The First Tee, an urban golf program that makes golf accessible to underprivileged children, is forming a St. Louis chapter.

The national organization plans to partner with the  St. Louis Tee Masters Golf Club to offer its program to children in both Missouri and Illinois. First Tee will provide some funding for the program, and the remainder will be raised by local golf organizations.

"This will enable us to have places for kids to play golf," said Jerry Jones, a charter member of Tee Masters.

The First Tee, an initiative of the World Golf Federation, is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible golf to those who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play the game.

"Golf is a game that can teach a kid a lot of life lessons," said Charles Crump, also a charter member of Tee Masters. "It teaches honesty, integrity and humility."

Tee Masters currently teaches golf to underprivileged children at the Ruth Park in University City, Forest Park and Eagle Springs Golf Club courses. First Tee would expand the program to include children in Illinois and help build facilities that would be open year round. The organization is expected to be in place by December.