First Tee – Tallahassee Receives $300,000 in State Funding

First Tee – Tallahassee recently announced the award of $300,000 in state appropriations to support and expand its youth development initiatives across the Big Bend region. The press release noted the “milestone investment was made possible through the steadfast leadership of Representative Allison Tant and Senator Corey Simon, and with the approval of Governor Ron DeSantis.”

“We are deeply grateful to Representative Tant, Senator Simon, and Governor DeSantis for their unwavering commitment to the young people in our community,” said Chuck Urban, President of First Tee – Tallahassee. “This funding allows us to broaden our reach and provide more children with access to life-changing programs that teach confidence, character, and resilience through the game of golf.”

The secured funding specifically enables First Tee – Tallahassee to expand its mission to serve more children with special needs—ensuring that every child, regardless of ability and adversity, has the opportunity to grow through the game and gain skills that last a lifetime.

“Thanks to this support, more kids across our region—including those with unique challenges—will have the chance to develop lifelong tools for success,” added Urban. “We’re not just teaching golf—we’re helping shape the next generation of leaders.”

First Tee – Tallahassee is a nonprofit that uses golf as a platform to teach young people essential life skills, character, and leadership. Since launching in 2022, First Tee has already made a measurable impact—serving hundreds of youths annually throughout Leon and surrounding counties.

The groups accomplishments include training more than 55 Leon County PE teachers in the First Tee School Program, implementing First Tee curriculum in 14 local schools, establishing an LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program and the Girls Golf Locker clothing donation initiative, and creating the Watson Links Mentorship Program and Tallahassee Urban Cup Mentorship Tournament.