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.

The mission of the First Tee – South Central Wisconsin is to impact the lives of young people and their families by providing educational programs for youth that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Our Vision:

Our vision is a community in which all kids, regardless of background, are given the opportunity to dream and work for a better future. Our programs empower and help youth towards high school graduation, college readiness, mentoring opportunities, internships and job opportunities. We do this providing comprehensive golf and life skill instruction, strong relationships with mentors, equipped golf facilities and classrooms and a myriad of summer and after school programs.

Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has:

  • Reached over 10.5 million participants.
  • Actively engaged 19,000 volunteers.
  • Introduced 7,000 elementary schools to First Tee School Program, which delivers a structured golf curriculum that promotes character development in a physical education setting.

In 2022:

  • 717 youth participated in our Green Grass Programming.
  • 83% of our Learning Center participants were eligible for free and reduced lunch, 85% were racially diverse, and 45% were girls.
  • We partnered with 11 golf affiliates to provide golf experience to youth throughout south-central Wisconsin.
  • Our Learning Center at East Madison Community Center provided after-school academic support in addition to our life skills education through the game of golf.
  • First Tee partnered with local schools to give physical educators all they need to get started. We provided training, equipment, and lesson plans that integrate life skills and values with the game of golf and motor skills. We worked together to positively impact kids through golf and its ability to improve their social and emotional skills.
  • We partnered with our First Tee Champions: Jerry Kelly, Andy North, Sherri Steinhauer, and Steve Stricker, through chapter events and strategic initiatives.

Children 6-18 can participate in programs offered by the First Tee – South Central Wisconsin at all of its locations. Visit the rest of our site to learn more about all of our programs and to learn how you can become involved.

For more details about our home and affiliate sites, programs or financial assistance, please contact our Executive Director, Ashlyn Mehlhaff, at (608) 467-7113 or via email at [email protected].

First Tee – South Central Wisconsin is a 501(c)(3) organization.