The First Tee Of Greater Philadelphia Inc

What The First Tee Of Greater Philadelphia Inc does

The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia Inc is a Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization (EIN #23-2088969) founded in 2003 as a chapter of the national First Tee network affiliated with the World Golf Foundation. The organization serves youth ages 5-18 across 28 program locations spanning 11 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, integrating golf instruction with a life skills curriculum built around five key commitments: Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, and Using Good Judgement. To date the chapter has served 46,000 young people, with 3,100 currently active in the core First Tee Program, and reports a 100% high school graduation rate among program completers. It operates two owned golf facilities — Walnut Lane Golf Club (Roxborough) and John F. Byrne Golf Club (Northeast Philadelphia, assumed 2019) — and is constructing a 7,800-square-foot Michael J. Brown Learning Center at John F. Byrne with fall 2026 groundbreaking and 2027 completion.

The organization's program portfolio spans nine core offerings: the First Tee Program (the flagship), Girls Golf, Caddie Academy (founded 2018, placing 100+ caddies at 19-20 area golf clubs), Greenskeeper Pathway Program, Access 2 Golf (transportation-supported outreach), the School Program (PE curriculum integration), Community Program (YMCA/Boys and Girls Club partnerships), Participant Scholarships, and National Opportunities. Distribution is hybrid: community-led through 105+ school and youth organization partnerships, direct-to-consumer via a Salesforce-based online registration portal with $20 annual family memberships, and event-driven through major fundraising galas. The revenue model is diversified across individual donations, corporate sponsorships, EITC tax credit contributions (13 corporate supporters), golf operations at the two facilities, $20 annual youth memberships, endowment gifts, and IRA charitable distributions. Major fundraising events in the latest cycle include the 20th Anniversary Leaders and Achievers Gala ($725,000+), Links at the Linc ($528,000+), TFT Invitational ($295,000+), Auction for Game Changers ($288,000), and Mike Quick Celebrity Invitational ($230,000+). The organization holds Charity Navigator Four-Star rating and Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, and is governed by a board led by President Michael J. Brown with CEO William Hyndman V, CFO Gene Rosadino, and Chief of Staff Jennifer McAleese.

Name

The First Tee Of Greater Philadelphia Inc

Legal name

The First Tee Of Greater Philadelphia Inc

Website

https://firstteephiladelphia.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

First Tee of Greater Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers youth golf and life skills programs to children and teens ages 5-18 across 28 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, operating two owned golf facilities and serving 46,000 young people cumulatively.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development and Junior Golf Programs

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Golf Courses and Country Clubs (71391)

SIC

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

akta.pro primary industry

Youth & Scholastic Sports Organizations (K–12, AAU, Club Leagues) (MPAKACAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Golf Courses & Golf Facilities (MPAKAEAD)

Keywords

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

Headquarters

HQ city

Philadelphia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute to support youth development programs. Donations can be made through the organization's website portal.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partners sponsor events, programs, and facility improvements. Includes event sponsorships and general program support.
3. Golf Operations Revenue: Revenue generated from operating two golf facilities - Walnut Lane Golf Club and John F. Byrne Golf Club - serving public golfers and program participants.
4. Annual Membership Fees: $20 annual membership fee per child provides families access to register for programs throughout the year at no additional cost.
5. Endowment Gifts: Financial endowment gifts where principal is kept intact and investment income supports organizational needs including program financial aid.
6. EITC Tax Credit Program: Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program allowing donors to redirect state tax dollars. Donors receive 90% PA state tax credit and 10% federal charitable deduction.
7. Event Fundraising: Major annual fundraising events including Mike Quick Celebrity Invitational ($230,000+), Links at the Linc ($528,000), Tea Time Tournament, First Tee Invitational, and Auction for Game Changers.
8. IRA Charitable Distributions: Tax-free IRA distributions for donors over age 70 1/2, up to $100,000 transferred directly to the organization.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia delivers golf-based youth development programs that integrate junior golf instruction with a life skills and character education curriculum for youth ages 5-18. The organization operates two owned golf facilities (Walnut Lane Golf Club and John F. Byrne Golf Club) and runs programs at 28 locations across 11 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, supported by 60+ trained coaches and partnerships with schools and youth organizations.

