The Solution
First Tee Learning Center at Wolf Hill
First Tee will raise the needed funds to build and sustain an 8500 sq.ft. indoor clubhouse that will anchor the learning center complex. The modern, youth-focused indoor golf learning space will provide year-round and weatherproof First Tee learning opportunities for kids, families and community organizations.
Project Overview
Building a facility is a natural next step in the evolution of First Tee – Jersey Shore. As our reach and impact have grown, so has our reliance on our location partners who are faced with capacity issues of their own. By investing in this local youth development & golf learning center campus, we will be in the best position to serve more kids in more meaningful ways. With a new, intentionally designed golf and learning facility, we can remove barriers, significantly expand our capacity, and ensure that all kids—regardless of background—have access to the opportunities and support they deserve.
The Monmouth County Partnership with First Tee
The County of Monmouth is a principal partner in this project, recognizing the importance and impact of First Tee programs for kids in the community.
Under the leadership of County Commissioner Director Thomas Arnone and with the support of the Monmouth County Parks and Recreation Commissioners, the County is providing the land and investing in the development of the outdoor golf learning area to significantly lessen the funding burden on First Tee.
The First Tee Learning Center will be located at the existing County operated Wolf Hill Recreation Area in Oceanport. It will be more than just a place for kids and teens to play and learn golf — it will be a shining example of what’s possible when public agencies and nonprofits unite with a shared vision. The First Tee Learning Center will help elevate Wolf Hill into a vibrant hub for youth development, empowering First Tee’s proven programs and expanding opportunities for family recreation.
Located in the heart of the Wolf Hill Recreation Area, the First Tee Learning Center will include 6 acres of indoor and outdoor golf learning space designed specifically for junior golf instruction.
Build Golf & Character
- Weatherproof and year-round First Tee classes, clinics and activities
- Access to state-of-the-art golf technology, training and advanced skill development
- More options for community golf engagement, learning and enrichment
Enhance Impact
- Expand reach of Fairways for All programs
- Easily accessible location for outreach clinics
- Create program autonomy and reduce weather cancellations
Gather & Grow
- Deliver First Tee specialized coach training and professional development
- Functional space for First Tee meetings, events and fundraising activities
- Central location for the First Tee Alumni Network to grow and prosper
Indoor Clubhouse
The proposed 8500 sq ft. indoor clubhouse features a 3500 sq. ft. indoor golf specific teaching space and three 17ft x 17ft hitting bays that open to the outdoor learning center. Truly the heart of the new building, these learning spaces provide weather-proof options for the
delivery of First Tee classes. The bay doors can be closed during bad weather and will convert into golf simulation bays with state-of-the-art indoor golf teaching and learning technology.
A large multi-purpose meeting room was
thoughtfully included in the design to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of First Tee – Jersey Shore. The room features modern communications technology to support meetings, presentations and class delivery. Whether it’s hosting Board meetings, coach trainings, special classes, community events, or donor gatherings the versatile space will serve
as a vibrant hub for learning, collaboration, and celebration.
Outdoor Teaching Space
The outdoor teaching space is intentionally designed as a true junior golf teaching and learning space. Scaled to focus on driving, chipping and putting along with a 110-yard hole to practice short drives, this one-of-a-kind facility provides ample space for First Tee group classes and clinics. The premium turf was chosen with care to provide the most realistic experience for our young golfers to prepare them well for their evolution to on-course play.
Help Us Build Game Changers
The joy of being outside on a beautiful day. The thrill of sinking a putt. The perseverance to keep going when things aren’t going your way... your support will create more of these experiences for Jersey Shore kids.
There is clear and pressing case for a new First Tee learning center in Monmouth County. There are so many kids we can further serve with an expansion of class schedules, activities and community outreach. And there are so many more we can impact with additional Fairways for All programs built to serve underrepresented and specialized populations.
Because of donors like you and the transformational investment from the County of Monmouth, First Tee – Jersey Shore is on the brink of doubling our impact. The First Tee Learning Center at Wolf Hill will allow us to empower more kids than ever with the tools to succeed on and off the course.
Your gift to the Building Game Changers capital campaign will help create a space where kids will become good golfers and better people.
Let's work together to provide this special place where so many more kids in Monmouth County will come to build character, confidence, and resilience through First Tee.
Projected Project Budget
Outdoor Learning Center Design & Construction
$2 million
First Tee Indoor Clubhouse Design & Construction
$5 million
Endowment & Sustainability
$2+ million
Total Projected Project Budget
$9 - $10 million
