The game of golf is more than just a sport; it’s a powerful vehicle for personal growth, leadership and community. For Meredith Speer, First Tee has been an integral part of her journey, not just to become a skilled golfer but to pursue a career in the industry. Her story highlights the transformative impact of First Tee programs, which have helped shape her path on and off the golf course.
Meredith joined First Tee – Greater El Paso at 6, and when her family later moved to Cedar Park, Texas, she became involved with First Tee – Greater Austin. Female leaders at both chapters became mentors for Meredith, who soon realized she wanted golf to be a big part of her life.
“Kristi Albers started my love for the game by taking me under her wing and giving me lessons after every Saturday class,” Meredith said. “And Jennifer MacCurrach has been a mentor in so many aspects of my life – in and outside of golf.”
Meredith is currently enrolled in the PGA Golf Management Program at Sam Houston State University, where she was recently elected president of the PGM Student Association. This summer she’ll intern at Southern Hills Country Club, which has hosted three U.S. Opens and five PGA Championships.
“At this internship, I will be working in the golf performance center learning all about giving lessons and club fittings,” she said. “Along with that, I will get more experience working outside services and inside the golf shop getting more experience with merchandising.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program is shaping future leaders
Meredith is a member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. As a Scholar, she receives access to professional development opportunities, a dedicated mentor and financial support.
“The First Tee Scholarship Program has supported me in so many ways academically and socially,” she explained. “It’s given me the confidence I need to pursue a career in golf, and I’ve had the opportunity to hear from women who are already in the industry. Their stories have inspired me and assured me that success is possible.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program is supported by generous partners like Chevron, which hosted a group of First Tee alumni at The Chevron Championship in Woodlands, Texas, last week. Meredith attended the event and networked with a variety of golf industry professionals.
“The alumni meetup at The Chevron Championship was one of the most amazing experiences,” Meredith said. “Getting to meet up with my fellow First Tee friends and watch the amazing LPGA golfers only solidified my choice of working in this industry.”
The First Tee Alumni Network helps connect past participants, providing networking opportunities, social events and job listings. Join now.
It’s no secret that First Tee considers its coaches to be the most important ingredient in its success. All trained and background checked, First Tee coaches connect with participants to ensure each one feels safe and celebrated for the qualities that make them unique.
One coach who exemplifies First Tee’s mission is Emily Ortmeier of First Tee – Southern Colorado, who has been with the chapter for five years. “Emily Ortmeier is more than a coach; she is a mentor and role model,” said First Tee – Southern Colorado board member Jeff Stedman.
A former collegiate golfer, Emily leads by example and inspires participants to do their best on and off the golf course, according to her colleagues at First Tee – Southern Colorado.
“When a participant fails, Coach Emily is always there to console and encourage them to persevere,” said chapter CEO Sandy Johnson. “She uses these moments as learning opportunities that greatly help to develop the character of each participant, reassuring them that we must fail in order to learn how to succeed and get right back to pursuing our goals.”
Eagles for Impact at THE PLAYERS® Championship
As the eyes of the golf world turn to TPC Sawgrass for THE PLAYERS Championship 2025, there’s an extra reason to root for low scores. For every eagle or double eagle carded by the pros during the tournament, Morgan Stanley will donate $5,000 to support First Tee’s coach training efforts.
Last year, Emily was one of 107 coaches to benefit from Morgan Stanley’s generosity. She attended a Level 4 training in Monterey, California, and has advanced to the point where she now leads Level 1 trainings for new coaches. She’s trained 20 coaches in her region.
First Tee – Southern Colorado colleagues agree that Emily’s passion for making golf accessible to all kids is evident in her work. She’s helped 21 new schools and community centers begin offering First Tee programming over the last two years.
In fact, Emily means so much to the community that she was recently recognized with Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest’s 40 Under 40 Award.
Coaches make the difference
According to research from First Tee and Harris Poll, 80% of parents believe there’s a shortage of high caliber coaches today. That’s why First Tee is committed to coach training and youth safety.
Nine out of 10 parents agree that coaches should help their child succeed both on and off the field, and parents view coaching as instrumental for teaching collaboration, resilience and leadership – all qualities that become even more important into adulthood.
Learn more about the importance of youth sports coaches.
