Category: News

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. 

We enjoy our long partnership working with the students from the Connections school at Drive Shack. The Connections school is a nonprofit educational center that delivers high-quality, specialized instruction to students with autism in Palm Beach County. Through Connections, young people with autism have access to quality instruction, therapies, and care so they can achieve their full potential. Our organization began serving children with special needs in 1988.  It is still an important part of our mission and programs.

Chapter participant Londyn Leon from our Keiser College of Golf program took first place at the SFPGA tournament at PGA Golf Club at PGA Village. Londyn is 9 years old and despite living with spinal bifida, she still competes against her able-bodied peers.

“Very impressive few months for our students,” said Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta Jr.  “Tournament wins, District and Regional wins and a State title.  Well done!  We are so proud of our players and coaches.”

Chapter students and sisters, Valentina and Angelina Guertin, helped the FAU High School Girls Golf Team win the State title with a seven-shot victory over a stacked field of teams in the 1A Division.

Valentina also won the SFPGA event at Mariner Sands with a two-shot victory in difficult windy conditions.  Both girls have recently started caddying at the Country Club of Florida.

Congratulations to three of Glen Beaver Golf’s students, Keira Harper, Thomas Nevico, and Annika Collado for advancing to 2023 Regionals at their respective high schools. Coach Glen and the rest of the chapter are very proud!

Congratulations to all our Game Changers!

Chapter Participant Zoe Shamy won her second victory on the SFPGA Jr. Tour with a 6-stroke victory at Osprey Point with rounds of 69-68.  The victory vaulted Zoe into contention for player of the year.  Wylie Inman fired 72-66 to finish third in the boys division.  In the final round, he hit all 18 greens for a bogey free round.

The Jupiter Girls Golf Team, coached by our Director of Program Development Emily Valentine and features chapter students Zoe Shamy, Keala Richichi, Madyson Barone, Mikayla Evans and Makenna Bernstein won Districts and Regionals to advance to the State tournament. 

The Palm Beach Gardens Boys Golf Team coached by Coach Tami Blanks won Districts, finished third at Regionals and advanced to the State tournament.  Chapter students Wylie Inman, Jake Kutner and Henry Kuehne play on the Gardens team.  Wylie shot 68 at the The Park West Palm to lead his team and take the individual title.  Jake’s great play at Regionals and State led to him being awarded Player of the Week honors by Land Rover Palm Beach and ESPN.

It is the giving time of year.  Our Annual Appeal features a raffle for 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. 

Certain restrictions apply. Drawing to be held March 4, 2024. Winner will book their trip directly with Pebble Beach Resorts. The winning certificate does not expire, and the golf and room rates are valid for one year.

For example: $300 donation = 3 chances to win.

Enter Now!