On March 14, 2025, Today’s Junior Golfer (TJG) had the privilege of visiting First Tee – Phoenix to learn more about their incredible work in developing young golfers. During our visit, we met with Development Director Emily Denes and proudly presented a $975 donation, which will provide five lower-income youth with full-year memberships in the program. First Tee – Phoenix has been instrumental in shaping young golfers both on and off the course, and we wanted to spotlight their impact on the Arizona junior golf community.
An Inside Look at First Tee – Phoenix
TJG: Hi Emily! What is your role at First Tee – Phoenix, and how long has First Tee – Phoenix been supporting junior golfers in Arizona?
Emily: I lead our fundraising efforts to ensure we have the necessary resources to sustain and grow our impactful programming. First Tee - Phoenix has been supporting junior golfers in the valley since 2003, helping thousands of kids develop life skills through the game.
TJG: What is the mission of First Tee – Phoenix, and how many kids do you impact annually?
Emily: Our mission is to provide opportunities for all youth to achieve success in every aspect of life through the game of golf. We serve nearly 2,000 members annually through our on-course programming and reach nearly 100,000 additional youth through our school and community program.
TJG: What does it mean to First Tee – Phoenix (and the kids) to receive Today’s Junior Golfer’s $975 donation, which will support five at-risk (lower-income) junior golfers for the entire 2025 season?
Emily: We are so grateful for the generous donation of Today's Junior Golfer that will provide five youth with fee waivers to ensure access to our programs for an entire year! It ensures they receive coaching, mentorship, and the opportunity to build confidence, both on and off the golf course. Contributions like this help us remove financial barriers and open doors for kids who may not otherwise have access to the game.
The First Tee Experience
TJG: What does a typical First Tee – Phoenix class look like at the golf course? What do you teach junior golfers—is it all about golf?
Emily: A typical First Tee – Phoenix on course class combines golf activities with character development in a fun, supportive environment. Each class begins with a warm-up, in order to get everyone moving and get the muscles loose. Coaches then introduce a golf skill alongside a life skill, such as goal setting or conflict resolution, and guide participants through engaging activities. Youth build their golf fundamentals while practicing the 5 Key Commitments:
- Pursuing Goals
- Growing Through Challenge
- Collaborating with Others
- Building Positive Self-Identity
- Using Good Judgment
Each class wraps up with reflection and goal-setting, ensuring that kids gain skills that extend far beyond the course.
Supporting First Tee – Phoenix
TJG: We at TJG specialize in Equipment Drives. Would receiving future equipment donations (outgrown golf gear) from TJG align with First Tee – Phoenix’s mission?
Emily: Absolutely! Equipment donations are a large part of what we do and help us ensure that every youth participant, regardless of their financial situation, has access to the tools they need to participate. Many of our kids rely on donated clubs, bags, and gear, making these contributions an important part of our mission to make golf accessible to all.
TJG: How can our readers learn more about First Tee – Phoenix and get involved?
Emily: Readers can visit our website at https://firstteephoenix.org/ to learn more about our programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our mission. They can also follow us on social media to stay updated on events and success stories from our members!
Join the Movement
At Today’s Junior Golfer, we believe in the power of golf to change lives, and First Tee – Phoenix embodies that mission every day. If you’re inspired to help, consider donating, volunteering, or participating in an equipment drive to support junior golfers in need. Together, we can make golf accessible to all kids, giving them the confidence and skills to succeed both on and off the course.
Stay tuned for more junior golf stories, and thank you to First Tee – Phoenix for making such a profound impact on the next generation of golfers!
