Blog Archives - Page 6 of 12 - First Tee

First Tee enters 50 new Title I schools with support from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Program

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 14, 2023) – Youth development organization First Tee is excited to announce that it has expanded its School Program to 50 additional Title I schools thanks to $100,000 in matching grants from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Program. First Tee golf equipment has already been shipped to 30 of the schools. The Title 1 schools selected serve a high percentage of kids from low-income families and 40% of students receive a free or reduced-price lunch.

First Tee’s School Program gives physical educators all the tools to begin implementing its curriculum, including training, equipment and lesson plans that integrate life skills with the game of golf. The curriculum is also designed to help children improve their motor skills through golf instruction. First Tee has been offering its programming in physical education classes in the United States and Canada since 2004, reaching more than 3 million kids last year.

“We created the School Program almost 20 years ago to make First Tee programming accessible to more kids,” said Jen Weiler, senior vice president of network relations at First Tee. “We are grateful to The DICK’S Foundation for helping us reach more students. Recent research shows that nearly 80 percent of parents believe golf can teach life skills and character. Now more kids have access to those lessons.”

Grants have been awarded to schools in California, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

DICK’S and The DICK’S Foundation are longtime partners of First Tee, providing more than $1.9 million to support First Tee’s character-building programs since 2008.

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.

About The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inspire and enable sports participation. It was created by DICK’S Sporting Goods as a private corporate foundation to support DICK’S charitable and philanthropic activities. Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, The DICK’S Foundation champions youth sports and provides grants and support to under-resourced teams and athletes through its Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about The DICK’S Foundation can be found on sportsmatter.org.

Contacts:

Megan Hart, First Tee
[email protected]

Get to Know Our 2024 Summer Team

Summer is an exciting season for First Tee – Central Ohio! During these few months, we engage hundreds of kids through our onsite classes, summer camps, community partner organizations, and special event sessions. We need all the help we can get, and that’s why we are thrilled to highlight our 2024 intern team!

Through our annual summer internship program, high school and college students can inspire positive change by teaching life skills, fostering a love for golf, and promoting healthy habits during our summer programming. Interns gain valuable hands-on experience, collaborate with peers and staff, and contribute to fulfilling our organization’s mission of developing character in kids through the game of golf.

Our summer interns are essential to a successful summer. They arrive early to set up, bring positive energy and enthusiasm to our participants during classes, and stay late to clean up after our fun-filled activities. Most importantly, they serve as inspiring examples to younger kids, demonstrating the character it takes to be a Game Changer!

Thanks to Discover Financial Services and the Eubanks-DeWitt Family Foundation for their generous support of our summer internship program!

Let’s learn more about our outstanding 2024 summer team!

Akoua, First Tee Coach

Akoua is a 19-year-old sophomore at Columbus State Community College, returning for her second year as a coach at FTCO. This summer, she is eager to connect with new people and deepen her knowledge of golf. Akoua aspires to open her own spa and become an orthodontist in the future.

Fun fact: Akoua speaks 3 different languages and plays 8 different sports!

Anji, Game Changers Intern

Anji, a 20-year-old Columbus native, is interning with FTCO for the first time this year. She is eager to connect with the students and expand her golf knowledge. Anji’s future goal is to become an entrepreneur and own a salon offering hair, nail and lash services.

Fun fact: Anji is working towards becoming a cosmetologist!

Belina, First Tee Coach

Belina has been a part of First Tee for seven years and is currently a trained Level One coach. Having started golfing at just three years old, her passion for golf shines through her dedication to teaching the game to others. This summer, she looks forward to building connections with both participants and fellow coaches. Belina aspires to become an inspiration to others in the future.

Fun fact: Belina’s favorite color is dark forest green and her favorite animal is a manatee.

Brenden, Game Changers Intern

Brenden is a rising high school junior and a first-year coach with FTCO. He loves golf for its calming nature and is eager to advance his skills. In the future, Brenden aims to attend college and pursue a fulfilling career.

Fun fact: Brenden loves cooking!

Carter, Game Changers Intern

Carter, a rising high school sophomore, has been an FTCO participant for nine years. This summer marks his first year interning with FTCO, and he is excited to expand his knowledge as a coach. His favorite aspect of golf is its challenging nature. In the future, Carter hopes to have a family.

Fun fact: Carter writes with his left hand but plays sports with his right hand!

