Category: News

GOLDEN GATE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM

Summer camp is in full swing in Treasure Coast. Recently, the students at Golden Gate Alternative Afterschool Program (GAAP) attended a field trip to Sailfish Sands Indoor Hitting Bays. For many of the campers, this was their first experience at a golf course. The students embraced it with boundless energy and enthusiasm.

The campers honed their golf skills and learned valuable lessons in perseverance, collaborating with others, and sportsmanship. They cheered each other on, offered encouragement, and celebrated every small victory.

SAMUEL GAINES ACADEMY

Congratulations to these middle school graduates. Samuel Gaines Academy spent their last day of school with us at our Westside Learning Facility. These soon-to-be high schoolers spent the morning learning how to swing a golf club and realized just how much fun golf is to play.  Every student who attended gave their best effort and persevered through the heat.

ALUMNA TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION

Chapter alumna Annery Abreu is teaching the next generation of First Tee students at Fairwinds Golf Course. She taught 28 students during summer camps recently and had a blast. The students were able to learn the game of golf while also enjoying summer activities like a water day!

Check out Coach Annery’s program schedule on our website.

SUMMER FUN AT INFINITY CAMPUS

Summer camps are rolling at the Boys and Girls Club’s Infinity Campus. Coach David, Coach Savannah, and Coach Gabbie, LPGA, were very impressed by the children’s enthusiasm. The Coaches are thrilled to mentor such eager students. These camps not only provide golf fun but also teach valuable skills such as sportsmanship and perseverance.

As the summer continues, our Coaches look forward to guiding these young athletes further through our golf and life skills curriculum. Our Coaches’ dedication ensures every child at the Infinity Campus can grow and succeed. 

TEENS THRIVE ON THE GREENS

Our Westside Learning Center is bustling this summer with teens perfecting their golf skills. Recently, teens joined Coach Gabbie, LPGA, and Coach Dave to learn about putting and refine their full-swing techniques. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and laughter as they embraced the challenges of the sport.

Coach Gabbie noticed the teens’ enthusiasm and progress. The students are gaining more than just golf skills. It’s a place where community bonds are forged and personal growth is nurtured, making every visit a meaningful experience for these young athletes.

SUPPORT THE ROSIE

Floridian National recently hosted the inaugural Rosie Pro-Am.  The event benefitted The “Rosie” Scholarship Fund and ultimately the students of First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. The event will fund an endowed Evans Caddie Scholarship and impact the lives of many of our students through The “Rosie” Scholarship.

We are also hosting an online auction with the following items:

  • Foursome to play Trump National Golf Club, Jupiter.
  • Greg Maddux Autographed Atlanta Braves Game Jersey
  • One (1) hour lesson with Jim McLean, PGA Master Professional
  • USGA Experience & World Golf Hall of Fame
  • Foursome to play Stonebridge Country Club
  • Play, Stay, and Improve Package at Trump National Doral & Rick Smith Golf Performance Center
  • PNC Championship event package. Two (2) tickets with hospitality for each day of the event at Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Orlando

Please support The Rosie by visiting our silent auction site.

Sponsor Spotlight: THE ROY A HUNT FOUNDATION

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation helped found our Chapter and is recognized as our Founding Partner.  For the last 12 years, the Hunt Foundation has provided generous funding for our children and veterans.

The Hunt Foundation’s mission is to support organizations that strive to improve the quality of life through the Foundation’s four main special initiatives: community development, environment, international development, and youth violence prevention. The foundation formed in 1966 in honor of Roy Arthur Hunt, with his descendants still active in the foundation today. 

Our Chapter President Andrew Hunt continues to serve on his family’s foundation board. We are very thankful for their continued support.

Summer Registration Is In Full Swing

Enroll your children at one of our 9 Palm Beach County Program Locations.

For more information and to register, please visit our website or scan the QR code.

Register for summer camps at the Finnegan Learning Center in Dyer Park.

Register for summer camps at Boca Raton Golf & Racquet Club.

Register for summer camps with Beaver Golf at the Commons.

Register for summer camps at The Golf Club of Jupiter.

Register for summer camps at Keiser University College of Golf.

Founding Partners Reunion

Erin Finnegan and her son Bradley visited the Michael B. Finnegan Learning Center in Dyer Park on a recent Saturday morning.  Chapter Founder, Director and Chairman Emeritus Dick Sheehan, Vice Chairman Ken Kennerly, Chapter President Bobby Hendel and Executive Director Carl Mistretta Jr. also come out to visit with Erin and Bradley (pictured above left).

In 2009, when we rebranded as First Tee – Palm Beaches our Founding Partners included the Finnegan Foundaton and The Honda Classic.  The Finnegan Foundation was created to support the less fortunate.  The family was interested in supporting our organization because of our programs for children with special needs.

Throwback picture (above right) from 2009 with Jack Nicklaus, our Honorary Chairman, Erin Finnegan and Dick Sheehan.

Three From Chapter Attend Leadership Academy

Chapter participants Annika Collado and Matthew Jimenez along with chapter alumni and Manager of Operations Savannah Mansueti (on zipline) were selected to attend the First Tee Leadership Academy in Atlanta.

In partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, First Tee Leadership Academy builds on the 5-week local Leadership Series and provides selected teens insight on how successful teams perform. The curriculum explores leadership concepts focusing on

  • building a successful team by recognizing values and identifying strengths/weaknesses,
  • leading a team by developing authentic relationships and empowering others,
  • supporting the team by developing awareness and acting with humility, and
  • assessing based on comprehending and identifying the teams need and supporting through innovation and advocacy. 

The academy provides an opportunity for teens to explore team dynamics that enhance their future performance as they collaborate with peers and adult mentors. Activity-based workshops are facilitated by leaders from the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes Benz Stadium, and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. 

48 teens were selected to attend the leadership academy. 30+ leaders from the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses facilitated 18+ hours of activity-based leadership programming throughout the academy week.

Some highlights included a self-guided tour at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, a team scavenger hunt at the College Football Hall of Fame, golf programming at the PGA TOUR Superstore’s Store Support Center that included a putting competition and the opportunity to explore the latest technology and test equipment at their state-of-the-art fitting studio, Skyline Park at Ponce City Market, soccer programming at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, and high/low ropes course and zipline at Treetop Quest.

48 teens were selected to attend the leadership academy. 30+ leaders from the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses facilitated 18+ hours of activity-based leadership programming throughout the academy week.

Some highlights included a self-guided tour at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, a team scavenger hunt at the College Football Hall of Fame, golf programming at the PGA TOUR Superstore’s Store Support Center that included a putting competition and the opportunity to explore the latest technology and test equipment at their state-of-the-art fitting studio, Skyline Park at Ponce City Market, soccer programming at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground, and high/low ropes course and zipline at Treetop Quest.

Fun With Edna Runner Tutorial Center

Our partnership continued this summer with the Edna Runner Tutorial Center in Jupiter. 25 students attended three sessions with Coach Devin at Dyer Park to learn about the fundamentals of golf and our valuable life skills program.