We continue our FORE Freedom veterans’ classes at Palm-Aire Country Club in Pompano Beach. In June, 13 veterans attended the golf program on the practice area at Palm Aire Country Club.
In 2025, over 100 of our nation’s heroes have attended our FORE Freedom programs held across Broward County at Palm-Aire Country Club, Topgolf Pompano, and AllGolf @ CB Smith Park. We will be adding classes at Eagle Trace Golf Club.
For more information on our FORE Freedom classed, please visit our website.
One of our very own – Richard George – was selected to represent PGA HOPE South Florida as a member of Team South Florida in the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup!
This incredible event, held annually in conjunction with PGA Championship Week, brings together veterans from across the country who have participated in PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programs — showcasing not only their golf skills, but their strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit.
Richard has been an inspiration in our veterans’ class at AllGolf. He offers encouragement to fellow veterans, shares laughs on the putting green, and dials in his iron game with laser focus. Richard embodies everything FORE Freedom stands for: character, camaraderie, perseverance, and community.
To be selected for the Secretary’s Cup is a tremendous honor. Richard is so deserving of this honor. Thank you for your service, your leadership, and the positive energy you bring to every class.
Check out our Annual Report that details many of our program partners, accomplishments, student stories and more.
First Tee is thrilled to officially announce that the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has renewed its commitment to us with an extraordinary $10 million grant over the next five years (2025-29).
This significant investment reflects the Foundation’s continued belief in our mission and the impact our Chapters make in young people’s lives every day. Below are details of the commitment, which will be shared publicly this morning.
First Tee has received a transformative $10 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, reinforcing a 25-year partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. This investment will expand access to golf and character-building programs for youth across the U.S., helping them grow as athletes and leaders. Learn how this powerful collaboration is shaping the future of youth development through the game of golf.
For more information, please view this video about Arthur’s generous support.
Through golf, young people can find more than athletic skill. They can discover a pathway to personal growth, leadership development and lasting community impact.
For 17-year-old Finley Mentzel, First Tee has been an integral part of her leadership journey. The guidance and support Finley has experienced through First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky have been foundational in developing her character both on and off the course, she said.
This summer, Finley will attend First Tee’s Game Changers Academy. Now in its 25th year, the weeklong event brings together teens from across the country for meaningful discussions on self-awareness, inclusive leadership and community building – skills they will carry with them throughout their lives.
“This experience has inspired me to lead and make a difference on and off the course,” she said. “I’ve learned so much and want to create more positive change in my community,” Finley said.
Finley joined First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky at age 8 with her older brother Henry, who’s now a First Tee Scholar, and fraternal twin Tiernan, an attendee at the First Tee’s Game Changers Academy in 2024. Throughout her golf journey, Finley has received mentorship that she believes has shaped her into the athlete, student and friend she is.
“First Tee helped me by teaching me life skills in how to manage work, hard teachers and to set smaller goals to accomplish larger ones,” said Finley. “The First Tee lessons and coaches have helped me accomplish many things both big and small.”
Finley currently serves as a volunteer coach and participant advisor, known by her coaches and peers for her patience and ability to connect with participants of all skill levels.
Last fall, Finley attended the First Tee Innovator’s Forum in Phoenix, Arizona. Her experience resulted in a community service project that aims to connect chapter alumni with current participants. Her chapter is currently working to implement it.
Finley plans to pursue a career in the health care industry after college with hopes of someday working in a children’s hospital. She hopes to combine her passion for working with children with her desire to make an impact on her community.
Mayo Clinic supports First Tee’s Game Changers Academy, helping to prepare the next generation of leaders, including those in the health care industry like Finley.
Learn more about Game Changers Academy and follow this week’s activities on social.
Enroll your children at one of our 10 Palm Beach County Program Locations.
Congratulations to Marley, Jordan, and Elisa for being selected to play in the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach at Spyglass Hill. These three chapter stars will tee it up on two of golf’s most iconic stages in September — we are so proud of you!
The PURE Insurance Championship is a 54-hole golf event, featuring 80 PGA TOUR Champions professionals, 80 First Tee juniors, and 160 Amateurs.
Wylie won the AJGA Under Armour Jordan Speith Championship at Brookhaven CC in Dallas. He posted a two shot victory by shooting 8 under par with rounds of 68-67-70. This is his second AJGA tournament win. Since the DUB, he has been invited to play in the Junior PGA Championship at Purdue University and The Junior PLAYERS Championship presented by Rolex at TPC Sawgrass.
“Bottom line– he has worked hard,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr. “And on all aspects. Full swing, short game, putting, mental game, fitness, nutrition. If there is a way to get better, he is willing to put in the time and effort.”
We have begun our summer programs with the Boys and Girls Clubs. Coach Frank Wingate and Coach Devin Shaw taught 40+ teens at Forest Hill High School and groups of high school students in Boynton Beach and Lake Worth High School. The teens really enjoyed the SNAG putting games and competition.
After three days with the BGC students, we held a field trip at Popstroke in Delray Beach. Coach Devin and Coach Frank taught them how to putt and the entire group had a blast with lunch following the putting.
We have teamed up with Little Smiles and had the incredible opportunity to work with Adopt-A-Family at their facility and with the kids visiting us at Dyer Park. Kindergarten through middle school students were introduced to the game of golf through fun, hands-on instruction led by our dedicated Coaches — Zack Anderton, Devin Shaw, Frank Wingate, William Curry, and Nyla Sims. Through putting, chipping, and full swing activities we focused on building confidence, setting goals, and growing through challenges — both on and off the course.
Our first FORE Freedom veterans’ golf class was held at Keiser University. The classes will run through September every other Friday. Thank you, Coaches Peter and Evan for working with the group during class.
Golf is more than just a game. It helps you build confidence, stay focused, and grow on and off the course. At Keiser University Golf Coaching Center, our lessons and programs are designed to help adults and juniors improve their skills, enjoy the process, and walk away with more than just a better swing. Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or building on years of experience, you’ll find coaching that supports your goals and helps you play your best.
To learn more about our FORE Freedom classes, please visit our website.
Chapter alumni, Tyler “TREE” Mistretta has been spending time at the SoFi Center to assist TGL this summer with testing of the newest golf balls used by Tour players. Check out this video of TREE hitting into the big screen.
TREE also finished at 1-under par in the FSGA Publinks Championship at Sandridge GC in Vero Beach. After an opening round of 77, he followed up with two rounds of 69 to claim 8th place at the tournament, only 4 shots off the winning pace.
