Year: 2021

RYAN ATTENDS THE GAME CHANGERS ACADEMY

Chapter student, Ryan Shimony, was selected to attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. this summer in Philadelphia, PA. First Tee Game Changers Academy addresses the challenges and experiences teens face in their daily lives and helps better equip them to build the strength of character to be game changers in their communities. This Academy is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. Here are a few things Ryan had to say about his experience at the Academy: “It was an honor to be picked. I couldn’t believe it! I was proud, but nervous. I had never traveled alone. But I was excited to be chosen. At first, I was intimidated, walking into a room where I did not know anyone. I then started introducing myself to others and began to realize we all felt the same way. It was great meeting so many new people.” “We played golf every day along with attending our First Tee classes. I made a group of new friends from across the country. I am excited to keep in touch with them.” “The best thing I learned from the experience, was that honoring diversity is important. I learned that not everyone has the same life experiences, and we can learn from everyone’s stories. Thank you, First Tee, for such an amazing experience!”

BACK TO SCHOOL = BACK TO FALL PROGRAMS

Summer is over and we are beginning our Fall programs. Enroll your children as golf is the sport of business and the sport of a lifetime! Our program locations include: • Grand Palms Hotel-Spa & Golf Resort • Hollywood Beach Golf Club • Parkland Golf & Country Club • PGA TOUR Superstore – Plantation • Pompano Beach Golf Club • Cooper Colony Golf & Country Club • The Club at Weston Hills • The Bridges at Springtree Golf Club • Eagle Trace Golf Club For more information and to register, please visit our website.

WELCOME COACH MATT COLEMAN

Coach Matt joined our Chapter as the lead coach at Riverbend Golf Club. Matt was introduced to us through Chapter Director, Jen Hong. Matt is a great addition to our chapter. Our 2020 Coach of the Year and former Riverbend Lead Coach, Chris Connelly, PGA (pictured above left with Matt) has volunteered his time mentoring Matt as he transitions to lead coach this Fall. Our chapter coaches enjoy helping each other and always work together to make the program a success. Chris will continue to coach in a limited compacity as his new schedule allows. Chris said, “I enjoy working with new junior golf coaches and watching their coaching styles develop over time to help the students.”

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT – GRACE

This summer our Chapter conducted a 6-week program for 25 children at the GRACE Education Center. Students practiced putting and chipping. It was the first time many had ever picked up a golf club, but they all enjoyed this new experience. Coach Joe said, “We discussed what profession they wanted to enter when they graduate school. There were plenty of hopeful nurses, doctors and lawyers. We discussed and demonstrated Respect, Sportsmanship, Courtesy and Integrity. Such a great group of kids!” Special thanks to the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County for introducing us to this new youth serving partner and for providing the funding to conduct this summer program.

ABIGAIL HALPERN WINS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – AGAIN!

Abigail Halpern won the 2020 South Florida Junior PGA Player of the Year on the Challenge Tour. This achievement marks her third consecutive Player of the Year award in SFPGA Junior golf. Abby, a native of Palm City, started playing golf at the age of 3 with the First Tee class at Hammock Creek Golf Club with Coach Bo Batchelor. She has played many junior golf tournaments and has even made two hole-in-ones! During her free time, Abigail has volunteered with the No Kill Animal Rescue Nala Dog Shelter in Palm City because she really cares about dogs. She believes dogs are man’s best animal companions in life. Abigail is a hardworking student at Hidden Oaks Middle School and has made the Honors Principal’s Roll since 2019. She is a member in the National Junior Honor Society. Abigail has been volunteering with the First Tee at Crane Watch helping and guiding young children to learn to play golf. Abigail’s mother said, “I know that the First Tee program has made a big difference in her life as a young golfer and as a student. More importantly, First Tee is shaping Abigail into a future productive and successful citizen of society.

