First Tee – Canada: Expanding the Game, Empowering Young Lives

May 25, 2025

Canadian Amateur Golf

First Tee is Golf Canada’s youth development initiative, using golf as a powerful tool to deliver life-enhancing experiences to children—particularly those who might not otherwise have access to the sport. With a strong focus on inclusivity, First Tee brings low-barrier programming to golf courses, schools, and community centres, helping ensure the game reflects the diversity of Canada’s multicultural landscape.

First Tee - Ontario

In partnership with Golf Canada, First Tee launched its Canadian chapter in 2020. Since then, it has grown to six regional chapters and, as of 2024, now offers programming in every province across the country—a significant milestone in its national reach.

Another notable achievement: First Tee – Canada has now impacted over 100,000 young participants since its inception. In 2024 alone, more than 84,500 youth took part in programs delivered across 386 locations, supported by 239 trained coaches.

We caught up with Kelsey Chadwick, Development Officer at First Tee – Alberta, who shared the team’s mission:

“Our goal is to introduce as many kids as possible to golf in an open and accessible way.”

Kelsey also highlighted a recent achievement she’s especially proud of:

“We’re proud to partner with the 7 Generations Golf Association, whose mission is to introduce and grow the game of golf among First Nations youth. Together, we’re bringing the First Tee program directly into their communities, ensuring it’s led by local mentors who reflect and understand their culture. This collaboration is just the beginning, and we’re excited to see how it grows in the years ahead.”

How You Can Support First Tee – Canada

There are many ways to get involved, support First Tee’s mission and help expand the game:

• Donate directly through First Tee – Canada’s donation page at their website:

  Donate to First Tee – Canada

• Connect with your regional chapter (Alberta, Atlantic, British Columbia, Ontario, Prairies, or Quebec) to learn more about local fundraising initiatives.

  
  

Kelsey notes that First Tee – Alberta depends heavily on charitable donations to continue its work and is seeing growing support through planned giving and in memoriam contributions, as donors look to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.

This year, First Tee – Alberta will also host its inaugural fundraising tournament, the First Tee – Alberta Cup, taking place this September at Mickelson National Golf Club.

“There are so many ways for individuals and companies to give back while supporting a sport they love,” says Kelsey.