Category: News

Our summer programs are upcoming! Enroll your children at one of our 9 Palm Beach County Program Locations. 

For more information and to register, please visit our website at firstteepalmbeaches.org or by scanning the QR code.

Register for summer camps at Commons Golf.

Register for summer camps at the Golf Club of Jupiter.

Register for summer camps at Keiser University! 

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

5-year-old twin brothers Connor and Carter Howard played in their first golf tournament and shot 36 and WON! They played a two-person scramble at Golf Club of Jupiter, where they attend Coach John’s First Tee program. Hello World! Yes, these are the twin brothers of our former Manager of Operations Aliya Howard.

We are so proud to announce that Chapter student Elise Mucklow has been selected to participate in the U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar.  Elise is an 11th grade student in Coach’s Glen’s class at Commons Golf Learning Center.

During the six-day session, she will become a part of the Academy. She will live in Bancroft Hall (the dormitory all midshipmen live in), participate in academic and leadership workshops, and experience a variety of other activities on the campus. The Summer Seminar serves as a preliminary application to the Naval Academy.

The United States Naval Academy is a federal service academy in Annapolis, Maryland. It was established in 1845.  The Naval Academy is the second oldest of the five U.S. service academies and it educates midshipmen for service in the officer corps of the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. 

The Achievement Center for Children and Families held its 5th annual “Swing to Achieve” golf tournament at the Palm Beach Par 3. We were invited to bring two sponsored foursomes to play, featuring our coaches and students. The tournament was a scramble format with of course, stunning ocean views.

In his first AJGA tournament, Wylie Inman posted rounds of 72-73 for a one over score of 145 at Sun-n Lake Golf Club on the Deer Run Course in Sebring.  AJGA events boast the strongest fields in junior golf and provide a fantastic test of your game.  Placing in the top 5 of an AJGA event is a tremendous accomplishment.

“Wylie has moved up to 656 in the national junior rankings and is ranked 12th in Florida for his graduating class,” said Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta.  “He is attending UF’s and Auburn’s golf camps this summer to learn more about college golf and spend time with their coaching staffs. Wylie is one of our chapter’s best examples that if you work hard and develop a plan, it will pay off.”

Six boys and girls at the Greene School traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to win the K-3 National Elementary Chess Tournament, beating thousands of nationally ranked schools. One of these boys was Ty Parker, a program participant at The Village Golf Club with Coach Chip Inks, PGA.  Ty also plays on the PGA Junior League at BallenIsles Country Club. 

“They give 100%. They’re exceptional students, and we have exceptional parents,” Bryan Tillis, co-chess coach, said. “They’re giving up their weekends time and time again to make sure that we’re going to the tournaments.”

Chapter Senior Program Director Emily Valentine caddied for Ryanne Jackson, her former Palm Beach Atlantic University ladies’ golf team teammate in the 2024 United States Disabled Golf Association Championship at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie.  Ryanne was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy.  She won by one shot with scores of 80-81-73. Chapter Participant Felipe Obando also played, finishing 35th in his division.

Chapter alumna Jacie Goodman was invited to Coach Dusty May’s first press conference as the University of Michigan Men’s Head Basketball Coach. She was given this opportunity due to her involvement in the basketball student section’s Maize Rage.  Jacie held their Treasurer position and was recently elected as Vice President.

Coach Dusty was briefed on what the Maize Rage is and what the organization does for the basketball student section. 

Said Jacie, “After learning about our work, Coach immediately wanted to meet the group after the press conference. He was so kind and genuine and signed merchandise to give away to our club members. Being able to be so involved in a Division I athletics program is truly a dream come true for me. Go Blue!”

In a display of sheer determination and skill, chapter participant and Army Veteran Patty Cepeda-Russell has once again emerged victorious at the latest tournament hosted by the Veterans Golfers Association at the Florida Club. 

Despite only having taken up golf a year ago and being two years post-operative from total knee replacement, Patty showcased exceptional prowess on the green. She was awarded the title in the Female Senior division.  This remarkable win marks Patty’s fourth, solidifying her status as a rising star in the VGA.

Overcoming physical challenges and embracing the sport with an unwavering passion, Patty has become an inspiration to fellow veterans and golf spectators alike.  Patty offered, “It’s truly an honor to have achieved this level of success in such a short period of time, especially considering the obstacles I’ve had to overcome. This organization has taught me to play golf and provided me with equipment and hours of coaching through their veterans programs. It has been a source of joy and motivation for me throughout my recovery. I’m grateful for every opportunity to compete and improve.”

Our local golf course superintendents continued their generous support to help us improve our turf quality and maintenance practices at the Finnegan Learning Center in Dyer Park.

The purpose of the Florida Chapter of GCSAA is to promote sustainable turf management and unify the golf course superintendents of the state. To achieve these goals, the Florida GCSSA will engage in cooperative communications and education efforts with various interested organizations and regulatory and governmental offices to achieve the highest standards of professionalism.

Past support from the Palm Beach GCSAA has funded many needed items including two maintenance buildings, an acid injection system, an irrigation pump, maintenance equipment and supplies.