Category: News

ABIGAIL HALPERN WINS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – AGAIN!

Abigail Halpern won the 2020 South Florida Junior PGA Player of the Year on the Challenge Tour. This achievement marks her third consecutive Player of the Year award in SFPGA Junior golf. Abby, a native of Palm City, started playing golf at the age of 3 with the First Tee class at Hammock Creek Golf Club with Coach Bo Batchelor. She has played many junior golf tournaments and has even made two hole-in-ones! During her free time, Abigail has volunteered with the No Kill Animal Rescue Nala Dog Shelter in Palm City because she really cares about dogs. She believes dogs are man’s best animal companions in life. Abigail is a hardworking student at Hidden Oaks Middle School and has made the Honors Principal’s Roll since 2019. She is a member in the National Junior Honor Society. Abigail has been volunteering with the First Tee at Crane Watch helping and guiding young children to learn to play golf. Abigail’s mother said, “I know that the First Tee program has made a big difference in her life as a young golfer and as a student. More importantly, First Tee is shaping Abigail into a future productive and successful citizen of society.

RESOURCES IN COMMUNITY HOPE HOUSE

Chapter staff was recently invited to attend the grand opening of the Fort Pierce Police Department’s Resources In Community Hope (R.I.C.H) House. Students in attendance were introduced to the game of golf using our large clubs and tennis balls. The mission of the Fort Pierce Police Department is to reduce crime and enrich the quality of life through a collaborative partnership with all citizens. The R.I.C.H. House was established for the purpose of creating a safe haven for all those in need of services. It will be a place that fosters police and community relationships and provides a multi-purpose education and resource center for all ages to enhance their quality of life. The R.I.C.H. House will rely heavily on community partnerships and support from non-profit organizations, businesses, and volunteers to make this program well-designed and successful. The R.I.C.H. House will provide curriculums geared towards educational assistance, conflict-resolution, socialization skills, and self-esteem building for children, parents, and seniors. Our Chapter is looking forward to working with the community and delivering our life skills program.

ANNERY GIVES BACK

Annery Abrue, is a First Tee Coach at Fairwinds Golf Course and a First Tee alumna. Coach Willie Scott has been her longtime mentor since she was a freshman in high school. Annery is entering her junior year of college where she plays on the golf team and won her first college golf event this past Spring. She has just completed her first step in becoming a Golf Instructor with TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) completing Level 1 Certification. She is such an inspiration to all the young ladies! Annery made the Presidents list every semester in college with a 4.0 GPA.

HARBOUR RIDGE ROCKS THE 100 – HOLE CHALLENGE!

The staff and members of Harbour Ridge set a new 100 – Hole Challenge record for our chapter by raising $15,564 to support our children and veterans. Our goal this year is to raise $60,000. “We are so grateful for the continued support of Harbour Ridge,” said Chapter President Andrew Hunt. “Their generosity will impact the lives of hundreds of people in their community.” Think you can beat their record? There is still time to play. Please visit our websitefor more information or contact [email protected].

BACK TO SCHOOL = BACK TO GOLF

Sign up now for Fall programs. Our programs are taught at the following golf course locations: – Crane Watch Club – The Saints at Port St. Lucie Golf Course – The Champions Club – Riverbend Country Club – Jensen Beach Golf Club – Fairwinds Golf Course For more information and to register, please visit our website.

AMBASSADORS ROCK THE PALM BEACH PAR 3

Chapter Ambassadors had a fun time at the Palm Beach Par 3. The event was a fantastic opportunity for current and potential members of the group to network, meet new faces, all while enjoying fun golf and great food and drink. The Ambassadors are a group of active Palm Beach County based professionals of all ages dedicated to the mission of First Tee. The Ambassadors support our chapter through fundraising, volunteer efforts, and by broadening awareness in Palm Beach County as representatives of our local chapter. Events will be conducted throughout the year and are open to all Ambassadors and their guests to encompass a variety of golf and social venues. Also, a weekly golf league has been formed by Ambassador Board Members as an additional benefit to their members to promote growth and networking among the group. Special SHOUT OUT to Tony and Angie at the course for hosting us! If you are interested in joining the Ambassadors, please contact David Trout, PGA, at [email protected].

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT: HOMER WATTS

Homer Watts is 80 years old and served in Vietnam. He enjoys participating in our veterans’ programs and even helps Coach Dave McNulty with special needs classes on Saturday mornings. Our veterans’ programs are made possible by generous grants from the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation and Pratt & Whitney. Our Dyer Veterans group is always growing! Are you a Veteran in West Palm Beach? Come join the group. Please contact Coach Dave at [email protected] for more information.

WANT TO PLAY SIX FREE ROUNDS OF GOLF?

One tiny wrinkle, the six rounds are all in one day! It is that time of year again for the CMAA 100-Hole Challenge. Our goal this year is to raise $80,000. It is not too late to register to play or make a donation and support these folks crazy enough to play 100 holes in one day. Your donation helps to fund our children’s and veterans’ programs. Ready to play? Please contact [email protected] for more information. Ready to donate? Please visit our donation page for a secure online tax-deductible contribution.

TYLER AWARDED PBGCSA SCHOLARSHIP

Chapter student, Tyler Mistretta, received a $1,000 college scholarship from the Palm Beach Golf Course Superintendents Association. He attended the PBGCSA annual meeting at Old Marsh and was recognized among the 13 scholarship winners for the 2021-2022 school year. Tyler (pictured above, the tallest one of course) is headed to Florida Southern College in August. “I am so thankful for this scholarship. The only way I can live my dream of playing college golf is with financial aid,” said Tyler. “The PBGCSA members have helped First Tee for so many years and I am honored to be selected for this scholarship.”

CHAPTER STUDENTS PLAY BALLENISLES JUNIOR CUP

The East Team won the 9th Annual BallenIsles Junior Cup against the West Team 19 to 8 during a two-day, Ryder Cup-style tournament played. The tournament featured 24 male and 12 female junior golfers, ages 18 years and younger, representing the top junior players in South Florida. Pictured above: Chapter student Tyler Mistretta hoists the BallenIsles Junior Cup. For two of our students in singles of match play, it came down to the last putt on the last hole. Sebastian Nachilly and Tyler Mistretta have played golf together since they were eight years old. This was their last head-to-head match as juniors. Sebastian defeated Tyler one up by making a 10-foot putt for par on the 18th hole. Chapter students Nick Estrada, Poppy Lee and Christiana Lee also were selected to play. “It was fantastic to see so many of our students participate,” said Chapter Executive Carl Mistretta. “Many of them are now off to college to play golf. The members and staff of BallenIsles are so very generous to host this incredible event.”

LANDO KEEPS UP THE GREAT PLAY

Birdie class participant Landon Murray won his second week in a row in the 12- to 14-year-old division of The Junior Tour Powered by Under Armor at the Jensen Beach Country Club. On the first week, Landon finished strong with +6 score of 42 and on week two +4 score of 40. This is a 9-hole league match. He made an incredible shot on hole 5, with a 35-foot putt for birdie! Landon’s mother commented, “We are so very proud of Landon and all of his dedication and hard work. First Tee has given him some incredible opportunities and our family is truly grateful.” There are 4 more upcoming events giving him the chance to qualify for the National Championship in Orlando, FL.