Our Mission. At The First Tee, we help grow great kids through golf! Our mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Our Story. In 2005, Chapter founders Lamar Johnson, Larry Kellam and Tom Briner, mobilized an enthusiastic Board of Trustees, raised start-up money, and piloted a summer class session for 25 students. By year end, we had earned Chapter status in The First Tee's national network and announced our "grand opening" with the support of The First Tee CEO Joe Louis Barrow Jr. and former LPGA Commissioner Charlie Mechem.