Eliza, First Tee Coach

Eliza, 20, has been a part of First Tee for five years, and this will be her third year as a coach. She finds joy in the challenges that golf offers. This year, she is most looking forward to meeting new people and enjoying the fun games planned for events and classes. Eliza’s future goals are to be successful and to remain a lifelong learner.

Fun fact: Eliza has a deep interest in astronomy!

Grant, Game Changers Intern

At just 18 years old and entering his freshman year of college, Grant is already a seasoned member of the FTCO family with 12 years of involvement, including three years of intern experience. Grant has a strong passion for golf and loves the competitive aspect of the sport. This summer, he is looking forward to working alongside participants and sharing his knowledge of the game. Grant’s future goal is to graduate with a degree and play four years of college golf.

Fun fact: Grant likes to play basketball!

Isaac, Game Changers Intern

Issac, a rising high school senior, has been part of FTCO for seven years. As a third-year intern, he is excited to pass the game of golf to the next generation.

Through his time with FTCO, Isaac has been selected for the prestigious First Tee Leadership Summit in Bozeman, MT and recently attended the First Tee Game Changers Academy honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr, in Philadelphia, PA.

Issac aspires to earn the Evans Scholarship, study finance at The Ohio State University, and eventually work for a golf company.

Fun fact: Issac likes to play tennis in his free time!

Mikaili, Game Changers Intern

Mikaili, 16, has been a part of FTCO for nine years and is a rising junior in high school. She loves golf for the connections it creates, and many of her friendships began while on the golf course. This summer, she looks forward to working with her fellow coaches and showing kids how fun golf can be. In the future, Mikaili plans to play golf in college while majoring in architecture, with aspirations to pursue a career in real estate or home design.

Fun fact: Last summer, Mikaili attended the First Tee Leadership Academy in Atlanta!

Nikelle, Game Changers Intern

Nikelle is a rising senior at the Ohio State University studying strategic communications. Involved in First Tee since she was seven, this summer marks her first year as a marketing intern. She has held various roles at the golf course, including caddying, cart operations and coaching. Walking on the golf course brings her peace, and she is excited to capture photos for FTCO’s social media pages this summer. Nikelle’s future career goal is to help diversify the game of golf.

Fun fact: Nikelle has been vegan for six years!

Paige, Game Changers Intern

Paige is a rising senior in high school where she plays on the golf team and has been a part of the First Tee family for eight years, including two years of intern experience. She loves golf because she sees courses as puzzles to be solved and appreciates their beauty. This summer, Paige looks forward to helping kids develop a love for golf, just as she did at First Tee. In the future, Paige aspires to become a registered pediatric nurse.

Fun fact: She loves baking – especially making cookies!

Reese, Game Changers Intern

Reese is a rising junior in high school and has been a part of FTCO for six years. This summer marks his first year as an intern, and he is most looking forward to gaining leadership experience. Reese loves golf for its peaceful nature and aspires to become a CAT scan technician in the future.

Fun fact: Reese plays football and baseball!

Riley, Game Changers Intern

Riley is a rising junior in high school and has been involved with FTCO for over a decade. He loves golf for the environment and is excited to share his passion for the sport with this year’s FTCO participants. Riley’s future goal is to play golf in college and eventually become a professional golfer.

Fun fact: Riley is left handed!

Rori, Game Changers Intern

Rori is a rising junior in high school and has been a part of FTCO for four years. This summer marks her first year coaching for FTCO, and she is excited to share the impact FTCO has made on her with this year’s participants. Rori loves golf because it pushes her outside her comfort zone, and she has made many friends on the golf course. In the future, Rori hopes to become an architect or open a bakery.

Fun fact: Rori has a girls golf clothing line!

Sarah, First Tee Junior Coach

Sarah is a 22-year-old junior at Columbus State Community College, returning for her second year coaching at FTCO. This summer, she looks forward to building connections with FTCO participants. Sarah loves golf for the opportunity to walk different courses and play with friends. Her future goal is to finish college and become a first-grade teacher.

Fun fact: Sarah is bilingual and she loves to travel!

Thanks to Discover Financial Services and the Eubanks-DeWitt Family Foundation for their generous support of our summer internship program!

Join Our Team

Are you interested in becoming part of the First Tee – Central Ohio team? We have a variety of ways you can get involved. Click the button below to start making a difference today!

