Category: News

Thank You For Your Service

During the month of Veterans Day, we are honored to thank all Veterans for their service and report on our programs serving our nation’s heroes. Recently our summer Veterans program concluded at The Club at Weston Hills. Thank you to Coaches Steve Voguit and Nick Cupper for conducting the program. A special thank you to The Harry T. Mangurian Jr. Foundation for funding this important program. “I want to thank you for the opportunity to take part in the First Tee golf classes through Mission United. The instructors were so very knowledgeable and very patient. Not everyone that plays any sport can teach. First Tee’s instructors had the special combination of knowing the game of golf and explaining it with patience which is such a great asset to your program. I am so looking forward to all future First Tee programs for veterans.”  – Deborah Bell “First Tee has provided me an opportunity to learn the wonderful game of golf. Not only am I learning this game, but I’ve met some great people as well. From the golf pros, to my fellow veterans, I’ve made some new relationships while playing a great game! I’m playing golf on a regular basis and getting better each time. All thanks to the generosity of those that underwrite this great program.” – Bill Mei

Sponsor Spotlight – Spirit Airlines

The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation is building on its long-standing partnership with First Tee – Broward. This year, Veterans Day marked a milestone of 200 heroes helped by the commitment to providing a therapeutic community for those who served our nation. Our chapter teamed up with local golf courses and trained golf professionals in 2016 to offer group golf lessons for veterans. The first class of 20 filled up within two days and had a waiting list, which underscored the long-term need for a program designed for veterans. Four years later, the program offers eight classes annually. The classes serve veterans from 22 to 75 years old and provide a combination of team building and therapy aimed at combatting PTSD. The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation has donated $60,000 in scholarships to First Tee – Broward, along with sponsoring many of its programs and initiatives in the community, including its annual fundraiser and its work with the Special Olympics organization. “Our foundation and First Tee share the common mission of having a positive impact on the lives of children, families and military veterans,” said Laurie Villa, Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Spirit Airlines and President of The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation. “It’s a privilege to be able to create meaningful social impact and change, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to work with First Tee – Broward to instill those values in our community.” Spirit’s Team Members also participate in First Tee – Broward’s annual golf tournament to help raise awareness of the organization and its mission.   “We are very grateful to The Spirit Airlines Charitable Foundation for their incredible support,” said Jack Bloomfield, Director of Operations for First Tee – Broward. “Their partnership has been invaluable for our students and our veterans, who have directly benefited from their generosity.” About Spirit Airlines:   Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose — like bags, seat assignments and refreshments — something we call Á La Smarte. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet® is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving those communities. Come save with us at spirit.com.  Spirit Media Relations 954.364.0231 [email protected]

Chapter Students Play Timber Tech Pro Am

The TimberTech Championship recently held at The Old Course at Broken Sound was an exciting event with a strong field of PGA TOUR Champions players. Congratulations to Darren Clarke who won the championship. Six Chapter students were invited to play in the ProAms. Pictured top left, from left to right: First Tee foursome of Felipe Obando (Palm Beach Chapter), Shrey Shalia (Broward Chapter), Tour Player Ken Duke, Katie Harwood (Treasure Coast Chapter) and Asha Farrelly (Palm Beach Chapter). This foursome was generously donated by the S. Randolph Scheen Family Charitable Foundation. Pictured top left, left to right: Sebastian Nachilly and Billy Reid with Tour Player Robert Karlsson. Sebastian and Billy both applied to play in the Pure Insurance Open at Pebble Beach, but First Tee players were not allowed to play due to COVID. First Tee home office invited both students to the ProAm. “The First-Tee program taught me to hold a golf club in my hand five years ago and this opportunity to play with a PGA professional has been incredible,” said Broward Chapter student Shrey Shalia. “Today’s experience has certainly helped me in strengthening my confidence in my golf game.”

Volunteers Needed For AJGA Event At PGA National

PGA National Resort & Spa – Champion & Fazio November 20 – 22, 2020

Volunteer Needs: – Timing Station Volunteers (Champion & Fazio Courses) – Water Rovers (Champion & Fazio Courses) The AJGA has created an online sign-up link to allow everyone to specify their available dates and times. Please contact: Melanie Sands Email: [email protected] Cell: (609) 744 – 6921

Team BallenIsles Rocks The CMAA 100-Hole Challenge

Team BallenIsles consisting of the club’s General Manager- Ryan Walls and Director of Golf- Jeff Fitzherbert (pictured above left), did not stop at 100 holes. They kept going and played 125 holes at Jupiter Country Club! The club membership supported their efforts with over $15,000 in donations to support our children and veterans. They were also joined by Young Professional members Jon Cross and Mason Meany, chapter student Harry Hutchings and chapter supporter Tony Lafaso. Two weeks prior, Chapter staff- Carl Mistretta (pictured above middle), David Trout and Emily Valentine played 10 holes in the rain before playing the final 90 holes at PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE in their simulator. Chapter Treasurer Mitch Stump (pictured above right) just kept playing in the rain! To date, we have raised over $31,000 of our total goal of $40,000. Please consider a donation to help fund our children’s and veterans’ programsduring these difficult times in support of everyone who played 100 holes or more. Are you interested in playing the 100-Hole Challenge this year at your club? There is still time. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Chapter Students Play Timber Tech Pro Am

