Play Through
Make donations at firstteegcnky.org.
Local golf coaches and players are ready to tee up for a great cause during First Tee Week, taking place from May 23 to 30.
First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky (GCNKY) celebrates this week-long initiative, held in conjunction with the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge, to recognize the “heartbeat” of the organization: the coaches and mentors who empower local youth on and off the golf course.
Building on the success of last year's inaugural celebration, First Tee Week highlights the transformative power of mentorship. Through the “Dear Coach” campaign, participants and alumni from the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area are sharing personal stories of how their coaches have helped them develop inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience.
The “Dear Coach” initiative features moving testimonials from local participants who credit their coaches with teaching them to “embrace their true selves” and “become confident leaders.” These stories serve as a reminder that while First Tee uses golf as a tool, the ultimate goal is building character.
How you can get involved:
Follow the Stories: Throughout First Tee Week, First Tee – GCNKY will share “Dear Coach” stories on social media to highlight the local mentors changing the landscape of our community.
Become a Mentor: With over 28,000 area children participating annually, the need for enthusiastic role models is greater than ever. No expert golf knowledge is required—only a passion for mentoring.
Support the Mission: Donations made during First Tee Week directly fund programs across Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, Warren, Boone, Campbell, and Kenton counties, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive.
First Tee – GCNKY is one of 150 chapters globally participating in this week of storytelling and programming. By integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, the chapter helps kids ages 5–18 build the “Whole Airman Concept” – the conscious decision to become a better person every single day.
First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build self-confidence and resilience.