Actor Michael Peña and golf broadcaster Amanda Balionis headline this year’s guest speaker lineup.
EMIGRANT, Montana – Youth development organization First Tee and longtime partner PGA TOUR Superstore are hosting the 2026 First Tee Leadership Summit at West Creek Ranch, welcoming 40 participants for two weeks of leadership development set against the backdrop of Paradise Valley in Montana.
Now in its sixth year, the Leadership Summit pairs outdoor adventure with intentional reflection to foster personal growth. Participants take on horseback riding, whitewater rafting, a challenge course and archery, while leadership development experts and PGA TOUR Superstore staff guide sessions designed to help teens uncover their values, sharpen their communication and grow through new experiences.
Actor and First Tee Ambassador Michael Peña will serve as guest speaker the first week, and golf broadcaster Amanda Balionis will join the teens during the second week.
Bordered by the Yellowstone River, West Creek Ranch is owned by PGA TOUR Superstore chairman and First Tee Board Member Arthur M. Blank.
“First Tee Leadership Summit provides these teens with an incredible opportunity to grow, learn and build meaningful connections,” said Ralph Stokes, vice president of social impact, partnerships and community relations at PGA TOUR Superstore. “It reflects what makes First Tee so impactful: helping young people build character, develop life skills and discover their potential. At PGA TOUR Superstore, we are committed to investing in programs like this that empower the participants to grow into better players and people.”
“Golf is just the starting point for what we do at First Tee,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Leadership Summit pushes teens to explore who they are, who they want to become and how they can lead with purpose. It is one of our most transformative opportunities, and we are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for making it possible.”
Before applying for the Leadership Summit, each participant must complete the First Tee Leadership Series, a five-week program held at PGA TOUR Superstores across the U.S. This year’s group was selected from a competitive applicant pool and represents 31 First Tee chapters from across the country.
In addition to supporting the Leadership Series and Leadership Summit, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation support First Tee chapters through grants and in-kind donations.
Leadership Summit is one of several signature participant opportunities First Tee offers in support of its mission to build game changers through golf. For more information, visit firsttee.org.
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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
The mission of First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR and many other organizations, foundations, companies and individuals. Over nearly 30 years, First Tee has reached millions of young people through its network of 150 Chapters, nearly 12,000 schools and nearly 2,000 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. The First Tee’s Honorary Chair is legendary CBS Sports commentator Jim Nantz.
