As 2019 draws to a close, I can’t help but be proud of the millions of lives that have been impacted this year through First Tee. Whether it’s on a golf course, in school or at a community center, we are helping young people build their strength of character and empowering them to pursue their goals.
This year marks our 22
nd year helping kids and teens develop character through the game of golf. It takes a strong network of chapters and support from our partners, donors, staff and volunteers, to ensure we reach young people with our life-changing programs.
Thank you for your contributions to our mission to help us reach tomorrow’s leaders.
Here are some of our favorite moments from the year. We look forward to making many more in 2020.
Warm regards,
Greg McLaughlin
President, First Tee
First Tee’s Top 5 Moments from 2019
1. Expanding Across the Globe
This year, First Tee expanded by four new chapters! With support from partners like Citi and the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, First Tee expanded to
Australia,
Morocco, North Coast (Calif), and
West Texas.
2. U.S. Open Junior Experience featuring First Tee
First Tee experienced the U.S. Open like never before. Our interactive venue welcomed kids and families to learn more about our fun and educational programs. From celebrity drop-ins to the announcement of a $15,000 grant from USGA for local First Tee chapters, we made a huge impact and had a great time along the way.
3. PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee
This year’s PURE Insurance Championship was a huge success! Sportsmanship and teamwork were out in full force as participants, family and friends came out to support the 78 junior players. It was the
trip of a lifetime for First Tee teens who competed, including Ashley Menne from First Tee of Phoenix and Sam Sommerhauser from First Tee of Greater Sacramento who won the female and male pro-junior titles.
4. THE PLAYERS Kids Zone presented by First Tee
First Tee returned to THE PLAYERS Championship with a larger-than-life set-up representing the hub for family fun at the tournament. The tent featured activities like a putting challenge, golf simulator and digital photo booth to document all of the smiles. THE PLAYERS 2019 Champion Rory McIlroy, along with Tommy Fleetwood, helped kick-off the week with clinic for 100 local First Tee participants.
5. Charles Schwab Announced $5 Million Grant to Impact First Tee Chapters in Texas
Charles Schwab announced his donation of $5 million to nine First Tee chapters in Texas in the form of a challenge grant. Over the next three years, Charles Schwab will match donations to the chapters to expand programs and deepen their impact statewide. We can’t wait to see the continued support and success of our First Tee Texas chapters.
