Category: News

Stan joined our Chapter Board in 2020.  He made an immediate and dynamic impact on our organization.  He represented and promoted our Chapter to the community and his clients.  With his love for playing, he jumped headfirst into the 100-Hole Challenge.  In his first year playing, his goal was to raise $2,000. That took about two weeks, and he ended his first year raising over $10,000.  For the next five years, he was our top fundraising individual and Board Member.  One year, he played the challenge in Scotland!  (Pictured above left: Stan on the Swilcan Bridge) We are hoping we can convince him to continue to play the 100-Hole Challenge.

Stan is a Partner at Schachne Architects & Builders, Inc., a full-service in-house architecture, interior design and construction company specializing in custom homes, house additions, interior/exterior remodeling and commercial office design. Most of their work is concentrated in Broward County. Over the past 20 years, their clientele has appreciated the hard work, professionalism and dedication they commit to every project.

“Stan was the ideal board member,” said Chapter President Greg Thompson.  “He was always dedicated, engaging and behind our mission.  We truly appreciate his five years of service to our children and veterans.”

(Pictured above right: Chapter Program Director Luis Damas and Program Coordinator Robert Ferzoco presented Stan with a gift recognizing his five years of service as a Board Member.)

We recently began our Arc Broward special needs spring golf programs. Coach Robert Ferzoco teaches the program at Arc Broward’s main campus in Sunrise.  Thank you to Tonya Ricker, Director of Children’s Services, and the entire staff for making these programs possible.

ARC Broward’s Mission is to transform the community by providing opportunities for people with disabilities and other life challenges to realize their full potential.

We are proud to announce that the South Florida PGA has selected First Tee/PGA HOPE Veteran Richard George to represent PGA HOPE South Florida as a member of Team South Florida at the prestigious 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup! This exciting opportunity showcases Richard’s dedication to the game and his remarkable journey as a veteran.

The 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup will take place on May 11-12 at the beautiful Carmel Country Club in Charlotte, NC. This two-day event will unite twelve teams, each selected through an application process by PGA of America Sections nationwide.

We wish Richard and all the members of Team South Florida the best of luck at the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup. We’re thrilled to see Richard representing his fellow veterans, First Tee – Broward, and the South Florida PGA community in this incredible event!

Our veterans’ program recently began a 6-week session at Topgolf Pompano. Twenty-one veterans registered and attended the first class.  Coaches Michele Conte and Robert Ferzoco teach the program with help from volunteers Troy Nelson and Gary Moses each week.

Special thank you to Topgolf managers William Reynolds, Will Jones and their staff for their continued support and communication organizing these impactful programs.  Thank you to Topgolf Pompano for donating the hitting bays.

Please visit our website to learn more about our registering for our veterans’ programs.

We are excited to announce that the South Florida PGA and First Tee – Broward have teamed up to offer a PGA HOPE Basecamp at AllGolf at CB Smith Park! This program is an excellent opportunity for veterans to continue instruction who have already participated in a previous 6-week PGA HOPE programs.

When: Every other Monday, from 9 – 10 AM

Basecamp offers a fun and supportive environment where veterans can continue to improve their golf skills while enjoying the camaraderie, networking, and lasting connections that make these programs so special.

For specific dates and more information, please get in touch with Christopher Cupp at 404-509-5555 or [email protected].

Only one team foursome is left to play this very exclusive private club. For more information and to register, please review the tournament invitation. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Questions and to reserve your team? Please contact Gale Nelson ASAP at [email protected]

Enroll your children at one of our 10 Palm Beach County Program Locations. 

• Michael B. Finnegan Learning Center- Dyer Park
• Belle Glade Municipal Golf Club
• Boca Raton Golf and Racquet Club
• Commons Park Golf Learning Center
• John Prince Learning Center
• Golf Club of Jupiter
• Keiser University Golf Coaching Center
• Okeeheelee Golf Course
• Red Reef Golf Course
• Village Golf Club

Joe Highsmith has excelled at all levels of golf in his career. Highsmith, a 24-year-old lefty with a bucket hat and a broad smile, became the first player to make the cut on the number and win on the PGA Tour since Brandt Snedeker at Torrey Pines in 2016.

“Winning was the last thing on my mind,” Highsmith said. “It’s incredible to come out on top. I played probably the best round of my life.”

His strong mental game guided him to victory at The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches. Highsmith rallied from a four-shot deficit with three straight birdies around the turn and a 20-foot birdie putt on the par-3 17th to clinch the title.

On Tuesday morning of tournament week, The Cognizant Classic and PGA Tour honored the late Jeff Babineau with the 2025 Tim Rosaforte Distinguished Journalist Award. Babineau, a beloved figure in golf journalism, passed away on December 9.

Babineau’s journey in sports journalism began in 1986 with the Orlando Sentinel, where he covered golf and other sports. In 1998, he joined Golfweek eventually ascending to editor in 2008. Known to everyone in the industry as “Babs”, he served as editor until 2014 when he returned to his true passion—writing about golf. Recently, Babineau departed Golfweek to pursue freelance opportunities, including with the PGA Tour.

Throughout his distinguished career, Babineau covered hundreds of professional golf tournaments across the PGA Tour, LPGA, major championships, Presidents Cups, and Ryder Cups.

“Jeff would be so honored to receive this award,” said his wife Jane. “He admired Rosie very much—he was one of his guys. He used the word ‘mentor’ frequently, and always considered Rosie among the best in the business.”

The tournament media room at The Cognizant Classic has also been named in Tim’s honor.

Pictured above: Members of the Babineau and Rosaforte families gathered to honor Babs and remember Rosie.

The 2025 Rosie Pro-Am is sold out in May at Floridian National Golf Club.  Our silent auction website is now live with incredible foursomes, instruction packages, TGL tickets and sports memorabilia.  Please visit www.rosieproam.com to view the items and make your bid or donate to the Rosie Pro-Am which supports our college scholarship fund and the Evans Caddie Scholarship.

The Ernie Els #GameOn Autism Golf Clinic at the Cognizant Classic was a huge success! 8 participants learned golf fundamentals from First Tee Coaches Karina and Haley, alongside three PGA TOUR players, including Kevin Velo, Ben Martin and First Tee HQ ambassador Alex Smalley. Through engaging golf games, the program helps players develop motor skills while fostering social communication in a fun and supportive environment.

Each year, Chapter supporters, donors, alumni and students tee it up on the Champion  Course and play the Sunday pin positions from the PGA Tour event.  The tournament sells out every year and lets our guests experience what it feels like to play a golf course in PGA Tour conditions.

First place gross was won by the team of Brad Parker, Bill Fleming, Matt Kutner and Tim Mahler with an impressive score of 65.  (Pictured above left)

First place net was won by the team of Wayne Sanders, Tyler Wright, Bill Inman and Chapter student Wylie Inman with a score of 58. (Pictured above middle)

And former Chapter Director Andrew Brock scored his 8th hole-in-one on #5.  Sorry about the bar tab Andrew!