First Tee Massachusetts, an organization dedicated to teaching life skills and character values through golf, has partnered with Boston Public Schools (BPS) and the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center (the Reggie) to launch an innovative indoor golf program aimed at serving students across the Boston area. This collaboration introduces a new way to engage students in golf and character development, using golf simulators to replicate the experience of playing on a green grass course.

The initiative, which began as a pilot program this summer, offers students aged 7 to 18 the opportunity to learn golf in a safe, accessible environment within the Reggie. Kyle Harris, director of operations at First Tee Massachusetts, explained that the partnership was a natural fit, bringing together resources from the Reggie, BPS and First Tee to create a unique educational experience.

“We’ve always been looking for ways to better serve the kids in Boston. When the opportunity came to partner with the Reggie and Boston Public Schools, it just made sense,” said Harris. “The Reggie had unused space and a vision to install golf simulators, and with BPS wanting to enhance its connections with student services, it was the perfect time to bring our program indoors and reach more kids where they are.”

A strategic partnership

The collaboration began in early 2024, when Harris, along with Michael Turner, director of the Reggie, and a representative from BPS Student Services met to discuss the potential of an indoor golf program. Their shared goal was to create an inclusive environment where BPS students could learn golf while also developing important life skills.

“The Reggie is providing the space and some of the simulator equipment free of charge, while we’re providing the curriculum, coaches and additional golf equipment,” Harris explained. “BPS bought some of the simulators and is helping us reach the students. It’s a fantastic partnership that leverages the strengths of all three organizations.”

The program’s pilot phase, which spans six weeks, has been met with great enthusiasm from students and staff alike. Classes are divided by age group, with sessions running once a week for an hour and a half. The summer program, which is currently underway, serves as a test run, with plans to expand into the fall and winter, making it a year-round offering.

Year-round golf education

As the program gains momentum, First Tee Massachusetts is planning to offer six-week segments throughout the year. Harris outlined what this would look like moving forward: “We’re currently running classes for different age groups throughout the week, and we plan to continue this model into the fall and winter. The response has been incredible, and we’re excited about the possibility of making this a permanent fixture in Boston.”

The indoor program is specifically tailored to Boston Public Schools students, with the goal of providing them with a structured, supportive environment where they can learn both golf and important life skills. Harris emphasized that while golf is the medium, the real focus is on character development.

“We’re not just teaching golf; we’re teaching life skills through golf. The most desirable outcomes we seek are the life skills and character development the kids walk away with. Even if they never pick up a golf club again, they’ve gained valuable lessons in respect, responsibility and good judgment,” Harris said.

Reinforcing character development

One of the core philosophies of First Tee is the integration of life skills into golf education. Harris described how the organization seamlessly weaves character development into the lessons: “For example, in our classes with younger kids, we might focus on respect. We teach them to introduce themselves properly on the golf course, and then we apply that lesson to their everyday lives — how can they show respect at home or at school? It’s all about making those connections.”

As students progress through the program, the life skills curriculum evolves to cover more complex topics such as conflict resolution, learning from failure, and building a game plan for life. These lessons are designed to help students navigate both the golf course and the challenges they may face in life.

Looking ahead

The partnership between First Tee Massachusetts, Boston Public Schools and the Reggie is already showing promise as a successful model for community engagement and education. With the pilot program nearing completion, discussions are underway to extend the program into the fall and winter, ensuring that Boston students have access to golf education and character development year-round.

Harris concluded, “This partnership is a win for everyone involved, especially the kids. We’re excited to see where this goes and how we can continue to serve the Boston community through this innovative program.”

As First Tee Massachusetts continues to expand its reach and impact, the organization remains committed to its mission of building character, instilling life-enhancing values and promoting healthy choices through the game of golf — one swing at a time.