The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation. Its mission is to impact the lives of children by providing learning facilities and educational programs to promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. On January 14, 2008, The First Tee of The Coachella Valley celebrated its grand opening at The Golf Center at Palm Desert. We are proud to offer this exciting program to the children of the Coachella Valley.

History
Although there are Chapters in cities and communities across the country and in most major golf communities, the Coachella Valley Chapter of The First Tee was born through the work of the Desert Recreation District to bring The First Tee chapter to the valley. Beginning with an introduction and impetus to explore the national program from Bob Spiegel, Palm Desert city councilman, the Desert Recreation District began the application process in 2007. Notification came from The First Tee home office in the spring of 2007 that a The First Tee Chapter had been awarded to The District with an opening set for the beginning of 2008.

The First Tee programming is based on a competency based model that provides opportunities for participants to demonstrate proficiency in the attainment of golf skills and the related life skills curriculum. Participants begin at the PLAYer level and progress through Par, Birdie, Eagle, and Ace levels of proficiency. Each level of attainment is acknowledged through certification and the awarding golf privileges.

In addition, through a partnership with the Coachella Valley Unified School District, The First Tee programming through The First Tee National School Program will be a part of the physical education curriculum at fourteen CVUSD elementary schools during the 2010 - 2011 school year. It is estimated that over 700 children will be involved in The First Tee of Coachella Valley by the end of the second year of operation.


Cassidy and Mark Baldwin at
2010 Kraft Nabisco LPGA tournament
 


Christina Kim, LPGA pro, signs autographs at the
2010 Kraft Nabisco LPGA tournament

Membership
The participant cost for a one year membership to The First Tee of Coachella Valley is $120 per student. This fee is designed to be all inclusive.

For this membership fee, participants are provided the following benefits: 

• Unlimited instruction in The First Tee programming sessions that run year around

• Weekly access to the golf course at The First Tee of the Coachella Valley

• Use of all necessary golf equipment and programming materials

• Weekly access to the driving range including a small bucket of balls and golf equipment

• Participation in all The First Tee special events such as the Kraft Nabisco Championship and other special First Tee events.

Families who qualify for the Free and Reduced Lunch program through their local school are offered membership for $60 a year. Now that the fund-raising program for the local Chapter is developed, membership waivers for needy and qualifying families will be offered, please contact the pro shop for further information.

The Golf Center at Palm Desert
Home of The First Tee Coachella Valley

74-945 Sheryl Avenue (off Cook Street), Palm Desert
Open year round, 7:00 a.m.
Call 779-1877 for more information

For more information, we invite you to visit
The First Tee Coachella Valley Web Site

or call
760-779-1877.


Online Registration