First Tee — San Joaquin

First Tee — San Joaquin offers golf activities for kids through junior golf programs and golf-based personal growth programs. The program includes weekly golf clinics that provide free golf lessons and free equipment for participants. These clinics focus on the game of golf while also using a life skills curriculum.

• Ages: 7–17 years old
• Price: free golf lessons and equipment at weekly golf clinics

Since 2000, the San Joaquin Junior Golf Foundation has provided area youth with free golf lessons and equipment at weekly golf clinics for kids ages 7–17. First Tee — San Joaquin is led by Chris Borrego. Its stated 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. The program describes itself as a youth development organization that integrates the game of golf with a life skills curriculum and creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience, and it states that kids build life and leadership skills that empower them in school, friendships, and eventually careers.

The program notes community support from the Pacific Golf Team and from Ricky Barnes, a former Stockton and Lincoln High School golfer who plays on the PGA Tour. Participant testimonials describe changes in judgment, respect, and sportsmanship, including learning to consider options on and off the course, treating others with respect, and following rules and showing fairness in golf.

Last updated March 26, 2026.