Category: News

PROGRAM PARTNER: HARVEY ACADEMY

We believe in the power of golf to teach valuable life lessons, and our partnership with Harvey Academy is a perfect example of our mission in action. Through an in-school program, Coach Trevor brings energy, enthusiasm, and expertise to his sessions, giving students a unique opportunity to develop their golf skills and essential character traits.

What makes this program special is the creativity it allows. By blending golf with physical education, we create a dynamic and engaging experience that introduces students to the game and helps them build confidence, discipline, and teamwork. The Harvey Academy has been an incredible partner, and we cherish the opportunity to inspire young minds.

We look forward to continuing this fantastic collaboration and watching these students grow, learn, and develop their passion for the game!

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT: JULIA FERRIER

Chapter student Julia Ferriera continues to impress on the golf course and on the dance floor! She showcased her exceptional talent at the Shake the Ground Regional Dance Competition, where she delivered a truly unforgettable performance.

Julia did not only leave the competition with a win – she went double platinum, an incredible achievement. In dance competitions, going double platinum signifies that her performance scored exceptionally high, earning top marks for technical ability, artistry, and stage presence. To top it all off, Julia also claimed the prestigious title of Overall Champion, meaning her performance was judged the best across all categories, regardless of age or experience level.

We are so proud of Julia’s dedication, talent, and hard work. Whether swinging a golf club or performing on stage, she repeatedly proves that she’s a true game changer.

PROGRAM PARTNER: BARON ACADEMY

This semester, we had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Baron Academy, a school dedicated to students with special needs. Over the past few months, select students from Baron Academy have worked closely with us, practicing their golf skills using backyard SNAG (Starting New At Golf) equipment. The journey culminated in an unforgettable field trip to the PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, where the students could hit real golf balls on the driving range.

The students’ excitement was palpable as they joined Coach Dave, who enthusiastically and expertly guided them through the experience. It was an exciting day for everyone involved, and the smiles on the kids’ faces said it all.

A huge thank you to Baron Academy for providing such a positive group of participants and to the dedicated individuals who made this trip possible. Thanks to Coach Gabbie, Trevor, and Abelina for their support throughout the program. And, of course, we couldn’t have asked for a better host than Coach Alex and the entire PGA Golf Club team, who went above and beyond to ensure the day was a success.

FORE FREEDOM INDIAN HILLS

Our Chapter hosts a weekly golf program dedicated to supporting local veterans.

We provide all necessary golf equipment, professional instruction, and a welcoming environment where veterans can learn the game, connect with others, and enjoy regular camaraderie.

The program is led by the exceptional David Fleck, a veteran who brings enthusiasm, a warm smile, and a deep understanding of the group’s experiences.

To register for programs at Indian Hills please contact Coach David Fleck at (321) 831-6938.

FORE FREEDOM CHAMPIONS CLUB

Veterans can join us on Tuesdays from 10 AM to 11 AM at The Champion’s Club at Summerfield for our free veteran golf clinics—an excellent opportunity to connect, learn, and thrive alongside fellow veterans in our community.

These clinics not only provide expert instruction from talented PGA-certified instructors Joe Grohman and Dave McNulty but also foster networking and friendship among veterans who share similar experiences and interests. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a beginner, these sessions are designed to enhance your skills while also creating lasting bonds with other veterans.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at The Champion’s Club, especially General Manager David Ladd, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in bringing free golf programs to local veterans in Martin County. Through these initiatives, we cultivate an environment of encouragement and growth, enabling our heroes to improve their golfing abilities and create connections that enrich their lives.

To register for programs at The Champions Club please contact Coach Joe Grohman at (714) 408-6701.

SPRING TOURNAMENT AT LOBLOLLY

Loblolly in Hobe Sound will be hosting our Treasure Coast Chapter golf tournament in May. The course and clubhouse have been recently renovated and are spectacular.  Please reserve your team ASAP to play this special golf course.

Spring Invitational
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
“Member for a Day”
12:00 Noon Registration, Warm-Up and Lunch, 1pm Shotgun
Dinner & Drinks following golf
Four Person Teams. Play Your Own Ball. One Best Ball of the Foursome.
Net and Gross Divisions. Limited Field.
$750 per person, $3,000 per foursome.

Please visit our website for the tournament application and sponsorship opportunities.

Please contact Steven Andrade at [email protected] or 561-324-7021 for more information.

SAGE VALLEY ROAD TRIP

Six Chapter students had a blast on a trip that took them to South Carolina. This trip was an unforgettable combination of career exploration, team bonding, and championship-level golf. Staff members Savannah Mansueti, Steven Andrade, and Emily Valentine accompanied students Daniel Tadeo, Hudson McDuff, Paulina Ramirez, Camila Obando, Gavin Palmer, and Asha Farrelly on this exciting journey.

The first stop was in Ponte Vedra, Florida, with a special visit to the PGA TOUR Global Home. Students were given a guided tour of PGA TOUR Headquarters and explored the newly built studios, where all tour-related television production now takes place. It was a behind-the-scenes look at the production side of the sport and the many careers that exist around the PGA TOUR.

The next day was spent playing two rounds of golf- 15 holes at the Old Barnwell Kids Course and nine holes at Chalk Mine Nine at First Tee – Aiken.  SHOUT OUT to Kitty Nicastro and Heidi Hoffman, for arranging the golf. That evening, the group took on an escape room challenge and successfully escaped, showing off their teamwork and problem-solving skills.

On Saturday, the students served as standard bearers at the prestigious Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club. Each student was assigned to follow one of the top six threesomes in the tournament, giving them a front-row seat to some of the best junior golf talent in the world. Chapter student Daniel Tadeo said, “It was really awesome watching the players. I have never done anything like this!”

ATLANTA WINS TGL!

Key Hammer strategy and Billy Horschel’s clutch putt seals the deal as Atlanta Drive GC battled to a thrilling 4-3 victory over New York. Atlanta Drive GC takes home the 2025 SoFi Cup! Huge congratulations to Billy Horschel, Lucas Glover, Justin Thomas, and Patrick Cantlay for an unforgettable win.

Atlanta Drive GC is owned by First Tee Trustee, Arthur Blank. Headquartered in Atlanta, AMB Sports and Entertainment includes the National Football League Atlanta Falcons, Major League Soccer 2018 Cup champion Atlanta United, the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium, America’s largest specialty golf retailer PGA TOUR Superstore, and four ranches in Montana– Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch, Paradise Valley Ranch and The Ranch At Dome Mountain.

TEENS MEET JACK NICKLAUS

A night to remember! Marley, Jordan, Asha, Zoe, Valentina, and Angelina had the incredible honor of meeting Jack Nicklaus at a special dinner supporting the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational held at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club during tournament week.  Jack Nicklaus serves as Honorary Chairman of our Chapter.

“Dinner was delicious, and Mr. Nicklaus shared some very interesting stories about his life and career with the entire audience.  I learned a lot from the GOAT,” said Jordan.  “It was an awesome evening.  Thank you First Tee for inviting the students to attend.”