Month: July 2018

Janelle Ashley Johnson, a 2018 college graduate of Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and member of the NSU Sharks Women Golf team has made the decision to turn pro and pursue her goal to play professional golf.  This season, NSU Sharks won their SSC Women’s Championship and placed 4^th in the NCAA Division II National Championship.  Janelle had 3 top 10 finishes, two 3^rd place finishes at the NCAA Division II National Preview and the World Golf Invitational and a 9^th place finish at the Lady Panther Invitational. Janelle is preparing for LPGA Qualifying School and is searching for sponsors.  If you are interested in sponsoring Janelle, please email [email protected] for more information. Prior to NSU, Janelle played on the Women’s Raiders Golf Team at Seminole State College of Florida for two years and was part of the 2015 NJCAA Championship Team.  From 2010 to 2013, Janelle played and represented the Palm Beach County Junior Golf Association (PBCJGA) Team at the yearly FSGA Junior Team Championship tournaments.  She also played 4 years on the golf team at Wellington High School and advanced to High School State Nationals as a two-time FHSAA Class 3-A State qualifier (2011 and 2013).  In 2013, Janelle was also the first participant to represent our chapter by playing in Pebble Beach, California in a PGA TOUR Champions event, now called The Pure Insurance Championship impacting The First Tee.  

Our sister chapter to the south is facing a no-bid deal to replace their golf course and chapter with a soccer stadium.  We cannot let this long-standing beacon of golf and community service disappear from South Florida.  Please CLICK HERE and sign the petition ASAP to save Melreese Country Club.  The public hearing is scheduled for July 12^th.   Just like our chapter, The First Tee of Miami not only serves thousands of students through their programs of The First Tee, but their dedicated staff also brings golf and outdoor recreation to children with special needs and Veterans.  The club hosts many important events and their entire organization provides for over $16,000,000 in economic impact to Miami-Dade County.  Melreese hosts the PGA TOUR LATINOAMERICA Championship, the Haitian American Amateur and The City of Miami Golf Classic.

Summer is almost here.  How will you fill your child’s time while school is out? Golf is an activity that keeps your child active while learning valuable life skills that will help them at school and at home. Here Are 5 Reasons Your Children Should Experience Golf This Summer:

• Your Child Will Have Fun
• All Levels are Welcome from Beginner to Advanced
• More Time Outside
• Golf is the Sport of a Lifetime
• Golf is the Sport of Business.  Help their future business career this summer!

Camp locations include West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth and the Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course.  Space is limited. CLICK HERE to register for a week of Summer Camp.

We would like to send a special shout out and thank you to the Palm Beach County, Tri-County and Fore County Women’s Golf Associations and to Chapter Director Marsha Funk for supporting our organization. “Our Chapter is proud to continue a 45%+ female participation rate,” said Program Director Connie Capanegra, LPGA.  “Introducing the game to young females and helping them to develop their golf skills through high school is an important segment of our mission. The PBCWGA, Tri-County and Fore County Associations are the driving force in women’s golf in south Florida.  Their membership, tournament schedules and impact on the game continue to grow each year. Pictured:  Barbara Dipalma- President of Fore County Women’s Golf Association, Jack Barrett- Chapter Development Director, Chapter Director Marsha Funk, and Kathy Copelin- President of Palm Beach County Women’s Golf Association. 

The Jupiter Hills Club, home of the highly regarded Hills and Village courses, hosted the 2018 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship, where 256 of the best amateur golfers from across the country competed in the 4th annual USGA event. Jupiter Hills became the first Florida golf club to host two USGA National Championships.   The club previously hosted the 1987 U.S. Amateur won by Billy Mayfair. Our Chapter was very excited to be a part of this tournament and lent a hand with many of our students and coaches volunteering as walking scorers or forecaddies.  Our participants and parents were volunteers throughout the week, rain or shine. “Being a volunteer was one of the best ways to experience the excitement of a USGA Championship,” said Chapter participant Harrison Hutchings.  “Thank you to Jupiter Hills and the USGA for letting us be a part of a memorable championship experience.”   Congratulations to the two 18-year-old winners Cole Hammer, of Houston, Texas, and Garrett Barber, of Stuart, Florida.

Experience trips of a lifetime and support our chapter.  The Bucket List Golf & Social Club is designed to provide bucket list experiences to “enhance the lives, businesses and the community for which we live, work and play.”  Each experience is created to provide members and guests the utmost in culinary events, golf outings, sporting events, travel and cultural events while entertaining, networking and enjoying friends and colleagues. The next Bucket List experience includes a visit to The Abaco Club, the #1 rated golf course in the Bahamas for two rounds of golf. Schedule of Events Dates:  August 12 – 13, 2018 Sunday: 9:25AM: Depart Ft. Lauderdale International Airport to Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas (Silver Airways #63) 10:35AM: Arrive in Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas Noon: Lunch (TBD) 2:00PM: Golf (The Abaco Club) 6:00PM: 19th Hole 8:00PM: Dinner (TBD) Monday: 8:00AM: Breakfast 9:30AM: Golf (The Abaco Club) 1:30PM: Lunch / 19th Hole ​5:00PM: Depart Marsh Harbour to Ft. Lauderdale (Silver Airways #68) ​6:15PM: Arrive in Ft. Lauderdale ​ Includes: Food and Beverage per Itinerary ​Overnight Accommodations: Cabana Room Golf (2) ​Ground Transportation​ Cost: $1,750.00 per person. Space is limited. Please RSVP ASAP to [email protected] and make checks payable to The First Tee of The Palm Beaches. Not Covered: Airfare ($321 per Travelocity as of 7/7/18)​ Questions: Please contact Brian Anderson at [email protected] or 954-204-5428.