Month: May 2025

Natalie Cao reflects on the power of mentorship, her time as a First Tee Scholar

Natalie Cao is a collegiate golfer, First Tee Scholar and soon-to-be graduate from the University of Pennsylvania.

While she loved golf from three years old, she struggled with the independent nature of the sport until her parents enrolled her in First Tee when she was in fifth grade. Upon joining First Tee, she realized golf could be something more than just a competitive sport and was immediately drawn to the life skills curriculum. She quickly integrated herself into the community at First Tee – Greater Houston and began junior coaching while she was in middle school.

As a successful junior golfer, her eyes continued to be set on the future and finding where she could best pursue her goals as a golfer as well as her hopes of becoming a financial advisor. Soon she found the best of both worlds: the University of Pennsylvania, where she could play on the golf team as well as pursue a degree in economics.

Around this same time, Natalie applied and was accepted to the First Tee Scholarship Program. Throughout her time in the program, she was able to meet a network of hundreds of people across the country including other First Tee Scholars, First Tee leadership and her mentor, Valerie Wong Fountain.

The First Tee Scholarship Program assigns each member with a designated mentor during their freshman year to help them navigate their time in college and beyond. Natalie’s mentor, Valerie, is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley in the Firm’s New York City office. Like Natalie, Valerie also played collegiate golf at the University of Pennsylvania, and she is involved with First Tee as a board member of First Tee – Metropolitan New York. The relationship between the two quickly flourished after they met in person for the first time to play golf while Natalie was visiting New York City over the summer after her freshman year.

Natalie and Valerie engaged on topics ranging from career advice to leadership to negotiating offers.  In addition, Valerie opened doors to opportunities at Morgan Stanley and provided additional networking experiences in the asset management industry. Throughout her time at the University of Pennsylvania, Natalie flourished academically and athletically. She completed two internships with Morgan Stanley as part of the Firm’s Early Insights program and competed with the UPenn women’s golf team contending for its first Women’s Ivy Championship in more than a decade. Each time she competed in the Ivy Championships, Valerie attended to cheer her on.

As her time in college comes to a close, Natalie hasn’t stopped looking towards the future. After her graduation at the end of May, she will move down to Miami to begin a two-year rotational program in commercial mortgage-backed securities with Rialto Capital, an investment management group. Although her time as a First Tee Scholar officially ends when she graduates college, she has already been in touch with First Tee – Miami to coach and mentor the next generation of First Tee participants.

Want to learn more about the First Tee College Scholarship Program and how you can get involved? Visit here.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: WHITE CITY ELEMENTARY

Coach Trevor conducts weekly golf clinics at White City Elementary in partnership with United Way. He teaches students the foundational techniques of the golf swing. Coach Trevor is dedicated to fostering an environment that balances education with enjoyment, ensuring that each session is both engaging and focused on skill development. He greatly values the collaboration with the outstanding staff at White City Elementary and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the school’s enrichment programs.

WESTSIDE ARC

Coach David Fleck leads an engaging and inclusive golf class at the Westside Campus of the Arc, an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc also actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lives.

Coach David begins each session with a series of guided stretches, emphasizing the importance of physical readiness. His two primary class principles—have fun and stay safe—create a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for all participants.

Throughout the class, students explore different golf clubs and techniques. Coach David provides individualized instruction by moving from station to station, offering personalized tips to help each student improve their golf swing.

His approachable teaching style and commitment to student success make the class a highlight of the week. Participants consistently express enthusiasm and look forward to their time with Coach David at the Westside Campus.

FORE FREEDOM:TEEING UP CAMARADERIE AND CONFIDENCE!

Every Tuesday morning from 10:00–11:00 AM, a special kind of energy fills the fairways at The Champions Club at Summerfield, home to our inspiring FORE FREEDOM veterans’ program. This free weekly clinic is more than just a golf lesson, it’s a welcoming space where veterans come together to learn, grow, and connect through the game.

Led by PGA Professionals Joe Grohman and Dave McNulty, the program offers expert instruction for all levels—from beginners learning the fundamentals to experienced golfers fine-tuning their technique. With around 20 regular participants, the sessions are rich in both skill-building and camaraderie.

As many current attendees prepare to head out for the summer months, now is the perfect time for new veterans to join. Whether you’re interested in getting started with golf or looking to elevate your game, you’ll find top-notch coaching in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Veterans can join us at The Champions Club every Tuesday from 10:00–11:00 AM. No cost, no pressure—just great golf, good company, and a community that appreciates you.

GREAT DAY AT LOBLOLLY

Chapter supporters enjoyed an incredible day at our Spring Invitational at Loblolly.

