The First Tee of Orange County

What The First Tee of Orange County does

The First Tee of Orange County (legal entity: Golf Fore Life Skills, a California 501(c)(3), Tax ID 27-4581056) is a youth development nonprofit operating as an affiliated chapter of the national PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation. Founded circa 2016 and headquartered at the Dad Miller Golf Course clubhouse in Anaheim since 2018, the organization delivers an integrated golf and life skills curriculum across five age tiers (TARGET ages 4–6 through Eagle ages 14–18) to youth ages 4–18 across Orange County, California. Programming is delivered through a network of 14+ partner golf course venues spanning Anaheim, Fullerton, Lake Forest, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Aliso Viejo, plus in-school outreach through Anaheim Elementary and Garden Grove school districts and adaptive partnerships with Special Olympics Southern California and the Workability Program.

The organization operates a community-led go-to-market model with multiple revenue streams. Participant fees (ages 4–6 at $149 per 9-week session; ages 7+ at $169; PGA Jr. League at $300) cover less than half of program costs, requiring a ~$25 per-participant subsidy per session plus $20,000 in annual financial aid. The remainder of funding comes from tax-deductible individual and corporate donations, foundation grants (including a $15,000 American Golf Foundation gift), and event-based fundraising through the Charity Golf Classic (Aliso Viejo Country Club), the HOAG Classic partnership at Newport Beach Country Club (historically raising $20M+ for local causes cumulatively), and the Golf-a-Thon. Anchor corporate sponsors include Kingston Technology, Chipotle, Latham & Watkins, Synchrony, and PGA Tour Superstore.

The team is lean at 7 employees led by CEO Wendy Cullen, supplemented by part-time Golf & Life Skills Coaches at $20/hour, volunteer assistant coaches, and a Junior Coach Council pipeline. The organization has served 30,000+ youth over its first decade (including 8,000+ through outreach) and is increasingly recognized for collegiate-level outcomes, most notably alumnus Ryan Voois winning the 2026 Byron Nelson Award and making the cut in his PGA Tour Americas debut.

Name

The First Tee of Orange County

Legal name

Golf Fore Life Skills

Website

https://thefirstteeoc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Services

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Golf Courses and Country Clubs (71391)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Play-Based SEL & Executive Function Skill-Building Programs (EDACAOAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth & Amateur Sports Tournaments (MPAGAMAF), Golf Courses & Golf Facilities (MPAKAEAD)

Keywords

• Youth golf programs
• Life skills education
• Junior golf instruction
• Character development
• Youth development nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Anaheim

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Program Fees: Revenue from participant registration fees for 9-week sessions, summer camps, and one-day classes. Participant fees cover less than half of actual program costs ($25 subsidy per participant per session).
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Tax ID: 27-4581056. Donations support scholarships, financial aid, and general operations.
3. Event Fundraising: Revenue from events including Charity Golf Classic, Golf-a-Thon, and other fundraising activities. Proceeds support teen scholarships, alumni events, and programming.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Sponsorships from companies like Kingston Technology, Chipotle, Latham & Watkins, Synchrony, and others for events and programs.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The First Tee of Orange County is a youth development nonprofit that delivers age-based golf instruction integrated with a research-based life skills curriculum to children and teens ages 4-18. Participants progress through five curriculum levels (TARGET, Player, Par, Birdie, Eagle) covering character values such as integrity, confidence, perseverance, and respect, with programs delivered at 14+ golf course locations across Orange County, California, complemented by school-based outreach, adaptive/special needs programming, summer camps, team-based competitive play (PGA Jr. League), and girls-only programs.

