Category: News

Five Years Going Strong At John Prince

The special needs classes at John Prince Golf Learning Center have been in full swing for well over five years with a volunteer staff and LPGA Master Professional, Nancy Stuart.

The special needs students are creating a new family of friends and finding the game to be rewarding and fulfilling both mentally and physically.  Through First Tee, these students have many opportunities available to them because of their involvement with our organization.

“Xavier has been in the program for the past 5 years and the confidence he has acquired from his golf skills has also transferred over into his basketball and bowling skills,” said Coach Nancy. “He is a team player and talks about his coaches and team members all the time.”

Franklin Academy Fall Scramble

Students from the Franklin Academy visited Dyer Park for a Fall Scramble.  Parents and kids enjoyed a great time going “fore” it on a beautiful fall afternoon at the Finnegan Learning Center.  Franklin Academy is a long-time partner of our Chapter and we offer after-school programs throughout the year.

Valentina Wins SFPGA Player Of The Year

Huge congratulations to Chapter student Valentina Guertin. She won the 2023 SFPGA Player of the Year in the 13-18 age division. She played in 11 SFPGA events and scored a total of 1,621.50 points to win the POY award.  Valentina’s goal is to play D1 college golf.

Volunteers With Chris Cupp

Coach Christopher Cupp would like to give a HUGE thank you to our All-Star high school volunteer coaches. For the past 2 months, these high schoolers (from left to right), Shayla Jacinthe, Janelle Cerenord, Maya Jos, and Hudson McDuff, have selflessly volunteered their time on Sunday mornings to help our participants with the fundamentals of the golf swing.  Each of these All-Stars bring unmatched energy to the class and leave a super-positive impression with the participants.  It is because of them that the program at AllGolf at C.B, Smith Park is such a success. Thank you for being the Game Changers that you are!

Veteran Spotlight: Derek Smith

Derek Smith, U.S. Airforce, has been playing golf for over 10 years and has participated in our programs for the last year at Eagle Trace Golf Club and Country Club in Coral Springs. 

When talking about his experience in our programs, he said: “It is such a great experience being able to meet with other veterans. A good balance of fun and friendly competition, and very well organized. Big thank you to all the coaches for their time, help and support, as we could not do this without you.”

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

Great Week At The TimberTech Championship

Our partnership with the PGA Champions Tour TimberTech Championship continues to grow.  This year our Coaches Gabbie Budd, LPGA and Nyla Sims accompanied students Emma Huber and Mia Baez to play in the Women’s Pro-Am on Monday of tournament week. The students spent the morning listening to a panel led by former LPGA Tour Player and current broadcaster Morgan Pressel. Emma and Mia were inspired by Morgan’s words, and both wish to continue her legacy by being fierce competitors on the course, and Game Changers off the course.   Our ladies team was paired with Chapter Director Ken Duke for the Pro-Am.  Ken made the experience one of a kind. Mia and Emma were both astonished by how straight and far the ball went when Ken hit it! 

On Thursday of tournament week 60 students, parents and coaches attended our first ever Junior Clinic at the TimberTech sponsored by ADT.  PGA Champions Tour player Tim O’Neal shared his life’s journey in professional golf, including the ups and downs.  He never gave up and used our core value of Perseverance to shape his life.  Tim impressed the crown with his incredibly long and straight shots into a 20-mph wind.  Some of the students also tried their hand at some shots on the range.  ADT handed out gift bags to all the students and Tim signed lots of autographs!

Mateo Muñiz attended the final round of The TimberTech Championship and had an awesome time. This was his first time attending a Champions Tour event and he had the opportunity to speak with Bob Toski, Ernie Els, Mike Weir, K.J. Choi, Jerry Kelly, David Toms, and 2022 TimberTech Champion, Bernhard Langer.

Isabella At Drive Your Future Academy

Chapter participant Isabella Rubio was of 24 female students selected to attend the First Tee Drive Your Future Academy in San Francisco, California. About her trip experience, Isabella said “The week was full of insightful lessons and experiences that will last a lifetime!” 

Isabella had the opportunity to play at two of the finest courses in California in Lake Merced and Golden Gate Par 3. She won the closest to the pin contest from 118 yards, sticking it 6 inches from the hole. She also ran into Lydia Ko at Lake Merced where she was finishing a practice session, which to Isabella, was a dream come true!

Isabella gave back to the community by visiting the Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center. This center gives back to those with developmental disabilities and provides them with a second family. The girls spent time with the students from the Rehabilitation Center and taught them about the great game of golf.

“It was a great day to give back and put smiles on everyone’s faces,” said Isabella.

The girls also took a road trip to Muir Woods, where they hiked up the treacherous mountains for a spectacular view. After, they went to downtown Sausalito and enjoyed a delicious Italian meal while enjoying the beautiful sunset. The trip was finished off with a bay cruise that passed right under the Golden Gate Bridge. 

“I’m so honored to represent First Tee – Broward and so grateful for this experience,” said Isabella.

First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere is a female empowerment event recognizing young women who are motivated to influence positive impact at their chapters, schools, and communities. The five-day academy experience focuses on the importance of building a strong network and how to approach mentorship opportunities, navigating post-graduation and career planning, and appreciating the value/impact of volunteerism. The selected teens have an opportunity to participate in activity-based workshops with female industry leaders in technology, STEM, and business development, as well as a golf outing.