Program Summary

First Tee — Tulsa offers programs and instruction which focus on developing life skills using the game of golf as its vehicle.

Our program operates year round: spring, summer, fall and winter. The spring, summer and fall sessions are held at Mohawk Park Golf Course, Page Belcher Golf Course, Rock Creek Golf Course in Sapulpa, and The Canyons at Blackjack Ridge in Sand Springs. The winter session is a program taken into area schools exposing the First Tee, the game of golf and it’s inherent values to school children who most likely would not play the game.

Students ages 8-18 are welcome to register. There are eight levels of promotion in the program – Sorenstam, Jones, Hogan, Whitworth, Palmer, Birdie, Eagle and Ace. Each level has a different curriculum to follow which addresses different life skills and golf skills for students to master.

All PLAYers begin at the Sorenstam Level. Our members will receive a First Tee gift and certificate in a ceremony held on the last day of class of each session.

SORENSTAM

The Sorenstam level is the first level of First Tee — Tulsa. Students are introduced to the game of golf, and some of the basic fundamentals – lining up putts, chipping, grip, stance, posture, and more. Participants are also introduced to the First Tee — Tulsa code of conduct – “respect for myself, others, and my surroundings” – and our 9 Core Values – honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment. Students interested in enrolling must be 8 years old, or turning 8 years old during the session.

JONES

The Jones level is the second level of First Tee — Tulsa. Participants continue to learn the basic fundamentals of golf, as well as new shots. Participants are also exposed to competition through class, as well as expanded life skills lessons.

HOGAN

The Hogan level is the third level of First Tee — Tulsa. Participants begin to fine-tune their fundamentals and are asked to learn and follow the pace of play on the golf course. Students are taught how to play golf on the course as well as golf course etiquette.

WHITWORTH

The Whitworth level is the fourth level of First Tee — Tulsa. Participants begin to play consistently on the golf course in this level. They are also taught the Nine Healthy Habits that promote a healthy, active lifestyle, which consists of nine health and wellness topics – energy, play, safety, vision, mind, family, friends, school, and community. Students must be 10 years old to register for this level.

PALMER

The Palmer level is the fifth level of First Tee — Tulsa. Students play on the golf course regularly in this level. This level also focuses on management of emotions, abilities, time, and golf course.

BIRDIE

The Birdie level is the sixth level of First Tee — Tulsa. Here students play on the golf course regularly. They also focus on goal setting and apply and create goals for not only golf, but for school, careers, and more. Students must be 12 years old to enroll in this level.

EAGLE

The Eagle level is the seventh level of First Tee — Tulsa. Here, students play on the golf course regularly. They also focus on management of finances, self-management, and managing goals for the future.

ACE

The Ace level is the eighth and final level of First Tee — Tulsa. Students play on the golf course regularly. The life skills portion of this level focuses on life after high school with an emphasis on career exploration.

Enrollment:

We offer classes free of charge to eliminate the burden of cost to local youth, who may not be able to afford to participate otherwise. Youth groups who would not ordinarily be exposed to the game are given the first opportunity to enroll as a group before registration for the general public begins. Registrations for youth groups are accepted on a first-come first-serve basis. Group leaders who would like more information should contact Janice Gibson at 918-591-4168 and also watch for notices on the home page regarding the procedure to enroll a group (space is limited in the classes). After the deadline for groups to enroll has passed, the general public is offered a class and the left over spaces the groups did not fill. This registration is on a first-come first-serve basis approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the first week of the session. All kids in the age range of 8-18 are welcome! Registration is required as space is limited.

Generally, classes are held once a week for 8 weeks in a row. In the spring, approximately 700 students register for the program; in the summer about 800 kids sign up for the 8 week period & approximately 600 students participate in the in the fall.

During the winter session, First Tee — Tulsa staff visits schools and other organizations.

Instruction:

Each level of the program has a golf and life skill curriculum in which First Tee staff follows. Golf Professional Janice Gibson trains and directs the staff on how to teach the students at First Tee — Tulsa. Our goal is to maintain a student/instructor ratio of 8:1 to enhance the learning process.

Certification:

As part of The First Tee Certification Process, participants must demonstrate that they understand and can apply the core life skills by answering written questions and performing golf and life skills. When they meet certification requirements and the age requirements, they progress to the next level.