Product overview

First Tee – Orange County operates as a youth development nonprofit offering a unified portfolio of golf and life skills programs rather than a technology platform. The core offering is the age-based First Tee Golf & Life Skills Program, which progresses participants through five levels (TARGET, Player, Par, Birdie, Eagle) using golf as a vehicle for character development. This is complemented by supplementary programs including One-Day Classes, Summer Camps, PGA Jr. League teams, and specialized offerings like Girls on Greens and the School Program. The organization also runs annual fundraising events (Charity Golf Classic, Golf-a-Thon, HOAG Classic partnerships) and maintains alumni engagement through the Junior Coach Council and Alumni Network. Inclusion initiatives partner with Special Olympics Southern California and Workability for students with disabilities. All programs integrate the First Tee life skills curriculum focusing on character values including integrity, confidence, perseverance, and respect.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Girls on Greens: Teen girls class focused on building confidence and skills in golf
• Girls Golf
• First Tee Program

Products and services

• First Tee Golf & Life Skills Program Core 9-week session program that teaches golf and life skills (integrity, confidence, perseverance, respect) to youth ages 4-18 across five age-appropriate levels. Open to Orange County families; participant fees ($149–$169 per 9-week session) cover less than half of program costs.
• One-Day Classes Single-session introductory classes providing an accessible, low-commitment entry point to the First Tee curriculum for youth ages 4-18 and their families.
• Summer Camps Week-long intensive golf and life skills camps held during summer break at various Orange County golf course locations, providing immersive instruction and character development experiences.
• PGA Jr. League Team-based competitive golf league using a scramble format at Dad Miller Golf Course, including personalized jerseys, team practices, on-course matches, and an All-Stars competition track ($300 per player for the summer season).
• Girls Golf / Girls on Greens Dedicated girls' golf program providing LPGA Girls Golf classes in a supportive same-gender environment, including a free second class option and the Girls on Greens teen class.
• School Program Outreach program that delivers First Tee curriculum and adaptive equipment into elementary school PE classrooms, with field trips to Dad Miller Golf Course and ongoing programs at partner schools in Anaheim and Garden Grove.
• Community Program Community-based programming delivered at after-school locations throughout Orange County, expanding access to the First Tee curriculum for underserved youth.
• Junior Coach Council Leadership and mentorship program for outstanding teen participants who serve as assistant coaches, accumulate service hours, and are recognized for their contributions (e.g., Volunteer Junior Coach of the Year).
• College Scholarship Program Financial assistance and alumni engagement program that supports First Tee participants pursuing higher education through scholarships, with examples of alumni earning college scholarships and competitive collegiate opportunities.
• Alumni Network Lifelong engagement program connecting former participants to networking opportunities, internships, job resources, and national/regional alumni events across the 150+ First Tee chapters globally.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served 30,000+ kids over 10 years with 8,000+ through outreach programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

