Author: David Cohn

Part-Time Coaches Wanted!

Lend a hand and make a difference

Without caring mentors, positive youth development just doesn’t happen. At First Tee, we take coaching seriously. We believe that a meaningful, quality relationship between coach and participant is vital to our program. We are looking for outstanding individuals to serve in a variety of part-time coaching roles throughout our chapter programs. You don’t have to be a golf pro or even a good golfer. With First Tee Coach Program, we provide the training you need. Developed with input from leading experts in the field of positive youth development, our program focuses on empowering participants through decision-making and exploring options. This helps foster positive relationships between coaches and young people, inspiring the golfers of tomorrow to look to the future, set goals, and unlock their potential. If you, or someone you know, would make a great First Tee Coach, we want to hear from you! Click here to view our Coach job description. Click here to view our Coach job description. For more information or to apply, please contact chapter program director Tom Gerke, PGA at [email protected]. Coach Job Description Interested in volunteer opportunities? Click here to learn more.  

New partnership with WSGA provides free Youth on Course memberships

First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is excited to partner with the Wisconsin State Golf Association to offer free Youth on Course memberships to all of our 2021 Birdie Level participants.  Belonging to the Youth on Course community gives members access to play golf at over 30 participating courses in Wisconsin and over 1,400 golf courses nationwide for $5 or less, giving them opportunities to learn lessons that can be taught in a way only a golf course can.  Whether it’s early morning, after school or twilight hours, golf course partners offer up blocks of tee times throughout the week for Youth on Course members. Youth on Course subsidizes the cost of the rounds to keep the price tag affordable for young golfers. Youth on Course is available in all 50 states and parts of Canada. This partnership supports our shared vision that every child deserves access to life-changing opportunities. Benefits of Youth on Course memberships include: 
  • Play golf for $5 or less at YOC Clubs in Wisconsin and nationwide
  • Membership in the Wisconsin State Golf Association so you can keep track of your handicap and participate in local events
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Access to more courses plus online tee time booking through GolfNow
  • Coming Soon: A free 1-year subscription to GolfPass Video with golf instruction and exclusive content
  • Handicap Index through the WSGA service
  • Subscription to the Wisconsin Golfer digital magazine
  • Score posting using the WSGA Mobile App or online
  • Eligibility to play in WSGA tournaments, championships, tours, and events
A complete list of participating courses is available here. A map of participating courses is available here. View Frequently Asked Questions

10 Amazing Things Donors Made Possible in 2020

As 2020 comes to a close, we at First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin have been reflecting back on the events of the past year. While it goes without saying that this year has had the world facing challenges no one could have anticipated, we have chosen to focus on the positive. With the support of our generous donors, we were able to continue to reach out to the kids in our community while at the same time adapting to our community’s changing needs. Whether it was creating online programming content to keep kids engaged with First Tee curriculum while at home or providing summer programming at our Noyes and Lake Park sites at free and reduced rates, donor support made this possible. First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin exists to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. The events of 2020 have reinforced the need for programs like First Tee that lift up, support and encourage kids to stand strong and grow during challenging situations.

As we look ahead to 2021, please consider a year-end donation to First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin. Your gift allows us to provide more opportunities where young people feel supported, safe and better prepared for anything that comes their way. Together, we are Building Game Changers! Donate Online – Give the gift of golf to more kids today!  

Chipping In – Fall 2020

Chipping In, our donor and supporter newsletter, highlights the ways your contributions are making a difference in the lives of kids through the game of golf. Contents:
  • Keeping kids on course
  • President’s message
  • Same mission, new look
  • An everlasting impact
  • Volunteer spotlight
  • New Community Program partners
  • Game Changers Circle
View Chipping In – Spring 2020  

Same Mission, New Look for First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin

First Tee —­­ Southeast Wisconsin, a youth development organization empowering kids to build their strength of character through the game of golf, has updated its brand to better serve kids and address the growing pressures they face. First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is part of a network of 150 chapters and is undergoing a brand refresh for the first time in the organization’s 23-year history. “First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin has always been about helping kids navigate challenges, and to grow stronger as they move through them,” said David Cohn, Executive Director. “We still believe the game of golf is the perfect platform for personal growth. We are excited to bring forward a powerful mission and a modern look and feel to everything we do.” The brand evolution is grounded in research and insights from key stakeholders and is an updated reflection of First Tee’s promise to help empower kids to build their strength of character. The brand evolution includes a new logo, which is a metaphor for the growth guidance at the heart of First Tee. The changes include removing “The” from the organization’s name, updated colors and patterns, and a refreshed brand story. First Tee will release a new PSA on Sept. 4, which brings to life the new brand and reignites interest in its mission. For over 20 years, First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin has been creating experiences that build character to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at seven golf courses, 46 schools and nine youth centers in Southeast Wisconsin community.