Product overview

First Tee — Greater Philadelphia is a youth development organization offering a portfolio of golf-based programs designed to build character and life skills in young people ages 5-18. The core offering is the First Tee Program, which integrates golf instruction with a life skills curriculum focused on five key commitments. Supporting programs include Girls Golf, Caddie Academy, Access 2 Golf, Greenskeeper Pathway Program, School Program, Community Program, and National Opportunities including college scholarships and national events. The organization operates two golf facilities (Walnut Lane Golf Club and John F. Byrne Golf Club) and offers a mobile application with gamified learning activities. Programs are delivered at 28 locations across 11 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• First Tee Program The core youth development program integrating golf instruction with a life skills curriculum for ages 5-18, featuring age-specific groups (7-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14+) built on five key commitments: pursuing goals, growing through challenge, collaborating with others, building positive self-identity, and using good judgement.
• Girls Golf Program specifically designed to empower girls through golf with mentorship, skill-building, and friendship, operating at 11 program locations with female coaches and volunteers. Enrolled 770 female participants in 2024 with a 33% increase.
• Caddie Academy Workforce development program teaching caddying skills to participants ages 14-18, with certification and placement at 19+ local golf clubs, including a dedicated Girls Caddie Academy sponsored by Janney. Caddies earned $130,000 through the program in 2025.
• Access 2 Golf Program removing transportation barriers by providing free round-trip transportation and meals to connect youth from schools and community organizations to First Tee programs. Served 545 students in 2025 with 21 partner organizations.
• Participant Scholarships Scholarship programs including the First Tee Academic Scholarship (up to $5,000 per academic year, renewable), Reverend Dr. Herb Lusk II Academic Scholarship for Roman Catholic High School, and Thomas M. Hyndman Golf Scholarship for competitive golfers. $229,500 awarded to 38 students in 2025.
• Greenskeeper Pathway Program Workforce development initiative teaching golf course maintenance skills to teens ages 16+, providing certifications and placement opportunities in golf course management careers. Developed with The Union League and Super-Scratch Foundation.
• School Program Integration of First Tee curriculum into physical education classes at elementary and middle schools, providing training, equipment, and lesson plans aligned with national PE standards across 105+ partner schools.
• Community Program Partnership program with youth centers like YMCA and Boys and Girls Club, bringing golf programs to diverse community settings using flexible games adaptable to various ages and abilities.
• National Opportunities Series of national events and programs including the College Scholarship Program, Leadership Series, National Championship, Game Changers Academy, Leadership Summit, PURE Insurance Championship, Drive Your Future Academy, and Innovators Forum.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% high school graduation rate for students who complete the First Tee program
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers27 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