Get Involved

Participant Advisory Council visits First Tee headquarters

This week a group of eight participants from across the country joined the staff at First Tee Headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, as part of the Participant Advisory Council. This group not only acted as representatives for their respective chapters, but for the thousands of participants in First Tee. The council shared its thoughts with First Tee leaders about various business operations like programming, social media, technology and participant events. First Tee values the opinions and counsel that participants can offer.

“Being able to represent my chapter and my age group and all the participants in this program which I love is so amazing. I totally recommend [applying for PAC],” said Lorelei O’Donnell of First Tee – Fort Worth.

The group was chaperoned by two First Tee alumni, Sara Diaz and David Singh. Sara is an alumna of First Tee – San Antonio and continues to work in golf. She was even a part of the first Spanish-language stream on PGA TOUR Live during the 2023 Mexico Open. David Singh is an alumnus of First Tee – Tampa Bay. He is currently a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh where he works as a graduate administrative assistant at University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers.

Members of the 2023 Participant Advisory Council:

Maya Fitzgerald, First Tee – West Michigan

Maya has been involved with First Tee for eight years. As a member of the Participant Advisory Council, she wanted to help grow the game of golf and emphasize inclusion.

Cayden Leslie, First Tee – Tennessee

Cayden has been involved with First Tee for five years. He aimed to provide insight into creating an improved teenage curriculum that is clearer and more engaging for participants.

William Liu, First Tee – Greater Seattle

William has been involved with First Tee for six years. During his time as a member of the Participant Advisory Council, he aimed to use his experience as a student and coach to provide a first-person perspective on the participant and coach experience.

Whitley Shields, First Tee – Greater Washington, D.C.

Whitley has been involved with First Tee for six years. She’s passionate about teenage retention at First Tee chapters.

Kaylee Nguyen, First Tee – Gulf Coast

Kaylee has been involved with First Tee for five years. She joined the PAC to increase the focus on promoting diversity, specifically in the availability for participants to offer unique perspectives to overcome problems and spark new ideas.

Lorelei O’Donnell, First Tee – Fort Worth

Lorelei has been involved with First Tee for ten years. Her goal with her time on the Participant Advisory Committee was to update the ACE program – First Tee’s capstone project program – and explore how participants will reach ACE level.

Ethan Selvers, First Tee – Metropolitan New York

Ethan has been involved with First Tee for eight years. His aim as a member of the Council was to help relay First Tee’s message of diversity and equality, and how important it is to the success of First Tee.

Jiali (Bennie) Zhu, First Tee – Orange County

Bennie has been involved with First Tee for five years. He aimed to expand First Tee’s reach to youth across the nation as well as attract and retain student volunteer coaches.

As First Tee continues to grow, we look to participants and alumni for innovative ideas and feedback to ensure we are meeting the evolving needs of today’s kids and teens. First Tee thanks the 2023 Participant Advisory Committee and all who continue to carry on the mission and commitments of First Tee year-round.

“PAC can only be described as innovating, enthralling and empowering.” said Kaylee Nguyen.

More information on the Participant Advisory Council can be found here.

Mikaili Smith: A Rising Leader at First Tee – Central Ohio

At just 15 years old, Mikaili Smith is already making waves as a young leader in the First Tee – Central Ohio program. Recently, she had the incredible opportunity to attend the inaugural First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. Mikaili traveled to Atlanta, where she spent five transformative days developing new leadership skills and learning about the powerful impact sports can have on communities, businesses, and civic pride. Mikaili’s journey represents the core of First Tee’s mission, combining her passion for golf with a desire to inspire and empower others.

Building Connections and Embracing New Experiences

Mikaili’s journey began when she was selected as one of 48 participants from across the nation to attend the first ever First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. Excited and nervous, she set out on this adventure, unsure of what to expect. However, she soon discovered the incredible opportunities that awaited her, including networking with peers from around the country, learning from inspiring speakers, and exploring iconic sports facilities in Atlanta.

Upon returning from the trip, Mikaili shared her excitement, “I instantly made 47 new friends. It was really cool to see how similar we all were – like we all had experience with teaching younger kids.” The friendships she developed during the trip demonstrated the power of golf in fostering meaningful connections.

