Category: News

Golf Fans Have A Blast At The Honda Classic

The Honda Classic is a Founding Partner of our Chapter. They support our children’s and veterans’ programs throughout the year in many ways from grants, to providing volunteers and even donating practice balls for our driving range. Matt Jones, a PGA TOUR veteran from Australia carded a tournament record-tying 61 on Thursday. He started the final round with a three-shot lead. When it was all over on Sunday after shooting a 2-under par score of 68 to push his way to 12-under, Jones was five shots clear of his nearest pursuer and earned the victory and the beautiful crystal Honda Classic trophy. “It was just great to get out there and watch some golf and see some friends,” said Carl Mistretta, Chapter Executive Director. “The tournament staff lead by Executive Director Ken Kennerly and Tournament Director Andrew George did an incredible job. Everyone I met at the tournament had a fantastic time.”

Time To Schedule Club Drives

Time to clean out the trunk and the garage and donate all of that unused golf equipment! Club Drives help us support thousands of young people in Palm Beach County, including those with special needs, and veterans. Typically, the club schedules a two-week time frame for members to drop off donated clubs at the cart barn. Their donations are tax deductible and we give each donor an IRS receipt letter for their tax returns. At the conclusion of the Club Drive, we will come by and pick everything up. We provide signage, example newsletter text and pictures, and receipts. Please contact [email protected] to schedule your Club Drive.

Veterans’ Programs At Dyer Park

Thank you for your service. Our Chapter delivers weekly golf programs to many local veterans. We provide golf equipment, golf instruction and opportunities to socialize and play local golf courses. These programs are open to Palm Beach County veterans, free of charge. Programs occur at 9:30am, Monday through Friday at the Finnegan Learning Center in Dyer Park. For more information and to register for a veterans’ program, please contact Dave McNulty, PGA at [email protected] or 561-324-4176

CMAA 100 – Hole Challenge A Fantastic Success

Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta (middle) awarded the winning team shadow boxes to BallenIsles Director of Golf Jeff Fitzherbert, PGA (left) and General Manager Ryan Walls (right) for raising the most money in our annual 100 – Hole Challenge. The members of BallenIsles contributed over $15,000 to the efforts of Jeff and Ryan as they played 100 holes in one day to support our children and veterans. Yes- 100 holes in one day!

Inaugural Leadership Series In Partnership With PGA TOUR Superstore

The First Tee Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore kicked off this month at the Palm Beach Gardens store. 10 students including eight from our chapter participated. The program is an interactive five-week series designed to provide teens the opportunity to discover their personal values and emerging leadership strengths. Through the series, teens also begin to explore potential career fields based on those findings and frame out multi-year goals to guide them as they navigate future career opportunities. The Leadership Series – which was co-created between First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore – is being hosted in 27 communities across the country where there is a store and a First Tee chapter. PGA TOUR Superstore general managers will facilitate the interactive sessions between Feb. 8 and March 15 either virtually or in stores and chapters, with safe and socially distant protocols in place. Once the participants complete the series, they will be eligible to apply for the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The Summit will be held this August at PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman Arthur M. Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana. Forty teens will be selected for the Summit where they will take part in interactive workshops and outdoor leadership trainings.

Koepka, Berger Commit To Play In The 2021 Honda Classic

The last two tournament champions on the PGA TOUR have committed to play in the 2021 Honda Classic, our Founding Partner and local PGA TOUR event which will return to PGA National Resort & Spa March 15-21. Waste Management Phoenix Open champion Brooks Koepka and AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am champion Daniel Berger, both Palm Beach County natives and residents, will take on a world class field in this year’s tournament. With priority being on fan safety, the number of spectators allowed on-site will be limited and ticket options are selling out. All tickets are limited to 4 per transaction. On-site ticket or parking sales will not be offered on site. All tickets must be purchased in advance (while supplies last).

Golf Is A Social Distancing Sport – Register Now!

First Tee registration is open at multiple program locations in Palm Beach County. Please visit our website to learn more about class days and times at the following locations: • Michael B. Finnegan Learning Center- Dyer Park • John Prince Golf Learning Center • Seagate Country Club • Commons Park Golf Learning Center • Boca Raton Municipal Golf Course • Madison Green Country Club • Village Golf Course • Okeeheelee Golf Course • Wellington National Golf Club • The Golf Club of Jupiter • Southwinds Golf Course • PGA Tour Superstore- Palm Beach Gardens

Veteran Spotlight – Scott Siegel

Scott Siegel is 64 years old and formerly served in the Air Force. He has been playing golf for 2 years but used to play weekly when he was younger. He has been a participant in our 8-week programs for about 2 years. “I was reintroduced to golf while at the Blind Rehab Center at the West Palm Beach VA. I lost 90% of my eyesight 12 years ago due to Diabetes and Glaucoma. I never thought golf would be a part of my life again,” said Scott. “I was told about the program here in Broward County and signed up as soon as I could. The coaches gave me clubs that were better than the ones I used when I played regularly. I have made friends with the other veterans who are in the sessions. The coaches are great and always teach techniques to improve our game. If you are having a problem, they are willing to give you the extra attention to help make your game better and be more enjoyable. Thank you First Tee for being there to help us.”

Sponsor Spotlight – PGA TOUR Superstore and The Arthur Blank Foundation

PGA TOUR Superstore’s goal is to inspire people to play their best and grow the game. As a part of the Blank Family of Businesses, they observe their Core Values that include: Giving Back to Others, Include Everyone and Put People First. Their Core Values are an important part of how they operate each day. The PGA TOUR Superstore loves the game of golf and wants to share that passion to help inspire a new generation of golfers and help lay the foundation for a brighter future. That is why they work closely with the local chapters of First Tee in each of their stores. “I have witnessed the development of many young people through our partnership with First Tee,” said Jared Varnum, Plantation PGA TOUR Superstore General Manager.  “First Tee’s Nine Core Values align with our values in assisting others to develop character that will empower through a lifetime of challenges.  We are excited to assist First Tee and help develop our leaders of tomorrow.”

Outreach Program – The David Posnack Jewish Community Center

The David Posnack Jewish Community Center recently began their 2021 First Tee Broward Outreach program. The center is located in the heart of southwest Broward County. At the “J”, they are dedicated to making a difference in peoples’ lives on a daily basis. From infant to senior, year-round, the “J” is a place that offers endless possibilities for you and your family to grow. First Tee – Broward is offering a four-week Program Enrichment Classes for students with special needs.

Great Time At Cooper Colony Open House

Recently the Cooper Colony Golf and Country Club conducted their Winter 2021 Open House to welcome children and parents to learn more about and register for our program. Coaches Hector Zapata and Ivan Mayor are beginning their second year with First Tee Broward and are reaching many young people in their community to teach our life skills curriculum through the game of golf.