When Joe Jensen was hired as the head men’s golf coach for the University of Wyoming he knew the future of the program relied greatly on the development of junior golf in the state of Wyoming.  His research led him to The First Tee, a World Golf Foundation initiative which began in 1997 with founding partners such as the USGA, LPGA, PGA TOUR and PGA of America.  The program was developed in order to expose the game of golf to young people who otherwise may not have access to the game or its positive values.

The mission of the First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.  The First Tee Life Skills Experience is the unique feature that separates The First Tee from many other junior golf programs and youth initiatives. Through this experience, participants learn valuable lessons such as:  the importance of maintaining a positive attitude; how to make decisions by thinking about the possible consequences; how to define and set goals; and how to transfer the positive values of golf to everyday life.  In other words, the game of golf is used as vehicle to promote the following nine core values: judgment, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, honesty, integrity, perseverance, and courtesy.

The First Tee has Chapters in almost every state across the nation as well as 4 international countries Canada, New Zealand, Ireland and Singapore.  A Chapter of The First Tee is a non-profit, tax exempt corporation that is licensed to promote The First Tee Brand and The First Tee life skills curriculum. 

The First Tee University of Wyoming marked its inaugural year in 2006.  The first order of business was to host a camp for junior golfers’ ages eight and up, all skill levels and the turnout was excellent.  Since then, the chapter has hosted a weekly summer golf program, and in 2008, added a three day, overnight camp for 12 - 18 year olds. This camp is open to individuals state-wide.   

The First Tee University of Wyoming operates from Jacoby Golf Course, an 18 hole course, with a complete practice area which includes a driving range and two short game practice greens.

Children ages 4 and up can join The First Tee University of Wyoming for a fee. The activity fee allows members to utilize the golf course and enters them into The First Tee Like Sills Program.

For more details about our facility and programs, please contact our offices at (307) 742-3290 or e-mail us at firsttee@uwyo.edu.