Category: News

Chapter student and Seminole Ridge High School graduate Annika Collado earned the honor of valedictorian after four years of hard work.  She will be attending Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers in the fall.

“I committed to academics like I did to golf,” said Annika after being named SRHS’s top scholar for 2025. “I put homework and golf on the same level of importance.”

Annika has been successful at both, earning a 3.98 GPA and a 5.28 weighted HPA while playing on the Seminole Ridge golf team and reaching the district and regional tournaments all four years. During much of that time, she also was caddying at Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach and working with younger players as a junior coach with First Tee – Palm Beaches.

“Annika has done great things for us,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr. “And she has benefited from everything First Tee has to offer including attendance at national leadership summits, a chance to meet golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, and caddying at Pine Tree, where she received a scholarship from the club’s Scotty Foundation.  Annika is a good player…and she likes to volunteer with the little kids. We really like to see the older kids giving back.”

Chapter alumni, Nathan Vertes, had the pleasure of attending the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club. First Tee HQ connected Nathan with First Tee – Greater Detroit’s Program Director John Page and CEO Carl Bentley.  They generously provided tickets to the event.

While he was there, Nathan connected with potential participants and shared his insights on the impact First Tee had on his life. He also offered suggestions on how the Greater Detroit chapter could grow and improve. Nathan referenced many of the great programs that our Chapter offers. First Tee – Greater Detroit were especially interested in learning more about national opportunities and scholarships available through First Tee HQ.

Boca Raton Golf & Racquet Club recently hosted 6 veterans from our FORE Freedom programs to play nine holes of early morning golf. Congrats on the lowest score of 41, shot by Francis Archer (Army). He won a hat and golf balls for his victory.  Thank you, Coach Peter Nathan, for facilitating the round for the veterans.

Rodger Clark, an 83-year-old Navy veteran, attended our weekly Wednesday veteran program at Dyer Park. With his wife’s help he was able to putt successfully and without pain.  At the end of the event, he was so excited and had such an enjoyable time putting.  Coach Devin suggested that Rodger try out Puttery with our friends at Drive Shack.  Puttery has 9 holes that are completely air conditioned.

Coach Devin contacted Marine Matt Shank, Drive Shack Manager, and requested two passes for Puttery.  Without hesitation Matt made it happen.  They both had a wonderful time and raved about the hospitality of the Drive Shack staff.  

Are you in? Donate Now.

To register to play, please contact [email protected]

The 2026 U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) Grant application is open!  The grant provides up to $15,000 in reimbursements for families of competitive junior golfers demonstrating financial need and exceptional potential to progress through the USNDP Development Pathway.

Selected families are reimbursed for qualifying expenses—tournament fees, travel, equipment, practice/green fees, and coaching. Recipients also receive free access to the Accel Golf stat-tracking app and exclusive athlete development webinars led by the USNDP Coaching and Athlete Development team!

The application window will be open until October 31, 2025.  To learn more about the USNDP Grant, click HERE.

Identical webinars will be held throughout the summer to give families across the country multiple opportunities to prepare for the application, learn more about this opportunity, and participate in a live Q&A. Attend whichever session fits your schedule. Register HERE.

We are excited to enter our second year in partnership with Mission United for supporting our FORE Freedom veterans’ programs!

U.S. military veterans are some of our community’s greatest heroes. With over 73,000 veterans in Palm Beach County, MISSION UNITED is tasked to provide support to nonprofit agencies that serve our veteran population.

MISSION UNITED, United Way of Palm Beach County and their partners serve those who served our country by ensuring veterans receive the support needed to lead fulfilling, healthy lives after completing military service. This is accomplished by fostering communication and collaboration among these agencies while providing capacity-building and financial support grants. They complete this through working with local government, the Veterans Administration, and other non-profit organizations to ensure success.

For more information on MISSION UNITED PBC please visit their website or contact Senior Director [email protected]

Enroll your children at one of our 10 Martin and St. Lucie and Counties Program Locations.

• The Shores of North River Golf Club
• Crane Watch Club
• The Champions Club
• Fairwinds Golf Course
• The Florida Club
• Jensen Beach Golf Club
• Martin Downs Golf Club
• PGA Golf Club
• Sailfish Sands Golf Course
• 24/7 Indoor Golf

Summer camp is a huge success this year! Coaches Caleb, Katie, Jenna, and Abelina led an action-packed week filled with fun and creative golf activities at The Shores. From exciting putting wars to a lively game of baseball golf, campers showed off their skills and teamwork. Even during cool-down breaks, the fun did not stop. Coach Gabbie, LPGA, kept everyone entertained with her popular “Guess the Drawing” game, sparking laughter and friendly competition. Our Coaches offer a summer camp experience where kids and teens develop golf fundamentals, build character, make new friends, and grow in confidence, all within a supportive and engaging environment.

Please join us in welcoming Bria Baughman to our team this summer! Bria is currently a Sports Management major at Suffolk University in Boston, MA. She is entering her second year of college and plays on the women’s soccer team.

Originally from Stuart, Bria is a proud graduate of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at South Fork High School. She spent 10 years playing club soccer at the Football Farm in Palm City, where she helped her team win two state championships. Her love for sports grew not only through her own playing experience, but also through volunteering at youth soccer summer camps—an early sign of her passion for mentorship and community.

In her first year of college, Bria gained hands-on experience in the sports industry by volunteering at both the Boston Marathon and the Boston Half Marathon. At the Boston Marathon, she worked with the Press Media team, helped manage media check-ins, and supported the setup of the photo bridge. On race day, she assisted in the Pro Athlete Oval, identifying elite athletes for post-race interviews, and had the incredible experience of watching the marathon finish from the photo bridge.

Bria is shadowing Program Director, Gabbie Budd, LPGA this summer. She has already made a positive impact with her enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

We are partnered again this summer with a variety of summer camps throughout Martin County to bring the game of golf to even more young people. One of the highlights of our summer programming is the opportunity to collaborate with local organizations and provide a unique golf experience that goes beyond the course.

A huge thank-you to Sailfish Sands for their continued support. Their top-notch facility and welcoming staff make it possible for us to introduce the game to kids in a dynamic and engaging environment. The use of their hitting bays and open space allows us to get creative. This is precisely what happened when Martin County Parks and Recreation’s Jensen Beach and G.A.A.P. camps visited Sailfish Sands.

The campers enjoyed an action-packed day that featured everything from “Go Fish” to a lively round of Angry Birds golf and a classic long-drive competition. With activities designed for every age and ability, there was something for everyone. Coaches Gabbie, LPGA, Katie, and Caleb led the sessions with energy and enthusiasm, helping the kids build new skills and confidence along the way.