RAFAEL “RAFA” BARRETO-JIMENEZ LIGHTING UP SFPGA JUNIOR PREP TOUR

The SFPGA Junior Prep Tour is no match for 9-year-old Rafael “Rafa” Barreto-Jimenez!

Rafa has won two of his last three tournaments and has climbed his way into 2nd place on the Player of the Year points standings! 

In July, he used the Spirit Airlines tickets he won at the First Tee Broward Par-3 Corporate Challenge, to fly to a tournament in Washington, D.C.

His father, Richardo Barreto, said “As a volunteer coach of the First Tee – Broward, and Rafa’s father, I thank Spirit Airlines for the great support given to First Tee year after year.”

100 – HOLE CHALLENGE TIME! WHO IS IN?

Last year we had 63 players and raised $100,000 with over 900 donors to support the thousands of children and veterans in our Broward County programs. Our goal this year is to raise $120,000. We currently stand at $54,000 raised from over 500 donors.

Ready to play? Please visit our website for more information or contact [email protected].

Ready to donate? Please support these folks crazy enough to play 100 holes in one day to support our mission and programs. Please visit our donation page for a secure tax-deductible contribution. 

ISABELLA AND SHREY ARE GAME CHANGERS

Chapter students Isabella Rubio and Shrey Shalia attended the First Tee Game Changers Academy in Philadelphia in July. 

The academy addresses the challenges and experiences our teens face to better equip them to build the strength of character to be game changers in their communities. The students from across the country who attended this five-day learning and empowerment academy participated in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“I honestly had the best experience in my life, said Isabella, “It has made me a better person and has allowed me to see other people’s points of view. I have lots of intel to bring back to our chapter too!”

Shrey added, “The First Tee Game Changers leadership program was an eye-opening experience that taught me the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. I believe privilege is an opportunity that should not go to waste and brings the responsibility to give back.”

GREAT FUN AT SUMMER CAMP

Students had a fantastic time at ALLGOLF summer camp. The highlight of the week was a Drive, Chip and Putt competition.  

Congratulations to Nicole who took 1st place!  She sunk a 40-footer (on her final putt) which earned her 200 points and propelled her into the lead!  She ended up with 495 points total from the three categories. 

It came down to a tie between Michelle and Colin for 2nd and 3rd place (400 points each).  This meant a tiebreaker of one long putt – closest to the hole.  Michelle nestled one about 6 inches from the hole, which just edged-out Colin (who hit a great putt to about 2 feet). 

FIRST INAUGURAL CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP!

The Club at Ibis generously hosted our first annual Chapter Championship. Three person teams from the Treasure Coast, Palm Beaches and Broward Chapters competed in a one best-ball format. As expected, it came down to the last few holes with Palm Beaches shooting 2-under par 70 to edge Broward by two shots. The winning Palm Beaches team players were Billy Reid, Zoe Shamy and Jayda Dookie (pictured above left with Palm Beach President Bobby Hendel and Program Coordinator Zack Anderton).

Broward team players were Audrey Bacic, Ryan Shimony and Isabella Rubio (pictured above right).

We also had an individual alumni division won by Tyler Mistretta (pictured above middle) with a bogey free round of 2-under 70 to beat Janelle Johnson by five shots.

THANK YOU SPONSORS!

RYAN HEADED TO PEBBLE BEACH

Chapter student Ryan Shimony has been selected to play in the 2022 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. The tournament is a 54-hole golf event, featuring PGA TOUR Champions professionals, First Tee juniors, and amateurs. The tournament is played at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. We are super excited for Ryan on this life changing experience!

FALL PROGRAMS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION

Enroll your children in our First Tee programs as golf is the sport of business and the sport of a lifetime!

