A Brief History

As a part of the formal dedication of the James E. Stewart Golf Course, a representative of The First Tee presented Councilwoman Johnson with a $ 100,000 check requesting that a local First Tee Chapter be established at this site. Several individuals and organizations began the process to obtain a local license for The First Tee Chapter. Despite their efforts, an eligible group was not identified to make the application.

In 2001, Tiger Woods conducted a junior clinic at James E. Stewart. His appearance and the number of youth who attended the clinic spurred continued interest in establishing a The First Tee Chapter.

In February 2002, representatives of Golf Inc., Oklahoma City Parks Department, Oklahoma Golf Commission, Eastern Golf Club, Oklahoma City Golf Directors, elected officials, and community youth organizations joined Oklahoma City Councilwoman Johnson as the Charter Directors for the local Chapter. These directors are now part of the Board of Directors for The Metropolitan Youth Development and Education Foundation Inc. This foundation was formed with the sole purpose of implementing The First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City. The 43 member Board is diverse and reflects our commnity of our community, professional organizations, community youth organizations, and various golf organizations. The First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City received our license as an official The First Tee Chapter in December 2002.

A 2003 summer session and fall after-school session, and 2004 spring after-school session were conducted at James E. Stewart. In 2004, The First Tee of Metro entered into affiliate agreements with seven golf courses in the metro area to increase our availability to the youth of the area. Additionally, a trailer was purchased and a truck was donated to mobilize the program.

Dustin Semsch is our Golf Director/ Facility Manager. He was formerly an assistant Golf Professional at Fairfax with five years of experience with First Tee. Part time instructors include Chip Thomas, a First Tee alumi of Shreveport and Metro Okc. He is presently a junior at University of Central Oklahoma City, studying Golf Management. Alisha Jenkins, a Junior at Oklahoma City University, majoring in sports business and marketing played junior golf in Oklahoma and was a member of the Oklahoma City University golf team. Alisha has begun her certification process with the LPGA. As a team, they are carrying out program instruction.