Discovering New Perspectives

Throughout the week, Mikaili and her fellow participants experienced various aspects of the sports world, from touring the Atlanta Falcons training facility to watching an Atlanta United soccer game. For Mikaili, who had never been to a soccer match before, this experience was especially memorable.

Empowering Through Leadership

At the Leadership Academy, Mikaili and her peers dug into team building and leadership exercises. Split into smaller groups, they participated in interactive activities designed to build their leadership skills and promote teamwork. One of the most impactful exercises involved selecting three words each day and discussing the words with their group, creating a powerful paragraph by the end of the week.

Reflecting on this experience, Mikaili noted, “As we turned words into sentences and built our paragraph, it was really cool to see similar traits we had in common.” These leadership exercises demonstrated First Tee’s dedication to fostering young leaders with effective communication, empathy, and teamwork skills.

Pursuing Future Dreams

Mikaili’s passion for golf and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others have led her to become a valuable leader in her community. As a Girls Golf eLeader and a dedicated member of her high school golf team, she continues to inspire and support younger girls interested in the sport.

Through her experience at the Leadership Academy, Mikaili feels like she learned valuable skills, like public speaking and networking, that she knows will be vital in her leadership roles. Mikaili shared, “We talked about the important skills to have as a leader. You need to listen a lot – listen to other people’s perspectives.”

Encouraging Others to Seize Opportunities

When asked about her advice to other First Tee participants who might be hesitant about applying for leadership opportunities, Mikaili’s response was clear: “Apply for everything that you can, reach out for every opportunity. You never know what’s going to happen.”

Mikaili’s participation in the inaugural First Tee Leadership Academy highlights the positive impact of First Tee programs and opportunities for growth they offer. Her story demonstrates the power of embracing new challenges, collaborating with peers and building valuable leadership expertise – all skills that will last a lifetime.

As Mikaili continues to pursue her passion for golf and her dream of becoming a graphic designer and architect, we can’t wait to see the great things she achieves both on and off the course!

If you’re interested in helping kids like Mikaili become Game Changers, learn more about getting involved with First Tee.

Get Involved

Five Dynamic Warm-Up Exercises to Elevate Your Golf Game

Maintaining healthy habits and preventing injuries are crucial for young athletes, including golfers. Taking the time for a thorough warm-up routine before playing golf or doing any physical activity can minimize the risk of injuries and improve performance.

In this informative video, Shaun Coffman, a physical therapist from the renowned Nationwide Children’s Hospital Golf Medicine program, demonstrates five dynamic warm-up exercises designed to elevate your golf game. These exercises are specifically tailored to golfers and can provide significant benefits.

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Golf Medicine program boasts a team of Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified professionals dedicated to supporting young golfers. For more information about this program and how it can benefit young athletes, visit the Nationwide Children’s website.

Learn more about First Tee – Central Ohio and our available youth golf programs.

The information in this post is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider before beginning a new fitness routine.

80 First Tee Teens Selected for PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach

Golf Channel announced the full field of teens with help from PGA TOUR player Joel Dahmen and PGA TOUR Champions players Tim O’Neal, Rod Pampling and defending PURE Insurance Championship winner Steve Flesch.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (July 10, 2023) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions announced today the 80 First Tee participants selected to play in the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the event will bring teens from First Tee chapters to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course for the PGA TOUR Champions tournament, Sept. 19-24. The annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, is televised internationally on Golf Channel.

This unique event pairs each First Tee participant with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs from the business world. Ranging in ages from 14 to 18, the First Tee players compete for the pro-junior team title. The teens represent 44 First Tee chapters from across the country and for the third year in a row, a participant from First Tee — Morocco will be in the field. Participants were selected by a national panel of judges based on their personal growth and development through First Tee’s programs, as well as their playing ability. On average, participants have been involved with First Tee for more than seven years, have a 3.95 GPA and have recorded a 1.5 handicap.

“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with this incredible event,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “Being selected to play in this tournament speaks volumes about the character of each of these 80 participants and I’m so excited to see this unforgettable experience play out for them.”

The full junior field was revealed live on Golf Channel’s “Golf Today,” featuring surprises that the network recorded at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach. Additionally, several players helped surprise select participants leading up to the full field announcement, including PGA TOUR player Joel Dahmen, and PGA TOUR Champions players Tim O’Neal, Rod Pampling and the tournament’s defending champion, Steve Flesch.

