Category: News

For the third year in a row, we hosted the 8th grade field day for Samuel Gaines Academy at the Westside Chip and Putt Complex—and what a day it was!

More than 100 enthusiastic students joined us for a morning of fun, fresh air, and their first introduction to golf. For many, it was their very first time to ever hold a golf club.  It took some time to get comfortable, but their excitement was contagious. By the end of the day, students were making solid contact and celebrating their progress.

We are passionate about more than just golf—we’re focused on building game changers. We use golf as a vehicle to teach life skills, confidence, and core values that students can carry with them on and off the course. Field days like this are the perfect opportunity to introduce youth to a new sport in a welcoming, supportive environment.

A big thank you to the teachers and staff who helped make the day possible—and to the students, who reminded us all how fun it is to try something new.

Chapter student Alyssa Cleckly turned heads at the South Florida Junior Prep Tour held at Hammock Creek. Alyssa delivered an outstanding performance, finishing the tournament tied for first place.

Thanks to her impressive play, Alyssa has earned a well-deserved spot in the upcoming Florida Girls Regional.  Both her father and everyone at First Tee are immensely proud of Alyssa’s accomplishments. Her hard work and positive attitude continue to pay off.

We recently partnered with Weatherbee Elementary School, United Way, and the Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County for an unforgettable day of golf and fun. With 20 enthusiastic students ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade, the event introduced them to the game of golf through four exciting activity stations.

Coach Jenna led students through full swing basics and Coach Abelina focused on chipping skills. Coach Trevor brought the action indoors with a full swing virtual golf experience and Coach Gabbie Budd, LPGA, guided participants through the fundamentals of pitching.

The students had an absolute blast! They kept asking: “When is First Tee coming back?” That is certainly what we like to hear.

SHOUT OUT to United Way for the program grant and the Boys & Girls Club of St. Lucie County for helping create such a fun day.

Community veterans enjoyed a very successful season at Champions Club for our Fore Freedom accessible programs. Lou Marino struggles with his back and used our Paragolfer to play. Ken and Laura Bianco had a great time attending multiple sessions. Kenny even started walking better through the lessons. Tom Doud, Phil Pizzingrilli, Tom Molloy, Al Macsuga enjoyed coming early to the class to putt and chip.

Since 1999, our Chapter has been serving our nation’s heroes.  Thank you for your service.  For more information on our veterans’ programs, please visit our website.

Over 90 board members from our 3 chapters and governing board of directors, staff, coaches, students and special guests attended our Spring Social & Meeting at PopStroke.  This event is a networking opportunity for everyone involved in our organization to spend time together getting to know one another and sharing ideas.

The event included an impressive and diverse panel of industry leaders discussing how the game and their businesses have changed since Covid.  The panel included (above left), Kathy Jorden (Membership Executive Apogee and Chapter Director), David Ladd, PGA (General  Manager Champions Club), Greg Nathan (CEO National Golf Foundation) and Tim Glita Chief People Officer Popstroke).

Enroll your children at one of our 10 Broward County Program Locations.

• All Golf at CB Smith Park
• The Bridges at Springtree
• The Club at Weston Hills
• Cooper Colony
• Country Club of Coral Springs
• Davie Golf Club
• Eagle Trace GC
• Palm-Aire CC
• Pompano Beach GC
• TOPGOLF- Pompano

We recently wrapped up our spring season with Love Our Nation. A big thanks to The Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches who provided the students with hats, books, and golf balls.  

Love Our Nation is a nonprofit that serves the Dania Beach community.  Their mission is to educate and empower youth with life skills that will enable them to be healthy and productive contributors in creating a more prosperous and loving community. The key initiatives of Love Our Nation are focused on the areas of Health, Education and Preservation of the Environment.

We are excited to announce a brand-new partnership with the PACE Center for Girls in Fort Lauderdale.

This exciting collaboration brings the life skills and values of golf, such as patience, respect, and perseverance, to the amazing young women at PACE. Through fun, engaging lessons on and off the course, our Coaches will be working alongside PACE to empower these girls with confidence and character that lasts a lifetime.

It’s more than just golf. It’s about creating opportunities, building relationships, and making a positive impact where it matters most.

We are so proud to share a fantastic milestone from Haley Fernandez.  She is a dedicated student and competed in her first-ever Junior Golf Association tournament. And she went out and WON FIRST PLACE!

Haley stepped onto the course with confidence, composure, and that signature First Tee spirit, and then absolutely crushed it. With steady swings, cool nerves, and a smile that lit up the fairway, Haley reminded us of all what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

From her very first session with us, Haley stood out, not just because of her talent, but because of her heart, work ethic, and quiet determination. Whether she is helping pick up balls on the range, cheering on fellow students, or asking thoughtful questions to improve her game, Haley leads by example in every way.

Way to go Haley! This is only the beginning, and we cannot wait to see what is next.

We have officially teed off programming at a brand-new location: the Harold Reitman Boys & Girls Club in Fort Lauderdale.

With 20 energetic and curious young golfers ready to roll, we dove right into a mix of team-building exercises and an introduction to putting fundamentals. From forming connections in group challenges to perfecting their putting stances and strokes, these incredible students showed enthusiasm, focus, and lots of laughter along the way.

The Harold Reitman Unit buzzed with excitement as putters rolled, friendships formed, and our values of respect, confidence, and perseverance, began to take root.

Rock Island Elementary School recently invited Coach Luis Damas, our Program Director to come speak with the students for Career Day. Coach Luis spoke about golf, our programs, and the many possibilities for a career in golf.

The fairways are alive with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of camaraderie as our Fore Freedom veterans’ class is underway at AllGolf at C.B. Smith Park.

Every week, veterans come together to sharpen their golf skills, reconnect, recharge, and enjoy the game in a supportive and energizing environment. Whether it is their first time picking up a club or they are seasoned players working on their game, this group proves that golf is more than just a sport, it’s a community.

Camaraderie is abundant, and so is the motivation. With every swing, chip, and putt, there’s encouragement, shared stories, and plenty of laughs. It’s a special kind of magic when veterans bring their discipline, focus, and heart to the course.