The First Tee of Greater Austin

What The First Tee of Greater Austin does

The First Tee of Greater Austin (FTGA) is a 501(c)(3) youth development organization founded in 1999 that integrates golf instruction with the First Tee Life Skills Experience curriculum, a research-based character education framework co-developed by the chapter's founders in 2000 and now used at 256 facilities nationwide. The chapter delivers age-segmented programs (ages 5-6, 7-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14+) through its owned 112-acre Harvey Penick Golf Campus in East Austin and seven satellite locations across the Austin metro, including Topgolf and several municipal and private courses. The programmatic portfolio spans seasonal camps (summer, spring break, winter break, no-school days), LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, PGA Jr. League, Operation 36 adult beginners, Foundation Tour tournaments, the Youth Forum leadership track, and the National School Program / Community Program partnerships with YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and Manor ISD schools.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid nonprofit model combining camp and program registration fees (camp pricing $130-$350 per session, with need-based financial aid and sibling discounts), tax-deductible individual and corporate donations ($500 underwrites one child for a year), tiered event sponsorships (More Than A Game Title Sponsor at $30,000, Legacy Cup, Clays to Benefit Kids, 9 Core Values Luncheon), an annual Friends of FTGA corporate program at $12,000, facility green-fee and pro-shop revenue from Harvey Penick, and merchandise sales through an Athletic Solutions-operated online storefront. Major corporate supporters include Dell Technologies, Charles Schwab, the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation, Amarillo National Bank, and Mighty Fine. A $15 million capital campaign for a learning center at Harvey Penick ($4.2 million pledged as of April 2022) signals the next phase of capacity expansion. The chapter is led by CEO Jennifer MacCurrach and COO Derrick Elstob, with a board of directors including the three co-founders. Since founding, FTGA reports having positively impacted over 50,000 Austin-area youth.

Name

The First Tee of Greater Austin

Legal name

First Tee — Greater Austin

Website

https://firstteeaustin.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

First Tee of Greater Austin is a 501(c)(3) youth development organization founded in 1999 that integrates golf instruction with the Life Skills Experience curriculum, serving 1,300+ Austin-area youth annually at its owned Harvey Penick Golf Campus and 7 satellite locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Austin

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations & Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporations. Cost to Keep A Kid on Course for a Year is $500. Employer matching programs available. Capital campaign for learning center with $15M goal (raised $4.2M as of April 2022).
2. Camp & Program Registration Fees: Fees for summer camp ($130-$350), spring/winter break camps ($160-$180), after-school programs, and specialty programs. Sibling discounts available. Need-based financial aid provided.
3. Merchandise Sales: Online storefront selling apparel and accessories (mens, ladies, juniors) from brands like Adidas, Columbia, Gildan. Operated through Athletic Solutions partner.
4. LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Memberships: $120 per player, $80 for each additional sibling. Includes kickoff clinics, play day activities, pizza, t-shirt, and app access.
5. Corporate Sponsorships & Event Packages: Annual corporate sponsorship program (Friends of FTGA at $12,000/year) and event-specific sponsorships ranging from $250 to $30,000 (More Than A Game Title Sponsor). Major events include More Than A Game, Clays to Benefit Kids, and 9 Core Values Awards Luncheon.
6. Facility Operations Revenue: Harvey Penick Golf Campus generates revenue through green fees, driving range, and pro shop. All revenues support youth programs. Chapter owns and operates the 112-acre facility featuring 9-hole course, 3-hole short course, and driving range.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

First Tee — Greater Austin is a 501(c)(3) youth development organization that integrates golf instruction with a research-based life skills curriculum for children and teens ages 5-17. Programs are delivered at the owned 112-acre Harvey Penick Golf Campus and 7 satellite locations across the Austin metro, including year-round after-school classes, seasonal camps, LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, PGA Jr. League, and adult beginner Operation 36 classes. Revenue is generated from program registration fees, memberships, an online merchandise store, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations.

