ROYAL PALM TOURNEY

We enjoyed an awesome day at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club.  The golf course was magnificent, and the food was over the top, as always.  We are so grateful to the members and staff at Royal Palm for hosting our signature event.  Chapter students even hit a few shots for our guests on a par-3 hole.

The winners of the net division with a score of 55 were Team Lindstrom, featuring Bradley Lindstrom, Dave Murphey, Gregg Snowden and Derek Arnett (pictured above, left).  The winners of the gross division were Team 2 Shores Capital with a score of 62, featuring Kevin Taylor, Matthew Brewster, Jonah Wasserstrom and David Eddy (pictured above, right).

Of course, the success of our event is possible because of our generous sponsors:

Sponsor Spotlight: EAGLE TRACE GOLF CLUB

When ClubLink acquired Eagle Trace it added another premier golf facility to its family of outstanding courses.

Eagle Trace hosted the Honda Classic from 1984 to 1991 and then again in 1996. Members and guests will find six sets of tees to challenge their games. From the championship tees, the course plays to more than 7,000 yards while the most forward tees are just more than 5,100 yards.  The course currently plays host to the Champions Tour Q-School Final Stage every other year.

The layout has some unique characteristics for a Florida golf course, including an island green, three greens surrounded by wooden bulkheads, without a single palm tree on the property. All four par-3s require precise tee shots as water and bunkers protect each green. The par-4 18th is perhaps the best finishing hole in Broward County as it can be stretched out to 470 yards.

Eagle Trace is also a proud program for our Chapter led by Coach Jairo.  For more information and to register, please visit our website.

SUMMER FUN AT NORTH RIVER SHORES

Summer camp at North River Shores was a huge success. Our young participants sharpened their golf swings and learned valuable life skills, such as: respect, honesty, and perseverance. Campers spent their days practicing putts, playing games, and building confidence in a fun, supportive environment. When the summer sun was too hot, the kids cooled down with a surprise water gun battle.

One camper put it, “I didn’t even like golf that much before, but now I don’t want camp to be over.”

A big thank you to all our incredible coaches and the North River Shores staff for their dedication, energy, and support throughout the summer.

ROOKIE GREENS WITH PAL

We teamed up with Martin County PAL to host the first of two Rookie Greens junior qualifying events at North River Shores. Designed for first-time players, this qualifier gave young athletes a supportive, fun space to build their confidence and test their beginner golf skills. Our partnership with PAL broadens our reach, allowing us to teach even more kids and teens in our core values and life skills lessons.

ARC IS BACK IN ACTION!

Arc is officially back! We took a short break during the warm summer months, and our participants were definitely eager and excited to get back to golf.

Our St. Lucie County participants had a fantastic time kicking off the season at the Westside Learning Center with Coach Dave Fleck.

One of our participants, Bill (pictured above right with Coach Dave), made the group smile when he shared, “Coach Dave is the best!

Our Coaches often share that, “We learn just as much from our participants as they learn from us.”  That is always the case with The Arc partnership.  We are looking forward to another season full of fun, growth, and unforgettable memories!

PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT: MIA (AKA CHEETAH)

Over the past two years, Coach Gabbie Budd, LPGA, has coached Cheetah while watching her grow as a golfer and become a strong, resilient young woman.

This journey has not been an easy one, but Cheetah has shown incredible perseverance. Coach Gabbie is beyond proud to share some exciting news: this past Saturday at TPC Sawgrass, Cheetah had a brilliant victory at the Drive, Chip, and Putt competition and officially punched her ticket to Augusta National!  More to come…

WELCOME COACH DAVE

Coach Dave (pictured above right) learned about First Tee while he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was watching a PGA Tour golf tournament in 2010 when an advertisement for First Tee aired. He thought it would be a great idea to volunteer with us when we arrived back home.

After years of volunteering at First Tee – Charleston, he relocated to Florida and found First Tee – Palm Beaches located in Dyer Park.  Coach Dave started volunteering on Saturday mornings with the junior programs. While working with the students, he was asked if he would like to help with special needs programs. He completely agreed, although he was nervous about this new challenge.

He excelled as a volunteer and was offered coach position to work at Els for Autism. Coach Dave was then asked to coach the special needs programs located in Port Saint Lucie County and Martin County.   His role has now expanded to include a veterans’ golf program at Indian Hills Golf Course in Fort Pierce and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Saint Lucie and Martin County.   He is a Level 3 First Tee Coach.

We are delighted to have Coach Dave join the Treasure Coast Chapter as a full-time employee.  

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.

Sponsor Spotlight: KEISER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF GOLF

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.

MARLEY & JORDAN AT PEBBLE!

Chapter teens Marley Pedrique and Jordan Reyes experienced the pinnacle First Tee event– playing in the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.

Marley shared with us, “Playing in the PURE Insurance Championship was an unforgettable trip. The chance to compete on one of the most iconic golf courses in the world was already special, but being paired with professional golfer John Huston made it even more impactful. Throughout the tournament, I gained valuable experience and learned important lessons about integrity, patience, and focus, by observing how professionals carry themselves during high-level competition. Competing in such a prestigious tournament taught me how to manage pressure, stay disciplined, and approach challenges with a clear mindset.”

“In addition to the on-course experience, we networked with business professionals, golf leaders, and fellow competitors. I met many like-minded peers who share my same ambition and passion. Their motivation and support inspired me to pursue my goals with even greater determination. Building these relationships not only encouraged but also opened the door to future opportunities both in and beyond the world of golf.”

Jordan added, “What an incredible opportunity it was to play in the PURE Insurance Championship. I had a fantastic time not only on the beautiful golf courses but also connecting with friends from other First Tee chapters across the country.

Being paired with Champions Tour member Boo Weekly was a very special experience. Observing how he carried himself through both the good and challenging moments of the rounds and hearing his advice on dealing with adversity was invaluable. It was inspiring to see the care and preparation he puts into every tournament round. Additionally, it was great to connect with him over shared interests outside of golf, such as our mutual love of fishing.

“I also had the privilege of playing alongside Mr. Dandridge, SVP and Head of Property Claims at PURE Insurance, and Mr. Brown, President of Cross Private. The pair shared many insights and advice about business, life, and the importance of building positive relationships and carrying yourself with integrity. I valued their wisdom, knowing they understand what it takes to succeed at their level.