First Tee - Triangle
Fore! Changing Young Lives Through Golf
First Tee Triangle uses the game of golf to teach kids about life. Educational programs build character and promote healthy choices. More than 18,000 kids in the Triangle area have had the opportunity to learn about life through the game of golf, thanks to First Tee – Triangle. Part of the national First Tee organization that started in 1997, First Tee – Triangle is celebrating its 20th anniversary this summer.
First Tee – Triangle serves young people at five golf course facilities across the Triangle as well as in 14 elementary schools in Wake County. Programs for ages 5 through teens focus on empowering kids to be the best version of themselves. Trained coaches provide an introduction to golf and an opportunity to enhance golf skills. At the same time, educational programs build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
First Tee - Triangle focuses on these five key commitments:
- Pursuing Goals
- Growing Through Challenge
- Collaborating With Others
- Building Positive Self-Identity
- Using Good Judgment
Brandon Baker serves as CEO of First Tee – Triangle. “I was the second member of my family to graduate from high school and the first one to go to college,” Brandon says. “That happened because I had a good group of mentors who showed me that life could be different if I was willing to take a chance on myself. I always knew that I wanted to work in a place where I could give that same support to other kids like me.”
In 2008 Brandon finished graduate school and started applying for jobs with nonprofits. He landed a position with First Tee – Chattanooga and eventually moved to First Tee – Triangle, where he has served as CEO for the last 10 years. “What I thought I would be doing for a few years after grad school has turned into a career where I get to do something I love every day.”
First Tee – Triangle became the proud owner of the TriGolf in northwest Raleigh in 2020. Now known as the First Tee – Triangle Center for Youth Development, it will be the organization’s new home. “About five years ago, we decided it was time for us to have a permanent place for our programs,” Brandon says. “We started a capital campaign and now we are very close to the finish line.”
The TowneBank Learning Center is opening this summer and will enable First Tee – Triangle to reach more kids in the Triangle area. The new center will include a par-3 short course designed by world-renowned architect Gil Hanse, a driving range and short game practice area, a playground, and an event pavilion. The TowneBank Learning Center is opening this summer. “TowneBank has been a big help to us in a variety of ways, and the new TowneBank Learning Center will enable us to serve more than 1,000 kids a year in the facility.” Bob Hatley, TowneBank corporate board member, serves on the First Tee – Triangle board.
First Tee – Triangle always needs volunteer coaches. “The number of kids we can serve in a year is directly impacted by the number of great volunteers we have who are willing to build relationships with young people,” Brandon says. To learn more and see how you can help, visit FirstTeeTriangle.org.