Each year two juniors receive exemptions into the PURE Insurance Championship based on their play at the First Tee National Championship, which took place at Stanford Golf Course in July. This year, Alaythia Hinds of First Tee – Greater Sacramento, who

finished second among the girls, and Sean Kwok of First Tee – Tri Valley, who finished in a fourth-place tie, earned those spots.

“Earning the opportunity to play at the PURE Insurance Championship is a goal for many First Tee participants,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Congratulations to the 80 teens who will represent First Tee at this year’s event. This marks the 20th anniversary of the tournament, and we are grateful to our partners at PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel for their ongoing commitment to First Tee. Our alumni who have played at the PURE Insurance Championship have told us it is a life-changing opportunity, and we are so excited for the 80 First Tee teens who will get to experience it in September.”

This year’s field of PGA TOUR Champions players will feature legends including Ernie Els, Mark O’Meara, Vijay Singh, Steve Stricker, Fred Couples, Davis Love III and Jim Furyk, as well as three-time PURE Insurance Championship winner Kirk Triplett and Steve Flesch, who will defend his title. Clint Eastwood serves as chairman of the PURE Insurance Championship.

Play will be conducted on Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course on Friday and Saturday. The final round will be contested solely at Pebble Beach Golf Links on Sunday, where 24 First Tee juniors will compete based on their 36-hole performance. The tournament will crown one male and one female First Tee Junior Champion on Sunday.

More than 1,000 teens from First Tee have played in the PURE Insurance Championship, experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet, play and be mentored by PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs.

First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

The junior field for 2023 PURE Insurance Championship can be viewed here.

For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com.

Megan Meng, First Tee — Greater Trenton, and Cooper Groshart, First Tee — Central Coast, win 2023 First Tee National Championship

PALO ALTO, CA. (July 6, 2023) – Megan Meng of Pennington, New Jersey, and Cooper Groshart of San Luis Obispo, California, won the girls’ and boys’ divisions of the third annual First Tee National Championship at Stanford Golf Course. The event, July 2 to 6, brought together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the next level.

Meng is a 16-year-old rising senior at Hopewell Valley Central High School who’s been involved with First Tee for more than 10 years. She finished the 54-hole tournament 5-under-par to win by five strokes. In the final round, Meng shot a tournament low 66 – including a front nine 30 – to secure her victory.

In 2022, Meng won another marquee First Tee event, the PURE Insurance Championship pro-junior title, a PGA TOUR Champions event held at Pebble Beach, shooting a 64 on Sunday. Meng – who currently stands at 27th in the AJGA Girls Rankings – is committed to play golf at Northwestern University. Off the course, she’s an avid reader with a 4.0 GPA.

Meng said the life skills she’s learned through First tee helped her this week. “Practice makes better, and practice definitely gets you where you want to go, so it’s all about how much time you’re willing to put in practicing on the course, but also make sure to have fun with it. Golf is a game for fun and spending time with your friends,” she said.

Groshart, 18, finished in the Top 10 at the 2021 and 2022 First Tee National Championships before winning in this, his third and final attempt. He finished the tournament 4-over-par after shooting a final round 71.

Groshart recently graduated from San Luis Obispo High School with a 3.92 GPA and will play golf this fall at California State University, East Bay. Like Meng, Groshart played at the 2022 PURE Insurance Championship, where he hit a hole-in-one on the iconic seventh hole during a practice round.

In 2022, Groshart completed nearly 100 community service hours, and as a junior First Tee coach, Groshart said he learned a lot about perseverance – a quality that certainly came in handy on Stanford’s challenging course.

“This week I’ve just made a ton of friends and seen old friends I don’t get to see that often,” Groshart said. Sportsmanship is one of the First Tee life skill he called on this week, he said. “This tournament feels like everyone is friends. Everyone is out here for a good time. We want to play some good golf too, but it’s a bunch of friends hanging out on the golf course.”

Both winners were awarded with the Tattersall Cup in honor of event Chairman Fred Tattersall.

Two players from the First Tee National Championship field were also awarded a one-time exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee, held at Pebble Beach Golf Links September 16-24, 2023. With this year’s National Championship winners having already played in the tournament, the exemptions passed on to Alaythia Hinds of First Tee – Greater Sacramento, who finished second among the girls, and Sean Kwok of First Tee – Tri Valley, who finished in a tie for fourth among the boys.