The TimberTech Championship recently held at The Old Course at Broken Sound was an exciting event with a strong field of PGA TOUR Champions players. Congratulations to Darren Clarke who won the championship. Six Chapter students were invited to play in the ProAms. Pictured top left, from left to right: First Tee foursome of Felipe Obando, Shrey Shalia (Broward Chapter), Tour Player Ken Duke, Katie Harwood (Treasure Coast Chapter) and Asha Farrelly. This foursome was generously donated by the S. Randolph Scheen Family Charitable Foundation. Pictured top right, left to right: Sebastian Nachilly and Billy Reid with Tour Player Robert Karlsson. Sebastian and Billy both applied to play in the Pure Insurance Open at Pebble Beach, but First Tee players were not allowed to play due to COVID. First Tee home office invited both students to the ProAm. “What an amazing day with Robert Karllson at the Timber Tech ProAm,” said Palm Beach Chapter student Billy Reid. “We discussed course management and his thought process with many shots. He even gave me some chipping tips that I was able to implement into my round as we played. This was a great opportunity that I am very thankful for to First Tee.” Special SHOUT OUT to the tournament staff for making this opportunity happen for these deserving students.  We are very excited to be engaged with this premier golf tournament.

Chapter Students Win SFPGA Players Of Year

Congratulations to Zoey and Wylie! – Birdie participant, Zoe Shamy, won the 2020 Girls 13-18 SFPGA Prep Tour Player of the Year. – Par participant, Wylie Inman, won 2020 Boys 11-12 SFPGA Prep Tour Player of the Year. Each of the PGA Junior Tours (Prep, Challenge, and Championship) conduct a season long Player of the Year points race. Each event awards points to top finishers. The players with the most points at the end of the year are crowned Players of the Year. Chapter student Tyler Mistretta holds a .25-point lead in the Championship Tour with the final event coming up in early December at Banyan Cay. Can we go 3 for 3??

TGA Night Out At PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE

After three postponements due to rain, the new PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE in Palm Beach Gardens graciously hosted the Teen Golf Association for a Friday night get together. The weather was great! Students enjoyed pizza, a closest to the pin contest on the golf simulator and competed in a 3 -hole putting competition. Congratulations to the winners who each received a gift card to the store: Sebastian Nachilly, Eagle Participant Micah Boggs, Par Participant Sean Dully, Palm Beach Gardens High Golf Team Landon Murray, Birdie Participant

Thank You For Your Service

Besides working with thousands of children in our First Tee classes and special needs programs, our Chapter also brings the great game of golf, outdoor recreation, and social activities to hundreds of our nation’s veterans each year. Our veterans’ programs began in 1999 and continue to thrive each week. These programs are made possibly from many of our donors and a generous grant from United Technologies through The Honda Classic. Coach Dave McNulty, PGA leads our veterans’ programs. These programs help to thank our veteran participants for their service.

Birthday Coming Up? Please Support Junior Golf

Treasure Coast golfers have no doubt taken notice of the “Golf Capital of the World” license plate proudly displayed on thousands of local automobiles. Many golfers do not know that the benefitting charity of this license plate is junior golf. Created in 2002 by the Dade Amateur Golf Association, the Florida Junior Golf Council was formed for the benefit of Florida’s junior golf programs. Through the efforts of the late Charlie DeLucca, the “Golf Capital of the World” license plate was passed into law by the Florida legislature and Governor Jeb Bush. All revenue generated supports junior golf programs. To date, over $8.7 million has been distributed to support junior golf. The FJGC license plate grant program is designed to assist organizations that introduce young people to golf, through instruction and competition, teach the values and Rules of Golf, stress integrity, courtesy, self-discipline, and other life skills.  Additionally, the grant program assists junior golf organizations that serve economically disadvantaged youth, children with special needs and the general population.  The FJGC is planning to significantly increase the size of grants for the next year because of the impact of COVID-19 on junior golf programs. “We are now seeing that junior golf programs have to offer smaller class sizes, pay for more coaches to ensure safety and spend unbudgeted funds on thermometers, sanitizer, masks and gloves,” said Charlie DeLucca III, Executive Director of the First Tee of Miami and board member of the FJGC. “After speaking with several junior program executive directors and administrators it became obvious that the FJGC needed to step in and assist these important programs. All Florida golfers recognize the license plate, but many do not understand the incredible impact it has on junior golf. (Pictured above: Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta with one of his two FJGC license plates.) The easiest way to purchase the license plate is during your birthday month by renewing your tag registration. The plate can be purchased online or in person at the office of the tax collector or tag agency. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!