OUR 100 FRIENDS ENJOYED A GREAT DAY AT THE BEAR’S CLUB

This year’s tournament was graciously hosted by GolfChannel’s Tim Rosaforte, our Chapter Honorary Vice Chairman. The tournament was dedicated in memory of our great friend David Burke. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Jack Nicklaus, our Chapter Honorary Chairman and a Trustee of The First Tee, and the members and staff of The Bear’s Club for hosting our annual 100 Friends’ golf tournament and dinner. “We were very excited to have Tim host the event and help us remember Burkie,” said Carl Mistretta, Executive Director. “Tim is a great friend to golf and The First Tee. This tournament helps us raise dollars for programs and helps us generate tremendous community awareness.” The winners of the net division with a score of 53 were – Bill Dunn, Bill Owens, Sheridan Fields, and John Rothberg (pictured above with Rosaforte and Chapter President Bobby Hendel). The winners of the gross division with a score of 67 were Team ESPN consisting of Steve Politziner, Eric Glasband, Ryan Burke (Burkie’s son!), and Nolan Murphy. “Our sponsors and supporters had a fantastic time, and everyone enjoys the hospitality of this very special club,” said Bobby Hendel, Chapter President. “It is just a great day of golf and fellowship.”

Thank you sponsors!

PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE CONTINUES GENEROUS SUPPORT

In partnership with The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the Delray Beach PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE continues to contribute annual grants to our Chapter. The SUPERSTORE not only supports our Chapter financially, but also hosts our Coaches and students for programming and always welcomes our students to assist with club fitting and repairs. Pictured above right: Ralph Stokes and Erik Bems from PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE present the check from the Blank Foundation to Chapter Chairman Steve Rockoff, Chapter President Bobby Hendel and Chapter Development Director Jack Barrett. In related news, Ralph’s Crimson Tide beat the pants off of Carl’s LSU Tigers yet again!!

JOIN US FOR THANKSGIVING CAMP AT DYER PARK

Monday-Wednesday November 19th – 21st from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM Rate: $90 all 3 days, $70 for 2 days, $40 for 1 day

Dyer Park – 7301 N. Haverhill Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Please contact Coach Joe Gerard for further information and to register at [email protected]

PALM BEACH GARDENS HIGH WRAPS UP GREAT SEASON

The golf team at PBGHS recently concluded an incredible season under Coach Mike Hurley and Denmother Carl Mistretta. Chapter students Billy Reid, Harrison Hutchings, Aidan MacFarquhar, Connor Noone and Tyler Mistretta play on the team. The team is over the top appreciative to BallenIsles Country Club members and staff for hosting their practice and matches this year. Special SHOUT OUT to Chapter Director and club member Dr. Eddy Slotnick and Director of Golf Jeff Fitzherbert for their incredible support. Below is a summary of the team’s impressive 2018 statistics: – 13-2 Overall Record – 8-2 Conference Record – Conference Champions – 2nd Place North County Tournament – 2nd Place Districts (lost in playoff) – 3rd Place Regionals (missed State by two shots) Just wait until next year!

JETT FERM WELCOMED INTO SOCIETY OF 1457

Jett Ferm was inducted at The Bear’s Club into the Society of 1457, our Chapter’s planned giving initiative. Jett has generously remembered our Chapter and The First Tee home office in his estate planning. Jett’s friend, David Humphreys, accepted the induction gift on behalf of Jett. “Planned giving is the future of fundraising for our chapter,” said Chapter Director Ken Ohrstrom and an inaugural member of the Society of 1457. Pictured above: David accepts the induction gift from Tim Rosaforte and the other Society of 1457 members present that included: Andrew Hunt, Jack Bloomfield, John Rothberg, Bobby Hendel, Ken Ohrstrom, Jack Barrett and Carl Mistretta. If you are interested in learning more about the Society of 1457 please CLICK HERE.

HALL OF FAMER DENNIS WALTERS AND BUCKY COMING TO DYER PARK

Join us for The Dennis Walters Golf Show at the Michael B. Finnegan Learning Center

Saturday December 15th at 10:45am Dyer Park 7301 N. Haverhill Road West Palm Beach, FL 33407 *FREE ADMISSION*

The Dennis Walters Golf Show is a one-hour combination of “Golf Lessons and Life Lessons”. It is great golf, great fun, along with an inspiring message. You do not want to miss Super Dog Bucky’s tricks and proficiency at math!

BALDWIN PREP ENJOYS STEM LINKS FIELD

With a grant from The First Tee home office, our Chapter conducted a field trip for 40 middle school students from Baldwin Prep School to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. What Is Stem? – STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. The United States has become a global leader, in large part, through the genius and hard work of its scientists, engineers and innovators. Our Coaches, the students and their teachers participated in fun and engaging STEM based activities on the trip to focus on the physics of golf, cleaning the Everglades and investigating insects. Building on these basic experiences, the students continued their golf-based STEM pursuits on the new putt-putt course at the Science Center.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: THE CONSERVATORY SCHOOL

Students from The Conservatory School recently enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at our Chapter. The students practiced putting, chipping, and played 4 holes on the course. Our Chapter has created a strong partnership with the school as they participate in the National School Program and we conduct a life skills program for their students during school at our facility in Dyer Park.