Category: News

 Speaking Of Jacie – She Is An Ace!

Before graduating high school, Jacie Goodman earned the highest level of accomplishment in First Tee- the ACE level.  To achieve ACE, students must complete an extensive program in four categories of college preparation, career exploration, improving their golf game and community service.  Jacie is the second student from our Chapter to achieve the ACE level.

“It means so much to me to complete the ACE level,” said Jacie.  “First Tee has opened so many doors for me.  I learned so much about college and possible careers through ACE.  I also volunteered at the Els School for Autism and improved my golf game because of the ACE program.”

Dos Mas Supports Jacie

Chapter supporter Jeremy Howard of Inlet Properties contacted our Chapter as he conducted his Dos Mas golf tournament.  Dos Mas is a two-person, two-club tournament held at Jupiter Dunes par-3 course.  Jeremy wanted to use the proceeds of the event to purchase a new set of clubs and golf bag for one of our students.  Chapter staff selected Jacie Goodman. She was fitted for her new clubs at PGA TOUR Superstore. Jacie is now attending the University of Michigan where she plans on playing lots of golf with her new set!

Veteran Spotlight – Devin Shaw

Devin Shaw, U.S. Army, found a passion for golf through his time at our Chapter. Through our veterans’ golf programs, he made new friends with other veterans and improved his golf game. When he first started, he scored around 100. But after attending our veteran lessons and working with our Program Coordinator, Zack Anderton, he broke 80 for the first time. 

With his passion for golf, Shaw enjoys sharing this experience with his fellow veterans. He is planning to take groups of veterans out to play golf at local courses with the help of our Chapter. 

Our nation’s heroes enjoy our golf programs with generous funding from Pratt & Whitney and the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation.

Each week, we deliver golf programs to many local veterans. We provide golf equipment, golf instruction, and opportunities to socialize and play local golf courses. To learn more or to register for a program, please visit our website.

Program Partner – Franklin Academy

Trachide Greene, a teacher at Franklin Academy, helps organize after school clubs and programs with our chapter. Mrs. Greene has created an after school golf club for elementary and middle school students. One of our First Tee coaches provides weekly golf programs at the school to teach them about our core values and basic golf fundamentals through games and activities. Franklin Academy also hosts club vs. club matches against St. Ann Catholic School.

(Coach Dariel pictured above left and Coach Connie pictured above right with the students)

College Scholarships Awarded

Chapter alumni Felipe Obando, Billy Reid, Tyler Mistretta, Sebastian Nachilly, Jacie Goodman, Allison Santini, Nyla Sims and Savannah Mansueti were recently awarded college scholarships for the 2022-2023 school year. Chapter friend and supporter Peter Helie (pictured above middle) has generously funded the Helie Family Scholarship program for the past two school years.

Felipe and Billy are attending the Keiser University College of Golf as freshmen and were also awarded a scholarship through First Tee funded by Keiser University.  A portion of Felipe’s scholarship was funded by Chapter President Bobby Hendel in memory of his late son, Asher (pictured above right).

Tyler is entering his sophomore year at Florida Southern where he is playing on the golf team and majoring in Finance.  Sebastian is entering his sophomore year at Ole Miss where he is majoring in business and economics.  Jacie is attending the University of Michigan as a freshman and also earned the Evans Caddie Scholarship.  Allison will be graduating in May from Palm Beach Atlantic and plans to attend law school.  Nyla is currently interning at Baltusrol and will be graduating from the PGA Golf Management Program at Maryland Eastern Shore where she plays on the golf team.  Savannah will be graduating in December from the University of Florida with a degree in Political Science.

Michael B. Finnegan – Missing The Legend

This month our country remembers all of those lost on September 11, 2001.  

Michael Bradley Finnegan died tragically that day while working at Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center. Those who were lucky enough to know Mike will tell you that he made everyone feel special.  He lived in the moment and made the moments with him memorable. Mike was a great golfer. He loved his family and was adored by everyone who knew him. 

Mike’s family was so touched by the outpouring of love and generosity shown to them from the country and the world in the aftermath of September 11, that they established the Michael B. Finnegan Foundation.  Since its inception in 2002, the Foundation’s mission has been to honor Mike’s memory and spirit by continuing his way of living life: giving generously.

In 2004, The Michael B. Finnegan Foundation joined The Honda Classic as a Founding Partner of First Tee – Palm Beaches. First Tee has been offering golf instruction and their life skills curriculum to children across the country since 1997.  

We named our 12-acre driving range and 9-hole par-3 golf course in Dyer Park “The Michael B. Finnegan Golf Learning Center” to honor Mike’s memory and legacy. With our combined efforts we help many challenged children discover the lessons Mike learned from the game of golf: Honor, Discipline, Competition, Patience and Camaraderie.

 THE ROY A HUNT FOUNDATION

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation helped start our Chapter and is recognized as our Founding Parnter.  For the last 12 years, the Hunt Foundation has provided generous funding for our children and veterans. 

The Hunt Foundation’s mission is to support organizations that strive to improve the quality of life through the Foundation’s four main special initiatives: community development, environment, international development, and youth violence prevention. The foundation formed in 1966 in honor of Roy Arthur Hunt, with his descendants still active in the foundation today. Our Chapter President Andrew Hunt continues to serve on his family’s foundation board. We are very thankful for their continued support. 

 Great Time At 2%+ Club Tourney At Monarch

Earlier this year, Chapter Director Chris Burr developed the 2%+ Club.  To continue its fundraising efforts, a tournament was offered to members and guests of Monarch Country Club to learn more about our Chapter and join the 2%+ Club.

The tournament featured a unique two-person scramble that consisted of both match play and stroke play in two separate divisions.

Wes Hightower and Wes Starling (pictured above) shot 61 win the first division. Chris Monhollen and Jordan Lassinger shot 65 to win the second division.

Interested in joining? The 2%+ Club invites golf enthusiasts to donate 2%+ of their annual golf expenses to support our children and veterans. For the typical golfaholic, this equates to between $10 and $50 per month.

How do you contribute? First, do the math! Take your total golf expenses each year and multiply that amount by 2%. Then, divide that amount by 12 months. This amount becomes your monthly donation. It is easy to donate one-time or monthly on our secure website.

For every $100 donated, donors 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 February 27, 2023. Winner will book their trip directly with Pebble Beach Resorts. The winning certificate does not expire, and the golf and room rates are valid for one year.  For example: $300 donation = 3 chances to win.

If you have any questions regarding the 2%+ Club, please contact Chapter Director, Chris Burr, at [email protected] or call at (561) 400-5970.

 Annual Golf Tourney At Sailfish Point

Sailfish Point Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and is essentially an island, located at the tip of Hutchinson Island. With views of the ocean, intracoastal, and inlet, this tournament will be one for the ages!  Last summer the club completely renovated and re-grassed the golf course. Nicklaus Design implemented many outstanding design changes, including a brand-new bunker style that is unique and fun to play.

Our annual golf tournament will be held on Tuesday, September 20th at Sailfish Point. Our day at Sailfish Point includes lunch, gift bag, golf, prizes, dinner, and drinks. Play your own ball.  One best ball of the foursome.  All players compete in both gross and net divisions. Limited field.  Noon lunch and warm-up with a 1pm shotgun start. 

Please visit our website for more information and the entry form.

We have sponsorships still available.  Please join our other sponsors of Steady Returns, Wes and Nikki Hightower, Seminole Hard Rock, Amazon Web Services, PGA TOUR Superstore, Key Private Bank, Northern Trust, Comcast and BankUnited. We are offering a variety of sponsor opportunities. 

 Golf at Rich House

Rich House is an organization driven by the Fort Pierce Police Department that helps the youth build trust, gain confidence, and be courageous in decision making through officer/youth mentorships. 

Every Tuesday, Rich House hosts a community event for kids and teens that includes various activities such as flag football, arts, and crafts, and golf clinics provided by our First Tee Coaches.