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First Tee Washington DC: 5 Game-Changing Updates And Why The 2025 Program Is A Must-Join

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The First Tee - Greater Washington, DC chapter is not just a golf program; it’s a powerful youth development organization that has recently unveiled a series of exciting updates and events for 2025, solidifying its role as a premier character-building institution in the nation’s capital. As of December 20, 2025, the chapter continues its mission of empowering young people by seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a robust Life Skills Experience curriculum, proving that the lessons learned on the fairway translate directly into success in life.

Operating across the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia, First Tee—Greater Washington, DC leverages the sport to teach critical concepts like goal-setting, conflict resolution, and emotional management. The organization's commitment to building "Game Changers" is evident in its latest schedule, which features high-profile events, national academies, and continued expansion of its core programs, all designed to prepare participants for a lifetime of new challenges and opportunities. The focus remains on providing a safe, welcoming, and impactful environment for every child, regardless of their background or previous golf experience.

The Life Skills Experience: Nine Core Values Driving DC’s Youth

The foundation of the First Tee—Greater Washington, DC program is the Life Skills Experience, a unique curriculum that uses golf-specific situations to teach valuable character traits. This is what truly sets the organization apart from typical youth sports leagues. Participants progress through various certification levels—from PLAYer to PAR, BIRDIE, and EAGLE—mastering both golf skills and essential life skills at each stage.

The entire curriculum is built upon the following Nine Core Values, which are integrated into every lesson, drill, and interaction:

  • Honesty: Encouraging truthfulness and sincerity, both on and off the course.
  • Integrity: Acting with a strong moral compass, especially when no one is watching.
  • Sportsmanship: Playing by the rules and showing respect to partners, opponents, and coaches.
  • Respect: Demonstrating consideration for oneself, others, and the environment.
  • Confidence: Developing a positive belief in one’s own abilities and potential.
  • Responsibility: Taking ownership of one’s choices and actions.
  • Perseverance: Committing to a task despite challenges or setbacks.
  • Courtesy: Exhibiting polite behavior and good manners.
  • Judgment: Making thoughtful decisions and considering the consequences.

By focusing on these core values, coaches like Martin Zadravec (2024 Coach of the Year) are able to mentor young people, helping them understand and manage emotions, set step-by-step goals, and plan effectively for their future. The result is a generation of confident, responsible leaders ready to make a positive impact in their communities.

5 Major First Tee—Greater Washington, DC Updates and Events for 2025

The 2025 calendar is packed with national and local opportunities that highlight the chapter's commitment to its participants. These events provide real-world application of the Life Skills Experience and offer unique pathways to college and career success.

1. The Prestigious 2025 Drive Your Future Academy

One of the most anticipated events is the First Tee Drive Your Future Academy, a five-day leadership program presented by John Deere. Scheduled for November 6–10, 2025, this national female empowerment event selects only 36 girls from across the country for an intensive leadership experience. The academy focuses on career exploration, networking with female executives, and developing bold dreams.

The Greater Washington, DC chapter has a strong track record of participation, with young women like Zara Karim being selected for previous academies. The 2025 event will continue to empower participants to become game changers in their communities, with national alumna and actress Kathryn Newton set to headline the event, inspiring the next generation of female leaders.

2. High-Profile 2025 Fundraising and Scholarship Scrambles

The chapter relies on key fundraising events to maintain and expand its programs, and 2025 features several major opportunities for community involvement:

  • Young Professionals Scholarship Scramble: Set for September 19, 2025, at the historic East Potomac Golf Links, this event brings together the area’s emerging leaders to raise funds specifically for the chapter’s college scholarship program.
  • 12th Annual Golf Tournament: A flagship event that supports the year-round programming, allowing the chapter to serve thousands of kids across DC and Northern Virginia.
  • Pebble Beach and Streamsong Raffle: A major raffle for 2025 offering participants and supporters a chance to win trips to world-class golf destinations, with all proceeds directly benefiting the local chapter’s mission.

3. Continued Expansion of Program Locations

First Tee—Greater Washington, DC is dedicated to making its programs accessible. The chapter currently offers Life Skills Experience Classes at over twenty different green grass facilities throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The main DC location is the East Potomac Golf Links (972 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, DC 20024), but the chapter’s reach extends significantly into the surrounding areas, including Northern Virginia counties.

This wide network ensures that children from diverse communities can easily access the program, whether they are in the heart of the District or the broader metropolitan area. The commitment to accessibility is a key factor in the chapter’s ability to impact over 2.2 million kids and teens nationally.

4. The 2025 Participant Events Schedule

The national organization, and by extension the DC chapter, has announced an impactful slate of participant opportunities for 2025. These events are specifically designed to empower teens and give them national exposure. Beyond the Drive Your Future Academy, other national events that DC participants can strive to qualify for include the PURE Insurance Championship, the Innovators Forum, and various Leadership Series events. The opportunity to travel and compete with peers from across the country is a massive incentive for dedicated participants.

5. Recognizing Local Game Changers: The 2024 Stars Awards

While looking forward to 2025, it’s essential to recognize the recent local heroes who exemplify the First Tee mission. The 2024 Stars Award winners from the Greater Washington, DC chapter serve as powerful examples of the program’s success:

  • Vasilios Rajendra: Honored as the Volunteer of the Year for his tireless dedication.
  • Martin Zadravec: Recognized as the Coach of the Year for his mentorship and commitment to the Nine Core Values.
  • Whitley Shields and Christina Fuentes: Celebrated for their achievements and character development within the program.
  • Lennard Long: A notable alumnus who competed in the 2013 PURE Insurance Championship, demonstrating the long-term impact of the program.

These individuals are the living proof that First Tee—Greater Washington, DC is successfully building character and providing a pathway for young people to realize their full potential.

Answering Your Top Questions About First Tee—Greater Washington, DC

Prospective participants and parents often have questions about joining this unique youth program. Here are answers to the most common inquiries, providing further clarity on what to expect.

Does my child need prior golf experience?

Absolutely not. The program is designed to accommodate young people of all skill levels, from complete beginners to advanced players. The core focus is on life skills, and golf is simply the vehicle used to teach them. Coaches are trained to introduce the game in a fun, non-intimidating way, ensuring that every child feels welcome and supported from their very first class.

How do you build character through golf?

The game of golf is uniquely suited for character development because it mirrors life challenges. For example, a bad shot requires Perseverance, calling a penalty on oneself requires Integrity and Honesty, and waiting quietly for a playing partner requires Courtesy and Respect. The coaches use these real-time scenarios to initiate discussions and reinforce the Nine Core Values, making the lessons stick far better than a classroom lecture.

What are the age groups and skill levels?

First Tee—Greater Washington, DC serves young people ages 7 to 18. The program is structured into ascending levels that correspond to both age and demonstrated mastery of the life skills and golf skills. The levels are PLAYer, PAR, BIRDIE, and EAGLE, ensuring a continuous and progressive learning path that grows with the child. The advanced levels, like the EAGLE level, focus on setting goals for life after high school, including college and career planning, making it a comprehensive preparation program for adulthood.

By offering a unique blend of athletic training and character education, First Tee—Greater Washington, DC continues to be a vital force in the community. The 2025 updates and events underscore the organization's commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders, one swing and one life lesson at a time. Joining the program is an investment not just in a child's golf game, but in their future success and personal confidence.

First Tee Washington DC: 5 Game-Changing Updates and Why the 2025 Program is a Must-Join
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