Category: News

Summer camp at North River Shores was a huge success. Our young participants sharpened their golf swings and learned valuable life skills, such as: respect, honesty, and perseverance. Campers spent their days practicing putts, playing games, and building confidence in a fun, supportive environment. When the summer sun was too hot, the kids cooled down with a surprise water gun battle.

One camper put it, “I didn’t even like golf that much before, but now I don’t want camp to be over.”

A big thank you to all our incredible coaches and the North River Shores staff for their dedication, energy, and support throughout the summer.

We teamed up with Martin County PAL to host the first of two Rookie Greens junior qualifying events at North River Shores. Designed for first-time players, this qualifier gave young athletes a supportive, fun space to build their confidence and test their beginner golf skills. Our partnership with PAL broadens our reach, allowing us to teach even more kids and teens in our core values and life skills lessons.

Arc is officially back! We took a short break during the warm summer months, and our participants were definitely eager and excited to get back to golf.

Our St. Lucie County participants had a fantastic time kicking off the season at the Westside Learning Center with Coach Dave Fleck.

One of our participants, Bill (pictured above right with Coach Dave), made the group smile when he shared, “Coach Dave is the best!

Our Coaches often share that, “We learn just as much from our participants as they learn from us.”  That is always the case with The Arc partnership.  We are looking forward to another season full of fun, growth, and unforgettable memories!

Over the past two years, Coach Gabbie Budd, LPGA, has coached Cheetah while watching her grow as a golfer and become a strong, resilient young woman.

This journey has not been an easy one, but Cheetah has shown incredible perseverance. Coach Gabbie is beyond proud to share some exciting news: this past Saturday at TPC Sawgrass, Cheetah had a brilliant victory at the Drive, Chip, and Putt competition and officially punched her ticket to Augusta National!  More to come…

Coach Dave (pictured above right) learned about First Tee while he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was watching a PGA Tour golf tournament in 2010 when an advertisement for First Tee aired. He thought it would be a great idea to volunteer with us when we arrived back home.

After years of volunteering at First Tee – Charleston, he relocated to Florida and found First Tee – Palm Beaches located in Dyer Park.  Coach Dave started volunteering on Saturday mornings with the junior programs. While working with the students, he was asked if he would like to help with special needs programs. He completely agreed, although he was nervous about this new challenge.

He excelled as a volunteer and was offered coach position to work at Els for Autism. Coach Dave was then asked to coach the special needs programs located in Port Saint Lucie County and Martin County.   His role has now expanded to include a veterans’ golf program at Indian Hills Golf Course in Fort Pierce and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Saint Lucie and Martin County.   He is a Level 3 First Tee Coach.

We are delighted to have Coach Dave join the Treasure Coast Chapter as a full-time employee.  

Help us support the thousands of children and veterans we serve each year.  Our Pebble Beach Raffle features a chance to win a trip to play Pebble Beach!  For every $100 donated, you will be entered to win a 3-night stay at the Lodge at Pebble Beach (includes two Garden View rooms) and a foursome to play one round at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The prize package also includes $1,500 towards airfare, trip expenses, etc.

Certain restrictions apply. Drawing to be held March 3, 2026.  Please scan the QR code or visit pebbleraffle.com to donate and for more information.

The College of Golf’s mission is to educate the future leaders of golf by providing a well-rounded golf education. Their faculty is comprised of PGA Master Professionals and Certified PGA Professionals who are invested in their students. At the College of Golf at Keiser University, students can earn an Associate of Science Degree in Golf Management online or on-campus in just 16 months or continue on and earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Golf Management.

The College of Golf is not a typical golf academy. At the College of Golf, they help students succeed by providing the professional and academic foundation that will allow them to meet their career goals and objectives. If you are serious about a career in the golf industry, this is the place to start.

Please visit the College of Golf’s website for more information.

Enroll your children at one of our 11 Palm Beach County Program Locations.

