Next Round becomes First Tee’s national trade-in partner

Next Round has launched a nationwide trade-in program with First Tee that sends the full value of donated golf clubs to local chapters. The partnership gives golfers a simple way to clear out old equipment while creating unrestricted funding for youth golf programs.

Why it matters: - The program creates a new funding stream for First Tee chapters without requiring extra staff or infrastructure. - Golfers can turn unused clubs into local support for youth golf programs through a process built into First Tee’s website. - Next Round will also add 50 cents to First Tee for every dollar generated through the initiative, up to $50,000 per year.

What happened: - Next Round was named First Tee’s national trade-in partner. - The partnership expands a relationship that has developed over several years into a nationwide fundraising program. - The program is live through First Tee’s website. - Golfers can trade in old clubs and equipment online, and the full value of those trade-ins goes to local First Tee chapters.

The details: - Each chapter receives 100% of the trade-in value generated through the program. - No service fees or processing fees are deducted from the proceeds. - Chapters that collect clubs locally can box and ship equipment with prepaid labels automatically generated through the platform. - Individual supporters can also handle mail-in donations directly. - Golfers can visit First Tee’s equipment donation page to receive a quote and a prepaid shipping label through the Next Round platform. - Next Round is a trade-in platform for golf retailers, fitters and private clubs. - The company provides high-quality, gently used golf equipment and turnkey trade-in programs. - Next Round says its operations are designed to minimize staff hassle, improve the member experience and support golf facilities. - Next Round says the program supports a broader mission to grow the game and make golf more accessible. - The company says each trade-in also gives clubs a second life and helps reduce landfill waste.

Between the lines: - The structure removes common friction in equipment donation by linking trade-ins directly to local chapter funding. - The no-fee setup makes the fundraising model more efficient than a typical donation pipeline. - The matching contribution from Next Round adds an extra incentive for participation and could increase chapter revenue if adoption scales.

What's next: - First Tee chapters can begin using the program immediately through the website. - Golfers can start requesting quotes and prepaid labels now. - The additional contribution from Next Round runs annually, capped at $50,000. - The partnership could become a repeatable model for other youth sports or golf nonprofits seeking equipment-based fundraising.

The bottom line: - The partnership turns unused golf clubs into unrestricted local dollars for First Tee chapters, with a built-in bonus from Next Round.