2001 – The Beginning
First Tee – Central Valley was founded through the vision and support of Del Rio Country Club. To help launch the program, Del Rio established the Del Rio C.C. Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing First Tee’s mission to local youth.
2003 – The First Tee of Modesto
Originally established as The First Tee of Modesto, the program began at the Modesto Municipal Golf Course with the generous support of both Del Rio Country Club and the City of Modesto.
2007 – Growing Through The Central Valley
The First Tee of Modesto served thousands of young people through golf and character-building programming at Muni and courses throughout the Central Valley.
2011 – The First Tee of Central Valley
First Tee Headquarters officially renamed the chapter The First Tee of Central Valley, reflecting its growing impact across multiple communities and counties.
2020 – Closure of Modesto Municipal Golf Course
The City of Modesto closed the doors of the beloved Modesto Municipal Golf Course. Following the transition from Muni, First Tee – Central Valley continued its mission at Dryden Park Golf Course.
2020 – First Tee Rebrand
First Tee introduced a refreshed brand identity, including a new logo and the tagline “Building Game Changers,” to better reflect its mission of developing young people both on and off the golf course. Along with this rebrand, the organization shifted to an age-based learning program designed to meet participants at key stages of their development, making lessons more engaging and effective. First Tee also began a major push toward digital transformation, incorporating online tools and resources to modernize its curriculum and stay connected with participants in an increasingly digital world.
2023 – Boys & Girls Club of Stanislaus County
First Tee – Central Valley and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Stanislaus County formed a meaningful partnership centered around a shared mission: creating greater opportunities for local youth.
2024 – Phase I Of The Dryden Park Project
First Tee – Central Valley hosted its 20th Annual Gala, helping officially launch and fund the Dryden Park Project. In April of 2024, First Tee – Central Valley and the Del Rio C.C. Foundation celebrated a major milestone with the groundbreaking of Phase 1 of the Dryden Park Project. As momentum for the Dryden Park Project continued to grow, First Tee – Central Valley received an ARPA Grant from the City, providing critical funding for the next phase of development and construction.
2025 – Phase I Finished
First Tee – Central Valley participants were finally able to enjoy a space built specifically for them. The new practice complex provided young people with a safe, welcoming environment where they could learn the game of golf, build confidence, and continue developing life skills through First Tee programming.
2026 – Phase II Of The Dryden Park Project
In January 2026, construction officially began on Phase II of the Dryden Park Project. Building on the success of Phase I, the next phase brought additional improvements and expanded opportunities for participants and families throughout the community.
In February 2026, First Tee – Central Valley hosted another successful fundraising gala. Helping continue the growth of mentors who would be needed with the new additions that Phase II would bring.
In June 2026, Phase II was completed and officially opened for summer programming. With fresh grass planted and new spaces ready for use, participants were finally able to enjoy the fully transformed facility at Dryden Park Golf Course.