First Tee – Greater Charlotte
About
Junior Golf Across 7 Charlotte-Area Locations
First Tee – Greater Charlotte operates at seven locations spanning Charlotte, Pineville, Gastonia, and Fort Mill (SC), making it the widest-reaching junior golf program in the metro. The learning center at Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course serves as the home base.
Programs
Age-based core classes plus specialized tracks:
- Ages 5–9 — golf fundamentals and confidence building in a safe, peer-focused setting
- Ages 10–11 — character exploration through collaborative golf activities
- Ages 12–13 — skill mastery and on-course development
- Ages 14+ — advanced play with personal development and future planning
- LPGA*USGA Girls Golf — dedicated programming for girls
- Ernie Els #GameOn Autism Golf — inclusive program for kids on the autism spectrum
What's Included
- Seven program locations across Charlotte metro and into South Carolina
- Life skills curriculum: emotion management, conflict resolution, goal-setting, diversity appreciation
- Nine core values framework: sportsmanship, courtesy, respect, perseverance, confidence, judgment, honesty, integrity, responsibility
- Instruction adjusted by skill level within each age group
Experience
First Tee Charlotte stands out for geographic coverage and inclusivity — the Ernie Els autism program is a rare offering among junior golf programs. With seven locations across two states, most families in the Charlotte metro can find a site within reasonable distance. The age-5 start provides one of the earliest entry points available.