Category: News

The children of Director of Golf Jeffrey Waber at the Old Course at Broken Sound performed over 6 hours of community service by conducting a Golf Ball Donation Drive to support our Chapter. Camile and Ethan collected over 1,400 golf balls.

“Wow!” exclaimed Executive Director Carl Mistretta Jr. “I knew it was a great idea by Camile and Ethan to have the donation drive as the members of Broken Sound have always been great supporters of our children and veterans. But 1,400 balls is unbelievable! Great job Camile and Ethan.”

Chapter Program Director Zack Anderton and Director of Operations Darrell Bock, PGA attended the end of year event for the Scotch and Sharks organization. It was an amazing event with food, drinks, and live music for their community partners and to announce their end of year donations. Scotch and Sharks surprised us with an incredible $15,000 donation!

Scotch & Sharks host events to cultivate relationships and let business flow organically.  Loosen up the tie, or even better lose it altogether.  Scotch & Sharks is by invitation only and proudly entertains South Florida’s executives and professionals who align with our values: Community. Integrity. Comradery.

Chapter alumnus and former coach Corey Sturgis is now excelling as an Admissions Counselor for Everglades University. Corey is changing the lives of many students utilizing his confidence and leadership skills to excel in his career. 

According to Corey, “First Tee helped me become well-respected by continually displaying integrity and good judgement both on and off the golf course.” 

Corey will also have completed his Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Florida in May 2024. We are proud that Corey continues to be a Game Changer by demonstrating his passion for education.

Our SAIL special needs class nailed their last session, marking a year of remarkable progress in their golf game. Here’s to new beginnings and even more impressive swings in the coming year! SAIL stands for Self-Advocacy for an Independent Life.

Congratulations to chapter students Sydney Rogers and Annika Collado on their recent recognitions. Sydney is a Pathfinder Nominee for math and Annika earned the College Board National Hispanic Recognition. 

Pathfinders is one of the largest and most comprehensive high school scholarship programs in the state. It is an equitable and democratic award, extending eligibility to all public and private high schools in Palm Beach and Martin Counties.  The National Recognition Programs is a tangible way to recognize the academic achievements of rural area/small town, African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous/Native American, and first-generation students.

Coach Glen has always believed that golf is about building memories with family.  Juniors that participate in Beaver Golf’s First Tee homeschool program at Commons Park are certainly experiencing the importance of family. Parents comment how their children are showing appreciation and love for them after Coach Glen’s lessons on valuing your family. A community has formed where families are bonding with other families to the point where they now golf together, travel together, educate their children together and go through life together.  During class, parents can be seen socializing picnic style in the grass, campfire style with their folded chairs or simply seated at the picnic table.  After class, it is not uncommon for families to stay to practice their golf skills together or head over to the park to play.

To see all the fun we have with Coach Glen, please watch this video:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=794867205719490

The special needs classes at John Prince Golf Learning Center have been in full swing for well over five years with a volunteer staff and LPGA Master Professional, Nancy Stuart.

The special needs students are creating a new family of friends and finding the game to be rewarding and fulfilling both mentally and physically.  Through First Tee, these students have many opportunities available to them because of their involvement with our organization.

“Xavier has been in the program for the past 5 years and the confidence he has acquired from his golf skills has also transferred over into his basketball and bowling skills,” said Coach Nancy. “He is a team player and talks about his coaches and team members all the time.”

Students from the Franklin Academy visited Dyer Park for a Fall Scramble.  Parents and kids enjoyed a great time going “fore” it on a beautiful fall afternoon at the Finnegan Learning Center.  Franklin Academy is a long-time partner of our Chapter and we offer after-school programs throughout the year.

Huge congratulations to Chapter student Valentina Guertin. She won the 2023 SFPGA Player of the Year in the 13-18 age division. She played in 11 SFPGA events and scored a total of 1,621.50 points to win the POY award.  Valentina’s goal is to play D1 college golf.

Our winter programs are under way.  Enroll your children at one of our 15 Palm Beach County Program Locations.

For more information and to register, please visit our website by scanning the QR code.