Category: News

Four Chapter teens had the opportunity of a lifetime: a 6-hour deep-sea fishing charter out of Stuart, with Catch of the Day fishing charters. Participants Jenna, Abelina, Heaven, and Victoria were joined by Emily Valentine, Senior Program Director, and Gabbie Budd, LPGA Program Director, for a day filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable experiences on the open water.

Andrew and Robin Hunt and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) made the trip possible to provide our students with incredible opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course.

With the expert guidance of Captain Trent and his awesome crew, our group learned the ins and outs of deep-sea fishing, marine conservation, and teamwork — all while reeling in an impressive catch: 10 tuna, 2 kingfish, 1 mahi-mahi, and even a sailfish!

Coach Joe Grohman, PGA recently led a group of veterans through a special FORE Freedom bunker clinic at Sailfish Sands Golf Course. With Coach Joe’s expert and encouraging instruction, the vets learned to approach the sand trap with confidence and control.

For many, it was their first time in a bunker. By the end of the session, sand was flying, and spirits were soaring. One veteran shared, “The course was great, but the company was even better. It reminded me that I’m not alone and that there is always room to grow.”

Big SHOUT OUT to Coach Joe, the Sailfish Sands staff, and our incredible veterans for making the day so meaningful. We’re proud to serve those who have served through our FORE Freedom programs.

Check out our Annual Report that details many of our program partners, accomplishments, student stories and more.

Are you in? To register to play, please contact [email protected]

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

• All Golf at CB Smith Park
• The Bridges at Springtree
• The Club at Weston Hills
• Cooper Colony
• Country Club of Coral Springs
• Davie Golf Club
• Eagle Trace GC
• Palm-Aire CC
• Pompano Beach GC
• TOPGOLF- Pompano

Our program at Davie Golf Club has begun implementing some new technology called Phi Golf. This technology allows students to hit virtual golf shots. Phi Golf is an iPad, app-based simulator where golfers can learn golf club control and play courses by placing sensors on golf clubs. The students can see many stats to learn more details about their game.

This summer, Elisa Hernandez, was selected to attend the prestigious First Tee Leadership Summit in Atlanta. 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. Elisa was selected based on her  outstanding character, involvement in our local chapter, and passion for making a difference.

“I made powerful professional connections. Hearing from leaders like Maya Moore was incredibly inspiring and motivated me to grow as a leader and as a person,” said Elisa.

“We participated in a variety of team building and leadership activities that pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to take initiative. Visiting the Blank Foundation left a strong impression on me. At each of the Arthur Blank institutions we visited, such as the Atlanta Falcons, we heard about the importance of core values. Even though each group had a different mission, they all shared the same foundational principles. It was eye-opening to see how shared values could lead to success in so many different settings. Overall, this summit taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone, speaking up, and taking ownership as a leader.”

On a sunny day at AllGolf at C.B. Smith Park, we teamed up with ABA Centers of Florida to create an unforgettable experience for youth with special needs. The Special Needs Golf Day welcomed over 40 participants and their families for a morning of movement, laughter, and connection through golf.

Guided by our Coaches and Board-Certified Behavior Technicians from ABA Centers of Florida, participants rotated through engaging golf stations. They were learning how to chip, putt, and swing with confidence. The emphasis was not just on golf, but on building self-esteem, encouraging social interaction, and celebrating every small victory.

Seeing their faces light up as they made contact with the ball or high fived a Coach made it a rewarding event for all.

The day also provided parents with an opportunity to relax and connect, knowing their children were supported in a safe and uplifting environment. The collaboration with ABA Centers of Florida brought the expertise and compassion needed to make each moment count.  As we continue to expand our adaptive programs, events like this reinforce the belief that golf and personal growth truly are for everyone.

We continue our FORE Freedom veterans’ classes at Palm-Aire Country Club in Pompano Beach.  In June, 13 veterans attended the golf program on the practice area at Palm Aire Country Club.

In 2025, over 100 of our nation’s heroes have attended our FORE Freedom programs held across Broward County at Palm-Aire Country Club, Topgolf Pompano, and AllGolf @ CB Smith Park. We will be adding classes at Eagle Trace Golf Club.

For more information on our FORE Freedom classed, please visit our website.

One of our very own – Richard George – was selected to represent PGA HOPE South Florida as a member of Team South Florida in the 2025 PGA HOPE Secretary’s Cup!

This incredible event, held annually in conjunction with PGA Championship Week, brings together veterans from across the country who have participated in PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programs — showcasing not only their golf skills, but their strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit.

Richard has been an inspiration in our veterans’ class at AllGolf. He offers encouragement to fellow veterans, shares laughs on the putting green, and dials in his iron game with laser focus.  Richard embodies everything FORE Freedom stands for: character, camaraderie, perseverance, and community.

To be selected for the Secretary’s Cup is a tremendous honor. Richard is so deserving of this honor. Thank you for your service, your leadership, and the positive energy you bring to every class.

Check out our Annual Report that details many of our program partners, accomplishments, student stories and more.

First Tee is thrilled to officially announce that the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has renewed its commitment to us with an extraordinary $10 million grant over the next five years (2025-29).

This significant investment reflects the Foundation’s continued belief in our mission and the impact our Chapters make in young people’s lives every day. Below are details of the commitment, which will be shared publicly this morning.

First Tee has received a transformative $10 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, reinforcing a 25-year partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. This investment will expand access to golf and character-building programs for youth across the U.S., helping them grow as athletes and leaders. Learn how this powerful collaboration is shaping the future of youth development through the game of golf.

For more information, please view this video about Arthur’s generous support.