For the first time, the four lowest scoring eligible players (two boys and two girls) from the National Championship field will also earn admission into the PGA TOUR’s new Pathways to Progression program, which aims to support talented golfers from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the sport. The PGA TOUR will announce the full roster for its Pathways program, including the four players who earned their spots at the First Tee National Championship, in the coming days.

“Congratulations to everyone who competed in the third annual First Tee National Championship this week, “said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Especially to Megan and Cooper. They represented First Tee with confidence and poise, and we look forward to seeing all that they continue to accomplish on and off the golf course. Thank you to Fred Tattersall for his ongoing support of this tournament and Stanford University for a memorable week.”

First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college golf courses around the nation providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience. Stanford University hosted the third annual Championship, following the previous two years at University of Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course and Clemson University’s The Walker Course, respectively.

The field included 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience including 15 competitors who are currently committed to play collegiate golf. Players came from 29 First Tee chapters across the country. A full list of results is available here.

The National Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. For more information on the tournament and First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.

Media Contact:

Megan Hart, First Tee
[email protected]
941-400-8793

2023 First Tee Scholar Marlo Zamora finds lifelong support through First Tee

Marlo Zamora, a participant from First Tee – Greater San Antonio, is one of 24 exceptional high school seniors who will join First Tee’s Scholar program in 2023.

Marlo has been playing golf for 12 years, and 10 of those have been spent at First Tee – Greater San Antonio.

“I really love the First Tee program because I feel like it’s one of the only programs out there where the program actually grows with you instead of you outgrowing the program,” said Marlo.

Marlo credits First Tee for introducing her to some of her lifelong friends, teaching her how to set and accomplish her goals, and establishing many of the values and morals she lives by today.

One of her biggest goals was to find a college where she could balance academics and sports. Trinity University in San Antonio was the perfect fit for her.

Marlo loved Trinity, but was hesitant in getting her hopes up about attending there. Like many high school seniors, she was worried about its high academic standards and expensive tuition, she said. On top of that, she was hoping to play collegiate golf.

After speaking with an alumna of the women’s golf team at Trinity and hearing about her great experience, Marlo’s mother encouraged her to pursue it.

Shelby DeVore, the head women’s golf coach at Trinity University, watched Marlo play at the Texas Junior Golf Tour’s Swing for the Cure.

“I ended up shooting lights out good, and right afterwards she ended up offering me the spot [on the team]. It was nice to see my years of hard work in golf pay off,” said Marlo.

On her signing day in February, all the people she was close with from First Tee – Greater San Antonio surprised her at the signing to celebrate her accomplishments.

But the surprises didn’t stop there.

In May, members of the 2023 First Tee Scholar Class were invited to join an online meeting under the impression that they would be completing a final group interview. Instead, they were met by First Tee ambassador and current PGA TOUR player, Austin Smotherman. He surprised all of them with the news that it was not a real interview, and they were all chosen as Scholars.

“It was the day before my birthday, and it was the best present I could have had. This scholarship means a lot to me because it will help me achieve my academic goals and pursue my dreams of being a computer scientist,” said Marlo.

Marlo hopes to one day be a cyber-security engineer. Through the First Tee Scholar program, she will be paired with a dedicated adult mentor who will help to encourage and guide her throughout the next four years and beyond.

“What’s so special about this scholarship is they provide a lot of mentorship, and you can’t really find that with many other scholarships. Being able to talk to someone and ask for advice is something that money can’t buy,” she said.

Teen participants celebrated at Game Changers Luncheon

We are always on the lookout for ways to celebrate our participants and share their stories. This year during Tournament week, we hosted the Game Changers luncheon, made possible by generous support from the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday.

We celebrated the accomplishments of three outstanding participants through a panel discussion with PGA Tour Professional, Chris Gotterup. Led by NBC4 anchor, Matt Barnes, our participants had the opportunity to share their stories and gain valuable insights into the mind of a professional golfer through an engaging interview with Chris.

Participant Spotlights:

Caroline Donato: Embracing Leadership in Girls Golf

At just 15 years old, Caroline Donato has already demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities within our LPGA*USGA Girls Golf program. Attending Heritage Middle School in Hilliard, she became a Girls Golf participant in 2020. Caroline’s commitment to growth was recognized when she was chosen to attend the prestigious LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Leadership Academy in 2022. Her continued dedication led to a significant achievement as she was appointed to serve on the Girls Golf eLeader Board of Directors in 2023.

