In honour of First Tee Week, we are celebrating the incredible coaches, teachers, and community leaders who bring our mission to life—on and off the course.
Across Québec, 52 certified First Tee coaches are delivering life-enhancing experiences through golf at 15 green grass facilities.
We are also proud to partner with passionate teachers and community leaders who have introduced First Tee in 77 schools and community centres—80% of which serve equity-deserving communities.
Thanks to their efforts, more than 40,000 youth in Québec have experienced the impact of First Tee since 2021-learning life skills that extend far beyond the game.
Being a First Tee coach is more than just a title.
At First Tee – Premier départ Québec, golf is more than getting the lowest score—it’s about helping youth develop into the best version of themselves. This starts with the mentors in front of them.
Our coaches are role models. They guide and support our youth. They create safe, inclusive spaces where participants feel seen, heard, and ready to realize their full potential.
That commitment begins before stepping onto the course. Each coach completes Safe Sport certifications and training to understand golf as a vehicle to teach valuable life skills.
Through engaging activities, participants develop resilience, focus and leadership. Our coaches teach youth how to navigate life’s obstacles and remind them that failure is a stepping stone to growth.
To every First Tee coach, teacher, and community leader—thank you.
Thank you for leading with purpose and shaping the next generation of Canadian golfers, one swing at a time.
Located on the shores of Lac St-Jean, Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac has been a proud First Tee – Premier départ Québec location for three consecutive years.
Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac partnered with First Tee – Premier départ Québec in 2021 to provide accessible pathways to golf and make a positive impact on youth in their community. Since launching, Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac has engaged over 140 First Tee participants.
First Tee – Premier départ Québec strives to break down typical barriers of participation such as affordability, transportation and perception or unfamiliarity of golf. By partnering with golf courses, schools, community centres in underrepresented areas across the province, First Tee – Premier départ Québec reaches a diverse range of golfers and provides a welcoming and empowering golf experience.
Special to this location, all participants can put skills they have learned to the test and experience two rounds of golf at a nearby par 3, 9-hole course, for no extra cost. Thanks to the generous support of Canadian Tire Jump Start, First Tee – Premier départ Québec provides transportation from Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac to the par 3 golf course for all participants.
The impact of First Tee would not be possible without the dedication of coaches striving to make a difference in children’s lives. Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac has four First Tee Level II trained coaches who serve as incredible role models.
“I’m passionate about the values First Tee – Premier départ Québec teaches children,” said First Tee – Premier départ Québec Coach, Lucas Dupérré Vanden Hecke, who has been a part of the program for over three years. “They learn how to handle challenges and setbacks, which are valuable lessons both on and off the golf course. I’ve seen kids grow in so many ways — physically, emotionally, and socially.”
First Tee – Premier départ Québec has close to 100 program locations at golf courses, schools and community centres across the province, with a dedicated staff of over 45 coaches and volunteers.
“Our focus is to create an environment where kids can discover the joys of golf, build lasting friendships, and continue to develop valuable life skills that extend far beyond the golf course,” said First Tee – Premier départ Québec Program Coordinator, Giana Veneziano. “It’s about encouraging their excitement for golf while equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of life.”
Looking ahead, First Tee – Premier départ Québec and Golf Saint-Prime sur le Lac aim to provide local schools with field trips to the course and host no-cost events to introduce more children to the sport.
The reach of First Tee – Premier départ Québec across the province, and the community of Lac St-Jean, is made possible by a generous network of supporters who believe and share the mission of championing youth and growing the game of golf.
We invite you to join us for the 2024 First Tee – Premier départ Québec Cup!
Since 2022, $250,000 has been raised through our signature charity tournament, the Québec Cup, to support the expansion of our programming.
Participation in our annual tournament helps us provide our facilities with essential equipment, training, and support. Through the generous support of our donors and sponsors, we not only teach our participants the basics of golf, but essential life skills that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
Join us and enjoy a day of celebration on the Blue Course, designed by 2024 Presidents Cup International Team Captain and First Tee – Canada Ambassador Mike Weir!
Date: September 30, 2024
Course: Club Laval-sur-le-Lac | 150 Rue les Peupliers, Laval, QC H7R 1G2
MONTREAL, QUE. (August 6, 2024) – The Presidents Cup, Golf Canada and Golf Canada Foundation are proud to announce First Tee – Canada has been named as one of the 2024 charitable beneficiaries of the upcoming Presidents Cup and will receive a $250,000 donation from the event, returning to The Royal Montreal Golf Club Sept. 24-29.
