The Northern California Institute of Golf (NCIG) is committed to bringing excellence to the long term development of its junior golfers.
The model for Morton Golf is based off of the American Development model, which was designed by The United States Olympic Committee. Our goal is to provide a road map for all families who wish to find the correct program for their child, no matter where they are in their development. Whether your child wants to play competitively at the high school and college level or simply wants to play the game for fun, we have a program to fit their needs. The Northern California Institute of Golf is committed to guiding your child through their journey within the game of golf.
Have Fun and Enjoy Golf
During the Active Start stage of development, it is essential for participants to begin developing the necessary athletic movements needed for a child to become physically literate (running, jumping, kicking, catching, striking, etc.). Our goal during these five years (approximately) is to provide youth with a fun and safe environment so they can explore different athletic movements as well as being introduced to the game of golf. Children in this stage should move sequentially from Tots on the Tee to Tots on the Course to Athletic Development to Pre-Year Round After School and so on. Click HERE for more information. Register Now.
Keep it fun! Practice and Play
The focus in the FUNdamental Movement phase is the continuing development of physical literacy. Fundamental movement skills should be mastered and motor development emphasized, while the participation in many sports/activities is encouraged. For optimal skill acquisition, playing golf on our academy holes is introduced along with FUN golf competitions. Children in this step should be involved in our FUNdamental Movement Class, one of the options within the Year Round Program, Athletic Development, Wee Swinger Summer Camp and Little Linkers. Click HERE for more information. Register Now.
Go Play!
This age range is critical for development of coordination and fine motor movements. Players should be able to begin to transfer skills and concepts from practice to the golf course. Group interaction, team building and social activities should be emphasized. A balance of practices and play on a golf course will promote the continued development and mastery of golf skills. Participants in this category should be involved in Little Linkers, Training to Play Summer Camp, FUNdamental Movement, Play to Your Par I and a Year Round Program. Click HERE for more information. Register Now.
Building Foundation and Learning to Practice
During this period the majority of the participants are going through physical, mental and emotional changes. Recognizing this, the focus during this stage is to further develop sport specific skills, emphasize the best possible way to practice and begin to introduce meaningful competition. Athletes may want to consider the process of consulting many golf coaches, in order to find the one they are most comfortable with and can see themselves working on the technical side of their game. Participants in this stage should be involved with Play to Your Par I, Junior Linkers, PGA Junior Camp, Weekday Supervised Practice and Saturday Supervised Practice. Click HERE for more information. Register Now.
Follow Your Heart, Dream Big, Set Goals
In the Learning to Compete Stage it is the time to prepare athletes for the competitive environment, continue to refine technical skills, ancillary skills and develop the physical attributes. We are going to take a close look at what the participant’s goals are, and we will create a specific plan to help them achieve their goals. Training will be individualized to the athlete’s particular needs in skill development, mental preparation, fitness and recovery. The training volume will increase as does the training intensity. Athletes should be involved with Play to Your Par II and our College Prep Golf Program. Click HERE for more information. Register Now.
Active Start
Athletic Development: The Athletic Development class is meant to help children of all ages become physically literate and also further develop the movement patterns within the golf swing. Coaches will set up stations, such as hurdles, speed ladders, catching, throwing, balance, etc. in an environment that is fun and engaging to the young people. Program Dates and Registration.
Tots on the Tee: Tots on the Tee is a junior golf program designed for children ages 3 and 4. Participants will be introduced to the basic concepts of the game, athletic movements to enhance hand and eye coordination development and The First Tee Core Values™. This is a six week program, with classes held on Saturdays. Program Dates and Registration.
Tots on the Course: This class is recommended for children who have taken one session of Tots on the Tee. The coaching staff transforms the Learning Center into a 3-hole loop and children are taught the very basics of how to play more than one golf hole. They learn where to start the hole, where to stand when someone else is hitting and the overall flow of a golf hole. Program Dates and Registration.
FREE Girls Golf Clinics: Our three FREE Girls Golf Clinics are back again in 2018! The goal of the clinic is to introduce new golfers to the game in a fun, relaxed environment, in which all participants are of similar abilities. Clinics give the participants the opportunity to meet coaches, ask questions and become more comfortable at the course. Program Dates and Registration.
Pre-Year Round Program: New for 2018!! The Pre-Year Round Program is the stepping stone from Tots on the Tee to the Year Round After School Program. It is geared toward those participants ages 4 to 6 that are showing an interest in the sport, but may not be ready for the full hour and a half class. Program Dates and Registration.
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FUNdamental Movements
Athletic Development: The Athletic Development class is meant to help children of all ages become physically literate and also further develop the movement patterns within the golf swing. Coaches will set up stations, such as hurdles, speed ladders, catching, throwing, balance, etc. in an environment that is fun and engaging to the young people. Program Dates and Registration.
