Category: News

VETS PLAY VGA EVENT

Veterans program Coaches Devin Shaw and David Fleck played at PGA Village’s Dye course with Chapter veterans Michael Sturgeon and Mike Carey, long-time participants in our FORE Freedom Golf program.

RAY MARTIN SUPPORTS VETS

President Ray Martin of Extreme Government Solutions visited veterans’ program at Dyer Park.  His company has donated over $1,000 to our veterans’ program this year.  As a retired Army Officer, he is proud to support our Fore Freedom golf program.

MISS YOU COACH CRAIG

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founding Executive Director, Craig Watson, PGA. Crais also served as the founding golf coach of the men’s and women’s golf teams at Palm Beach Atlantic University.  His passion for the game and devotion to young people shaped the very heart of our chapter. Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating his remarkable life at Dyer Park. Craig’s legacy lives on in every student, volunteer, and friend he inspired both on and off the course.

The Watson Scholarship has been founded to honor the legacy of Craig and his father, Bob.  Secure online donations may be made on our website.

ANNUAL APPEAL

It is the time of year for giving and supporting your community.  Please help us serve the thousands of children and veterans in our programs.  Donate to our Pebble Beach Raffle for 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 visit pebbleraffle.com to donate and for more information.

BALLENISLES DEFENDS 100-HOLE TITLE

Thank you to everyone that supported this year’s 100-Hole Challenge. It continues to be one of our largest fundraisers each year. We played in August at the Palm Beach Par 3 and in October, indoors, at The Office in North Palm Beach.

Here are the standings:

Club Division
1st BallenIsles
2nd Trump National Jupiter
3rd Bear Lakes
4th Loxahatchee
5th Hunter’s Run

Corporate Division
1st Black Diamond
2nd Scotch & Sharks
3rd Lifetime Performance

Other clubs that played: Old Marsh, Everglades, Ibis, Eastpointe, Panther National and Ibis.

Student Division
1st Wylie Inman
2nd Guertin Sisters
3rd Topher Chandler
4th Zoe Shamy

Board Member Division
1st Jason Sevier
2nd Jonathan Centofanti

Staff Division
1st Devin Shaw
2nd Carl Mistretta Jr. 3rd Zack Anderton
4th Savannah Mansueti

You can still support our players by visiting our website to make a secure online donation.

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: J.P. Morgan Wealth Management

Chapter Board Member Corey Brown is a Vice President and Wealth Advisor with J.P. Morgan Wealth Management.

As a Partner of Girard & Associates, he draws on his strong relationship management skills to present goals-based advisory guidance for high-net-worth individuals and families.

Corey assists clients in identifying and prioritizing their various financial goals, including estate planning services, investments, tax minimization strategies, wealth transfer and retirement income. He offers customized strategies that are aligned with client investment objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon and liquidity

“I draw on my strong relationship management skills to present goals-based advisory guidance for high-net-worth individuals and families.” – Corey Brown

[email protected]
(561) 694-5613

ELISA AT PEBBLE BEACH

Chapter teen Elisa Hernandez experienced the pinnacle First Tee event– playing in the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.

About the experience, Elisa said, “I cannot thank First Tee enough for allowing me to play in this tournament and spend a week at Pebble Beach. Seeing many First Tee friends from all over the United States made me realize how important it is to create relationships and keep in touch. Walking those historic fairways, competing in such a meaningful event, and feeling the energy of such a special place, was truly a dream come true. It wasn’t just about the golf; it was about the people I met, the conversations, and the life lessons I’ll carry with me. I left Pebble Beach not only with great memories, but also with a deeper motivation to keep pushing myself, both on and off the course.

Playing with Brian Gay was an experience I will never forget. How he carried himself through every round taught me the importance of composure, consistency, and patience. He showed me that great golf is not about chasing the perfect shot but about trusting the preparation and having a calm focus. Even in moments of pressure, he stayed steady and positive, which reminded me that mental toughness is just as important as physical skill. Being alongside him gave me a model for how I want to approach competition, not just in golf, but in life.

I also had the opportunity to talk with the CEO of Carmel Realty Company, Mr. Lynch, and the CEO of IEQ Capital, Mr. Skinner. Their stories and advice showed me how leadership builds on vision, integrity, and the relationships you nurture. From them, I gained perspective on the importance of discipline, adaptability, and long-term thinking, not just aiming for success today but also building a foundation for the future. Their generosity in sharing their wisdom made me realize that the same values that build great companies also build great people. This week at Pebble Beach gave me lessons in golf, leadership, and character, and I am beyond grateful for the chance to grow through such an incredible experience.”

RILEY FERNANDEZ SHINES

Riley Fernandez stepped onto the course with courage and confidence to compete in her very first Junior Golf Association tournament. With poise beyond her years and the competitive spirit of a seasoned athlete, Riley placed second in her division.

Her success was not just a solo achievement; it was a celebration of shared support and community. Chapter alumna Audrey Bacic, a true game changer in every sense, also played in the tournament. While Audrey participated in the tournament herself, she also stood firmly in Riley’s corner throughout the event, offering cheers, encouragement, and that signature energy we’ve come to admire.

Their camaraderie and commitment exemplify the very best of what our program stands for: young leaders uplifting each other, embracing challenges, and building lasting friendships through the game of golf.

FUN WITH THE DAN MARINO FOUNDATION

We are excited to announce a new partnership with the Dan Marino Foundation, marking a decisive step forward in expanding access to golf and life skills education for people with special needs. This collaboration kicked off with an inspiring day at the DMF’s headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, where participants experienced their very first introduction to golf.

The Dan Marino Foundation, renowned for its commitment to empowering individuals with autism and other developmental challenges, welcomed us with open arms. Together, we brought golf indoors, transforming their innovative learning space into a mini fairway where participants explored putting, chipping, and the values that make golf more than just a game.

This partnership is about more than golf; it’s about connection, confidence, and creating opportunities for every young person to thrive. Seeing the joy on their faces as they picked up a club for the first time reminded us why we do this work.

This is just the beginning. This partnership is committed to building a sustainable program that integrates golf into DMF’s broader mission of education, independence, and inclusion. Future sessions will include outdoor experiences, leadership development, and opportunities for participants to showcase their growth.