Product overview

First Tee Greater Austin is a 501(c)(3) youth development organization that operates as a unified portfolio of programs centered on integrating golf with character-building curriculum. The core offerings include age-based junior golf programs (ages 5-17), seasonal camps (Summer, Spring, Winter, No School Golf School), specialized initiatives (LPGA-USGA Girls Golf, PGA Jr. League, Operation 36, Foundation Tour, Youth Forum), and institutional programs (School Program, Community Program). The organization also offers access to national opportunities through the First Tee network. Fundraising events include More Than A Game, 9 Core Values Awards Luncheon, Mighty Fine Clays to Benefit Kids, and Legacy Cup. Additional offerings include the Billy Clagett Scholarship for tournament players and an online merchandise store. Programs are delivered primarily at the Harvey Penick Golf Campus in East Austin with satellite locations across the Austin metro area.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Junior Golf Programs Age-based junior golf programs for ages 5-17 that integrate golf instruction with the First Tee Life Skills Experience curriculum, delivered at Harvey Penick Golf Campus and satellite locations across Austin.
• Summer Camp Week-long golf camps during summer break for ages 5-17, including Standard camps ($130-$280) and PGA/First Tee Austin Advanced camps for ages 13-17 ($350). Includes 1-year membership at Harvey Penick Golf Campus for full-day campers. Sibling discounts available.
• Spring Break Camp 4-day camp for ages 7-17 during spring break featuring golf activities, SNAG golf baseball, Footgolf, and the Life Skills Experience curriculum. $160 per camper with sibling discounts.
• Winter Break Camp Camp for ages 7-17 during winter break featuring golf activities, SNAG golf baseball, Footgolf, and the Life Skills Experience curriculum. $180 per camper with optional Stay & Play until 4:30pm.
• No School Golf School Full-day camps on holidays and weekdays when school is not in session for ages 7-17 of all skill levels, held at Harvey Penick Golf Campus.
• LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Austin Developmental junior golf program for girls ages 7-17 providing a supportive network to learn golf, make friends, and sample competition. Run by First Tee Greater Austin as the Austin chapter. $120 per player membership, $80 for each additional sibling.
• PGA Jr. League Team golf experience for ages 17 and under featuring scramble format in structured league play, providing a fun, social and inclusive environment with matching jerseys.
• Operation 36 Program for beginner adults and participants to learn golf using a progressive scoring system across 10 levels, starting on the putting green and culminating in playing the full course. Supported by the Operation 36 mobile app.
• Foundation Tour Multi-event series introducing First Tee players to tournament golf with three competitions per month, teaching golf etiquette, rules, order of play, and pace of play.
• Youth Forum Program for participants ages 12+ to learn about golf-related opportunities, receive administrative support for applications and deadlines, featuring guest speakers and college preparation.
• School Program Program integrating First Tee curriculum into PE classes at elementary and middle schools, providing training, equipment, and lesson plans to physical educators aligned with SHAPE national physical education standards.
• Community Program Partnership with youth centers like YMCA and Boys and Girls Club to introduce golf using flexible games adapted to ages and abilities. FTGA provides training, equipment, and lesson plans.
• National Opportunities Series of national events including the First Tee National Championship, PURE Insurance Championship, Leadership Summit, and various academies for participant growth across the First Tee network.
• More Than A Game Annual flagship fundraising event consisting of a Texas Music Scene taping with party and silent/live auction, followed by a Captain's Cup Golf Tournament paired with First Tee participants. Sponsorship tiers from $150 to $30,000.
• 9 Core Values Awards Luncheon
• Mighty Fine Clays to Benefit Kids Annual sporting clays tournament challenging teams of four at various shooting stations simulating bird hunting, benefiting First Tee Greater Austin programs. Presented by Mighty Fine.
• Legacy Cup
• Billy Clagett Scholarship
• First Tee Greater Austin Store

