Category: Palm Beaches

Chapter alumni Tyler Mistretta helped the #11 ranked Florida Southern Moccasins claim the team title as the host school at their tournament, the Matlock Collegiate, at Lone Palm Golf Club. They posted a five-shot victory over Nova Southeastern.  After a two under round of 70 in the second round, Tyler closed with a final round 74 in 30 mph winds to post the low score for his team in the final round.  He finished in T12th as an individual with rounds of 76-70-74.  Tyler led the field in total pars with 38 and posted an eagle in the second round.

Congrats to veteran Devin Shaw, who has completed training to become a First Tee Level 1 Certified Coach. He is starting his own veteran’s class at Drive Shack and Belle Glade Municipal Golf Course this year. 

The BallenIsles Charities Foundation was established in 2011 with the goal of Making a Difference to local not-for-profit organizations in areas surrounding their residential community located in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Their mission is to render financial and in-kind support to civic and not-for-profit organizations within Palm Beach County that provide programs and services designed to assist, encourage, and promote the well-being of the residents and the communities in which they are located.

Our Chapter sincerely thanks the BallenIsles Charities Foundation and the members of the club for their continued support of our programs over the last 12 years. Their generosity provides a far-reaching impact to so many in Palm Beach County.

Our local PGA Tour event held at PGA National is right around the corner February 29th through March 3rd.   We welcome a new sponsor in 2024.

“I would like to give a warm welcome to Cognizant as the new title sponsor of this historic golf tournament,” said Chapter Director and Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Maria Marino. “PGA National has hosted this fan favorite and family friendly event for almost 17 years and has seen some fabulous finishes. As a resident and member of PGA National and the District 1 County Commissioner, I invite everyone to the new Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. After all, Palm Beach County is the golf capital of the world.”

Need tournament tickets?  Please visit thecognizantclassic.com for tickets and hospitality options.

The mission of the Golden Cub Ambassador Club is to further the legacy of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation by providing annual support of programs and projects focused on the health and well-being of children and families.

Chapter Senior Program Director Emily Valentine joined the Golden Cubs (pictured above with Jack and Barbara Nicklaus and other GCAC members).

Friends of the Foundation ages 21 to 45 are invited to join the Golden Cub Ambassador Club, because together we can make a difference #ForetheChildren! 100% of the funds raised will be distributed annually to a program or project in support of children’s health care as voted on by the membership.

Chapter staff, students and Directors attended the West Palm 100 event at Drive Shack.  West Palm 100 is a social and civic organization comprised of like-minded individuals that are dedicated to supporting West Palm Beach’s children, families, and neighborhoods through the donation of time, money, and people power.  They host a monthly ‘Happy Hour for a Cause’ at various West Palm Beach establishments, with the proceeds donated to our monthly local charity of choice.  The event and raffle raised over $1,000 to support our mission and programs.

The children of Director of Golf Jeffrey Waber at the Old Course at Broken Sound performed over 6 hours of community service by conducting a Golf Ball Donation Drive to support our Chapter. Camile and Ethan collected over 1,400 golf balls.

“Wow!” exclaimed Executive Director Carl Mistretta Jr. “I knew it was a great idea by Camile and Ethan to have the donation drive as the members of Broken Sound have always been great supporters of our children and veterans. But 1,400 balls is unbelievable! Great job Camile and Ethan.”

Chapter Program Director Zack Anderton and Director of Operations Darrell Bock, PGA attended the end of year event for the Scotch and Sharks organization. It was an amazing event with food, drinks, and live music for their community partners and to announce their end of year donations. Scotch and Sharks surprised us with an incredible $15,000 donation!

Scotch & Sharks host events to cultivate relationships and let business flow organically.  Loosen up the tie, or even better lose it altogether.  Scotch & Sharks is by invitation only and proudly entertains South Florida’s executives and professionals who align with our values: Community. Integrity. Comradery.

Chapter alumnus and former coach Corey Sturgis is now excelling as an Admissions Counselor for Everglades University. Corey is changing the lives of many students utilizing his confidence and leadership skills to excel in his career. 

According to Corey, “First Tee helped me become well-respected by continually displaying integrity and good judgement both on and off the golf course.” 

Corey will also have completed his Master of Science in Sport Management from the University of Florida in May 2024. We are proud that Corey continues to be a Game Changer by demonstrating his passion for education.

Our SAIL special needs class nailed their last session, marking a year of remarkable progress in their golf game. Here’s to new beginnings and even more impressive swings in the coming year! SAIL stands for Self-Advocacy for an Independent Life.

Congratulations to chapter students Sydney Rogers and Annika Collado on their recent recognitions. Sydney is a Pathfinder Nominee for math and Annika earned the College Board National Hispanic Recognition. 

Pathfinders is one of the largest and most comprehensive high school scholarship programs in the state. It is an equitable and democratic award, extending eligibility to all public and private high schools in Palm Beach and Martin Counties.  The National Recognition Programs is a tangible way to recognize the academic achievements of rural area/small town, African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, Indigenous/Native American, and first-generation students.

Coach Glen has always believed that golf is about building memories with family.  Juniors that participate in Beaver Golf’s First Tee homeschool program at Commons Park are certainly experiencing the importance of family. Parents comment how their children are showing appreciation and love for them after Coach Glen’s lessons on valuing your family. A community has formed where families are bonding with other families to the point where they now golf together, travel together, educate their children together and go through life together.  During class, parents can be seen socializing picnic style in the grass, campfire style with their folded chairs or simply seated at the picnic table.  After class, it is not uncommon for families to stay to practice their golf skills together or head over to the park to play.

To see all the fun we have with Coach Glen, please watch this video:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=794867205719490