The First Tee Learning Center was designed as part of the City of Sioux Falls’ broader investment in Elmwood Golf Course, giving youth golf education a dedicated home within the property. More than simply a place to practice, the 3,306-square-foot facility supports the broader First Tee experience by bringing learning, golf instruction and day-to-day program operations together under one roof. A flexible classroom and indoor golf simulator create opportunities for instruction and practice beyond the course, while offices, restrooms and support spaces provide a functional home for the organization.
The building also includes a welcoming kitchen and breakroom, creating a place where kids can gather, recharge and share a warm meal as part of their experience. Rather than treating these spaces as secondary amenities, the design recognizes their role in creating a more complete, supportive environment for the young people First Tee serves.
The site required solving challenges extending well beyond the building itself. The property’s proximity to the Sioux Falls Regional Airport created building and equipment height restrictions that required coordination with the FAA. The site also occupies a historic landfill, requiring over-excavation of contaminated soils and design considerations to mitigate potential harmful off-gassing.
The Learning Center was developed alongside the new Elmwood clubhouse and cart storage facility, requiring careful phasing so the existing clubhouse and golf course could remain operational during construction. This larger planning effort allowed the City to address Elmwood’s operational needs while creating a permanent home for First Tee within the golf course property.
The result is a purpose-built learning environment that balances practical requirements with a larger community purpose. Classrooms support education, the simulator extends opportunities for golf instruction, offices support First Tee operations, and the kitchen and breakroom give kids a comfortable place to gather and refuel. Together, these spaces strengthen First Tee’s presence at Elmwood and create a place where the next generation can learn, practice and connect through the game of golf.
