The First Tee Unveils Its First-Ever Interactive Golf Experience for Kids and Families at The Players Championship

The First Tee Experience at THE PLAYERS Championship Debuts May 8-13

(PONTE VEDRA, FL) – The First Tee, the youth sports organization that introduces kids to the game of golf and its inherent values, is transforming the way kids and families experience the game with the debut of The First Tee Experience at THE PLAYERS Championship. This week-long, interactive destination will welcome kids of all ages at TPC Sawgrass from May 8-13.

The First Tee Experience is a new 5,000-square-foot, air-conditioned venue located in The McKenzie Noelle Wilson Foundation Kid Zone that features golf-themed games, golf-inspired social media activities and fun, interactive ways for fans to show off their skills and practice their trick shots. Fans can participate in scaled versions of The First Tee’s signature programs currently offered in schools, at youth centers and at golf facilities around the country and the world. The First Tee Experience will be open from Tuesday – Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and from Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

“The First Tee is excited to be at THE PLAYERS Championship to offer a new and exciting way for kids and families to experience the game of golf,” said Keith Dawkins, Chief Executive Officer, The First Tee. “Partnering with the PGA TOUR to leverage the power and scale of events like THE PLAYERS in order to engage the next generation of kids and carry the positive messages of The First Tee is a big part of our strategy moving forward.”

Highlights include: The First Tee’s par-3 Mini-Golf Challenge, an interactive Nine Core Values golf tee wall, a virtual reality gaming area, The First Tee golf simulator presented by aboutGolf, Military Appreciation Day and Mother’s Day arts & crafts activities, digital photo booths and a one-of-a-kind, golf-inspired live interactive art installation by renowned artist Bryan Blue (Blue the Great). The First Tee Experience will also feature a recharge lounge for adults to watch the live feed of the tournament and get information on The First Tee and ways they can connect with a chapter in their hometown.

The First Tee volunteers will don custom t-shirts by Super Bowl champion and former NFL All- Pro Martellus Bennett, founder of The Imagination Agency, a multimedia production company that creates children’s content. In addition to the t-shirts, Bennett also designed The First Tee custom postcards for Military Appreciation Day and Mother’s Day.

Fans can also purchase fast pass wristbands for The 17th Hole Challenge presented by Grant Thornton, Optum and Morgan Stanley, a scaled version of 17th hole at THE PLAYERS Stadium Course located in Stadium Village. Proceeds from the wristband sales will benefit The First Tee of North Florida.

Founded by golf’s governing bodies – LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA - The First Tee introduces kids to the game of golf and its inherent values through partnerships and programs in more than 10,000 elementary schools, 1,300 youth centers and 1,200 golf facilities. Through the game, The First Tee teaches Nine Core Values that are inherent to the sport – Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgment.

The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth sports organization whose mission is to grow the game of golf by transforming the experience that kids and families have with the sport. Reaching 5 million kids annually, The First Tee introduces kids to the game of golf and its inherent values and positively impacts their lives through programs in elementary schools, on golf courses and at youth centers around the country and the world.

Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 states and at various international locations. The First Tee offers unique golf experiences at signature events and provides opportunities through its strategic partners. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Golf Channel is The First Tee’s proud media partner and former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.

To learn more about The First Tee, visit: www.thefirsttee.org; www.facebook.com/thefirsttee; www.twitter.com/thefirsttee; @thefirsttee and blog.thefirsttee.org.