Category: Broward

Special Operators Transition Foundation (SOTF) held its annual South Florida Charity Classic at Eagle Trace Golf Club on Friday, April 7th. We were invited to promote our free golf programs to all veterans in partnership with Broward County’s Mission United.

We offer free veterans’ golf programs at Eagle Trace Golf Club, The Club at Weston Hills, Pompano Beach Golf Course, and Cooper Colony Country Club.

For more information, please visit our website.

Veterans Robert Enquist, Tom Kruse, and Erik Ducharme played in the monthly golf outing at Parkland Golf and Country Club with Veteran Outreach Director, Jack Bloomfield.

Special thanks to Parkland Golf and CC director of golf, Miles Harris, for hosting our nation’s heroes.

Bill Mei, retired Navy, has been playing golf for the last 4 years as a part of our veterans’ golf programs.

When talking about his experience in our programs, he said: “I love this game! I’ve played golf off and on for years but never really got into it. Thanks to First Tee, I’ve found this beautiful game has much to offer and I’ve connected with my fellow veterans. There are so many to thank that I have encountered within this program: the golf pros and coaches; volunteers; and those who financially support First Tee. It’s truly wonderful to be affiliated with this group.”

This program is generously supported by The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation.

Board Vice President Erica Bennett paid a surprise visit to an advanced level class at Davie Golf Club. It is always great to see Erica interacting with our young leaders. As the founder & owner of Orca Golf Bags, Erica provides important mentorship that our participants and coaches greatly appreciate. 

Daniel Ulloa started with First Tee at the Boys & Girls Club: Rick & Rita Case Club where he met his future coach, Christopher Cupp, PGA. Ever since, Daniel has been more focused on golf and his commitment really showed this past Christmas.  All he asked Santa for was golf equipment!

His parents expressed how very excited and proud they are of Daniel. They are impressed on how he has taken up golf with so much passion, dedication, and perseverance.

In partnership with First Tee – Aiken, 6 of our students took a road trip and volunteered at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club. The group was even invited to tour the new PGA Tour Headquarters in Ponte Vedra. 

Isabella Rubio, said about the experience, “I had such an amazing time being a standard bearer for the best junior players in the world. It is such an honor to represent our chapter at this tournament. I learned so much from simply watching the great play. The agility, strength, and mental thinking of these players is so inspiring. Their ability to restart and recover from a bad shot was incredible. South Carolina was truly a wonderful place to visit. This was such a remarkable experience!” 

Summer is almost here! Enroll your children in our Broward County programs.  We also offer weekly summer camps.

For more information and to register, please visit our website.

Steve Greenstein, Army, has been playing golf for the last 4 years as a part of our veterans’ golf programs.

When talking about his experience in our programs at Club at Weston Hills, he said: “The coaches are great, and I continue to improve my game with their instruction. I am grateful to First Tee – Broward for providing this program for us.”

Our Chapter sent a foursome to play in the Kiwanis Tamarac Golf Tournament.  Our team consisted of Coach Robert Ferzoco and Chapter students Elisa Hernandez, David Sandino, and Andres Hernandez. This is the second year in a row we have participated in this annual event at Woodmont Country Club. The team shot a best ball team score of 63 with 9 birdies and 9 pars. Elisa Hernandez even won the longest drive of the days for the ladies!

Thank you to Linda Brown-Doriot who coordinated for us to be able to play in the event. A special thank you to Michele McMahon who purchased the foursome and donated it to our chapter.