In conjunction with being named a beneficiary of the Presidents Cup, philanthropists Paul Desmarais Jr., Jean C. Monty and Rémi Racine have each made $1 million USD gifts to support the continued growth of First Tee in Quebec and across Canada.
Today, at the Presidents Cup media day, two lucky First Tee – Québec participants had the opportunity to caddie for Montreal Canadiens players Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Suzuki and Caulfield put their golf skills to the test as they went head-to-head in a three-hole match play competition, followed by a cheque presentation to Golf Canada Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Martin Barnard.
“Gifts of this nature are pivotal for our program,” said Barnard. “They allow us to implement more programming across all six Canadian chapters, introduce more children to golf and make a bigger impact in local communities. The pace of growth for First Tee in Canada has been incredible and that’s owed to likeminded individuals who share the vision of championing youth.”
First Tee – Canada is Golf Canada’s youth development program that provides accessible and inclusive life-enhancing experiences through golf for children who may have otherwise not had the opportunity.
The launch of First Tee in Canada was announced in 2020 by PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan at a global press conference which revealed the 2024 Presidents Cup would be returning to Montreal.
“It feels like a full circle moment as we celebrate the new announcements today in collaboration with the Presidents Cup and reflect on the growth of First Tee in Canada over the last few years,” said Laurence Applebaum, Chief Executive Officer, Golf Canada. “We are now proudly operational in every province and earlier this year, surpassed 100,000 participants. First Tee – Canada’s success would not be possible without a generous network of supporters like Paul Desmarais, Jr., Jean C. Monty, Rémi Racine and the PGA TOUR.”
The program is delivered at golf courses, schools and community centres and provides accessible pathways of participation for children from all backgrounds. First Tee – Canada combats typical barriers of entry including affordability, transportation and perception or unfamiliarity to the sport. First Tee – Canada proudly offers over 70 per cent of programming at no cost to participants and over 50 per cent of participants identify as equity-deserving.
By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that continue to foster life skills like inner strength, self-confidence, resilience, honesty, and respect.
“The impact First Tee has on the future of our sport is crucial,” said Ryan Hart, Executive Director, Presidents Cup. “The Presidents Cup is a proud supporter of First Tee and is pleased to showcase First Tee – Canada on our international stage. First Tee – Canada’s focus on making golf courses accessible, inclusive and empowering spaces for children and families is so important. As the Presidents Cup moves on to new stages in 2026 and beyond, we are grateful to have played a role in the greater development of the First Tee – Canada through this year’s event in Montreal and will be proud to see this chapter continue to flourish for years to come.”
The Presidents Cup will be taking place September 24-29 at The Royal Montreal Golf Club. Following the event, on Monday, September 30th, Laval-sur-le-Lac will play host to the third annual First Tee – Québec Cup, an exclusive fundraising event to help meet the growing demand for programming across the province. More information about the fundraising event can be found at the First Tee – Québec Cup website.
Golf Canada and Golf Canada Foundation are continuously pursuing gifts to deliver programming to more children across Canada. To date, First Tee – Canada has received nearly $16 million in donations to support the launch and growth of six chapters and the onboarding of over 80 golf facilities, 80 community centres, and 200 schools.
“We are excited the Presidents Cup is coming back to Canada at Royal Montreal Golf Club,” said Paul Desmarais Jr. “As a proud supporter of the event and First Tee I am thrilled that the tournament is giving back to benefit youth in Quebec and across Canada.”
To learn how to support First Tee – Canada, please email Adam Hunter. To find a chapter near you, visit firstteecanada.ca.
At First Tee – Québec, we value inclusivity and acceptance. There are many impactful ways you can make your golf course a more inclusive environment to everyone that visits.
Offer diverse programming
Provide a variety of programs or events for different ages, skill levels, and backgrounds. This includes golf programming for youth from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, specific tee times throughout the week for beginners, and encouraging women’s participation through women’s leagues or tournaments.
Get involved with your community
Build connections with local schools, community groups and organizations nearby to promote golf. This helps introduce golf and encourages participation among a range of individuals – from youth to retired folks who may have not thought of golf as a sport for them.
Provide accessible facilities
To ensure that everyone feels welcomed and accommodated at your course, restrooms, parking and walkways should be accessible to individuals of all abilities. Many courses also have gender neutral washrooms available.