Grace O’Grady: A Well-Rounded Golfer with a Bright Future

Grace O’Grady’s journey in golf began in 2013 when she joined First Tee. Recently graduating from Pickerington Central High School, where she played on the varsity golf team, Grace’s passion for the sport has only grown stronger. Her involvement with First Tee extended to a summer internship, and she also attended the highly esteemed First Tee Game Changers Academy in 2022. This fall, Grace will embark on a new adventure at Yale University, where she plans to study Political Science and Environmental Studies.

Jake Pierce: An Aspiring Golfer with a Passion for Growth

At the age of 18, Jake Pierce’s passion for golf has been evident since he became a participant in First Tee back in 2012. Having just graduated from DeSales High School, Jake has played on his school’s varsity golf team and will continue pursuing his golf dreams at Ohio Northern University next year. He has also served as a First Tee volunteer and summer intern, showcasing his dedication to the sport and his community.

Interview with PGA Tour Professional, Chris Gotterup

The three teenagers were thrilled to engage in an enlightening conversation with Chris Gotterup, who graciously shared his experiences and advice for aspiring golfers. They delved into various aspects of his journey, including the importance of hard work, perseverance, and maintaining a positive mindset.

Watch the video below to hear more about each participant’s journey and insights from Chris on what it takes to be successful.

Hannah Sudbury, First Tee – Tennessee Program Coordinator gives her tips on coaching while having fun with intention

“I’ve been working with First Tee for over 10 years now!”

Position with First Tee: First Tee Tennessee Program Coordinator

How long with First Tee: I have been with First Tee – Tennessee since I was 15 years old (became a level one coach at 17 years old); 10 years over all!

Why you joined the First Tee: I joined First Tee to learn about the game of golf! My dad really wanted me to try another sport other than softball and golf was next on my list. My dad found First Tee and I have been here ever since!

Your favorite memory so far with First Tee: I personally do not have one favorite memory with First Tee. My favorite memories include all the relationships that I have built over the years with the participants and their families. The love and support I have received from each of them has made my time with this program unforgettable. I hope to continue making these memories in the future!

If no one had heard of First Tee before, what would you say? First Tee is an incredible organization to get your kids involved in golf! Golf can be a hard sport to learn, but First Tee makes learning golf knowledge and skills fun by incorporating games and activities that are essential and engaging. First Tee is a great environment for young children to get out of their comfort zone and make new friends, while enjoying the game of golf. Not only does First Tee offer golf, but we also incorporate life skills in our curriculum that the participants can take on and off the course!

What would be your 3 tips of having Fun with Intention/examples of how:

1) Create fun, engaging, and age-appropriate activities; for example, “Hungry Hungry Hippos” for putting, “Frogger” for chipping, and Golf Baseball for pitching and full swing. All these games are somewhat familiar and can be played individually, groups, and in teams.

2) Have incentives or rewards to provide motivation to participants!

3) Socializing; for example, giving participants the opportunity to socialize with each other and coaches to build relationships. This leads to participants to be more comfortable, allowing them to be open and engaged throughout their classes.

Atlanta Falcons’ Beadles, Lindstrom; Atlanta United’s Lagerwey headline First Tee’s inaugural Leadership Academy

Teens from across the U.S. will spend a week in PGA TOUR Superstore’s headquarters of Atlanta learning from Arthur M. Blank Family of businesses, civic and sports leader

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 19, 2023) – Youth development organization First Tee will host its inaugural Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore from June 19-23. The weeklong Atlanta event will bring together 48 teens from across the country who will learn about building and running a successful team.

First Tee uses golf as a vehicle through which to teach life skills and values. The nonprofit is collaborating with PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to host its inaugural Leadership Academy, which will feature workshops on cultivating authentic relationships, developing a winning culture and more. The Academy is taking place at various venues across the Atlanta area, including Atlanta Falcons Flowery Branch, Atlanta United Training Ground, Mercedes-Benz Stadium Georgia Institute of Technology, the Bobby Jones Golf Club and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Event highlights include:

Georgia Tech head women’s basketball coach Nell Fortner will share advice on achieving individual growth in a team setting during the opening keynote.
Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles will speak to participants before they explore the team’s Flowery Branch training facility.
Participants will hear from Atlanta United President/CEO Garth Lagerwey before attending a game to witness the team in action.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium executive Don Rovak will discuss the importance of supporting your team.
PGA TOUR Superstore President Jill Spiegel will address the teens at historic Bobby Jones Golf Club.
Participants will visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights where Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom, the team’s 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year, will deliver the closing address.

