Hugh Smith Email & Phone Number

Pebble Beach, Ca

Born in 2006 out of the Northern California Golf Association, Youth on Course began as the NCGA Foundation - a way to increase the accessibility and affordability of golf for Northern California youth. Within five years, the program was thriving and we expanded opportunities for our members to include caddie programs, paid high school internships and college scholarships.It quickly became apparent that there was a huge demand for what we were doing outside of Northern California. The NCGA Foundation was re-imagined as a nationwide initiative to grow the game, and the name Youth on Course was born to establish a national identity. Youth on course operates as a separate 501(c)3 that partners with state and regional golf associations across the country.To date, we have expanded Youth on Course to 26 regions, subsidized more than 650,000 rounds of golf, hired more than 115 interns and 362 caddies, and award $250,000+ in scholarships annually.

Managed the strategic direction of The First Tee in the Pacific Region of the United States. Consulted with chapter boards and executive staff of twenty-three domestic chapters and one international chapter. Assisted chapters with strategic planning, governance, fundraising, program operations, golf course/facility management and construction. Identified new prospects and facilitated development. Lead education development and projects for chapter board members and executive staff. Served as an advocate for The First Tee by marketing the organization to potential donors, partners and allied organizations.

The First Tee of Phoenix is a not for profit organization made possible by The Thunderbirds and the WM Phoenix Open which uses golf as a tool to teach life enhancing values and healthy habits through the game of golf.Currently The First Tee of Phoenix is one of the largest Chapter in The First Tee Network reaching over 100,000 youth each year through regular programming at 14 locations/golf facilities in Maricopa County; The First Tee National School Program where we use The First Tee curriculum in an outreach with schools; currently the NSP program is operating in the Kyrene, Pendergast, Chandler, Phoenix and Mesa School Districts; and Outreach Programs with allied organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, The Boy Scouts of America, The Girl Scouts of America, Big Brothers Big Sisters, LPGA Girls Golf Club, faith-based groups, special needs groups, and many others.Ages for programming include 4 to 17, with particular outreach to economically disadvantaged children and/or youngsters needing transportation or other assistance to access the First Tee facilities. Programs are multi-tiered with a program for youths aged 4-6 called Tiny Teez and regular classes for youth aged 7-17 with progressive levels called PLAYer, Par, Birdie, Eagle and ACE. Participants progress from one level to the next based on their comprehension of the life skills and golf ability. The cost for an annual membership is $60.If you would like to become a Volunteer, Donate equipment and/or learn more about The First Tee of Phoenix, please log onto our website at www.thefirstteephoenix.org or follow us on all social media platforms.