Welcome to The First Tee of Greater Portland. The First Tee of Greater Portland is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to providing golfing opportunities for youth and families.
The
First Tee of Greater Portland's outreach programs are dedicated to
nurturing disadvantaged children ages 7 to 17, building values that
strengthen their character, and guiding them in becoming responsible
adults through the game of golf.
We are now located at two locations: The Children's Course and Heron Lakes Golf Course. The Children's Course is a 9-hole, par 3 layout. A facility
unique to The First Tee of Greater Portland, the Erling Jacobsen
Learning Center, features a 5-hole short course for teaching, practice
and play. It is funded by private donations from foundations, corporations and individuals.
HISTORY
The
Children's Course is located in a beautiful setting nestled between the
Clackamas and Willamette Rivers in Gladstone. It originally opened for
play as Rivergreens Golf Course in 1961 as an 18-hole, par 3 course under the ownership of Charlie Thomas. In 1989, following the
development of the apartments on the perimeter, the course was redesigned
into a 9-hole, par 3 course and became the Rivergreens Golf Club.
In 1996, the course became dedicated to
children due to Duncan Campbell's dream. While playing golf in Scotland, Duncan Campbell, a successful Portland Business owner with a passion for helping children, noticed a number of children's golf courses. He dreamed of one day making the concept a reality in Portland. After a two year search, Duncan Campbell became aware of the potential availability of the Rivergreens Golf Club and made an initial offer. The Thomas' has a strong sentimental desire for the property to remain a golf course and they accepted Duncan's offer. Operation of The Children's Course began on June 30, 1996.
Cindy and Duncan Campbell
In 2000, The Children's Course became a chapter in The First Tee organization and in April of 2011 The Children's Course merged with The First Tee of Portland and became The First Tee of Greater Portland.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The
First Tee of Greater Portland works to keep fees reasonable. However,
scholarships, financial assistance and instruction are available for
children.
TOURNAMENTS
The First Tee of Greater Portland is available for tournaments, fundraisers, golf marathons, corporate outings and parties.
FUNDING
The First Tee of Greater Portland is funded by private charitable foundations, corporations and individuals. In addition, several fundraisers are held each year at the course to help defray operating costs.
