🏌️‍♂️ Dear Coach: Our Unsung Hero

At First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, our dedicated coaches and staff go beyond teaching golf—they build meaningful relationships that empower kids and teens to succeed both on the course and in life. These connections prepare participants for what’s next—at school, in their communities, and beyond.

🌟 Celebrating Coaches During First Tee Week 2025

With 150 chapters worldwide, First Tee is celebrating First Tee Week with events, storytelling, and programming that highlight the impact of our coaches. These mentors are the heart of our program, changing the landscape of their communities every day. At our Chapter, we are going ALL IN with a $25,000 matching campaign to benefit our mission to bring positive coaching and mentorship to all of our kids and teens!

This week, DOUBLE the impact of your gift through the generosity of the Joe and Christy Meyer Foundation!

🗣️ Words from Our Leaders

“Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and parents are looking for character-building programs because they know strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin.

“For nearly 20 years, our dedicated and trained coaches have set First Tee Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky apart. Our integrated curriculum builds upon research-proven methods of positive youth development. Our coaches are the primary drivers of that method and create meaningful, at times lifetime relationships with our kids and teens. We are excited to celebrate their contributions and raise awareness for their work during our network-wide First Tee Week. We are extremely grateful as well, to our all of our donors and Philanthropy Matching Sponsors, Joe and Christy Meyer, " remarked Patty Lusheck Ragio, Chapter CEO.

📊 The Impact of Coaching

According to research from Harris Poll, 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire their child to excel both on and off the field, believing coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others and be resilient in the face of challenges.

🌍 Our Reach and Partnerships

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. First Tee serves more than 3.1 million kids annually.

In our region, our Chapter serves over 27,000 kids and teens on golf courses, in schools and community centers, and in partnership with other great organizations like Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Great Parks of Hamilton County, LPGA*USGA Girls' Golf, Les Birdies Women's Golf Club, Special Olympics, Autism Connection, and the Congenital Heart Alliance/Scratch Golf—and many more!

First Tee Week 2025!

The Joe & Christy Meyer Foundation will match your gift dollar for dollar!

Team Members