In September of 2001, the MGA Foundation and the Metropolitan Section PGA launched The First Tee of Metropolitan New York at Mosholu Golf Course & Driving Range in the Bronx.  This partnership and the facility’s unique location provide a special opportunity to affect the lives of thousands of young people in the Metropolitan New York area each year through the game of golf.

The facility includes a nine-hole course, driving range, practice green, chipping green, clubhouse, and classroom/meeting space.  The project received major support from the Rudin Family, and the area used for junior programs is The Lew Rudin Youth Learning Center.

The true value of this program is based on golf’s unique ability to instill and nurture essential values such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, and a solid work ethic in the young people who are introduced to the game.

In general, programming is offered on a year round basis, with a significant increase in programming during the summer months.  We have worked with several agencies and schools during the seasons with 100-150 children to populate our spring and fall programs.  We have served some 1,500 participants to date with a 42% retention rate. 

A list of community groups and schools that have taken advantage of The First Tee experience at Mosholu are:

Harlem Children's Zone	Inwood House/Boys to Men
Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club	New York City Parks and Recreation
Gear Up, Bronx	Gear Up, Yonkers
Higher Visions	New York Institute for Special Education
Children's Aids Society	Glad Tidings Church
Bronx PAL	Special Olympics
Rockland PAL	Highway Christian Academy
GRADS Foundation	Cornerstone Learning Center
Owen Dolan Recreation Center	Eagle Academy
New Settlement Apartments	Mt. Hope
Children's Arts and Science Workshop	New Rochelle Parks and Recreation
Mosholu Montefiore Community Center	Executive Women's Golf Association, Girls Golf

Students begin at The First Tee in the Target Level and then progress through the PLAYer, Par, Birdie, and Eagle Levels.  This past year, the Ace Level was created with an emphasis on leadership, community service, game improvement, and career planning.

Students are certified in both Life Skills and golf knowledge and will only progress when both aspects are met.  Participants are also given opportunities to join our Mentor Program and apply for National First Tee programs, such as the National Leadership Academy, The Scholar’s Program, RBS Achiever of the Year, Future Leaders Forum, and the Wal-Mart First Tee Open.

Since 2001, The First Tee Metropolitan New York has been providing deserving youngsters with a choice to join The First Tee and realize that golf is more than a game; it’s a way of life.