Bogie Perez is always one of the first to step up and volunteer at our events, consistently representing our veterans with pride and enthusiasm. Whether it’s lending a hand at functions or supporting fellow veterans on the course, Bogie is our reliable go-to guy and an invaluable member of the First Tee family.
Calling all chapter alumni. Parents of alumni students, please help. Register now for the First Tee Alumni Network at firstteeconnect.org.
Why join the First Tee Alumni Network?
Belong to an exclusive community for past participants. Connect and engage with fellow alumni from across the globe in one place. Access internships, part-time and full-time positions within the First Tee Chapter Network and with our partners! Learn about local and national opportunities to stay involved with First Tee. Take your personal and professional growth journey to new heights through First Tee national and regional alumni events.
Help us support the thousands of children and veterans we serve each year. Our Pebble Beach Raffle features a chance to win a trip to play Pebble Beach! For every $100 donated, you will be entered to win a 3-night stay at the Lodge at Pebble Beach (includes two Garden View rooms) and a foursome to play one round at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The prize package also includes $1,500 towards airfare, trip expenses, etc.
Certain restrictions apply. Drawing to be held March 3, 2025. Please scan the QR code or visit our website to donate and for more information.
The USGA’s National Development Program grant application for 2025 funding closes on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. Grants up to $10,000 will be awarded on a reimbursement-basis to help offset costs associated with practice fees, tournament entry fees, tournament travel, coach fees and equipment. Learn more about the USNDP Grant and how to apply.
Three of four parents worry about their child being bullied. Parents know bullying is a problem, but they might not always know how to recognize its signs or how to address it.
“October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus and raise awareness on bullying,” said Kristin Westberg, senior director of curriculum and education at First Tee and author of several books on bullying.
What is bullying?
Bullying is defined as repeated aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Sometimes it can be difficult for parents to differentiate between bullying and bad behavior. Don’t discount your child’s feelings if they’re embarrassed or their feelings are hurt; however, these outcomes might not be the result of bullying.
“For an action to be considered bullying, the behavior must be unwanted by the person experiencing the bullying and intentional on the part of the person who is bullying,” Westberg explained. “There needs to be a power imbalance, making it difficult for the victim to defend themself, and the action must be repeated.”
Bullies intend to intimidate, harm or control their victim, and their actions can take the following forms:
How to prevent bullying
Westberg suggests communicating these messages to your kids to help them understand the potential impact of bullying.
Build your child’s confidence
Low self-esteem may make kids both more susceptible to being bullied and to bullying. A simple way parents can help their child build confidence is by listening to them and supporting their interests.
Encourage your child to try new things in a safe environment to help them learn what they’re capable of and that failure is a natural part of growth.
Many parents believe extracurriculars, including youth sports, can help kids feel more confident. First Tee and Harris Poll collaborated on research that shows that 90% of parents agree that youth sports coaches could impact their child’s ability to respect others.
You can access additional resources on bullying at stopbullying.gov.
Little did Allison Brown know a life-changing gift awaited her when she traveled to Florida to visit family 12 years ago.
“When we arrived, my uncle pulled out three small golf bags – one for me, and one for each of my brothers,” she said. “I was excited about the gift, but I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do with them.”
Her uncle taught her the basics at the driving range and told her parents about a program called First Tee. “I remember my first time walking inside and meeting the coaches and the other kids, and the rest is history,” she said
Now a high school junior, Allison has been involved with First Tee – Greater Philadelphia for more than a decade, and she’s making the most of the opportunities it provides.
Last year, she attended the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, a leadership development event in Montana, where participants learn from pushing their boundaries and trying new things, like whitewater rafting and horseback riding. This summer, she attended the Game Changers Academy, which brought together 72 teens from across the First Tee network in Minneapolis, encouraging them to celebrate their differences and embrace new perspectives.
Allison is also an Ace participant at First Tee – Greater Philadelphia. As part of First Tee’s capstone program, Ace candidates must complete four projects designed to help them prepare for the future. The projects center around academics, career exploration, community service and golf.
“Being a part of First Tee isn’t only about learning to play the game of golf — it’s about learning to become better people,” Allison said. “The Ace Program is what really focuses on that aspect of First Tee. It has given me the tools to fully think about and prepare for my future and, more importantly, helps me enrich my community through various service projects.”
Allison’s interests extend far beyond golf. She plays volleyball, taught herself French and was even cast to play a titular role in a production of Romeo & Juliet. “First Tee taught me to be confident in myself and my abilities which gave me confidence needed to audition for the role,” she said.
While working toward her high school diploma, she’s also earning an associate’s degree through a dual enrollment program with Liberty University.
Learn more about First Tee’s opportunities for teens.
Enroll your children at one of our 10 Palm Beach County Program Locations.
VALENTINA PLACES THIRD AT PURE INSURANCE
Valentina Marie Guertin was our ninth chapter student to play in the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. She was paired with PGA Champions Tour player KJ Choi. Valentina played two rounds at Pebble Beach and at Spyglass Hill in a best-ball format teamed with KJ. They carded a three-round score of 18 under par to finish in third place– our highest finish as a chapter in this event!