• Michael B. Finnegan Learning Center- Dyer Park
• Belle Glade Municipal Golf Club
• Boca Raton Golf and Racquet Club
• Commons Park Golf Learning Center
• John Prince Learning Center
• Golf Club of Jupiter
• Keiser University Golf Coaching Center
• Okeeheelee Golf Course
• Park Ridge Golf Course—NEW!!
• Red Reef Golf Course
• Village Golf Club

Chapter teens Marley Pedrique and Jordan Reyes experienced the pinnacle First Tee event– playing in the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.

Marley shared with us, “Playing in the PURE Insurance Championship was an unforgettable trip. The chance to compete on one of the most iconic golf courses in the world was already special, but being paired with professional golfer John Huston made it even more impactful. Throughout the tournament, I gained valuable experience and learned important lessons about integrity, patience, and focus, by observing how professionals carry themselves during high-level competition. Competing in such a prestigious tournament taught me how to manage pressure, stay disciplined, and approach challenges with a clear mindset.”

“In addition to the on-course experience, we networked with business professionals, golf leaders, and fellow competitors. I met many like-minded peers who share my same ambition and passion. Their motivation and support inspired me to pursue my goals with even greater determination. Building these relationships not only encouraged but also opened the door to future opportunities both in and beyond the world of golf.”

Jordan added, “What an incredible opportunity it was to play in the PURE Insurance Championship. I had a fantastic time not only on the beautiful golf courses but also connecting with friends from other First Tee chapters across the country.

Being paired with Champions Tour member Boo Weekly was a very special experience. Observing how he carried himself through both the good and challenging moments of the rounds and hearing his advice on dealing with adversity was invaluable. It was inspiring to see the care and preparation he puts into every tournament round. Additionally, it was great to connect with him over shared interests outside of golf, such as our mutual love of fishing.

“I also had the privilege of playing alongside Mr. Dandridge, SVP and Head of Property Claims at PURE Insurance, and Mr. Brown, President of Cross Private. The pair shared many insights and advice about business, life, and the importance of building positive relationships and carrying yourself with integrity. I valued their wisdom, knowing they understand what it takes to succeed at their level.

Coach Connie, LPGA and our Assistant Coaches welcomed nine students for our LPGA Girls’ Golf class at Drive Shack. The girls had fun playing golf and practicing their driving skills. After golf, they went to PopStroke to play outdoor games and eat ice cream.

LPGA*USGA Girls Golf is the only junior golf program for girls ages 6-17 that specializes in providing girl-friendly environments to learn the game of golf. The program makes the game of golf fun and teaches more than just stance and swing; they teach girls valuable life skills like confidence and perseverance.

Chapter participant Annika Collado was selected this summer for a life-changing opportunity: the First Tee Leadership Summit at Arthur Blank’s West Creek Ranch!

“It was an amazing experience and a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I learned so much about what it means to be a leader. All the speakers gave unique perspectives on leadership and how they became successful leaders. I have already started to use some of the lessons they taught us as I transition into college. I met incredible people who taught me so much beyond the classes, and I also made amazing friends. Thank you, First Tee, Mr. Arthur Blank and PGA TOUR Superstore, from the bottom of my heart, for giving me this opportunity.”

The First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore builds on the 5-week local Leadership Series and is designed for teens to explore leadership concepts including (1) building authentic relationships by developing awareness, (2) growing through challenge via positive risk taking, and (3) developing positive self-identity through dynamic outdoor and team building activities. Set in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana, each teen is challenged to build on their current strengths and values in an intimate setting which provides community building, inspiration and connection with their peers, adult mentors, and the outdoors.

The students at the Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach experienced our program with a field trip to the PGA TOUR Superstore – Delray. PGA TOUR Superstore reserved and allowed us to use part of their putting green and practice hitting bays to host these amazing kids and teens. We practiced putting skills with Coach Zack, while Coach Nyla worked on their full swing. Everyone had a blast, and the students are excited to come back for more golf lessons.