Did you know that the “Golf Capital of the World” license plate supports junior golf? When you purchase this license plate you are supporting our chapter and junior golf programs across the state of Florida.
It is very easy to change over to the FJGC license plate when you renew your vehicle registration during your birthday month either by mail or online. Just check or click the box for the FJGC plate!
For more information, please visit the FJGC website.
Enroll your children at one of our 10 Palm Beach County Program Locations.
Ocean Reef Club recently hosted the 2025 Chapter Championship of First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. Think Palm Beaches versus Treasure Coast versus Broward. The annual tournament features four high school students per team from our three chapters in a best-ball format. The Palm Beaches chapter shot four under par to edge out the Broward and Treasure Coast chapters by one shot at three under. The scores have never been this close, and the victory came down to a birdie putt made by Palm Beaches student Marley Pedrique on the 18th hole.
Pictured above left to right: Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr. with the winning Palm Beaches team of Zoe Shamy, Jordan Reyes, Landon Murray and Marley Pedrique with ORC member and Chapter Director Greg Thompson, whom with wife Kathy, are First Tee Trustees. Greg also serves as President of the Broward chapter.
Pictured above: Six alumni also played in a separate individual division. Palm Beaches alumni Tyler Mistretta shot three under par 68 with two eagles to win his second alumni division title.
Isabella Rubio said about the experience, “I want to thank the sponsors and staff for giving me such a great once in a lifetime opportunity by inviting me to Ocean Reef. I had lots of fun and I enjoyed every aspect of the event on and off the golf course.”
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
This summer, Bijan Lombeshkon, was selected to attend the prestigious First Tee Leadership Summit in Atlanta in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The Summit was a weeklong experience designed to empower young leaders through skill-building, mentorship, and personal growth.
Hosted at the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation’s Westside Works Campus, the Summit brought together promising teens from across the country for a transformative week of workshops, team activities, and one-on-one mentoring with accomplished business and community leaders. Bijan was selected based on his outstanding character, involvement in our local chapter, and passion for making a difference.
“The Trip in Atlanta was truly a life changing experience. It inspired me in so many different ways,” said Bijan. “It taught me a ton of different skills in life. I enjoyed meeting new people, making friends, and listening to the speakers that shared so many words of wisdom with us. I am forever grateful for this amazing opportunity that I experienced. It was so much fun!”
Chapter student, Davis Lucas, from Coach John Gansz programs at The Golf Club of Jupiter, recently received his first-ever set of brand-new custom fitted golf clubs. The gift was made possible because of the generosity of longtime supporter Jeremy Howard and his Dos Mas Charity Tournament.
Davis was treated to a professional fitting at the PGA TOUR Superstore in Palm Beach Gardens, where he was matched with clubs tailored specifically for him. This incredible experience not only marks a turning point in his golf journey but also highlights the power of community support.
The moment was made even more special through the support of our Chapter President and PGA TOUR Superstore manager, Joe Gorman, who was instrumental in coordinating the fitting and celebrating the occasion with Davis.
“Moments like this are what First Tee is all about – giving kids the tools, mentorship, and support to grow on and off the course,” said Chapter President Joe Gorman. “We are incredibly grateful to Jeremy and the Dos Mas members for investing in our students.”
The First Tee National Championship brings together our top players from across the nation for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play under pressure at the high school and collegiate level. The First Tee National Championship was played at Notre Dame this year and is the only national First Tee event that is purely tournament golf.
Chapter student and Sophomore Marley Pedrique finished third (73-72-71) in the girls’ division to earn an exemption into the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that will take place September 19-21 at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The PURE Insurance Championship pairs golf legends with First Tee juniors for a week of mentorship and competition. Players are eligible for an exemption if they finish top five at the National Championship, have not previously played the PURE Insurance Championship and will still be in high school this fall.
Chapter student and Seminole Ridge High School graduate Annika Collado earned the honor of valedictorian after four years of hard work. She will be attending Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers in the fall.
“I committed to academics like I did to golf,” said Annika after being named SRHS’s top scholar for 2025. “I put homework and golf on the same level of importance.”
Annika has been successful at both, earning a 3.98 GPA and a 5.28 weighted HPA while playing on the Seminole Ridge golf team and reaching the district and regional tournaments all four years. During much of that time, she also was caddying at Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach and working with younger players as a junior coach with First Tee – Palm Beaches.
“Annika has done great things for us,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr. “And she has benefited from everything First Tee has to offer including attendance at national leadership summits, a chance to meet golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, and caddying at Pine Tree, where she received a scholarship from the club’s Scotty Foundation. Annika is a good player…and she likes to volunteer with the little kids. We really like to see the older kids giving back.”
Chapter alumni, Nathan Vertes, had the pleasure of attending the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club. First Tee HQ connected Nathan with First Tee – Greater Detroit’s Program Director John Page and CEO Carl Bentley. They generously provided tickets to the event.
While he was there, Nathan connected with potential participants and shared his insights on the impact First Tee had on his life. He also offered suggestions on how the Greater Detroit chapter could grow and improve. Nathan referenced many of the great programs that our Chapter offers. First Tee – Greater Detroit were especially interested in learning more about national opportunities and scholarships available through First Tee HQ.
Boca Raton Golf & Racquet Club recently hosted 6 veterans from our FORE Freedom programs to play nine holes of early morning golf. Congrats on the lowest score of 41, shot by Francis Archer (Army). He won a hat and golf balls for his victory. Thank you, Coach Peter Nathan, for facilitating the round for the veterans.
Rodger Clark, an 83-year-old Navy veteran, attended our weekly Wednesday veteran program at Dyer Park. With his wife’s help he was able to putt successfully and without pain. At the end of the event, he was so excited and had such an enjoyable time putting. Coach Devin suggested that Rodger try out Puttery with our friends at Drive Shack. Puttery has 9 holes that are completely air conditioned.
Coach Devin contacted Marine Matt Shank, Drive Shack Manager, and requested two passes for Puttery. Without hesitation Matt made it happen. They both had a wonderful time and raved about the hospitality of the Drive Shack staff.
