Scratch Golf

The Scratch Golf program helps children with Congenital Heart Disease - and children identified as at risk for future heart disease - socially, emotionally, and physically, through golf.

What is Scratch Golf?

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, as well as golf clubs, to all participate who complete the camp and First Tee classes. In addition, as the child grows, we will fit them for larger clubs if they continue to attend camp, 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 with CHD ages 6/7 (depending on location) to 17. 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 clinic 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.

What is First Tee?

First Tee is a youth development organization that integrate the game of golf with a life skills curriculum. With over 150 chapters across the US and beyond, and a program with a similar mission to Scratch Golf, these local chapters are the perfect organization for us to partner with us to deliver a golf program that is not only engaging but provides ongoing classes and opportunities for kids and teens to grow on and off the course.

How do I sign up?

Find your location below to find dates for the Scratch Golf camp in your area.
Following the camp, kids/teens must commit to a future First Tee camp held in the summer of 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 class. 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.
Click the link under your city to register directly for our camp with First Tee.
Helpful hints when registering for First Tee:
1. Click the link and then “Create an Account”
2. Once account is created, you will “Add a Participant”. This will bring you to a section to put information about your child. Save.
3. Now when you click the dropdown, that child will appear for you to select. Add to cart.
4. Click the shopping cart at the top right and check out. Here you will use your coupon code “Dell25” to receive the discount.
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.

Scratch Golf Locations and Registration

Austin – March 17-20, 2025 | 9 am – 3 pm

NEW!! Since 2025

Harvey Penick Golf Campus

5501 Ed Bluestein Blvd, Austin, TX 78723

Scratch Golf – Austin, in partnership with the Congenital Heart Alliance, First Tee – Greater Austin, and Dell Children’s Medical Center, will take place March 17-20 at Harvey Penick Golf Campus. Families may choose to participate in a full day camp (9 am-3 pm) or a half day camp (9-noon). You can select your preference when registering.

This camp is open to CHD patients ages 7-17 years old.
No equipment is needed, just 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!
If your child does have golf clubs, they may bring them to camp. We suggest you label each club with their name in case it gets left behind.
Please bring snacks, water, and a sack lunch for camp!
Registration is now open using the button below! Use Dell25 as a coupon when checking out to claim your free camp.
As a reminder, kids participate in this camp with fellow CHD kids/teens and then participate in a future First Tee class of their choice to keep learning – FREE! The full 2025 First Tee – Greater Austin schedule will be released prior to spring break camp. Once this is released,and after registering for Scratch Golf camp, a staff member will reach out to schedule the summer or fall First Tee session you wish to attend.
Staff from the Congenital Heart Alliance will continue to keep in touch with information to prepare you for what to expect at camp. If you have any questions, please reach out to Jeanne.Siegel@chaoc.org or 513.812.2266.

Austin – Register Here!

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 in 2025! Stay tuned for 2025 information.

This camp is open to patients 6-14 years old.

New Orleans

Since 2022

Scratch Golf New Orleans, in partnership with the Henry Auction Foundation, First Tee – Greater New Orleans, and The Heart Center at Children’s Hospital New Orleans and Ochsner Children’s, will take place at Audubon Golf Course in 2025! Stay tuned for 2025 information.

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

NEW!! Minneapolis – Coming 2025!

Since 2025

Scratch Golf Minneapolis, in partnership with Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati, First Tee – Minnesota, and University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital, will take place at Highland Park National Golf Club in 2025. Plans are underway. If you are in the Minneapolis area and interested in joining camp in 2025, please contact info@chaoc.org to learn more.