Have questions? You're in the right place.

We’re a non-profit youth development organization. We enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids carry to everything they do.

Our programs combine golf instruction with lessons in values like honesty, respect, confidence, and perseverance — all taught in a fun, supportive environment.

First Tee began in 1997 as a partnership among the LPGA, the Masters Tournament, the PGA of America, the PGA TOUR, and the USGA to make golf affordable and accessible for all kids. As we introduced the game, we also introduced a life skills curriculum that supported the development of values found within the game of golf, including honesty, integrity, perseverance and respect. This was a game changer –  for the kids, and for our organization.

Now, for over two decades we’ve been committed to helping kids build character strengths and important life skills through the game and providing all kids with access to opportunities for personal growth in a fun and safe environment. While we began on golf courses, we expanded by bringing our program to physical education classes across the country through our in-school and after-school programs.

Creating a safe, welcoming space is at the heart of everything we do.

All coaches and volunteers are background-checked and trained in youth safety protocols. We also follow strict policies for supervision, communication, and emergency response.

We welcome youth of all backgrounds and abilities. If your child has a disability or needs specific accommodations, let us know — we’re committed to making golf and life skills accessible to everyone.

We serve youth ages 5 to 18, with programming tailored to different stages of development. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Age 5-6: Coaches deliver lessons that are fun, interactive and meaningful. Kids will get hands-on exposure to golf and life skills alongside their peers.
• Age 7-9: Coaches deliver lessons that introduce and engage participants with both golf and life skills. Kids get active and play golf with their peers.
• Age 10-11: Coaches deliver lessons that support the exploration of both character and golf skills in active and collaborative ways.
• Age 12-13: Coaches deliver lessons that empower participants to explore both golf skills and character commitments through opportunities for mastery and growth.
• Age 14+: Coaches deliver lessons that help participants elaborate on their understanding and place a greater emphasis on their personal development.
• Ace: A capstone program for high school teens that integrates the skills and inner strengths they’ve developed at First Tee and points them toward exploring, investing in, and building a clear plan and assets for their next step.

• Classes (age-based, held seasonally)
• Camps (3-days, held primarily during school breaks)
• Discovery Golf (ages 5–6)
• LPGA*USGA Girls Golf
• PGA Jr. League
• THRIVE mentoring program
• The Campbell Caddie Academy
• School and Community outreach

Our home base is The Children’s Course in Gladstone, where we offer year-round classes, camps, and special programs.

In addition to The Children’s Course, we’re grateful to partner with other facilities throughout the Portland metro area and in Eugene. These partner sites allow us to bring weekly classes and outreach programs to more youth across the region.

Current partner locations include:

• Colwood Golf Center (NE Portland)
• Envision Golf (Tigard)
• Fiddler’s Green Golf Center (Eugene)
• Golf Galaxy (N Portland)
• Glendoveer Golf Course (NE Portland)
• Heron Lakes Golf Club (N Portland)
• Topgolf (Hillsboro)

We’re always working to expand our reach and make our programs more accessible to families across Oregon.

We offer year-round programming, with weekly classes held in winter, spring, summer, fall — depending on the site. Some locations operate seasonally, while others offer indoor options in colder months.

In addition to classes, we offer seasonal programs throughout the year, each with its own schedule:

• Camps are typically held in summer and school breaks
• Discovery Golf offered year-round
• LPGA*USGA Girls Golf offered year-round
• PGA Jr. League runs in the summer
• THRIVE mentoring program is an annual program
• The Campbell Caddie Academy operates in the Spring to prepare Caddies for summer work
• School and Community outreach occurs throughout the year
• Special events and tournaments are hosted throughout the year

Exact dates vary by program and location. You can always find current offerings on our registration page.

We’re committed to making First Tee – Oregon affordable and accessible for all families.

• Classes have a set registration fee of $139 for the 6-8 week session.
• Camps, clinics, and other special programs have different fees depending on the format and location. Details are listed in each program description in our parent portal.

We provide all necessary equipment at no cost, and no child is ever turned away due to inability to pay.

Yes! We offer financial aid for all of our programs, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation.

