Category: News

Chapter Director Ken Duke’s annual golf tournament at Floridian National enjoyed tremendous success again this year.

In 2016 Ken’s vision of founding a non-profit organization to support well deserving local and national organizations came to life! After a meeting of friends and family the Inaugural Ken Duke & Friends Celebrity Pro-Am was born! Each year a great dinner, concert and day of golf are had by all Ken’s guests that attend this fantastic weekend. Each year the board chooses wonderful national and local organizations to benefit from Ken’s charitable mission. 

At this year’s dinner, Chapter student, Angelina Marie Guertin (pictured above middle), discussed her inspirational experiences with First Tee, including playing in the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach and the First Tee National Championship.

“Ken has been such a generous supporter and incredible leader as a Director of our chapter,” said Chapter President Andrew Hunt.  “His tournament provides such tremendous support and helps us reach thousands of students each year in the Treasure Coast.”

We had a great time for our first 100-Hole Challenge at The Shores of North River Golf Club with over 20 supporters raising $25,000 to support youth golf programs in the community. 

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Shores owner, Andres Castellanos, and his dedicated staff for their exceptional hospitality, which significantly enhanced our event experience.

Gratitude is also extended to all participants and supporters whose enthusiasm and generosity made this fundraising effort a tremendous success. Together, contributions totaling near $100,000 are empowering local youth and fostering a love for the game of golf.

Our Martin County office is located at The Shores and it is a fun course to play and also offers a driving range and practice areas.  To learn more about the course and book your tee time, please visit their website.

We are excited to welcome Chapter Alumnus Trevor Tarashuk as a full-time employee in the position of Program Coordinator. Trevor started as one of our First Tee students at 9 years old. As he grew older in our programs, he moved on to volunteering. 

He is in the PGA Associate program Level I, working towards his PGA membership. Trevor has worked at several golf courses including Medalist, Floridian, Mountain Brook Club and Monarch Country Club. 

Last year, he won the alumni division of our Chapter Championship at BallenIsles (pictured above right).

Trevor will be coaching many programs including at Crane Watch Club.  Please visit our website for more information and to register.

A putting shoot out was held on day four of Ocean Club Week following golf and lunch with an entry fee of $100 that was generously donated to our Chapter.

An impressive field featured a mix of the club legends such as: Pauline Disangro, Phil Rinnander, Mike Gates, Rod Ryan, Ed Collins and Tom McKinney and newcomers John Engle, Peg Margiotta, John Berejka and Jen Croot.  Many others attended and they were all there to support our children and veterans.

The Ocean Club generously donated $2,100 to our Chapter to help young golfers by providing educational programs that build character through the wonderful game of golf.  17 players battled it out with their flat sticks.  Grant Goodall and Mike Gates landed in the finals after knocking out Ed Collins and Rich Harrison in the semi-finals. In the end Grant Goodall holed out on his second ball to claim the prize!

The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is one of Palm Beach County’s marquee sports events. This PGA Tour event attracts the world’s best golfers, consisting of over 100 pro golfers competing over 72 holes at PGA National’s Champion Course. The Cognizant Classic attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators and features some of the best professional golfers in the world.

Volunteer opportunities are available. Please scan the QR code or visit our website to learn more and register to volunteer.

Enroll your children at one of our 10 Broward Program Locations. 

• All Golf at CB Smith Park
• The Bridges at Springtree
• The Club at Weston Hills
• Cooper Colony
• Country Club of Coral Springs
• Davie Golf Club
• Eagle Trace GC
• Palm-Aire CC
• Pompano Beach GC
• TOPGOLF- Pompano

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 Greg Thompson.  “And this is probably the most difficult award to win.  I am so proud of our staff, coaches, students and my fellow board mem

We’re proud to announce a new partnership with TGL! This season, our students will step onto the TGL stage as official ball runners, embodying the values of teamwork, perseverance, and fun in every match.

TGL presented by SoFi is an innovative golf league in partnership with the PGA Tour fusing advanced tech and live action in prime time.

The season includes a total of 24 players with four players assigned to each of the six teams. Each TGL match features three players competing on each team in a two-hour team golf competition, offering a fresh approach to the sport with a focus on technology, innovation, and fan engagement.

A purpose-built venue called SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, combines a data-rich virtual course with a first-of-its-kind short game complex creating a unique experience for the fans in the stands and watching around the world. 

Our mission is to shape the lives of young players through golf, fostering character, confidence, and community. This month, we celebrate two outstanding participants who exemplify these values: Riley Fernandez and Maximillian Bennette.  Both were honored as Youth Athletes of the Month by the City of Sunrise.  Riley and Maximillian’s dedication, sportsmanship, and growth on and off the course have made them shining examples of what youth golf is all about.

The recognition ceremony, held in the presence of their proud parents and the Mayor of Sunrise, celebrated not just their athletic achievements but also the life skills and leadership qualities they have developed. 

“Congratulations to Riley and Maximillian,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr. “Your hard work and passion inspire us all, and we’re thrilled to see you representing First Tee with such distinction.”

We recently concluded our six-week winter special needs golf programs with Lion Star Academy. 21 children participated in the golf program. Coach Robert Ferzoco is teaching the class with the assistance of many of the Lion Star Academy staff. Special thanks to office manager Lisa Bennett for her help in coordinating and assisting in the program.

Lion Star Academy has transformed the lives of extraordinary students since 2005. LSA knows that every kid with special needs possesses a light that when nurtured, sparks a discovery of their unique gifts and talents.

Announcing the return of our Veterans Golf Classes in 2025! 

Starting in January, join us every Tuesday from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at AllGolf at CB Smith Park for an hour of fun, learning, and camaraderie. These sessions are completely free of charge for veterans and are designed to bring our community together through the game of golf.

Whether you are a seasoned golfer or picking up a club for the first time, these classes offer something for everyone. You’ll have a blast meeting new people, hitting range balls, and learning about the golf swing.

For more information or to sign up, contact Christopher Cupp at (404) 509-5555 or [email protected]. 

Veterans Robert Enquist, John Madden, Michael Chambers and Jonathan Sessa played in the monthly golf outing at Parkland Golf and Country Club with Veteran Outreach Director, Jack Bloomfield.

Special thanks to Parkland Golf and CC director of golf, Miles Harris, for hosting our nation’s heroes.