Chipping In – Spring 2020

Chipping In, our new donor and supporter newsletter, highlights the ways your contributions are making a difference in the lives of kids through the game of golf. Contents:
  • Sharing the game with Neighborhood House
  • President’s message
  • Core Value corner
  • Game growers
  • 2020 summer programs
  • Alumni spotlight
  • New school partners
  • You’re invited – 2020 signature events
View Chipping In – Spring 2020  

First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin Launches First Tee at Home

The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin has launched First Tee at Home, an online resource for parents, kids and families featuring golf-themed activities, games and more. First Tee at Home is available on the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s website at www.firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org/programs/first-tee-at-home/. Many of the First Tee at Home activities focus on the First Tee’s life skills curriculum and concepts including the First Tee Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits. The activities are designed for kids to follow at home, without a need for golf-specific equipment. Activities and resources are also being shared on the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Over the next few weeks, First Tee at Home will be updated with even more activities and games that will help keep the minds and bodies of local kids active at home. Participants are encouraged to share their accomplishments on social media by tagging @FirstTeeSEW and using the hashtag #GolfAtHome. “The First Tee values are even more important right now and remain a key focus of the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s outreach to children and their families during times of challenge and uncertainty,” said David Cohn, executive director at the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. “By reimagining the ways in which we connect with kids, we continue to work hard to share positive traits with young people through the game of golf. Whether shared virtually or in-person, these traits continue to teach our kids to become better people and help them live their healthiest, most fulfilling lives.” First Tee at Home content is also being used to adapt the First Tee National School Program to a virtual learning environment. The First Tee National School Program helps students develop an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with golf. Through an introduction to golf, students engage in safe, fun lesson activities that lead to motor skill development while gaining an introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing activity. By sharing First Tee at Home resources with students, local elementary school physical teachers are offering new ways to keep their kids active and healthy at home. “The First Tee of Southeastern Wisconsin has worked to continue to assist schools and students with high quality curriculum during this challenging time,” said Tim Mueller, physical education teacher at Erin School. I am very thankful to be able to partner with the First Tee and have their golf at home resources to share with my students.  Providing at-home golf and fitness activities, as well as continuing to encourage my students to developing the Nine Core Values and the Nine Healthy Habits, has been a big blessing. The First Tee continues to prove to be an outstanding program with valuable resources and curriculum for all students.” For more information about First Tee at Home, click here.

Milwaukee Academy of Science and The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin Team Up to Help Students Learn Golf Skills with Life Lessons

Elementary school students at Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS) will be introduced to the basic skills of golf along with character and health education in their physical education program. Milwaukee Academy of Science is teaming up with The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin to implement The First Tee National School Program. It will be taught by physical educators using safe, fun lesson plans provided in the program’s curriculum. In addition to teaching golf skills, including putting, chipping, pitching and full swings, health activities will help students to learn about physical, social and emotional wellness. “We are always looking for ways to overlap our physical activity opportunities with social-emotional learning here at MAS, so The First Tee is the perfect organization for us to work with to achieve both,” said Kurt Hansen, physical education teacher at Milwaukee Academy of Science. “The golf curriculum and equipment are so much more than just sports equipment to us; they are a way to teach and reinforce the key concepts that The First Tee promotes, like integrity, respect, perseverance, and making healthy choices. We are so grateful to kick off this new partnership.” “We are excited to partner with Milwaukee Academy of Science to bring The First Tee National School Program to their students,” said Tom Gerke, The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin’s program director. “Their dedication to teaching values and life skills to their students aligns perfectly with The First Tee Nine Core Values and Nine Healthy Habits. By introducing the game of golf and its inherent principles, the program will help Milwaukee Academy of Science continue to develop their students into outstanding citizens within our community.” Launched in 2004, The First Tee National School Program helps students develop an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with golf. Students engage in safe, fun lesson activities that lead to motor skill development and while gaining an introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing activity. The curriculum was developed by The First Tee along with leading experts in physical education and positive youth development. It is aligned with and meets national standards developed by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). Physical educators delivering the program are formally trained and certified by The First Tee and use safe, developmentally-appropriate lesson plans and equipment in their classes. Funding for the program was provided by Milwaukee Academy of Science and The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. Nationwide, more than 8,000 schools in 1,200 school districts have introduced to The First Tee National School Program. In Southeast Wisconsin, more than 75 schools have implemented the program. For more information about The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin and The First Tee National School Program, visit www.thefirstteesew.org. For more about Milwaukee Academy of Science, visit www.milwaukeeacademyofscience.org.