FUNdamental Movement: The FUNdamental Movement class is designed for children ages 5-12. We offer three sessions throughout the year on Saturday mornings from 9:00am-10:30am. Participants will experience The First Tee Nine Core Values™ and Life Skills, the fundamentals of the golf game, as well as develop athletic skills that are not only beneficial to their golf game, but more importantly their overall health. The participant to coach ratio is 5 to 1 or less. Participants will also have the chance to play the on the Learning Center. Program Dates and Registration.
Year Round Morning Program: New for 2018!! The Year Round Morning Program is very similar to the Year Round After School Program, however the time of this class offers more options for our homeschool and charter school participants. The class is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 AM to 12:00 NOON. It is a station based class that allows children to learn golf and athletic at their own pace, while still enjoying their time at the facility. Program Dates and Registration.
Year Round After School Program: The Year Round After School Program is a class in which not only participants work on all facets of their golf game, learn the life skills of The First Tee, but also develop many athletic skills and movements which are critical in becoming an athlete and a more coordinated golfer. This program is special, in that children can come to the course and participate in class for up to three days a week! Whether a child is a beginner or intermediate golfer, stations are set up in a manner in which all skill levels can practice at their ability. Program Dates and Registration.
Little Linkers and Junior Linkers: Little Linkers and Junior Linkers are the original junior golf programs for The First Tee of Greater Sacramento. This is a once a week, 9 hole playing program for participants ages 7 to 12 (Junior Linkers is similar; however the program is for those participants ages 13 to 17). Participants have the opportunity to play weekly throughout the summer, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Jr/Sr event (a fun nine hole scramble, in which dinner and awards follow play) and the Club Championship (green fees are included). Program Dates and Registration.
Wee Swinger Summer Camp: This is an entry level camp for those who have very little golf experience. The children will be introduced to the basics of the grip, set-up, parts of a golf hole, the driving range and other general areas of the facility. Coaches emphasize fun, healthy choices and provide a welcoming environment. Program Dates and Registration.
Return to Developmental Stage Descriptions
Learning to Golf
Athletic Development: The Athletic Development class is meant to help children of all ages become physically literate and also further develop the movement patterns within the golf swing. Coaches will set up stations, such as hurdles, speed ladders, catching, throwing, balance, etc. in an environment that is fun and engaging to the young people. Program Dates and Registration.
FUNdamental Movement: The FUNdamental Movement class is designed for children ages 5-12. We offer three sessions throughout the year on Saturday mornings from 9:00am-10:30am. Participants will experience The First Tee Nine Core Values™ and Life Skills, the fundamentals of the golf game, as well as develop athletic skills that are not only beneficial to their golf game, but more importantly their overall health. The participant to coach ratio is 5 to 1 or less. Participants will also have the chance to play the on the Learning Center. Program Dates and Registration.
Year Round Morning Program: New for 2018!! The Year Round Morning Program is very similar to the Year Round After School Program, however the time of this class offers more options for our homeschool and charter school participants. The class is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 AM to 12:00 NOON. It is a station based class that allows children to learn golf and athletic at their own pace, while still enjoying their time at the facility. Program Dates and Registration.
Year Round After School Program: The Year Round After School Program is a class in which not only participants work on all facets of their golf game, learn the life skills of The First Tee, but also develop many athletic skills and movements which are critical in becoming an athlete and a more coordinated golfer. This program is special, in that children can come to the course and participate in class for up to three days a week! Whether a child is a beginner or intermediate golfer, stations are set up in a manner in which all skill levels can practice at their ability. Program Dates and Registration.
Play to Your Par I: New for 2018!! This class is a combination of specific practice and scheduled playing times. The goal of this program it to introduce participants ages 10+ to the concept of keeping their stats, understanding their stats, developing a plan for improvement and applying that plan during the on course sessions. Program Dates and Registration.
Little Linkers and Junior Linkers: Little Linkers and Junior Linkers are the original junior golf programs for The First Tee of Greater Sacramento. This is a once a week, 9 hole playing program for participants ages 7 to 12 (Junior Linkers is similar; however the program is for those participants ages 13 to 17). Participants have the opportunity to play weekly throughout the summer, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Jr/Sr event (a fun nine hole scramble, in which dinner and awards follow play) and the Club Championship (green fees are included). Program Dates and Registration.
LPGA Girls Play League: In an effort to grow girl’s golf, The First Tee of Greater Sacramento offers a playing program for our young female participants. This program is one that tenured golfers can play in, as well as those who are just learning on course etiquette. The goal of the program is to not only prepare female high school golf participants for a successful season, but also welcome young ladies to the course and help build confidence (green fees are included). Program Dates and Registration.
Training to Play Summer Camp: The Training to Play summer camp is designed for those children who may not have started golf at a young age, but are interested in learning more about the game. Not only are the basics to the sport discussed, but the participants will have many opportunities to play our Academy Holes, in turn building their confidence, so that they are confident on the golf course. Program Dates and Registration.
Return to Developmental Stage Descriptions
Emerging Competition
Year Round Morning Program: New for 2018!! The Year Round Morning Program is very similar to the Year Round After School Program, however the time of this class offers more options for our homeschool and charter school participants. The class is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 AM to 12:00 NOON. It is a station based class that allows children to learn golf and athletic at their own pace, while still enjoying their time at the facility. Program Dates and Registration.