Applying for financial assistance is part of our online registration process and is made quick, confidential, and flexible. 

1.  Select the program(s) you’d like to attend and proceed to checkout.
2. After entering or confirming your demographic information, you’ll be prompted to request financial aid in the last section.

Once you submit your request, our team will process it within 48 business hours. If partial financial aid is granted, you’ll receive an email with a link to complete your partial payment. If you’re awarded a full scholarship, you’ll receive an email confirming your registration.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@firstteeoregon.org.

You can view available programs and register online through our registration portal. It only takes a few minutes.

Use the filters on the left-hand side to quickly narrow down options by location, age, or program type — or browse our full catalog. Once you’ve found the right fit, you can sign up or join the waitlist (when applicable).

If you’re new to First Tee – Oregon, you’ll be prompted to create a parent/guardian account. Returning users will be asked to confirm their information and can proceed with registration, financial aid requests, and payment.

Need help? Reach out to our team — we’re happy to walk you through the process.

We understand that family plans can change. To support flexibility while also keeping program spots available for other participants, we offer the following options:

• If you cancel at least 7 days before the program begins:
  You may choose between:
  • A full credit that can be applied toward the cost of a future program, or
  • A refund, minus a 10% administrative fee.

• If you cancel less than 7 days before the program begins:
  You are eligible for a 75% credit that can be applied toward the cost of a future program. Refunds are not available during this window.

• Once the program has started:
  We are generally unable to offer refunds or credits. However, a partial credit may be considered in cases of documented illness, injury, or other exceptional circumstances outside a family’s control that prevent continued participation.

• Credits may only be used by the original participant or a sibling in the same household.

• We are unable to offer prorated credits or refunds for missed days due to personal scheduling conflicts or absences.

To request a cancellation, credit, or refund (if eligible), please contact us as early as possible.

Our programs are designed to be active, engaging, and positive, offering youth multiple ways to learn and grow through golf.

Classes typically include 8–25 students grouped by age. They meet weekly for 1–2 hours, depending on the level and time of year, and are led by enthusiastic, trained coaches. Each session includes a warm-up, golf and life skills activities, and a wrap-up. We blend golf instruction with character-building experiences—using games, on-course play, and group challenges to teach values like honesty, perseverance, and confidence in a fun, hands-on way.

In addition to classes, our supplementary programs share the same goal of empowering youth through golf. Each is thoughtfully designed to blend golf instruction with life skills development, tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of the youth they serve.

Together, these programs offer varied pathways for youth to engage at a level that fits their interests and schedules.

In addition to golf clubs if you have them, please bring a water bottle, sunscreen, any personal items your child might need —like a hat, allergy medication, or a snack if allowed. We recommend labeling personal items to help keep them from getting lost.

Nope! We provide age- and size-appropriate clubs for all participants. That being said, you’re encouraged to bring your own clubs whenever possible!

We understand that things come up! If your child can’t attend due to illness or a scheduling conflict, let us know — we’ll do our best to offer a make-up class or suggest an alternative.

We closely monitor weather conditions and will notify families by email if a class is canceled. Some locations offer indoor options when needed, and we’ll always prioritize safety.

Yes! We love having you cheer on your child. You’re welcome to stay and observe or relax nearby.

No experience? No problem! Our programs are designed for all skill levels, and many kids join us having never swung a club before. We focus on fun, encouragement, and learning at your child’s pace.

Your involvement can directly impact the kids we serve — and the skills they build through our programs. Whether you’re giving your time, resources, or voice, you’re helping shape confident, resilient young people who carry those life skills with them for years to come.

There are many ways to get involved:

• Become a Coach and help make a direct impact on the lives of the youth we serve.
• Volunteer as a coach, mentor, or event helper — no golf experience required!
• Donate to support scholarships, equipment, and access for the youth across our communities.
• Partner with us as a business sponsor or community collaborator.
• Attend an event — from fundraisers to golf tournaments.
• Spread the word — follow us on social media, share our mission, and invite others to learn more.

Want to dive deeper? Visit our Get Involved page to learn how you can make a difference.