Category: News

Sponsor Spotlight: QTS

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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: WHITE CITY ELEMENTARY

Coach Trevor conducts weekly golf clinics at White City Elementary in partnership with United Way. He teaches students the foundational techniques of the golf swing. Coach Trevor is dedicated to fostering an environment that balances education with enjoyment, ensuring that each session is both engaging and focused on skill development. He greatly values the collaboration with the outstanding staff at White City Elementary and appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the school’s enrichment programs.

WESTSIDE ARC

Coach David Fleck leads an engaging and inclusive golf class at the Westside Campus of the Arc, an organization dedicated to promoting and protecting the human rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc also actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lives.

Coach David begins each session with a series of guided stretches, emphasizing the importance of physical readiness. His two primary class principles—have fun and stay safe—create a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for all participants.

Throughout the class, students explore different golf clubs and techniques. Coach David provides individualized instruction by moving from station to station, offering personalized tips to help each student improve their golf swing.

His approachable teaching style and commitment to student success make the class a highlight of the week. Participants consistently express enthusiasm and look forward to their time with Coach David at the Westside Campus.

FORE FREEDOM:TEEING UP CAMARADERIE AND CONFIDENCE!

Every Tuesday morning from 10:00–11:00 AM, a special kind of energy fills the fairways at The Champions Club at Summerfield, home to our inspiring FORE FREEDOM veterans’ program. This free weekly clinic is more than just a golf lesson, it’s a welcoming space where veterans come together to learn, grow, and connect through the game.

Led by PGA Professionals Joe Grohman and Dave McNulty, the program offers expert instruction for all levels—from beginners learning the fundamentals to experienced golfers fine-tuning their technique. With around 20 regular participants, the sessions are rich in both skill-building and camaraderie.

As many current attendees prepare to head out for the summer months, now is the perfect time for new veterans to join. Whether you’re interested in getting started with golf or looking to elevate your game, you’ll find top-notch coaching in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Veterans can join us at The Champions Club every Tuesday from 10:00–11:00 AM. No cost, no pressure—just great golf, good company, and a community that appreciates you.

GREAT DAY AT LOBLOLLY

Chapter supporters enjoyed an incredible day at our Spring Invitational at Loblolly.

“We appreciate the continued support of the Loblolly Foundation, their members and staff,” said Chapter President Andrew Hunt.  “This was an epic day for all of us and the newly renovated clubhouse and golf course are spectacular.”

80 players enjoyed the day including Chapter Director Chris Burr from Steady Returns as our Title Sponsor (pictured above with son Vincent).  

The gross winners with a score of 8-under 64 were Steven Binder, Josh Birmingham, Bill Basham and Bob Boorman (pictured above left).

The net winners with a score of 18-under 54 were Marty Bergin, Brian Berry, Patrick Hamilton and Ray Brinskelle.

LINDSTROM AIR CONDITIONING & PLUMBING

Lindstrom Air Conditioning & Plumbing provides the highest quality home services available. Their expert plumbers and HVAC technicians are Trust Certified, which means they go through hundreds of hours of training every year to keep your home comfortable.

Lindstrom is offering First Tee families a special tune-up rate. To schedule an appointment, please call (833) 403-9990.

STUDENTS AND ALUMNI ENJOY PRO-AMS

The James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational generously invited our Chapter to send a team to the Women’s Pro-Am and the Wednesday Pro-Am.

Senior Program Director Emily Valentine joined teen participants Taylor Pedrique, Keala Richichi, and Madyson Barone for a truly unforgettable experience– playing in the James Hardie Invitational Women’s Pro-Am at Broken Sound Club on Monday of tournament week.

To make the day even more special, the group had the honor of teeing it up alongside PGA Tour Champions player Ted Purdy, who brought pro-level insight, encouragement, and plenty of fun to the round.

“This experience wasn’t just about playing in a Pro-Am,” said Emily. “It was about showing these young women—and everyone watching—what’s possible when opportunity meets preparation.”

