Seniors from the Edna Runner Tutorial Center had a wonderful day with us! Their event was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and skill-building. With guidance from Coach Devin and Coach Nyla, they honed their putting and chipping skills and made memories on the greens together.
Some call it a magical place that transforms lives, others credit this place as a safe haven, and all agree that The Edna W. Runner Education Center has built a quality program that reaches people in our community.
Chapter supporter Leta Lindley won the 2024 U.S. Senior Women’s Open by shooting a tournament-record final round 7-under 64 at Fox Chapel in Pittsburgh. Leta had finished second in the previous two U.S. Women’s Senior Opens.
Leta visited with the Jupiter High School Girls Golf team and discussed what it takes to play golf at the next level. She even brought her beautiful U.S. Senior Women’s Open trophy for the girls to see.
No Boundaries, a veteran organization coordinating special trips for combat-wounded veterans, conducted their annual No Boundaries Veteran Golf Tournament at Jupiter Country Club. 14 veterans who have never played golf were paired with club members and local golfers for a golf scramble event. After a short clinic in the morning, the tournament was underway. All contest prizes won by the golfers were awarded to their veterans in the group, and the biggest prize was the opportunity to spend a few hours with our country’s heroes.
Program Director Zack Anderton was invited to play in the event, and our Chapter provided a Stand Up and Play ParaGolfer for a double amputee veteran. The veteran was able to use this specialized wheelchair to stand vertically and play golf. His straight ball was the anchor of the team, and after he learned how to control his putter speeds, and helped lead his team to multiple birdies for the day.
Chapter alumni Nathan Vertes is working hard at college in the spirit of First Tee. He attends the University of Florida in a Pre-Pharmacy Program. Nathan was also one of our inaugural First Tee Scholars, which afforded him a college scholarship from First Tee HQ. HQ has even provided Nathan with a mentor who oversees Pharmacy at the Mayo Clinic.
“The University of Florida is a great fit for my college career. I will continue to work hard on my studies. I am so thankful for everyone at First Tee – Palm Beaches and First Tee HQ for the help and support.”
We had a fabulous time at our annual tournament at The Bear’s Club. The course was re-designed by Jack Nicklaus last summer, so it was the first time for many of our guests to experience the new course.
“Our 100 Friends tournament is one of our largest fundraising events each year,” said Chapter President Bobby Hendel. “We are very appreciative of the support from this group of sponsors and players.”
The BallenIsles team of Ron Grodsky, Chapter Director Ed Slotnick, Alan Robinovitz and Ron Getlan won the Net Division with a score of 54 (pictured above left).
The team of Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr., Founding Partner Bradley Finnegan, Chapter Director Jon Centofanti and Jason Trout won the Gross Division with a score of 66 (pictured above right).
Longtime Chapter supporter Jim Mostad from the Breakers Hotel scored his first hole-in-one on #2 and he also won closest to the hole on #7. Big day for Jim!
Thank you sponsors:
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.
The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is one of Palm Beach County’s marquee sports events. This PGA Tour event attracts the world’s best golfers, consisting of over 100 pro golfers competing over 72 holes at PGA National’s Champion Course. The Cognizant Classic attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators and features some of the best professional golfers in the world.
Volunteer opportunities are available. Please scan the QR code or visit our website to learn more and register to volunteer!
Men Giving Back of South Palm Beach County’s mission is to leverage the power of men doing good by collectively funding grants to non-profit initiatives that positively influence South Palm Beach County.
The organization began during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and grew from their 2021 Golden Grants Evening donating almost $100,000 to six deserving area charities to the 2022 Golden Grants Evening at which over $400,000 was awarded to 14 exceptional organizations. In 2023 they expanded the number of charities they support to 24, with more than $500,000 dollars in grants.
Our Chapter made it as one of the 24 semi-finalists in 2024 and we were given a golden ball with our name on it (pictured above). At their annual gala, our golden ball was randomly drawn as a finalist and we “spun the wheel” and were ultimately selected to receive an incredibly generous grant of $18,000.
Enroll your children at one of our 11 Martin and St. Lucie and Counties Program Locations.
Coaches David Fleck and Steven Andrade are providing golf instruction and life skills lessons to Martin County Big Brothers Big Sisters students and mentors at the Sailfish Sands Hitting Bays.
We enjoy seeing the smiles from the BBBS participants when they flush their golf shots! Thank you to the wonderful staff at Sailfish Sands for hosting us at their beautiful facility.
Martin County Big Brothers Big Sisters is a mentoring organization that pairs adult volunteers with local children to provide guidance, support, and positive role models in their lives. Through a variety of programs and community activities, they aim to empower youth and enhance their potential for success in both academic and personal endeavors.
Time to swing into action on Saturdays with Coach Gabbie’s LPGA Girls Golf class at The Champions Club! This engaging session combines the LPGA Girls Golf program with our First Tee curriculum, fostering not just golf skills but also essential life lessons.
Girls enhance their golf techniques while learning about perseverance, respect, and sportsmanship—all core values promoted by both programs. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your game, this class offers a fun and supportive environment for girls of all skill levels.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make new friends, improve your game, and develop confidence on and off the course. Join us on Saturdays and be part of a community that empowers young female golfers! Please visit our website for more information and to register.
We are incredibly appreciative of the support from the Martin County Police Athletic League (PAL) as a valued program partner. This collaboration has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of our youth golf initiatives.
We are proud to see the PAL program flourish. With an ever-expanding number of students, they are eager to learn and improve their skills. Their enthusiasm and dedication make working with them tons of fun. Together, we are not just teaching golf; we are nurturing character, confidence, and a love for the game.
SHOUT OUT to Martin County PAL for your unwavering support and commitment to these young golfers. We are excited to continue the journey together.
