Blog Archives - First Tee

First Tee Week: National campaign launches May 19 at the Charles Schwab Challenge, celebrating coaches who are game changers in their communities

Parents call coaches the “unsung heroes of youth development.” First Tee will celebrate these mentors during its inaugural network-wide awareness campaign.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (March 11, 2025) – Leading nonprofit youth development organization First Tee is launching a weeklong national awareness campaign to celebrate the impact of its coaches. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build character like inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.

Kicking off at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, from May 19-25, First Tee Week aims to engage communities across the country, encouraging them to celebrate the coaches who make a difference locally. Entitled “Dear Coach,” the campaign will feature a variety of in-person and online activities, including:

First Tee will launch a new creative campaign, including an updated PSA that speaks to the power of youth sports coaches to instill confidence, values and life skills in the kids they serve.

On Wednesday, May 21, First Tee will host a group of alumni at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge, where they’ll hear from a panel on “The coach effect: The importance of coaches and the stories that shape us.” The panel will feature New Orleans Saints defensive end and First Tee – Phoenix alumnus Cameron Jordan alongside other First Tee alumni.

First Tee chapters across the country will host a variety of activations, including a fundraising tournament at Winged Foot (Metropolitan New York), meet the coach night (San Francisco), golf marathons (Greater Baltimore, West Michigan) and more. Find a First Tee chapter in your area.

First Tee’s corporate partners will celebrate First Tee Week in a variety of ways. “Dear Coach” content will appear at Topgolf and PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country, with organizations like Golf Digest, the USGA and Morgan Stanley planning to highlight coach stories on their own channels.

First Tee has launched a digital experience at FirstTee.org/DearCoach and social content featuring stories from participants, alumni and notable supporters like former NFL player Larry Fitzgerald and PGA TOUR professional Wyndham Clark on the incredible relationships between coaches and participants. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to engage.

“Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and parents are looking for character-building programs because they know strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “For nearly 30 years, our dedicated and trained coaches have set First Tee apart because we have developed a training system built on research-proven methods of positive youth development. We are excited to celebrate their contributions and raise awareness for their work during First Tee Week.”

According to research from Harris Poll, 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire their child to excel both on and off the field, and they believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others and be resilient in the face of challenges.

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engage more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. First Tee serves more than 3.1 million kids annually.

Learn more about getting involved with First Tee.

Coach Emily ‘is a mentor and role model’

It’s no secret that First Tee considers its coaches to be the most important ingredient in its success. All trained and background checked, First Tee coaches connect with participants to ensure each one feels safe and celebrated for the qualities that make them unique.

One coach who exemplifies First Tee’s mission is Emily Ortmeier of First Tee – Southern Colorado, who has been with the chapter for five years. “Emily Ortmeier is more than a coach; she is a mentor and role model,” said First Tee – Southern Colorado board member Jeff Stedman.

A former collegiate golfer, Emily leads by example and inspires participants to do their best on and off the golf course, according to her colleagues at First Tee – Southern Colorado.

“When a participant fails, Coach Emily is always there to console and encourage them to persevere,” said chapter CEO Sandy Johnson. “She uses these moments as learning opportunities that greatly help to develop the character of each participant, reassuring them that we must fail in order to learn how to succeed and get right back to pursuing our goals.”

Eagles for Impact at THE PLAYERS® Championship

As the eyes of the golf world turn to TPC Sawgrass for THE PLAYERS Championship 2025, there’s an extra reason to root for low scores. For every eagle or double eagle carded by the pros during the tournament, Morgan Stanley will donate $5,000 to support First Tee’s coach training efforts.

Last year, Emily was one of 107 coaches to benefit from Morgan Stanley’s generosity. She attended a Level 4 training in Monterey, California, and has advanced to the point where she now leads Level 1 trainings for new coaches. She’s trained 20 coaches in her region.

First Tee – Southern Colorado colleagues agree that Emily’s passion for making golf accessible to all kids is evident in her work. She’s helped 21 new schools and community centers begin offering First Tee programming over the last two years.

In fact, Emily means so much to the community that she was recently recognized with Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest’s 40 Under 40 Award.

