Category: News

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT: MASON O’BRIEN

Mason and Dylan O’Brien are hooked on golf! Thanks to our programs at Golf Club of Jupiter and guidance from Coaches John and Pat, the twins continue to grow their dedication for playing.

Dylan and Mason have always loved sports. A few years ago, they decided to give golf a try. They were curious about the game and drawn to the challenge of a new sport. The twins joined our programs about three years ago, and it quickly became one of their favorite activities. Not just for the sport itself, but for the values, friendships, and confidence they’ve gained along the way.

Dylan and Mason finished in second place in the final Spring tournament at GCOJ. This was a proud and memorable moment for them and demonstrates the positive impact of our programs.

BODWELL ACADEMY

This fall, we are excited to partner with Bodwell Academy, a charter school through The ARC of Palm Beach County, that serves children and young adults with disabilities. With a focus on independence, communication, and academics, the school provides stimulating opportunities for growth and learning. Every Friday, Coaches Nyla and Emme have the joy of introducing students to the fundamentals of golf. Our goal is to blend skill-building with fun on the course.

JACIE ON A ROLL

This summer, chapter alumnus Jacie Goodman had the privilege of interning for ESPN West Palm and Good Karma Brands.

“It was an incredible experience that I will never forget,” said Jacie. “I learned so much about the sports broadcasting industry. From working events to contributing with the content team, I truly loved being part of the action.”

(Pictured above right: On-air hosts Colin Russo (left) and Mike Rizzo (right) from Russo and Rizzo, weekdays from 4–6 PM on ESPN 106.3.)

After caddying in high school at Old Marsh, Jacie was the first female in Florida to earn the Evans Caddie Scholarship.  She is in her senior year attending the University of Michigan.  As an Evans Scholar she was invited to caddie for a PGA TOUR player in a practice round and the Pro-Am at the BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club.  Her player was U.S. Open Champion J.J. Spaun!

“Caddying for J.J. was an unbelievable experience. JJ and his team were so welcoming, and I had the best time caddying for him. The BMW Championship directly benefits the Western Golfers Association and the Evans Scholarship Foundation. Being a part of an event that helps fund my college education was amazing, and I met other Evans scholars from across the nation.” – Jacie Goodman

END OF SUMMER BASH

In early October, we hosted over 40 veterans for a celebration after a summer of hard work on their golf games.  We held a nine-hole, two-man scramble for the veterans. Prizes were awarded for the 1st and 2nd place teams and for the closest to the pin on holes 1 and 9. Mission BBQ catered an awesome lunch for all that attended.

PLEASE HELP SUPPORT MEGAN DAVIS

Craig Davis, PGA Golf Instructor at Eastpointe Country Club, is one of our new Coaches. His daughter, Megan, has been diagnosed with a severe, inoperable brain tumor. This devastating news has turned the family’s world upside down, and they are now navigating countless medical appointments, treatments, and overwhelming expenses while trying to hold onto hope.

As you can imagine, the emotional and financial strain is immense. While Craig and his family focus on what matters most—being there for Megan—we want to come together as a community to help ease some of the burden.  All donations will go directly toward medical expenses, travel costs for treatments, and any other needs that arise during this incredibly difficult time.

Donations to the family may be made on their GoFundMe page.

REGISTER NOW FOR THE JAMES HARDIE PARENT-CHILD TOURNEY

We are back on for the 2nd Annual James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational!

The James Hardie™ Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational will be hosted March 2 – March 8, 2026, at the Old Course at Broken Sound in Boca Raton, Fla. The tournament will feature a field of 78 PGA TOUR Champions players competing for a purse of $2.2 million dollars. Playing alongside the Champions Tour players will be 26 football legends, who will tee it up on Friday and Saturday of the event. The three-day tournament will be televised on the Golf Channel.

In partnership with our Chapter, the James Hardie event is sponsoring a parent-child tournament at the North Palm Beach Country Club on December 22, 2025.

2 Separate Divisions:
Open and Pro (6 holes best ball, 6 holes scotch alternate, 6 holes scramble)

Schedule:
– Noon registration
– 1pm shotgun
– Dinner and awards following golf

Register Now!

PEBBLE BEACH RAFFLE IS BACK

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, 2026.  Please scan the QR code or visit pebbleraffle.com to donate and for more information.

VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

Registration is now open to volunteer at the 2026 Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches! The success of the tournament depends on the incredible work and support of their volunteers.

The Cognizant Classic has proudly donated more than $72 million to charitable causes, including over $55 million in the 19 years since Children’s Healthcare Charity Inc., became the official beneficiary. In total, the tournament’s commitment has supported more than 100 local nonprofits, including our Chapter.

Be a part of our local PGA TOUR event and register today!

ANDREW WINS FINCHEM AWARD

Each year, First Tee honors an individual that shines a spotlight on the great work they are doing in their communities. The Tim Finchem Leadership Award is named in honor of First Tee’s founder and celebrates those who have demonstrated exceptional service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission of developing Game Changers in their communities.  (Finchem pictured above left)

The 2025 recipient of this award was our Chapter President, Founder and Trustee Andrew Hunt. Andrew became involved in First Tee in 2012 by founding our chapter serving Martin and Lucie Counties. In addition to serving as the Treasure Coast President, he is also a mentor and leader, always willing to help with staff, coaches, or students who need guidance. He has impacted countless young lives in his south Florida community.

As a donor, Andrew and his wife Robin’s generosity is simply extraordinary. Over the past thirteen years, they have contributed not only to First Tee – Treasure Coast but also to other chapters in Pittsburgh and New Hampshire and to First Tee Headquarters. (Andrew and Robin pictured above middle.)

Andrew received the award at the First Tee Trustee meeting at Pebble Beach.  GolfDigest sponsored the award, and our Chapter will also receive a $25,000 donation in Andrew’s honor. (pictured above right: Jennifer Weiler, First Tee SVP Network Relations, Chris Reynolds GolfDigest GM and SVP, and Andrew)

Check out the video of Andrew’s surprise award announcement by Jack Nicklaus.