U.S. Kids Golf, PGA Jr. League, First Tee, and Drive, Chip & Putt Explained

Four national programs introduce most American kids to competitive golf. They overlap in age but differ in format, cost, and what they prepare a player for. Here is each one, plainly.

U.S. Kids Golf Local Tours

What it is. The largest network of beginner tournaments in the country. Roughly 100 local tours run seasons of five to ten events, mostly 9 holes for younger divisions and 18 for older ones, on yardages scaled to age (a 7-year-old plays a course under 2,000 yards). Boys' and girls' divisions run from 5 & under through 18, though the tours are busiest from 6 to 12. Top finishers in each local season qualify for a state invitational, a regional championship, and the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship in Pinehurst each summer.

Cost. A season membership plus per-event fees, typically $40–$70 per event; a full local season runs a few hundred dollars.

What makes it different. A caddie is required for the youngest divisions, and that caddie is usually a parent. It is the only major program where a parent walks every hole with the player, which makes it the gentlest introduction to tournament rules and pace of play.

Find it. The U.S. Kids Golf local tour finder is on their site; our local tours directory lists the local tours we have on file by state.

PGA Jr. League

What it is. Team golf for ages 8–13 (with a 14–17 division at many facilities), coached by a PGA or LPGA professional at a local course. Teams of 8 to 12 kids play two-person scramble matches against other local teams in numbered jerseys. No individual scores are posted, which removes the pressure that pushes many beginners out of the game. Top teams advance through regional playoffs to a national championship.

Cost. Registration fees are set by the host facility, usually $200–$400 for a season that includes practices, matches, and a jersey.

What makes it different. It is the only program built around a team and a coach. For a shy player or one who is not ready to keep score alone, it is the best first step in golf.

Find it. Register at a facility near you through the PGA Jr. League site.

First Tee

What it is. A non-profit with about 150 chapters that teaches golf alongside a life-skills curriculum, for ages 5–18, at public courses and schools. Costs are low, scholarships are common, and equipment is provided. Many chapters run their own junior events and leagues, and older participants can qualify for national events and college scholarships through First Tee partners.

Cost. Program fees vary by chapter, often $50–$200 per session, with financial aid available at most chapters.

What makes it different. Access. It is the program most likely to have a location, a set of clubs, and a coach available to a family that has never been to a golf course.

Find it. The chapter finder on the First Tee site.

Drive, Chip & Putt

What it is. A free national skills competition for ages 7–15, run by the Masters Tournament, the USGA, and the PGA of America. Players hit three drives, three chips, and three putts, scored on distance and accuracy. Local qualifiers run at hundreds of courses from May through July, subregional and regional qualifiers follow, and the ten regional winners in each age and gender division compete in the finals at Augusta National on the Sunday before the Masters.

Cost. Free. Registration opens in late winter and local qualifiers fill fast in popular areas.

What makes it different. No 18-hole score is involved, so it is open to complete beginners, and the finals are on national television.

Find it. Register on the Drive, Chip & Putt site when the season opens.

Which one first?

If your player is…	Start with
5–8, brand new to golf	First Tee or PGA Jr. League
6–10, has played a few rounds and wants to compete	U.S. Kids Golf local tour
8–13, nervous about playing alone	PGA Jr. League
Any age 7–15, wants a low-pressure taste of competition	Drive, Chip & Putt

Most families do two at once. A U.S. Kids season plus a PGA Jr. League team is a common summer for a 9-year-old.

What comes after

When a player can finish 18 holes from an appropriate tee and wants individual stroke-play competition, the next step is a PGA Section junior tour or local one-day tour. Every state's programs are listed in the local tours directory.