Coaches make the difference

According to research from First Tee and Harris Poll, 80% of parents believe there’s a shortage of high caliber coaches today. That’s why First Tee is committed to coach training and youth safety.

Nine out of 10 parents agree that coaches should help their child succeed both on and off the field, and parents view coaching as instrumental for teaching collaboration, resilience and leadership – all qualities that become even more important into adulthood.

Learn more about the importance of youth sports coaches.

Alumna Georgia Meysman-Sharpe finds love of ecology through golf

Georgia Meysman-Sharpe is an alumna of First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, an Evans Scholar and an ecology student at the University of Colorado. When Georgia was in middle school, she began caddying at CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora, Colorado, as a part of the Solich Caddie and Leadership Academy. Through this experience, Georgia was introduced to First Tee and began to immerse herself with the chapter.

“Being part of First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains has impacted my life in countless ways. I’ve formed lifelong friendships and connections with mentors, coworkers and staff at First Tee that I have endless gratitude for,” said Georgia. “I’ve learned that golf is a wonderful mechanism for building relationships, exploring passions and interests and learning how to spread good through beneficial change.”

As Georgia began spending more time immersed in golf through caddying, playing and coaching, she also began to find another passion: ecology. Ecology is the study of the interactions between living organisms and their environment.

“CommonGround Golf Course has hundreds of grasses, trees, shrubs, flower species and a multitude of various pollinators, insects, birds and small mammals everywhere!” said Georgia. “It is incredible to observe the life that flows through throughout the course, life that unfortunately can’t flourish in urban environments that don’t have the means for these habitats.”

Over the summer Georgia returned to CommonGround, the place that she fell in love with golf, to serve as an intern in partnership with the Denver Botanic Gardens to analyze the success of native wildflower growth at the course and to survey the abundance of pollinators.

“I can attest just from this short experience that a golf course can act as an environmental hub of biodiversity and wildlife,” Georgia said. “Being part of the golf world through an ecological lens is something that I believe is extremely important. Not only do golf courses provide a safe space for these ecosystems, they provide a plethora of health and recreational benefits to people that positively impact our wellbeing.”

Georgia’s love for golf and ecology has continued to lead her to new opportunities. As an Evans Scholar she was invited to the 2024 BMW Pro-Am where she caddied for Corey Conners.

“I’m excited to continue this legacy of connection with everyone I encounter as I keep discovering the endless possibilities within the world of golf,” said Georgia.

First Tee announces 2025 national events, designed to engage teens and expand their horizons

Over 25 years, First Tee has empowered thousands of teens through national events, inspiring them to develop personally and professionally

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2025) – First Tee will offer an impactful slate of participant opportunities in 2025, all designed to empower teens to become game changers in their communities. With the help of its corporate partners, First Tee creates opportunities for personal growth by encouraging teens to embrace challenges and engage in meaningful experiences within a safe and supportive environment.

Nearly 90% of parents believe character is a lost value that should be more emphasized in today’s society, according to research from First Tee and Harris Poll. Meanwhile, 91% of parents believe sports coaching should help their child succeed on and off the field. First Tee is committed to keeping teens engaged with the program, allowing them to build life skills and connect with mentors during what can be a challenging period of adolescence. The organization does this through its Ace capstone program, junior coach opportunities and national participant events.

First Tee’s 2025 participant events schedule features:

Leadership Series, Feb. 3-March 13: Facilitated by local PGA TOUR Superstore management, this five-week series helps participants uncover their leadership values and strengths.

Leadership Academy, June 16-21: Held in Atlanta, participants who graduate from the Leadership Series can apply and learn about running successful teams from leaders within the Arthur M. Blank family of businesses.

National Championship, June 22-26: Taking place this year at the University of Notre Dame, Warren Course. This event brings together First Tee’s most skilled male and female high school golfers to showcase how the program has helped them build the strength of character needed to compete at the next level.

Game Changers Academy, July 8-12: In its 25^th year, First Tee’s longest running event will take place in Minneapolis in 2025. Designed to inspire teens to embrace their differences and improve their communities, this event is supported by AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands.

Leadership Summit, Aug. 4-8 (Session 1), Aug. 11-15 (Session 2): Teens who complete the Leadership Series are also eligible to apply to this experience, which takes place at West Creek Ranch in Montana. From horseback riding to whitewater rafting, participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and become stronger leaders with guidance from PGA TOUR Superstore executives.

