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.

Watch Scratch Golf Video

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.
Register at First Tee - Greater Austin

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 17-20 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.
  • Stay tuned for updates and our next camp in 2026!
Registration Coming Soon

Cincinnati

Since 2016

Registration information for 2026 coming soon!

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 2026. Date/Time TBD

  • This camp is open to CHD patients ages 6-14 years old.
  • Following the 3 day camp, kids will attend fall classes at First Tee to further the learning. There are several locations for fall classes so you can choose what is most convenient for you. Once you are registered for camp, we will contact you with information to register for the fall class. 
  • 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!
Sign Up to Stay Informed

Columbus

Since 2026

Registration is coming soon! Join our list to be informed when it’s available.

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!
Sign Up to Stay Informed

Houston

Since 2026

Registration coming soon! 

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 at the beginning of 2026. 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.
Registration Coming Soon

Saint Paul/Minneapolis

Since 2025

Scratch Golf Twin Cities, in partnership with Congenital Heart Alliance, First Tee – Minnesota, M Health Fairview, and Minnesota Children’s, took place at Highland Park National Golf Club (1403 Montreal Ave. St. Paul, MN 55116) June 24-27, 2025. A terrific time was had by all! 

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

  • Following registration for camp, staff will follow up to schedule the next class with First Tee over the summer. Both the camp and future class are FREE and both are required as part of the Scratch Golf Program program.

  • Staff from the Congenital Heart Alliance will continue to keep in touch with information to prepare you for what to expect at camp.

  • 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, to learn something new or if you are already a golfer, the desire to improve!

  • Registration for 2026 is coming soon!
Registration Coming Soon

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, took place at City Park North Course June 17-19 (1051 Filmore Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124). A great time was had by all!

  • This camp is open to patients 7-17 years old.
  • Following the 3 day camp, kids will attend a fall session of classes at First Tee to further the learning. Classes are August 30-October 24. There are several locations for classes so you can choose what is most convenient for you. Fall registration does not open until July so we will follow up to remind you. Visit First Tee – Greater New Orleans to see location. 
  • 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!
  • Registration information for 2026 is coming soon!
Register at First Tee - Phoenix

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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