Young people have lots to navigate – not just school and career development, but they’re also building confidence, overcoming challenges and taking on their first leadership roles. These are all areas where a mentor can help.
For many participants, First Tee coaches serve as early mentors, with parents seeing the benefits. According to research from First Tee and Harris Poll, parents turn to coaches to help teach their kids character, perseverance and leadership skills.
Three-quarters of adults who were mentored in their youth say their mentor “contributed significantly to their success later in life.”
With its many benefits, mentorship is an essential element of the First Tee College Scholarship Program which extends First Tee’s impact to alumni by providing support throughout their post-graduate career. In addition to receiving financial support and professional development opportunities, each First Tee Scholar is matched with an adult mentor to help support them during their college experience.
“We’ve seen our Scholars buy into their mentorship connections and because of that, they have another layer of support to guide them through any obstacles and challenges they face in college,” said Robbie Lowman, who oversees the First Tee College Scholarship Program. “Our mentors help our Scholars become the best versions of themselves, which benefits them in the job market.”
An alumna of First Tee – Upstate South Carolina, Scholar Nelia Leong is a junior at the University of Florida. As she prepares to apply to dental school, Nelia reflected on her connection with her mentor, Jennifer Weiler, senior vice president of network relations at First Tee.
“The most important lesson I’ve learned from Jen is that it’s okay to ask for help,” Nelia. “In fact, it can lead to incredible opportunities.”
Jen helped Nelia connect with a dentist in her network. Nelia has since been shadowing and assisting him for two years, and he’s writing a letter of recommendation for her dental school applications.
“Jen’s mentorship has been one of the most important relationships in my life,” Nelia said. “We’ve built a strong, trusting bond where I feel comfortable sharing all aspects of my life, knowing she’ll listen and offer support.”
Nelia said Jen was there for her during the stressful lead up to her Dental Admissions Test last year, and Jen was the first person she texted to celebrate after receiving an excellent score on the exam.
While having a mentor on your side can be incredibly beneficial, it’s not always easy to build and maintain a relationship in a busy world.
“I built a personal connection with my mentor by keeping her updated on both the big and small events in my life,” Nelia said. “She celebrates my successes and supports me through challenges.”
In addition to texting, Nelia and Jen connect by Google Meet at least once per month. They especially relish opportunities to meet in person.
Jen says she has enjoyed being Nelia’s mentor throughout her college journey. “It has been fun to connect with Nelia virtually, on the golf course and at First Tee scholar events. She is such an impressive young woman and has an incredible future ahead of her.” She added, “I am so proud to have been a very small part of her success in college.”
Nelia’s tips for cultivating a strong mentor-mentee relationship:
Try to connect at least once a month, and don’t be afraid to reach out about the small things.
For Bellamy, an energetic 8-year-old with a bright smile and an even brighter future, golf has become more than a game – it’s a gateway to growth, community and self-confidence. It all began when her kindergarten teacher introduced her to the sport. From there, Bellamy joined a program through the city of Columbus, where her passion blossomed, eventually leading her to LPGA-USGA Girls Golf (Girls Golf) at First Tee – Central Ohio.
What started as a casual interest quickly became a source of joy and opportunity. “It was really surprising that so young, she gravitated toward one sport,” shared her mother, Daniele. “I really appreciate golf because it opened this whole new life of opportunities for her.”
This past summer, Bellamy took her skills to the next level. In addition to Girls Golf classes, she joined a PGA Jr. League competition team, enjoying the new experience of team play. Eager for new challenges, she stepped into individual competition through local US Kids Golf events, where she quickly found success, earning first and second place finishes in her age group.
Bellamy’s achievements didn’t stop there. As a dual citizen of Brazil and the United States, thanks to her mother’s Brazilian heritage, Bellamy qualified for the US Kids Golf South American Golf Championship in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, following her standout performance at the US Kids Columbus Tour Championship. Competing internationally under the Brazilian flag was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity – but also a daunting one. What gave Bellamy the final push she needed was the fact that her family lives in a nearby state about a 45 minute flight away from Rio, and would be able to come see her compete.
