The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is Home to the First Tee!

The World Golf Foundation has designated the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board as an official First Tee Chapter.

The First Tee is a national program whose mission is to create affordable and accessible golf facilities with a strong emphasis on serving area youth of all races and economic backgrounds who have not had access or exposure to the game of golf. Programs, equipment & instruction have been developed to help serve the needs of juniors interested in the game.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is committed to providing these opportunities to all youth in Minneapolis and the surrounding communities. Discounted golf rates, free club rentals, and discounted golf balls at our Learning Centers are offered to juniors who have entered and successfully completed the First Tee Program.

First Tee Minneapolis

"Dream big…Never give up on your dreams." -Earl Woods

The First Tee Lesson Program

As a First Tee Chapter, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's 7 golf facilities and 3 Learning Centers are available to any junior who is interested in the game of golf. While some may only have a casual interest in the game, others will want to further their enjoyment by increasing their skills by completing all 4 Certification Levels, Par, Birdie, Eagle and Champions. The First Tee Certification process is designed to move juniors through progressive programs of golf and life development skills. Each Certification Level has minimum requirements of golf instruction, playing time as well as oral and written practical tests designed to increase participant's knowledge of golf and life skills.

The First Tee Program is offered to youth ages 6-17 and all First Tee Participants start with the Par Level and are encouraged to progress each season through the next Certification Level until all 4 Levels have been completed.

The First Tee Card

All participants graduating through the initial Certification Level (Par) will receive a First Tee Card that entitles the holder to discounted rates at each of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board's Golf Facilities and Learning Centers. Please call each golf facility for reservations and First Tee Card Rules and Time Restrictions.

Equipment

All equipment necessary for golf lessons will be provided to the participants. Golf clubs, and golf balls are all provided at no charge to all First Tee participants.

Registration, Fees and Scholarships

Contact your Recreation Center Director for information and registration forms. You do not need to be a resident of Minneapolis to register for these programs.

The Registration Fee includes use of golf clubs, golf balls, golf lessons by PGA Pros, Life Skill Manuals, and 1 round of golf supervised by PGA Pros and First Tee Staff.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board acknowledges the fact that not all interested participants can afford to take part in this wonderful opportunity. For that reason, scholarships (partial or full) are offered to those who simply cannot afford the registration fee. Check with your neighborhood Recreation Center for details.

Volunteers, Contributions, and Donations

As local chapter of The First Tee, we rely heavily on volunteers, financial contributions and in kind donations to support our clinics and professional golf instruction and services for youth. If you are interested in volunteering or making a donation or contribution to the Minneapolis First Tee Program, please contact Mike Hinton, First Tee Director, at 612-423-1304. All donations and contributions are tax-deductible.

The Minneapolis First Tee Wally Hess Award

The Wally Hess Award is presented annually to a Minneapolis First Tee participant who has successfully completed Eagle Certification and has been an active participant in the Minneapolis First Tee program for over three years. The award recipient must show full competency in the nine core values of the Minneapolis First Tee Program and also have a desire to play high school golf. The award recipient will receive a set of irons from a manufacturer of choice as well as an All Course Junior Season Golf Pass that entitles the winner to unlimited golfing privileges for the year at all MPRB golf courses. The recipient will be asked to help mentor and volunteer for the program throughout their high school career. A committee comprised of First Tee board members and First Tee golf coaches will determine the winner of the Wally Hess Award.

The Minneapolis First Tee 9 Core Values Award

The Minneapolis First Tee 9 Core Values Awards is presented annually to nine Minneapolis First Tee participants that best represent one of the First Tee Nine Core Values. To be eligible for the award, the recipient will have successfully completed Birdie Certification and been an active participant in the Minneapolis First Tee Program for over two years. The award recipients will receive an All Course Junior Season Golf Pass that entitles the winner to unlimited golfing privileges at all Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Golf Courses. The award winners will be asked to help mentor and volunteer for the program throughout the summer. A committee comprised of First Tee Board Members and First Tee golf coaches will determine the winners of the Minneapolis First Tee 9 Core Values Award.

The First Tee Minneapolis Nine Core Values