Month: August 2018

There are many advantages to being associated with our chapter of The First Tee.  Recently through his involvement with The First Tee, participant Harrison Hutchings (pictured above right with Golf Channel’s Gary Williams) was selected to attend an all-expense paid week of mentoring and game improvement at the Congaree Golf Club in South Carolina.   “As a freshman in high school and a golfing enthusiast, I knew that there was more to golf than simply the game itself, in fact, it is a lifestyle,” said Harrison. “Beginning with the opportunity to caddy at Seminole Golf Club, I was introduced to a culture that has shaped my personality, character and goals in life.  I aspire to emulate the mentors that I have met through these opportunities, most notably Bob Ford of Seminole, John Hand a Seminole member and Carl Mistretta, chapter Executive Director.”  Congaree Golf Club’s mission is to help deserving children from around the world to achieve success and build future leaders. Harrison attended a six-day program held at the exclusive Congaree Golf Club in which young people are introduced to an example of where their lives can go and what levels of success they are able to achieve. This example starts with simply experiencing the amazing beauty and atmosphere of arriving at the beautiful golf club nestled in South Carolina and built by captains of industry and top entrepreneurial business leaders.  Upon arriving, the students were provided with an agenda that outlined what to expect for the next six days. This agenda included; strength and flexibility training, future college admissions, planning/practice, putting, short game, full swing and club fitting. Instructed by notable professionals including James Currin, Mike Wesko, Jason Baile, Kathryn Doyle, Joe Humston, Mike Harmon, Ken McMaster, and James Lee.  Harrison continued, “If I had to sum up the most important aspect of what the Congaree Experience meant to me, it would be the examples of these mentors who have given so much of their time and resources to help others. I now know that this will be my life’s standing goal, to pay forward the opportunities that I have experienced.  Thank you to The First Tee of The Palm Beaches!”

The BERMUDA 3s presented by Goslings, a new team golf championship matching Pro-Am teams from four international territories will be held October 21-26, 2018 in Bermuda. The event is the creation of two golf industry veterans, former PGA chief executive Joe Steranka and The Honda Classic Executive Director Ken Kennerly. PGA Professionals from the U.S., Canada, Great Britain & Ireland and Continental Europe will lead four-person teams and compete individually for a $100,000 purse. Event Details:

• Opportunity to represent your country for a world title; Canada, Continental Europe, Great Britain/Ireland and the United States.
• Four (4) person team including one (1) PGA Professional as captain.
• Amateurs may belong to different golf clubs.
• Luxury accommodations at the Fairmont Southampton on Bermuda’s stunning south shore.
• Three Iconic courses: Turtle Hill Golf Club, The Mid Ocean Club, and Port Royal Golf Course.
• $100,000 purse with $11,000 first place and a $500 minimum prize money for all Professionals.
• Best Ball Team Competition – net of handicap.
• Premium food and beverage, including a spectacular Bermuda style closing ceremony and awards gala.

Presented by Joe Steranka and Kenneth R. Kennerly, two industry pioneers. To register or for more information visit: www.bermuda3s.com or email: [email protected]

Exciting opportunities await your children and teens this fall.  Our curriculum teaches The First Tee Nine Core Values™; using the game of golf as the vehicle. NEW! 9-Week Fall Programs start September!  Ages: Boys and Girls from 5-18 Registration Fee: $125 per 9-week program, per participant Location:  Dyer Park – 7301 N Haverhill Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33410 Please CLICK HERE for the program schedule and to sign up!

This important national academy managed by The First Tee home office is provided for advanced high school players interested in playing college golf. Twent-four elite junior golfers from The First Tee chapters across the country were selected from hundreds of applicants to attend the academy hosted by our chapter in July. Applicants must have low handicaps and be enrolled in The First Tee for a minimum of three years. Chapter participant Tyler Mistretta was selected to attend the academy and Chapter Coaches Connie Capanegra, LPGA and Jack Barrett were selected to coach during the week. “It was an awesome week,” said Tyler Mistretta.  “I met new friends, great coaches and learned a lot about how to improve my game and scoring.” Participants were immersed in the routines of playing college golf by living in the dormitories at Palm Beach Atlantic University, walking morning rounds of 18-holes while carrying their bags, participating in structured work out sessions and engaging in late afternoon practice sessions at our golf facility in Dyer Park.  Jupiter Hills, Seagate Country Club and The Palm Beach Par 3 generously hosted the students for golf during the week. The curriculum of The First Tee Life Skills Experience was incorporated into every aspect of the academy. Specifically, during the academy the students participated in interactive sessions in the areas of:

• Golf Technique
• Education and Career Exploration
• Physical Fitness and Nutrition
• Golf Equipment Fitting

Recently our Chapter received a visit from staff members from The Honda Classic including Tournament Executive Director Ken Kennerly, President of Children’s Healthcare Charity John Domenico and Tournament Director Andrew George.  The Honda folks visited with Chapter staff and students at the Palm Beach PAR 3 Summer Camp!  The Honda Classic Cares presented a generous “big check” donation. The Honda Classic is a Founding Partner of our Chapter. Through their host organization, Children’s Healthcare Charity, Inc., The Honda Classic Cares awards grants available to local non-profit organizations in Palm Beach County and throughout South Florida to enhance the health and welfare of our children and the future of our community.