Category: News

FUN WITH COACH TREVOR

Coach Trevor makes a meaningful impact by teaching golf at the new Boys & Girls Club of Greater Stuart. After benefiting from our program as a young player, Trevor has joined our team as a Coach to give back to the next generation of golfers. His goal is not just to teach the game but to instill the core values and life skills that helped shape his journey.

The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Stuart has quickly become a hub for local youth, and the addition of golf to its offerings is a major highlight. His coaching approach focuses on fostering camaraderie, patience, and focus.

As the program continues to grow, Coach Trevor is excited to see the lasting impact golf has on these kids, helping them develop skills and values that will benefit them for years to come.

ARC AT CHAMPIONS CLUB

Coach Dave Fleck is a dedicated advocate for empowering individuals through the game of golf. Recently, he extended his expertise and passion by working with adults from Martin County ARC at Champions Club, a local organization that provides services for individuals with special needs.

The program is designed to foster life skills and personal growth through the sport of golf. He has proven to be a perfect fit for these participants. Coach Fleck’s patience and compassionate approach have created an environment where every individual can thrive. Whether learning the fundamentals of the game or focusing on teamwork, Coach Fleck’s guidance emphasizes self-confidence, patience, and perseverance.

“Golf is about much more than just hitting a ball,” said Coach Fleck. “It’s about building relationships, encouraging one another, and learning the importance of staying positive through any challenge.”

VETERAN SPOTLIGHT: DIANNE SHAW

Dianne Shaw is a dedicated veteran and active participant at our Indian Hills program. With 25 years of service in the Army Reserve, Dianne brings a strong sense of discipline and determination to her golf sessions at Indian Hills.

Beyond her passion for golf, Dianne volunteers her time with several organizations in Fort Pierce, including the local sheriff’s department and a cat rescue. Her diverse experiences and unwavering spirit make her a delight to be around on and off the course. Thank you for your service and continued dedication to serving our community!

THAT’S US AT TGL!

For the inaugural TGL season, our students have stepped onto the TGL stage as official ball runners, embodying the values of teamwork, perseverance, and fun in every match.  Each match features eight First Tee students and two staff members working the entire live broadcast.  Check them out on national TV dressed in all dark blue.

Pictured above left: Chapter students after a match with the winning LA Golf Club team of Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose and Sahith Theegala.

Pictured above middle: Chapter students and staff in front of the big screen.  

Pictured above right: Chapter students with Atlanta Drive GC team owner and First Tee Trustee, Arthur Blank.

Six TGL teams representing six different cities are going head-to-head in a season-long competition at SoFi Center, a first-of-its-kind venue built specifically for TGL on the campus of Palm Beach State College. Matches air on ESPN and ESPN+ in the U.S. with every shot live and all the players mic’d up, bringing unprecedented access to the competition for golf fans.

MISS YOU DAN BAKER

Our game lost a great friend way too early.  The late Dan Baker, PGA, serves as an inspiring reminder of what it means to truly dedicate oneself to a passion. His impact on the PGA of America and the broader golf community was profound and far-reaching, marked by his kindness and commitment to uplifting those around him. Dan didn’t just love the game; he devoted his life to ensuring it was accessible to everyone.

To honor Dan’s life, the PGA of America REACH Foundation, and the South Florida PGA Section are pleased to share the establishment of a PGA Jr. League Opportunity League endowed in Dan’s name at The Park in West Palm Beach, Florida. Please scan the QR code above or visit www.pgareach.org/dan-baker-pga-jr-league to donate in honor Dan’s memory.

CHAPTER DONATES GOLF CLUBS TO NIGERIA

Professional caddie Abimbola ‘Bebe’ Olakanye recently visited our Chapter and asked if we could help by donating some of our golf club inventory.  Of course, our answer was “Yes!” and many of our donated clubs are on their way to Nigeria.

BeBe Golf Academy is dedicated to the growth and development of kids and adults by providing educational programs that introduces them to golf in Nigeria. The driving force behind Bebe Golf Academy is to provide an avenue to help introduce kids and adults to golf in West Africa.  Core values such as integrity, honesty, courtesy, respect and good sportsmanship will be the foundation for students at Bebe Golf Academy.

FREE COGNIZANT CLASSIC TICKETS FOR VETS

The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is proud to honor the dedicated men and women of South Florida’s military community—active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. We are grateful for their service and sacrifice, and we look forward to celebrating them throughout the tournament!

Active duty, retired, reserve, National Guard members, and veterans verified through the military identification system, along with one dependent, will have access to claim complimentary digital tickets for Wednesday, February 26, as well as one competition day of the service member’s choice (Thursday, February 27 through Sunday, March 2), while supplies last.

Please visit the tournament website for more information and to claim your tickets.

100-HOLE RESULTS

CMAA announced that their charities raised an astounding $853,741 in the 2024 100-Hole Challenge!  Additionally, the CMAA golf tournament at BallenIsles added another $530,000, bringing their total to a record-breaking $1,383,741. With this accomplishment, CMAA has now raised over $10 million for their children’s charities since inception.

Our organization is one of the charities supported by the Seminole Region CMAA each year.  CMAA’s 100-Hole Challenge is now our largest fundraiser, impacting the lives of thousands of students and veterans each year.  In addition to the dollars we raised, CMAA awarded their supporting charities a generous check from their own fundraising efforts.  (Pictured above: Chapter staff with the CMAA Board of Directors.)

Last year’s winners supporting our Chapter were:

Top Club:  BallenIsles

Club Runners Up: Loxahatchee, Trump Jupiter, Hunter’s Run and Boca West

Top Company:  Lifetime Performance

Top Individuals: Justin and Jeremy Howard

Top Alumni Fundraisers: Tyler Mistretta and Sebastian Nachilly

Top High School Student Fundraiser: Hampton Beebe

Save the date for the 2025 Challenge: August 7th at the Palm Beach Par 3!

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. 

Certain restrictions apply. Drawing to be held March 3, 2025.  Please scan the QR code or visit our website to donate and for more information.

VOLUNTEER FOR COGNIZANT CLASSIC

Last year, many Chapter supporters helped us earn a grant from the tournament by volunteering in the merchandise tent.  We need your help again. Please email [email protected] to register.

And there are many other volunteer opportunities available.  The Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches is one of Palm Beach County’s marquee sports events. This PGA Tour event attracts the world’s best golfers, consisting of over 100 pro golfers competing over 72 holes at PGA National’s Champion Course. The Cognizant Classic attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators and Palm Beach County receives tremendous national and global media exposure in the sport industry and beyond.

Ready to volunteer? Please visit their website or scan the QR code to find out more!