The tournament was held on the Olympic Golf Course in Rio, a stunning yet challenging venue with beautiful ocean views, strong winds and plenty of bunkers. Bellamy, both excited and anxious, eagerly faced the challenge ahead and was thrilled to compete with kids from 17 different countries all over South America. Fluent in Portuguese, Bellamy found herself navigating a multilingual environment where participants traded golf terms in three different languages.
One unforgettable moment was being invited to serve as the flag bearer for Brazil during the Parade of Nations. “I was very proud of her representing both of her cultures,” said Daniele. “She really embraced it.”
Bellamy’s favorite part of the tournament? “The animals on the course were so cool – capybaras, alligators, baby owls and even monkeys! They were everywhere!”
Bellamy’s hard work paid off, as she finished sixth in her age group –a result that filled both her and her family with pride. “I was so proud of Bellamy – proud of how courageous she was during the competition, how she was able to check and handle her emotions, and reset on her skills,” said Daniele. “It was amazing to see her as this little athlete with all these tools in her toolbox.”
Since her time in Brazil, Bellamy has received invitations to other international events, a testament to the doors opened by her dedication and the support of her coaches, her community and First Tee. While she hasn’t committed to any yet, she’s excited about the possibilities ahead.
“She’s taken on this identity of ‘I’m a golfer.’ She’s developing relationships that are beneficial for her,” said Daniele. “And she’s learning these additional skills outside of golf – like how to shake hands and introduce herself – that she has no idea she’s learning.“
Bellamy’s journey is a shining example of how First Tee impacts lives far beyond the golf course. Through the program, she’s gained more than just skills; she’s found mentorship, confidence and a love for sharing the game with others.
As Daniele put it, “One of the biggest gifts of this program is that it’s not just about golf – it’s really, truly about engagement with the kids. These coaches have poured into her life far beyond the weekly class. I have this huge village now of people who are super invested in her and can set her up for success.”
Make a Difference During 12 Days of Giving!
As we celebrate Bella’s experience, we invite you to help empower more youth like her by supporting First Tee – Central Ohio’s 12 Days of Giving Campaign. Your donation will help provide life-changing opportunities and ensure every kid has the chance to reach their full potential.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 by December 14th – will you help us continue impacting kids in Central Ohio?
For Bella, a high school sophomore and a proud First Tee – Central Ohio and LPGA-USGA Girls Golf participant, this year has been one for the books. Between playing on her high school golf team and balancing academics, Bella’s passion for golf continues to fuel her success. This June, she reached a thrilling new milestone: competing in the inaugural LPGA-USGA Girls Golf National Championship at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in North Carolina.
The tournament brought together 144 talented girls from across the country to play on a championship-level course. For Bella, it was one of the largest – and most exciting – tournaments she’s ever played. “Walking out onto the course was an amazing experience,” Bella shared. “I felt a mix of nerves and excitement, but mostly I felt so blessed to be there. The tournament was really big, but it felt small and personable because of all the community around you.”
Bella’s journey to Pine Needles wasn’t just about the golf. Over the course of the event, she connected with players from all walks of life, including reconnecting with a friend from a previous tournament. She remembered bonding over a love for the game and sharing stories about their lives. “Meeting different people from so many different places was incredible,” Bella said. “It made me realize how big and supportive the golf community really is.”
Her first round at the tournament tested her resilience. “I felt so much pressure to perform well,” Bella admitted. “I got stuck in my own head.” But thanks to a heart-to-heart with Coach Denise, Girls Golf FTCO Site Director, Bella found her footing. “She reminded me to play for myself, to enjoy the game, and to focus on doing my best – not on what others expect.”
With a renewed mindset, Bella found her rhythm on the second day. She not only improved her performance but also cheered on her fellow competitors. “I was able to uplift a lot of people out there, and it put them at ease. We all wanted to have a good time and soak in the experience. Once I shared what I was feeling, it lightened everyone’s mood, and we were able to have an awesome round.”
Bella walked away from the championship with more than just tournament experience. She gained confidence, lifelong friendships and memories she’ll treasure forever. Her advice to young golfers is simple: “Shine your light. Even if it’s not the brightest – your light is unique and it’s going to get stronger and brighter every day that you work toward your goals.”
Through this incredible opportunity, Bella grew her skills, character, and love for the game. And her story is just one of many. There are countless kids like Bella who, through golf, are learning resilience, leadership and the importance of community.