PURE Insurance Championship, Sept. 16-21: First Tee teens are paired with PGA TOUR Champions players and business leaders at Pebble Beach Golf Links. This event airs on Golf Channel and features mentorship, networking and unforgettable golf experiences.

Innovators Forum, Oct. 2-5: Taking place in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, teens will work with experienced business leaders to better understand the importance of volunteerism and develop meaningful community service projects they then implement at home.

Drive Your Future Academy, Nov. 6-10: This female empowerment event supported by John Deere connects young women with female mentors who’ve succeeded in the business world and beyond. It also explores the benefits of staying involved with golf after high school and will take place in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home of the PGA TOUR.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens who are involved with Positive Youth Development Programs like First Tee report a stronger sense of identity and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Nearly a quarter of First Tee participants are teenagers, and more than 300 teens take part in First Tee’s national participant events each year. In 2024, event attendees averaged more than eight years of participation with First Tee, and 98% said they found the event they attended to be impactful or very impactful.

“We are excited to offer eight inspiring participant events this year, ranging from competitive golf tournaments to immersive leadership academies,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin “Every year, we hear from the participants who attend, as well as their parents and coaches, that these experiences are pivotal as they’re considering what their future and post-graduation path could look like. We are grateful to partners like AWS, John Deere, Mayo Clinic, PGA TOUR Superstore, PURE Insurance and Topgolf Callaway Brands, as well as the generous individuals who make these events possible.”

First Tee teens or parents should contact their chapter about applying to participant opportunities. Applications are now open for the First Tee National Championship, Game Changers Academy and PURE Insurance Championship. The First Tee College Scholarship Program is also accepting applications from qualified high school seniors.

First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization that empowers young people through the game of golf, helping them develop inner strength, confidence and life skills they’ll use on and off the course.

First Tee highlights the benefits of PE and playing sports

When life gets busy with school or as it gets cold outside, it can be harder to find time for fitness and extracurriculars. However, a report from First Tee and The Harris Poll found that 95% of parents say their child’s activities are effective for creating opportunities to learn life skills and build character. First Tee believes in developing experiences that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail and better equipped for whatever comes their way next.

First Tee is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all participants through year-round programming at 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,400 community centers nationwide.

Here are a few benefits of PE programs and playing sports:

1. Improved physical fitness and health

First Tee is an activity-based program and during a class you might see students doing a wide range of activities, like playing tic-tac-toe putting or competing in a relay race. In addition to teaching golf and life skills, the First Tee curriculum is also designed to enhance players’ overall fitness. Each class begins with a set of warmups that improve motor skills through strength, flexibility and mobility, agility and coordination, balance and object control. As participants get older they will continue to improve their physical fitness through golf related activities, such as walking nine or 18 holes.

2. Strengthened interpersonal skills and peer relationships

Physical education and sports can help build a young person’s confidence and social interactions. A report from First Tee and The Harris poll found that among parents whose child plays sports, 92% said their child’s activities had a positive impact on their social health. The First Tee curriculum incorporates life skills into golf programming including the concept A-L-R, which stands for Ask – Listen – Respond, to teach youth about the importance of a greeting and basic communication. Students build an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with the game throughout lessons that build off of each other.

3. Improve student performance on and off the course

First Tee values the personal development of the participant. As participants learn more about who they are and what they are capable of, they are encouraged to begin to look towards the future and plan their own paths. First Tee lessons like FAIL, or First Attempt In Learning, help participants to identify their path to success. When youth are taught to embrace failure as a good and crucial step on the path to learning, they can choose to fail forward and recognize the learning opportunity that exists and the power they have to turn any individual failure around, both on the course and in the classroom.

Are you an advocate for the health of your children and your community? Learn more about bringing First Tee to your child’s elementary school.

About the First Tee National School Program

Currently introduced to more than 11,000 elementary schools, the First Tee National School Program creates an environment where young people are introduced to the lifelong sport while learning the basic golf motor skills and the inherent values of the game.

