What if a game could help young people build confidence, character, and resilience?

For many youth, especially in underserved communities, golf has long felt like a world apart — a sport seen as exclusive, inaccessible, and disconnected from real life. Opportunities to step onto a course, let alone learn from it, are rare.

At Saint John’s Resort, we believe golf can be more than a game — it can be a tool for growth.

“When you see a young person make great contact with the golf ball for the first time—and believe they truly belong here—that’s when you know this work makes a difference.” -Nick Becks, Executive Director of Golf, Saint John’s Resort

The Cardinal at Saint John’s has proudly served as a programming site for First Tee–Greater Detroit, a national youth development organization that uses golf to teach young people essential life skills such as perseverance, integrity, and resiliency. Here, the course becomes a classroom: every swing, every challenge, and every success helps build not just better players, but stronger individuals.

Through this partnership, a new generation can gain confidence, develop resilience, and believe in their own potential—on the course and far beyond it.

“Golf teaches you about life—how to stay patient, pick yourself up after a bad shot, and keep aiming forward. Supporting First Tee in helping these kids build those life skills will have a force multiplier effect on our communities.” -Kevin Doyle, COO, Pulte Family Charitable Foundation

When you stay, play, or host with us, you are part of this story — helping open new doors for young people who are learning not just how to play the game, but how to grow through it. Thank you for being part of their journey.