Make a Difference During 12 Days of Giving!
As we celebrate Bella’s experience, we invite you to help empower more youth like her by supporting First Tee – Central Ohio’s 12 Days of Giving Campaign. Your donation will help provide life-changing opportunities and ensure every kid has the chance to reach their full potential.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 by December 14th – will you help us continue impacting kids in Central Ohio?
Three of four parents worry about their child being bullied. Parents know bullying is a problem, but they might not always know how to recognize its signs or how to address it.
“October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus and raise awareness on bullying,” said Kristin Westberg, senior director of curriculum and education at First Tee and author of several books on bullying.
What is bullying?
Bullying is defined as repeated aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Sometimes it can be difficult for parents to differentiate between bullying and bad behavior. Don’t discount your child’s feelings if they’re embarrassed or their feelings are hurt; however, these outcomes might not be the result of bullying.
“For an action to be considered bullying, the behavior must be unwanted by the person experiencing the bullying and intentional on the part of the person who is bullying,” Westberg explained. “There needs to be a power imbalance, making it difficult for the victim to defend themself, and the action must be repeated.”
Bullies intend to intimidate, harm or control their victim, and their actions can take the following forms:
Physical violence
Name calling, making threats or taunting
Spreading rumors or intentionally ruining someone’s reputation
Cyberbullying online or by text
How to prevent bullying
Westberg suggests communicating these messages to your kids to help them understand the potential impact of bullying.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected here.” Reinforce that everyone has the right to be treated with kindness and respect.
“Your words and actions matter. Choose to be kind.” Help your kids understand the power of their behavior and encourage them to think before acting or speaking.
“Everyone has something unique to offer. Let’s celebrate our differences and work together.” Promote inclusivity and appreciation for diversity, helping to prevent bullying that stems from misunderstandings or judgment.
“Let’s build a community where everyone can be themselves and feel accepted for who they are.” Build a supportive and accepting community where everyone feels valued and safe.
“Being a leader means standing up for others and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.” Be a positive role model for your child.
Build your child’s confidence
Low self-esteem may make kids both more susceptible to being bullied and to bullying. A simple way parents can help their child build confidence is by listening to them and supporting their interests.
Encourage your child to try new things in a safe environment to help them learn what they’re capable of and that failure is a natural part of growth.
Many parents believe extracurriculars, including youth sports, can help kids feel more confident. First Tee and Harris Poll collaborated on research that shows that 90% of parents agree that youth sports coaches could impact their child’s ability to respect others.
You can access additional resources on bullying at stopbullying.gov.
September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Alex Yang from First Tee – Coachella Valley shared his story of how the chapter has supported him through his diagnosis and treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
“I joined First Tee about 3 years ago, right after the COVID-19 pandemic. I played soccer for nine years and never played golf before, but I wanted to try a new sport outside of my comfort zone. As soon as I joined the program, I immediately fell in love with it. Before joining First Tee, I assumed it was just about learning golf and nothing else. I had no idea about the incredible life lessons they taught or the value of them. As a beginner golfer, I was very nervous and anxious about my lack of golf knowledge and was unsure how I would fit in. However, the environment at First Tee – Coachella Valley was astonishing.
It was a place where everybody was welcome, regardless of their background or skill level. All of the coaches and other participants were extremely supportive and encouraging to each other. As we learned about skills to use both on and off the course, it opened my eyes to how golf is more than just the sport. The lessons I learned through the core values and other curriculums helped me grow as a person and became a part of my identity.
As I continued with First Tee, I participated in many of their programs besides just their teen group classes such as the Divots and Diversity class, Evans Scholar Caddie Program, PGA TOUR Superstore Leadership Class, standard bearing at the American Express, giving speeches at First Tee events, and even being selected to go to the PGATSS Leadership Academy in Atlanta in 2023. Throughout all of these experiences, I was exposed to remarkable people as well as countless opportunities. This helped me to build my own self confidence and learn how to pursue the goals that I set for myself. As I expanded my horizons, I looked towards the many national opportunities that First Tee provides over the summer. Unfortunately, there were unexpected developments that prevented me from participating.
