Category: News

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.

Only a few teams remain to play this very exclusive private club.  For more information and to register, please review the tournament invitation.  Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Questions?  Please contact [email protected]

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, 2025. Please scan the QR code or visit our website to donate and for more information.

Spirit Airlines’ Charitable Foundation has been a longtime supporter of our mission and programs.  The foundation believes change starts by giving back. Spirit is committed to inspiring positive change in the communities where we live and work. They invest in organizations that have a meaningful social impact on the lives of Children and Families, Service Members and the Environment, through Team Member volunteerism, monetary, and in-kind donations.

They believe every child should have a bright future, which is why they support and volunteer with organizations that focus on developing our next generation, such as First Tee – Broward. The foundation’s efforts improve children’s lives and their future opportunities to learn and grow and become successful members of their communities.

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 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 Bobby Hendel.  “And this is probably the most difficult award to win.  I am so proud of our staff, coaches, students and my fellow board members as we all share in this incredible accomplishment.”

Chapter student Valentina Marie Guertin has committed to play college golf at Oklahoma- wow!  She has been on a fantastic run as she played in the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach and the First Tee National Championship late last year. Welcome to the SEC Valentina!

Chapter student Wylie Inman has committed to play college golf at the University of South Florida. Go Bulls! Wylie also finished in the Top 10 of the State Finals tournaments representing Dwyer High School.

“Just so proud of our high school students that continue on to college golf,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr.  “Add in Zoe committing to play at Tulsa and we hit the trifecta this year.  Watch out world, more to come!”

At our golf tournament in October at The Bear’s Club, longtime Chapter President Bobby Hendel announced effective January 1st, he was turning over the President position to Chapter Vice President Joe Gorman.  Bobby is not going too far as he will remain on the Chapter Board as a Director.

Pictured above: Bobby with First Tee students Melvin Watson and Zoe Shamy and veteran participant Devon Shaw.

“Bobby has generously served as Chapter President for twelve years and under his tenure we have grown to one of the largest First Tee chapters in the country,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr.  “He leaves us in a strong position to continue our growth and service to Palm Beach County.  We also credit Bobby for inspiring staff to establish our programs in the most underserved community in the Palm Beach County, the Glades.”

Coach Nyla Sims joined the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization for their annual Walk for Down Syndrome. Their students had a fantastic time swinging golf clubs at our station, bringing lots of smiles to the event!

Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization are parents, families and friends working together for over 40 years to create brighter futures for all individuals with Down syndrome in our community. We offer information, education and support to people with Down syndrome and their families, friends, educators, and professionals in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Chapter student Alyssa Toni Cleckley has successfully completed her Board of Review for the rank of Life Scout. Alyssa was well prepared and did an impressive job, earning a unanimous decision from the Board. The Board has officially granted Alyssa permission to start working on the highest and most prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Alyssa has already completed 70% of the Eagle Scout requirements and has earned a total of twenty-four merit badges.

“This is an incredible accomplishment,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr.  “Alyssa is only twelve years old.  As a former Scout leader, I know how rare it is to earn the rank of Life and next, Eagle, at such a young age. I also know that advancing through First Tee and earning the rank of Eagle will open many doors for Alyssa in her future endeavors.”