Category: News

REMEMBERING MICHAEL B. FINNEGAN

During this time of the year, we especially remember and honor all of those lost on September 11, 2001. Michael Bradley Finnegan died tragically that day while working at Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center. Those who were lucky enough to know Mike will tell you that he made everyone feel special. He lived in the moment and made the moments with him memorable. Mike was a great golfer. He loved his family and was adored by everyone who knew him. Mike’s family was so touched by the outpouring of love and generosity shown to them from the country and the world in the aftermath of September 11, that they established the Michael B. Finnegan Foundation in 2002; a lasting legacy in Mike’s memory created to support various charities and programs including junior golf; several programs are designed to introduce the game of golf to young people with special needs. In 2004, The Michael B. Finnegan Foundation joined The Honda Classic as a Founding Partner of First Tee – Palm Beaches. First Tee has been offering golf instruction and their Nine Core Values curriculum to children across the country since 1997. We named our 12-acre driving range and 9-hole par-3 golf course in Dyer Park “The Michael B. Finnegan Golf Learning Center” to honor Mike’s memory and legacy. Please help continue the great work of our Chapter of teaching young people the values and life skills inherent in the game of golf by sponsoring Team Finnegan in the 100-Hole Golf Challenge to help raise funds for our mission and programs. Please visit Team Finnegan’s donation page to donate in Mike’s memory.

FALL PROGRAMS IN FULL SWING

Students are back in school, and we have begun our Fall programs. Golf is the sport of business and the sport of a lifetime! Register now. Palm Beach County program locations include: – Boca Raton Municipal Golf Course – College of Golf – Keiser University – Commons Park Golf Learning Center – John Prince Golf Learning Center – The Golf Club of Jupiter – Madison Green Country Club – Finnegan Learning Center- Dyer Park – Okeeheelee Golf Course – Park Ridge Golf Course – PGA Tour Superstore- PBG – Southwinds Golf Course – Wellington National Golf Club For more information and to register, please visit our website.

FALL PROGRAMS IN FULL SWING

Students are back in school, and we have begun our Fall programs. Golf is the sport of business and the sport of a lifetime! Register now. Palm Beach County program locations include: – Boca Raton Municipal Golf Course – College of Golf – Keiser University – Commons Park Golf Learning Center – John Prince Golf Learning Center – The Golf Club of Jupiter – Madison Green Country Club – Finnegan Learning Center- Dyer Park – Okeeheelee Golf Course – Park Ridge Golf Course – PGA Tour Superstore- PBG – Southwinds Golf Course – Wellington National Golf Club For more information and to register, please visit our website.

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT – KEVIN SUTTON

Kevin Sutton is 73 and retired from the Army. He has been playing golf for 15 years and involved with our program for over 2 years. “After returning from Vietnam and joining the NYPD, for many years I had never set foot on a golf course,” said Kevin. “I have enjoyed playing now that I am retired, and my association with the First Tee has been great. The instruction the coaches give is top notch. The program is both physically and mentally rewarding.” Our veterans’ programs are conducted in partnership with United Way’s Mission United and generously funded by The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation.

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT – KEVIN SUTTON

Kevin Sutton is 73 and retired from the Army. He has been playing golf for 15 years and involved with our program for over 2 years. “After returning from Vietnam and joining the NYPD, for many years I had never set foot on a golf course,” said Kevin. “I have enjoyed playing now that I am retired, and my association with the First Tee has been great. The instruction the coaches give is top notch. The program is both physically and mentally rewarding.” Our veterans’ programs are conducted in partnership with United Way’s Mission United and generously funded by The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation.

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT – HANNAH CHANG

Hannah is 12 years old and a straight A student. She participates in the First Tee Life Skills Experience at The Bridges at Springtree. “I have had a very positive experience with First Tee over the past 10 months.” Hannah commented. “I have worked with Coach Sue, Coach Stefan, and Coach Ron and they have all been first class coaches who constantly display a positive attitude. I have advanced through the 9-week program three times starting with Player, and I am currently at the PAR level. In this program, I have acquired skills to develop as a golfer but more importantly I have translated these skills into my everyday life. When we do the activities, it is entertaining but also educational about the golf topic we are learning. All the kids have an equal chance of winning a game because it is set up fairly, regardless of your skill level. I am very excited to be part of First Tee and I look forward to the opportunities this program will provide me as I approach high school and beyond.”

