The First Tee of Connecticut is a non profit 501 (c)(3) youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.


From The Tee
May 26, 2017
In Observance of Memorial Day Weekend
No Programs Will Be Held
Saturday, May 27 - Monday, May 29    


Open Play On The Learning Links
Active, Family Time On The Course For Free
 
The First Tee of Connecticut will again make the golf course at our Learning Center in Cromwell open to ALL active participants across the state and their families. Come enjoy yourself outdoors on the Karl Krapek Family Learning Links with your family!  The Learning Links is an executive length golf course that offers 13 teeing grounds at yardages from 60 - 250 yards and four green complexes.
  • The Learning Links will be open for play from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. on Sundays from April 23 through October 29 with the exception of the following dates;
    • May 28 - Memorial Day Weekend
    • June 25 - Travelers Championship Weekend
    • July 23 - Drive, Chip & Putt Sub-Regional
    • September 4 - Labor Day Weekend
  • Starting times will not be required to play the course.
    • Please note The First Tee of Connecticut reserves the right to enact a starting time policy during the season based on course usage.
  • Participants and their parents/guardians will be able to utilize the Learning Links golf course for a 3, 6 or 9-hole round as well as practice their putting and short game on other areas of the facility.
  • Please note that participants will be required to check in with a staff member upon arrival and register their family guests (limit one (1) foursome per participant) before play.
  • The driving range will be CLOSED during these times.

Play More Golf & Support The First Tee of Connecticut
Offer Expires Soon

The Connecticut Golf PlayBook, presented by the Connecticut State Golf Association, gives golfers access to premier facilities throughout Connecticut at a discounted rate, and helps member clubs generate additional revenue. With the Connecticut Golf PlayBook, you'll get access to over 65 different facilities and courses at up to 60% off with an average savings of over $25 per round! 

Now for the really good news... when you purchase your PlayBook via The First Tee of Connecticut 40% of the proceeds will be donated back to our organization!  Click here to order your PlayBook today!

Nutmeg State Games - Junior Golf Tournament
Sunday, July 16

An exciting and competitive playing opportunity at Stanley Golf Course in New Britain that we encourage participants to learn more about.  Please visit the Nutmeg Games website to learn more about the games and this year's golf competition.
 
The First Tee of Connecticut will be co-sponsoring the event that is part of the state's junior "Olympic-style" games and it is our hope that many of our young people will participate and even earn Gold, Silver or Bronze.

10 & Under, 12 & Under & 14 & Under Divisions
9 Hole Competition

16 & Under & 18 & Under Divisions
18 Hole Competition
  • Separate divisions for male and female players
  • Medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each division
 
 

Click on the logo above to make your donation today!
Birdies For Charity Is Back
Help Support The First Tee of Connecticut

In 2004, The Travelers Championship launched the Birdies for Charity program, adopting a national model that has seen great success in other markets. Today, the Birdies for Charity program continues to develop and thrive with the dedication of its presenting sponsor, CohnReznick and its endorsing sponsor, CT Community Nonprofit Alliance.

How Does Birdies for Charity Work?

Birdies for Charity is a pledge-based fundraiser, based upon the number of birdies made during the 2017 Travelers Championship, June 19-25, 2017. Similar to a walk-a-thon, donors pledge per birdie made. For example, if 1,500 birdies are made: 2 cents = $30; 10 cents = $150; $1.00 = $1500.  Click here to learn more or contact Marie Bernatchez, mbernatchez@thefirstteect.org, for more details. 

Your Chance To Be Part Of The Travelers Championship
Volunteer As Part Of The "Divot Patrol"
In preparation for the 2017 Travelers Championship the staff at TPC River Highlands has asked our chapter to support their efforts in conditioning the golf course during advance week!  They are in need of support for the " Divot Patrol" during the time frames listed below.

Last year over 40 volunteers from The First Tee of Connecticut participated in this activity. 

" Thank you very much for setting up the divot filling teams for both Friday night and Saturday morning. It was a huge success because of your team and I can't say enough how well each team did on their respective days.  It took a very large task and made into a very manageable one."

- Jeff Reich, Golf Course Superintendent
 
Responsibilities will include working as part of a team on a designated hole to fill in all existing divots.  No golf experience is necessary and the Golf Course Maintenance staff will provide a brief training at the start of the day.  Please note that this assignment will require you to be on your feet and outdoors for approximately two to three (2-3) hours.           
 
Friday, June 16 - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 17 - 9:00 a.m. 
  • Children age 7 - 12 must be accompanied by an adult
  • Children age 12 & above may attend on their own
  • All adults are welcome
It's easy to sign up, just click here to visit our website. 

