Category: News

First Tee karma definitely exists. Just a few weeks before the U.S. Open, Chapter Director John Hahn let staff know that PGA TOUR professional and local resident Matt Fitzpatrick had golf clothes and equipment to donate to our Chapter. The donation included hats, shirts, shoes and other equipment.

A few weeks later, Matt went on to win the U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Congrats on the historic win Matt and thank you for donating to the students of First Tee!

Pictured above left: Students from PBSO Police Athletic League were each given a Workday hat donated by Matt.

Wiley “Coyote” Inman won a SFPGA Medalist Tour Event! He won in a playoff after posting 73-70 for a one under two-day total at Osprey Point on the Raven/Falcon course. This was Coyote’s first win since he moved up to the SFPGA’s top junior division. 

The Coyote followed the SFPGA win by firing rounds of 72-68 to clinch a spot in the Junior PGA Championships to be conducted at Cog Hill in Palos Park, Illinois in August.

“Very proud of the Coyote,” said Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta. “Even more impressive is that he is notching these victories against the older players. He just finished eighth grade and will start high school in the fall and play on the Palm Beach Gardens High golf team.”

Wylie has also been volunteering as a Junior Assistant Coach with our summer camp programs at Dyer Park. 

Keep it up Coyote. We think you might have found your lucky hat!

Jayda Dookie represented our Chapter at the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy in San Francisco. This is an all-girls event that focused on leadership development, remaining active in the game of golf, learning the value/impact of volunteerism, and recognizing the importance of teamwork. 

Jayda described her experience at the event:

“This academy was very engaging. It was an eye-opening experience. The academy featured mostly female guest speakers and they discussed different skills and gave us background on the different paths life might take us on. They offered informative discussions on how to market ourselves for college admissions and our future. We also had lots of fun. We volunteered at the Pomeroy Center, which helps with rehabilitation and education for people with disabilities. We spent a few hours teaching people how to play golf. I was very proud to make a difference in their lives. We went sightseeing at Muir Woods and took a boat tour around the Bay.  We played The Olympic Club, home of the 2012 U.S Open and 2021 Women’s Open. I just loved the course. I am so grateful to the First Tee and John Deere for the opportunity. I hope many more young women enjoy this experience next year. It really was life changing!

Our Chapter has recently welcomed a new Trustee family. 

Longtime supporters Jeffrey and Marion Webster (pictured above) support our chapter through the Webster Family Foundation. Jeff’s father, John A. Webster Jr, along with his wife Ann, established the foundation, which has generously contributed to many important causes, including the Orchard House, the New England Veterinary Medical Association and the New Bedford Whaling Museum. John was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Nashawtuc Country Club and the Johns Island Club. 

Jeff and Marion have continued the tradition of the Webster Family Foundation with a Trustee pledge. Jeff and Marion are dedicated golfers and are looking forward to attending their first Trustee meeting this fall at Pebble Beach.

Summer camps and programs in full swing. Register now!

Our program locations include: 
• Commons Park Golf Learning Center
• Drive Shack
• John Prince Golf Learning Center
• The Golf Club of Jupiter 
• Keiser University Golf Coaching Center
• Madison Green Country Club
• Michael B. Finnegan Learning Center – Dyer Park
• North Palm Beach Country Club
• Okeeheelee Golf Course
• Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course
• Park Ridge Golf Course
• Southwinds Golf Course
• Westchester Country Club
• The Village Golf Club
For more information and to register, please visit our website.

Chapter alumnus Tyler Mistretta shot three under par for two days at Hobe Sound Golf Club to qualify for the U.S. Amateur.  This was his first attempt to qualify for the U.S. Amateur. 

He shot even par in his first round. During round two, he started off hot with an eagle on the first hole. He stayed red-hot with five birdies over the next seven holes for a 32 on the front nine. He closed with a 37 on the back with eight pars and a single bogey for his final round of 69. Chapter Program Director Zack Anderton caddied for the second round.

Tyler earned the second of two spots to advance to the U.S. Amateur at the Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J. August 15th to 21st. Nearly 8,000 players from around the world tried to qualify for one of the 312 available spots in the tournament. The 312 players will play a two-day stroke play tournament to narrow the field to 64 players to compete in match play to determine the eventual champion.

“This is simply unbelievable!” exclaimed Tyler.  “So many people help make this happen from my parents, First Tee staff, the SFPGA, FSGA and AJGA, Jack Nicklaus, Bob Ford, my high school coaches to Coach White and my teammates at Florida Southern, Ed Humenick my swing coach, Drake Kelso my club fitter and Stephen Sweeney my putting coach.  I just cannot thank all the people that have helped me achieve this goal in my first attempt.”

Tyler is going into his sophomore year at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. He is a member of the Mocs golf team and is the first Florida Southern men’s golfer to play in the U.S. Amateur since Marc Dull in 2016.