Category: News

We partnered with Martin County Police Athletic League (MCPAL) to host Rookie Greens, an exciting introduction to tournament golf designed especially for beginners. This event gave young people the opportunity to try something new, build confidence, and experience the game in a supportive environment.

For many students, it was their first time taking their skills from the range to the course. While some felt a little nervous at the start, they all learned a sense of accomplishment. With each hole, confidence grew and scores improved. Parents cheered proudly from the sidelines, while coaches from both organizations encouraged players to stay positive, have fun, and demonstrate the core values of respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

A special thank you to Andres Castellanos and the staff at North River Shores for graciously allowing us to use the course and for supporting our young golfers.

Our ARC program at The Champions Club is proves that golf is for everyone. Led by Coaches Caleb and Lin, this adaptive program welcomes participants with developmental and intellectual disabilities to learn the game in an inclusive environment. With patient instruction and plenty of encouragement, players are discovering the great game of golf including how to take care of the course. Hunter learned how to fix a ball mark and said he is ready to repair the greens.

Daniel Murphy, a veteran at Indian Hills Golf Course, participates in our weekly veterans’ clinic, free of charge.

He explained that while he had not played golf in about 30 years, he saw our veterans’ programs and wanted to test his skills. When he joined our programs, he found a great group of guys and a fantastic instructor in Coach David Fleck.  Daniel stated, “Coach David is very motivating and understands swing techniques, This program is fantastic. We have a lot of laughs. It is something that I look forward to every week.”

Interested in joining our FORE Freedom veterans’ programs?  Please visit our website for more information and to register.

It is the time of year for giving and supporting your community.  Please help us serve the thousands of children and veterans in our programs.  Donate to our Pebble Beach Raffle for 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 visit pebbleraffle.com to donate and for more information.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is one of the longest-running women’s professional sports associations in the world. Founded in 1950, the organization has grown from its roots as a playing tour into a nonprofit organization involved in every facet of golf. The LPGA Tour and the LPGA Professionals comprise the backbone of what has become the premier women’s professional sports organization in the world today. The LPGA maintains a strong focus on charity through its tournaments, its grassroots junior and women’s programs, and its LPGA Foundation. The foundation generously support ours Chapter.

Enroll your children at one of our 10 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
• Red Reef Golf Course
• Village Golf Club

We have partnered with the Boys & Girls Club High School’s Great Futures Program for the past 3 years! Coaches Nyla Sims, Frank Wingate, and William Curry provided from 4-6 weeks of golf classes at the high schools. These classes culminated in a field day at PopStroke Delray. By the end of the summer, these high schoolers had all experienced and practiced different golf skills. The students tested their putting skills at PopStroke.

See you again next summer Great Futures!

Taylor won the SFPGA Prep Tour Championship at The Park with a round of 70.  It was her third win of the season. Her other victories were at Fairwinds (76) and Lost Lake (75).

Marley won the FSGA Florida Junior Tour Sugar Mill Open with rounds of 71 and 73. She won in wire-to-wire fashion. Her final round of 73 proved to be enough as she captured a three-shot victory.

For the fifth consecutive year, Senior Program Director Emily Valentine, LPGA, has dedicated her expertise and leadership to the Jupiter High School Girls Golf team as Head Coach. This season, the Warriors clinched the SFPGA East Coast High School Championship, won Districts, and placed second at Regionals.

Chapter participant, Keala Richichi, serves as the Warriors’ captain. During the High School Championship, Jupiter outperformed notable programs such as Pine Crest School, SLAM!, and Doral Prep Academy, showcasing the team’s depth and its growth and resilience.

Next, the Jupiter Warriors captured the FHSAA Class 3A, Region 2, District 7 Championship with a dominant performance. The Warriors posted an outstanding team score of 299, finishing 31 shots ahead of runner-up Vero Beach High School.

“This team has worked incredibly hard all season,” said Emily. “To see them play with focus, integrity, and joy — the same values we teach at First Tee — makes me so proud as both their coach and a mentor.”

After their second place at Regionals at Royal St. Cloud, the team is now off to the State tournament ranked as the #1 team in Florida.

A special shoutout goes to The Club at Admiral’s Cove, which generously allows the Warriors to call their course “home.” The support of such a premier facility is key to the team’s continued growth and success.

Every week, our teens and tweens from Gold Coast Down Syndrome meet at Drive Shack to learn the game of golf, build skills, and most importantly, have fun with friends. Thank you, Drive Shack, for helping us turn Thursdays into the highlight of their week!

Coach Savannah attended Level 2 Coach Training at First Tee – Greater Houston in Houston, TX. Savannah has been part of the First Tee since 2008, starting as a participant and growing through the program into the leader she is today.

Now serving as our Manager of Operations for First Tee – Florida Gold Coast, Savannah continues to deepen her impact by advancing her coaching skills and expanding her knowledge of youth development and golf education. She currently leads our Ages 2–3 Golf Program at Dyer Park and coaches at two school programs—Guidepost Montessori and Somerset Academy Avenir—where she introduces young golfers to the game through fun, engaging lessons that build confidence and character.

Her next goal? To keep climbing through the program and achieve Level 3 Coach Certification!

Senior Program Director, Emily Valentine, LPGA, recently brought her passion for coach education to First Tee – Puerto Rico, where she led a one-day Level 1 Coach Training at TPC Dorado Beach for 11 of their new coaches.

Emily led the coaches through the First Tee Coach Philosophy, blending golf instruction with life-skills development to prepare them to impact young people across Puerto Rico.

With this new group of trained coaches, First Tee – Puerto Rico is eager to expand its reach and deepen its impact, ensuring that even more young people across the island have access to the life-changing opportunities through First Tee.

A big thank you to our friends at First Tee – Puerto Rico for welcoming Emily and hosting an incredible day of learning and connection.