Starting in October of 2023, I noticed some signs that something was out of the ordinary. I experienced extreme fatigue, which caused me to fall asleep in almost every single one of my classes each day, even with eight to nine hours of sleep a day. I had just assumed that schoolwork and my activities were taking a toll on me. In December and January, I got sick very easily and multiple times in a short period of time. Starting in February, I developed a cough that I believed was a seasonal cold. As the coughing got worse, I took three trips to urgent cares, which only provided antibiotics and inhalers as they believed it was just bronchitis or a common cold. My mother requested a chest X-ray each time but was turned down all three times. As the condition worsened, I started to have difficulty breathing. This was when my mother rushed me to the ER on March 1, 2024.
The doctors there immediately noticed my right lung sounded diminished and ordered a chest X-ray. They were surprised that none of the urgent care doctors offered an X-ray to us. The results from the X-ray showed that my right lung collapsed due to excessive amounts of fluid. They immediately took me to the procedure room and drained two liters of fluid. I was then admitted to the hospital for further monitoring of my condition, which at the time they assumed was pneumonia. The doctors scheduled a surgery to drain the rest of the fluid as well as install a chest tube. The night before the surgery, the doctors changed the preliminary scan from an X-ray to a CT scan. With this scan, they found a 12 cm mediastinal mass on top of my heart which was blocking my airways. During the surgery they installed a chest tube and took a biopsy of the mass. A few days later, the results came back which showed that it was positive for blood cancer.
I began chemotherapy treatment to start eliminating the mass. We stayed in the Loma Linda area for six weeks before finally returning home. Once we returned home, we spent the rest of our time going back and forth to the clinic with occasional hospitalizations. I was never aware of the severe side effects that come with chemotherapy and how scary they can be.
As my doctor went over my treatment plan, she recommended that I take a year off of school because of the countless side effects and intensive treatment. However, I did not want to postpone my education and fall behind in my goal of becoming an engineer. I finished my 10th grade year through the online Home and Hospital program. Throughout the summer, I continued my education by completing an online class through my local community college as well as homework for the next year. Although things were extremely tough and painful, I did not want to give up and pushed myself to reach my goals.
Although treatment has not concluded yet, I cannot wait to return to First Tee and continue my journey with them. First Tee – Coachella Valley has continuously reached out to me and checked up on my condition. They try to help me in any way that they can, even starting a lemonade stand to raise funds for my treatments. Without the immense support that I received from coaches and fellow participants, it would’ve been a much harder journey. I had never realized how much support from loved ones and a strong community could make such an impact. It gave me the strength to push through the hardest times of my life.
Going through all of this, I have learned the importance of having a strong and supportive community with people to help you. This is truly one of the most precious gifts that you could ever have. First Tee has created a community unlike any other, and I am honored to be a part of it. Once I am able to, I hope to return the kindness and hope that I have been given back to my community and help others who are going through their own struggles. I am so thankful for everything I learned and have received from First Tee.”
This September two participants from First Tee – San Joaquin will make their way to Pebble Beach, California, to play in the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship, and they happen to be siblings.
Julian and Elle Gianelli have been First Tee participants for six years. After being introduced to golf 11 years ago by their grandpa, they both found a love for the sport: getting to learn from him, spend quality time together and even show off a little bit.
Julian is a junior in high school and is involved with Model UN, Key Club, Campus Ministry, Link Crew, the California Scholarship Federation, the varsity golf team and completed over 200 hours of community service in 2023. He’s also a 3rd degree blackbelt in Taekwondo, with the curriculum of First Tee reminding him of the curriculum taught in Taekwondo.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey with First Tee has been the opportunity to give back to the community by coaching and mentoring younger participants,” he said. “Serving as a positive role model for these children has been an honor, allowing me to share the values and lessons instilled in me by First Tee and inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Another way Julian gives back to his community is through his passion project “Crop Kindness Connect,” where he collects excess fruits and vegetables from local growers and provides them to those in need and local lower income schools of Stockton.
His older sister, Elle, is a senior in high school and is involved in the chess club, Kids Connect Global and has earned the President’s Service Award with over 250 hours of community service in 2023. She is also a 3rd degree blackbelt in taekwondo and has been involved in several First Tee national opportunities, including the First Tee Innovators Forum, where teens develop a community service project to implement in their hometown.
