United Way continues to generously support our Chapter. They recently sponsored a program at White City Elementary conducted by Coach Dave Fleck. Throughout our six session program, these amazing students learned about the game of golf, respect, courtesy, and teamwork.
For the second year in a row, staff members Gabbie Budd, LPGA and Emily Valentine, LPGA accompanied four participants on an unforgettable fishing adventure aboard the Catch of the Day fishing charter. Participants Malachi, Akira, Owen, and Easton spent the day enjoying beautiful weather, making memories, and reeling in some impressive catches.
Akira caught two mahi-mahi, a remora, and a lizardfish. Owen brought in two mahi-mahi and topped off his day with an impressive sailfish catch. Malachi earned the title of “Fish of the Day” after battling and landing a massive sailfish estimated to be between 85 and 90 inches long. Meanwhile, Easton set the day’s record for the most bonito caught, keeping everyone busy with landing fish after fish.
A special thank you goes out to Captain Trent and First Mate Bazil for providing such an incredible experience for our students and staff.
We recently held our first Making the Turn mentorship program in collaboration with The Ben Horrow Project at The Shores of North River Golf Club. We launched this program to connect older Chapter participants and alumni with accomplished community leaders through golf.
The event combined mentorship, networking, golf, good food and life skills in a relaxed environment where meaningful conversations could naturally take place.
We also held a press conference featuring First Tee Trustee Rick Horrow, Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr., Chapter Program Director Gabbie Budd, and retired attorney George Knox. Coach Dave Fleck then conducted a golf clinic for our students.
Other local community mentors that volunteered their time included two-time LPGA Tour champion Laurie Rinker, Pastor Vernon Shazier and attorney Phyllis Gillespie.
Making the Turn is intended to become an ongoing mentorship initiative that provides Chapter participants with continued opportunities to build relationships with community leaders, strengthen life skills, and prepare for future academic, career, and leadership success.
C.M is a participant at ARC TIP Aftercare program. Through our program, C.M is learning valuable lessons through golf. Many of his golf and life skills have improved, including listening, showing respect, and playing well with others. Even C.M’s grades have improved. Watching him grow and improve is the goal of our Beyond the Tee programs.
Congratulations to Richard Giacalone, who, at the age of 83, recently achieved the best round of his golfing career. Richard accomplished this feat with an impressive score of 76. His front nine showcased remarkable consistency, finishing at even par, while the back nine saw only four strokes over par at Sailfish Sands.
Richard credits this outstanding performance to enhanced skills in putting, chipping, and overall course management by attending our FORE Freedom veterans’ programs at Jensen Beach and Sailfish Sands.
After a successful summer league, PGA Jr. League is back for a fall season! This is a great opportunity for junior golfers of all abilities to PLAY the game that they PRACTICE so often. PGA Jr. League is a fun, safe space for your child to PLAY the game they love on a team!
PGA Jr. League consists of team-based matches (2-person scramble) paired by age and ability, weekly competition, and new friendships. Spots are already filling up. Make sure to sign up before we sell out!
Location:
The Shores of North River Golf Club
1827 NW Pine Lake Dr. Stuart, FL 34994
To join, visit our registration website. Registration closes August 2nd.
LEARN MORE by watching this video.
The LPGA Foundation supports women and young people through programs and initiatives aimed at empowering them through the game of golf. Since its founding, The LPGA Foundation has impacted more than 500,000 lives through various scholarship and financial assistance programs, along with its flagship junior golf program, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. The LPGA Foundation was established in 1991 and is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which supports junior golf programs, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for women and young ladies.
Chapter participant Elisa Hernandez and Palm Beaches chapter participant Jordan Reyes played in the First Tee National Championship at UNC Chapel Hill. Pictured above left to right: First Tee Trustee and tournament sponsor Fred Tattersol, Elisa and Jordan from the Palm Beaches Chapter.
Elisa finished tied for 8th with impressive scores of 71-75-74.
“My experience at The First Tee National Championship in UNC Chapel Hill was both memorable and meaningful. I competed on a challenging course while experiencing the atmosphere of one of the nation’s most respected universities,” said Elisa.
“Throughout the event, I spent time with other junior golfers from across the country, building friendships and learning from players that share the same passion for the game. Being surrounded by motivated student-athletes inspired me to continue working toward my own goals in golf and academics.”
Elisa continued, “One of the highlights of the trip was exploring the UNC campus. Walking through the historic grounds, seeing the academic buildings, and experiencing the school’s culture gave me a better understanding of what waits for me during my college years. It helped me envision the balance between competing at a high level in golf while pursuing a strong education.”
Elisa concluded with, “Most importantly, this tournament taught me the value of embracing every part of the First Tee experience. Competing, learning, meeting new people, and visiting a great university all contributed to this special trip. First Tee continues to provide opportunities that help me grow as both an athlete and a person, and I am grateful for the lessons and memories I gained during my time at UNC Chapel Hill.”
The First Tee National Championship brings together First Tee’s top players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play under pressure at the collegiate and/or next level. The tournament is played at acclaimed college campuses, including the University of North Carolina, Clemson University, Notre Dame and Stanford University, and is the only national event that is purely tournament golf.
Congratulations to Anika Pinidiya! Anika earned 2nd Place at the Drive, Chip & Putt Local Qualifier at Lago Mar Country Club. Her outstanding performance earned her a spot in the Subregional Qualifier.
Anika’s hard work, dedication, and positive attitude contributed to this achievement. We are incredibly proud of her and wish her the very best as she continues her Drive, Chip & Putt journey.
We are excited to share a new exclusive offer with our partner– Topgolf! Chapter participants, alumni, friends, and family can now enjoy $20 off game play at any US Topgolf location through December 30th, 2026.
In order to play, please fill out the Topgolf First Tee Offer Form to receive an email coupon for your next visit. Coupons can be applied to reservations made through the app, online, or as a walk-in.
This offer has unlimited redemptions, so feel free to use it as many times as you please. This offer can be combined with Topgolf’s discounted off-peak hours for even more savings!
Happy golfing!
We have concluded our first program with Deerfield Beach Senior Citizens. This partnership started this year, and we are proud of how the six-week program helped these senior citizens.
Their motto: “Age is simply the number of years the world has been enjoying you!”
Coach Robert Ferzoco lead the clinics where nine senior citizens participated in the program and were introduced to the game of golf.
Thank you to the community service center and Taketha Lherisse and Schelli Bailey for their help in organizing and directing this new program.
