CONGRATS COACH CHRIS

Huge congratulations to Coach Chris Cupp for winning the 2024 South Florida Section PGA “Youth Player Development” Award! Over 50 families came together to celebrate this incredible achievement.

Thank you, Coach Chris, for your dedication and passion in shaping the next generation of golfers. A special thank you to Carlos Castro at All Golf at C.B. Smith Park for your support in helping Coach Chris build such an amazing program!

PARTICIPANTS SPOTLIGHT: MARCELA ARANGO AND CHLOE SALOMON

Our mission thrives because of the incredible people who dedicate their time and energy to making a difference. We are thrilled to spotlight two of our amazing volunteer coaches, Marcela Arango and Chloe Salomon (pictured above, left to right).

Chloe and Marcela generously volunteer every Sunday. They lend their expertise and passion to help guide and inspire our young players. Whether they are teaching the fundamentals of golf or sharing valuable life lessons, these two embody what it means to be great coaches and leaders.

In addition to their dedication, Chloe and Marcela are outstanding student-athletes. They both play varsity golf for Archbishop McCarthy High School. Their skills on the course and commitment to their team are a testament to their hard work, discipline, and love for the game.

Thank you both for your time, energy, and heart—you are truly inspiring the next generation of golfers and leaders!

VETERANS’ CLASS AT ALLGOLF

Our veterans’ class at AllGolf at CB Smith Park is thriving! The class meets every Tuesday from 1–2 PM, offering a fantastic opportunity for veterans to come together, connect, and enjoy the game of golf in a welcoming environment.

Each week, participants get hands-on practice while utilizing Toptracer technology, which helps track shots and enhance skills in a fun, interactive way. Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned golfer, we offer something for every veteran.

Beyond golf, the best part of these sessions is the camaraderie. The veterans meet new people, share laughs, and build a supportive community that keeps growing. We have openings for other veterans to join the program.

Location: AllGolf at CB Smith Park

Time: Tuesdays, 1–2 PM (ongoing)

Please scan the QR code above or visit our website to sign up.

Sponsor Spotlight: Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing provides the highest quality home services available. Their expert plumbers and HVAC technicians are Trust Certified, which means they go through hundreds of hours of training every year to keep your home comfortable.

Lindstrom is offering First Tee families a special tune-up rate. To schedule an appointment, please call (833) 403-9990.

FUN WITH COACH TREVOR

Coach Trevor makes a meaningful impact by teaching golf at the new Boys & Girls Club of Greater Stuart. After benefiting from our program as a young player, Trevor has joined our team as a Coach to give back to the next generation of golfers. His goal is not just to teach the game but to instill the core values and life skills that helped shape his journey.

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Stuart has quickly become a hub for local youth, and the addition of golf to its offerings is a major highlight. His coaching approach focuses on fostering camaraderie, patience, and focus.

As the program continues to grow, Coach Trevor is excited to see the lasting impact golf has on these kids, helping them develop skills and values that will benefit them for years to come.

ARC AT CHAMPIONS CLUB

Coach Dave Fleck is a dedicated advocate for empowering individuals through the game of golf. Recently, he extended his expertise and passion by working with adults from Martin County ARC at Champions Club, a local organization that provides services for individuals with special needs.

The program is designed to foster life skills and personal growth through the sport of golf. He has proven to be a perfect fit for these participants. Coach Fleck’s patience and compassionate approach have created an environment where every individual can thrive. Whether learning the fundamentals of the game or focusing on teamwork, Coach Fleck’s guidance emphasizes self-confidence, patience, and perseverance.

“Golf is about much more than just hitting a ball,” said Coach Fleck. “It’s about building relationships, encouraging one another, and learning the importance of staying positive through any challenge.”

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT: DIANNE SHAW

Dianne Shaw is a dedicated veteran and active participant at our Indian Hills program. With 25 years of service in the Army Reserve, Dianne brings a strong sense of discipline and determination to her golf sessions at Indian Hills.

Beyond her passion for golf, Dianne volunteers her time with several organizations in Fort Pierce, including the local sheriff’s department and a cat rescue. Her diverse experiences and unwavering spirit make her a delight to be around on and off the course. Thank you for your service and continued dedication to serving our community!

THAT’S US AT TGL!

For the inaugural TGL season, our students have stepped onto the TGL stage as official ball runners, embodying the values of teamwork, perseverance, and fun in every match.  Each match features eight First Tee students and two staff members working the entire live broadcast.  Check them out on national TV dressed in all dark blue.

Pictured above left: Chapter students after a match with the winning LA Golf Club team of Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose and Sahith Theegala.

Pictured above middle: Chapter students and staff in front of the big screen.  

Pictured above right: Chapter students with Atlanta Drive GC team owner and First Tee Trustee, Arthur Blank.

Six TGL teams representing six different cities are going head-to-head in a season-long competition at SoFi Center, a first-of-its-kind venue built specifically for TGL on the campus of Palm Beach State College. Matches air on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S. with every shot live and all the players mic’d up, bringing unprecedented access to the competition for golf fans.

MISS YOU DAN BAKER

Our game lost a great friend way too early.  The late Dan Baker, PGA, serves as an inspiring reminder of what it means to truly dedicate oneself to a passion. His impact on the PGA of America and the broader golf community was profound and far-reaching, marked by his kindness and commitment to uplifting those around him. Dan didn’t just love the game; he devoted his life to ensuring it was accessible to everyone.

To honor Dan’s life, the PGA of America REACH Foundation, and the South Florida PGA Section are pleased to share the establishment of a PGA Jr. League Opportunity League endowed in Dan’s name at The Park in West Palm Beach, Florida. Please scan the QR code above or visit www.pgareach.org/dan-baker-pga-jr-league to donate in honor Dan’s memory.

CHAPTER DONATES GOLF CLUBS TO NIGERIA

Professional caddie Abimbola ‘Bebe’ Olakanye recently visited our Chapter and asked if we could help by donating some of our golf club inventory.  Of course, our answer was “Yes!” and many of our donated clubs are on their way to Nigeria.

BeBe Golf Academy is dedicated to the growth and development of kids and adults by providing educational programs that introduces them to golf in Nigeria. The driving force behind Bebe Golf Academy is to provide an avenue to help introduce kids and adults to golf in West Africa.  Core values such as integrity, honesty, courtesy, respect and good sportsmanship will be the foundation for students at Bebe Golf Academy.