The origin of the program dates back to 1991, when it began as Urban Junior Golf at Rogers Park Golf Course in Tampa. The concept was to offer affordable and accessible golf opportunities to children from moderate socio-economic backgrounds, and to use the inherent social and recreational values associated with the game to shape the lives of each participant. Urban Junior Golf became an official program of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA in January 1998. This provided much needed administrative support and marketability. The First Tee was announced at approximately the same time, and immediate efforts were made to become an official Chapter.