PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT: LUTHER TINDALL

Chapter participant Luther Tindall secured an impressive second-place finish in only his second-ever golf tournament on the prestigious South Florida Jr. Prep Tour. His perseverance and commitment to continuous improvement is paying off in competition.

As Luther continues to hone his skills under the guidance of Coach Annery at Fairwinds Golf Course, we look forward to witnessing his continued success and growth in competitive junior golf. 

BUSY SUMMER FOR COACH WILLIE

Coach Willie Scott had a very busy summer working with many of our outreach partners including Future Generations (pictured above), Ignite, Lincoln Park and Learning Tree Academy.

Our community outreach programs deliver First Tee’s valuable life skills curriculum and learning about the great game of golf in fun, seamless games and activities.  Many of these students would never have the opportunity to experience our sport without these programs, the hard work of Coach Willie, and our generous donors that make it all possible.

Interested in supporting our outreach programs? Secure online donations can be made on our website.

100-HOLE CHALLENGE TIME!

The 2024 100-Hole Challenge is underway. The following clubs are committed to play:

Floridian National
Tequesta Country Club
Loblolly
Harbour Ridge
Turtle Creek
Jonathan’s Landing at Old Trail

Our goal is for each player to play a minimum of 100 holes of golf on a single day. Support one of our players by making a per hole pledge! 10 cents per hole is only a $10 donation.

We also offer a chance to win a trip to play and stay Pebble Beach!

Please visit our website for more information and to donate.

Interested in playing at your club?  Please contact [email protected] for more information.

SEE YOU AT TURTLE CREEK?

Sure, it is only August, but our October tournament at Turtle Creek is almost sold out!  Interested in sponsoring?  Please contact Steven Andrade at [email protected] for more information.

WELCOME COACH CHRIS

Introducing our new Program Coordinator- Chris Lavin!  Chris is already in the saddle and coaching all around the Treasure Coast.

With a lifelong passion for golf, Chris brings an extensive experience in our sport with a commitment to youth development. He began his golfing journey at just eight years old, honing his skills through high school and college competitions. His dedication led him to compete in professional Long Drive events from 2010 to 2015, showcasing his talent on a national stage.  Yes, he hits it long!!

Chris is focused on developing the next generation of golfers and instilling important life skills through the game. Currently pursuing his PGA Class A certification, he is dedicated to continuous improvement and professional growth.  Outside of golf, Chris enjoys sharing his adventurous spirit through fishing, hunting, and relaxing on the beach. 

Sponsor Spotlight: COLLEGE OF GOLF AT KEISER UNIVERSITY

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.

3 PEAT AT CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP

Our 3rd annual Chapter Championship took place at BallenIsles Country Club, featuring teams of high school students from our three chapters: Broward, Palm Beaches, and Treasure Coast and an Alumni Division.

First Tee – Palm Beaches, the defending champions for the past two years, faced stiff competition. The championship came down to the final hole, with Palm Beaches securing a one-shot victory over Broward on hole #18. Jordan Reyes, Zoe Shamy, Morgan Rodriguez, and Keala Richichi delivered a winning best-ball score of 68 for the 3 Peat (pictured above left with Executive Director Carl Mistretta and Palm Beaches Program Director Zack Anderton).

In the alumni division, Felipe Obando, Trevor Tarashuk, and Nyla Sims competed, with Trevor Tarashuk, an alumnus of the Treasure Coast Chapter, scoring the win with a round of 77 (pictured above right with Treasure Coast Program Director Steven Andrade).

Giant SHOUT OUT to BallenIsles Country Club for hosting the event and to our generous sponsors.  They each made this event very special for all the high school players.

PAL TAKES OVER DYER PARK

On June 28th and July 19th, Dyer Park hosted the Lake Worth, Cabana Colony, Westgate, and San Castle PAL Clubs for a Day of Golf.  A total of 75 kids and teens came out to play golf games and improve their putting, chipping, pitching, and full swings. They were treated to lunch on our deck and ended the day with an ice cream truck coming to help them beat the heat. Everyone had an amazing time, and we are looking forward to our next PAL program!

FIRST TEE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Valentina Guertin and Zoey Shamy represented our chapter at the First Tee National Championship at the Walker Course at Clemson University. Zoe shot 221, +5, for the three-day event including a first round 68 to finish tied 4th. Valentina shot 227, +11, to finish in 13th place.

The First Tee National Championship brings together First Tee’s top players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play under pressure at the collegiate and/or next level. The tournament is played at acclaimed college campuses, including Clemson University, Notre Dame and Stanford University, and is the only First Tee national event that is purely tournament golf.

DAVID AND MELVIN HEAD TO MINNESOTA

Chapter student Melvin Watson and Broward student David Sandino were selected for the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

The First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., presented by Amazon Web Services, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands, is a five-day learning and empowerment academy. Participants selected to attend participate in important conversations embracing topics of self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. First Tee invites its partner, RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice, to facilitate engaging and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches. 

The experience is designed to enlighten, inspire, encourage, and position our teens to be Game Changers in their current and future communities. The academy is the ultimate tribute to Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., a fearless champion of change.

About the trip, Melvin said, “Thank you to First Tee – Palm Beaches for nominating me and believing in me. I was nervous to meet new people, but when I arrived, there were so many genuine First Tee students and coaches. I met four of my new best friends Lily McGowan (First Tee – Greater Sacramento), Jules Mahan, (First Tee – Greater San Antonio) Isabella Herrera (First Tee – Silicon Valley), and Benjamin Wade (First Tee – Tennessee). Also, my chaperone Matthew was a great mentor throughout the trip. I had loads of fun and great conversations with them. I appreciate them for letting me be myself and being themselves around me as well. I am just getting started but I have more things I want to achieve in my life. This opportunity inspired me to keep going.”

Check out the academy recap video.