First Tee Headquarters
First Tee Headquarters offers a national College Scholarship Program. Scholarships are up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. The program also provides professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. Applications are due at the end of January for high school seniors.
Keiser University
Chapter Directors John McMurray and Eric Wilson of Keiser University have announced that the College of Golf at Keiser University would be offering two active scholarships to chapter students beginning this fall. Students may earn the two-year associate or four-year bachelor’s degree. This is an incredible opportunity for our students who wish to pursue a career in the golf industry.
Chapter Scholarships
Our Chapter began offering four-year renewable college scholarships to our active students in 2014 when Trustee Jon Orszag (pictured right, first) designated a portion of his annual contribution to establish our first ever scholarship fund. We typically award over $30,000 per year in college scholarships and have awarded over $100,000 since inception with additional assistance from Trustees Bob Simses and Morell Studios, and former Chapter Director Suzanne Klein. Chapter friend and supporter Peter Helie (pictured right, second) has generously funded the scholarship program for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years.
The “ROSIE”
This scholarship was established in memory of our late Honorary Vice Chairman, Tim Rosaforte, by Chapter President Bobby Hendel. Tim enjoyed a long and successful career in golf media. He wrote for the Tampa Times, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Palm Beach Post, Sports Illustrated, and Golf Digest. He also worked in broadcasting with USA Network and Golf Channel. Tim was a rare breed of journalist who successfully worked in both television and print at the same time. He served as the President of the Golf Writers Association of America. This scholarship is awarded to students that are pursuing a career in sports management, marketing, public relations, or media, or students pursuing a career in the business of golf, such as becoming a golf professional.
Dan Baker Scholarship Fund
Dan enjoyed an incredible career in golf. His accomplishments included: running the CalGreen Foundation, managing Walker and Ryder Cups, serving as Tournament Director of the Traveler’s Championship, 17 years at the PGA of America and working on the movie “Happy Gilmore 2.” Dan rarely had a bad day on the golf course. He did not have fun unless everyone else in his group was having a great time. The game of golf lost him way too early. To honor Dan’s legacy and lifetime of impact on our game, a scholarship has been created in his name to assist First Tee alumni with the costs associated with obtaining a college degree.
The Asher Reuben Hendel Memorial Scholarship
For those who knew Asher, he was hands down the best friend one could ever have. His contagious smile, quick wit and zest for entertainment made him the light of every room. He was a natural born leader, a mentor, and was adored by his gazillion friends. Asher was beyond generous in giving from his heart and his intrinsic dedication to philanthropic causes. This scholarship was established by his parents, Bobby and Damiann, and is awarded to a student facing a challenging situation in their life. His family also created the Forever Frosty Foundation to honor Asher’s memory. The foundation raises funds to financially assist teens with mental health programs and therapy fees.
Palm Beach County Golf Association
Our chapter has developed a partnership with the Western Golf Association and their Evans Scholars program. Evans Scholars earn a four-year full tuition and room and board scholarship by caddying. Our Chapter currently has students caddying at Seminole Golf Club and Old Marsh with plans to apply for the Evans during their senior years. Additionally, The Bear’s Club was the first local club to offer the Evans Scholars program to deserving high school students.
Evans Scholars
Our chapter has developed a partnership with the Western Golf Association and their Evans Scholars program. Evans Scholars earn a four-year full tuition and room and board scholarship by caddying. Our Chapter currently has students caddying at local golf clubs with plans to apply for the Evans during their senior years in high school. Chapter Evans Scholars: Harry Hutchings, Jacie Goodman
Bruce Fleisher Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of our great friend, supporter and professional golfer, Bruce Fleisher, by Chapter President Bobby Hendel. The “Flash” as he was affectionately known, became involved in golf at age seven by working as a caddie with his two brothers. Fleisher attended Miami-Dade Junior College and Furman University. In 1968 at age 19, he became the third-youngest player to win the U.S. Amateur. He also was the low amateur at the 1969 Masters Tournament. He turned professional in 1969. Bruce won both individual and team gold medals in golf at the 1969 Maccabiah Games in Israel. He had one win on the PGA Tour, the 1991 New England Classic. He was much more successful on the PGA Tour Champions with 18 wins, including one senior major, the 2001 U.S. Senior Open. Fleisher became the first player ever to earn back-to-back victories in his first two Champions Tour events, which helped him win Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards in 1999.
Pine Tree Scotty Foundation
Pine Tree’s Scotty Foundation is a non-profit organization centered on supporting opportunities for the betterment of golf for those associated with Pine Tree Golf Club. The mission of the Pine Tree’s Scotty Foundation is to provide educational and financial support for individuals, affiliated with Pine Tree, who are passionate about positively impacting their lives and the game of golf.
Watson Scholarship Fund
Bob Watson, a PGA of America member for more than 65 years, was a golf professional, champion, and co-founder of First Tee – Palm Beaches. His son, Craig Watson, continued the legacy as a PGA Professional, and served as the founding Executive Director of First Tee – Palm Beaches. Craig then became the founding head coach of the men’s and women’s golf teams at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where he built championship-caliber programs and mentored countless college players.
In their memory, the Watson Scholarship Fund has been created to support First Tee alumni with tuition and room and board grants to help them pursue their college goals.
Janelle Johnson
Nova Southeastern
Sheldon Meyer
University of Florida
Shannon Boner
University of Virginia
Emily Valentine
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Savannah Mansueti
University of Florida
Alison Santini
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Nyla Sims
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Tyler Mistretta
Florida Southern College
Sebastian Nachilly
University of Mississippi
Billy Reid
Keiser University
Felipe Obando
Keiser University
Jacie Goodman
University of Michigan
Jayda Dookie
Michigan State University
Daniela Perez
Palm Beach State College
Jessica Stark
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Nathan Vertez
University of Florida
Sydney Rogers
University of Florida
Troy Tharimanont
University of Florida
Isabella Rubio
University of Florida
Abner McWillams
Keiser University
Angelina Marie Guertin
Palm Beach State College
Morgan Rodriguez
Delaware State University
Elise Rivas Mucklow
United State Merchant Marine Academy
Isabella Cecere
University of Deleware
Annika Collado
Florida Gulf Coast University
Marcus Irene
Sheridan Technical College
Tanmay Mahani
University of Florida