Category: News

Alexander Beats All The Odds

According to Alexander Duque’s parents, our First Tee programs with Coach Chris Cupp, PGA have been the pathway to self-confidence and personal pride for him.

Having been born a preemie in 2015, Alexander had already overcome many adversities. In 2021, he survived a craniotomy from a head injury. “We are in a debt of gratitude for the love and care of the NICU Doctors at Baptist Hospital as well as the Surgical Doctors and staff at Nicklaus Children’s Hospitals,” said Leticia Castro, Alexander’s mother. 

As a consequence of his medical history all doctors advised against Alexander playing contact sports. This was hard to hear. How were they to keep their child active and safe without sports? That is when his parents found First Tee with Coach Chris at CB Smith Park. It was an immediate perfect fit.  Alexander was won over to golf on his first day when he met Coach Chris.

“Coach Chris brings a generous and welcoming spirit. This spirit is evidenced by Coach’s enthusiasm and love every time he leads a lesson or class,” said Jaz Duque, Alexander’s father.

Since joining First Tee, Alexander has found a good role model in Professional Golfer Rory McIlory. Alexander loves Rory and especially Rory’s St. Bernard Dog Golf Club Driver Head Cover. Through an online search, Alexander discovered that Rory has had a St. Bernard all his life. As soon as Alexander discovered Rory, he wanted his own set of golf clubs.

Now instead of only playing video games he also watches YouTube videos learning about Rory’s life, his training schedule and his golf stroke. Alexander is quite focused on copying Rory’s swing. When not in class, Alexander is adamant about teaching mom and dad how to play golf.

Visit our website to register for one of Coach Chris’ programs.

Enter To Win A North Carolina Golf Trip

The Tee Times Magazine is giving away a mountain golf trip that includes a three-night stay at Rumbling Bald Resort and three rounds of golf for your foursome at Bald Mountain Golf Course

The winning foursome will enjoy three days, three-nights at the prestigious Rumbling Bald Resort rated one of the top courses in North Carolina by Golf Channel’s Golf Advisor.

Trip Details:

  • Drawing will be held on May 1st, 2023
  • Winners will receive one standard fairway villa at Rumbling Bald Resort for three nights
  • Winners also receive three rounds of golf for four golfers at Bald Mountain Golf Course.
  • Travel expenses not included.
  • Only one e-mail address per entry
  • ENTER NOW!

Ocean Village Comes Together For First Tee

The Ladies Friendship Day Tournament of Ocean Village came together to raise $5,760 for our chapter! They are also initiating an ongoing Club Drive for us.

The community thoroughly enjoyed meeting Coach Gabbie and watching her presentation on how we serve the children and veterans of the Treasure Coast.

Wylie Attends Honda Trophy Ceremony

Wylie’s recent victory at the Junior Honda Classic meant he was invited to the 18th green for the awards ceremony and to meet 2023 Champion Chris Kirk.  Pictured above: Wylie and Chapter Executive Carl Mistretta pose for a picture on the 18th green in front of the big screen!

Chapter Supporters Play The Monday After Tourney

Monday after the Honda, our Chapter conducted our annual golf tournament where our donors, supporters, alumni and students play the Sunday pins from our local PGA Tour event.  A few crazy people even played the pro tees!

“The course was in great shape, the greens were fast and we hit the same shots the pros did,” said Chapter student Sara Valentine.  “I cannot believe Coach Connie invited me to play this year.  It was so much fun.”

The players gathered for awards and dinner after the tournament and the highlight of the day was Chapter students sharing their experiences, trips and awards from First Tee.

Monday after the Honda tournament results were as follows:

LOW GROSS

1st – Mike Gazlay and Bobby Collins (67)  (pictured above left)

2nd – Wylie Inman and Eddie Nathan (67)

3rd – Sam Carraher and Benny Ossi (68)

LOW NET

1st – Ethan Glasband and Eric Glasband (56)  (pictured above middle)

2nd – Matthew Enochs and John Webb (61)

3rd – Bill Inman and Wayne Sanders (62)

Closest to the Hole #5 – J.F. Kilcullen

Closest to the Hole #7 – James Witteck

Closest to the Hole #15 – Tony Chateauvert

Closest to the Hole #17 – Byron White

Haady, Cortez, And Davis Serve As PGA Tour Course Reporters

On Thursday of tournament week, Chapter students Haady Elneser, Cortez Ramirez and Davis Lucas were selected as this year’s inside the ropes PGA Tour Junior Course Reporters.  They were given special media credentials, toured the Tim Rosaforte Media Center and learned about camera work and reporting from ESPN’s and WPTV’s sports anchors Theo Dorsey and Tyree Smith. They explored camera duties, the interview process, and were granted inside the ropes credentials.

Pratt & Whitney Continues Support Of Veterans’ Programs

For the tenth consecutive year, Pratt & Whitney has funded a generous grant benefitting our veterans’ programs. Pratt & Whitney staff presented the big check Thursday morning of tournament week to our veterans and Coaches in the Patriots Outpost (the tournament’s military appreciation tent sponsored by Pratt & Whitney).  Hundreds of other veterans were also in attendance. 

“Pratt & Whitney’s incredible generosity has allowed our veterans golf programs to grow each year,” said Chapter President Bobby Hendel. “We now have five program locations and this grant also provides for our nation’s heroes to play at local golf courses.”

Thank you to our veterans that attended for their service.  In honor of the men and women who have and are currently serving our nation, The Honda Classic in partnership with Pratt & Whitney offers complimentary tickets for Active Duty, Reservists, Retirees, their registered Dependents and Non-Retired Veterans Thursday through Sunday of tournament week.

Els For Autism Clinic

On Wednesday afternoon of Honda week, students from the Els Center of Excellence attended a special putting clinic.  The students received putting instruction from PGA Tour professionals Ben Crane, Vincent Norman and William McGirt while trying to sink some challenging putts set up by the Els and our Chapter Coaches.