Our program locations include:
– All Golf at CB Smith Park
– Davie Golf Club
– Hollywood Beach Golf Club
– Parkland Golf & Country Club
– PGA TOUR Superstore – Plantation
– Jess Frank Golf at Deer Creek Country Club
– Pompano Beach Golf Club
– Cooper Colony Golf & Country Club
– The Club at Weston Hills
– The Bridges at Springtree Golf Club
– Eagle Trace Golf Club
– The Club at Emerald Hills

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

DENNIS WALTERS WINS THE SEATED PLAYERS FLIGHT

Our non-profit organization’s founding mission is serving children with special needs. As such, Dennis Walters has been involved for a long time as is now an Honorary Board Member. Dennis won the Seated Players Flight in the inaugural event at Pinehurst in North Carolina.

This was Walters’ first tournament since he was paralyzed in an accident in 1974. He made an impressive par on his final hole to win the tournament. He chipped the ball off the ninth green to 4 feet by turning in his seat to move his body sideways in his adaptive golf cart. 

Dennis is the only person paralyzed below the waist who earns a living as a professional golfer. To play, he worked with his father and a few friends to fashion a seat on the passenger side of a golf cart. This invention rotates 90 degrees and allows Dennis to play the game he loves. He now conducts The Dennis Walters Golf Show all over the world, a one-hour show with a combination of golf mastery and human inspiration.

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT – GEORGE TAYLOR

George Taylor, U.S. Navy Veteran, has been playing golf for 24 years. He joined our 8-week program at Eagle Trace – Coral Springs. 

When asked about his experience at the program, he said, “My time at the golf program with First Tee was a great instructional experience. I was invited to apply to attend the this veterans’ program by a friend who promised me that I would enjoy the comradery, and golf instruction that First Tee provides to the veterans. He was right! The coaches, John, Pat, and Julian were exceptionally patient, and their knowledge of the game was amazing. My thanks to First Tee and Jack Bloomfield for organizing a wonderful program for veterans.”

Are you a veteran or know of a veteran interested in registering for one of our free programs? Please contact [email protected].

Our veterans’ programs are generously funded by The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation.

ROYAL PALM HOSTS ANNUAL TOURNEY

Our annual golf tournament will be held on Monday, October 10th at Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club. Sponsorships are now available for the event. 

The schedule consists of noon lunch and warm-up with a 1pm shotgun start. The competition will be playing your own ball, no scramble, with a limited field. One best ball of the foursome in both net and gross divisions. Dinner and drinks are to follow. 

This is your chance to join our current sponsors of Spirit Airlines, PGA TOUR Superstore and Comcast Business. Please visit our sponsor page for more information or contact [email protected].

CMAA 100 – HOLE CHALLENGE TIME! WHO IS IN?

Our annual CMAA 100 – Hole Challenge is underway!

Day 1 is Monday, August 8th at Coral Springs Country Club.
Day 2 is Monday, August 15th at Lago Mar Country Club
We will be adding two additional locations.

Last year we had 63 players and raised $100,000 with over 900 donors to support the thousands of children and veterans in our Broward County programs. Our goal this year is to raise $120,000. We currently stand at $23,000 raised from over 200 donors. 

Ready to play? Please visit our website for more information or contact [email protected].

Ready to donate? Please support these folks crazy enough to play 100 holes in one day to support our mission and programs. Please visit our donation page for a secure online tax-deductible contribution. 

CHAPTER WELCOMES TWO PGA PROFESSIONALS TO COACHING NETWORK

Bob Mallek, PGA, is a 25+ year veteran of the PGA of America. He is now teaching full time at Emerald Hills and will be offering First Tee programs several days a week. Bob has developed over 35,000 new golf students and coached several young players into college golf scholarships. He has authored two golf instruction books and hosted TV golf instruction programs in Chicago for several years.

Jess Frank, PGA, owner of Jess Frank Golf Academy at Deer Creek C.C., is well-renowned for his skill as a golf instructor and will be offering First Tee programs multiple days per week. His #1 passion is to help people play better golf. 

Both new programs will soon be announcing their new schedule. Please visit our website for more information or register for our programs.