Category: News

We are so proud to share a fantastic milestone from Haley Fernandez.  She is a dedicated student and competed in her first-ever Junior Golf Association tournament. And she went out and WON FIRST PLACE!

Haley stepped onto the course with confidence, composure, and that signature First Tee spirit, and then absolutely crushed it. With steady swings, cool nerves, and a smile that lit up the fairway, Haley reminded us of all what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

From her very first session with us, Haley stood out, not just because of her talent, but because of her heart, work ethic, and quiet determination. Whether she is helping pick up balls on the range, cheering on fellow students, or asking thoughtful questions to improve her game, Haley leads by example in every way.

Way to go Haley! This is only the beginning, and we cannot wait to see what is next.

We have officially teed off programming at a brand-new location: the Harold Reitman Boys & Girls Club in Fort Lauderdale.

With 20 energetic and curious young golfers ready to roll, we dove right into a mix of team-building exercises and an introduction to putting fundamentals. From forming connections in group challenges to perfecting their putting stances and strokes, these incredible students showed enthusiasm, focus, and lots of laughter along the way.

The Harold Reitman Unit buzzed with excitement as putters rolled, friendships formed, and our values of respect, confidence, and perseverance, began to take root.

Rock Island Elementary School recently invited Coach Luis Damas, our Program Director to come speak with the students for Career Day. Coach Luis spoke about golf, our programs, and the many possibilities for a career in golf.

The fairways are alive with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of camaraderie as our Fore Freedom veterans’ class is underway at AllGolf at C.B. Smith Park.

Every week, veterans come together to sharpen their golf skills, reconnect, recharge, and enjoy the game in a supportive and energizing environment. Whether it is their first time picking up a club or they are seasoned players working on their game, this group proves that golf is more than just a sport, it’s a community.

Camaraderie is abundant, and so is the motivation. With every swing, chip, and putt, there’s encouragement, shared stories, and plenty of laughs. It’s a special kind of magic when veterans bring their discipline, focus, and heart to the course.

We enjoyed a memorable afternoon at our 9th Annual Par 3 Corporate Challenge, hosted at the beautiful Rees Jones Par 3 Course at Coral Ridge Country Club.

The event brought together our entire community—veterans, youth participants, staff, and supporters—for a high-energy day filled with competition and purpose. Every hole featured a youth or veteran participant, offering them a unique opportunity to interact with our corporate foursomes while showcasing their growing confidence and golf skills.

The Challenge teed off with a shotgun start after opening remarks by board member, Erica Bennett and Coral Ridge Director of Golf, Scott Fox. With closest-to-the-hole contests, our guests enjoyed a competitive event with a challenge on every hole.

The true highlight of the day came at Hole 7, where Greg Mingo and his son, a proud participant in our special needs program, sank putts and stole the hearts of everyone playing. It was a powerful reminder of what we are all about—creating spaces where everyone belongs and shines.

After play concluded, guests gathered for hors d’oeuvres, networking, and the announcement of the winners. Team Steady Returns took home the trophy, but every player left the course with a win in community connection.  (Pictured above left, Team Steady Returns: Rick Rogers, Chris Burr, Michael Greenwood and Rob Norell)

“This wasn’t just another golf event,” said Development Director Gale Nelson II. “It was a celebration of our mission in action—bringing golfers together and giving our students a platform to demonstrate their golf and life skills.”

Over 90 board members from our 3 chapters and governing board of directors, staff, coaches, students and special guests attended our Spring Social & Meeting at PopStroke.  This event is a networking opportunity for everyone involved in our organization to spend time together getting to know one another and sharing ideas.

The event included an impressive and diverse panel of industry leaders discussing how the game and their businesses have changed since Covid.  The panel included (above right), Kathy Jorden (Membership Executive Apogee), David Ladd, PGA (General  Manager Champions Club), Greg Nathan (CEO National Golf Foundation) and Tim Glita Chief People Officer Popstroke).

Steady Returns specializes in managing money for retirees and high net worth investors. They use long-term demographic trends, relative currency valuation, and asset class diversification to guide their investment strategy in managing portfolios their clients can depend on.

They look for significant, long-term trends to guide their investment allocations. For example, the aging of the population in the U.S. They believe this one factor will profoundly impact inflation/deflation, the size of the workforce, consumer spending, and the growth of the healthcare sector.

At Steady Returns, clients:

1. Can talk with their advisor as much as needed.
2. Are not going to do any paperwork.
3. Have online access to a comprehensive view of their investments.
4. Receive frequent communications from the team about pertinent financial topics.

For more information, please contact Christopher Burr, Director of Client Service, at [email protected]

The 2025 100-Hole Challenge is upon us.  We also offer a chance to win a trip to play and stay Pebble Beach!

Please visit our website for more information.

To register your club or team to play, please contact [email protected]

The Youth on Course membership enables young people 18 and under to gain access to play rounds of golf for $5 or less at thousands of courses and opportunities to succeed off the course through various programs. Financial assistance is available. Please visit the YOC website to register.

We began a special needs golf program at Quiet Waters Elementary School. The four-week golf program is for a class of twenty-four kindergarten and first grade students. Coach Robert Ferzoco is leading the classes.

Thank you to the Quiet Waters Elementary School, supervisor Alison Keenan and all the special needs staff and volunteers for their assistance in making this possible.

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.

Our PGA Junior League Draft Party was a huge success! Seventy enthusiastic junior golfers came together to kick off an exciting new season, and the energy was electric from the very start.

Setting the tone for the celebration, one of our very own All-Star participants, Collin Link, wowed the crowd with an amazing electric guitar rendition of the National Anthem—a moment to remember and a perfect way to launch the season in style!

We’re thrilled to see such passion, teamwork, and sportsmanship from the very beginning, and we cannot wait for an incredible season ahead.