/2012

First Tee of Idaho is amazing! Within two weeks, four total sessions, and a couple of trips to the driving range, our eight year old son was ready to golf the course. We took him out on the course and he was amazing! The program teaches the kids very important core values that are important to the game of golf and very important throughout their lives in school, work and with friendships and family. We have enjoyed watching our son learn to play. The coaches and volunteers are amazing. I've been lucky enough to participate in a test version of an adult program and it was wonderful. We will continue with First Tee of Idaho in the years to come.

kklukas2000 Client Served

Rating: 5

11/05/2012

The First Tee of Idaho is an excellent organization. My son has been part of The First Tee of Idaho for going on 3 years and it is the first sport he has taken part in where I he is disappointed if he can't attend. His golf ability improves with every lesson. He has great respect for his coaches and his teammates. I never hesitate to recommend The First Tee of Idaho to anyone looking for golf activity for their child!

JennyZ Client Served

Rating: 5

11/05/2012

My son started this program in the Summer and continued in the Fall of 2012. With the help of great instructors he not only learned the basics of golf but the etiquette of being on the course. My son is shy and quiet and the instructors took a personal interest to make sure they interacted with him individually and in the group to encourage him to come out his shell. Their instruction, encouragement, and praise in his accomplishments gave a boost to his self esteem. We are looking forward to continuing this program in the Spring.

mengbsu20 Client Served

Rating: 5

11/04/2012

I had 2 kids go through the initial class this fall and it was a great introduction to golf and taught them great life values. Would recommend to everyone. The teachers were fantastic, the curriculum was top notch, and the facilities were wonderful.

Jencordier Client Served

Rating: 5

11/02/2012

Our family is so thankful for First Tee of Idaho and all of its supporters! My husband is active duty military solider and our two boys were awarded a scholarship their first class. After the first class the boys (and us) were hooked on golf and First Tee's whole person approach. Besides teaching the game and techniques of golf. They reinforced values such as honesty, integrity not only in golf but life as well. One of the first lessons that I loved was they taught the boys how to approach a stranger, shake their hands, look them in the eye and introduce themselves. The instructors are top notch who are so committed to First Tee and their students. The boys have been involved now for three years and have had the same group of instructors whom have really helped shape and evolve them into young men who can not only play a great game of golf but can follow rules, have integrity, honesty and know how to act respectful not only on a golf course but can relate those values to most part of their lives. After the first class we knew how much the boys wanted to continue but we couldn't afford it. But First Tee stepped up and has provided scholarships to the boys all three years! The boys know it is a privilege to go to each class and we are so thankful to First Tee of Idaho and ALL their supporters who have made it possible for our boys! GREAT GREAT organization!!!

dsully Board Member

Rating: 5

11/01/2012

This was my son's first year in the First Tee program and he loved it. Not only did he learn proper mechanics with his golf swing, he was so much more attentive to the details of the game. He would mark his ball, rake the bunkers, and really try to play by the rules of the game. He would even count his misses as strokes because that was the right thing to do. The First Tee of Idaho has instilled valuable life lessons, while making the game of golf fun.

Camoody5 Client Served

Rating: 5

11/01/2012

I have 3 children who have participated in the First Tee Program. First & foremost, they love it. I love that they teach life skills along with golf skills. Really a first class organization.

Kristin19 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/31/2012

The First Tee of Idaho is an amazing organization. My son signed up for the First Tee this past summer and took another course this past fall. His focus and attention to detail has improved greatly and he's becoming a very consistent player. The coaches are very patient with the kids, and break down the techniques into simple steps the kids are able to comprehend and process. I highly recommend the First Tee program to all of my friends...not just for the kids to play golf, but for them to see good sportsmanship, learn values, and experience the formalities of golf.

susan.beard Client Served

Rating: 5

10/31/2012

My husband is an avid and accomplished amatuer golfer, so we wanted to get lessons for our girls. Many local golf courses offer them, but they are very, very expensive and the classes are often large 10+ kids with one instructor. The First Tee was able to offer partial scholarships for our two kids and the classes were great! There were 4-8 kids per class. The lessons were wonderful and focused not only on skills, but on the honor and integrity of the game. They learned so much in just 10 lessons. Each week had a theme (Character, Honesty, Perseverence, etc) that was integrated in every part of the lesson. We are very happy with their progress and hope to participate again!

