Category: News

 Franklin Academy at Drive Shack

Our program partner, Franklin Academy, located in Palm Beach Gardens, scheduled a day at Drive Shack for their elementary and middle school students that participated in our golf programs.  The day celebrated the conclusion of their quarterly kindergarten to 8th grade First Tee programs.  The students practiced their long game and driving skills and strengthened their friendships.  Each golfer gave it their best, enjoyed the time with friends, and the parents cheered on their students.  SHOUT OUT to Coach Dariel, Mrs. Greene from Franklin and all the parents that attended.

 Jupiter High Wins Districts and Runner-Up At Regionals

Congrats to Jupiter High School’s girls golf team for their win at the District Championship and carding Runner-Up at Regionals!

At the District Championship, Keala Richichi lead with the low score of 75, closely following was Zoe Shamy (77), Makenna Bernstein (78), and Keira Silver (85)!

At Regionals, the ladies posted a team score of 331, placing second – only 7 shots off the lead. Zoe Shamy led with the low score of 75, followed by Keala Richichi (80), Keira Silver (82), and Makenna Bernstein (94).

Chapter Director of Program Development, Emily Valentine, a Jupiter High golf team alumna coached the team this year.  Next up- State!

 Students Play In Ladies Pro-Am 

Three of our students played in the PGA Champions TOUR TimberTech Ladies Pro-Am at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. Coach Gabbie Budd, LPGA accompanied students Olivia St. Antoine, Isabella Cecere, and Natalie Sosa.  The group had an amazing time playing and watching a clinic put on by Annika Sorenstam. The group, led by Pro Trevor Dodd, PGA placed 9th in the tournament.

“It was such a fun day,” said Olivia St. Antoine.  “First Tee provides such incredible opportunities.  Trevor helped us with our games, we met Annika and we received an awesome gift bag!”

Sponsor Spotlight: Comcast Business

Comcast and NBCUniversal are committed to giving back to the communities our customers, employees, and viewers call home. Through a network of nonprofit partnerships and innovative programs, we invest in lasting change, foster diversity and inclusion, and keep communities connected.

Special thanks to Chapter Director Ed Kolo of Comcast Business for the continued support of our mission and programs. 

 Great Day At Royal Palm

Our annual golf tournament was an incredible success at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club.

“The members and staff at Royal Palm are simply the best,” said Chapter President Dan Young.  “Each year, it is a great day of golf, food and fun at this special club.  The golf course is amazing.”

Chapter students played and some served as special guests to hit shots and putts for our guests.  Students met 1993 U.S. Women’s Open champion Lauri Merten (pictured above middle) who also played in the tournament.

The team of Braden List, Colin List, Richard Donegan and Ryan Perna won low gross with a score of 64.  The team of Marc Cannon, Joe Lower, Joe Marchia and Anthony Greco won low net with a score of 56.

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

 Final Leg Of 100-Hole Challenge

We finished the last round of the 100-Hole Challenge! The last day was held on Wednesday, October 12th at Coral Ridge Country Club on the Rees Jones Par 3 Course.

9-players participated, including 3 members of the Cooper City high school golf team and several First Tee – Broward Ambassadors. You can still donate to fund our programs for thousands of children and veterans and to show your support for our 100-Holers!

 Register For Young Professionals Golf Tournament

The Young Professionals 2nd Annual Golf Tournament at The Bridges at SpringTree Golf Club will be held on Friday, December 9. Sponsorships are now available for the event.

The schedule consists of a 11am registration and lunch. Foursomes will tee off at 12noon with a shotgun start, in a scramble format. Dinner and drinks follow golf.

To register, please visit our YP website. Register soon, we are almost sold out!

 Annual Appeal – Enter Our Pebble Beach Raffle

This year, our Annual Appeal will feature a raffle for 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 February 27, 2023. Winner will book their trip directly with Pebble Beach Resorts. The winning certificate does not expire, and the golf and room rates are valid for one year.

For example: $300 donation = 3 chances to win.  

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/childrens-golf-foundation-inc/first-tee-florida-gold-coast-pebble-beach-raffle

 Connor Jones

Connor Jones, U.S.C.G, has been playing golf for the last 3 years. He has been a participant in our veterans’ programs since last summer. 

When talking about his experience in our 8-week programs he said: “The coaches and golfers involved offer a great environment for beginner golfers. I have enjoyed learning and playing with fellow veterans who share the same love for the game. I look forward to being involved with First Tee and Mission United for years to come.”

Are you a veteran or know of a veteran interested in registering for one of our free programs? Please contact [email protected].

Our veterans’ programs are generously funded by The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation.

 Summer Fun With Boys & Girls Clubs

Over the past summer, we conducted programming at three locations with the Boys and 

Girls Clubs and impacted over 100 participants. Every week Coach Chris Cupp, PGA would set up different activities to keep it fun and challenging for the students.  We conducted clinics to teach the different aspects of golf, from the full swing to putting.  We ended every class with a friendly competition which helped demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect for other participants.