Mentors make a difference: Scholar Nelia Leong shares tips for making a connection

Young people have lots to navigate – not just school and career development, but they’re also building confidence, overcoming challenges and taking on their first leadership roles. These are all areas where a mentor can help.

For many participants, First Tee coaches serve as early mentors, with parents seeing the benefits. According to research from First Tee and Harris Poll, parents turn to coaches to help teach their kids character, perseverance and leadership skills.

Three-quarters of adults who were mentored in their youth say their mentor “contributed significantly to their success later in life.”

With its many benefits, mentorship is an essential element of the First Tee College Scholarship Program which extends First Tee’s impact to alumni by providing support throughout their post-graduate career. In addition to receiving financial support and professional development opportunities, each First Tee Scholar is matched with an adult mentor to help support them during their college experience.

“We’ve seen our Scholars buy into their mentorship connections and because of that, they have another layer of support to guide them through any obstacles and challenges they face in college,” said Robbie Lowman, who oversees the First Tee College Scholarship Program. “Our mentors help our Scholars become the best versions of themselves, which benefits them in the job market.”

An alumna of First Tee – Upstate South Carolina, Scholar Nelia Leong is a junior at the University of Florida. As she prepares to apply to dental school, Nelia reflected on her connection with her mentor, Jennifer Weiler, senior vice president of network relations at First Tee.

“The most important lesson I’ve learned from Jen is that it’s okay to ask for help,” Nelia. “In fact, it can lead to incredible opportunities.”

Jen helped Nelia connect with a dentist in her network. Nelia has since been shadowing and assisting him for two years, and he’s writing a letter of recommendation for her dental school applications.

“Jen’s mentorship has been one of the most important relationships in my life,” Nelia said. “We’ve built a strong, trusting bond where I feel comfortable sharing all aspects of my life, knowing she’ll listen and offer support.”

Nelia said Jen was there for her during the stressful lead up to her Dental Admissions Test last year, and Jen was the first person she texted to celebrate after receiving an excellent score on the exam.

While having a mentor on your side can be incredibly beneficial, it’s not always easy to build and maintain a relationship in a busy world.

“I built a personal connection with my mentor by keeping her updated on both the big and small events in my life,” Nelia said. “She celebrates my successes and supports me through challenges.”

In addition to texting, Nelia and Jen connect by Google Meet at least once per month. They especially relish opportunities to meet in person.

Jen says she has enjoyed being Nelia’s mentor throughout her college journey. “It has been fun to connect with Nelia virtually, on the golf course and at First Tee scholar events. She is such an impressive young woman and has an incredible future ahead of her.” She added, “I am so proud to have been a very small part of her success in college.”

Nelia’s tips for cultivating a strong mentor-mentee relationship:

Try to connect at least once a month, and don’t be afraid to reach out about the small things.

Share your struggles and your wins.

Ask for help when you need it.

Bullying Prevention Month: Identifying and addressing bullying

Three of four parents worry about their child being bullied. Parents know bullying is a problem, but they might not always know how to recognize its signs or how to address it.

“October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus and raise awareness on bullying,” said Kristin Westberg, senior director of curriculum and education at First Tee and author of several books on bullying.

What is bullying? 

Bullying is defined as repeated aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Sometimes it can be difficult for parents to differentiate between bullying and bad behavior. Don’t discount your child’s feelings if they’re embarrassed or their feelings are hurt; however, these outcomes might not be the result of bullying.

“For an action to be considered bullying, the behavior must be unwanted by the person experiencing the bullying and intentional on the part of the person who is bullying,” Westberg explained. “There needs to be a power imbalance, making it difficult for the victim to defend themself, and the action must be repeated.”

Bullies intend to intimidate, harm or control their victim, and their actions can take the following forms:

Physical violence

Name calling, making threats or taunting

Spreading rumors or intentionally ruining someone’s reputation

Cyberbullying online or by text

How to prevent bullying

Westberg suggests communicating these messages to your kids to help them understand the potential impact of bullying.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected here.” Reinforce that everyone has the right to be treated with kindness and respect.

“Your words and actions matter. Choose to be kind.” Help your kids understand the power of their behavior and encourage them to think before acting or speaking.

“Everyone has something unique to offer. Let’s celebrate our differences and work together.” Promote inclusivity and appreciation for diversity, helping to prevent bullying that stems from misunderstandings or judgment.

“Let’s build a community where everyone can be themselves and feel accepted for who they are.” Build a supportive and accepting community where everyone feels valued and safe.

“Being a leader means standing up for others and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.” Be a positive role model for your child.

Build your child’s confidence

Low self-esteem may make kids both more susceptible to being bullied and to bullying. A simple way parents can help their child build confidence is by listening to them and supporting their interests.

Encourage your child to try new things in a safe environment to help them learn what they’re capable of and that failure is a natural part of growth.

Many parents believe extracurriculars, including youth sports, can help kids feel more confident. First Tee and Harris Poll collaborated on research that shows that 90% of parents agree that youth sports coaches could impact their child’s ability to respect others.

You can access additional resources on bullying at stopbullying.gov.

USGA awards 2024 IDEA Grants to 28 First Tee chapters

100 grants awarded to First Tee chapters since program’s inception, helping to strengthen the game

Reflecting a continued commitment to ensure the game of golf empowers the next generation, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has awarded its latest round of IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility) grant funding to 28 First Tee chapters across the country.

As a founding partner of First Tee, the USGA directs $200,000 annually toward local programs that help build up young people and address the barriers that many face at this critical entry point into the game.

Since the grant program’s inception in 2021, the USGA has awarded 100 grants to more than 50 chapters, supporting initiatives that strengthen inclusion among participants, coaches and volunteers. In total, $810,000 has been awarded to date, with several chapters receiving funding year-over-year to sustain the growth that has been generated from grant activities.

“The work that so many First Tee chapters have done – and will continue to do – as a result of IDEA grant funding is inspiring and goes well beyond the golf course,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “It’s important that we not let up on these efforts and continue deliver resources toward the programs that help eliminate financial, language or accessibility barriers so that even more kids can enjoy our game.”

“Our chapters are reaching young people from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds, offering not only direct access to the game of golf but empowering them to become future leaders,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Our network is stronger because of the USGA’s continued investment in our mission.”

The National Golf Foundation reports that 3.5 million youth currently play golf, marking a 40% increase in participation from 2019-23. Additionally, the junior segment is more diverse than the overall golf population, with higher percentages of females, people of color and adaptive golfers than ever before.

The means by which young people connect with the game varies greatly from community to community. First Tee chapters utilize funding to meet specific needs of the populations they currently serve, as well as hope to invite into the experience.

In 2024, chapters selected received up to $15,000. Notable activities supported by USGA funding include:

Launch of adaptive golf programs by First Tee – Greater Richmond and First Tee – Central Ohio, who are working with community partners to host clinics and weekly sessions for disabled individuals and those on the autism spectrum.
Removing cost as a barrier to entry by offering programming completely free of charge to all participants, a tactic First Tee – Tulsa and First Tee – Oakland have implemented.
Increasing the number of participants in early career mentorship and workforce preparation programs, including First Tee – Pittsburgh’s Ready-to-Work mentorship program for high school students and First Tee – Central Carolina’s internship for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Connecting youth from indigenous communities to the game through First Tee – South Dakota’s direct outreach on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and First Tee – Four Corners hosting field trips at golf courses for students attending Title I schools on the Navajo Reservation.
Onboarding additional schools to provide First Tee curriculum either during physical education classes or after school, allowing First Tee – Greater Seattle, First Tee – Triangle, First Tee – Connecticut, and First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin to bring the game directly to kids.
First Tee – Greater Philadelphia transporting youths from schools in the city’s most underserved zip code to green-grass facilities.
Recruiting Spanish-language instructors and volunteers to assist with programming in the predominantly Hispanic communities that First Tee – Washington D.C. and First Tee – Silicon Valley serve.

IDEA Grant applications were open to all First Tee chapters in the United States, with preference given to those affiliated with one of the USGA’s 57 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs). Located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, AGAs provide USGA resources and services at the community level – helping to increase engagement and participation and improving the golfer experience.

The full list of chapters awarded funding in 2024 includes:

First Tee – Central Carolina	First Tee – Minnesota
First Tee – Central Mississippi	First Tee – Monterey County
First Tee – Central Ohio	First Tee – Oakland
First Tee – Connecticut	First Tee – Pittsburgh (Pa.)
First Tee – Eastern Michigan	First Tee – Rhode Island
First Tee – Four Corners (N.M., Colo.)	First Tee – Sandhills (N.C.)
First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky	First Tee – Silicon Valley
First Tee – Greater Philadelphia (Pa.)	First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin
First Tee – Greater Richmond	First Tee – South Dakota
First Tee – Greater Seattle (Wash.)	First Tee – Southern Colorado
First Tee – Greater Washington D.C.	First Tee – Triangle (N.C.)
First Tee – Greater Wichita (Kan.)	First Tee – Tulsa
First Tee – Los Angeles (Calif.)	First Tee – Virginia Blue Ridge
First Tee – Massachusetts	First Tee – West Michigan

Annually, the USGA invests more than $1.7 million toward junior golf programs, including First Tee; LPGA-USGA Girls Golf; Drive, Chip & Putt; and the AJGA as part of a long-standing organizational commitment to advancing the game of golf with exposure beginning at the junior level.

Iniakov, Ferguson win pro-junior titles at 2024 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach

With an ace on Pebble Beach’s iconic No. 17 Sunday, Iniakov capped off a week of competition and mentorship at the 21^st edition of the PURE Insurance Championship.

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2024) – After a week of exciting competition and personal growth, Nicole Iniakov and Daniel Ferguson are the junior winners of the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded Sunday at Pebble Beach.

Iniakov, representing First Tee – Monterey County and paired with Ernie Els, and Ferguson, representing First Tee – Greater Dallas and paired with Justin Leonard, claimed the girls’ and boys’ pro-junior titles, respectively. Iniakov and Els finished 23-under, while Ferguson and Leonard finished 19-under.

Els followed Iniakov’s ace on hole 17 with an eagle on hole 18 to finish with a 9-under 63 on Sunday. Ferguson made three birdies on the back nine Sunday, and Leonard also eagled hole 18 to give his team the lead on the pro-junior boys’ side. This is the second consecutive year that Leonard has teamed up with a First Tee – Greater Dallas participant to win this event. Leonard and Alyssa Stewart won the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship pro-junior girls’ title.

For more than two decades, the PURE Insurance Championship has brought First Tee participants to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, where they put into action the skills and values they developed at First Tee chapters across the country as they play alongside PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business world. The annual event was televised internationally on Golf Channel.

“The 80 young people who represented First Tee this week displayed perseverance, positive attitudes and impressive golf skills,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Congratulations to Nicole and Daniel on winning the tournament. Thank you to our partners, PURE Insurance, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, PGA TOUR Champions players, Golf Channel and all the sponsors, for making this a truly special week for First Tee.”

Iniakov is a high school senior with a 4.09 GPA, and she’s been playing golf for 10 years. She recorded more than 100 community service hours in 2023, volunteering with organizations like First Tee and Youth on Course. She organizes a golf tournament that raises money to help young golfers pay their tournament fees and has won multiple AJGA events.

“There are so many people that came out to support me: my friends, my family and other kids from First Tee – Monterey County,” Iniakov said. “I’m going to remember this moment until I’m 80. I’m so grateful for everyone that made this tournament happen.”

Ferguson is a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, who’s been playing golf for 11 years. He coaches junior players at First Tee – Greater Dallas and has committed to play golf next year at Dallas Baptist University.

“Just to be here is incredible but to win it just feels amazing,” Ferguson said. “This week has been better than I ever could have dreamed.”

During the week, First Tee partners PURE Insurance and Chevron celebrated their commitment to First Tee’s mission and raised additional funds to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program through special events. The program pairs select First Tee alumni with a mentor and provides professional development workshops and financial assistance throughout their college experience.

This week, leaders from PURE Insurance surprised Hannah Stouder of First Tee – Greater Sacramento with an invitation to become the newest member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Stouder will play collegiate golf next year at the University of Nevada, Reno. Stouder’s playing partner this week was the legendary Mark O’Meara, who was playing in his final professional tournament.

First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

To access photos from the event, visit here. For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com. To learn more about First Tee and see the full field list, visit TheFirstTee.org.

PURE Insurance Championship competitor makes positive change through ‘Hannah’s Care Closet’

At Father Keith B. Kenny Elementary School in Sacramento, there’s a resource for students who lack access to basic products like shampoo, detergent and soap. It’s called Hannah’s Care Closet, and it serves about 20 unhoused families.

Hannah Stouder of First Tee – Greater Sacramento worked with a nonprofit called Growing Past Today to launch the endeavor, which has distributed more than $7,500 in hygiene items.

“In November 2022, I had the opportunity to attend the First Tee Innovators Forum in Dallas, Texas,” Hannah said. “During the workshop, I learned how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference when it comes to helping others. After my memorable experience in Dallas, I wanted to bring positive change to my community.”

Through Hannah’s Care Closet and other volunteer projects, she logged about 250 community service hours in 2023.

Hannah has been involved with First Tee for more than half her life. In addition to being active in her chapter, she’s also participated in many of First Tee’s national participant opportunities, including the Participant Advisory Council. This year, Hannah is one of eight teens providing feedback to First Tee executives.

In addition to being a leader off the course, Hannah is an exceptional golfer. Captain of the team at Christian Brothers High School, she holds the school’s low-round record of 67.

She’ll tee it up this weekend at the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs First Tee juniors with legends of the game at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Hannah is paired with Mark O’Meara – The Prince of Pebble Beach – in his last professional tournament.

On Thursday, Hannah got a special surprise. Leaders from PURE Insurance surprised her with an invitation to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. The program provides mentorship, professional development opportunities and financial support for select First Tee alumni.

“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with, and support of this incredible organization,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “It’s particularly gratifying to know that we can impact the remarkable young men and women of First Tee, like Hannah, in such a powerful way.”

Hannah earned her spot through her dedication to golf, school and her First Tee chapter. After graduation this spring, Hannah will play golf at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The PURE Insurance Championship will be broadcast on Golf Channel. Learn more.

Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month: Alex Yang reflects on the importance of community

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Alex Yang from First Tee – Coachella Valley shared his story of how the chapter has supported him through his diagnosis and treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“I joined First Tee about 3 years ago, right after the COVID-19 pandemic. I played soccer for nine years and never played golf before, but I wanted to try a new sport outside of my comfort zone. As soon as I joined the program, I immediately fell in love with it. Before joining First Tee, I assumed it was just about learning golf and nothing else. I had no idea about the incredible life lessons they taught or the value of them. As a beginner golfer, I was very nervous and anxious about my lack of golf knowledge and was unsure how I would fit in. However, the environment at First Tee – Coachella Valley was astonishing.

It was a place where everybody was welcome, regardless of their background or skill level. All of the coaches and other participants were extremely supportive and encouraging to each other. As we learned about skills to use both on and off the course, it opened my eyes to how golf is more than just the sport. The lessons I learned through the core values and other curriculums helped me grow as a person and became a part of my identity.

As I continued with First Tee, I participated in many of their programs besides just their teen group classes such as the Divots and Diversity class, Evans Scholar Caddie Program, PGA TOUR Superstore Leadership Class, standard bearing at the American Express, giving speeches at First Tee events, and even being selected to go to the PGATSS Leadership Academy in Atlanta in 2023. Throughout all of these experiences, I was exposed to remarkable people as well as countless opportunities. This helped me to build my own self confidence and learn how to pursue the goals that I set for myself. As I expanded my horizons, I looked towards the many national opportunities that First Tee provides over the summer. Unfortunately, there were unexpected developments that prevented me from participating.

Starting in October of 2023, I noticed some signs that something was out of the ordinary. I experienced extreme fatigue, which caused me to fall asleep in almost every single one of my classes each day, even with eight to nine hours of sleep a day. I had just assumed that schoolwork and my activities were taking a toll on me. In December and January, I got sick very easily and multiple times in a short period of time. Starting in February, I developed a cough that I believed was a seasonal cold. As the coughing got worse, I took three trips to urgent cares, which only provided antibiotics and inhalers as they believed it was just bronchitis or a common cold. My mother requested a chest X-ray each time but was turned down all three times. As the condition worsened, I started to have difficulty breathing. This was when my mother rushed me to the ER on March 1, 2024.