RESOURCES IN COMMUNITY HOPE HOUSE

Chapter staff was recently invited to attend the grand opening of the Fort Pierce Police Department’s Resources In Community Hope (R.I.C.H) House. Students in attendance were introduced to the game of golf using our large clubs and tennis balls. The mission of the Fort Pierce Police Department is to reduce crime and enrich the quality of life through a collaborative partnership with all citizens. The R.I.C.H. House was established for the purpose of creating a safe haven for all those in need of services. It will be a place that fosters police and community relationships and provides a multi-purpose education and resource center for all ages to enhance their quality of life. The R.I.C.H. House will rely heavily on community partnerships and support from non-profit organizations, businesses, and volunteers to make this program well-designed and successful. The R.I.C.H. House will provide curriculums geared towards educational assistance, conflict-resolution, socialization skills, and self-esteem building for children, parents, and seniors. Our Chapter is looking forward to working with the community and delivering our life skills program.

ANNERY GIVES BACK

Annery Abrue, is a First Tee Coach at Fairwinds Golf Course and a First Tee alumna. Coach Willie Scott has been her longtime mentor since she was a freshman in high school. Annery is entering her junior year of college where she plays on the golf team and won her first college golf event this past Spring. She has just completed her first step in becoming a Golf Instructor with TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) completing Level 1 Certification. She is such an inspiration to all the young ladies! Annery made the Presidents list every semester in college with a 4.0 GPA.

HARBOUR RIDGE ROCKS THE 100 – HOLE CHALLENGE!

The staff and members of Harbour Ridge set a new 100 – Hole Challenge record for our chapter by raising $15,564 to support our children and veterans. Our goal this year is to raise $60,000. “We are so grateful for the continued support of Harbour Ridge,” said Chapter President Andrew Hunt. “Their generosity will impact the lives of hundreds of people in their community.” Think you can beat their record? There is still time to play. Please visit our websitefor more information or contact [email protected].

BACK TO SCHOOL = BACK TO GOLF

Sign up now for Fall programs. Our programs are taught at the following golf course locations: – Crane Watch Club – The Saints at Port St. Lucie Golf Course – The Champions Club – Riverbend Country Club – Jensen Beach Golf Club – Fairwinds Golf Course For more information and to register, please visit our website.

AMBASSADORS ROCK THE PALM BEACH PAR 3

Chapter Ambassadors had a fun time at the Palm Beach Par 3. The event was a fantastic opportunity for current and potential members of the group to network, meet new faces, all while enjoying fun golf and great food and drink. The Ambassadors are a group of active Palm Beach County based professionals of all ages dedicated to the mission of First Tee. The Ambassadors support our chapter through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and by broadening awareness in Palm Beach County as representatives of our local chapter. Events will be conducted throughout the year and are open to all Ambassadors and their guests to encompass a variety of golf and social venues. Also, a weekly golf league has been formed by Ambassador Board Members as an additional benefit to their members to promote growth and networking among the group. Special SHOUT OUT to Tony and Angie at the course for hosting us! If you are interested in joining the Ambassadors, please contact David Trout, PGA, at [email protected].

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT: HOMER WATTS

Homer Watts is 80 years old and served in Vietnam. He enjoys participating in our veterans’ programs and even helps Coach Dave McNulty with special needs classes on Saturday mornings. Our veterans’ programs are made possible by generous grants from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation and Pratt & Whitney. Our Dyer Veterans group is always growing! Are you a Veteran in West Palm Beach? Come join the group. Please contact Coach Dave at [email protected] for more information.

WANT TO PLAY SIX FREE ROUNDS OF GOLF?

One tiny wrinkle, the six rounds are all in one day! It is that time of year again for the CMAA 100-Hole Challenge. Our goal this year is to raise $80,000. It is not too late to register to play or make a donation and support these folks crazy enough to play 100 holes in one day. Your donation helps to fund our children’s and veterans’ programs. Ready to play? Please contact [email protected] for more information. Ready to donate? Please visit our donation page for a secure online tax-deductible contribution.