Category: News

The power of playing golf met the promise of potential as a group of bright, energetic kids from the Children’s Services Council of Martin County (CSCMC) joined us for an unforgettable experience on the course. Under the enthusiastic guidance of Coach Joe Gerard, the young participants dove into a week of fun, hands-on learning designed to introduce them to the game of golf and so much more.

Throughout the program, the kids learned the fundamentals of golf, from perfecting their swings to practicing their driving and engaging in interactive, confidence-building games. But beyond the technical skills, they discovered something far greater: the courage to step outside their comfort zones, the confidence that comes with progress, and the joy of trying something new alongside peers and mentors who believed in them.

Special thanks to the unwavering support and vision of CSCMC, an organization committed to helping every child thrive. These children enjoyed the opportunity to grow in ways that extend far beyond the golf course.

It was more than just a week of golf. It was a celebration of growth, resilience, and the incredible potential that lives within every child.

Coach Caleb Funke led a fun and engaging program for junior golfers with Martin County Parks and Rec REACH at Sailfish Sands Golf Course. Held in their state-of-the-art hitting bays, the session focused on teaching the students how to swing properly and with confidence. The juniors were excited to learn and had a great time practicing their new skills. It was a fantastic morning filled with energy, learning, and plenty of smiles. Everyone wanted to stay and keep hitting shots all day!

The Fort Pierce Police Department recently hosted its 7th annual Unity in Our Community event, an afternoon dedicated to fun, connection, and bringing neighbors together. We were proud to be part of the celebration, with Coaches Gabbie Budd, LPGA and Jenna Misset leading one of the day’s most popular activities: golf darts!

Kids of all ages lined up for a chance to test their aim, swinging toward a giant inflatable dartboard in hopes of hitting the bullseye. Whether they were seasoned players or trying out golf for the first time, everyone was eager to take a shot. Before each swing, Coach Jenna offered quick tips on proper grip and stance, helping participants feel confident, comfortable, and welcome.

While the golf darts activity kept the energy high, Coach Gabbie took time to share more about our mission: using the game of golf to teach life skills such as respect, perseverance, and confidence.

Coach Dave Fleck proudly represented our chapter’s FORE Freedom programs at the Veterans Golf Association’s (VGA) Senior Regional Championship in Georgia. Coach Dave, a U.S. military veteran and longtime supporter of the veteran community, traveled alongside Coach Devin Shaw to take part in this prestigious event.

The VGA is dedicated to enriching the lives of veterans and their families through the game of golf, making Coach Dave’s participation especially meaningful. As a veteran himself, he not only embodies the mission of the VGA, but lives it every week through his leadership of our FORE Freedom class, a free, veteran-focused golf program hosted every Tuesday at Indian Hills Golf Course in Fort Pierce. The class provides a supportive and inclusive space for veterans to enjoy the game, connect with fellow service members, and experience the many physical and emotional benefits of golf.

“Being part of the VGA Regional Championship was an incredible honor,” Coach Dave shared. “Golf has given me so much, and it’s a privilege to play the game alongside fellow veterans who share a love for both our country and this sport.”

Are you in? Donate Now!

To register to play, please contact [email protected]

The Youth on Course membership enables young people 18 and under to gain access to play rounds of golf for $5 or less at thousands of courses and opportunities to succeed off the course through various programs. Financial assistance is available. Please visit the YOC website to register.

The 2026 U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) Grant application is open!  The grant provides up to $15,000 in reimbursements for families of competitive junior golfers demonstrating financial need and exceptional potential to progress through the USNDP Development Pathway.

Selected families are reimbursed for qualifying expenses—tournament fees, travel, equipment, practice/green fees, and coaching. Recipients also receive free access to the Accel Golf stat-tracking app and exclusive athlete development webinars led by the USNDP Coaching and Athlete Development team!

The application window will be open until October 31, 2025.  To learn more about the USNDP Grant, click HERE.

Identical webinars will be held throughout the summer to give families across the country multiple opportunities to prepare for the application, learn more about this opportunity, and participate in a live Q&A. Attend whichever session fits your schedule. Register HERE.

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 have proudly partnered with the YMCA of Hallandale to introduce the game of golf to 160 enthusiastic kids in a single day! Coaches Chris Cupp, PGA and Luis Damas led the charge, turning the YMCA fields into an interactive, fun filled learning ground where learning and confidence took center stage.

With golf clubs in hand and big smiles, the children participated in fun and engaging activities designed to teach the basics of the game while highlighting our core values. From grip drills to putting games, every child had a chance to explore the sport in an environment rooted in encouragement and play.

Teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward attended a recent golf program at Topgolf Pompano. The 14 teens with the Jim Moran Teen Center attended Topgolf for great fun in the hitting bays. Thanks to Coach Robert Ferzoco, these teens had a blast testing their driver skills.

The students stayed for appetizers and beverages before heading back to their club in Deerfield Beach.

Special thanks to the Topgolf team for donating the hitting bays and welcoming our group. Also, thank you Donteea Dye Jr., the BGC Teen Center Director, for coordinating the program with us.

We are holding four golf clinics at Palm-Aire Country Club for the Essential Learning Center.

Essential Learning Center is designed to create a healthy, safe environment for children to play, socialize, and engage with others. Their summer camps provide a balance of structured leaning and recreational activities, allowing children to unwind and recharge while preparing them for the upcoming academic year.

Coaches Luis Damas and Robert Ferzoco teach the golf clinics with the help of ELC staff and councilors.

Thank you to Palm-Aire Country Club and Rody Gomez, Director of Operations, for the continued support.

From Congaree to the First Tee National Championship.

“My week at Congaree was truly unforgettable. I learned the value of lifelong friendships, the power of networking, and gained meaningful insights into the college golf journey. I connected with 20 other students from across the U.S., as well as a few international participants. One of my closest connections was with a girl named Ximena, whom I later saw again at the First Tee National Championship. Since we were all staying in the same house, it was easy to build relationships and learn about each other’s cultures and backgrounds.”

“At Congaree, beyond friendships, I significantly improved my networking skills. I met people from across the country—PGA professionals, those working in other golf-related roles, and others who simply love the game. Through these conversations, I learned how golf can serve as a bridge to deeper connections, as it reveals a lot about someone’s character. We were also introduced to mentors such as PGA coaches, mental coaches, and putting coaches, and we received valuable information about the college recruiting process and various pathways in collegiate golf.”

“One of the highlights of the week was playing all 18 holes at the stunning yet challenging Congaree Golf Club during the Congaree Cup. I was proud to win the tournament with a score of 77 and later won the shootout alongside my teammate DJ from Canada. Competing at such a high level boosted both my golf game and my self-confidence. Giving two speeches after those wins was intimidating, but it helped me grow personally and professionally.”

The First Tee National Championship brings together First Tee’s top players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play under pressure at the collegiate and/or next level. The First Tee National Championship is played at acclaimed college campuses, including Clemson University, Notre Dame and Stanford University, and is the only national event that is purely tournament golf.

This year’s event was held at the Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame. Elisa finished 19th.