2020 GAINBRIDGE LPGA

The LPGA is back in South Florida January 20 – 26, 2020 at Boca Rio!!  Daily tickets are only $15 and children 17 and under are free with a ticketed adult.  Military Members and Veterans and their families are free with valid military ID. For tickets and more information, please CLICK HERE.

ST. ANDREWS LADIES SUPPORT OUR CHAPTER

Recently the ladies at St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton held their Opening Season Tournament with the proceeds to support our Chapter. The ladies played and donated 50 sets of gently used golf clubs, shoes, golf bags and assorted golf items. In addition to equipment donations, the ladies donated over $1,000 to benefit our programs. Thank you to participants Jacie Goodman, Landon Murray and Chapter Development Director Jack Barrett who served as the Pros on the course to hit shots for the ladies and contribute some birdies. A very special thank you to Terry Farino, LPGA Professional at St. Andrews for arranging the event and donations.

COACH CONNIE SELECTED AS NATIONAL TRAINER

First Tee Headquarters and their Training & Curriculum department recently announced Chapter Outreach & Special Programs Director Connie Capanegra has been selected to become a member of the First Tee National Trainer team. She has already been assigned two sessions this year where she will teach coaches from across the country to progress through The First Tee coach program. The First Tee Coach Program’s success is largely based on the strength of our trainers, and we applaud her interest in developing that strength by supporting others in their delivery of the Life Skills Experience.

IBIS TAILGATING WITH THE TEE

Recently Ibis Golf and Country Club held their 3rd Annual Tailgating with The Tee fundraiser. This year’s event hosted by the Ibis Ladies 9-Hole League raised over $12,000 for our Chapter. Club members played 9 holes as a 6-person team with our participants Jacie Goodman and Felipe Obando as the Pros on the par 3 holes. One donor bid $500 on new 3 woods for each of our students- WOW! 142 members played golf and over 150 attended the reception. “I really want to thank the event committee for their tireless efforts in putting together a wonderful event.” said Stephanie George, LPGA, First Assistant Golf Professional at Ibis. “I am truly honored and proud to work with such great people at Ibis that help all we can through the game of golf.  Members are still talking about what a fun time they had.  The day was just brilliant with the clinic, the tailgating, the mulligans, the colors, the juniors and the members. Even though I was ‘working’ the event, this was one of the most enjoyable days I’ve had in a long, long time.  Thank you Ibis ladies and all the members that attended!” A very special thank you to Coach Joel and his wife Sue Zanville, the Ibis Ladies Golf Committee and the members and staff at Ibis for an outstanding event.

CHAPTER TEAM PLAYS TOURNAMENT IN NEW ORLEANS

In December, Coach Sherri Pla brought a Chapter team (pictured above left) to play in a national tournament hosted by The First Tee of Greater New Orleans. Our team finished in 11th place out of 26 teams. Ethan Keen finished in 3rd place in his age division for the boys 12-13 age group with the scores of 84, 80. Participant Cameron Coe shot a Personal best 81 in round two, which was the toughest playing conditions (60 degree weather and it rained the entire round). Gabe Prissert enjoyed the event very much and mentioned that he is excited for the team to participate again next year to claim a top three or better finish. Jordan Reyes shot a personal best 102 at age 10 playing in the Boys 12-13 age division. He was the youngest golfer in the tournament and finished ahead of 6 kids in his division.

2020 HONDA CLASSIC RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

It is almost time for the biggest sporting event in Palm Beach County. The Honda Classic is just weeks away and is a Founding Partner of our Chapter. Proceeds from the tournament benefit many South Florida charities. Check out the exciting events that occur during tournament week. Please CLICK HERE for all events. https://thehondaclassic.com/schedule/ Our Chapter hosts the following events tournament week: • Tuesday, February 25th at 3:00pm – The First Tee Junior Clinic • Monday March 2nd at 8:00am – The First Tee Invitational. We play the Sunday pins from the PGA TOUR event! CLICK HERE to enter the tournament. NEED TICKETS? To purchase tickets by phone, call 1-844-8HONDA8 (1-844-846-6328) or CLICK HERE.

DAVID BURKE FOUNDATION HELPS WITH NEW GREENS

The David A. Burke Foundation was established in 2018 to continue the philanthropic legacy that “Burkie” led throughout his lifetime. David was an icon in the hospitality industry in South Florida, and the contributions that he made to his alma mater, community, and the lives of many will be continued through this foundation. “I really miss our friendship, his unique humor, the grinding competition on the golf course, and our many discussions about the college and football seasons,” said Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta. “We became fast friends and Burkie absolutely loved everything about The First Tee.” David served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for The Breakers Palm Beach for 27 years. David served on many advisory roles, including the Vice Chairman of the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council, Ambassador of The Honda Classic, President of Florida Restaurant Lodging Association, Executive Committee member of the Boca Raton Bowl and on the executive board for Discover the Palm Beaches. He will forever be cherished for his contributions and generosity to the South Florida Community. His larger than life personality is carried on by his loving wife, Amy and two boys, Ryan and Matthew. David Burke Foundation made a $15,000 donation to assist with our construction of two new putting greens at Dyer Park. Pictured right with the big check, left to right: Family friend Colman Gogan, Carl Mistretta, Chapter Superintendent Ryan Kelly, Ryan Burke, Matthew Burke and Chapter Development Director Jack Barrett. Notice the gents are standing on the new putting green while the turf is growing in.