When participants enter the First Tee program, they are taught to play the game, and live their lives, accordingly to nine core values.
Honesty: The quality or state of being truthful, not deceptive.
Golf is unique from other sports in that players report their own scores and call penalties on themselves.
Integrity: Strict adherence to a standard of conduct and personal honesty.
Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the course, even when others may not be looking.
Sportsmanship: Observing rules of play, winning or losing with grace.
Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and conduct themselves in a kind, respectable manner toward others, even in a competitive game.
Respect: To feel or show deferential regard for, or to have esteem.
It is important in golf to show respect for one’s self, playing partners, fellow competitors, the course, and for the honor and traditions of the game.
Confidence: Firm reliance or trust, or a feeling of self-assurance.
It plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well, regardless of the outcome.
Responsibility: Accounting for one’s actions, being dependable.
It is up to the players to be responsible for their actions on the course, by keeping score, repairing divots, raking bunkers, repairing ball marks on the greens and keeping up with the pace of play.
Perseverance: Persisting in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles.
To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes while learning from past experiences.
Courtesy: Considerate behavior toward others, making a polite remark or gesture.
A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.
Judgment: An ability to make a decision or form an opinion after careful consideration.
Having good judgment is an important value in golf. It comes into play when deciding strategy, club selection, when to play safe, when to take a chance, the type of shot a player considers executing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course.
— Source: The First Tee national organization