Twenty years ago, a simple but meaningful idea took shape at Brookside Golf Course: to introduce more young people to the game of golf and use it as a platform to teach life skills that extend far beyond the course. In the summer of 2006, we welcomed our first 66 participants into what would become First Tee – Greater Pasadena. At the time, we relied on the generosity of local men’s and women’s club members to serve as our first coaches, helping us build a program rooted in purpose from day one.
What began as a single program in Pasadena quickly grew into something much greater. As interest expanded, so did our reach, first into nearby courses like Altadena and Eaton Canyon, and then throughout the region, including Arroyo Seco Golf Course, Marshall Canyon Golf Course, Santa Anita Golf Course, Alhambra Golf Course, and Mountain Meadows Golf Course. Along the way, we built a dedicated Board of Directors and formed partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to access and inclusion, including the YMCA, Pasadena Unified School District, Boys & Girls Club, Wounded Warrior Project, Special Olympics, Running Waters Day Program, City of Pasadena Recreation Department, City of Pasadena Police Department, AbilityFirst, Villa Esperanza, and the Latina Golfers Association.
Our approach has always been rooted in more than just golf. Through First Tee’s nine core values: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, and Judgment, we aim to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed in school, in their relationships, and in life. Whether through after-school programs, summer camps, or opportunities to participate in tournaments and leadership conferences, we are proud to create pathways for growth both on and off the course.
Over the past two decades, we’ve been fortunate to receive tremendous support from the First Tee national organization, the Rose Bowl Operating Company, the City of Pasadena, City of Los Angeles, among many others. The City of Pasadena’s designation of October as First Tee Month reflects the impact this program has had across our region. We are also proud to be the only First Tee chapter in the United States with established international relationships, welcoming First Tee Korea to Pasadena to connect with our participants and community leaders.
As we celebrate this 20-year milestone, we do so with deep gratitude for the supporters, partners, coaches, volunteers, and families who have made this journey possible. Your belief in our mission has allowed us to reach thousands of young people and create opportunities that truly change lives.
Looking ahead, we are energized by what’s to come. We see continued growth across our service areas, expanded access to our programs, and deeper partnerships with the corporate and community leaders who share our vision. Most importantly, we remain committed to ensuring that every young person who participates in our programs leaves with greater confidence, stronger character, and a strong sense of possibility for their future.
Thank you for being part of our story.
Sincerely,
Bob Baderian
Master Executive Director