First Tee — San Joaquin

First Tee — San Joaquin offers golf activities for kids through weekly golf clinics. The program includes golf instruction and provides free golf lessons as part of these clinics. Equipment is provided for participants during the weekly golf clinics.

• Ages: 7–17 years old

Since 2000, the San Joaquin Junior Golf Foundation has provided area youth ages 7–17 with free golf lessons and equipment at weekly golf clinics. The program is led by Lisa Ferrero. 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 organization is described as a youth development organization that integrates the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, with an emphasis on life and leadership skills through golf-based personal growth programs and a focus on building inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. The San Joaquin Junior Golf Foundation has had support from the Pacific Golf Team and PGA Tour player Ricky Barnes, a former Stockton and Lincoln High School golfer.

One youth participant stated, “I used to have very poor judgement. The First Tee of San Joaquin helped me look at other options I have instead of taking the gamble. This applies both on and off the course. Judgement was what shaved at least 10 strokes.” Another youth participant shared, “Respect is very important. Without respect it would be a world with no rules or cops. Respect other people the way you want to be treated.” A third participant said, “Sportsmanship is a Core Value that helped me a lot. Before, when I first started playing, I didn’t care about the rules. I cheated a lot and didn’t show fairness. When The First Tee of San Joaquin showed me this Core Value, I learned a lot. Now I follow the rules and respect the people I play with.”

Last updated June 25, 2026.