On Wednesday, of tournament week, three Chapter alumni were invited to play with a PGA TOUR Champions player and an NFL Hall of Famer.  Chapter alumni Trevor Tarashuk, Nyla Sims and Felipe Obando were selected to play with professional Felipe Aguilar and Minnesota Vikings Hall of Famer John Randle- WOW!

“The course was in perfect condition and the SWAG was incredible,” said Trevor.  “I received a $450 gift card from TaylorMade, which is awesome, because I need new wedges.”

It was a special day for our alumni as Aguilar and Randle shared stories and insights on their professional careers with our alumni.

Trevor and Nyla are full-time employees of our Chapter as Coaches and Felipe is in his senior year at Keiser University College of Golf.  All three of these alumni are giving back to the game of golf and were very thankful for this special opportunity.

WAY TO GO ALYSSA!

Congrats to Chapter student Alyssa Cleckley on being inducted into the BAK MSOA chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. This prestigious achievement is based on Academic Excellence (maintaining a GPA of 3.9 or above), Leadership, Character, Citizenship and Service in your community.

We are so proud of you!

A HOLE-IN-ONE TO REMEMBER

This year’s Women’s Day at the Country Club of Florida was filled with laughter, fundraising, and unforgettable moments—but none quite as remarkable as what happened on the 8th hole.

Chapter student Taylor Pedrique has been part of Coach John’s programs at The Golf Club of Jupiter for many years. Now 12, Taylor stepped onto the tee box of the par-3 eighth hole with confidence, a 4-hybrid in hand from 123 yards, and a quiet focus that caught everyone’s attention.

With her foursome watching, Taylor struck a beautiful shot. The ball sailed high into the breeze, landed softly just beyond the bunker—and rolled straight into the hole!  For Taylor, it was a dream come true—and her very first ace.

The ace was made special by the setting, the spirit of Women’s Day, and the joy of seeing a young leader from our Chapter achieve something magical at Country Club of Florida. Taylor was recognized later that afternoon during the closing remarks, where she received a standing ovation and a commemorative ball.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Women’s Day at the Country Club of Florida such a memorable celebration of sport, spirit, and community.  Your generosity and support of our students is sincerely appreciated.

BELLA AWARDED ROSAFORTE SCHOLARSHIP

Tim “Rosie” Rosaforte enjoyed a lifetime love for golf and rose through the newspaper ranks to become a top American golf journalist. Rosie covered the PGA TOUR with several news organizations including the Palm Beach Post, Golf Channel and NBC Sports.

With generous support from last year’s Rosie Pro-Am we have honored Rosie’s passion for the game by establishing the Tim Rosaforte Endowed Scholarship through the Evans Scholars Foundation. The scholarship will be awarded every four years and will support full tuition and housing for Evans Scholarship recipients from our Chapter.

Bella Cecere of Old Marsh Golf Club is the recipient of the newly founded Tim Rosaforte Endowed Named Scholarship and will begin attending University of Delaware in fall 2025.

“The opportunity to caddie has profoundly impacted my life in countless ways. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences caddying has provided and the doors it has opened. It is an honor to have received this scholarship. Receiving this scholarship will alleviate the financial burden on my widowed father and me, allowing me to pursue my dream of helping others heal throughout my life. The prospect of obtaining a quality college education without being constrained by financial worries is something I could have only dreamt of while growing up. In being awarded this scholarship, I am immensely grateful and proud to join such an extraordinary legacy. Thank you so much.” – Bella Cecere

The second annual Rosie Pro-Am will be held at Floridian National Golf Club.  Please support our scholarship fund by making a donation or placing a bid at rosieproam.com on one of our many incredible silent auction items.  We have many foursomes, instructional packages and sports memorabilia up for auction. Golf packages include Floridian, Oakmont, The Bear’s Club, Apogee, Jupiter Hills, Old Marsh, Old Palm, Medalist, Trump National, The Park and more!!  Please visit rosieproam.com to place your bid.