Category: News

Mission United Fall Veterans’ Programs

Our Fall veterans’ programs with Mission United were a huge success!

Programs were hosted October through December at The Club at Weston Hills, Eagle Trace Golf Club, and Cooper Colony Golf Course. 

One veteran participant, Dail Revish, said, “Just wanted to let you know that the First Tee classes and instruction by the golf pros has significantly improved my game. From the 1st to the 18th hole, I have improved my stroke count by 1 or 2 strokes per hole. Thanks to all the instructors for what they do for us veterans.”

Special SHOUT OUT to the host clubs for providing the venues for our veterans.  This incredible program is generously funded by the Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation.

Veteran Spotlight: Bogie Perez

Bolivar “Bogie” Perez, Navy, has been playing golf on and off for the last 30 years and is a first-time participant in our program at The Club at Weston Hills. 

When talking about his experience in our program, he said: “I could not be happier with the level of instruction and comradery from the other vets.  This has been a real blessing to keep me engaged and focused on improving my golf game and meeting new friends.”

Interested in joining our veterans’ programs?  Please visit our website for more information.

Register Now For PGA Jr. League

First Tee – Broward’s PGA Jr. League teams are set to begin in Spring 2024. Spring Season registration is now open online at multiple Broward County locations. 

Beginner to intermediate leagues for ages 13 and up will take place at Cooper Colony Golf Course and Conte’s Palm Aire Golf Academy. Intermediate to advanced player leagues for ages 17 and up will be conducted at Davie Golf Club and Colony West Golf Club. Both leagues start play in in mid-April.

For more information, please visit pgajrleague.com or contact Coach Sean Kicker at 754-242-4276 or [email protected]

Having A Blast At All Golf

Over 30 chapter students were part of a showcase clinic at the grand re-opening of All Golf @ C.B. Smith Park. Executives from Kemper Sports Golf Management and Broward County Parks & Recreation were on hand to witness the impact we have on the youth of our community. The clinic featured Trick Shot Artist Ben Kassman, who interacted with the students and their families. We are excited to continue to grow our programs and increase our impact at All Golf in partnership with Kemper and Broward the Parks and Recreation Department.

We offer First Tee weekly programming at All Golf. Participants are combining technology and the game of golf. They can be creative by inventing their own games using the Top Tracer technology. The students select a game and outline the rules.  A spokesperson communicates the rules to the other students and then they compete in a friendly competition. This is just another great example of how golf can instill important life skills.

Participant Spotlight: Ryan Shimony

Congrats to Chapter participant, Ryan Shimony, who recently won the Gold Coast Junior Golf Foundation Prestige Junior Championship at PGA National Resort. Ryan played amazing over the 2-day event and was victorious by 7 shots over the rest of the field! Keep up the good work Ryan!

PGA Tour Is Coming To South Florida

Our local PGA Tour event held at PGA National is right around the corner February 29th through March 3rd.   We welcome a new sponsor in 2024.

“I would like to give a warm welcome to Cognizant as the new title sponsor of this historic golf tournament,” said Chapter Director and Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Maria Marino. “PGA National has hosted this fan favorite and family friendly event for almost 17 years and has seen some fabulous finishes. As a resident and member of PGA National and the District 1 County Commissioner, I invite everyone to the new Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. 

Need tournament tickets?  Please visit thecognizantclassic.com for tickets and hospitality options.

Fun Day With Coach Joe

Coach Joe Grohman, PGA hosted 10 veterans from all military branches at the Champions Club in Stuart. Veterans enjoyed a free golf clinic and lunch. We thank all of those who attended for their service and huge SHOUT OUT to General Manager David Ladd, PGA and his staff at the Champions Club for helping enrich the lives of our nation’s heroes.

Farewell Coach Ben

Chapter Coach Ben Miller, PGA accepted the First Assistant Golf Professional position at Monarch Country Club. Coach Ben has been an important part of our team and he will be missed immensely. Throughout Coach Ben’s time at First Tee, he created a positive impact on so many of our students in the Treasure Coast. He had a great repertoire with the students, and he was able to connect with them on a level that goes beyond golf. Best of luck Coach Ben and we hope to see you out there with the juniors in the future.

Congrats Coach Gabbie

Congratulations Chapter Coach Gabbie Budd, LPGA on completing her Class A LPGA Certification!

Coach Gabbie has been an LPGA A2 professional since December 2020, and she has spent the last three years attending classes and seminars to complete her Class A. 

Her goal as an instructor is to grow the game that we all love, and through First Tee she has been able to accomplish this goal daily. She finds her role very rewarding, and she has committed herself to building Game Changers through the game of golf. 

We are so proud of Coach Gabbie and look forward to watching her grow in her career and as an integral part of our team.