Initially envisioned by PGA TOUR Superstore executive Ralph Stokes, who leads the brand’s diversity, partnerships and community efforts, the event’s curriculum was developed by First Tee and an independent youth development expert. Stokes recently became the first Black president of the Georgia State Golf Association and was among the first Black players on the University of Alabama football team, where he played under legendary coach Bear Bryant.

“From playing team sports, I learned that no matter how great an individual player is, you will not achieve success on your own. The team is no stronger than the weakest link,” Stokes said. “Golf is largely an individual sport, but we felt it was important to collaborate with First Tee on this event because these kids are part of families, communities, clubs and eventually workplaces where they need to function within a team.”

For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation have championed First Tee’s mission through charitable and in-kind donations across the country. In September 2020, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more kids across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of the Leadership Series, held locally at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country, and the Leadership Summit, which takes place in Emigrant, Montana. The new Leadership Academy in Atlanta is the latest installment in this exciting portfolio of events. 

“Thank you to PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for their ongoing support of First Tee,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “This new Leadership Academy will provide young people with an amazing and impactful experience.”  

The Leadership Academy is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to inspire and equip teens on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. 

To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring. 

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”) 
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.   

About PGA TOUR Superstore 
PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., a subsidiary of AMB Sports + Entertainment and is headquartered in metro-Atlanta. As the PGA TOUR’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com. 

Contacts:  
Megan Hart, First Tee 
[email protected]

Megan Mahoney, PGA TOUR Superstore 
[email protected] 

Canadian National Indigenous History Month: First Tee – Canada’s Dedication to Indigenous Communities Year round

The world just turned its attention to Toronto for the PGA TOUR’s RBC Canadian Open. Meanwhile, First Tee – Canada is also taking a moment to reflect in honor of Canadian National Indigenous History Month.

First Tee – Canada is made up of five chapters: First Tee – British Columbia, First Tee – Premier départ Quebec, First Tee – Atlantic, First Tee – Ontario, and First Tee – Prairies with First Tee – Alberta launching later this year.

Each chapter has unique and dynamic relationships with local Indigenous communities.

First Tee – British Columbia opened its first program location, The Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy, on traditional Musqueam First Nation territory in 2021.

Since then, it has expanded to over 53 program spaces and sold out every session in 2023 thus far. This year, the CPCK Women’s Open will be held at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, which is also located on Musqueam traditional territory. During tournament week, First Tee – British Columbia will host a youth clinic nearby to the course at Musqueam Golf and Learning Academy.

First Tee – British Columbia hopes to continue to strengthen its relationship and bring safe, affordable golf programming to an even wider audience as it begins its 2023 summer programs.

First Tee – Premier départ Quebec collaborates with the Mohawk community of Kahnawake, the Cree community of Waskaganish, and the First Nation of Mashteuiatsh through golf course, school, and community programming.

The chapter also works closely with the Club 24 Athletics Foundation, an organization that works to support young Indigenous leaders through sport and education.

Last year First Tee – Premier départ Quebec hosted programming for 18 Indigenous participants. The team hopes to more than double that number this year.

Jeremy Proteau, First Tee – Premier départ Quebec Program Manager, credits the success of this partnership to the tight knit community and dedicated volunteers.

In the Kahnawake First Nations reserve, there are seven golf courses,, and the local volunteers are working to introduce golf to children who have previously only had access to lacrosse and hockey.

The courses are working in collaboration with First Tee – Premier départ Quebec to provide certain programming at no cost to participants and with entirely Indigenous coaching staffs.

First Tee – Ontario, First Tee – Prairies, and First Tee – Atlantic are in the beginning stages of building relationships with the Indigenous communities around them but are hoping to launch programming soon, some as soon as this summer.

Canadian National Indigenous History Month is celebrated each year in June to recognize and honor the rich history, heritage, and diversity of Canada’s Indigenous populations.

For more information about First Tee – Canada and its communities click here.