The Saturday before Halloween at our Finnegan Learning Center in Dyer Park was a spooky day. Students had an exciting morning of golf, candy, and costumes. Kids and coaches dressed up for their morning golf programs and enjoyed the day playing golf as princesses, skeletons, and dragons. There may have also been some candy involved!
Veteran participant Phil Stadleman has been a part of our Dyer Park programs on Sundays for almost two years. His game has improved immensely, but where his skills really shine is with his involvement with fellow veterans and other programs. Phil is a huge hockey fan as a season ticket holder with the Florida Panthers, a diehard fisherman, and loves his equine therapy with his therapy horse, Thunder. He always spreads the word and pushes fellow vets to join golf, fishing, and equine events in the area. He recently volunteered his time to help spread the word about equine therapy with veterans. He was able to recruit multiple veterans to come to the event and welcomed our staff to attend and talk to veterans who are interested in golf. Phil will continue spreading awareness to other veterans about these great programs.
Chapter alumni Tyler Mistretta teamed up with his father, Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta to win the Palm Beach Golf Association’s Parent-Child Classic at the Nest par-3 course. Team Mistretta shot 8 under par to win by 3 strokes in the best-ball format. The highlight of the day was Tyler scored a hole-in-one on the second hole!
“We had a great time,” said Tyler. “My irons were on, but pops helped out our team with three birdies of his own.”
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For more information please contact Chapter Board Member Corey Brown:
Corey Brown
Vice President
J.P. Morgan Wealth Management
[email protected]
Enroll your children at one of our 11 Martin and St. Lucie Counties Program Locations that include:
Coach Ben Miller, PGA and participant Malachi Davis played in the SFPGA Pro-Junior at The Park in West Palm Beach. They posted a one over par score of 72 in the split best-ball/scramble competition.
“Malachi is developing into a fantastic player,” said Coach Ben. “His skill level is amazing for someone that has only been playing for a short time.”
Every Thursday, the North River Shores Golf Course transforms into a vibrant hub of activity as our Coaches team up with the Helping People Succeed organization to work with special needs participants. This wonderful collaboration creates an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy the game of golf while developing their skills and confidence.
Helping People Succeed is a comprehensive organization that has recognized that many populations within our society need strength-based services that lead to self-sufficiency, personal responsibility, and the ability to lead an everyday life. The goal of Helping People Succeed is to help each person to reach their potential so they may have a successful future, enjoying their life fully and participating as productive taxpaying citizens. Helping People Succeed also helps improve the community’s economic viability and diversity through programs that assist children to become ready for school and adults to find and maintain employment.
This month, we are thrilled to shine our spotlight on an exceptional participant who has truly made her mark: Cheetah! Known for her infectious enthusiasm and dedication, Cheetah has consistently stood out this year, and her recent achievement on the golf course has only added to her impressive story.
Cheetah recently celebrated a milestone that many golfers dream of achieving—her very first hole in one! This incredible feat not only showcased her skill and determination but also her passion for the game. On a beautiful afternoon, with her father at Champions Club, Cheetah took her shot and sent the ball soaring into the air, landing perfectly in the hole.
Throughout the year, Cheetah has been a standout participant in our program. Her commitment to improvement, combined with her natural talent, has made her a role model for her peers. Whether it’s hitting the driving range or participating in Coach Gabbie’s LPGA Girls Golf practices, Cheetah approaches every opportunity with enthusiasm and a smile.
Program Director Gabbie Budd, LPGA recently completed the Level 3 First Tee Coach Training in Coachella Valley alongside Palm Beaches Program Coordinator Nyla Sims. This experience provided them with valuable opportunities to enhance coaching practices, connect with industry professionals, and explore strategies for seamless coach delivery. This opportunity deepened Coach Gabbie’s understanding of the First Tee program and reinforced her commitment to empowering our young golfers. Coach Gabbie’s completion of training ensures she will continue to create game changers on and off the course!
Enroll your children at one of our 11 Broward Program Locations.
The ultimate volunteer experience is waiting for you at the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches! Quiet the crowds from inside the ropes, help out fans at the first aid tent, be hands on with projects around the course, and more! There is something for everyone.
Please visit their volunteer website to register.
Valentina Marie Guertin was our ninth chapter student to play in the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. She was paired with PGA Champions Tour player KJ Choi. Valentina played two rounds at Pebble Beach and at Spyglass Hill in a best-ball format teamed with KJ. They carded a three-round score of 18 under par to finish in third place– our highest finish as a chapter in this event!
“This trip is a bucket list experience! Playing Pebble Beach has been a dream since I started playing golf. I am thrilled it became a reality at the Pure Insurance Championship! Both golf courses were just breathtaking. The grounds and maintenance were impeccable, and the staff were incredibly kind. One of my favorite parts of the week was the amazing people and meaningful connections I made both on and off the course. Starting with all the juniors from First Tee chapters across the country and making long-lasting friendships and so many shared memories. Then add in the influential people who revolve around the sport who shared valuable knowledge and experiences that I will use to help shape my future career path. Lastly, I was fortunate to be paired with KJ Choi and his caddie Angel, who are just amazing human beings! I had a blast playing with them. I am so grateful for all the learnings, techniques, and strategic thinking they taught me that I will apply to my game. Hopefully, I can one day compete at their level. But more importantly, I will never forget how they made me feel. They inspired and empowered me in ways they will never know. I think that this week will have to go down as the best birthday week ever! Thank you First Tee for the privilege to represent our local chapter and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime!” –Valentina Marie Guertin
For more information, please visit https://www.pureinsurancechampionship.com/
