Starting out as Urban Junior Golf in the early '90s, First Tee - Tampa Bay was officially formed in 2001. First Tee -Tampa Bay provides up to 90,000 children each year with hands-on, interactive golf experiences along with introducing them to The First Tee's Nine Core Values.  A program branch of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, First Tee - Tampa Bay also partners with community members such as the Tampa Sports Authority, local youth groups, and several local golf facilities to offer year round programming for its members.

The First Tee program uses the game of golf to provide young people with the chance to develop life-enhancing values like confidence, perseverance, and judgment. First Tee teaches a series of life skills (such as goal setting, how to meet new people, and staying healthy) in all of its programs. Whether through introductory programs in more than 150 Hillsborough County public schools, afterschool and weekend programs at several local courses, or week-long summer camp experiences, First Tee shows children that golf is more than a game - it's an opportunity to become the very best they can be.