Year: 2019

Through an introduction of Chapter supporter Mike Pakradooni of Atlantic Refrigeration, Jerry Rich was introduced to our programs serving children and Veterans. “Jerry is one of those incredible icons of the game that we are lucky to get to know,” said Carl Mistretta. “He has the same passion and dedication to the game as our students, parents, board members, donors and coaches.” Jerry co-founded The Kids Golf Foundation of Illinois in 1998 to introduce the kids of Illinois to the game of golf. He believes golf can provide children with opportunities for personal growth and career enhancement. Since their inception, the foundation has impacted over 150,000 kids through our various programs. Jerry supported us through our tournament at the Palm Beach Par 3 last year and this year he sent us a giant gift of SNAG (Starting New at Golf) equipment. We use SNAG in many of our in-school and after-school programs. The equipment will be appreciated and well used by hundreds of our students.

The BallenIsles Charities Foundation (BICF) was established with the goal of “Making a Difference” to local non-profit organizations in areas surrounding BallenIsles located in Palm Beach Gardens. In their 8th year, BICF recently conducted their fundraising events for 2019 grant distributions, including a one-day golf tournament over 36-holes at BallenIsles. “The First Tee students impressed our members with their shot making and putting skills, and their confidence and social skills” said Dr. Eddy Slotnick, Chapter Director and BallenIsles resident. “It is always a special experience to meet the young people who benefit from the BICF grant.” Special thanks to the members of BallenIsles, and to the BallenIsles Charities Foundation for their continued support of our chapter. We also recognize the great support and hard work of BallenIsles residents and Chapter Directors Dr. Eddy Slotnick and Marsha Funk.

Earlier this year, Commissioner Gary Nicklaus of the Florida Wildlife Commission contacted our Chapter to propose a golf and fishing pilot program. As a professional golfer and avid fisherman, Gary understands that the lakes on golf courses are typically rarely fished. Combining golf and fishing presents an incredible opportunity to bring together two sports that share in outdoor recreation. Chapter students from Baldwin Prep School and our Saturday programs were invited to participate in the three day after-school pilot program conducted at The Bear’s Club. The students began each session with an hour of golf instruction at The Bear’s Club’s incredible practice facilities, followed by an hour of catch and release instruction and fishing at the lakes around the golf course. FWC staff offered a special training to Chapter Coaches and teachers from Baldwin Prep to assist with the fishing. “The students, Coaches and teachers really enjoyed the fishing,” said Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta. “Many of them had never been fishing before and we all learned a great deal about fishing and the environment. The students went crazy every time we landed a fish!” Pictured above left: Left to right- FWC Regional Director Tom Reinert, Landon Murray with a big one and Gary Nicklaus. Special thanks to Commissioner Nicklaus, Chapter Director Bill O’Leary who assisted with the program, Steve Marshall and Doc Kokol of FWC and the members and staff of The Bear’s Club for hosting the pilot.

The year 2009 was a momentous time for our organization as we became a chapter of The First Tee serving Palm Beach County.  That year also brought dedicated community leaders to our Board of Directors. At the request of former Chairman Dick Sheehan, Martin Dytrych, CPA, CFE joined the Board and served as Treasurer through 2018.  Under his 10-year term of Treasurer, our organization grew to an annual operating budget of over one million dollars, began conducting annual audits, implemented an exemplary and transparent accounting system and implemented an excellent benefit package for Chapter employees. “His dedication and commitment to our organization as our Treasurer raised the bar for everyone that serves on our Board of Directors,” said Chairman Steve Rockoff.  “Marty guided our organization, staff and Board through a tremendous period of expansion and growth.” Marty recently joined his accounting firm with Rehmann to offer an expanded level of service. Marty has extensive experience working with clients in industries including manufacturing, general contracting, subcontracting, insurance, real estate, professional services, sports and entertainment, and dealerships.  Additionally, Marty brings a unique perspective to his clients with his significant experience serving on audit committees throughout his community. For 13 years, Marty served as audit committee chairman and compensation committee chairman for Crystal Rock Holdings, a publicly traded company.  Marty has obtained the confidence of many organizations throughout his career. He holds board roles with Jupiter Medical Center (chairman, audit committee, compensation committee chairman), Diocese of Palm Beach (board of trustees for the savings fund trust, financial council), and The Honda Classic (board member).  Marty also served a three-year term as president of the prestigious Jupiter Hills Club Pictured above left to right:  Chairman Rockoff, Marty Dytrych and Dick Sheehan, Chairman Emeritus.