Elle created a nonprofit called Socks4Seniors, which has provided over 6,500 pairs of silly socks and notes to over 100 nursing/assisted living facilities nationwide.
“I’ve been able to envision the impossible and am proud of what I have established and achieved through my nonprofit,” she said.
Julian and Elle are just two examples of the impressive 80 participants selected to play in the PURE Insurance Championship from September 17 – 22 This opportunity pairs each First Tee participant with a PGA TOUR Champions’ player and amateurs from the business world.
Good luck to all 80 participants as they continue their preparations for Pebble Beach!
Despite career highlights like meeting Jack Nicklaus and playing at Pebble Beach, Kristina Ma, long-time First Tee – Central Ohio participant, says that the character lessons she’s learned at FTCO have impacted her most.
Kristina began her journey with FTCO over 12 years ago, as a five year old attending Game Changers Summer Camp. After her positive experience at the camp, Kristina asked her parents to sign her up for more classes. She fondly remembers feeling excited about coming to class every week because, in addition to learning key golf skills, she also got to spend time with new friends.
While progressing through the FTCO classes and learning new skills, she faced setbacks. She recalls attempting some of FTCO’s class levels multiple times because she wasn’t ready to advance. But those setbacks taught her perseverance. She learned that she couldn’t give up even when the situation is difficult, and instead of feeling discouraged, she learned to appreciate the process.
Throughout the years, Kristina remained dedicated to golf, joining her school’s team and participating with FTCO. The mental challenge she encountered when she started playing competitively in tournaments provided the perfect opportunity to practice the perseverance she had learned in her early years with FTCO. “A challenge is a good thing” Kristina says. “It’s super valuable to learn how to push through [a road block]. Because you never know what’s going to be on the other side.”
During her sophomore year, Kristina hoped her hard work would pay off when she applied to compete in the prestigious PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus surprised her at an FTCO event by announcing she had earned a spot in the Championship, which Kristina remembers as a monumental moment in her life.
Kristina considers playing in the PURE Insurance Championship her greatest accomplishment, having worked relentlessly to earn the opportunity. At Pebble Beach, she played with golf pro Ken Duke and secured third place out of 81 players, only realizing her achievement after finishing. ”I was just staying present in the moment and soaking up views, so I wasn’t necessarily focused with the leaderboard,” says Kristina, “I was extremely proud of myself and how I played and so grateful I got to represent FTCO at Pure Insurance.”
Recently, Kristina continued her exceptional FTCO experience by attending The First Tee National Championship at Clemson University. Competing in the tournament was a full-circle moment for Kristina because her brother, Stephen, attended the first-ever First Tee National Championship at Clemson three years ago.
Entering the tournament with a no-pressure mindset, Kristina was most looking forward to embracing the experience and meeting other First Tee participants from across the country. Networking with her fellow golfers, who had experienced similar First Tee programs, was her favorite part of the tournament, and she created lasting friendships.
In addition to golf, the tournament included a variety of events designed to encourage participants to network and experience a taste of the college experience. Kristina attended a welcome dinner at the Clemson University football field and was thrilled to see her name, along with all her fellow participants, on the scoreboard. Kristina also heard from First Tee alumnus and golf pro Gavin Plugs and attended a panel of golf professionals to round out her experience.
Now entering her senior year of high school, Kristina plans to continue her involvement with FTCO due to the significant impact the organization has made on her life. “Learning the core values and being taught something new every single week – like integrity and perseverance and how that can translate into your everyday life, not just golf – was really important to me,” Kristina explained.
Kristina’s FTCO coaches – many of whom she’s known since she was a child – are another reason she’s stayed with FTCO through the years. “I grew up with them and they got to see me grow – not only in my golf game, but as a person,” said Kristina, “Seeing them each week and knowing they’re a constant in my life is really important to me.”
Now also a FTCO volunteer, Kristina finds it rewarding to play a leadership role at FTCO and Girls Golf through coaching. “It’s a full-circle moment for me because I used to be these kids,” explains Kristina. “When I was in this program, the coaches made an impact on me, and I get to be that for somebody else.”
