Category: News

Each summer, our chapter partners with the Seminole Region of the CMAA to raise funds to support our mission and programs. Marathon Golfers play 100 holes in one day and secure per hole pledges to support our chapter students from kindergarten to 12th grade, children with special needs and veterans. All donations stay in Palm Beach County to serve the thousands of children and veterans in our programs. CLICK HERE to make your donation. Our students, staff and coaches are playing and pledges can be made directly to their fund-raising efforts. Want to play 100 holes in one day? It is fun and a little crazy! CLICK HERE to learn more about creating your own fundraising web page and joining us for a day on the links. Please email [email protected] with questions.

The World Golf Hall of Fame celebrates golf and honors the legacies of those who have made it great. Tim Finchem, Former PGA TOUR Commissioner and an instrumental founder of The First Tee, will be inducted with the Class of 2021. Finchem helped the First Tee grow to reach more than 15 million young people. He created signature professional golf events including the FedEx Cup, the President’s Cup and the World Golf Championships. He spearheaded efforts to coordinate the bid for golf’s return to the Olympics in 2016. Tiger Woods, a winner of 82 PGA TOUR events and 15 major championships, will also be inducted in 2021. Woods is a local resident and his foundation financially supports our chapter and serves area students through year-round STEM and college-access programs for underrepresented students. Also being inducted in 2021 are elite amateur golfer Marion Hollins and four-time major champion Susie Maxwell Berning. The 2021 Induction Ceremony date and location will be announced in the coming weeks.

Jack Barrett, our long time Development Director, recently announced that he has accepted a position of Vice President of Development at the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County. Our chapter enjoys a wonderful working relationship with the Boys & Girls Clubs to offer programming to many St. Lucie County students each year. “We are really going to miss Jack and wish him the best in his new position,” said Chairman Steve Rockoff. “He has helped grow our chapter grants, planned giving and STEM programs. We are glad he is not going too far, and we look forward to working closely with him at the St. Lucie Boys and Girls Clubs.” Jack began his career in the golf industry with The First Tee of The Palm Beaches in October 2009 as a volunteer coach and then advanced to the role of Development Director in 2010. Jack completed The First Tee Coach training and assisted in the development of the Els for Autism #GameON Golf Curriculum. He is an Els for Autism #GameON Golf Coach Trainer. Jack is also an inaugural member of our planned giving initiative- The Society of 1457. His new email address is: [email protected]

Have you made a recent hole-in-one? The Tee Times magazine wants to hear all about your shot of a lifetime as they feature area hole-in-ones in their monthly magazine. CLICK HERE to enter your hole-in-one information. Even better, Morell Studios, our Trustee corporate partner, will offer a 5% discount on their hole-in-one awards by entering the coupon code: teetimes. Please visit teetimesnews.com/awards or call 561-437-5120 to commemorate your ace. CLICK HERE to check out the latest hole-in-one feature article in The Tee Times.

The West Palm 100 is a not for profit, charitable organization created to provide civic and social opportunities that benefits the children, families, and neighborhoods of West Palm Beach through the donation of time, money, and people power. The West Palm 100 recently held their annual fundraiser hosted by their members at Drive Shack. A record crowd attended and record donations of $1,600 were raised to support local children & Veterans in our programs. Special thanks to West Palm 100 Board member and longtime Chapter supporter John Rothberg for his help and support to make this happen.

The annual ProAm Scramble was held recently at the Palm Beach Par 3 benefitting the Par 3 Foundation. The tournament benefits our Chapter as the Par 3 Foundation funds scholarships for our students during six weeks of summer camps held at the Palm Beach Par 3. Pictured above: Our Chapter team included Pro/Coach Sasha Lobel, with students Audrey Dzwill, Landon Murray, Felipe Obando and Coach Connie Capanegra. “Mr. Floyd, the Par 3 Foundation, Tony Chateauvert and the entire staff at the Palm Beach Par 3 have been incredible supporters of our students,” said Connie. “Our summer camps grow ever year and the students enjoy playing golf on the ocean during the summer.” After a two-year run as champions, our team finished second this year with a nine under par score of 45.

Recently, six of our members from our Chapters’ Teen Golfers Association (TGA) spent their day off from school at the Birdie Buddies Golf Day. Birdie Buddies is for golfers of all abilities ages 10 and up with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. Participants spent the day at The Els Center of Excellence practicing their golf skills, playing nine holes of golf, and having fun with their new friends. Participants focused on communication, social, and golf skills. Each Els for Autism participant was partnered with a TGA Volunteer Coach and they were deemed “Buddies” for the remainder of the day. “I love to see teenagers be open to new experiences and truly growing the game,” commented Chapter Coach Emily Valentine. “The TGA is all about giving back and having fun.” “Meeting my buddy, Ben, melted my heart!” exclaimed TGA member Jacie Goodman. “I enjoyed his excitement towards playing golf and I thank the First Tee and Els for Autism for this rewarding opportunity.” The program was a huge success and we are excited for the next Birdie Buddies Golf Day.

Thanks to the support and dedication of our donors, Directors and staff, our Chapter enjoyed another tremendous year in 2019. Please CLICK HERE to review our 2019 Annual Report detailing all programs, outreach partners and children and veterans served.

Gwen Gordon, a newly retired Clubhouse Manager from Seminole Golf Club, recently joined our Country Club Committee as a volunteer.  The Committee helps us meet new members at golf clubs to assist our Chapter with Club Drives, hosting CMAA Marathon Golf and applying for foundation grants. Gwen bought some tickets to our 50-50 raffle and her name was picked out of the jar as the winner.  We raised $1,700 at The Tee Times tent and our 50-50 raffle website. “I have never won anything!” exclaimed Gwen.  “I am donating it all back to The First Tee.” Thank you Gwen. We are excited to have you join the Country Club Committee and help us serve more students and Veterans in Palm Beach County.