Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome, families! Whether you are signing up for the first time or getting ready for another session, you will find answers to the most common questions below. Choose a topic to jump straight to it.
Getting Started
How do I sign up for programs?
First Tee Naples/Collier uses an online registration system. Registration for the Winter 2027 session is open now.
What ability and age levels does the program include?
Children ages 7 to 18 may participate. Participants work on a curriculum that matches their level and are evaluated on skills and knowledge from novice all the way to advanced (ACE).
What can I expect when I show up to program?
Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before program starts to check in. Each program lasts about 90 minutes. Our coaches teach the First Tee curriculum, including the Nine Core Values and other life skills, and cover all areas of the golf game. Check in and check out details are sent to families after registration.
Schedule and Locations
When are programs offered?
Our Winter 2027 session runs January 18 to March 6 (7 weeks). Weekday programs and Saturday programs are both available, and each program lasts about 90 minutes.
Life Skills Programs are held in the fall, winter, and spring. During the summer we offer 6 weeks of summer camp. Programs are also offered in Immokalee throughout the school year and summer.
View the Current Program Schedule
Where are programs offered?
Most programs are held at The Cindy Darland First Tee Academy at The Gate Golf Club. We also offer programs at partner courses, including Cypress Woods Golf & Country Club and Kensington Golf & Country Club, and in Immokalee.
Where do I park and drop off my child?
A map showing where to park and where to drop off participants is on its way, and we will link it here as soon as it is ready. Drop off and pick up details are also sent to families after registration.
Can parents stay and watch?
There is no seating area to watch programs, but families are welcome to relax at The Gate Golf Club and enjoy its amenities while participants are on the course.
Cost and Financial Assistance
How much does it cost?
Prices are for the full seven weeks of the Winter 2027 session.
- Programs at the Academy: $100. The ACE and 14+ programs are $85.
- Programs at Kensington Golf & Country Club and Cypress Woods Golf & Country Club: $85.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes, financial assistance is available for all of our programs and camps. More information is available here.
What is the cancellation policy?
We will provide a full refund if cancellation is requested in writing more than one week before the start of the program session. If the request comes after that point, a partial refund or a credit can be provided.
Attendance, Weather, and Safety
Can my child miss a week or more?
As a youth development program, we teach and practice the nine core values, two of which are responsibility and perseverance. Attending class regularly is an easy way to practice being responsible and honoring commitments. We understand that things come up, people get sick, and families go on vacation, so missing a program occasionally is okay. Please contact the Lead Coach or our Program Coordinator, Destiny Nguyen ([email protected]), to let us know your child will not be at program. For the Age 12+ and ACE programs, we ask that both the parent and the participant contact us. This helps us plan for that week’s program.
What if I am running late to pick up my child?
Please arrive on time to pick up your child at the end of program. Our coaches will stay with participants until a parent or approved adult arrives. If you are running late, please call or email your Lead Coach or Program Coordinator as soon as you can. If pick up is more than 15 minutes late, a staff member will contact you, and repeated late pick ups may require a conversation about next steps.
What happens if program is cancelled due to weather?
Storms are common in Southwest Florida, and First Tee Naples/Collier may decide to cancel a program. If a program is cancelled, you will receive an email at least 90 minutes before the start of that program. We guarantee that at least 5 of the 7 scheduled programs will be held. If more than 3 programs are cancelled in a session, class will either be extended in future weeks or added as an additional week at the end.
What happens in hot or stormy weather?
Weather in Southwest Florida can be hot, humid, and rainy. Our coaches actively monitor conditions during every program. If there is severe weather, including lightning, in the immediate area, all participants and coaches will seek shelter and wait it out. Programs will not resume until the weather has left the area. To help participants stay safe in the heat, we schedule regular water breaks, keep an eye on how everyone is feeling, and provide water and rest whenever they are needed.
How do you keep my child safe?
All of our coaches and volunteers are background checked and complete the SafeSport training course. You can learn more on our Youth Safety page.
What to Bring
What equipment does my child need?
Junior golf clubs, golf balls, and all learning equipment are provided by First Tee, the coach, or the program facility. If your child has their own clubs, they are welcome to bring them to each class. Please label the clubs so they are easy to identify. A piece of colored tape just below the grip or just above the club head works well. Please note that we are not able to store personal equipment at the Academy.
Participants should also bring a water bottle. There are places to refill it.
What should my child wear?
Appropriate clothing is required. Proper golf attire is a collared shirt with long pants or golf shorts. Any type of golf or athletic shoe is fine. Because we are outside in the Florida sun, a hat and sunscreen are a great idea. If you need help with golf attire, please contact Destiny Nguyen at [email protected].
Beyond the Program
How long does it take to complete the entire program?
The First Tee Life Skills program is designed to be an ongoing program all the way through high school. Each certification level has requirements set by First Tee national, including the number of program hours completed, a written evaluation, a golf skills evaluation, and completion of the Life Skills curriculum. For more information, please reach out to our program team.
What are the other benefits of the First Tee experience?
Participants enjoy benefits locally, and exciting opportunities are available on a national level as well. Teens who have been involved in First Tee can apply for opportunities such as:
- First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.
- First Tee National Championship
- PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee
- First Tee Girls’ Academy
- First Tee Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore
Most of these opportunities include an application and selection process. Parents who are interested can ask their coach or program team. You can find the full list on the National Teen Opportunities page.
How can I support this program?
If you are interested in helping, please fill out the volunteer information on our Volunteer page. If you would like to make a donation, we are very grateful for your support. Please visit our Donate page.