Year: 2021

Program Spotlight | Mission United

Our Mission United veterans golf programs continue to fill up each month. They are made possible from a generous grant from The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation. V/r Marcos Espinosa is one of our veteran students and shared this with our staff: “First Tee’s program has offered me the opportunity to explore golf. I do not think I would have had the opportunity to try golf as I thought that it was an expensive hobby. I did not consider golf a sport but the more I play, the more I realized that it has many benefits – exercise, concentration, and even controlling emotions. I wish had more time to play as golf makes me feel better overall. Being able to enjoy time with veterans is an added benefit, it is even therapeutic as many of us have emotional and physical scars which are not easy to overcome.” V/r Marcos Espinosa Special SHOUT OUT to the golf courses that provide the space and the great coaches that continue to give their all during class.

2021 Club Drives A Huge Success

Our Chapter’s annual Club Drive was a huge success. Early estimates point to 300 sets of clubs (1,500 total clubs) being collected at over 22 different golf courses! The money raised from the Club Drive helps the children and veterans in Broward County learn important life lessons, but also teach them about the great game of golf. (Pictured above: Chapter student Jahsiah Bowie with Director Of Operations Jack Bloomfield after receiving a new set of clubs. The set was donated to this Club Drive.) Jahsiah is a 3-year participant in our Cooper Colony First Tee program and will be attending his first year as a freshman at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale. Jahsiah is working hard on his game in hopes of making the golf team this fall at Pine Crest. Did you miss this year’s Club Drive and still need to clean out your garage your trunk. It is not too late! Visit our website for a list of drop off locations. Our next Club Drive is scheduled for November 2021. Special thanks to Club Drive committee members: Dan Young, Robert Ferzoco, Stan Schachne, Lou Chiera, Laurie Villa and Bud Mansor.

Veteran Spotlight – Tony Blanco

Tony Bianco is 75 years old and served in the U.S Army. Tony has been golfing for 15 years and participating in the First Tee Veterans program for 3 years. He participated with First Tee at Eagle Trace Country Club in Coral Springs. Tony commented, “I have found all of the coaches to be extremely informative. With each class they have contributed to improving my golf game. I have observed that no matter what stage a veteran’s golf game is in, the coaches are always patient and consistently take the time to make sure their instructional points are understood. Taking group lessons have also given me the opportunity to be able to interact with other veterans and to form partnerships to play golf. The camaraderie that has been built with other veterans has been a definite plus in joining this group. The First Tee Veterans program should be recognized and praised for the work that has been done to teach and improve veterans golf games and to help them reach future goals.”

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 Chapter has 63 players committed to play 100 holes at one of four courses in August. Our goal this year is to raise $120,000. 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 to help fund our children’s and veterans’ programs. Ready to play? Please visit our website for more information. Ready to donate? Please visit our donation page for a secure online tax deductible contribution.

Participant Spotlight – Asia Haughton

Asia Haughton is 11 years old and a chapter participant at The Bridges at Spring Tree Golf Club. “My first try at golf was in January 2020 with the First Tee. I found the program to be interesting and strategic,” Asia. “However, COVID-19 got in the way. I eventually got my mom to sign me up in January 2021 after asking her many times when I could start playing golf. I have used the lessons taught learned from First Tee to guide me with good judgment, sportsmanship, integrity, perseverance, confidence, and honesty while practicing with my peers and daily. I will continue to push myself to improve the techniques taught to us by Coach Stefan. Coach Stefan has been very patient, encouraging, and motivational. He assesses our individual needs to improve on our golf techniques and stance. My experience has been terrific participating in the First Tee.”

Last Chance For Summer Camps

Weekly summer camps allow participants ages 6 to 18 to learn First Tee life skills through the game of golf. Intermediate and advanced camps also being offered! Please visit our website for locations and to register your children. Camp locations include: Cooper Colony Country Club Grand Palms Hotel – Spa & Golf Resort (*also available-Advanced Elite Training Program)

Participant Spotlight I Maximus Reseniz

Maximus is a PAR participant at Fairwinds Golf Course with Coaches Mark Cammarene, PGA and Willie Scott. He shows a real passion for the game of golf, spending his spare time in the back yard working on his golf swing. His favorite Nine Core Value is Responsibility because he truly understands how this value relates to being on the golf course and interacting with his fellow players.  Maximus made a 30-foot putt while playing a team competition to lead his team to victory! Coach Willie asked his what making that putt meant to him and he replied:  “It was my responsibility to make that putt so that my team would have a chance to win!”

BOGO At POPSTROKE For Chapter Students

Chapter students may enjoy a buy one, get one free round of golf at POPSTROKE, Mondays to Fridays from June 1st to August 31st. Please print and present this coupon to redeem your free round.

Chapter Director Jen Hong Kicks Off 100-Hole Challenge

Are you interested in playing 6 free rounds of golf? All in one day! Still interested? Chapter Director Jen Hong kicked off our 2021 CMAA 100-Hole Challenge this month at The Dye Preserve. That is correct- she played 100 holes of golf in one day to support our Chapter. Her all-day golf effort raised over $1,500 for our children and veterans. “These dollars will be geared towards growing the game of golf for girls and those with special needs,” said Jen. “I am so grateful to everyone that donated.” Donors can still support Jen’s efforts by making a secure online donation at our 100-Hole Challenge website. Interested in playing in the 100 Hole Challenge? Please contact Gennifer Garvin at [email protected] or call at 812-243-5703

Groundbreaking At Westside BGC

At a recent groundbreaking ceremony, Chapter Directors, local dignitaries, and staff announced a new artificial turf practice area to be installed at the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County newest location at Westside Church. The practice facility (pictured right) will include a tee area, 3 putting greens, 6 colored target greens and a multi-use field. Construction funding for the facility was provided by The Andrew and Robin Hunt Philanthropic Fund via The Community Foundation (Robin and Andrew pictured below left). The facility will open late summer or early fall. “Robin and I are very excited to help implement this project,” said Chapter President Andrew Hunt. “We know we will positively impact the lives of thousands of children with this incredible facility.” This new BGC location at Westside will serve hundreds of children and teens at its Fort Pierce location. With over 55,000 square feet and 50 acres of property, this will be the largest Clubhouse in the county. In addition, the property will also be home to other local partner non-profit organizations that serve the surrounding counties. The groundbreaking was also attended by other local dignitaries such as Will Armstead- CEO of BGCSLC, City Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Pastor Craig from Westside Church, Elizabeth Barbella- CEO of The Community Foundation. and coaches and supporters of our Chapter (Pictured below right, left to right: Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta, Coach Willie Scott, Chapter Chairman Steve Rockoff and Mark Cammarene, PGA- General Manager of Fairwinds GC).