Kristina’s journey with FTCO shows the importance of FTCO’s mission to build character in kids through the game of golf. While the special experiences Kristina has had along the way are amazing, it’s the lessons of integrity, perseverance and leadership that have helped shape her into the person she is today. Her story is about more than just winning; it’s about how a supportive community and strong values can make a big difference in a young person’s life.
By Kristin Westberg, Senior Director of Curriculum and Education
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”― Theodore Roosevelt
At First Tee, coaching involves far more than just teaching golf skills and life skills in a class; it’s about cultivating relationships that foster growth, build confidence and demonstrate resilience. But how can coaches create a foundation of trust that cultivates legitimate relationships with participants? Empowering Youth, one of the First Tee Coach Building Blocks, focuses on this aspect of development and is one key to building relationships that create impact.
Trust is the foundation
Eighty-three percent of parents wish their child had more access to trustworthy coaches. Trust forms the bedrock of any enduring coach-athlete relationship. It’s the glue that holds everything together, facilitates effective communication, skill development and overall progress. All First Tee coaches are background checked and formally trained to connect with participants, whether they’re passionate golfers or just trying something new. They prioritize building trust early on to establish a strong foundation that can lead to a lasting connection.
Positive role modeling
Ninety-two percent of parents say they hope their child has a coach who they would consider a role model. First Tee coaches serve as mentors and role models for participants. They lead by example and demonstrate the values they expect from participants. Kids are far more likely to do what you do, rather than what you say, and coaches recognize this as an opportunity to positively model both golf skills and life skills that can be applied on and off the course. Coaches are committed to Building Game Changers, work hard to embody the Key Commitments, set a positive example of pursuing goals, grow through challenge, collaborate with others, build positive self-identity and use good judgment. These behaviors help to build trust and foster connections with participants of all ages.
Continuous improvement
Fifty-three percent of parents say having a trustworthy sports coach or mentor would increase their likelihood to commit long-term to the activity. First Tee coaches understand that building meaningful connections with participants is an ongoing process, and the First Tee curriculum exists to support them through that. First Tee offers a variety of eLearning courses and supplemental resources, as well as HQ led trainings to deepen their knowledge and develop new skills, such as understanding the stages of youth development or tips and tricks for tackling skill disparities. These practices improve the learning environment in a class and create opportunities to develop relationships and strengthen connections with participants.
Ninety percent of parents believe that coaches are the unsung heroes of youth development. A coach’s influence extends beyond the course and long after the round ends. Genuine connection matters when building the coach-participant relationship and even more when building game changers. At First Tee, we recognize that when participants know you care, they’ll care what you know and that’s when true learning and growth happens.
The statistics used throughout this story are from a new study between First Tee and Harris Poll. Visit the Character Gap research to learn more.
Q&A with a Coach
Sterling Simmons III is a First Tee alumnus and the player development instructor at First Tee – Greater Richmond. In that role, Sterling leads First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Player Development Academy, First Tee matches and oversees the organizations PGA Jr. League teams.
How did you get involved with First Tee?
My father took me to the First Tee Greater Richmond driving range when I was younger, and I met my first golf coach Craig Wood. I’ve stayed involved ever since.
Why do you continue to coach?
I enjoy being able to be a part of the development process for our participants, both on and off the golf course.
What have you learned from coaching at First Tee?
First Tee has taught me that each participant is unique in their own way and as a coach, you have to be able to adapt how you teach to match the participant.
What do you think new First Tee students should know?
The course of life and the golf course are very similar. You will be presented with obstacles and challenges along the way, but the ability to navigate and overcome adversity will help you in the future on both of these “courses.”
What do you think new/inquiring coaches should know?
You don’t have to be a great golfer to make an impact on a participant’s life.
First Tee – Metropolitan New York alumna and 2022 First Tee Scholar, Srishti Dhurandhar, has been involved with First Tee for more than 10 years. She made the most out of her experience by completing the First Tee Leadership Series, attending Leadership Summit and going on to work at her local PGA TOUR Superstore.
During her junior year of high school, Srishti completed five Leadership Series sessions, where she learned about personal values, leadership skills and exploring career fields. “The series planted little seeds of these ideas and then Montana really grew those ideas,” she said.
Following the Series, she was accepted to Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore in Montana. Participants at the annual event are encouraged to try new things like horseback riding and whitewater rafting. They learn about their own strengths and weaknesses, how to work as part of a team and how to build authentic relationships.