“This trip is a bucket list experience! Playing Pebble Beach has been a dream since I started playing golf. I am thrilled it became a reality at the Pure Insurance Championship! Both golf courses were just breathtaking. The grounds and maintenance were impeccable, and the staff were incredibly kind. One of my favorite parts of the week was the amazing people and meaningful connections I made both on and off the course. Starting with all the juniors from First Tee chapters across the country and making long-lasting friendships and so many shared memories. Then add in the influential people who revolve around the sport who shared valuable knowledge and experiences that I will use to help shape my future career path. Lastly, I was fortunate to be paired with KJ Choi and his caddie Angel, who are just amazing human beings! I had a blast playing with them. I am so grateful for all the learnings, techniques, and strategic thinking they taught me that I will apply to my game. Hopefully, I can one day compete at their level. But more importantly, I will never forget how they made me feel. They inspired and empowered me in ways they will never know. I think that this week will have to go down as the best birthday week ever! Thank you First Tee for the privilege to represent our local chapter and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime!” –Valentina Marie Guertin
For more information, please visit https://www.pureinsurancechampionship.com/
VALENTINA QUALIFIES FOR US AM FOUR-BALL
Valentina Marie and her partner Aliya Liberatore qualified for the 10th U.S. Women’s Amateur Four Ball to be held at Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, May 10 – 14, 2025. The team posted an impressive 5 shot victory at 4 under par in the qualifier. Valentina’s dad was on the bag and there was only one team spot up for grabs. The highlight of the qualifier for the team was back-to-back eagles on holes 9 and 10. The Country Club of Farmington in Connecticut hosted the qualifier with the course in amazing condition that offered a very tough test of northern golf.
VALENTINA WINS FJT TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP, WYLIE TIES FOR 2ND
Valentina won the FSGA Florida Junior Tour Championship on the Piper Course at Lakewood National Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch, Florida with scores of 72-65-72 to finish 7 under par for the tournament with a whopping 7 shot victory. Her second-round score of 65 featured eight birdies.
Wylie Inman finished tied for second in the boys’ division with scores of 74-69-69. Wylie demonstrated perseverance and patience as he was 6 over through his first six holes in round one, then grinded back to get it to 1 under after 36 holes. His final round 69 brought him to 4 under for the tournament.
In the FSGA Florida Junior Tour Pam McCloskey-Brosnihan Major at The Club at Quail Ridge in Boynton Beach, Zoe Shamy and Wylie both posted top five finishes.
Zoe finished tied for second with rounds of 71 and 71. Wylie finished tied for fifth with rounds of 71 and a bogey free 68 in round two.
“We are so proud of Valentina, Zoe and Wylie,” said Executive Director Carl Mistretta Jr. “All of their hard work is paying off and we cannot wait to see where they will play golf in college.”
Chapter students Davis Lucas and Landon Murray are headed to the PGA Junior League Championship. The Palm Beach All-Stars, comprised of junior golfers from BallenIsles Country Club (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) and Village Golf Club (Royal Palm Beach, Fla.) defeated the No. 1 seed, Marriott All-Stars (Orlando, Fla.) 5-4, in match play to advance to the 17u Championship to be held at Twin Warriors Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico, Nov. 14-17, 2024. They will compete as Team Florida.
It is the first trip to the 17u championship for the Palm Beach All-Stars, coached by David Flinn, PGA and Assistant Coach Sherri Pla, PGA. They entered the championship match as the No. 2 seed behind the Marriott All-Stars, who were the 17u national runner-up last year.
Chapter participant Ty Parker won 2nd place at the Delray Beach Chess Classic while competing in the under 1200 rating division. The chess tournament included kids and adults with no age limit. Ty won three out of four games to secure a second-place finish. Ty is an active participant and has attended classes at Dyer Park, The Village Golf Course, and is currently taking lessons with Coach Nancy Stuart at John Prince Park. Ty also represents First Tee on the BallenIsles PGA Jr. League team and will begin competing on the SFPGA Prep Tour this fall.
Bristol Brennan from Coach Chip Inks’ class at The Village Golf Course is on a roll! She won 2nd place at Palm Cove in a U.S Kids event with her low round of the summer of 41. Bristol also won the Top 5 award for the U.S. Kids West Palm Summer Tour, with two – 3rd place finishes. She also won overall 1st Place of Drive, Chip & Putt at Broken Sound Club. To top it all off, Bristol won 1st place at the Stuart Tour at Legacy Golf Club and 2nd Place at Jensen Beach in other U.S. Kids events.
Chapter participant Alyssa Cleckley had a fantastic experience at the Drive Chip and Putt Regional competition in St. Simon Island, Georgia. She won 2nd place in the Putting competition for girls 12-13 years. She competed against 11 girls, ages 12-13 years old from 4 States, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia.
