Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to participate?

First Tee — Greater St. Louis is open to any child 7-18 years of age.

How do you register for classes?

Parents/Guardians must complete an online registration form for each child. All new participants must register for the PLAYer level class. Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

How long does it take to go through the program?

Classes are conducted in 3, 8-week sessions and generally meet once a week for 1-2 hours at a time. Members advance to different levels of the First Tee Program (PLAYer,  Par, Birdie, Eagle and Ace) at their own pace. This advancement depends on factors such as age as well as a member’s understanding and application of the required golf and life skills at each level.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED?

Junior clubs, golf balls, and learning equipment is provided for your junior golfer to utilize. If a junior golfer has their own golf clubs, we encourage them to bring those to class.

MY CHILD HAS ALREADY PLAYED GOLF. WHAT LEVEL SHOULD THEY CHOOSE?

All participants, regardless of golf knowledge and experience, start at the PLAYer level. The reason for this is First Tee’s proprietary curriculum, called the Life Skills Experience, is not just about golf skills, but Core Values and Life Skills integrated with golf skills and knowledge. If your child has played golf before, or is already competitive, please contact your Program Director to discuss their progression through our program.

WHAT IF WE CAN’T AFFORD THE PROGRAM FEE?

First Tee — Greater St. Louis offers financial assistance to those families that cannot afford the program fees. One of the objectives of First Tee — Greater St. Louis is to make the game of golf affordable and accessible to all.  Financial aid is applied for during the registration process.  First Tee — Greater St. Louis will review financial aid requests and notify parents if their child has been accepted into the program.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER?

In the event of inclement weather, First Tee may decide to cancel class.  If class is canceled, the parent/guardian will be notified via email prior to the start of class.  If you do not receive an e-mail from First Tee that class has been cancelled, your class will take place at the regularly scheduled time.  First Tee of Greater St. Louis guarantees 6 of the 8 classes in an 8-week session be completed (5 of the 6 classes in a 6-week session). In the event of an on-site cancellation after class has begun, parents will be notified, and coaches will remain at the program location with participants until the participant’s parents arrive.

CAN MY CHILD MISS ANY CLASSES?

As a youth development program, we teach and reinforce our Nine Core Values: two of which are responsibility and perseverance. Attending classes regularly is an easy way to practice being responsible and honoring one’s commitments. We know that things do come up, people get sick etc. so we do understand missing a class occasionally.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL LIFE SKILLS EXPERIENCE CLASS LIKE?

• Class will begin promptly at the start time and will be led by First Tee Coaches and volunteers.
• Welcome and an overview of the day’s activities.
• Activities – these will range from putting games/exercises, chipping games/exercises, pitching games/exercises, full swing games/exercises, on-course games/exercises. In addition to the golf skills, First Tee also emphasizes that the participants learn to demonstrate basic Life Skills such as properly introducing themselves, managing their emotions, setting goals, and appreciating diversity. These lessons are seamlessly integrated into the golf activities, games, and exercises.
• Wrap Up – review of the day’s activities/lessons followed by general announcements and dismissal.

Who do you contact for additional information? 

To contact us, call 314-533-6400 or email [email protected].