First Tee - Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky

Our Purpose

We enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum, we create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids carry to everything they do.

Our Story

In 2005, Chapter founders Lamar Johnson, Larry Kellam and Tom Briner mobilized an enthusiastic Board of Trustees, raised start-up money, and piloted a summer class session for 25 students. By year end, we had earned Chapter status in First Tee’s national network and announced our “grand opening” with the support of First Tee CEO Joe Louis Barrow Jr. and former LPGA Commissioner Charlie Mechem.

Today, more than 28,000 area children participate each year through our programs that not only teach golf but also strengthen character and teach life skills that stay with them for the rest of their lives. We do this through programs on golf courses, through our School Program delivered by PE teachers in schools, and through our Community Program with local partners like the Cincinnati Recreation Commission, Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Autism Connections, Special Olympics and the Boys & Girls Clubs. Our chapter serves children 6 to 18 years old residing in Hamilton, Clermont, Butler, Warren, Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties.