My predecessor, Tim Finchem, had incredible vision when he brought together leaders in our sport, both with golf organizations and the greats of the game, to facilitate the establishment of First Tee in 1997. In October 2024, we recognized him with our organization’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
For nearly three decades, his vision has resulted in deep impact across many communities, the United States and across parts of the world. First Tee Chapters have become pillars in their communities, with more than 70 celebrating at least 20 years of service in 2024. First Tee has used golf to empower millions of kids to build confidence and develop meaningful life and leadership skills. This impact is truly far reaching.
We know that the work of First Tee is more important than ever, and your generous support makes our efforts possible.
Sincerely,
Jay Monahan
Chairman, First Tee Board of Governors
Commissioner, PGA TOUR
Meet Blake Brantley
First Tee – Central Carolina | Yale University
Blake has been involved with First Tee for most of his life. As a teenager, he competed at the PURE Insurance Championship and completed Ace, First Tee’s capstone program. Blake said he attributes much of his success in the classroom and on the golf course to the Ace Program, which helps teens gameplan for the future. He joined the inaugural class of First Tee Scholars in 2020 and now plays collegiate golf at Yale University, where he is a senior economics major. Blake has accepted a position at a boutique investment bank in New York City.
“Playing collegiate golf was always a goal of mine, and I am confident I would not be living out this dream without First Tee.”
First Tee Opens Doors
First Tee Chapters are investing in their own learning centers to gain access to programming space.
- First Tee – Cleveland’s new activity center enables the Chapter to offer year-round programming.
- First Tee – Triangle opened a 32,000 sq. ft. facility that’s open to the public and features putting greens and an indoor/outdoor driving range.
- First Tee – Idaho purchased a nine-hole course. “We can run programs as we see fit to help support our organization and grow,” said executive director Nick Blasius.
Celebrating Coach Impact
The Unsung Heroes of Youth Development
First Tee and Harris Poll collaborated in 2024 to examine the impact of coaches on the kids they serve. Parents turn to coaches to help their kids build character, confidence, determination and leadership.
More than 90% of parents say coaches could impact their child’s ability to work well with others, respect others and be resilient in the face of challenges.
Manny Gallardo
Coach Manny, First Tee – Silicon Valley, was named First Tee’s inaugural Coach of the Year. Over the last decade, he has developed more than 200 games and activities to engage First Tee participants. In 2024, Gallardo participated in First Tee’s Coach Diversity Initiative. Supported by Morgan Stanley, the Coach Diversity Initiative provides grants to help Chapters send diverse coaches to in-person trainings.
Photo: Susan Donohoe, senior manager of programs implementation at First Tee, presents Coach of the Year to Gallardo.
Meet Our Scholars
In October, First Tee announced it would raise $5 million to grow the First Tee College Scholarship Program in recognition of First Tee founder Tim Finchem. The program provides mentorship, professional development opportunities and financial support to Scholars.
100% of graduates have secured full-time employment or acceptance into graduate programs
Teen Opportunities
First Tee offers an impactful slate of participant opportunities, all designed to empower teens to become game changers in their communities.
- First Tee Leadership Academy in Partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore | Atlanta
- First Tee National Championship | Clemson University
- Game Changers Academy | Minneapolis
- First Tee Leadership Summit in Partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore | Emigrant, MT
- PURE Insurance Championship | Pebble Beach
- First Tee Innovators Forum | Phoenix
Committed to Growth
First Tee is committed to providing professional development opportunities for its Chapter leaders, coaches and board members. More than 800 stakeholders met in Phoenix for educational classes, workshops and inspiring speakers.
“First Tee’s opportunities for ongoing education provide me the tools to empower and prepare my fellow colleagues for anything. Each professional development opportunity allows for the networking and collaboration that is needed for ‘Building Game Changers.’”
– Sarah Ramsdell, Program Coordinator, First Tee – Central Valley
In Photo: College Football Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald spoke at the 2024 Network Summit.
Engaging Alumni
First Tee engaged alumni in exciting new ways in 2024 hosting five in-person events, including outings in Houston and San Francisco. The year capped off with the 2024 Alumni Summit presented by Gallagher, where 20 former First Tee participants gathered for a week of professional development and networking in Phoenix.
First Tee also worked with partners to organize a host of virtual engagement events, including wellness workshops led by WHOOP and AWS, with more planned for 2025.
“The Alumni Summit was an incredible experience. As a young professional, it was inspiring to interact with peers who are in a similar place in life. It was also nice to network with people from all around the country and hear their inspiring stories.”
– DJ Johnson
First Tee – East Baton Rouge Parish alumnus
Kathryn Newton
First Tee – Miami
Actress/First Tee ambassador
Kathryn is passionate about making golf feel fun and accessible for everyone, and she’s known for featuring the sport on her popular social media channels. Kathryn has acted in more than two dozen films and television shows.
Rayshon Payton
First Tee – Metropolitan Oklahoma City
Special counsel
U.S Justice Department
After a tenure at The White House, Rayshon joined the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Legislative Affairs in 2023. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s law school, Rayshon was one of two First Tee alumni to join First Tee’s national Board of Governors in 2024.
Sydney Burlison
First Tee – Monterey County
Director of New Ventures
Taylor Farms
Sydney also joined First Tee’s Board of Governors in 2024. A former Stanford University golfer, Sydney earned her master’s from the University of Cambridge before embarking on a career with organizations like Nike and Pebble Beach Resorts.
Thank you!
First Tee’s Partners and Trustees provide ongoing support for our mission of empowering youth. First Tee would not be where it is today without the support of these individuals, corporations and foundations.
Founding Partners
Proud Media Partner
Education Partner
Proud Golf Publication Partner
