About Us

We enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum, we create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids carry to everything they do.

MORE THAN A SPORTS PROGRAM FOR KIDS & TEENS

Our 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.

First Tee – Northwest Arkansas is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2005. It is our desire to serve the youth of Northwest Arkansas, from all backgrounds, by teaching Nine Leadership Core Values: Confidence, Respect, Courtesy, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, Judgment, Honesty, Integrity, and Perseverance- utilizing the game of golf.

We have a one-of-a-kind facility that is home to First Tee – Northwest Arkansas in Lowell. Our facility features a full length driving range, a large bentgrass putting green, short game center, an indoor practice driving range – complete with an indoor putting green, and a newly designed and re-vamped Par 3, 9-hole course. Our facility is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and is available for ALL AGES.  While our classes and camps take precedent, there is plenty of opportunity for the public to take advantage of the great facility we have to offer. 

Through after-school and in-school programs, we help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf. Our research-proven programs are having a positive impact on participants, their families and their communities.

Programs we offer include our Golf & Life Skills Classes, Golf Camps, Operation 36 programming, and other various golf opportunities. These programs offer golf instruction at various levels for youth ages 5 through 18. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the game of golf, while also learning integrated life skills and core values that are integrated in the game of golf naturally, but lend well to life off the course. One of our newest endeavors is our Character Development Mobile Unit. This first of its kind program will allow us to impact more youth in NWA by taking our Golf & Life Skills curriculum out into the neighborhoods of our community and reach youth who might have barriers that would keep them from participating in our programming at our facility. We do not want any outside factors to keep participants from the opportunities we are offering, and the character development life skills we are teaching. 

Another program we offer to ensure our participants have access to available and affordable golf, our “Get Them Playing” program offers discounted golf greens fees to our participants at area Lindsey Golf Management facilities. We pride ourselves in the fact that we offer opportunities for youth to learn and enjoy a sport that is often viewed as costly. Any youth participating in our program, or using our facility to work on their game, does not need their own clubs. We have an abundance of clubs and equipment that is available for borrowing, so youth can experience the game at an affordable cost. 

First Tee – Northwest Arkansas is proud to participate in the First Tee National School Program. Over the years 56 elementary schools throughout NWA have been provided the equipment, lesson plans, and teacher training so that golf and First Tee Life Skills Experience can be taught in P.E. classes. 

We are continually growing and expanding and looking for opportunities to continue to have an impact on the youth of Northwest Arkansas. If you aren’t a part of the great things we are doing, come by and check it out! We are always looking for more participants and families, volunteers, coaches, and sponsors!

COME SEE US TODAY!