Mission Statement

First Tee – Phoenix Mission Statement

First Tee—Phoenix provides opportunities for all youth to achieve success in every aspect of life, through the game of golf.

FT-PHX Tour Mission Statement

The FT-PHX Tour bridges the gap between First Tee programming and competitive junior golf in a fun, supportive environment. The goal of the FT-PHX Tour is to provide a valuable opportunity for both participants and parents to experience tournament golf.

Types of Tournaments

First Tee-Phoenix hosts various tournaments throughout the year. There are a few fun events events which are open to all First Tee-Phoenix members and occasionally adults (Adult/Junior, Spooktacular and PGA TOUR Superstore Simulator Event). The FT-PHX Tour, which consists of the 4 majors (Desert Classic, Masters, Open Championship, and Tour Championship) are for approved Tournament Players. In conjunction with every major, FT-PHX will also host a Rising Star event, which is for new tournament players.

To read in more detail about the FT-PHX Tour, take a look at the Handbook below.

How can you become a Tournament Player?

Tournament players are selected by First Tee-Phoenix Coaches, and added to a Tournament Player Roster.  In order to become a tournament player, please reach out to your programming site coordinator and see what you can do to become a tournament player.

Participants must meet one or all of the following requirements…

  • Currently play in tournaments through a different organization or school
  • Participate in at least one Rising Star event in which they shoot under 40 (for 6 holes) & are approved by their walking scorer based on course conduct
  • Shoot double bogey golf (submit a scorecard)
  • Achieved all 4 skill badges OR playing on course badge (based on their age group)

Rising Star

Rising Star Tournaments are six-hole events held immediately after all FT-PHX Majors and at the Pineapple Cup. They are a great introduction to our regular tournament schedule. These events are designed to be a short term, developmental option for those interested in playing in our nine-hole tournaments.

Players will be paired with a coach or volunteer to help them along in their first tournament.  Parents are NOT allowed to caddy for their participants.

Requirements for Rising Star Tournaments

  • Participants must have their own set of clubs and must be able to walk 6 holes with their clubs. We will not provide clubs or push carts.
  • All participants must have their own golf balls, tees, ball marker and divot tool
  • Participants must be familiar with the rules of golf and golf etiquette, for example: order of play, how to keep score, etc.
  • All participants should be able to shoot double par or better ( ex: 8 on a Par 4)
  • It is recommended for participants to have prior on course experience

Kloenne Cup

The Kloenne Cup is an exciting “Ryder Cup” style, invitational tournament held each January as the culminating event from the previous year’s FT-PHX Tour. This event is held in honor of Tim Kloenne, who was a founding member of First Tee – Phoenix and Board Chairman from 2001-2016. Tim helped make the organization what it is today. He came out to tournaments and events to root on the participants and tell them how “cool” they are. A “Spirit Award” is given to a player on each team who demonstrates FT Core Values & Key Commitments, is a great teammate, and embodies the spirit of the Kloenne Cup. Tim unfortunately passed away in February of 2022, but his memory lives on through this wonderful event!

16 members from the Desert Team will play in a Ryder Cup style tournament against 16 members from the Mountain Team. A total of 12 players per team are selected based on points earned during FT-PHX Tour events. An additional four team members are selected by the Team Captains.

Major tournaments, such as Desert Classic, Open Championship, Masters, and Tour Championship earn double points!

Mountain Team:

Talking Stick, Longbow, Legacy, Lone Tree, TPC, Augusta Ranch, and San Marcos

Desert Team:

Briarwood, Wigwam, Aguila, Desert Mirage, Palo Verde, Cave Creek, and Papago

How are teams selected?
  1. The top 12 point earners for each team will qualify automatically
  2. An additional four team members are selected by the Team Captains.
  3. Participants must play in at least one FT-PHX Tour major for the calendar year.
  4. The Point Scale is awarded based on overall finish in the ENTIRE FIELD, not by gender or age division.
Points Scale
1st Place50
2nd Place45
3rd Place40
4th Place35
5th Place30
6th Place25
7th Place20
8th Place15
9th Place10
10th Place5
Participated2
Bonus: each Division Winner10