In addition to teaching The First Tee Life Skills Experience, our chapter provides additional instruction opportunities to middle school and high school age golfers with a goal of competing on their high school and a future collegiate team. We currently have six students playing on local high school golf teams, one alumna playing collegiate golf and another alumna that has turned professional. Recently, we have forged a new relationship with the world’s top golf instructors and are proud to announce a new partnership with Butch Harmon Floridian.  Chapter students who demonstrate a commitment to The First Tee with a goal to play golf at a higher level will be eligible to work with instructors Claude Harmon III and Ryan Crysler at Butch Harmon Floridian.  Floridian’s owner, Jim Crane, is a Trustee of The First Tee and a committed supporter of our Chapter and The First Tee national organization. Through the partnership, The First Tee students will receive special access and programs designed to enhance skill, course management and golf fitness. Instructors from Butch Harmon Floridian will visit Dyer Park throughout the year to work with our advanced students and our chapter will establish a scholarship program for families in need of financial assistance. “This is a very unique and exciting opportunity for our students because of the generosity of Claude Harmon and Ryan Crysler,” said Carl Mistretta, Chapter Executive Director.  “It demonstrates our long-standing commitment to game improvement and forges a partnership with the #1 family in golf instruction.” Claude Harmon III is in the vanguard of the new generation of golf teachers. Steeped in tradition both his grandfather, Claude Harmon, and father Claude “Butch” Harmon Jr., have been the dominant teachers of their generation.  The Harmon family pedigree has been the perfect foundation for Claude to build his knowledge of golf instruction. Claude’s teaching philosophy and methods have delivered lower scores and better, more repeatable swings for seasoned tour players, celebrities, and amateurs of all abilities.  Claude is ranked 12th on Golf Digest’s 2017-2018 Best Teachers in America and the Golf Magazine Top 100 Instructor list. Claude currently coaches three time major winner Brooks Koepka, US Open Champion Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and PGA Champion Jimmy Walker. Four Chapter students have started working with Senior Instructor, Ryan Crysler at Butch Harmon Floridian.  Ryan is a highly regarded Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf 3 professional ranked on The Golf Digest 50 Best Teachers In Florida List for 2017-2018. Ryan currently coaches PGA Tour players Dominic Bozzelli, Champions Tour players Ken Duke and Barry Lane, and high performing college and junior players. Ryan focuses on simplifying concepts, athletic performance, proper equipment and shot by shot analytics on the course and in practice.  Ryan’s business and coaching supports military charities including the Folds of Honor and PGA HOPE. There are only three Harmon learning centers in the world: Butch Harmon Floridian, The Butch Harmon School of Golf in Las Vegas and Claude Harmon Performance Golf in Dubai.  Butch Harmon Floridian includes two Swing Studios, a Scotty Cameron Showcase Partner Putting Studio, private Fitness Center and the new Harmon Short Course.  The facility spans 4,500 square feet on its own private practice tee beautifully designed to take advantage of the cool prevailing sea breeze. Featuring serene rolling short game areas and two practice greens, it is designed for any golfer that desires to improve.  

The Honda Classic and our Chapter Coaches partnered with The Els for Autism Foundation to host a special clinic during tournament week for children with autism. Thirty plus local children attended and had a wonderful time on the driving range. The clinic concluded with a generous contribution to the Els for Autism Foundation from the PGA Tour Superstore. Pictured above: Els Center of Excellence Participants along with Els for Autism Founder- Leizl Els, Chapter Director of Development – Jack Barret, Marlene Sotelo, Els for Autism Chief Operation Office and Eric Bems from PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE.

Chapter participants were invited to tour the set of Golf Channel on Saturday morning of tournament week. Not only did they hang out with Golf Channel Anchor Tim Rosaforte, but they were invited to tour the on-site T.V. production truck.

Chapter students Savannah Mansueti and Trevor Tarashuk served as roving PGA TOUR Junior Course Reporters at The Honda Classic. The students received inside the ropes media credentials and shadowed reporters preparing articles and videos for media publications. This experience is designed to enhance their communication and journalism skills. Both reporters also performed a “Social Media Takeover” of The First Tee National Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter sites. Followers from across the nation were kept up to date in real time on the students’ interviews of the entire day.

Each year, the Monday morning after The Honda Classic, the Champion Course at PGA National hosts our annual golf tournament. It is a rare opportunity to experience what PGA TOUR Professionals face on Championship Sunday as we play the Sunday tournament pin placements. Chapter supporters, donors and even a few of our students participated in the ultimate test of their golf skills. Pictured above left to right: James Wittek and David Ladd won the gross division with a score of 67. Bill Inman and Wayne Sanders were the net division winners with a score of 60.

The eighth annual Women’s Leadership Forum presented by The Honda Classic was an enlightening and educational morning during tournament week. More than 200 women gathered at PGA National Resort & Spa and participated in an engaging morning on topics vital to their professional and personal development. The two leadership guest speakers were Nancy G. Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen and Suzy Whaley, President of the PGA of America. Chapter female participants were invited to attend and enjoy the event with Chapter staff and Directors to help them prepare for their academic and professional careers. Pictured above: Chapter Participants – Jacie Goodman, Staci Pla, Mia Thorson, Annika Sowerbutts, Sydnee Beebe along with Program Director – Connie Capanegra, Treasure Coast Director of Operations – Gennifer Garvin, Volunteer Coordinator Liz Alter, and Suzy Whaley.