Category: Palm Beaches

Congrats Patty!

Army Veteran and Chapter veteran participant Patty Cepeda-Russell demonstrated remarkable determination and skill as she triumphed with first place finishes in two recent Veteran Golfers Association (VGA) tournaments at North Palm Beach Country Club and Miami Lakes Golf Club. Despite the challenging and rainy weather conditions, Patty’s unwavering resolve carried her through as she navigated the wet playing conditions.

Patty joined our veterans’ programs only 10 months ago after her 2nd knee replacement. These victories are a testament to her rapid progression and dedication to the amazing game of golf. Her success serves as an inspiring example of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.

“Sponsoring our advanced veteran players to play in local VGA events is new this year,” said Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta Jr.  “In all our programs we provide opportunities for our students to compete.  With funding support of Pratt & Whitney and the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation we were able to add competition for our veterans this year.”

Tyler Helps Mocs To Second Win This Fall

Florida Southern men’s golf team earned their second win of the season by one stroke at the Shark Invitational at Grande Oaks Golf Club. The team battled some extremely tough conditions and a strong field.  The Moccasins posted an even par first round and took the lead after closing the second round with a 286 (+2). The team rallied late in the final round to fire a 285 (+1) to finish the 54-hole event at 855 (+3).

The Mocs were the top team in the field with 44 birdies made. Florida Southern also finished tops in the tournament with 3 eagles, one of them made by chapter alumnus Tyler Mistretta.

Tyler finished T17th at 218 (+5) after rounds of 71 (-1), 72 (+1) and 76 (+5).

Jacie And Emily Reunion At The Big House

Chapter alumna Jacie Goodman met up with fellow alumna and Director of Program Development Emily Valentine at the Michigan versus Rutgers game at the University of Michigan. Jacie is a recipient of the Chick Evans Caddie Scholarship and is currently studying Sport Management through the School of Kinesiology. 

About her experience at school, Jacie said, “I am so happy to be back at the University of Michigan for my sophomore year. I’m enrolled in 16 credits and while it keeps me extremely busy, I love my classes. My spare time is spent in the front row at every game day in The Big House. Basketball season is right around the corner.  It’s going to be extremely busy since I am Treasurer of the student section- The Maize Rage. Overall, the semester is off to a fantastic start. Having Emily visit me gave me a familiar sense of home, and I am happy to have been a part of her first game day in Ann Arbor. Go Blue!”

Trip Of A Lifetime For Coach Gail

Chapter Coach Gail Galin attended the Ryder Cup! She had loads of fun at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Guidonia RM, Italy. 

The Ryder Cup is played in odd-numbered years between 12-member teams from the United States and Europe. It consists of five match-play sessions played over three days.

100 Friends Tourney At High Ridge

Our signature event of the season is almost sold out.  High Ridge Country Club is one of the most exclusive and top-rated golf courses in Palm Beach County.  It truly is a well-kept secret and features golf only, with no real estate around the course.

The tournament is Monday, October 23rd, 12noon lunch and warm-up, 1pm shotgun, dinner and drinks following golf.

We are near a sell out and have very few sponsorships and playing opportunities remaining.  Please email [email protected] ASAP to reserve a spot.

First Tee Fall Registration In Full Swing

Our Fall programs are under way.  Enroll your children at one of our 15 Palm Beach County Program Locations. 

For more information and to register, please visit our website by scanning the QR code.

Zoe And Wylie Had A Blast At Pebble!

Chapter students Zoe Shamy and Wylie “Coyote” Inman played in the ultimate First Tee student opportunity – the Pure Insurance Championship.  They played in this televised event each paired with a PGA Tour Champions professional at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill.  Zoe was paired with Ken Duke and the Coyote played with Ernie Els.

The three-day event was televised on Golf Channel.  Both students made the cut and they both finished tied for 10th place.  This is the first time our chapter has sent two students to the Pure Insurance Championship.

“This was unbelievable!” said Wylie.  “Three rounds at Pebble and two at Spyglass playing with Mr. Els was an incredible experience.  He taught me a lot about my game.”  Added Zoe: “Mr. Duke was so nice to me and my family.  I have experienced some very special opportunities through First Tee, but the Pure Insurance Championship is now at the top of the list.”

Want your child to play at Pebble Beach? Enroll in a First Tee program. It is the only way to qualify.

Sponsor Spotlight: TimberTech Championship

The upcoming first week of November, TimberTech Championship brings together the best of past acclaimed golfers. This tournament continues a longstanding tradition of professional golf in South Florida. The tournament is recognized as one the PGA Tour Champions professionals’ favorite stops of the year.  The tournament and TimberTech, an outdoor living brand by The AZEK Company, are honored to welcome the top 54 PGA TOUR Champions competitors to Boca Raton as they battle in the semifinal tournament of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs.

The TimberTech Championship sponsored and donated over $40,000 in decking and hardware for a deck at our Dyer Park facility. They also give our students the opportunity to play in their Pro Ams.

Need tickets to the TimberTech Championship?  Please visit their website for more information and to order.

Register For USGA National Development Program

The USGA has launched the U.S. National Development Program. This program will identify, train, develop, fund, and support the nation’s most promising junior players – regardless of cultural, geographical, or financial background – to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game. The program’s elite juniors, amateurs and young professionals will be invited to join one of three national teams with dedicated staff and resources and compete internationally under the U.S. flag. There will also be a demonstrated commitment to reach players from underrepresented communities and ensure they have the resources to progress within the sport’s strongest competitive and developmental opportunities.

To learn more and to register your child, please visit the USNDP website.

Ken Kennerly Donates Clubs

Chapter Vice Chairman Ken Kennerly (pictured right) cleaned out his attic to find all this treasure. By accident, he conducted his own Club Drive! Helping him make the generous delivery is TimberTech Tournament Director Steve Marino (pictured middle) and Assistant Tournament Director Michael Cataldo (pictured left). Thanks gents!!

Need tickets to the TimberTech Championship?  Please visit their website for more information and to order.

Volunteer At TimberTech Championship

Par Caterers are looking for nonprofit groups, booster teams, sport teams, or even school clubs to volunteer in their concession stands at the TimberTech Championship.   The TimberTech Championship is one of our major sponsors and is our local PGA Tour Champions event held at Broken Sound.

Volunteers will help assist with grilling, wrapping food, serving beverages, and running our point-of-sale system. As a thank you for all your hard work they will provide a donation back to the volunteer organization.  

The dates are Wednesday, November 1st through Sunday, November 5th.  For more information, contact Kelly Isenhower at [email protected].