“We appreciate the continued support of the Loblolly Foundation, their members and staff,” said Chapter President Andrew Hunt.  “This was an epic day for all of us and the newly renovated clubhouse and golf course are spectacular.”

80 players enjoyed the day including Chapter Director Chris Burr from Steady Returns as our Title Sponsor (pictured above with son Vincent).  

The gross winners with a score of 8-under 64 were Steven Binder, Josh Birmingham, Bill Basham and Bob Boorman (pictured above left).

The net winners with a score of 18-under 54 were Marty Bergin, Brian Berry, Patrick Hamilton and Ray Brinskelle.

LINDSTROM AIR CONDITIONING & PLUMBING

Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing provides the highest quality home services available. Their expert plumbers and HVAC technicians are Trust Certified, which means they go through hundreds of hours of training every year to keep your home comfortable.

Lindstrom is offering First Tee families a special tune-up rate. To schedule an appointment, please call (833) 403-9990.

First Tee welcomes legendary broadcaster Jim Nantz as Honorary Chair

The renowned CBS Sports voice will help further First Tee’s mission of empowering youth through golf

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL (May 23, 2025) – First Tee, a youth development organization that enables kids to build character through the game of golf, announced that acclaimed CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz will serve as its new Honorary Chair. The news comes as the youth development organization celebrates First Tee Week nationwide, a campaign to recognize coaches and their impact on participants and their communities.

Nantz, whose distinguished broadcasting career spans more than four decades, becomes the third Honorary Chair in First Tee’s history, following President George W. Bush (2011-2024) and President George H.W. Bush (1997-2010). As Honorary Chair, Nantz will help promote First Tee’s purpose and expand its reach to empower even more young people.

“Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how golf builds character, resilience and integrity – the very qualities First Tee instills in young people,” said Jim Nantz. “I am honored to serve as Honorary Chair and support an organization that uses this remarkable game to help kids develop the strength of character they will carry with them throughout their lives.”

President George W. Bush expressed confidence in his successor: “For the past 13 years, it has been my privilege to support First Tee’s mission to develop young people of character. Jim Nantz brings passion, integrity and a deep love for golf to this role. His voice has narrated historic moments in the sport, and now that same voice will help inspire a new generation. My father would be proud that our friend is following in our footsteps, and I look forward to seeing First Tee’s continued impact under Jim’s leadership.”

Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair of First Tee Board of Governors, added: “For 40 years Jim Nantz has provided the soundtrack for the game of golf, captivating fans at home as he illustrates the drama of winning on the PGA TOUR. As much as Jim’s voice is synonymous with the biggest moments in golf, his true legacy will be the countless fans he has introduced to our sport through his love for the game and respect for its values. It’s these attributes that make him the ideal Honorary Chair for First Tee.”

Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO, also welcomed Nantz to this significant role: “Jim Nantz is not only one of golf’s most recognizable voices – he is someone who truly embodies the values we teach. His passion for the game, commitment to excellence and inspiring presence make him the perfect Honorary Chair to help us continue building game changers across the country.”

As Honorary Chair, Nantz will help raise awareness of First Tee’s impact, support fundraising initiatives, and champion the organization’s mission to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges, both on and off the course.

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. First Tee serves more than 3.1 million kids annually.

Learn more about getting involved with First Tee.

First Tee launches new PSA honoring youth coaches as ’Game Changers’ in kids’ lives

Debuting during First Tee Week, the national “Dear Coach” PSA underscores the lifelong impact of youth sports coaches and calls on communities to celebrate their role in shaping the next generation.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (May 21, 2025) – As part of its inaugural First Tee Week celebration, leading youth development organization First Tee has announced a powerful new public service campaign titled “Dear Coach.” The campaign honors the thousands of First Tee coaches across the country who use the game of golf to help kids and teens build character, confidence and resilience. 

Airing nationwide on digital and social platforms, the PSA features heartfelt messages from kids that showcase the deep and lasting impact of coaches, who are often described by parents as the “unsung heroes” of youth development. Additionally, First Tee participants and alumni will be sharing their personal stories through social media and First Tee’s website.  

“A great coach does not just teach the game of golf but also the incredible life lessons and values that are inherent to the sport, including believing in yourself, acting with integrity, building resilience and playing with sportsmanship,” said Jane Fader, senior vice president of marketing and communications at First Tee. “This PSA reflects the gratitude we hear every day from kids, parents and alumni about the coaches who helped them believe in themselves.” 

Shot with real participants and coaches from First Tee – Metropolitan New York, the PSA is a centerpiece of First Tee Week, a national awareness campaign running May 19–25, designed to celebrate First Tee coaches and inspire communities to get involved in youth character development through sports. 

