First Tee - Greater Austin

Today is our first day of Summer Camp! Last year we loaned out a record number of golf sets (46); today, we handed out 51 sets to kids who didn't have their own! We're excited to see so many new faces and hope all of our Summer Campers have a fantastic week!

First Tee Game Changers Academy is a transformative five-day learning and empowerment experience. Selected teens from across the U.S. will engage in meaningful discussions on self-awareness, inclusive leadership, and community building – skills they will carry with them throughout their lives. First Tee invites its partners to lead dynamic, interactive workshops, complemented by reflective activities guided by our nationally trained First Tee coaches.

This experience is designed to enlighten, inspire, and empower teens, preparing them to become Game Changers in their communities now and in the future. The academy is named in honor of former First Tee CEO Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., a passionate advocate for empowering the next generation.

Summer Camp begins in just 2 weeks!

There will be 10 weeks of Summer Camp to choose from for ages 7-17 and 3 weeks available for ages 5-6.

We're looking forward to a great summer—see you soon!
Register today:
https://firstteeaustin.org/summer-camp/

Yesterday was our 18th annual Mighty Fine Clays to Benefit Kids at Capital City Clays. Every year we're so thankful for everyone who comes out to participate in this event to support First Tee — Greater Austin.

Thanks to all of this year's sponsors:
Mighty Fine (burgers, fries, and shakes), Tex-Mix Concrete, Texas Mutual Insurance Company, Harvey Cleary, MLN Fire Protection Company, Alpha Insulation and Waterproofing, Truform Metalservice, McDonough Construction Rentals, DOZ LLC, ND Construction, Poncho, Tumlinson Electric, Haegelin Wehmeyer Construction, Austin Commercial, American Bank Prosperity Bank

Also, big thank you to all of our volunteers from Dell Financial Services and the Capital City Clays staff for all their incredible help!

See more photos from yesterday's event: https://firstteeaustin.org/clays-benefit-kids/

Harvey Penick Golf Campus will be closed to the public next week Monday, May 4th – Monday, May 1th for the 2026 Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) event, The Barbasol Open at Austin.

This will be the 4th year in a row we have hosted this tournament. ALL HPGC facilities (driving range, practice putting and chipping greens, short course, and 9-hole course) will be closed. The campus will open back up at noon on Monday, the 11th.

Congratulations to Carlie Matengula! We are so excited to share that she has been selected as a First Tee Scholar! This is an incredible achievement! She was surprised with this news at The Chevron Championship in Houston last week during a First Tee Alumni Network meeting.

The First Tee College Scholarship Program supports selected alumni throughout their college career. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. The program also provides professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. One of the key factors of the program is pairing Scholars with a dedicated adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the four years.

Congratulations once again, Carlie. We are all so proud of you!

Congratulations to Emmy for being one of the 48 First Tee participants in the nation selected. The format is a 54-hole stroke play event with no cut. The field is a collection of the best players (24 boys and 24 girls) in the First Tee program from all over the nation.

Luciano Follmer has also been selected to be an alternate for the Boys Division.

"I have really enjoyed seeing familiar faces come back every year. It is exciting to see the progression that the kids have been making in their golf swings." -Brad

"In working with kids, I find the greatest joy in following their skill development, growing confidence, and enjoyment of the game over a period. Their energy and enthusiasm make my day!" -Bob

"Each Tuesday is a special day for me; filled with helping the players grow their golf knowledge, challenge themselves, and maybe even catch the golf bug. After years of coaching, the returning players even gave me a nickname; proof they are having fun, respect the game, and each other." -Jonathan