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

• American Golf Corporation / American Golf FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Joyce Shelton serves as Regional Vice President for American Golf Corporation and CFO of American Golf Foundation. American Golf's Orange County region presented FTOC with a $15,000 donation through the American Golf Foundation. American Golf provides access to golf course locations including Coyote Hills, while FTOC provides youth development programming. Joyce helped establish Coyote Hills as an official LPGA Girls Golf site.
• Special Olympics Southern CaliforniacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdaptive Golf partnership providing Special Olympics athletes with access to the sport through clinics designed around ability, emphasizing joy, confidence, and skill development. FTOC is expanding its clinic calendar with Special Olympics Orange County.
• Workability ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment transition partnership creating real career pathways for students with disabilities through on-site volunteer opportunities and employment placements at First Tee facilities, building professional skills alongside life skills.
• Anaheim Elementary School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerField trip partnership bringing students to Dad Miller Golf Course for golf experiences, driving range sessions, and putting green activities. Provides access to golf for students from neighborhoods where golf isn't a weekend staple.
• Garden Grove Elementary School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerField trip partnership bringing students to Dad Miller Golf Course for golf experiences. Adaptive PE programs also delivered through Garden Grove Unified School District.
• LPGA Girls GolfcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoyote Hills Golf Course established as official site location for LPGA Girls Golf, providing consistent, supportive environment for female participants to grow their skills and love of the game. Joyce Shelton helped establish this partnership.
• USGA (United States Golf Association)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUSGA brought the US Women's Open Trophy to Dad Miller Golf Course as part of the US Women's Open Trophy Tour. FTOC's Girls on Greens teen girls class led a golf clinic, introducing participants to the sport.
• Kingston TechnologymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerMade Student Day free for young fans at the 2026 HOAG Classic, enabling kids to attend the professional tournament at no cost.
• ChipotlemajorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsored the chipping clinic at the 2026 HOAG Classic where FTOC coaches led young golfers through short game fundamentals. Provided free chips and guacamole to all participants.
• HOAG ClassicmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPGA Tour Champions event held at Newport Beach Country Club. FTOC participates with booth at the event, hosts chipping clinics, selects standard bearers, and participants play in Celebrity Pro-Am. The event has raised over $20 million for local causes.
• Newport Beach Country ClubmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue for HOAG Classic where FTOC participants serve as standard bearers and play in Celebrity Pro-Am events. One of Orange County's most prestigious golf venues.
• Congaree Global Golf Initiative (CGGI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNationally recognized program dedicated to opening doors for talented student-athletes. FTOC participant Airlia was nominated and selected for the program. CGGI has 97% college attendance rate and has earned participants $6.3M+ in scholarships.
• Wall to Wall PaintingminorOthersDonated paint and wall supplies to refresh the exterior of the Dad Miller Classroom at Dad Miller Golf Course. Connection made through Fore the Ladies event.
• Next RoundcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNational partnership for golf club donations. Donors can value their equipment and 100% of that value comes directly to FTOC with no fees. 20% bonus on trade-ins during First Tee Week.
• First Tee Headquarters (PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation, Inc.)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational parent organization (Florida not-for-profit corporation) that provides curriculum, coach training, national events, alumni network, and chapter licensing. FTOC is one of 150+ chapters serving youth across the U.S. and internationally.
• PGA TOURmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization through World Golf Foundation / First Tee. Ryan Voois received exemption into PGA TOUR's THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson as Byron Nelson Award winner. FTOC participants selected for PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.
• Latham & WatkinsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of the 2026 Charity Golf Classic benefiting First Tee – Orange County.
• SynchronymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of the 2026 Charity Golf Classic benefiting First Tee – Orange County.
• PGA Tour SuperstorecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of the 2026 Charity Golf Classic. Golf equipment drop-off location for club donations.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The First Tee (National HQ): The national parent organization of which First Tee – Orange County is a chapter. Operates the same curriculum, coach training, and brand framework across 150+ chapters in the U.S. and internationally, serving the same youth golf and life-skills mission.
• Youth on Course: National nonprofit providing affordable golf course access for youth members; FTOC participants receive Youth on Course membership as part of their programming. Comparable mission of removing financial barriers to youth golf participation.
• LPGA Girls Golf: Program of the LPGA Foundation offering golf instruction and friendship for girls ages 6-17. FTOC operates LPGA Girls Golf as an add-on program and competes for female youth participation and family registration dollars.
• PGA Jr. League: The PGA of America's team-based competitive junior golf program, which FTOC actually runs as one of its core offerings. Competes for youth golf registrations and uses similar age-based league formats.
• First Tee of San Diego: A Southern California sister chapter delivering the same First Tee curriculum and competing in Chapter Cup qualifiers against FTOC. Highly comparable in program structure, target demographic, and revenue model.
• First Tee of Los Angeles: Another Southern California chapter offering the same First Tee curriculum and youth development programs. Direct peer in geography-adjacent market serving the same youth demographic in the greater LA region.

Broad incumbents

• YMCA of Orange County: Regional youth development and recreation provider offering character-building programs, sports leagues, and after-school care. Operates in the same Orange County geography with overlapping school-district and outreach distribution channels.
• American Junior Golf Association (AJGA): National organization running elite junior golf tournaments and college recruitment pathways. FTOC feeds into AJGA-style competitive golf via CGGI nominations and alumni like Ryan Voois. Operates at a higher competitive tier than FTOC's introductory programs.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Large national youth development nonprofit offering character and life skills programming across sports, education, and arts. Competes with FTOC for corporate donors, foundation grants, and parent attention on youth character development outcomes.

Emerging players

• Drive, Chip & Putt (DCP): A joint PGA of America / USGA initiative providing competitive entry points for youth golfers ages 7-15. Overlaps with FTOC's competitive pathway mission and shares similar funder/governance ecosystems.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/FirstTeeOrangeCounty
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-first-tee-of-orange-county
• Instagraminstagram.com/firstteeoc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about The First Tee of Orange County