Category: Broward

Our Chapter has partnered with Super School, a 501c3 non-profit special education school to offer an eight-week golf program to twenty-four children with special needs at the school in Plantation. Super School’s primary goal is to assist students with varying disabilities reach their utmost potential in a supporting and nurturing environment. The class is taught by Coach Robert Ferzoco along with the assistance of many of the Super School team.  Special thanks to Director Mrs. Caitlyn and Assistant Director/Lead Teacher Ms. Teena for their help in coordinating the program.

We recently began a four-week special needs golf program with Lion Star Academy to serve fourteen children. Week one was taught by Coach Robert Ferzoco along with the assistance of the many of the Lion Star Academy staff. Special thanks to office managers Nicole Javier and Lisa Bennett for their help in coordinating and assisting in the program.

According to Alexander Duque’s parents, our First Tee programs with Coach Chris Cupp, PGA have been the pathway to self-confidence and personal pride for him.

Having been born a preemie in 2015, Alexander had already overcome many adversities. In 2021, he survived a craniotomy from a head injury. “We are in a debt of gratitude for the love and care of the NICU Doctors at Baptist Hospital as well as the Surgical Doctors and staff at Nicklaus Children’s Hospitals,” said Leticia Castro, Alexander’s mother. 

As a consequence of his medical history all doctors advised against Alexander playing contact sports. This was hard to hear. How were they to keep their child active and safe without sports? That is when his parents found First Tee with Coach Chris at CB Smith Park. It was an immediate perfect fit.  Alexander was won over to golf on his first day when he met Coach Chris.

“Coach Chris brings a generous and welcoming spirit. This spirit is evidenced by Coach’s enthusiasm and love every time he leads a lesson or class,” said Jaz Duque, Alexander’s father.

Since joining First Tee, Alexander has found a good role model in Professional Golfer Rory McIlory. Alexander loves Rory and especially Rory’s St. Bernard Dog Golf Club Driver Head Cover. Through an online search, Alexander discovered that Rory has had a St. Bernard all his life. As soon as Alexander discovered Rory, he wanted his own set of golf clubs.

Now instead of only playing video games he also watches YouTube videos learning about Rory’s life, his training schedule and his golf stroke. Alexander is quite focused on copying Rory’s swing. When not in class, Alexander is adamant about teaching mom and dad how to play golf.

Visit our website to register for one of Coach Chris’ programs.

Spring is here and the weather has cooled off.  Enroll your children in our Broward County programs.

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

Please enter our raffle to win a trip to 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 February 27, 2023. Winner will book their trip directly with Pebble Beach Resorts. The winning certificate does not expire, and the golf and room rates are valid for one year.

For example: $300 donation = 3 chances to win.

Enter Now!

February 23rd to 26th
PGA National Resort & Spa, The Champion Course

Need tournament tickets or hospitality? Please visit the tournament website.

Martin J. Mueller Sr., U.S. Coast Guard, has been playing golf since high school, but started seriously playing the last 3 years as a part of our veterans’ golf programs.

When talking about his experience in our programs at Weston Hills Country Club, he said: “This program under the expert direction of Mr. Jack Bloomfield, is just as unique as it is awesome. The team of coaches assembled at Weston Hills are very impressive.  You would be hard-pressed to find a better group, which is comprised of Nick Cupper, Steve Voguit, and, most recently, CJ Chatham.  It’s been such a blessing to enjoy the opportunity to learn from these men.  I am very excited for the next session to begin so I continue the life-long journey of improving my game.”

Chapter Coaches conducted a 4-week program for N.I.C.K.’s Kids (Nothing’s Impossible for Cancer Kids) at Davie Golf Course.  The program consisted of teaching the kids the motion of the golf swing, solid fundamentals, such as grip, stance and posture, and general knowledge of the game of golf.

Coach Luis Damas and Coach Christopher Cupp challenged the kids with giant Tic-Tac-Toe boards and Target Bucket Golf.  We even got the parents involved and had a great Par 3 game of kids vs. parents on the final day.  Of course, the kids took the victory!

Special thanks to Chapter Director Lou Chiera and the Chiera family for funding this awesome program.

Our First Tee Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore is underway with 13 teen students attending the five-week series.

The teens will discover personal values and leadership skills through interactive sessions facilitated by the PGA TOUR Superstore general manager. The curriculum explores potential career fields based on interests to guide the participants as they navigate future collegiate and professional opportunities. The five-week series will conclude with a virtual town hall featuring First Tee alumni and young professionals in medical, sports and communications fields.