Welcome to First Tee — Central Florida. We're glad that you are interested in learning more about our program. By participating in our program, your child will be exposed to a curriculum that builds character and develops leadership skills while at the same time having fun learning the game of golf.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who can participate?
- What equipment do I need and what should I wear?
- What is First Tee's Golf — Life Skills Experience?
- Where are classes offered?
- When is First Tee — Central Florida offered?
- Where do we meet the coach when we arrive?
- What can I expect when I show up to class?
- What is the cost of the program?
- What if we can't afford the program fee?
- What is included in the annual membership?
- Is there a refund policy?
- What if it rains?
- Can my child miss classes?
- What if I have two children participating at different ages? Is there any way I can group them together?
Should you have any other questions, please contact Julie Leventhal, Senior Director, Operations and Programming at [email protected] or 407-618-1665 ext 703.
Q: Who can participate?
A: Boys and Girls ages 7-18*. (*Must Still Be Enrolled in High School*)
Q: What equipment do I need and what should I wear?
A: If your child does have their own set of clubs, please bring them to every class. Children’s clubs, golf balls and all learning equipment will be provided. Appropriate clothing is required. Proper golf attire consists of a collared shirt and khaki shorts or pants (jeans can also be worn but are not preferred). Any type of tennis or basketball shoe will work in place of golf shoes. All shoes must be closed toed. It is highly recommended that participant wear a hat and sunscreens to protect themselves from the sun and bring a water bottle.
Q: What is First Tee's Golf and Life Skills Experience?
A: First Tee's Golf and Life Skills Experience is First Tee's hallmark program designed around teaching young people the game of golf, as well as encourage them to find their inner strength, build a positive self identity, and ultimately build a strength of character.
Our curriculum was developed by experts in the field of positive youth development through sports and is delivered by caring adults (coaches) who have been formally trained by First Tee.
At First Tee, golf and life skills are seamlessly incorporated into each experience. In addition to covering the fundamentals of the golf swing and the etiquette and rules of the game, a sample of the life skills include: communication, self-management, goal setting, and overcoming challenges.
Q: Where are classes offered?
A: First Tee — Central Florida operates its Golf and Life Skills Experience Program at 18 local golf courses which we call Program Locations. Click here to see a map of the Program Locations.
Q: When is First Tee — Central Florida classes offered?
A: First Tee — Central Florida offers five sessions (Winter, Spring, Fall, Summer A, Summer B) of programs throughout the year. Schedules are typically published a week before registration begins.
Q: How often do classes meet?
A: In the Winter, Spring, and Fall sessions, classes meet once a week for an hour (ages 7-9) and an hour and a half (ages 10 and Up) for eight consecutive weeks. Over the summer, classes meet twice a week for an hour or an hour and a half for four consecutive weeks.
Q: Where do we meet the coach when we arrive to class?
A: You will receive a confirmation email with information regarding where to meet your coach and class at least 24 hours prior to the start of your class, which will contain the meeting location. Each course and season is different.
Q: What can I expect when I show up to class?
A: Classes will have 6-18 participants students and 1-3 coaches and volunteers. We keep a ratio of 6:1. Session one includes a parent orientation you are required to attend. Classes begin promptly at the start time, have a quick introduction and warm up, followed by seamless games and activities, and wrapped up with our "Bridge to Life".
Q: What is the cost of the program?
A: Fees for a session of classes are $85 for the entire session. First Tee — Central Florida never turns a child away for an inability to pay. Financial assistance is available.
Q: What if we can’t afford the program fee?
A: First Tee — Central Florida offers financial assistance to those families that cannot afford the program fees. One of the objectives of First Tee — Central Florida is to make the game of golf affordable and accessible to all.
Q: What is included with our fee?
A: In addition to the full session of classes, once a year, participants receive an annual packet. The packet includes: a First Tee — Central Florida polo, a drawstring backpack, tees, golf balls, ball mark repair tools, ball mark, and more!
Q: Is there a refund policy?
A: Full refunds will be made available when notified up to 72 hours prior to the first day of class. Parents must notify First Tee — Central Florida by contacting Program Director Julie Leventhal by e-mail only at [email protected] Notification within 72 hours of the start can receive credit for a future season.
Q: What if it rains?
A: In the event of storms (and Central Florida has a lot of them), First Tee — Central Florida may decide to cancel class. In the event class is cancelled, you will receive an email about 30 minutes prior to the start of class. First Tee — Central Florida guarantees at least 6 of the 8 classes be completed. If more than 2 classes are cancelled in a session, class time will either be extended in future weeks or added as a 9th week of class.
Q: Can my child miss classes?
A: Two of our Nine Core Values are responsibility and perseverance. We believe children learn best by example, and showing up for class is an easy way to practice being responsible and honoring one’s commitments. Obviously, things do come up and people do take ill, schedule family vacations, etc. so we understand missing a class occasionally. When students know they are to miss a class, we ask that the student or parents both notify the coach. If your child misses a class that was held, make-up classes will not be scheduled and they are not permitted to attend a different class that week. Thank you for understanding!
Q: What if I have two children participating at different ages? Is there any way I can group them together?
A: No, each age group has its own unique curriculum. It’s important that each child is exposed to each level and progresses through the program at an appropriate pace.
Should you have any other questions, please contact Julie Leventhal, Senior Director, Operations and Programming at [email protected] or 407-618-1665 ext 703.