Educate your staff
Provide education on diversity and inclusion to ensure that everyone feels respected and valued when they visit your course. At First Tee – Québec, we require all staff, coaches and volunteers to complete the Respect Group training program, as well as upholding Safe Sport Policies.
Provide affordable options
Financial barriers should never stand in the way of enjoying the game. Offering equipment rentals, affordable lessons, and special membership packages such as family rates or student rates are all options that can contribute to a more inclusive course.
Promote diversity
Highlight a diverse range of golfers, coaches, and staff at your course and through your online channels. In addition, think of ways your course can celebrate or acknowledge days of diversity such as pride month.
In a few simple steps, you can support your community by adding a $1 donation to each green fee. Learn more about how to get started: https://firstteecanada.ca/greenfees/
Trying new things is a great way to build self-confidence. However, it can also be intimidating. While First Tee – Québec aims to create welcoming environments, knowing more about what to expect may help your family feel more comfortable heading into your first session.
Here’s what you can expect:
A warm welcome
From the moment you arrive, expect to be greeted by a friendly First Tee coach and/or volunteer. Coaches are dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where every participant feels valued and supported.
As part of First Tee – Québec’s commitment to safety, all First Tee – Québec coaches and volunteers receive background checks and must complete Safe Sport and Respect in Sport training. In addition, First Tee – Québec coaches are trained and certified by the joint efforts of First Tee and the PGA of Canada.
Golf equipment and attire are not necessary
Come as you are! We provide appropriate junior golf equipment and encourage kids to wear whatever they feel most confident in. We recommend wearing comfortable closed-toe shoes.
Our coaches modify the equipment and activities based on age level and skill. Some participants or sessions start with plastic clubs and tennis balls to ensure a safe environment, then work their way up to feeling comfortable with golf irons and balls.
Intro to basic golf skills
Participants will learn the fundamental skills of golf in a fun and interactive setting. From gripping the club to mastering the swing, our coaches are there every step of the way to provide guidance and encouragement.
The First Tee program incorporates many other sports and games into sessions. For example, using unique versions of bowling or tic-tac-toe to teach chipping, putting speed, and distance control.
Life skills integration
First Tee – Québec is more than a golf program. We aim to provide kids with tools for success both on and off the course. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that continue to foster life skills like inner strength, self-confidence, resilience, honesty, and respect.
To achieve this, we incorporate a life lesson or skill into every session. For instance, if the life skill or theme of the month is honesty, the coach will discuss the importance of honest scoring and have teams keep track of their score during a game or competition. Participants will discuss amongst the group why honesty is so important in the game of golf and at school and home.
Empowering environment
Coaches and volunteers are there to offer guidance, support, and plenty of high fives. Here at First Tee – Québec, we celebrate every milestone no matter how small.
Even though you’ll find participants of all varying levels at First Tee, many kids can feel nervous during their first session. We like to remind them that every golfer was once a beginner! We all start somewhere.
What’s next?
How do you stay connected after your child loved their experience with First Tee – Québec? Sign up for our newsletter for updates and visit your chapter’s registration page to find spring, summer, and fall programming near you.
If your child is ready for a round of golf, check out Youth on Course to learn more about courses near you that offer $5 subsidized rounds for children under 18.
The world just turned its attention to Toronto for the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open. Meanwhile, First Tee – Canada is also taking a moment to reflect in honor of Canadian National Indigenous History Month.
First Tee – Canada is made up of five chapters: First Tee – British Columbia, First Tee – Premier départ Quebec, First Tee – Atlantic, First Tee – Ontario, and First Tee – Prairies with First Tee – Alberta launching later this year.
Each chapter has unique and dynamic relationships with local Indigenous communities.
First Tee – British Columbia opened its first program location, The Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy, on traditional Musqueam First Nation territory in 2021.
Since then, it has expanded to over 53 program spaces and sold out every session in 2023 thus far. This year, the CPCK Women’s Open will be held at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, which is also located on Musqueam traditional territory. During tournament week, First Tee – British Columbia will host a youth clinic nearby to the course at Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy.
First Tee – British Columbia hopes to continue to strengthen its relationship and bring safe, affordable golf programming to an even wider audience as it begins its 2023 summer programs.
First Tee – Premier départ Quebec collaborates with the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, the Cree community of Waskaganish, and the First Nation of Mashteuiatsh through golf course, school, and community programming.
