Photo credit: First Tee West Texas

What happened: Registration is open for First Tee West Texas’ fall programs, giving new families the opportunity to enroll children ages 7-18 in golf programs focused on character development, leadership, and life skills. The program selects new participants through a randomized lottery system rather than on a first-come, first-served basis.

The big picture: New or returning families can create or log into a First Tee account and add their child to as many class waitlists as their schedule allows. No payment is required during this step, and there is no advantage to registering early. After registration closes, a randomized lottery determines who receives available spots. Selected families have 48 hours to accept their spot and either pay the $250 program fee or apply for financial aid.

Based at the First Tee West Texas Golf Academy and Learning Center, 500 W. Loop 250 N., the organization serves youth through seasonal programs and school partnerships designed to help kids build confidence, resilience and character both on and off the golf course.

“We’re all about character building and building life skills through the game of golf,” Executive Director Liz McCormick told The Permian Press. “Golf is a perfect vehicle for teaching kids things like using good judgment, having integrity, being honest, respecting themselves and others.”

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First Tee West Texas said it impacts more than 430 youth directly on the course while reaching more than 22,000 students through school programming across Midland, Ector and Crane counties.

Go deeper: Volunteer coaches complete background checks, SafeSport training, and curriculum instruction before working with students, while the organization also works to remove financial barriers that may limit access to golf.

“One of our big initiatives is getting kids who historically have not had access to golf courses out here,” McCormick said. “That’s why we make it can be free to be out here if you need it to be.”

Students can borrow clubs and receive financial aid support funded through community donations and sponsorships. The organization also partners with groups including the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club of Midland and Rope Youth to introduce more children to the game.

All participants begin at the Player level, regardless of previous golf experience, and can advance through the program as they develop their golf skills and complete First Tee’s life-skills curriculum. Fall programs begin in September and include homeschool and after-school sessions in Midland and Odessa. Any openings remaining after the lottery process will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.