About Us

The First Tee of Cleveland is a Chapter of The First Tee, a national initiative begun in 1997. The Cleveland effort to establish a The First Tee chapter began in 1999, with the formation of a board of directors. The chapter’s 501(c)(3) status has been secured. The Chapter was officially recognized by The First Tee in the fall of 2000.

Involving Your Child

Please contact Coach Jeannie O'Donnell or Coach Brian McFarland to enroll your child.

Coach Jeannie O'Donnell
Director of Program Design & Delivery
216 641-7799ext. 255
jodonnell@thefirstteecleveland.org>
Coach Brian McFarland
Director of Player Development & Opportunities
216 641-7799, ext. 254
bmcfarland@thefirstteecleveland.org

U.S. corporations and the golf industry have banded together and given their unprecedented support to The First Tee; nearly two dozen companies provide discounted goods and services to The First Tee Chapters throughout the country, thereby lowering construction and operating costs. National youth service agencies such as the Police Athletic League, YMCA and the Boys and Girls Clubs have embraced the concept of The First Tee and we are coordinating our programs.

The First Tee of Cleveland represents a moral and long term commitment to the children of our city. While using recreation, it goes far beyond recreation. Throughout the program there is a seamless integration of life skills. Further, the operation of a golf course and a continuing collaborative relationship between the Cleveland Metroparks, the City of Cleveland and The First Tee of Cleveland will provide additional skill training and employment opportunities. Children who have used the program successfully will be required to give back through their own volunteer efforts.

In the summer of 2003, The First Tee of Cleveland secured approximately 60 acres of land at the Washington Park Horticultural Center on which to construct a 9-hole golf course, practice facility, educational center and clubhouse. The land was secured with the participation and cooperation of the Cleveland Municipal School District, the City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Metroparks. The golf course is operated by Cleveland Metroparks and the programming is under the direction of The First Tee of Cleveland staff. Interestingly, the original plans for Washington Park included a golf course.