Hole in One Shootout Coming to the Children's Course, Benefiting First Tee Oregon

GLADSTONE, Oregon - In a unique new addition to the MicroGolf event put on by the Children’s Course | First Tee - Oregon, the ambassador board is continuing to give back through a new event destined to bring more action, drama, and excitement to the event.

A new hole in one shootout will have prizes ranging from $2,500 to $50,000 on every hole. 

The event benefits First Tee – Oregon which currently delivers programs for kids and teens aged 5-18 at The Children’s Course and 7 other golf facilities across the Portland area and in Eugene, in addition to in schools and with other youth serving community partners.

In 2024, the organization served over 3,500 youth through its various programs and community outreach activities. The funds raised from this event will help support our 2026 strategy to extend the reach and impact of our programs.

“As part of our recent growth, the national First Tee organization has asked our chapter to expand from a Greater Portland service area to the entire State of Oregon and SW Washington—one of only a few in the country with a statewide service area,” First Tee Oregon, Program Director Paul Herschell said. “To support that mission, our Ambassador Board—a group of younger, community-driven leaders—hosts an annual fundraising tournament: MicroGolf.”

“In past years, MicroGolf has been a traditional 3-person, 3-club scramble,” Ambassador board member, Ken Hooton said. “But like many charity scrambles, it was long and predictable—attended more for the cause than the competition. This year, we’re changing the game.”

The new hole in one shootout was inspired by a successful format pioneered by the First Tee – Greater Sacramento chapter.

MicroGolf is now a Hole-in-One Shootout presented by Charles Schwab.

“It’s faster, more exciting, and a lot more fun,” Hooton said. “Every tee shot is a chance to win. This year’s event, held September 14 at The Children’s Course in Gladstone, will feature over $140,000 in prize money, with closest-to-the-pin contests and hole-in-one prizes ranging from $2,500 to $50,000. We’ll have 8 players per hole, music, tee gifts from Jones Golf, and a simulator experience.”

The golf event is one of the main fundraisers for the First Tee – Oregon, along with the Wine and Ball event held in the spring at Waverley Country Club.

“Proceeds go directly to supporting First Tee - Oregon and the youth we serve,” Herschell said. “And for many participants, it’s also a great introduction to The Children’s Course—an approachable 9-hole loop with holes ranging from 70 to 150 yards. We hope this new format makes giving back as enjoyable as it is impactful.

“The First Tee Oregon is committed to equipping kids across the state with life skills through the game of golf. We offer access to our programs through paid, discounted, and free options—based entirely on what each family can afford—thanks to the generous support of our local donor network.”

For those who want to play in the event and support First Tee Oregon programs, sign up here: 2025 MicroGolf