The First Tee of Idaho is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides affordable access to golf and life skills that promote character development through the game of golf regardless of race, ethnicity, or economic circumstances.
The First Tee of Idaho will positively impact the lives of young people in the Treasure Valley area and throughout the state of Idaho, by teaching life skills and the values that are inherent to the game of golf in a fun, safe environment. Long-term goals include the creation of affiliate Chapters in other parts of Idaho.
The First Tee of Idaho began with limited programming in the fall of 2005 at Pierce Park Greens in Boise, with “progressive” programming beginning in April 2006. The First Tee of Idaho expanded to include programming at Foxtail Golf Course in Meridian in June 2007, Ridgecrest Golf Club in Nampa in 2011, River Birch Golf Course in Star in 2011, and Falcon Crest Golf Club in 2012. There will be one significant change to our list of programming locations in 2013. The Foxtail Golf Course has closed. We have increased our programming at all of our locations, and we have added two new golf courses for programming to give our customers more options. Indian Lakes Golf Course in Boise (east of Cole Road on Amity) and Shadow Valley Golf Course (about 4 miles north of State Street on Horseshoe Bend Road) are now offering programming for our participants.
The First Tee of Idaho has delivered The First Tee Life Skills Experience curriculum to more than 2,200 participants and reached over 11,100 students in the Boise, Meridian, Vallivue and Caldwell school districts through our school outreach program. The First Tee National School Program has been implemented in five Idaho elementary schools: Koelsch Elementary and Trail Wind Elementary in Boise, Eagle Hills Elementary in Eagle, Siena Elementary School in Meridian, and Kellogg Schools in Kellogg. The First Tee DRIVE Program has been implemented in three Treasure Valley Boys & Girls Clubs and one YMCA location. Together these two programs have have been introduced to more than 2,500 young people over the last two years.
The First Tee of Idaho is supported through private and corporate contributions, grants, and sponsorships. Fundraising events include: direct mail campaigns, annual golf tournament, a charity softball game between the Boise State offense vs. defense football teams, and in 2013 a new Nine Core Values Recognition Luncheon honoring community leaders. In addition to these activities, The First Tee of Idaho receives support from the Albertsons Boise Open, a Web.com Tour Event.