43 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Truist FinancialcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• WSFS BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• Brown BrotherscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• LMGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• FCCBminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• PJDminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• MMIminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• Origlio BeverageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• NinjaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• Rush TeesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• ChubbcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. Board member John J. Lupica represents Chubb.
• WawacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• Delco PropminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEITC program supporter providing funding for educational programs through Pennsylvania's Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.
• The Union LeaguecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Greenskeeper Pathway Program through Scott Bordner, Director of Agronomy. Union League Golf Club at Torresdale serves as training location.
• Super-Scratch FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing the Greenskeeper Pathway Program for agronomy workforce development.
• RiverCrest Golf Club & PreservecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTraining location for Greenskeeper Pathway Program where participants trained under Superintendent Tim Edwards.
• PGA of AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing Career Exploration Day opportunities at the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club.
• Aronimink Golf ClubcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerVenue for 2026 PGA Championship. Hosted Career Exploration Day for 50 First Tee participants. First Tee students served as standard bearers.
• TaylorMade GolfcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional Michelle Penney from TaylorMade led equipment design and engineering session during Career Exploration Day.
• PGA TOUR SuperstorecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for First Tee Leadership Series and First Tee Leadership Summit - five-week series building relationships with local PGA TOUR Superstore leadership and providing career development opportunities.
• Tiburón Golf ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenue in Naples, Florida for Golf to Paradise Challenge where First Tee participants played on Black and Gold courses during PGA Champions Tour event.
• Kimmel ArchitecturecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerArchitecture firm designing the John F. Byrne Phase Two Renovation - 7,800-square-foot Learning Center.
• John F. Byrne Golf ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization-operated golf facility in Northeast Philadelphia. Site of proposed 7,800-square-foot Learning Center renovation.
• AIM AcademycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner organization receiving free transportation and meals for students to participate in First Tee programs.
• Antonia Pantoja Charter SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner school receiving free transportation and meals for students.
• Blair Christian AcademycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner - Executive Administrator Kia DeBrady provided testimonial praising program impact on campers.
• Breakthrough ProgramcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner organization.
• Community Academy of PhiladelphiacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner school.
• Community Partnership SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner school.
• ESF Dream CampcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner organization.
• Esperanza Academy Charter SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner school.
• Eugenio Maria De Hostos Charter SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner school.
• GESU SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner school.
• Global Leadership AcademycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner school. CEO Dr. Naomi Johnson Booker serves on Board of Directors.
• Greenwoods Charter SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner school.
• Hope Partnership for EducationcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner organization.
• KIPP North Philadelphia AcademycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner school.
• Mary McLeod Bethune SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner school.
• North Light Community CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner organization.
• Northwood Academy Charter SchoolcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner school.
• Smith Recreation CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner organization.
• Urban Youth Kings and QueenscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner organization.
• Vare Recreation CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAccess 2 Golf partner organization.

Scale indicators30 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Eastside Golf: Youth-focused golf lifestyle brand introducing the game to underrepresented communities. Comparable mission of using golf to expand access for minority youth, though commercial rather than nonprofit.
• YMCA of Greater Philadelphia: Community-based youth recreation organization offering sports instruction and after-school programming. Listed as a Community Program partner and competes for youth programming share in the same geography.
• Boys & Girls Club of Philadelphia: Local youth development organization serving the same 5-18 demographic with after-school programming. Acts as a Community Program partner channel for First Tee and competes for family engagement time slots.

Others

• USGA Foundation: National governing body foundation supporting youth golf programs. Acts as an ecosystem partner and funder rather than direct competitor, comparable through shared mission of growing youth golf access.

Direct peers

• PGA of America — PGA Jr. League: National team-based youth golf program for ages 13 and under operated by the PGA of America. Directly competes for youth golf participation time and family attention in the same 5-18 demographic.
• First Tee (National Headquarters): National parent organization of the Greater Philadelphia chapter. Operates the same youth golf and life skills curriculum across 150+ chapters, directly comparable as the umbrella and standards body for this chapter.
• TGR Foundation (Tiger Woods): Youth development nonprofit using golf as a vehicle for STEM and college-access programming. Comparable mission of character and life-skills development through golf for underserved youth.
• Evans Scholars Foundation (Western Golf Association): Provides full college scholarships to high-achieving caddies, directly comparable to First Tee's Caddie Academy and academic scholarship pathways. Operates the same caddie-to-college pipeline model.
• LPGA Foundation — LPGA*USGA Girls Golf: National program introducing girls to golf through non-competitive, participant-centered instruction. Direct overlap with First Tee's Girls Golf program on target audience and female-mentorship model.

Regional players

• Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative: Regional coalition of youth sports organizations serving low-income Philadelphia youth. Comparable target demographic and mission of using sports for youth development outcomes.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks1 record

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/FirstTeePhilly
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCXOHE0K1r28AJLBkUR5O-Yg
• Facebookfacebook.com/FirstTeePhilly
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/first-tee-philly
• Instagraminstagram.com/firstteephilly

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 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 Philadelphia Inc