The chapter also works closely with the Club 24 Athletics Foundation, an organization that works to support young Indigenous leaders through sport and education.
Last year First Tee – Premier départ Quebec hosted programming for 18 Indigenous participants. The team hopes to more than double that number this year.
Jeremy Proteau, First Tee – Premier départ Quebec Program Manager, credits the success of this partnership to the tight knit community and dedicated volunteers.
In the Kahnawake First Nations reserve, there are seven golf courses,, and the local volunteers are working to introduce golf to children who have previously only had access to lacrosse and hockey.
The courses are working in collaboration with First Tee – Premier départ Quebec to provide certain programming at no cost to participants and with entirely Indigenous coaching staffs.
First Tee – Ontario, First Tee – Prairies, and First Tee – Atlantic are in the beginning stages of building relationships with the Indigenous communities around them but are hoping to launch programming soon, some as soon as this summer.
Canadian National Indigenous History Month is celebrated each year in June to recognize and honor the rich history, heritage, and diversity of Canada’s Indigenous populations.
For more information about First Tee – Canada and its communities click here.
Golf Canada recently announced its Junior Golf National Facility Awards, and a First Tee – Premier départ Québec golf location has been proudly named First Tee – Premier départ Canada’s Program Location of the Year.
The criteria for the award included a program location that demonstrated high participation enrollment in First Tee programming, engaged coaching staff, and made a significant effort to grow junior golf in their community.
The winning facility, Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire (Rouyn-Noranda, Québec) hosted 66 youth participants for First Tee sessions during the inaugural season of First Tee – Premier départ Québec in 2022.
The dedicated staff, Claude Murray, Eric Villeneuve, Maeva Therrien and Emeric Janhevich, were the difference makers for this program location.
“We are so happy to be the recipients of this award. I wasn’t expecting a club from a small town like us to win,” said Coach Emeric Janhevich. “Our coaching staff puts a lot of time and energy into the children. Seeing them develop skills and have fun is rewarding enough, so to be nationally recognized for our commitment to growing the game, it’s amazing.”
Dallaire offered First Tee – Premier départ Québec sessions to children aged five to 13 up to four days a week for four weeks last season. Clearly, it was well received. Dallaire also facilitated two field trips for nearby schools that were operating First Tee in their physical education classes.
“Before First Tee, we had junior camps and programs, but First Tee has brought our junior programming to another level,” said Janhevich. “We attended the First Tee coach training and learned so many new activities, ways to engage with the children, and how to integrate life skill development into our sessions. We ensured our focus for junior programming was to have fun and spread positivity.”
Golf Canada partnered with First Tee in 2020 to launch First Tee – Premier départ Canada and provide youth with affordable and inclusive access to golf along with life-enhancing experiences through the game. First Tee – Premier départ Québec fosters the continued development of life skills such as confidence, integrity, and perseverance through golf at golf courses, schools, and community centres across the province.
Thanks to RBC Community Junior Golf, a funding initiative accelerating the launch of First Tee – Premier départ Canada in equity-deserving communities across the country, children were able to participate in First Tee programming and on-course fun day events at no cost.
“It’s important to us to involve the next generation of golfers and motivate them to see every aspect of what golf can be,” said Janhevich. “We look forward to offering First Tee and meeting new children again this season.”
Dallaire will offer First Tee – Premier départ Québec again this year, with spring registration open and programming spots almost filled up. To find First Tee – Premier départ Québec programming near you, click here.
If you are a golf facility, school, or community centre interested in becoming a program location, email [email protected] for more information on how to get started.
(Golf Canada) – Golf Canada is thrilled to recognize the winners of its National Facility Awards for Junior Golf from the 2022 season.
The National Facility Awards for Junior Golf were developed to recognize the critical role that golf facilities play in the development of young golfers across Canada. These awards honour the courses and academies that made an especially extraordinary impact on the advancement of junior golf in their communities during the 2022 season.
“We are proud to honour this collection of outstanding golf courses and academies for their extraordinary impact on junior golf,” said Kevin Blue, Golf Canada’s chief sport officer. “Advancing golf participation and developing Canada’s next generation of world-class athletes are both important parts of Golf Canada’s mission. These priorities are critical for the long-term health of our sport and require commitment from many industry stakeholders, including the courses where our sport is practiced and played. We are grateful for all facilities across Canada who support junior golf and are eager to celebrate the inaugural class of award winners.”
The winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf will be officially recognized as part of Golf Canada’s 2023 Annual General Meeting being held virtually on March 2 at 1:00pm EST.
The 2022 winners and finalists of the National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are:
Junior Golf Opportunity Award
Awarded to the facility that provides exceptional access and membership opportunities for junior golfers. Special consideration is given to facilities with strong non-family sponsored junior programs and facilities with fundraising programs that help athletes compete at provincial, national, and international competitions.
Winner: Sawmill Golf Club (Fenwick, Ont.)
This family owned-and-operated course operated programs to support junior golfers of every age group and at every level, including summer golf camps, golf-hockey camps, golf in schools, USGA/LPGA girls golf, and a junior league.
Sawmill Golf Club reserved tee times exclusively for junior golfers during the summer and organized family fun nights to encourage entire families to play golf together. The club also hosted numerous junior golf fundraisers. Its exceptional commitment to junior golf set a powerful example for other facilities.
Finalist: Centre de Golf de Lanaudière (L’Assomption, Que.)
Finalist: Whitewater Golf Club (Thunder Bay, Ont.)
Competitive Junior Program of the Year
Awarded to a facility or academy program with many junior athletes competing in provincial and national championships and earning strong results in those championships.
Winner: Academie de Golf Fred Colgan (Quebec City, Que.)
Academie de Golf Fred Colgan (AGFC) supported a number of provincial competitors, national competitors, and Team Canada – NextGen players in 2022 including JP Parr, the repeat champion of the Canadian Junior Boys Championship. AGFC continued its close integration with the provincial development system in Québec and assembled an in-depth staff of coaches to provide comprehensive support for its competitive players.
Finalist: Glencoe Golf and Country Club (Calgary)
Finalist: The Golf Garage at Savage Creek (Rob Houlding) (Richmond, B.C.)
Finalist: Royal Ottawa Golf Club (Gatineau, Que)
Grassroots Junior Program of the Year
Awarded to a facility or academy program that is excelling at creating new junior golfers through local programming.
Winner: Blomidon Golf and Country Club (Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador)
Led by an extraordinary role model and junior golf leader in Wayne Allen, Blomidon offered a multitude of programs in 2022 for junior golfers ranging in age from 5 to 18 – including a girls club that features weekly instruction from women coaches. In addition to reserving tee times each day for juniors, Blomidon also executed a unique “close the course for a day” event that catered to junior golfers and their families.
Finalist: Hollinger Golf Club (Timmins, Ont.)
Finalist: Gorge Vale Golf Club (Victoria, B.C.)
Tournament Host of the Year
Awarded to a facility that gives back to youth golf by embracing the opportunity to host junior competitions. The facility creates an excellent tournament experience for players and involves the local community through volunteers and fundraising support.
Winner: Royal Regina Golf Club (Regina)
The Royal Regina Golf Club made a public pledge to increase its support for junior grassroots and competitive opportunities. It followed through on its commitment by stepping up to successfully host the Saskatchewan Junior Golf Championship. Its membership provided robust volunteer and financial support and created a memorable experience for contestants.
Youth on Course Program Location of the Year
Awarded to the facility that hosted the largest number of Youth on Course rounds in the calendar year.
Winner: Shaganappi Point Golf Course (Calgary)
Shaganappi Point, a municipal course in Calgary, led the country by hosting a total of 1,832 Youth on Course rounds in 2022. Youth on Course golfers paid $5 for their green fees – a price that was made possible by over $13,000 in green fee subsidies.
First Tee – Canada Program Location of the Year
Awarded to a First Tee – Canada program location that demonstrates excellent enrollment in First Tee programming and makes a significant impact on growing participation among youth within its community.
Winner: Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.)
Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire hosted 66 youth participants for in-depth and fun First Tee sessions during the inaugural season of First Tee – Québec in 2022. Club de Golf Municipal Dallaire also facilitated two field trips from local schools who were operating First Tee in their physical education classes.
Nomination and Selection process
From September 1 until October 31 of 2022, all individual members and facility members of Golf Canada were able to nominate facilities for each award category.
All nominations were reviewed and feedback about nominees was provided by members of the Golf Industry Advisory Council, Sport Committee, and Amateur Championships Committee. Final award selections were made by Golf Canada staff.
Nominations for the 2023 National Facility Awards for Junior Golf are expected to open in September.
