March 10, 2005 – The First Tee (TFT) of Chicago is a non-for-profit youth golf organization that introduces the game of golf and the Life Skills the game embodies to inner city youth of Chicago and provides ongoing golf instruction to interested juniors free of charge.

The First Tee of Chicago (TFTC) is beginning its 5th year of operation. Since our inception in 2000 we have sought to provide a unique environment to introduce the game of golf and its life-enhancing values free of charge to the inner city youth of Chicago. TFTC is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit youth development agency.

Currently, our summer programs make over 18,000 junior contacts annually at three separate learning facilities: South Shore, Douglas Park, and Marquette Park. The programming implemented by TFTC is based on a specialized “Life Skills” training curriculum paired with golf skills training. Through this distinctive set of courses we hope to instill values such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, and respect.

Along with our own programming TFTC also makes the learning centers available to many other local not for profit youth development organizations including, McCormick Boys & Girls Club, S.A.F.E., Sunshine Through Golf, Hook A Kid On Golf, and Girls In The Game. TFTC is also in the process of launching an affiliate program with the Chicago Public Schools Golf Program.

To learn more about our program please vist our website at www.thefirstteechicago.org.