Year Round After School Program: The Year Round After School Program is a class in which not only participants work on all facets of their golf game, learn the life skills of The First Tee, but also develop many athletic skills and movements which are critical in becoming an athlete and a more coordinated golfer. This program is special, in that children can come to the course and participate in class for up to three days a week! Whether a child is a beginner or intermediate golfer, stations are set up in a manner in which all skill levels can practice at their ability. Program Dates and Registration.
Play to Your Par I: New for 2018!! This class is a combination of specific practice and scheduled playing times. The goal of this program it to introduce participants ages 10+ to the concept of keeping their stats, understanding their stats, developing a plan for improvement and applying that plan during the on course sessions. Program Dates and Registration.
Play to Your Par II: New for 2018!! Play to Your Par II is phase two to Play to Your Par I. Students must have participated in Play to Your Par I prior to enrolling in Play to Your Par II. The improvement plans become more specific at this level and the expected practice time outside of the class increases. Program Dates and Registration.
Junior Tour: The First Tee of Greater Sacramento Junior Tour is a year round competitive golf tournament program for boys and girls ages 12-18. Juniors are able to play and compete on over 24 different area golf courses. The tournament season goes from March through November. The First Tee of Greater Sacramento Junior Tour allows juniors to play until their 19th birthday, or their first day of college; whichever comes first. Program Dates and Registration.
Little Linkers and Junior Linkers: Little Linkers and Junior Linkers are the original junior golf programs for The First Tee of Greater Sacramento. This is a once a week, 9 hole playing program for participants ages 7 to 12 (Junior Linkers is similar; however the program is for those participants ages 13 to 17). Participants have the opportunity to play weekly throughout the summer, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Jr/Sr event (a fun nine hole scramble, in which dinner and awards follow play) and the Club Championship (green fees are included). Program Dates and Registration.
PGA Junior Camp: The PGA Junior Camps provide an excellent opportunity for junior golfers to improve their technical skills as well as develop strong course management skills. Participants are segmented into smaller groups based on their experience level in order to create the most favorable learning environment possible. Two nine hole rounds, one eighteen hole round and lunch every day is included. Program Dates and Registration.
Summer Saturday and Weekday Supervised Practice: The Supervised Practice program is not a play league but the hope is to have the participants participate in some on course activities. This program is geared toward the junior golfer wanting to advance in the game, but may not have a total understanding in how to get there. Research shows that of 100% of one’s practice time, 70% should be done randomly, 20% through games while only 10% focused on a specific swing element. This class will do just that; teach participants how to practice and what specifically they need to practice. Program Dates and Registration.
Return to Developmental Stage Descriptions
Learning to Compete
Play to Your Par II: New for 2018!! Play to Your Par II is phase two to Play to Your Par I. Students must have participated in Play to Your Par I prior to enrolling in Play to Your Par II. The improvement plans become more specific at this level and the expected practice time outside of the class increases. Program Dates and Registration.
College Golf Prep Class: The College Golf Prep Class is a monthly fee based program that is geared toward those participants who have some competitive experience. The program includes two one-hour supervised practices, one nine-hole round and one one-hour private lesson (with designated golf professional). Our goal is to help students learn how to practice and apply those skills to the golf course.
Junior Tour: The First Tee of Greater Sacramento Junior Tour is a year round competitive golf tournament program for boys and girls ages 12-18. Juniors are able to play and compete on over 24 different area golf courses. The tournament season goes from March through November. The First Tee of Greater Sacramento Junior Tour allows juniors to play until their 19th birthday, or their first day of college; whichever comes first. Program Dates and Registration.
Little Linkers and Junior Linkers: Little Linkers and Junior Linkers are the original junior golf programs for The First Tee of Greater Sacramento. This is a once a week, 9 hole playing program for participants ages 7 to 12 (Junior Linkers is similar; however the program is for those participants ages 13 to 17). Participants have the opportunity to play weekly throughout the summer, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Jr/Sr event (a fun nine hole scramble, in which dinner and awards follow play) and the Club Championship (green fees are included). Program Dates and Registration.
PGA Junior Camp: The PGA Junior Camps provide an excellent opportunity for junior golfers to improve their technical skills as well as develop strong course management skills. Participants are segmented into smaller groups based on their experience level in order to create the most favorable learning environment possible. Two nine hole rounds, one eighteen hole round and lunch every day is included. Program Dates and Registration.
Summer Saturday and Weekday Supervised Practice: The Supervised Practice program is not a play league but the hope is to have the participants participate in some on course activities. This program is geared toward the junior golfer wanting to advance in the game, but may not have a total understanding in how to get there. Research shows that of 100% of one’s practice time, 70% should be done randomly, 20% through games while only 10% focused on a specific swing element. This class will do just that; teach participants how to practice and what specifically they need to practice. Program Dates and Registration.
Return to Developmental Stage Descriptions
