The First Tee of Massachusetts

First Tee – Massachusetts is a youth-development organization that uses golf as the vehicle for teaching both golf fundamentals and life skills. Programs are organized by age, beginning around 7 and continuing through the teen years, with kids progressing from introductory golf and confidence-building into more advanced skills, goal-setting, leadership and personal development. The organization operates at multiple locations across Massachusetts—including Boston, Norton, Natick, Lynnfield, Boylston, Southwick and Cape Cod—and also offers school and community programs.

For parents, First Tee's biggest differentiator is that the golf lesson is only part of the experience. Coaches incorporate concepts such as perseverance, collaboration, positive self-identity, conflict resolution and goal-setting into the programming, with the intention that kids carry those skills beyond the course. There are also specialized opportunities for girls, competitive events and an ACE program for teens that incorporates career exploration, resume writing, job-shadowing and planning for post-secondary education. Financial assistance is available, and First Tee Massachusetts explicitly states that no child will be turned away for financial reasons.

Year-round

Golf courses through out the state including:

• The Ranch Golf Club, Southwick
• Fenway Golf, East Longmeadow
• Cyprian Keyes Golf Course, Bolyston
• KOHR Golf, Natick
• Franklin Park, Boston
• Reggie Lewis Center, Boston
• The Links, Norton
• Hyannis Golf Course, Hyannis

First Tee is committed to ever turning down golfers due to financial reasons. With that in mind, programs usually start around $0 to $200 per session (sessions roughly a month).

Programs can be signed up for online here.

774-430-9100

Kyle Harris
Director of Operations
(801) 580-4411
kharris@massgolf.org

Taylor Januario
Assistant Director
tjanuario@massgolf.org

Corey Vailliancourt
Operations Coordinator
(774) 273-5999
cvaillancourt@massgolf.org

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What Parents Like

• Parents consistently praise the staff for being patient, encouraging, and invested in helping children build confidence, resilience, and life skills alongside golf instruction. (1)
• Parents love that participants can qualify for leadership programs, tournaments, special events like Topgolf at Fenway Park, and other experiences that keep kids engaged and motivated. (1.5)
• Families frequently mention that First Tee's commitment to financial assistance and multiple locations across Massachusetts makes golf more accessible than traditional private lessons or country club programs. (1.75)

What Parents Think Could Be Improved

• Parents of children seeking intensive tournament preparation occasionally note that First Tee is best suited for foundational skill development and character building, with elite competitive golfers often supplementing with private instruction.

Our Take

First Tee – Massachusetts stands out as one of the state's premier youth golf organizations because it prioritizes the whole child, not just the scorecard. Parents consistently praise the caring coaches, welcoming atmosphere, and thoughtful integration of life skills into every lesson.

While highly competitive junior golfers may eventually seek additional specialized coaching, First Tee is an exceptional starting point for beginners and developing players alike. Its combination of affordable programming, statewide locations, financial aid, and memorable enrichment opportunities makes it one of the strongest recommendations for families looking to introduce children to golf in a positive, low-pressure environment.