WHAT IS ACE PROGRAMMING?
Ace certification is the highest level a participant can achieve within First Tee global network of chapters and the designation is a great addition to any young person’s HS or collegiate resume. The Ace program focuses on personal planning and the reinforcement of skills such as self-management, goal setting, self-coaching, interpersonal communication and resilience that were introduced in earlier levels of the program. Using these skills, participants become Ace-certified by completing four projects (Community Service, Career, College, and Golf) that will help them build a foundation towards higher education and a future career. Our intention is to help each of you become Ace-certified.
How does my child qualify to be an Ace participant?
Participants are required to be active within the First Tee chapter for 3 full years before meeting the criteria required for testing. This is a non-negotiable requirement defined by our Headquarters.
The requirements to reach Ace level are that participants are at least 14 years of age, shooting 110 or less in 8 18-hole tournaments, a letter of recommendation, volunteer hours, and essay questions. Once those steps have been completed, a rules test and a skills assessment are given.
Two Different Levels of Ace
Ace programming is broken into two categories – Ace, and Ace+ in FTGD.
Ace is the highest level of certifying programming offered in First Tee.
Ace+ is the competitive, highest level of our local FT program and is not a nationally defined level. It is reserved for participants that have not only completed all other levels of the program, but that also play golf competitively and have an average a score of less than 85 for 18 holes in competitive play, preferably in regional or state-wide tournaments.
Differences in Level Programming
Ace programming has a heavy Ace curriculum emphasis, with practice option to work on golf skills during the time with other Ace participants.
Ace+ programming is mainly high-level competitive golf focused with Ace curriculum involvement.
Currently we are mingling both levels of Ace opportunities through our clinics, book days and course days.
What happens during these classes?
Current ace programming is structured around:
–Focused clinic days with intentional activities built around Ace Project 1 requirements
–Book days working on the written portions of the Ace Projects (such as Project 2 and Project 4)
–Course days allowing participants to enjoy low-stress 9-hole competitions with a challenge per class (such as skins, putting challenges, 4-clubs only, etc)
How does my child qualify for Ace+ programming?
The progression from Ace to Ace+ is based on a nomination process and tournament play. Please contact Coach Katie for more information.
COST
Costs of Ace programming vary on intended activities and location. For 2026, with the different options of clinics, course days and book days, costs are between $15-35 per program depending on the programming location and activity.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
Lastly, Ace-certified participants receive an extremely significant points boost towards their FTGD College Scholarship Application (to be completed during HS senior and college years). Ace Certified participants are GUARANTEED a scholarship from the FTGD Scholarship Program as long as they complete yearly applications.
For more questions about the Ace program offerings, please contact Katie Harris at [email protected]