The doctors there immediately noticed my right lung sounded diminished and ordered a chest X-ray. They were surprised that none of the urgent care doctors offered an X-ray to us. The results from the X-ray showed that my right lung collapsed due to excessive amounts of fluid. They immediately took me to the procedure room and drained two liters of fluid. I was then admitted to the hospital for further monitoring of my condition, which at the time they assumed was pneumonia. The doctors scheduled a surgery to drain the rest of the fluid as well as install a chest tube. The night before the surgery, the doctors changed the preliminary scan from an X-ray to a CT scan. With this scan, they found a 12 cm mediastinal mass on top of my heart which was blocking my airways. During the surgery they installed a chest tube and took a biopsy of the mass. A few days later, the results came back which showed that it was positive for blood cancer.

I began chemotherapy treatment to start eliminating the mass. We stayed in the Loma Linda area for six weeks before finally returning home. Once we returned home, we spent the rest of our time going back and forth to the clinic with occasional hospitalizations. I was never aware of the severe side effects that come with chemotherapy and how scary they can be.

As my doctor went over my treatment plan, she recommended that I take a year off of school because of the countless side effects and intensive treatment. However, I did not want to postpone my education and fall behind in my goal of becoming an engineer. I finished my 10th grade year through the online Home and Hospital program. Throughout the summer, I continued my education by completing an online class through my local community college as well as homework for the next year. Although things were extremely tough and painful, I did not want to give up and pushed myself to reach my goals.

Although treatment has not concluded yet, I cannot wait to return to First Tee and continue my journey with them. First Tee – Coachella Valley has continuously reached out to me and checked up on my condition. They try to help me in any way that they can, even starting a lemonade stand to raise funds for my treatments. Without the immense support that I received from coaches and fellow participants, it would’ve been a much harder journey. I had never realized how much support from loved ones and a strong community could make such an impact. It gave me the strength to push through the hardest times of my life.

Going through all of this, I have learned the importance of having a strong and supportive community with people to help you. This is truly one of the most precious gifts that you could ever have. First Tee has created a community unlike any other, and I am honored to be a part of it. Once I am able to, I hope to return the kindness and hope that I have been given back to my community and help others who are going through their own struggles. I am so thankful for everything I learned and have received from First Tee.”

Elle, Julian Gianelli to compete in the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship

This September two participants from First Tee – San Joaquin will make their way to Pebble Beach, California, to play in the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship, and they happen to be siblings.

Julian and Elle Gianelli have been First Tee participants for six years. After being introduced to golf 11 years ago by their grandpa, they both found a love for the sport: getting to learn from him, spend quality time together and even show off a little bit.

Julian is a junior in high school and is involved with Model UN, Key Club, Campus Ministry, Link Crew, the California Scholarship Federation, the varsity golf team and completed over 200 hours of community service in 2023. He’s also a 3^rd degree blackbelt in Taekwondo, with the curriculum of First Tee reminding him of the curriculum taught in Taekwondo.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey with First Tee has been the opportunity to give back to the community by coaching and mentoring younger participants,” he said. “Serving as a positive role model for these children has been an honor, allowing me to share the values and lessons instilled in me by First Tee and inspire the next generation of leaders.”

Another way Julian gives back to his community is through his passion project “Crop Kindness Connect,” where he collects excess fruits and vegetables from local growers and provides them to those in need and local lower income schools of Stockton.

His older sister, Elle, is a senior in high school and is involved in the chess club, Kids Connect Global and has earned the President’s Service Award with over 250 hours of community service in 2023. She is also a 3^rd degree blackbelt in taekwondo and has been involved in several First Tee national opportunities, including the First Tee Innovators Forum, where teens develop a community service project to implement in their hometown.

Elle created a nonprofit called Socks4Seniors, which has provided over 6,500 pairs of silly socks and notes to over 100 nursing/assisted living facilities nationwide.

“I’ve been able to envision the impossible and am proud of what I have established and achieved through my nonprofit,” she said.

Julian and Elle are just two examples of the impressive 80 participants selected to play in the PURE Insurance Championship from September 17 – 22 This opportunity pairs each First Tee participant with a PGA TOUR Champions’ player and amateurs from the business world.

Good luck to all 80 participants as they continue their preparations for Pebble Beach!

Category: Blog