Pro Kids, First Tee - San Diego's mission is to challenge underserved youth to excel in life by promoting character development, life skills, and values through education and the game of golf. At Pro Kids, we believe in developing opportunities that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Through our Golf & Life Skills, Pro Kids Academy, and Pro Kids Scholarship programs, our members experience unique opportunities, consistent support, and character-building to give them the tools for a successful future. Pro Kids was founded in 1994 by former AFL/NFL player Ernest H. Wright, Sr., and a group of community leaders, who saw the game of golf as a way to help underserved youth develop the character and life skills required to find success in school and in life. In 2012, a second location was opened in Oceanside. Ernie passed in 2007, but his passion for helping kids succeed in life continues. Since 1994, we have seen more than 25,000 kids’ lives transformed through values intrinsic to the game of golf – honesty, confidence, and respect. Pro Kids is part of First Tee, an international youth development organization founded by the PGA and other associations to advance the game of golf. First Tee modeled much of the founding programming after Pro Kids and in 1998, Pro Kids became a charter member, adopting the name Pro Kids, First Tee – San Diego.