Category: News

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.

Mentoring With Big Brothers Big Sisters

This fall, we teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters to bring golf to students at Pinewood Elementary School. Big Brothers Big Sisters focuses on pairing up a “Big” with a “Little” to provide the Littles with a positive role model and to give the Bigs an opportunity to be involved in their community. Coach Gabbie Budd, LPGA was a firsthand witness to the success of this program. Each week, the Littles were so excited to see their Bigs, and the Bigs felt the same way!

Fun With Martin County PAL

We recently partnered with the Martin County Police Athletic League (PAL) at Sailfish Sands Golf Course for a 6-week program. Each week, the participants learned golf and life skills we establish through the game. The students learned how to set and pursue goals.

For the final week of class, they had a fun celebration at the indoor hitting bays at Sailfish Sands! Coach Gabbie Budd, LPGA taught the program.  She was inspired by the kids’ excitement.  She was thrilled by the enthusiasm that the students demonstrated. We are so proud of these students and their commitment to being Game Changers.

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 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. After all, Palm Beach County is the golf capital of the world.”

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

Emily Joins The Golden Cubs

The mission of the Golden Cub Ambassador Club is to further the legacy of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation by providing annual support of programs and projects focused on the health and well-being of children and families.

Chapter Senior Program Director Emily Valentine joined the Golden Cubs (pictured above with Jack and Barbara Nicklaus and other GCAC members).

Friends of the Foundation ages 21 to 45 are invited to join the Golden Cub Ambassador Club, because together we can make a difference #ForetheChildren! 100% of the funds raised will be distributed annually to a program or project in support of children’s health care as voted on by the membership.

West Palm Beach 100 Partnership

Chapter staff, students and Directors attended the West Palm 100 event at Drive Shack.  West Palm 100 is a social and civic organization comprised of like-minded individuals that are dedicated to supporting West Palm Beach’s children, families, and neighborhoods through the donation of time, money, and people power.  They host a monthly ‘Happy Hour for a Cause’ at various West Palm Beach establishments, with the proceeds donated to our monthly local charity of choice.  The event and raffle raised over $1,000 to support our mission and programs.

Broken Sound Golf Ball Drive

The children of Director of Golf Jeffrey Waber at the Old Course at Broken Sound performed over 6 hours of community service by conducting a Golf Ball Donation Drive to support our Chapter. Camile and Ethan collected over 1,400 golf balls.

“Wow!” exclaimed Executive Director Carl Mistretta Jr. “I knew it was a great idea by Camile and Ethan to have the donation drive as the members of Broken Sound have always been great supporters of our children and veterans. But 1,400 balls is unbelievable! Great job Camile and Ethan.”

Thank You Scotch And Sharks

Chapter Program Director Zack Anderton and Director of Operations Darrell Bock, PGA attended the end of year event for the Scotch and Sharks organization. It was an amazing event with food, drinks, and live music for their community partners and to announce their end of year donations. Scotch and Sharks surprised us with an incredible $15,000 donation!

Scotch & Sharks host events to cultivate relationships and let business flow organically.  Loosen up the tie, or even better lose it altogether.  Scotch & Sharks is by invitation only and proudly entertains South Florida’s executives and professionals who align with our values: Community. Integrity. Comradery.

Spotlight: Corey Sturgis

Chapter alumnus and former coach Corey Sturgis is now excelling as an Admissions Counselor for Everglades University. Corey is changing the lives of many students utilizing his confidence and leadership skills to excel in his career. 

According to Corey, “First Tee helped me become well-respected by continually displaying integrity and good judgement both on and off the golf course.” 

Corey will also have completed his Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Florida in May 2024. We are proud that Corey continues to be a Game Changer by demonstrating his passion for education.