First Tee - Benton Harbor

Mission: To positively impact the lives of our local youth by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote future potential through the game of golf.

First Tee – Benton Harbor is a youth development organization dedicated to shaping the lives of young people from all walks of life. Since our founding in 2004, we have used the game of golf as a foundation to instill values such as integrity, respect, and perseverance. Serving over 4,000 local youth annually, we aim to create fun and meaningful experiences where kids feel safe to grow, resilient in the face of challenges, and equipped for a lifetime of success. Our commitment is not just to individual development but to enriching the communities we serve.

At First Tee – Benton Harbor, we integrate the game of golf with life-skills education to help kids and teens build character, self-confidence, and resilience. Through active learning experiences, we provide after-school and in-school programs for youth up to age 18, fostering a sense of belonging and mentoring them to thrive in all aspects of life. With a goal to serve 6,000 youth annually, we focus on empowering young people to discover their strengths, reinforce positive values, and carry those lessons into their future endeavors.