Eric Johnson

First Tee is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. We’re Building Game Changers through our junior golf programs.

First Tee — Greater Sacramento has positively impacted the young people in our area since 1983 with youth development programs running throughout the year, reaching over 58,000 young people annually. Today, First Tee — Greater Sacramento is one of First Tee’s largest chapters. We are a leader in the field of programs for young people and the disabled. First Tee – Greater Sacramento serves juniors from the ages of 3-18 with a variety of programs including summer camps, after school & Saturday programs, California Eagles (Special Olympics), adaptive physical education classes, a competitive junior golf tour, Swing Club for the Blind, First Tee School Program, and much more. First Tee — Greater Sacramento has 11 program locations in the greater Sacramento area. We have created a true farm system that supports children as young as 3 until they reach college.

The Capital Cup adapts the historic Ryder Cup format—steeped in tradition—to promote community pride, healthy competition, and raise money for the Sacramento region’s most deserving charities. Each year, leaders from the Sacramento region are divided into two teams for an exciting 3-day golf competition. Donors have the opportunity to support their favorite player (or their favorite charity), as each player is competing to benefit his or her favorite charitable organization. The winning team's designated charities share a prize fund of $100,000! The tournament started with the ambitious goal of raising $250,000 in its first year. When it well surpassed that goal, the tournament committee raised the bar, and has continued to do so every year since—and every year, the participating golfers exceed expectations. The Capital Cup has raised more than $15 million over its history.