Jon Rahm interacts with junior players on the driving range during the 2016 Eversource PGA TOUR Player Experience.
Spend An Afternoon With A
PGA TOUR Professional
Tuesday, June 20

The Eversource PGA TOUR Player Experience for Junior Golfers during the 2017 Travelers Championship will allow participants from The First Tee of Connecticut a chance to spend time with PGA TOUR professionals for an afternoon!  Thank you to the tournament organizers for providing this unique and exciting experience.  Selected juniors will participate in the following activities:
  • Play three holes with a PGA TOUR Professional
  • Private tour of official PGA TOUR equipment vans
  • Private Clinic with a PGA TOUR Professional
  • Private Q&A with PGA TOUR Players and a reception for yourself and two guests
Who Is Eligible?
  • Active participants, coaches or volunteers in The First Tee of Connecticut (must have participated in at least one program in 2016 or 2017)
  • Must be enrolled at the Par, Birdie, Eagle or Ace Level (participants at the PLAYer Level are NOT eligible for this opportunity)
  • Ages 9 - 18 (must have reached your 9th birthday by June 20, 2017)   
How Do I Apply?

Volunteer Opportunities Available!
Travelers Celebrity Pro-Am
Your Chance to See Rory McIlroy or Jason Day Up Close - Wednesday, June 21 

Spend part of your day with The First Tee of Connecticut AND watch the world's best players and local celebrities up close!  This is a great way for our chapter to support our partners at the Travelers Championship.  Morning and afternoon shifts available.   Click here to learn more about volunteering at the Celebrity Pro-Am.   

A/B Honor Roll
More Than Just A Game

The First Tee recognizes outstanding academic achievement of all participants through its A/B Honor Roll program. All participants who earn all A's or B's (or the equivalent within their district), regardless of age, are eligible for this recognition and will receive a signed certificate from The First Tee this summer.  Please submit your most recent, qualifying report card to our office by mail, fax or email. 
Congratulations in advance for your success in the classroom! 

THE FIRST TEE OF CONNECTICUT'S CHARITY GOLF EVENTS
Spend A Day On The Course While You Support Our Programs

Playing in or being a sponsor of one of The First Tee of Connecticut's Charity Classic golf events is a great way to help thousands of Connecticut's children.  Net proceeds from the tournaments help us keep our fees affordable so we are grateful to every sponsor, player, volunteer and golf club who help us help kids!  The following tournaments will be held during the 2017 season.    Visit our website for complete information on any of these exciting events. 
  • Walmart Charity Classic "Kick-Off to The Travelers Championship" at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell on Sunday, June 11
  • Yale Athletics Presents The First Tee Charity Classic at The Course at Yale in New Haven on Monday, July 17
  • PwC Charity Classic at Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton on Monday, August 28 (New Date - rescheduled from May 22 due to rain)
2017 PROGRAM SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION

In Observance of Memorial Day Weekend No Programs Will Be Held Saturday, May 27 - Monday, May 29

Registration For Summer Camps and Team Programs Is Currently Available

Registration For Summer Group Lessons
Begins Monday, June 5 at 9:00 a.m. 
Please click here to view the complete schedule so you can plan accordingly.. 

Summer Camps
  • All camps will run from Tuesday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Team Programs
  • Team Programs are available at the Par, Birdie, Eagle and Ace Levels. 
  • Saturday, June 24 - Saturday, August 26
  • Wednesday, June 28 - Wednesday, August 23
For complete details about these programs please click here and for a complete schedule of programs please click here.
 
Effective April 2017, registration fees for Group Lessons in some locations have increased.  We strive to maintain registration fees that are affordable for all families and believe that these fees still represent that goal.  We do realize that all situations are different, so please feel free to reach out to us if you need to apply for financial aid to cover your registration fees.  The prices listed include attendance in the seven (7) week session, instruction from golf professionals & The First Tee Coaches, access to developmentally appropriate equipment during each session (if necessary) and Life Skills Experience resources (Yardage Books & Bag Tags).  This is a onetime charge for each seven (7) week session.   View the complete program schedule below by clicking here. 
The First Tee of Connecticut
55 Golf Club Road
donate_now_org_btn.gif Cromwell, CT 06416
(860) 882-1660 Office
(860) 882-1666 Weather Line
(860) 788-6612 Fax

Through programs at 22 outdoor locations, in 157 schools and in partnership with local youth service agencies, we help shape the lives of over 70,000 young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf.