Category: News

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.

TRUGREEN Behind The Scenes Tour

Tuesday afternoon of tournament week Chapter participants were invited to a special behind the scenes tour of The Honda Classic sponsored by TRUGREEN.  The tour included the media center, inside the ropes access to the driving range and putting green and the ShotLink and GolfChannel trucks.

Women’s Leadership Forum At The Honda Classic

Chapter students, staff and Coaches attended the annual Women’s Leadership Forum presented by The Honda Classic Tuesday of tournament week. The forum was an enlightening and educational event attended by more than 350 women to participate in an engaging discussion on topics vital to their professional and personal development.

The leadership guest speaker was Shannon Miller, Seven-Time Olympic Medalist. Miller, who began competitive gymnastics at a young age and was just 15 years old at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games. She won five medals in the Barcelona and returned four years later to lead the United States to the team all-around gold medal at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.

Chapter female students Annika Collado, Jayda Dookie, Isabella Rubio, Maeva Adam, and Natalie Sosa with Coaches Connie Capanegra, Gabbie Budd, Nyla Sims, and Patty Cepeda-Russell enjoyed a wonderful breakfast while listening and asking questions of Sharon Miller.

Mardi Gras Fun At The TRUGREEN Junior Clinic

Tuesday of Honda week was also Mardi Gras.  Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta is a New Orleans native and took the opportunity to pass out beads and doubloons to all the kids and even a few adults.  Mistretta shared a few Mardi Gras facts with the crowd before the big show began.

Dennis Walters, and PGA Tour professional Andrew Kozan hosted our annual Junior Clinic sponsored by TRUGREEN.  The event began with Dennis and Gussie putting on their inspirational show of golf trick shots.  As always, the crowd was amazed.  Gussie even hit a few shots.  Does Dennis ever miss a shot?

Andrew grew up in South Florida and attended The King’s Academy and then played college golf at Auburn.  He talked to the kids and teens about challenges in his life and how he practices and manages his game to play professional golf.  He watched chapter student Mateo Muniz and alumnus Billy Reid hit some shots for the crowd.   Billy hit it far and Mateo hit it straight! 

Hot dogs and snacks were served to all that attended.  Over 100 juniors joined us for the clinic.  Thank you TruGreen for sponsoring our great partnership.