JULY AMBASSADOR MEETING

Chapter Ambassadors recently held their summer meeting at PGA Tour Superstore in Broward. The Ambassadors support us through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and by broadening awareness of our mission and programs in Broward County. The group held a putting contest at the end of the meeting, which was won by Enrique, a young boy that happened to be on the putting green at the same time the Ambassadors conducted their contest. He asked if he could join the contest and in one try, sunk a 40-foot putt to win a dozen balls! Want to network with leading professionals in Broward County and help promote the mission and programs of First Tee – Broward? Please visit our website to learn more about becoming a Chapter Ambassador.

100 – HOLE CHALLENGE BREAKING RECORDS IN 2021

Day 1 consisted of 9 players completing 100 holes at The Club at Weston Hills in 95-degree heat, no rain or storms! Special thank you to Director of Golf Jon Banas and the staff. Day 2 featured 16 players at Lago Mar Country Club. Weather was threatening but tropical storm Fred decided to support our mission and programs and went elsewhere. Special thank you to Ernie Ruiz, Director of golf Emma Leonardi and staff. Day 3 took place at Parkland Golf and Country Club with 18 players. Marcus Schellenurger and Mike Lewin completed 100 holes in 6 hours and 15 minutes- a new record! Special thank you to Director of Golf Paul Crespo and the staff. Our Chapter has 63 players committed to play 100 holes at one of four course locations. Our goal this year is to raise $120,000. We currently stand at $93,000 raised from over 900 donors. It is not too late to donate and support these folks crazy enough to play 100 holes in one day to help fund our children’s and veterans’ programs. Ready to donate? Please visit our donation page for a secure online tax-deductible contribution. THANK YOU PLAYERS AND DONORS!! Chapter Director Stan Schachne is leading all fundraising with $10,900 raised with only a slight edge over Shelby Coyle at $10,700. Will Jack Bloomfield make a run???

RYAN ATTENDS THE GAME CHANGERS ACADEMY

Chapter student, Ryan Shimony, was selected to attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. this summer in Philadelphia, PA. First Tee Game Changers Academy addresses the challenges and experiences teens face in their daily lives and helps better equip them to build the strength of character to be game changers in their communities. This Academy is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. Here are a few things Ryan had to say about his experience at the Academy: “It was an honor to be picked. I couldn’t believe it! I was proud, but nervous. I had never traveled alone. But I was excited to be chosen. At first, I was intimidated, walking into a room where I did not know anyone. I then started introducing myself to others and began to realize we all felt the same way. It was great meeting so many new people.” “We played golf every day along with attending our First Tee classes. I made a group of new friends from across the country. I am excited to keep in touch with them.” “The best thing I learned from the experience, was that honoring diversity is important. I learned that not everyone has the same life experiences, and we can learn from everyone’s stories. Thank you, First Tee, for such an amazing experience!”

BACK TO SCHOOL = BACK TO FALL PROGRAMS

Summer is over and we are beginning our Fall programs. Enroll your children as golf is the sport of business and the sport of a lifetime! Our program locations include: • Grand Palms Hotel-Spa & Golf Resort • Hollywood Beach Golf Club • Parkland Golf & Country Club • PGA TOUR Superstore – Plantation • Pompano Beach Golf Club • Cooper Colony Golf & Country Club • The Club at Weston Hills • The Bridges at Springtree Golf Club • Eagle Trace Golf Club For more information and to register, please visit our website.

WELCOME COACH MATT COLEMAN

Coach Matt joined our Chapter as the lead coach at Riverbend Golf Club. Matt was introduced to us through Chapter Director, Jen Hong. Matt is a great addition to our chapter. Our 2020 Coach of the Year and former Riverbend Lead Coach, Chris Connelly, PGA (pictured above left with Matt) has volunteered his time mentoring Matt as he transitions to lead coach this Fall. Our chapter coaches enjoy helping each other and always work together to make the program a success. Chris will continue to coach in a limited compacity as his new schedule allows. Chris said, “I enjoy working with new junior golf coaches and watching their coaching styles develop over time to help the students.”

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT – GRACE

This summer our Chapter conducted a 6-week program for 25 children at the GRACE Education Center. Students practiced putting and chipping. It was the first time many had ever picked up a golf club, but they all enjoyed this new experience. Coach Joe said, “We discussed what profession they wanted to enter when they graduate school. There were plenty of hopeful nurses, doctors and lawyers. We discussed and demonstrated Respect, Sportsmanship, Courtesy and Integrity. Such a great group of kids!” Special thanks to the Children’s Services Council of St. Lucie County for introducing us to this new youth serving partner and for providing the funding to conduct this summer program.