Veteran Spotlight – Tom Molloy

Tom is a participant in on Monday morning veterans’ programs at Jensen Beach Golf Club with Coach Wayne Huffines, PGA. Tom is 81 years old and served in The United States Army. He also spent a portion of his career in the FDNY before retiring in 2002 and moving to Florida. Tom says he never played golf before until being introduced to the game by friend and First Tee coach Dave McNulty, PGA. “I love the opportunity that First Tee has given me, introducing me to a sport that allows me to enjoy the outdoors and have a safe outlet, especially during this pandemic,” said Tom. Tom is now a member at Palm Cove Golf and Yacht Club in Palm City and plays golf several times a week! THANK YOU Tom for your service to our country and to all our nation’s heroes. SHOUT OUT to Jensen Beach Golf Club for graciously hosting our Veterans each week.

Student Spotlight – Grace Bischoff

Meet Grace Bischoff. She lives in Tequesta and enjoys dance, arts and crafts, and musical theater. She is 11 years old and is the middle child with an older sister, Ellie, and younger sister, Charlotte. Grace joined our chapter in 1st grade and is excited to be in First Tee classes with Coach Chris at Riverbend Country Club! She enjoys practicing with her dad and grandfather. Coach Chris said, “Grace has been a pleasure to coach and has evolved so much since being with First Tee. She is always looking out for the younger participants to help them improve their life skills and promote healthy choices. I am excited to see all the great things Grace accomplishes!”

Under Armour Junior Tour Coming 2021

Great news! Palm Beach and Martin Counties have been selected as a potential site for The Junior Tour powered by Under Armour beginning in the Spring of 2021. There are two seasons per year, March-April and September-October consisting of 6 events each. The League registration fee covers the following items per player: • Entry into ALL 6 league, 9 hole matches • Under Armour Junior Tour Polo Shirt • Opportunity to earn points from each match to qualify for State & National Tournaments • Opportunity to be the League Champion from each division and earn FREE entry into the National Tournament. For more information, please visit https://www.uagolftour.com/ Interested? Please take a moment to fill out this survey.

Students Play Timber Tech Pro Am with Ken Duke

The TimberTech Championship recently held at The Old Course at Broken Sound was an exciting event with a strong field of PGA TOUR Champions players. Congratulations to Darren Clarke who won the championship. Six Chapter students were invited to play in the ProAms. Pictured top left, from left to right: First Tee foursome of Felipe Obando (Palm Beach Chapter), Shrey Shalia (Broward Chapter), Tour Player Ken Duke, Katie Harwood (Treasure Coast Chapter) and Asha Farrelly (Palm Beach Chapter). This foursome was generously donated by the S. Randolph Scheen Family Charitable Foundation. Pictured top right, left to right: Sebastian Nachilly and Billy Reid with Tour Player Robert Karlsson. Sebastian and Billy both applied to play in the Pure Insurance Open at Pebble Beach, but First Tee players were not allowed to play due to COVID. First Tee home office invited both students to the Pro-Am. “I really enjoyed the tips that Mr. Duke gave me about addressing the ball and striking it better,” said chapter student Katie Harwood. “He had me open up the club face to get under the ball better. He also pushed me to use clubs that I am not comfortable with like my driver. I smoked it the first time he challenged me to hit it!” Special SHOUT OUT to the tournament staff for making this opportunity happen for these deserving students. We are extremely excited to be engaged with this premier golf tournament.

More 100-Hole Challenge Success

Well…we made it. Through heat, storms and a pandemic, we were able to finish the 3rd leg of this year’s 100-Hole Challenge at Lago Mar Country Club. THANK YOU to our many donors and everyone that played this year to help in achieving the largest fundraising event in the 7-year history of our chapter. The website is still live for anyone wishing to donate to a great cause and to recognize those who played 100 holes of golf in one day! The challenge was played at the Country Club of Coral Springs, Club at Weston Hills and finished at Lago Mar Country Club after two rainouts! Here are some stats on this year’s challenge: Total Number of Players: 40 Dollars Raised: $91,708 Number of Donors: 874 Interested in playing in 2021? Please contact Jack Bloomfield at [email protected]

Veteran Spotlight

Age:  77 Branch of Service: Navy Years Playing Golf: 61 Participating in our programs in partnership with Mission United since March 2016. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the golf classes for veterans.  It has reminded me of lifelong values I can always learn and re-learn,” said Tom.  “I have brushed up on the fundamentals of the golf swing thanks to the coaching of superior professionals such as Coaches Nick Cupper, Dave McNulty, Duncan Smith, Steve Voguit and Darrell Welker.  New veteran participants have also been introduced to my circle of friends.  Thank you First Tee for making golf so enjoyable and rewarding.”

