Category: News

Enroll your children at one of our 10 Palm Beach County Program Locations. 

• Michael B. Finnegan Learning Center- Dyer Park
• Belle Glade Municipal Golf Club
• Boca Raton Golf and Racquet Club
• Commons Park Golf Learning Center
• John Prince Learning Center
• Golf Club of Jupiter
• Keiser University Golf Coaching Center
• Okeeheelee Golf Course
• Red Reef Golf Course
• Village Golf Club

We are deeply honored to receive the Barbara A. Douglas & Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award, celebrating chapters that exemplify exceptional leadership and dedication to fostering inclusivity and expanding access within their communities. Nineteen Chapter staff and board members accepted the award on stage at the First Tee Network Summit in Phoenix with over 800 people from First Tee chapters worldwide in attendance.

In 2023, our Chapter’s participants were 63% ethnically diverse and 41% female. Through partnerships with other national organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, Police Athletic Leagues, Big Brothers Big Sisters, YMCAs, and local groups such as Project Lift and Martin County Parks & Rec, our chapter will proudly serve over 4,500 children and teens in 2024.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to Golf Digest for their generous support of First Tee and to First Tee HQ for recognizing our efforts with this prestigious award. Our unwavering commitment to equipping a diverse range of young people with life skills remains at the core of our mission.

“This was our first time receiving a national award from First Tee HQ,” said Chapter President Bobby Hendel.  “And this is probably the most difficult award to win.  I am so proud of our staff, coaches, students and my fellow board members as we all share in this incredible accomplishment.”

Chapter student Valentina Marie Guertin has committed to play college golf at Oklahoma- wow!  She has been on a fantastic run as she played in the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach and the First Tee National Championship late last year. Welcome to the SEC Valentina!

Chapter student Wylie Inman has committed to play college golf at the University of South Florida. Go Bulls! Wylie also finished in the Top 10 of the State Finals tournaments representing Dwyer High School.

“Just so proud of our high school students that continue on to college golf,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr.  “Add in Zoe committing to play at Tulsa and we hit the trifecta this year.  Watch out world, more to come!”

At our golf tournament in October at The Bear’s Club, longtime Chapter President Bobby Hendel announced effective January 1st, he was turning over the President position to Chapter Vice President Joe Gorman.  Bobby is not going too far as he will remain on the Chapter Board as a Director.

Pictured above: Bobby with First Tee students Melvin Watson and Zoe Shamy and veteran participant Devon Shaw.

“Bobby has generously served as Chapter President for twelve years and under his tenure we have grown to one of the largest First Tee chapters in the country,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr.  “He leaves us in a strong position to continue our growth and service to Palm Beach County.  We also credit Bobby for inspiring staff to establish our programs in the most underserved community in the Palm Beach County, the Glades.”

Coach Nyla Sims joined the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization for their annual Walk for Down Syndrome. Their students had a fantastic time swinging golf clubs at our station, bringing lots of smiles to the event!

Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization are parents, families and friends working together for over 40 years to create brighter futures for all individuals with Down syndrome in our community. We offer information, education and support to people with Down syndrome and their families, friends, educators, and professionals in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Chapter student Alyssa Toni Cleckley has successfully completed her Board of Review for the rank of Life Scout. Alyssa was well prepared and did an impressive job, earning a unanimous decision from the Board. The Board has officially granted Alyssa permission to start working on the highest and most prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Alyssa has already completed 70% of the Eagle Scout requirements and has earned a total of twenty-four merit badges.

“This is an incredible accomplishment,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr.  “Alyssa is only twelve years old.  As a former Scout leader, I know how rare it is to earn the rank of Life and next, Eagle, at such a young age. I also know that advancing through First Tee and earning the rank of Eagle will open many doors for Alyssa in her future endeavors.”

Seniors from the Edna Runner Tutorial Center had a wonderful day with us! Their event was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and skill-building. With guidance from Coach Devin and Coach Nyla, they honed their putting and chipping skills and made memories on the greens together.

Some call it a magical place that transforms lives, others credit this place as a safe haven, and all agree that The Edna W. Runner Education Center has built a quality program that reaches people in our community.

Chapter supporter Leta Lindley won the 2024 U.S. Senior Women’s Open by shooting a tournament-record final round 7-under 64 at Fox Chapel in Pittsburgh. Leta had finished second in the previous two U.S. Women’s Senior Opens.

Leta visited with the Jupiter High School Girls Golf team and discussed what it takes to play golf at the next level.  She even brought her beautiful U.S. Senior Women’s Open trophy for the girls to see.

No Boundaries, a veteran organization coordinating special trips for combat-wounded veterans, conducted their annual No Boundaries Veteran Golf Tournament at Jupiter Country Club. 14 veterans who have never played golf were paired with club members and local golfers for a golf scramble event. After a short clinic in the morning, the tournament was underway. All contest prizes won by the golfers were awarded to their veterans in the group, and the biggest prize was the opportunity to spend a few hours with our country’s heroes.

Program Director Zack Anderton was invited to play in the event, and our Chapter provided a Stand Up and Play ParaGolfer for a double amputee veteran. The veteran was able to use this specialized wheelchair to stand vertically and play golf. His straight ball was the anchor of the team, and after he learned how to control his putter speeds, and helped lead his team to multiple birdies for the day.

Chapter alumni Nathan Vertes is working hard at college in the spirit of First Tee. He attends the University of Florida in a Pre-Pharmacy Program. Nathan was also one of our inaugural First Tee Scholars, which afforded him a college scholarship from First Tee HQ.  HQ has even provided Nathan with a mentor who oversees Pharmacy at the Mayo Clinic. 

“The University of Florida is a great fit for my college career.  I will continue to work hard on my studies. I am so thankful for everyone at First Tee – Palm Beaches and First Tee HQ for the help and support.”

We had a fabulous time at our annual tournament at The Bear’s Club.  The course was re-designed by Jack Nicklaus last summer, so it was the first time for many of our guests to experience the new course.

“Our 100 Friends tournament is one of our largest fundraising events each year,” said Chapter President Bobby Hendel.  “We are very appreciative of the support from this group of sponsors and players.”

The BallenIsles team of Ron Grodsky, Chapter Director Ed Slotnick, Alan Robinovitz and Ron Getlan won the Net Division with a score of 54 (pictured above left).

The team of Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr., Founding Partner Bradley Finnegan, Chapter Director Jon Centofanti and Jason Trout won the Gross Division with a score of 66 (pictured above right).

Longtime Chapter supporter Jim Mostad from the Breakers Hotel scored his first hole-in-one on #2 and he also won closest to the hole on #7. Big day for Jim!

Thank you sponsors:

Help us support the thousands of children and veterans we serve each year.  Our Pebble Beach Raffle features a chance to win a trip to play 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 March 3, 2025.  Please scan the QR code or visit our website to donate and for more information.