First Tee and the Stephen Gallacher Foundation today announced a new collaboration to give more boys and girls across the whole of Scotland the chance to learn to play and enjoy golf.
With a unique programme of skills coaching and personal development activities aimed at developing children both on and off the golf course, First Tee – Scotland will build on the very successful work that the Stephen Gallacher Foundation has built up in the Lothians and central Scotland over the past 15 years.
This Chapter will be a further international expansion for First Tee, but it will be the first in Scotland for the organisation founded back in 1997. The link-up with the Stephen Gallacher Foundation is a very obvious and natural one, as they already have many shared and similar ideals and ambitions. The belief that golf can help build strength, confidence and resilience, whilst at the same time enjoying new experiences with their friends is at the core of both organisations.
With this new initiative comes a new base, and this will be situated at the exclusive Renaissance Club in East Lothian. A custom-built, permanent structure adjacent to the existing practice facilities at the Renaissance Club will include all-weather bays and internal practice areas with Trackman and video facilities. In addition to the new headquarters, there will be satellite bases across Scotland to support the programme expansion throughout the country.
Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee said: “For 30 years, First Tee has used the game of golf as a vehicle to help kids and teens build character, confidence, and life skills that serve them far beyond the golf course. Today, we serve more than 3 million young people each year across 150 chapter markets. We're delighted to be partnering with the Stephen Gallacher Foundation to bring First Tee to Scotland. Stephen's foundation shares our
deep commitment to investing in young people and creating opportunities for them
to learn and develop through the game of golf. Alongside the Stephen Gallacher Foundation, we look forward to bringing First Tee's proven programs to young people across this country. Scotland is the birthplace of this great game and there's no more fitting place for First Tee to plant its flag. We are deeply proud to call Scotland home.”
Stephen Gallacher said: “I am really excited that my Foundation and First Tee will be working together as a driving force to create programmes and experiences for boys and girls throughout Scotland. This expansion plan is our most significant development since we launched the Foundation 15 years ago and I know the huge impact this will have on junior golf in Scotland and more specifically for the kids taking part.”
Jerry Sarvadi, Chairman of The Renaissance Club Charitable Foundation, said: “I have been a fan of First Tee and everything they have achieved from the very start, and I have followed their progress with great interest over the years. I have also seen first-hand the work that Stephen and his team have carried out in the Lothians, and it is clear that they are both perfectly aligned. We are proud that they have chosen The Renaissance Club as their base, and I am looking forward to supporting their exciting plans.”
The Stephen Gallacher Foundation will continue to operate their existing calendar of events for the rest of this year, before creating a pathway and calendar for 2027 and beyond.