Thank You For Your Service

During the month of Veterans Day, we are honored to thank all Veterans for their service and report on our programs serving our nation’s heroes. Recently our summer Veterans program concluded at The Club at Weston Hills. Thank you to Coaches Steve Voguit and Nick Cupper for conducting the program. A special thank you to The Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation for funding this important program. “I want to thank you for the opportunity to take part in the First Tee golf classes through Mission United. The instructors were so very knowledgeable and very patient. Not everyone that plays any sport can teach. First Tee’s instructors had the special combination of knowing the game of golf and explaining it with patience which is such a great asset to your program. I am so looking forward to all future First Tee programs for veterans.”  – Deborah Bell “First Tee has provided me an opportunity to learn the wonderful game of golf. Not only am I learning this game, but I’ve met some great people as well. From the golf pros, to my fellow veterans, I’ve made some new relationships while playing a great game! I’m playing golf on a regular basis and getting better each time. All thanks to the generosity of those that underwrite this great program.” – Bill Mei

Sponsor Spotlight – Spirit Airlines

The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation is building on its long-standing partnership with First Tee – Broward. This year, Veterans Day marked a milestone of 200 heroes helped by the commitment to providing a therapeutic community for those who served our nation. Our chapter teamed up with local golf courses and trained golf professionals in 2016 to offer group golf lessons for veterans. The first class of 20 filled up within two days and had a waiting list, which underscored the long-term need for a program designed for veterans. Four years later, the program offers eight classes annually. The classes serve veterans from 22 to 75 years old and provide a combination of team building and therapy aimed at combatting PTSD. The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation has donated $60,000 in scholarships to First Tee – Broward, along with sponsoring many of its programs and initiatives in the community, including its annual fundraiser and its work with the Special Olympics organization. “Our foundation and First Tee share the common mission of having a positive impact on the lives of children, families and military veterans,” said Laurie Villa, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Spirit Airlines and President of The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation. “It’s a privilege to be able to create meaningful social impact and change, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to work with First Tee – Broward to instill those values in our community.” Spirit’s Team Members also participate in First Tee – Broward’s annual golf tournament to help raise awareness of the organization and its mission.   “We are very grateful to The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation for their incredible support,” said Jack Bloomfield, Director of Operations for First Tee – Broward. “Their partnership has been invaluable for our students and our veterans, who have directly benefited from their generosity.” About Spirit Airlines:   Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose — like bags, seat assignments and refreshments — something we call Á La Smarte. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet® is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving those communities. Come save with us at spirit.com.  Spirit Media Relations 954.364.0231 [email protected]

Chapter Students Play Timber Tech Pro Am

The TimberTech Championship recently held at The Old Course at Broken Sound was an exciting event with a strong field of PGA TOUR Champions players. Congratulations to Darren Clarke who won the championship. Six Chapter students were invited to play in the ProAms. Pictured top left, from left to right: First Tee foursome of Felipe Obando (Palm Beach Chapter), Shrey Shalia (Broward Chapter), Tour Player Ken Duke, Katie Harwood (Treasure Coast Chapter) and Asha Farrelly (Palm Beach Chapter). This foursome was generously donated by the S. Randolph Scheen Family Charitable Foundation. Pictured top left, left to right: Sebastian Nachilly and Billy Reid with Tour Player Robert Karlsson. Sebastian and Billy both applied to play in the Pure Insurance Open at Pebble Beach, but First Tee players were not allowed to play due to COVID. First Tee home office invited both students to the ProAm. “The First-Tee program taught me to hold a golf club in my hand five years ago and this opportunity to play with a PGA professional has been incredible,” said Broward Chapter student Shrey Shalia. “Today’s experience has certainly helped me in strengthening my confidence in my golf game.”

Volunteers Needed For AJGA Event At PGA National

PGA National Resort & Spa – Champion & Fazio November 20 – 22, 2020

Volunteer Needs: – Timing Station Volunteers (Champion & Fazio Courses) – Water Rovers (Champion & Fazio Courses) The AJGA has created an online sign-up link to allow everyone to specify their available dates and times. Please contact: Melanie Sands Email: [email protected] Cell: (609) 744 – 6921