Category: News

Enroll your children at one of our 10 Broward 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 are deeply honored to receive the Barbara A. Douglas & Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award, celebrating chapters that exemplify exceptional leadership and dedication to fostering inclusivity and expanding access within their communities. Nineteen Chapter staff and board members accepted the award on stage at the First Tee Network Summit in Phoenix with over 800 people from First Tee chapters worldwide in attendance.

In 2023, our Chapter’s participants were 63% ethnically diverse and 41% female. Through partnerships with other national organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, Police Athletic Leagues, Big Brothers Big Sisters, YMCAs, and local groups such as Project Lift and Martin County Parks & Rec, our chapter will proudly serve over 4,500 children and teens in 2024.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to Golf Digest for their generous support of First Tee and to First Tee HQ for recognizing our efforts with this prestigious award. Our unwavering commitment to equipping a diverse range of young people with life skills remains at the core of our mission.

“This was our first time receiving a national award from First Tee HQ,” said Chapter President Greg Thompson.  “And this is probably the most difficult award to win.  I am so proud of our staff, coaches, students and my fellow board mem

We’re proud to announce a new partnership with TGL! This season, our students will step onto the TGL stage as official ball runners, embodying the values of teamwork, perseverance, and fun in every match.

TGL presented by SoFi is an innovative golf league in partnership with the PGA Tour fusing advanced tech and live action in prime time.

The season includes a total of 24 players with four players assigned to each of the six teams. Each TGL match features three players competing on each team in a two-hour team golf competition, offering a fresh approach to the sport with a focus on technology, innovation, and fan engagement.

A purpose-built venue called SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, combines a data-rich virtual course with a first-of-its-kind short game complex creating a unique experience for the fans in the stands and watching around the world. 

Our mission is to shape the lives of young players through golf, fostering character, confidence, and community. This month, we celebrate two outstanding participants who exemplify these values: Riley Fernandez and Maximillian Bennette.  Both were honored as Youth Athletes of the Month by the City of Sunrise.  Riley and Maximillian’s dedication, sportsmanship, and growth on and off the course have made them shining examples of what youth golf is all about.

The recognition ceremony, held in the presence of their proud parents and the Mayor of Sunrise, celebrated not just their athletic achievements but also the life skills and leadership qualities they have developed. 

“Congratulations to Riley and Maximillian,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr. “Your hard work and passion inspire us all, and we’re thrilled to see you representing First Tee with such distinction.”

We recently concluded our six-week winter special needs golf programs with Lion Star Academy. 21 children participated in the golf program. Coach Robert Ferzoco is teaching the class with the assistance of many of the Lion Star Academy staff. Special thanks to office manager Lisa Bennett for her help in coordinating and assisting in the program.

Lion Star Academy has transformed the lives of extraordinary students since 2005. LSA knows that every kid with special needs possesses a light that when nurtured, sparks a discovery of their unique gifts and talents.

Announcing the return of our Veterans Golf Classes in 2025! 

Starting in January, join us every Tuesday from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at AllGolf at CB Smith Park for an hour of fun, learning, and camaraderie. These sessions are completely free of charge for veterans and are designed to bring our community together through the game of golf.

Whether you are a seasoned golfer or picking up a club for the first time, these classes offer something for everyone. You’ll have a blast meeting new people, hitting range balls, and learning about the golf swing.

For more information or to sign up, contact Christopher Cupp at (404) 509-5555 or [email protected]. 

Veterans Robert Enquist, John Madden, Michael Chambers and Jonathan Sessa played in the monthly golf outing at Parkland Golf and Country Club with Veteran Outreach Director, Jack Bloomfield.

Special thanks to Parkland Golf and CC director of golf, Miles Harris, for hosting our nation’s heroes.

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.

Spirit Airlines’ Charitable Foundation has been a longtime supporter of our mission and programs.  The foundation believes change starts by giving back. Spirit is committed to inspiring positive change in the communities where we live and work. They invest in organizations that have a meaningful social impact on the lives of Children and Families, Service Members and the Environment, through Team Member volunteerism, monetary, and in-kind donations.

They believe every child should have a bright future, which is why they support and volunteer with organizations that focus on developing our next generation, such as First Tee – Broward. The foundation’s efforts improve children’s lives and their future opportunities to learn and grow and become successful members of their communities.

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

• Michael B. Finnegan Learning Center- Dyer Park
• Belle Glade Municipal Golf Club
• Boca Raton Golf and Racquet Club
• Commons Park Golf Learning Center
• John Prince Learning Center
• Golf Club of Jupiter
• Keiser University Golf Coaching Center
• Okeeheelee Golf Course
• Red Reef Golf Course
• Village Golf Club

We are deeply honored to receive the Barbara A. Douglas & Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award, celebrating chapters that exemplify exceptional leadership and dedication to fostering inclusivity and expanding access within their communities. Nineteen Chapter staff and board members accepted the award on stage at the First Tee Network Summit in Phoenix with over 800 people from First Tee chapters worldwide in attendance.

In 2023, our Chapter’s participants were 63% ethnically diverse and 41% female. Through partnerships with other national organizations such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, Police Athletic Leagues, Big Brothers Big Sisters, YMCAs, and local groups such as Project Lift and Martin County Parks & Rec, our chapter will proudly serve over 4,500 children and teens in 2024.

We extend heartfelt gratitude to Golf Digest for their generous support of First Tee and to First Tee HQ for recognizing our efforts with this prestigious award. Our unwavering commitment to equipping a diverse range of young people with life skills remains at the core of our mission.

“This was our first time receiving a national award from First Tee HQ,” said Chapter President Bobby Hendel.  “And this is probably the most difficult award to win.  I am so proud of our staff, coaches, students and my fellow board members as we all share in this incredible accomplishment.”

Chapter student Valentina Marie Guertin has committed to play college golf at Oklahoma- wow!  She has been on a fantastic run as she played in the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach and the First Tee National Championship late last year. Welcome to the SEC Valentina!

Chapter student Wylie Inman has committed to play college golf at the University of South Florida. Go Bulls! Wylie also finished in the Top 10 of the State Finals tournaments representing Dwyer High School.

“Just so proud of our high school students that continue on to college golf,” said Chapter CEO Carl Mistretta Jr.  “Add in Zoe committing to play at Tulsa and we hit the trifecta this year.  Watch out world, more to come!”