In addition to the PSA, First Tee Week includes: 

  • Community activations and coach appreciation events at First Tee chapters across the country 
  • An alumni event at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge, featuring a panel discussion on the impact of coaches 
  • Corporate partner engagement, spreading awareness across leading sports and media platforms 

First Tee coaches undergo a robust training program grounded in positive youth development research and now serve kids at 150 chapters across the globe. 

Perspectives: JUST a coach 

During First Tee Week, we celebrate the coaches who make First Tee a safe and special place for kids to learn golf and life skills.  

As vice president of programs, Ryan Graff meets First Tee coaches from across the globe. He knows they’re the beating heart of First Tee but finds they don’t always take credit for their incredible impact.  

According to research from First Tee and The Harris Poll, parents believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and show resilience in the face of challenges (88%). 

Ryan shared his perspective on the power of coaches after attending a coach training in Denver: 

As I travel and meet with the amazing people who volunteer and work at First Tee chapters, our conversation leads to me asking, “So what do you do at your chapter?” A common response is, “Oh I am just a coach.”  While I rarely correct people on the role they serve – because what do I know? – in these cases, I have to respond with, “You are not JUST a coach … you are a COACH.” 

So many thoughts fire off in my brain: Do you know the power you have in the lives of participants?  Do you understand the impact of your engagement and interactions with these kids and teens?  Do you realize they are watching and listening to how you carry yourself? 

When observing a First Tee class, it may look like play, fun and learning a lifelong sport. But there is serious work going on underneath the game.  

  • There are decisions being made on which club to select or shot to play (using good judgment) 
  • Participants are selecting targets (pursuing goals) 
  • They’re learning to navigate obstacles on the course (growing through challenge) 
  • They’re having moments of success and connecting their actions to outcomes (building positive self-identity) 
  • They’re learning how to cooperate and show respect to others in their class (collaborating with others) 

At best, a golfer left to their own devices has a 50/50 chance for these skills to transfer and apply to their life off the course. But with a trained coach guiding them through the process, this will increase those odds to 80% or higher. While I am not a gambling man, I like those odds.  

The word “coach” is derived from an old English term for a horse-drawn carriage. Coaches took important people where they wanted to go. It’s no different today; kids and teens are important people and coaches assist them to get where they want to go in life.   

I get it: As coaches, we often do not see the fruits of our labor. Sometimes, we never know the impact we had. But you are not JUST a coach; you are playing a critical role in the development of a human being – the development of their character, their moral compass, and assisting to shape their values.   

Coaches are role models, and the actions they display imprint and affect how kids and teens show up in this world, carry themselves, and interact with others.   

So, let’s drop the JUST. Being a coach is the highest honor and position one can have in the life of a kid or teen. Coaches leave lasting lessons and shape the character of participants lives, long into the future. If you are a coach, be proud and know you are making an impact on your participants.  Future generations depend on you!   

Interested in getting involved? 

You don’t have to be a great golfer to become an impactful First Tee coach. We train all of our coaches to deliver our proven curriculum.  

Find a chapter near you. 

STUDENTS AND ALUMNI ENJOY PRO-AMS

The James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational generously invited our Chapter to send a team to the Women’s Pro-Am and the Wednesday Pro-Am.

Senior Program Director Emily Valentine joined teen participants Taylor Pedrique, Keala Richichi, and Madyson Barone for a truly unforgettable experience– playing in the James Hardie Invitational Women’s Pro-Am at Broken Sound Club on Monday of tournament week.

To make the day even more special, the group had the honor of teeing it up alongside PGA Tour Champions player Ted Purdy, who brought pro-level insight, encouragement, and plenty of fun to the round.

“This experience wasn’t just about playing in a Pro-Am,” said Emily. “It was about showing these young women—and everyone watching—what’s possible when opportunity meets preparation.”

On Wednesday, of tournament week, three Chapter alumni were invited to play with a PGA TOUR Champions player and an NFL Hall of Famer.  Chapter alumni Trevor Tarashuk, Nyla Sims and Felipe Obando were selected to play with professional Felipe Aguilar and Minnesota Vikings Hall of Famer John Randle- WOW!

“The course was in perfect condition and the SWAG was incredible,” said Trevor.  “I received a $450 gift card from TaylorMade, which is awesome, because I need new wedges.”

It was a special day for our alumni as Aguilar and Randle shared stories and insights on their professional careers with our alumni.

Trevor and Nyla are full-time employees of our Chapter as Coaches and Felipe is in his senior year at Keiser University College of Golf.  All three of these alumni are giving back to the game of golf and were very thankful for this special opportunity.