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PREPARING FOR THE SEASON…

 

Where to Check In?

When you arrive, please look for The First Tee logo and staff. We operate in partnership but separately from the golf course and its staff, so it’s best to find someone representing The First Tee. Players should check in on the daily roster and make the acquaintance of coaches and other players. Coaches will be there to meet players and their families, and provide a brief group introduction on day one, followed by individual orientation meetings (see above). 

When to Check In?

Please arrive and check in 5 minutes prior to the start of every class, and earlier if you have questions or need to obtain equipment for the day. Late arrivals will be welcome to join the group, but players late by 15 minutes or more may receive partial or no credit for that day’s attendance.

What to Wear?

Most of class time is spent outdoors and in an active environment, so please dress accordingly. Traditional golf attire is welcome, as is athletic and casual sportswear. Tennis shoes are ideal, and all shoes must be close-toed (no sandals or slippers/flip-flops). If you’re unsure about the weather, you may bring a jacket to store in the clubhouse in case you need it.

What to Bring?

We have plenty of golf equipment for every class, but you encouraged to bring your own clubs. Other essential items include: snack/water, outerwear, and any medical necessities (e.g., epipen, prescribed medication). Otherwise, it’s best to bring as little as possible. More information about acquiring golf equipment below.

Attendance

Players are encouraged to attend as many classes per season as possible, and as their schedule allows, but absences are ok. Notice about anticipated absences should be given to the player’s coach, and you are encouraged to make-up missed classes (see those guidelines). Most classes are fully subscribed, and some with waiting lists, so please contact us if you plan to miss more than three or four classes this season.

Make-up Classes

Players should plan to attend their scheduled class. In the case of an absence, however, a player may “make-up” that class at a different time during the same calendar week, but no more than twice per season. We ask that you consult the program schedule to find an appropriate make-up class (must be the same level), and be sure to check the class homepage to learn of any updates to that class time/location for the week!

Procedure: 1) review the schedule as stated above to select an appropriate make-up class, 2) at check in, players write their name on the back of the class roster they will be attending for the day, and 3) mark your regular daily roster for that week as well, to ensure accurate attendance records. Advanced notice to your of a make-up class is not required, but players and parents should check in and introduce themselves to the coaches prior to start of the make-up class.

Since our curriculum and lessons are progressive and change weekly, classes cannot be made up during a different calendar week. Therefore, make-up classes must be completed during the same week as the absence (Tuesday thru Sunday). No more than two make-up classes per season, please!

Role of Parents

You are not expected to stay for class, but you are welcome to, and especially in PLAYer and Target classes where supervision is important for on-course play. No golf experience is required, but please visit our Volunteer Page to download the: 1) Parent Volunteer Handbook, and 2) Volunteer Application. Submit those to our office via fax or email at least 7 days in advance of participating. Once submitted, you will only receive notice in the event your application is denied – otherwise you are cleared to participate.

Read more about the role of parents in golf and in the program.

Inclement Weather

With access to indoor and covered facilities, as well as written components to the Life Skills Education,we rarely cancel class, but in the event of rain or storms we may shorten the lesson. In that case, please check with a coach upon arrival or look for TFT signage that may indicate an adjustment to the regular class time. Classes will not be rescheduled, but players are welcome to make-up a class that has been cancelled.

Yardage Books

Each level has a specific Yardage Book, or written component to the curriculum. These are an integral part of our lessons and the certification process, and will be distributed in the first two weeks of the session to players who are new to the program or don’t already have one. These books should be kept at home or in the player’s golf bag, and will be used primarily outside of class time. Among other requirements, progression from one level to another requires completion of the Yardage Book, which may take as many as several seasons to complete. If you have any questions, please contact your coach.

Homework

Every week (or two weeks), players will be asked to complete a brief assignment, which may include a review of past lessons and an introduction to a new one. Please turn these in when you arrive for class. These may also include assigned pages from the Yardage Books (see above). Assignments are made available on homepage for the current class session, which you can find in your class session homepage. 

Coaching Staff

Our classes are led by qualified staff coaches and volunteers, and while a player may have different coaches each season, we all work collaboratively to ensure a continuous learning process. If you have any questions or comments about the coaching or volunteer staff, and you are not able to discuss with them on site, please feel free to contact our office or the Program Director anytime.

Week 8 – Tournament Week

Regular class schedule. The final week of each session (week 8) is now known as “Tournament Week,” and all classes will participate in an on-course round of tournament-style golf. Class times may be adjusted to allow for more course time, in which case we will notify you directly and in advance. Tournament formats will be tailored to fit the capabilities of each class and player, and are designed as a fun and educational capstone to the season – so don’t feel intimidated if you’ve never played in a “tournament”! 

Golf Equipment

If you are looking for golf clubs, you have many options. Once a junior player has decided to continue with golf, we do recommend acquiring a set of at least 3-5 clubs (and bag). Retail athletic stores offer junior golf clubs for between $125-200, but currently through our partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods, you can purchase a set of 5 clubs and golf stand bag for only $79.

Photography

Rain or shine, we are lucky to have many photogenic moments on the course, and we try to capture as many of those as we can. You can find many of these on our multimedia page or on our Facebook page. We also invite you to share your photos on Instagram (@tftseattle) or send via email.

Open Play Privilege

Click HERE to learn more about playing privileges and special rates as a member of The First Tee of Greater Seattle.

 

Where to find more information?

Please visit our website for upcoming events, chapter calendar, and the FAQ section. You can also find us on Facebook, and are welcome to call or email our office for more information.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy your upcoming season with The First Tee!