This year marked the beginning of an impactful journey for First Tee – Alberta.
In its first year of programming, First Tee – Alberta provided over 1,100 youth with low-barrier access to golf – and to a diverse group of participants. Nearly 40 percent of participants were female, and nearly 75 percent of families identified as part of an equity-deserving community.
As Golf Canada’s youth development program, First Tee – Alberta joins five other chapters across the country to offer affordable golf programming that goes beyond the fairways to develop both golf and life skills. Through valuable partnerships with schools, community centres, and golf courses, First Tee –Alberta offers no-cost try golf events and affordable registered programming. All the necessary golf equipment is provided, and no prior golf experience is needed, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
The goal is to provide a positive association to golf for youth from all backgrounds, especially those who may have otherwise not had the opportunity.
“Our goal is to ensure every child, regardless of their background, has the chance to experience golf and all the benefits it has to offer,” said First Tee – Alberta Program Manager, Michael Steele. “We are committed to breaking down common barriers of entry to the sport like affordability, accessibility, or unfamiliarity.”
In its opening season, First Tee – Alberta onboarded four golf courses across Calgary, Edmonton, and Sherwood Park, all of which offered no-cost programming. The children learned golf skills like putting, chipping, and distance control, while simultaneously continuing to build on personal skills like confidence, honesty, and perseverance.
Three schools and five community organizations also offered First Tee programming in 2024, and 13 First Tee coaches were onboarded and certified.
In addition to scheduled programming and events, First Tee – Alberta’s presence was also made known at the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open hosted at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, AB.
Chapter staff activated on-site with a 50’ putt challenge in celebration of the tournament’s 50th anniversary. The activation, alongside a record-breaking 50/50 raffle, raised over $150,000 to directly support the continued growth of First Tee across Alberta.
Over 50 youth from the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and the Youth Centres of Calgary also visited the tournament grounds for behind-the-scenes tours and First Tee clinics, where six LPGA professionals made special guest appearances for the children.
Looking ahead, First Tee – Alberta prepares to expand into Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and Red Deer in 2025, and strives to continue to provide life-enhancing experiences to youth through golf.
First Tee – Alberta’s growth and impact are reliant on a generous network of supporters. For those interested in giving back and growing the game of golf in their community, please reach out to msteele@golfcanada.ca or visit firstteealberta.ca.