Category: News

BGC PARTNERSHIP AT WESTSIDE

Check out this awesome video documenting our ever-growing partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County at our golf learning center located at the BGC Westside Campus in Ft. Pierce.

This incredible one-of-a-kind golf facility was funded by Chapter President Andrew Hunt and his wife Robin through their Philanthropic Fund at The Community Foundation.

2025 CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP

Ocean Reef Club recently hosted the 2025 Chapter Championship of First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. Think Palm Beaches versus Treasure Coast versus Broward.  The annual tournament features four high school students per team from our three chapters in a best-ball format. The Palm Beaches chapter shot four under par to edge out the Broward and Treasure Coast chapters by one shot at three under. The scores have never been this close, and the victory came down to a birdie putt made by Palm Beaches student Marley Pedrique on the 18th hole.

Pictured above left to right: Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr. with the Treasure Coast team of Isabella Russo, Davis Lucas, Gavin Palmer and Daniel Tadeo with ORC member and Broward Chapter President Greg Thompson, whom with wife Kathy, are First Tee Trustees.

Pictured above: Six alumni also played in a separate individual division. Palm Beaches alumni Tyler Mistretta shot three under par 68 with two eagles to win his second alumni division title.

Isabella Rubio said about the experience, “I want to thank the sponsors and staff for giving me such a great once in a lifetime opportunity by inviting me to Ocean Reef. I had lots of fun and I enjoyed every aspect of the event on and off the golf course.”

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION

The power of playing golf met the promise of potential as a group of bright, energetic kids from the Children’s Services Council of Martin County (CSCMC) joined us for an unforgettable experience on the course. Under the enthusiastic guidance of Coach Joe Gerard, the young participants dove into a week of fun, hands-on learning designed to introduce them to the game of golf and so much more.

Throughout the program, the kids learned the fundamentals of golf, from perfecting their swings to practicing their driving and engaging in interactive, confidence-building games. But beyond the technical skills, they discovered something far greater: the courage to step outside their comfort zones, the confidence that comes with progress, and the joy of trying something new alongside peers and mentors who believed in them.

Special thanks to the unwavering support and vision of CSCMC, an organization committed to helping every child thrive. These children enjoyed the opportunity to grow in ways that extend far beyond the golf course.

It was more than just a week of golf. It was a celebration of growth, resilience, and the incredible potential that lives within every child.

SUMMER FUN WITH PARKS & REC

Coach Caleb Funke led a fun and engaging program for junior golfers with Martin County Parks and Rec REACH at Sailfish Sands Golf Course. Held in their state-of-the-art hitting bays, the session focused on teaching the students how to swing properly and with confidence. The juniors were excited to learn and had a great time practicing their new skills. It was a fantastic morning filled with energy, learning, and plenty of smiles. Everyone wanted to stay and keep hitting shots all day!

GREAT FUN AT ‘UNITY IN OUR COMMUNITY’

The Fort Pierce Police Department recently hosted its 7th annual Unity in Our Community event, an afternoon dedicated to fun, connection, and bringing neighbors together. We were proud to be part of the celebration, with Coaches Gabbie Budd, LPGA and Jenna Misset leading one of the day’s most popular activities: golf darts!

Kids of all ages lined up for a chance to test their aim, swinging toward a giant inflatable dartboard in hopes of hitting the bullseye. Whether they were seasoned players or trying out golf for the first time, everyone was eager to take a shot. Before each swing, Coach Jenna offered quick tips on proper grip and stance, helping participants feel confident, comfortable, and welcome.

While the golf darts activity kept the energy high, Coach Gabbie took time to share more about our mission: using the game of golf to teach life skills such as respect, perseverance, and confidence.

CONGRATS COACH DAVE FLECK 

Coach Dave Fleck proudly represented our chapter’s FORE Freedom programs at the Veterans Golf Association’s (VGA) Senior Regional Championship in Georgia. Coach Dave, a U.S. military veteran and longtime supporter of the veteran community, traveled alongside Coach Devin Shaw to take part in this prestigious event.

The VGA is dedicated to enriching the lives of veterans and their families through the game of golf, making Coach Dave’s participation especially meaningful. As a veteran himself, he not only embodies the mission of the VGA, but lives it every week through his leadership of our FORE Freedom class, a free, veteran-focused golf program hosted every Tuesday at Indian Hills Golf Course in Fort Pierce. The class provides a supportive and inclusive space for veterans to enjoy the game, connect with fellow service members, and experience the many physical and emotional benefits of golf.

“Being part of the VGA Regional Championship was an incredible honor,” Coach Dave shared. “Golf has given me so much, and it’s a privilege to play the game alongside fellow veterans who share a love for both our country and this sport.”

YOUTH ON COURSE

The Youth on Course membership enables young people 18 and under to gain access to play rounds of golf for $5 or less at thousands of courses and opportunities to succeed off the course through various programs. Financial assistance is available. Please visit the YOC website to register.

USNDP GRANT APPLICATION

The 2026 U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) Grant application is open!  The grant provides up to $15,000 in reimbursements for families of competitive junior golfers demonstrating financial need and exceptional potential to progress through the USNDP Development Pathway.

Selected families are reimbursed for qualifying expenses—tournament fees, travel, equipment, practice/green fees, and coaching. Recipients also receive free access to the Accel Golf stat-tracking app and exclusive athlete development webinars led by the USNDP Coaching and Athlete Development team!

The application window will be open until October 31, 2025.  To learn more about the USNDP Grant, click HERE.

Identical webinars will be held throughout the summer to give families across the country multiple opportunities to prepare for the application, learn more about this opportunity, and participate in a live Q&A. Attend whichever session fits your schedule. Register HERE.

SINGLE DAY SHENNIGANS

We have proudly partnered with the YMCA of Hallandale to introduce the game of golf to 160 enthusiastic kids in a single day! Coaches Chris Cupp, PGA and Luis Damas led the charge, turning the YMCA fields into an interactive, fun filled learning ground where learning and confidence took center stage.

With golf clubs in hand and big smiles, the children participated in fun and engaging activities designed to teach the basics of the game while highlighting our core values. From grip drills to putting games, every child had a chance to explore the sport in an environment rooted in encouragement and play.