New research highlights The First Tee’s impact on and off the course

The First Tee has published new national research highlighting the positive impact The First Tee and its programs are making for participants on and off the course. The survey asked participants to answer two questions, “Because of The First Tee, I…” and “Provide an example of an adult mentor relationship at The First Tee that has been significant to you and explain why.” Highlights include:
  • 87% of participants say they have an improved sense of empowerment
    • “Gave me a greater sense of confidence.”
    • “Taught me perseverance…to never give up.”
  • 85% have personal ownership of The First Tee’s Nine Core Values
    • Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy
  • 81% demonstrate self-improvement/personal transformation
    • “I’m making better decisions.”
    • “I’ve become a better version of myself.”
This success is reflected locally as well. In a recent survey of 2018 program participant parents, 81% of respondents said that their children benefited from The First Tee character education. These parents described this impact by saying:
  • “[My child] improved golf skills, etiquette and confidence.”
  • “They have learned respect, patience.”
  • “It has built his confidence and social skills and created a foundation of motivation to strive for success.”
The First Tee is making a difference here in Southeast Wisconsin through the game of golf. For more information on how you can get involved, visit firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org. View Research

Wisconsin junior golfers selected to compete in second annual Irwin Cup

Adalyn Johnston and Cooper McLaughlin from The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin have been selected to compete in the second annual Irwin Cup golf tournament, an interstate golf tournament held at The Jewel Golf Club in Lake City, Minnesota on Monday, August 6, 2018. The First Tee and The Jewel Golf Club named the event in honor of PGA TOUR Champions player Hale Irwin, a long-time supporter of The First Tee who also designed the course at The Jewel Golf Club. The First Tee selected eight kids from each state’s chapters of The First Tee in Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin.  Each team will compete in a Ryder Cup format for The Irwin Cup.  Johnston and McLaughlin are The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin participants at Rolling Meadows Golf Course in Fond du Lac. “We are extremely excited to have Adalyn and Cooper represent The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin as part of Team Wisconsin in the second annual Irwin Cup,” said David Cohn, executive director of The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. “Adalyn and Cooper are active members of the program at Rolling Meadows and have embraced The First Tee Nine Core Values on and off the golf course. They are very deserving of this opportunity.”

Erin School and Erin Hills Team Up to Help Students Learn Golf Skills with Life Lessons

Elementary school students at Erin School in the Town of Erin will be introduced to the basic skills of golf along with character and health education in their physical education program. Erin School is teaming up with neighboring Erin Hills Golf Course to implement The First Tee National School Program. It will be taught by physical educators using safe, fun lesson plans provided in the program’s curriculum. The health activities were recently added for students to learn about physical, social and emotional wellness. Nationwide, more than 8,000 schools in 1,200 school districts have introduced to The First Tee National School Program. Erin School will be the first school offering the program in Washington County. “We are very thankful for the partnership we have between Erin Hills Golf Course and Erin School,” said Tim Mueller, physical education teacher at Erin School. “The golf curriculum and equipment that Erin Hills has provided for our physical education program through The First Tee will be an incredible benefit for all of our kindergarten through fifth grade students. Our students will be introduced to the lifetime sport of golf through well designed lessons that provide fun learning experiences. The First Tee lessons also incorporate health and character education that will enhance our existing curriculum. Using this golf curriculum will help us reinforce key concepts that we teach in other physical education units such as integrity, respect, perseverance, and making healthy choices. A big thank you to Erin Hills!” “Erin Hills has long supported amateur golf, and helping to introduce golf to our neighbors is an extension of this core belief in the positive effects of golf,” said Alex Allister, Erin Hills’ Senior Accountant who connected Erin School and the First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin. Launched in 2004, The First Tee National School Program helps students develop an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with golf. Students engage in safe, fun lesson activities that lead to motor skill development and while gaining an introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing activity. The curriculum was developed by The First Tee along with leading experts in physical education and positive youth development. It is aligned with and meets national standards developed by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE). Physical educators delivering the program are formally trained and certified by The First Tee and use safe, developmentally-appropriate lesson plans and equipment in their classes. The lesson plans include The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits, which were developed in partnership with the ANNIKA Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children. According to a survey among 860 physical educators using The First Tee National School Program curriculum, 66 percent reported using The First Tee Nine Core Values—character education seamlessly delivered as part of the program—in other sports and activities they teach beyond golf. A third-party case study conducted in one Midwestern school district in 2011 further validated the program where administrators and physical educators reported finding great value in the program. For more information about The First Tee of Southeast Wisconsin and The First Tee National School Program, visit www.thefirstteesew.org. For more about Erin School, visit www.erinschool.org.