When Felipe was in 5th grade, his school art teacher entered him into The Honda Classic Kids Ticket of Admission Art Contest. This was the first time he was introduced to the game of golf. A couple of weeks later, he learned he had won the contest and was awarded admission tickets to The Honda Classic! He met many PGA Tour Professionals, including Russel Henley during tournament week. Felipe also met Ken Kennerly, the Executive Director of The Honda Classic and our Chapter Vice Chairman. Ken gave Felipe and his family tickets to Disney World and even better, a lifetime scholarship to attend programs at First Tee – Palm Beaches.
Felipe’s experience at First Tee has greatly impacted his life. He was introduced to a game he learned to love despite his disability. He was born with a deformed right hand that resembles a claw. At First Tee, he met coaches who became mentors. He participates in many chapter events and volunteers with the younger children. In 2018, Felipe and 7 other chapter teenagers established our Chapter’s Teen Golf Association (TGA) and he served as the recruiter. Felipe and the team grew the TGA to a thriving club that meets throughout the year.
Felipe was selected to participate in multiple participant opportunities, including being a Junior Course Reporter at The Honda Classic, and volunteering as a standard bearer at the First Tee – Aiken Junior Invitational at Sage Valley in South Carolina. He is currently attending the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with the PGA TOUR Superstore.
Now a senior at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, he will graduate high school in June. He was recently awarded a four-year full scholarship in partnership with our chapter to attend the Keiser University College of Golf where he will have the opportunity to receive a bachelor’s degree, an accomplishment he has always dreamed of.
“First Tee has changed my life in a huge and positive way,” said Felipe. “I plan on continuing to volunteer as an assistant coach throughout college and beyond.”