Scratch Golf, a wellness program founded and funded by the Congenital Heart Alliance, partners with local children’s hospitals and First Tee chapters to provide an introductory camp for eligible patients. At NO COST TO FAMILIES, this complimentary camp is followed by FREE classes at First Tee, so Scratch Golf kids can further their love for the game and stay active.

Scratch Golf provides swag and a fun environment to learn a game that will help them physically, emotionally, and socially. As the child grows and if they love the sport, we will continue to support them with future camps, classes, and equipment – reducing the barrier of continuing the sport.

Because BUILDING COMMUNITY is as much a part of Scratch Golf as the kids’ golf camps, additional events may be hosted throughout the year to bring families together.

Who is eligible?

Scratch Golf is open to patients from partnering hospitals with CHD ages 6-17 (depending on location). Consideration for admittance to camp is based upon review from the patient’s medical staff.

What is required?

Participants must commit to the multi-day, Scratch Golf camp hosted by First Tee, followed by an additional set of classes at First Tee to continue the fun and golf instruction. Each First Tee chapter has numerous program locations to allow a family to choose what’s most convenient for them.

How do I sign up?

  1. Find your location below to find dates for the Scratch Golf camp in your area.
  2. Following the camp, kids/teens must commit to a future First Tee set of classes held in the summer or fall. Each location below has a link to the First Tee’s full schedule so you can select a class for them to attend after camp. Note that although camp is at one location, First Tee’s have multiple locations and you can choose one that is most convenient for you. There is no charge to the family for the camp or future classes.
  3. Click the link under your city to register directly for our camp with First Tee.
  4. After registration, we will be in touch with you to confirm eligibility and provide instructions to sign up for the next-desired, First Tee class.

Austin

Since 2025

Scratch Golf – Austin, in partnership with the Congenital Heart Alliance, First Tee – Greater Austin, and Dell Children’s Medical Center, took place March 16-19 at Harvey Penick Golf Campus. A fantastic time was had by all! 

Check out the Scratch Golf Spring Break Camp – Austin video courtesy of Matthew Hooker, UT Health.

  • This camp is open to CHD patients ages 7-17 years old.
  • Following the 4 day camp, kids will attend classes at First Tee to further the learning. There are several locations for classes so you can choose what is most convenient for you. 
  • Both the camp and future class are FREE and both are required as part of the Scratch Golf program.
  • No equipment is needed. We will supply all that is needed for camp and future classes, you just need to arrive with a water bottle, and the enthusiasm to meet other kids who also have CHD and to learn something new or if you are already a golfer, the desire to improve!
  • Use coupon code ScratchGolf26 at registration checkout.
  • Once you are registered for camp, we will contact you with information to register for future classes.

Cincinnati

Since 2016

Scratch Golf Cincinnati, in partnership with Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati, First Tee – Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, and Cincinnati Children’s Heart Institute, will take place at Reeves Golf Course July 30-31 & Aug 1 from 9:30-11:30am. 

  • This camp is open to CHD patients ages 6-14 years old.
  • Following the 3 day camp, kids will attend classes at First Tee to further the learning. There are several locations for classes so you can choose what is most convenient for you. 
  • Both the camp and future class are FREE and both are required as part of the Scratch Golf program.
  • No equipment is needed. We will supply all that is needed for camp and future classes, you just need to arrive with a water bottle, and the enthusiasm to meet other kids who also have CHD and to learn something new or if you are already a golfer, the desire to improve!
  • Once you are registered for camp, we will contact you with information to register for future classes.

Columbus

Since 2026

Registration is now open! 

Scratch Golf Columbus, in partnership with Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati, First Tee – Central Ohio, and The Heart Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, will take place at Blacklick Woods Golf Course on March 28 and April 4, 2026 from 10-11:30 am.

  • This camp is open to CHD patients ages 7-14 years old.
  • Following the 2-day camp, kids will attend summer classes at First Tee to further the learning. There are several locations for summer classes so you can choose what is most convenient for you. 
  • Both the camp and future class are FREE and both are required as part of the Scratch Golf program.
  • No equipment is needed. We will supply all that is needed for camp and future classes, you just need to arrive with a water bottle, and the enthusiasm to meet other kids who also have CHD and to learn something new or if you are already a golfer, the desire to improve!
  • Once you are registered for camp, we will contact you with information to register for the future classes.

Houston

Since 2026

Registration now open!

Scratch Golf Houston, in partnership with Congenital Heart Alliance, First Tee – Greater Houston, and Texas Children’s Heart Center, will take place June 2-4 from 5-6:30 at Memorial Park Golf Course (1001 East Memorial Loop Dr., Houston, TX 77007).

  • This camp is open to CHD patients ages 7-14 years old.
  • Following the 3-day camp, kids will attend summer classes at First Tee to further the learning. Summer schedule is being developed and will be available to view soon. There are several locations for summer classes so you can choose what is most convenient for you. 
  • Both the camp and future class are FREE and both are required as part of the Scratch Golf program.
  • No equipment is needed. We will supply all that is needed for camp and future classes, you just need to arrive with a water bottle, and the enthusiasm to meet other kids who also have CHD and to learn something new or if you are already a golfer, the desire to improve.
  • Once you register for camp, you will receive an email with instructions on how to enroll in a future First Tee class. 

Twin Cities

Since 2025

Registration now open!

Scratch Golf Twin Cities, in partnership with Congenital Heart Alliance, First Tee – Minnesota, M Health Fairview, and Minnesota Children’s, will take place June 24-26, from 10-noon, at Highland Park National Golf Club (1403 Montreal Ave. St. Paul, MN 55116).

  • This camp is open to CHD patients ages 6-14 years old.
  • Following the 3-day camp, kids will attend future classes at First Tee to further the learning. There are several locations for summer classes so you can choose what is most convenient for you. 
  • Both the camp and future class are FREE and both are required as part of the Scratch Golf program.
  • No equipment is needed. We will supply all that is needed for camp and future classes, you just need to arrive with a water bottle, and the enthusiasm to meet other kids who also have CHD and to learn something new or if you are already a golfer, the desire to improve.
  • Once you register for camp, you will receive an email with instructions on how to enroll in a future First Tee class. 

New Orleans​

Since 2022

Scratch Golf New Orleans, in partnership with the Henry Auction Foundation, First Tee – Greater New Orleans, and Manning Family Children’s and Ochsner Children’s, will take place June 3-5 from 9 am – noon at Audubon Golf Course (6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70118). 

  • This camp is open to patients 7-17 years old.
  • Following the 3 day camp, kids will attend a session of classes at First Tee to further the learning. There are several locations for classes so you can choose what is most convenient for you. 
  • Both the camp and future class are FREE and both are required as part of the Scratch Golf program.
  • No equipment is needed. We will supply all that is needed for camp and future classes, you just need to arrive with a water bottle, and the enthusiasm to meet other kids who also have CHD and to learn something new or if you are already a golfer, the desire to improve!
  • Once you register for camp, you will receive an email with instructions on how to enroll in a future First Tee class.

Phoenix

Since 2020

Scratch Golf Phoenix, in partnership with Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati, First Tee – Phoenix, and Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

This camp is open to patients 7-17 years old.

Check back for more details.

Have Questions? Contact [email protected] or call 513.812.2266.

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