The First Tee of Columbia Basin was founded in 2006 by a group of like-minded individuals with a desire to translate their love of golf and commitment to youth into a comprehensive regional youth development initiative.
Our vision is to teach The First Tee Nine Core Values™; providing the vehicle through which kids can accomplish their dreams, thrive socially, excel academically and athletically, and become productive members of society with integrity, strong family values and commitment to community.
The First Tee program is designed around the Life Skills Experience. As participants endeavor toward certification they learn about themselves and others through a range of activities designed to enhance fundamental values for life as well as individual golf skills. A research based approach to youth development; The First Tee Life Skills Curriculum has been proven effective in teaching youth interpersonal communication, self-management, and goal setting skills. The curriculum is also effective in having an impact on adolescents’ ability to transfer life skills learned in the golf context to situations at home, school, extracurricular activities, and employment. Additionally, The First Tee Life Skills Curriculum has been proven effective in teaching conflict resolution, healthy decision making, establishing a positive peer network, and an appreciation for diversity. The lessons learned through the First Tee Life Skills Experience™ are lessons that will remain with young people well into their future, regardless of how long they play golf as a recreation.
The golf experience is hosted by Columbia Point Golf Course, an 18-hole course with a complete practice area which includes a dedicated driving range and practice green. Plans for a Clubhouse that will house our Learning Center and administrative offices are currently in development. Children and youth between the ages of 8 and 18 years of age are invited to join The First Tee of Columbia Basin.