JudyJS Client Served

Rating: 5

10/31/2012

My son would participate in every single golf class The First Tee of Idaho offers if he could. As soon as he completes one session he's ready start the next. He's had so much fun learning the game and meeting new friends. The beauty of it is that there is so much more to the program than just those two wonderful benefits. The more he hears about the core values of living, those being responsiblity, respect, honest, etc. the more he lives those characteristics. Thank you The First Tee of Idaho for your enthusiastic and knowledgable instructors and your dedication to growing the WHOLE person, not just the golf game.

Debbie56 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/31/2012

As a former "football" family, we have converted! Our youngest son decided to make the switch from football to golf this year following in his two of his brothers' footsteps. We couldn't be more pleased! The character values taught and emphasized to our son and the children of the Treasure Valley by First Tee will have a lasting impact on Idaho communities. Their emphasis on honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, etc. is unlike any other youth sports programs we have been involved with. I highly recommend First Tee to all the youth of Idaho and know with all certainty that it will make a difference in their lives! Thanks First Tee for doing it right!!!

1

Mrs. Hoppe Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2012

The First Tee of Idaho is great! They teach children values that they are able to use in their daily life. This helps children grow to be good citizens.

Mary121 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/31/2012

The First Tee of Idaho is a FANTASTIC program. This was our first year signing my son up for golf after having the program highly recommended by a good friend. Boy, were we pleased with everything about it! From the professional staff that runs the program, to the thorough communication this program displays, to the skills and life lessons my son benefited from...we were impressed and happy we took part. My son loved every minute of his time with First Tee this summer. He learned so much and we feel this was do to the positive atmosphere and well ran program they put on. This is one of the best youth programs in Idaho. Golf is a lifetime sport. The lessons taught are critical in the development of kind, responsible, outgoing, productive citizens down the road. Five Stars!

1

Marilyn Reynolds Volunteer

Rating: 4

10/31/2012

The First Tee of Idaho is one of the best things to happen to the game of golf and the youth of the Treasure Valley. This is an excellent program with curriculum that is of the highest quality. As a former high school principal, I would have loved it if the curriculum was as carefully created for all subject areas as it was for The First Tee. The Core Values that are the basis for the program are a wonderful foundation. The concept of sharing the game of golf with youngsters that otherwise might not encounter the sport is outstanding. I love win-win situations and that is The First Tee of Idaho. As a former board member and current volunteer, this is one nonprofit I will always support.

2

Wally Golf Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2012

The First Tee of Idaho is a fabulous program. Teaching life skills to our youth thru the game of golf. The First Tee is building great citizens for our community and future leaders for families and business.

1

bob18 Client Served

Rating: 5

09/03/2010

We learned about The First Tee while attending the Boise Open. At the time my daughter had no interest in golf. We talked about signing up to test the waters, and she agreed. The instruction, the course, the lessons and the instructor were great! She was hooked! Her skills and ethusiasm for the game increase each week. Her appreciation for the life skills learned are probably the greatest take-away. The First Tee is a wonderful program that produces wonderful results!

1

falon Client Served

Rating: 4

09/02/2010

First Tee had an event open to the public to introduce themselves to parents and kids in the community. We took our 11 year old son to take a look. He was given a set of Golf Clubs and received help through the Golf course, and then we were provided an amazing BBQ lunch. We signed up for lessons and Taren learned some great life lessons. He understood it was important to be on time and respectful. He met some great friends and he certainly gained a better attitude and learned to enjoy the game which he will carry through his lifetime. Thanks First Tee!

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