Category: News

ANDREW WINS FINCHEM AWARD

Each year, First Tee honors an individual that shines a spotlight on the great work they are doing in their communities. The Tim Finchem Leadership Award is named in honor of First Tee’s founder and celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission of developing Game Changers in their communities.  (Finchem pictured above left)

The 2025 recipient of this award was our Chapter President, Founder and Trustee Andrew Hunt. Andrew became involved in First Tee in 2012 by founding our chapter serving Martin and Lucie Counties. In addition to serving as the Treasure Coast President, he is also a mentor and leader, always willing to help with staff, coaches, or students who need guidance. He has impacted countless young lives in his south Florida community.

As a donor, Andrew and his wife Robin’s generosity is simply extraordinary. Over the past thirteen years, they have contributed not only to First Tee – Treasure Coast but also to other chapters in Pittsburgh and New Hampshire and to First Tee Headquarters. (Andrew and Robin pictured above middle.)

Andrew received the award at the First Tee Trustee meeting at Pebble Beach.  GolfDigest sponsored the award, and our Chapter will also receive a $25,000 donation in Andrew’s honor. (pictured above right: Jennifer Weiler, First Tee SVP Network Relations, Chris Reynolds GolfDigest GM and SVP, and Andrew)

Check out the video of Andrew’s surprise award announcement by Jack Nicklaus.

MALACHI AT GAME CHANGERS ACADEMY

The First Tee Game Changers Academy is a transformative five-day learning and empowerment experience. Selected teens from across the U.S. engage in meaningful discussions on self-awareness, inclusive leadership, and community building – skills they will carry with them throughout their lives. This experience is designed to enlighten, inspire, and empower teens, preparing them to become Game Changers in their communities now and in the future.

Chapter student Malachi Davis was selected to attend the academy this year held in Minneapolis.  He said about the trip:

“My experience at the 2025 Game Changers Academy was incredible. I met many cool people and made amazing friends! The golf courses were nice, and the weather was terrific. The activities that we did were fun.“

“The main thing I learned was to be grateful for what you have and take your time with everything, both on and off the course. My favorite part of the trip was TopGolf. I spent time with my friends playing games, completing a longest drive competition, playing Pebble Beach, and making jokes.”

MISS YOU LENNY LOYD 

Former Chapter Board Member Leonard “Lenny” Franklin Loyd passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, just shy of his 77th birthday. Born in Ohio and raised in Montreal, Canada, Lenny led a life rich in adventure, creativity, and purpose. He spent several vibrant years as a restaurateur in the Grand Cayman Islands before settling in Stuart, Florida in 1985, where he built a successful career as a Financial Planner and established deep roots in the community.

Lenny’s lifelong love of golf and music defined much of his spirit. From childhood swings to competitive triumphs, golf became both a passion and a calling. His remarkable achievements— US Mid-Amateur, British Mid-Amateur, an albatross, 2 holes-in-one, and his upcoming induction into the Palm Beach County Golf Association Hall of Fame this fall —stand as lasting testaments to his dedication and joy for the game.

His musical journey came full circle this year with the release of his final album, The Patch, a heartfelt project now available on Spotify under the name Lenny Loyd. Lenny’s story was a song well sung, a round well played, and a life well lived. His support and generosity to our Chapter students and veterans never wavered. We miss you old friend.

In his memory, the Lenny Loyd Scholarship Fund has been created to support First Tee alumni with tuition and room and board grants to help them pursue their college goals.

Secure online grants may be made to the Lenny Loyd Scholarship Fund or please scan the above QR code. Please make checks payable to First Tee – Treasure Coast and mail to:

First Tee – Treasure Coast
The Shores at North River Golf Club
1827 NW Pine Lake Dr.
Stuart, FL 34994
Attn: Lenny Loyd Scholarship Fund

MARTIN COUNTY PAL

Our Martin County PAL team enjoys playing the course for 9 holes of golf, growth, and great conversation at North River Shores. These sessions are all about preparing our players to be course-ready, focusing on everything from swing mechanics to proper etiquette. Coaches emphasize the importance of integrity, patience, and respect for the game and for others. As they walk the fairways, players build their skills and learn life lessons that will stick with them far beyond the 18th green. It is inspiring to see their confidence grow each week as they take on new challenges with poise and positivity.

2025 COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

One of our favorite nights of the year is our annual college scholarship party held at PGA Tour Superstore. This year we broke a new record awarding over $108,000 to alumni from our Palm Beach, Treasure Coast and Broward Chapters. Two alumni from the Palm Beach Chapter received scholarships this year.

Jenna Missett, Indian River State College
Abelina Wakeland, Keiser University College of Golf

CANDIE REUTER PERFECTS HER SWING

At our weekly FORE Freedom veterans’ clinic at The Champion’s Club at Summerfield, Army and Army Reserve veteran Candie Reuter is enjoying golf more than ever. After a distinguished 30-year career, retiring as an E-8, Candie now looks forward to her Tuesday mornings with coach Joe Grohman, PGA.

Candie credits Coach Joe’s incredible patience and knowledge for significantly improving her game, especially with her driver. Thank you to the Champion’s Club and David Ladd for hosting, as well as Coach Joe for enriching their lives through golf.

Please visit our website for more information and to register for Fore Freedom programs.

100-HOLE CHALLENGE

Huge SHOUT OUT to our fantastic partner, Billy Ore at 24/7 Indoor Golf in Stuart, for hosting our 100-Hole Challenge!

Thanks to Billy’s incredible facility and support, over a dozen dedicated participants took on the monumental task of playing as many virtual golf holes as possible in a single day. Their passion and perseverance paid off in a big way, raising over $16,000 to directly support the youth participants and veterans in our programs.  We would especially like to thank our Board Members, Peter Crocitto III and Chris Burr.

Missed out on the fun? Don’t worry! We’re excited to announce we’ll be hosting an outdoor version of the 100-Hole Challenge this December, once the Florida temperatures cool down. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to join us for another fantastic day of golf and giving!

Are you in?

To register to play, please contact [email protected]

Please visit our website to support our 100-Holers with a secure online donation.

PEBBLE BEACH RAFFLE IS BACK

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, 2026.  Please scan the QR code or visit pebbleraffle.com to donate and for more information.

Sponsor Spotlight: FLORIDIAN NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

“Floridian National, owned by First Tee Trustee Jim Crane, has always been welcoming to our Chapter” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr.  “They have hosted our annual tournament and the 100-Hole Challenge and our annual Rosie Pro-Am, and their General Manager, Morgan Jewell, PGA, serves as a Board Member.”

Located in the beautiful town of Palm City, the inspiring surroundings and expansive property of Floridian create the feeling of a secluded and tranquil retreat. Floridian National Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio, is situated along the St. Lucie River, a 7-mile-long estuary linked to a coastal river system in St. Lucie and Martin counties.