Quantifiable outcome

• 50,000+ youth positively impacted since 1999
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Texas Music ScenecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Nationally syndicated, award-winning music television series hosted by Jack Ingram. Partners with More Than A Game event to offer unique private taping experience for donors. Event includes live taping at Star Hill Ranch, silent & live auctions, food and specialty drinks.
• LPGA-USGA Girls GolfcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational developmental junior golf program for girls. Austin chapter run by First Tee – Greater Austin. Provides curriculum, app access, kickoff clinics, play day activities, and national championship opportunities. $120 membership fee with sibling discounts.
• PGA TOUR SuperstoremajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner for First Tee Leadership Series and Leadership Summit. Hosts programming at local PGA TOUR Superstores in select markets. Provides venue space and leadership development opportunities for teen participants.
• 2nd SwingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEquipment donation partner through 2nd Swing Club Donation Program. Donors can convert used golf clubs and equipment into cash donations. Value of equipment sent as donation to FTGA.
• Athletic SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorE-commerce partner operating FTGA's online storefront. Offers apparel and accessories from brands including Adidas, Columbia, Gildan. Ships within 2-6 days.
• YMCAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Program partnership bringing golf programming to youth centers. FTGA provides training, equipment, and lesson plans. Adapts to any setting, class time, and class size.
• Boys and Girls ClubmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Program partnership delivering golf programs at youth centers. Provides youth development professionals with tools to introduce golf using flexible games adaptable to ages and abilities.
• PGA Junior GolfcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPGA Jr. League Golf program运营 at FTGA. Team-based scramble format for ages 17 and under. Social, inclusive environment with matching jerseys and teammate pairing.
• Harvey Penick Golf Campus (Owned Facility)coreOthers112-acre owned facility featuring 9-hole PGA Tour Designed course, 3-hole short course, two-tiered driving range, practice greens. Home base for FTGA programming. Built 2005.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of Austin: Major community partner and indirect operator for FTGA's Community Program (reaches youth through YMCA facilities). As a broader youth development and recreation provider, YMCA represents the wider charitable youth space where FTGA competes for community mindshare and grant dollars.
• Boys & Girls Club of the Austin Area: Major community partner hosting FTGA's Community Program. As a broader youth development nonprofit with comparable mission (character development, life skills) and overlapping age cohorts, it serves as both a partner and a peer for youth-development philanthropic capital in the Austin market.
• The First Tee (National Organization): National umbrella organization operating 200+ chapters and reaching 2.2M youth annually. FTGA is an affiliated chapter and a key content contributor; they share the Life Skills Experience curriculum, mission framing, and brand identity.

Emerging players

• Drive, Chip & Putt: Joint PGA of America, USGA, and Masters Tournament youth skills competition serving ages 7-15. Reaches the same junior golf pipeline as FTGA tournaments and shares national-event architecture for progression of top youth players.
• U.S. Kids Golf Foundation: Youth golf tour and equipment/family-of-products brand focused on kids ages 4-17. While for-profit in nature, it competes for the same young golfer pipeline as FTGA's programs and tournaments, with overlapping tournament series and family-oriented marketing.
• The ANNIKA Foundation: Foundation of LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam providing golf instruction, college scholarships, and ANNIKA Invitational tournament for junior girls. Comparable to FTGA's Girls Golf and Billy Clagett Scholarship offerings in mission and beneficiary demographic.

Direct peers

• PGA Jr. League: Team-based youth golf league operated by the PGA of America for ages 17 and under. FTGA runs PGA Jr. League as a core offering; the program is a national competition format and a direct adjacent peer for youth golf participant development and retention.
• First Tee of Triangle: Direct peer chapter serving the Raleigh-Durham Triangle area with comparable programmatic and fundraising model. Provides a benchmark for chapter operating scale, major event execution, and alumni outcomes (notably Arianna Beverly's national championship representation referenced in FTGA materials).
• LPGA-USGA Girls Golf: National girls' developmental junior golf program operating as one of FTGA's core program offerings ($120 annual membership). Shares the youth-female-golf audience and is directly operated through FTGA's facilities in Austin, making it an integrated commercial peer.
• First Tee of Phoenix: Direct peer chapter of the national First Tee network serving Phoenix youth through golf instruction and life skills curriculum. Operates with similar program taxonomy (camps, school programs, events) and faces identical funding and volunteer operating dynamics as FTGA.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/firstteeaustin
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC7xiu8mFqVq-O8Zev4rXytw
• Facebookfacebook.com/132614753430499
• Instagraminstagram.com/firstteeaustin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-first-tee-of-greater-austin

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The First Tee of Greater Austin