About Us

Following Tiger Woods’ historic win at Augusta in 1997, Jack Stephens, former chief executive officer of Stephens, Inc. began thinking about building a golf course in hopes of introducing young people to the game of golf. Shortly thereafter, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem approached Stephens about the concept of The First Tee. Today, The First Tee of Fort Smith operates from the Jack Stephens Youth Golf Academy, a facility adjacent to Ben Geren Regional Park in Fort Smith. The facility includes a 6-hole course, a 3-hole short course, a complete practice area which includes a large three-tiered driving range, chipping green and putting green, and the Bagby Learning Center, with its offices, lounges, library, and classroom areas. Children ages 3-17 can join The First Tee of Fort Smith for an annual membership fee of $75.00 ($60.00 for additional children) with scholarships available. The activity fee allows the member to utilize the golf courses & Learning Center and enters them into The First Tee curriculum. Members begin at the TARGET or PLAYer  Level,depending on their age, and receive instruction on both the game of golf and core values associated with The First Tee. Once the member attains the TARGET or PLAYer level, he or she moves on to the Par Level, then Birdie Level, then Eagle Level and finally the Ace Level.The First Tee of Fort Smith's course and range are open to golfers of any age with fees directly contributing to the program. Individual & Family Memberships are available for the course, range or course & range. The course and facility is also available for parties, picnics, meetings, fundraiser and more. For more details about our facility and programs, please contact our offices at 479-648-9833 or e-mail us at [email protected].