Our Mission
First Tee – Silicon Valley develops youth through golf. We enable kids and teens 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, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.
We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
The Future Talent of Silicon Valley DBA First Tee – Silicon Valley is a nonprofit public benefit corporation 501 (c)3 – tax identification #46-3102278.
History of First Tee – Silicon Valley
Our history dates back to 2000 when the San Jose Sports Authority (SJSA) – Santa Clara County’s sports commission – created the Eagles at Rancho del Pueblo (Eagles) junior golf program for East San José youth. In 2005, the Eagles became The First Tee of San José, a new chapter within The First Tee network of over 180 internationally, while remaining a program of SJSA. Having grown substantially by early 2012, the program expanded to all Santa Clara County and East Palo Alto and changed its name (and license) to The First Tee of Silicon Valley. The year 2014 began a new era as we separated from SJSA and became a new, 501c3, non-profit entity, The Future Talent of Silicon Valley DBA First Tee – Silicon Valley. Southern San Mateo County (north to Hwy 92) and Hollister were added to our service area in 2018. We have taught our life skills and golf skills curriculum to over 89,876 youth since 2005. Learn more about Our Impact and read Stories about our program.
First Tee Origins
First Tee was established by the World Golf Foundation in November 1997 as a not-for-profit organization 501(c)3. The initial focus was on creating affordable access for those not previously exposed to the game of golf. It has since broadened its focus to that of a youth development organization that teaches life skills using golf as a platform. Founding partners include the PGA TOUR, LPGA, PGA of America, USGA and the Masters Tournament. Former President George H.W. Bush served as honorary chairman from 1997 to 2010 when he moved to an emeritus role. In 2011, former President George W. Bush, his son, assumed the role. First Tee has two channels for delivering its programming: a network of approximately 140 chapters in all 50 states on golf courses and DRIVE which is taught at schools and youth centers.