Category: News

PGA Tour Is Coming To Town

Our local PGA Tour event held at PGA National is right around the corner February 29th through March 3rd. We welcome a new sponsor, Cognizant, in 2024.  Check out all the incredible options to engage with the largest sporting event in Palm Beach County.

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

Play where the Pros play!!  We have a few foursomes left to play in our Monday after the Cognizant tournament.

The Champion Course at PGA National will be set up in the same conditions with the same pin placements as the PGA Tour event’s championship Sunday.

EVENT FORMAT: 18 Holes, Four Player Teams One Best-Ball Event. Play Your Own Ball (Not a scramble). Prizes will be awarded for Gross and Net Divisions.  Special tee locations will be assigned for Seniors, Ladies and Juniors. 

TIME:    11:45am Registration, warm-up and continental breakfast., 1:00pm Shotgun Start. Limited Field to ensure a fast pace of play. 

For information and registration, please review the tournament invitation.

Last Chance To Enter The Pebble Beach Raffle!

Help us support the thousands of children and veterans we serve each year.  Our Pebble Beach Raffle features a chance to win a trip to play Pebble Beach!  For every $100 donated, you will be entered to win a 3-night stay at the Lodge at Pebble Beach (includes two Garden View rooms) and a foursome to play one round at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The prize package also includes $1,500 towards airfare, trip expenses, etc.

Visit pebbleraffle.com to enter.

Certain restrictions apply. Drawing to be held March 4, 2024.  Please visit our website at firstteepalmbeaches.org or scan the QR code to donate and for more information.

Moc’s Win For 3rd Time

Chapter alumni Tyler Mistretta helped the #11 ranked Florida Southern Moccasins claim the team title as the host school at their tournament, the Matlock Collegiate, at Lone Palm Golf Club. They posted a five-shot victory over Nova Southeastern.  After a two under round of 70 in the second round, Tyler closed with a final round 74 in 30 mph winds to post the low score for his team in the final round.  He finished in T12th as an individual with rounds of 76-70-74.  Tyler led the field in total pars with 38 and posted an eagle in the second round.

Veteran Spotlight: Devin Shaw

Congrats to veteran Devin Shaw, who has completed training to become a First Tee Level 1 Certified Coach. He is starting his own veteran’s class at Drive Shack and Belle Glade Municipal Golf Course this year. 

Sponsor Spotlight: BallenIsles Charities Foundation

The BallenIsles Charities Foundation was established in 2011 with the goal of Making a Difference to local not-for-profit organizations in areas surrounding their residential community located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Their mission is to render financial and in-kind support to civic and not-for-profit organizations within Palm Beach County that provide programs and services designed to assist, encourage, and promote the well-being of the residents and the communities in which they are located.

Our Chapter sincerely thanks the BallenIsles Charities Foundation and the members of the club for their continued support of our programs over the last 12 years. Their generosity provides a far-reaching impact to so many in Palm Beach County.

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.