“Summit was a life changing week for me. I came back feeling like a whole new person,” she said. Srishti spent the week reflecting on and learning about herself.
The week allowed her to get comfortable being uncomfortable, with Srishti saying that she did things that she would normally never do thanks to the event’s focus on positive risk taking,. “The environment was so safe and supportive that I felt comfortable enough to do that,” she said.
Session 1 of the 2024 Leadership Summit will be from August 5 – 9 and session 2 will be from August 12 – 16 at West Creek Ranch in Montana.
Leadership Summit provided Srishti with the opportunity to talk to PGA TOUR Superstore executives and eventually go on to work as a club fitter at the store in East Hanover, New Jersey. There she learned a lot about customer service, clubs, shafts and how to use statistics to get people the clubs that fit them best.
Now as an alumna, Srishti jumped at the chance to go back to Montana as a chaperone.
“It was a full circle moment for me, standing in the same place that those participants were in and feeling the same emotions that they were going through,” she said. “Now becoming a mentor to those participants was emotional for me also.”
Not only did chaperoning provide Srishti with a valuable experience as a mentor but it opened doors for networking opportunities that made her aware of the First Tee headquarters internship that she is completing now.
“Working here has shown me how it starts at the root. You can tell that people are here because they want to be here, and they want to help the participants,” she said.
Both the Leadership Series and Leadership Summit culminate with final presentations in which Srishti talked about her desire to work in the golf industry and combine her passion of technology and data with her passion for sports.
“Going from the speeches I gave at the end of Series and Summit, to now living out those aspirations in this internship has been so rewarding and I absolutely love what I am doing,” she said.
Srishti will complete her internship in August and begin her junior year at New York University, majoring in business and technology management and member of the collegiate golf team.
With graduation in the books, many kids and teens are looking ahead to the future. But we asked First Tee alumni to look back and consider the advice they’d share with their 18-year-old self.
David Singh First Tee – Tampa Bay Recently earned his Master in Healthcare Administration at the University of Pittsburgh
“Life is not always gonna stick to the script you’ve got in your head. Sometimes, it’ll throw you curveballs you never saw coming. Roll with the punches, stay flexible, and remember, there’s always a silver lining in every setback. Keep your chin up, ’cause even when things don’t go as planned, there’s still a world of amazing possibilities out there waiting for you.”
Savannah Mansueti First Tee – Florida Gold Coast Manager of operations at First Tee – Florida Gold Coast
“If I could advise my 18-year-old self, I’d emphasize embracing failure as a key part of learning and growth, seeing setbacks as opportunities to refine skills. I’d also stress the importance of building strong relationships with family, friends, mentors and colleagues for support and guidance. Lastly, I’d recommend prioritizing financial literacy early on, mastering budgeting, saving and investing for long-term stability and success.”
Haili Moore First Tee – Greater Dallas Student at Texas Christian University and entry-level staff accountant
“Do not allow yourself to settle in relationships, careers, friendships, education, etc. You are worth what you allow to infiltrate your time, peace and space. The thing is though, is that you are worth more than you’ll ever know.”
Jamie Rush First Tee – Pittsburgh Methodist University marketing student with a concentration in professional golf management
“My advice would be to live in the moment. We are always wishing for the next big moment and forget to treasure the times that we are currently in. I’m still trying to learn this lesson today. Enjoy every aspect of the here and now, slow down and don’t wish your life away.”
Spencer McIntosh First Tee – Tampa Bay Director of business intelligence and analytics at First Tee
“I would encourage my 18-year-old self to be continuously educating yourself whether that be reading more books, taking additional courses or seeking mentorship. I’d also recommend that he build a strong network and surround himself with supportive and knowledgeable people so you can apply those lessons to his passions. Then finally, I’d tell him to pay those gifts forward to the next generation of game changers!”
Srishti Dhurandhar First Tee – Metropolitan New York Business and technology management student and collegiate golfer at NYU
“Some advice for my younger self would be to be less afraid to ask for help and make mistakes. I learned the most when things didn’t go according to plan and wish I had spent less time worrying about doing everything perfectly because everything will work out in the end as long as you surround yourself with people you can lean on. “
