Since 2010, the PBCGA has partnered with The First Tee of the Palm Beaches and supports their mission to impact the lives of young people, including those with special needs, and Veterans, by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
Palm Beaches has quickly evolved into a major youth development program in Palm Beach County at the First Tee Michael B. Finnegan Learning Center in Dyer Park and golf courses all throughout the county. Founded by George McGrory (Mr. Mac), our non-profit organization, The Children’s Golf Foundation, Inc., began serving young people with special needs in 1988.
The First Tee – Palm Beaches chapter was established with the support of The Honda Classic, the Michael B. Finnegan Foundation and the PGA of America. The service area includes all of Palm Beach County which encompasses over 80,000 elementary school students. There are also adjacent chapters of First Tee in Miami/Dade, Broward, Martin and St. Lucie Counties. The chapter is one of over 140+ throughout the world and one of 15 chapters in the state of Florida. The Michael B. Finnegan Learning Center includes a par-3 course, hitting tee, and chipping and putting short game areas. The programs are typically taught by PGA and LPGA Coaches trained by First Tee.
Students learn the Nine Core Values of the First Tee Life Skills Experience. Additionally, programs serve children with special needs and disabilities, veterans disabilities and people with paralysis. The First Tee also provides life skills and life enhancement opportunities to all young people through the game of golf.