Our organization was founded in 2003 under the name Madison Metro Youth Golf Initiative, a non-profit corporation with 501(c)(3) status. From the beginning, the Initiative dedicated its work to positive youth development through the game of golf. With a seed grant from the Yahara Hills Golf Association, and pro bono services from Rob Muranyi, a City of Madison PGA golf instructor, we launched a summer program for 10 youths comprised of golf lessons followed by 9-hole rounds of golf with adult mentors who reinforced the etiquettes and rules of the game and encouraged the kids in the development of life skills such as patience, problem-solving and perseverance. By 2010, the Initiative had partnered with the City of Madison and Nine Springs Golf Course in Fitchburg, WI, and with the cooperation of several PGA professionals and golf course proprietors, and the help of dozens of mentors, was serving more than 200 youths.
In February, 2010, the Initiative applied to become a The First Tee chapter. During the chapter development phase, the City of Madison, in cooperation with PGA Professional Rob Muranyi, agreed to host the chapter’s home site at Monona Golf Course, a 9-hole public golf facility with a club house, large driving range, practice green and a course ideally suited for players young and old. On March 17, 2011, the Initiative was chartered to begin operations as The First Tee of South Central Wisconsin. Madison Metro Youth Golf Initiative, Inc. and its distinctive board of directors remain the 501(c)(3) entity operating the chapter. For a list of the board's directors, please click on the "learn more" link below.
In addition to its home location at Monona Golf Course in Madison, The First Tee of South Central Wisconsin has several affiliate locations, including three other City of Madison courses: Glenway, Odana Hills and Yahara Hills; Nine Springs Golf Course in Fitchburg; Blackhawk and Riverside Golf Courses in Janesville, and Edelweiss Chalet Country Club in New Glarus, Wisconsin.
Children ages 6-18 can participate in programs offered by The First Tee of South Central Wisconsin at all of its locations. Fees vary according to program length and type. Scholarships are available for families who qualify under chapter guidelines, which are available by clicking on the "learn more" link on the home page under "Youth Application Forms."
For more details about our home and affiliate sites, programs or scholarships, please send inquiries to info@thefirstteescw.org
