USGA AWARDS FIRST TEE IDEA GRANTS TO CHAPTERS NATIONWIDE

In the program’s fifth year, over $1 million in IDEA Grants have been distributed

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 24, 2025) – To ensure golf and its inherent values continue to inspire future generations, the USGA has directed its latest IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility) grant funding to 29 First Tee chapters nationwide. The USGA has awarded 129 grants to chapters across the country since 2021, totaling over $1 million since the grant program’s inception, all dedicated to supplementing the efforts of First Tee chapters in reaching communities historically underrepresented in golf.

The USGA, in its capacity as a founding partner of First Tee, directs $200,000 annually toward local initiatives aimed at developing the game’s next generation, and mitigating the entry barriers they commonly encounter in golf.

“The USGA’s relationship with First Tee is a foundational commitment to the future of our game,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “IDEA grants are about more than just equipment and lessons. They break down real barriers so that more of America’s youth can step onto a course and benefit from the character-building programs that First Tee provides.”

“We are grateful to the USGA for its continued investment in making First Tee programming accessible to kids from all backgrounds,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “First Tee and our chapters would not be where we are today without the longstanding commitment made by USGA. It continues to be a very meaningful partnership in helping us fulfil our mission.”

Golfers access the game in varying ways from community to community, and USGA IDEA grants allow chapters to direct their funding toward strategic initiatives of their choosing. Notable activities supported by grants throughout 2025 include:  

• Resources such as facility fees, coaches, registration support and volunteers to chapters in flood-ravaged areas of the country, including First Tee – Pine Mountain and First Tee – Central Carolina, allowing them to restore programming following natural disasters
• Expansion of adaptive programs offered by First Tee – Rocky Mountains, First Tee – Tri-Valley, First Tee – Southeastern New Mexico and First Tee – Upstate South Carolina
• Connecting youth from indigenous communities to the game through First Tee – South Dakota’s direct outreach on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, First Tee – Tucson’s partnership with Pasqui Yaqui and Tohono Odham Reservation schools and First Tee – Four Corners’ offering of free field trips to youth on the Navajo Reservation
• Access to year-round programming for participants of First Tee – Greater Wichita and First Tee – South Dakota thanks to the opening of indoor learning centers
• First Tee – Metropolitan New York and First Tee – Greater Baltimore covering the cost of bus transportation to help participants in urban areas access green grass facilities
• Establishment of an LPGA*USGA Girls Golf chapter at First Tee – Southern Colorado and expansion of existing Girls Golf programs offered through First Tee – Upstate South Carolina and First Tee Central Mississippi, empowering more girls through golf
• Recruiting Spanish-language instructors and volunteers to assist with programming in the predominantly Hispanic communities served by First Tee – Washington D.C. and First Tee – Phoenix

Below is the full list of chapters awarded funding in 2025:

As part of an organizational commitment to ensure the game continues to thrive for generations to come, the USGA annually invests more than $10 million into junior golf programs, including First Tee, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, Drive, Chip & Putt, and the AJGA, as well as the U.S. National Development Program, which serves as a developmental pipeline for the nation’s most talented youth.

About the USGA

The USGA is a mission-based golf organization whose purpose is to unify the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs; to showcase the game’s best talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally and 13 other national championships and our museum; to provide unbiased global governance with The R&A through the playing, equipment and Amateur Status rules; and to advance issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. The USGA also manages day-to-day operations for the U.S. National Development Program, the country’s first unified pathway for American talent, and the World Golf Hall of Fame, preserving and celebrating the legacies of the game’s greatest figures. As a nonprofit association, our work and our team are driven to act for the good of the game. For more, visit usga.org.

About First Tee

The mission of First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR and many other organizations, foundations, companies and individuals. Over more than 27 years, First Tee has reached millions of young people through its network of 150 Chapters, 12,000 schools and 2,000 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. The First Tee’s Honorary Chair is legendary CBS Sports commentator, Jim Nantz.

Article Originally Posted Here.