To expose and educate young men and women student athletes to the inherently positive values associated with the game of golf.

Honesty - the quality or state of being truthful; not deceptive. Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves.
Integrity - strict adherence to a standard of value or conduct. Personal honesty and independence. Golf is a game of honesty, etiquette and composure. You are responsible for your actions and personal conduct on the golf course.
Sportsmanship - observing the rules of play and winning or losing with grace. You must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to conduct yourself in a respectful manner.
Respect - to feel or show deferential regard for; esteem. In golf it is important to show respect for yourself, your partners, your opponents and the golf course, as well as for the honors and traditions of the game.
Confidence - reliance or trust. A feeling of self-assurance. Confidence plays a key role in the level that you achieve. You must have confidence in your abilities every time your play.
Responsibility - accounting for ones actions. Dependable. In golf, you are responsible for yourself and your actions on the course. It is up to you to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green and keep up with the pace of play.
Perseverance - to persist in an idea, purpose or task despite obstacles. To succeed in golf, you must learn to persevere through bad breaks and your own mistakes.
Courtesy - considerate behavior toward others. A polite remark or gesture. A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Show courtesy toward others by remaining still and quiet while they prepare to execute a shot.
Judgment - the ability to make a decision or form an opinion. A decision reached after consideration. Using good judgment is critical in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot you consider executing, as well as understanding and abiding by etiquette.

The above statement was taken from the First Tee Principles of Golf, 2000