Junior Golf in Canada
Programs
Golf Canada, in partnership with the PGA of Canada, operates a variety of national programs aimed at introducing golf to juniors. These programs include:
Golf Canada and First Tee partnered to launch First Tee – Canada in 2021. The partnership will see First Tee’s youth development emphasis strengthen Golf Canada’s junior golf activities that reach kids in schools and golf facilities. The innovative First Tee curriculum will focus on empowering young people to build character through the game of golf. Multiple chapters launched in 2021 (British Columbia, Ontario and Québec) with additional chapters being established across Canada through 2022.
First Tee Programs
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FIRST TEE SCHOOL PROGRAM
Many students tee it up for the first time through the First Tee School Program. First Tee works to train educators on a curriculum that introduces students to golf and its core values during physical education classes. Teachers are provided all necessary training, lesson plans and equipment in order to teach elementary school students the basic skills of golf with safe and fun activities.
For more information, visit the First Tee – Canada website.
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FIRST TEE FACILITY PROGRAMS
From age 5 through 18, youth progress through levels by demonstrating First Tee’s Nine Core Values, life and golf skills, as well as passing an assessment. All participants, regardless of age, start at the PLAYer Level then progress through the Par, Birdie, Eagle and Ace Levels.
For more information, visit the First Tee – Canada website.
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FIRST TEE COMMUNITY PROGRAM
Through the First Tee Community Program, youth leaders and teachers can introduce kids to golf while helping them build their character and inner strength through fun, safe sport and games. First Tee supplies the curriculum, equipment and the training for youth leaders to deliver the program.
For more information, visit the First Tee – Canada website
Junior Skills Challenge is an online and interactive program that focuses on developing the key golf skills of putting, chipping and driving. An online leaderboard allows site coordinators to upload players’ scores so they can track their improvement. Using the data, players are ranked nationally by age group, and by scores on the National Leaderboard. Top competitors nationally are invited to compete in the annual Junior Skills Challenge National Event.
Youth on Course helps eliminate golf’s affordability barrier for Golf Canada members ages 6 to 18. These young golfers can play subsidized rounds for $5 or less at participating courses during designated times. Members also have access to an international network of more than 1,700 golf courses across North America.
RBC Community Junior Golf supports partner Golf Canada’s First Tee – Canada programming at municipal golf courses across the country. RBC Community Junior Golf, First Tee – Canada, and Youth on Course strive to work together to build greater diversity and equity in golf, by enabling affordable access to the game for youth in underrepresented communities in Canada. PGA Tour professional golfer Harold Varner III serves as an ambassador.