Sports
First Tee Coachella Valley Receives Grant to Expand Competitive Golf Opportunities for Local Youth
For years, First Tee Coachella Valley has used the game of golf as a platform to teach young people valuable life skills, helping students develop confidence, character, and leadership both on and off the course.
Now, the organization is set to expand its impact thanks to a significant new funding opportunity.
The PGA of America REACH Foundation, in partnership with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and PGA TOUR Superstore, has announced that First Tee Coachella Valley has been selected as a grant recipient to establish dedicated PGA Junior League programming.
The new initiative will allow more students to continue playing golf at a competitive level while benefiting from the mentorship and personal development opportunities that have become a cornerstone of the First Tee experience.
Competitive Activities Director Mike McFaul says the program is about much more than improving golf skills. Through competition and teamwork, students learn important lessons that help them become the best versions of themselves both on and off the course.
The grant is part of a nationwide $7.6 million investment aimed at expanding access to youth golf programs across the country. For First Tee Coachella Valley, the funding represents a major step forward in creating more opportunities for local children to participate in the sport.
CEO Teal Thron-Blackburn says one of the biggest challenges families have faced in previous years has been the cost associated with competitive play. Some students were unable to continue participating because of financial barriers.
With the new grant funding, First Tee Coachella Valley hopes to eliminate those obstacles and ensure that every interested student has the opportunity to compete, learn, and grow through the game of golf regardless of their financial circumstances.
As the organization continues to expand its reach, leaders say the investment will help create a more inclusive pathway for young golfers throughout the Coachella Valley while reinforcing the life-changing lessons that First Tee strives to teach every participant.
By: Brett Rosen
June 5, 2026
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