Category: Feature Stories

First Tee – Triangle’s Arianna Beverly reflects on the opportunities she’s earned through golf

When Arianna Beverly was six or seven years old, her dad signed her up for First Tee. She liked the little games well enough, but she wasn’t exactly serious about it. Then the world stopped, and golf became everything.

“COVID hit, and all we could do was play golf,” Arianna said. What started as a casual activity gradually became a lifelong passion.

Now a rising senior and member of the First Tee – Triangle community, Arianna just competed at the 2026 First Tee National Championship at Finley Golf Club in Chapel Hill — the same course where she recently attended a skills session as part of the PGA TOUR’s Pathway to Progression program. This week, she also stepped into a different kind of spotlight, moderating a conversation with player and golf personality Will Lowery at the championship’s welcome dinner.

A pathway opens

Arianna was invited to join Pathway to Progression at last year’s First Tee National Championship at the University of Notre Dame, where she played a practice round with Kenyatta Ramsey, vice president of player development at the PGA TOUR.

She won a qualifying tournament at Bally’s Golf Links in New York, “a very nice golf course, a different kind of experience,” she said. From there, the program brought her back to familiar ground: Finley Golf Club for sessions with coaches who helped with her swing, offered drills and talked through course management and the more technical aspects of the game. Through the program, she played her first AJGA tournament, a senior showcase in Las Vegas, and competed in a second AJGA event as well.

PURE Insurance Championship and Stewart Cink

If you ask Arianna about her favorite golf memory, there’s no hesitation.

“Playing at Pebble Beach. It was just the best experience of my life,” she said. “When I’m old and gray, I’ll still be reminding myself that I went to Pebble Beach and played with Stewart Cink.”

She competed at the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links, where she was paired with the PGA TOUR veteran. The experience left a lasting impression. “He still gives me little bits of advice,” she said. “I learned so much from him about course management. I was just pampered by everyone at that tournament.”

More than a golfer

Off the course, Arianna is vice president of her school’s Black Student Association, a National Honor Society member and a jewelry entrepreneur. She started making earrings during COVID as a creative outlet, inspired by a find on Pinterest and encouraged by her crafty family. As her skills improved, her dad convinced her to turn her hobby into a small business. Her Christmas gingerbread men and cupcake designs have been particularly popular.

Before she heads off to Japan on an upcoming school trip, Arianna is also looking ahead to the next chapter: college golf, ideally at an HBCU, and a degree in marketing.

The impact of First Tee

Through new environments and everything that comes with growing up, one thing has remained constant.

“First Tee has been the steadiest thing in my life,” Arianna said. “That’s something you need when you’re changing schools and meeting new people. I always know I have my friends at First Tee.”

She also credits the organization with something she didn’t expect when she first teed it up as a kid: social confidence.

As she prepares to graduate in 2027, Arianna sees golf not just as a sport but as the throughline of her life — past, present and future. “Through First Tee, I’ve fostered my love for the game. Everything I’ve done in the golf world has been because I found that love through First Tee. It’s going to get me into college, into the next chapter of my life, and I’m going to keep it throughout my adulthood because of what happened when I was six.”

Veronica Diaz shares how First Tee – Connecticut helped prepare her for a life of service

When Veronica Diaz joined First Tee – Connecticut around age 8, she found not only a sport, but a place to practice values like honesty, integrity and perseverance. Years later, those values are essential to her career in law enforcement.

Today, Veronica serves as an officer with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Police Department, where her work spans patrol, investigations and community service. It’s a career that demands composure under pressure, accountability and genuine care for the people around her — qualities she traces directly back to her time with First Tee.

“The values of honesty, integrity, respect and perseverance are things I use every day as a police officer,” she said. “Golf teaches you accountability because there is no one else to blame for your score, and First Tee reinforced that mindset.”

She credits her First Tee Coach, Coach Lindsey, for teaching her the importance of showing respect, making confident eye contact and offering a firm handshake — small things that turned out to matter enormously. “Those simple lessons have never left me,” she said. “They are values I continue to carry with me today and pass on to others whenever I can.”

Veronica’s path from First Tee participant to law enforcement officer saw her through four years of high school golf, Division III collegiate golf, summers coaching in the program and a serious car accident that reshaped how she thinks about time and the people she shares it with. “It reminded me how quickly time can pass and how important it is to spend time doing the things you love with the people you care about most,” she said.

Her nephew is now a First Tee participant through the Waterbury Police Activity League, the same PAL program that first connected Veronica to golf and the officers who inspired her career choice.

Reuniting at the Travelers Championship

This year, Veronica joined fellow First Tee alumni at a special meetup hosted during the Travelers Championship, made possible by the generous support of PGA TOUR Superstore. The gathering brought together alumni from across the First Tee network to reconnect, reflect and celebrate how far they’ve come.

“First Tee was such an important part of my childhood, so being able to reconnect with fellow alumni and see how everyone’s journeys have unfolded is special,” she said. “It’s also a great reminder of the impact the program has had on so many people.”

A message to the next generation

When asked what she’d say to a First Tee participant just starting out, Veronica’s answer was simple: Don’t be afraid if you don’t have everything figured out yet.

“The skills you’re learning through First Tee go far beyond golf and will help you no matter what path you choose,” she said. “Some of the experiences that shape your future may come from places you least expect. First Tee certainly did that for me.”

How to watch your child play golf without adding pressure 

Tournament season is here, and if your child is competing in junior golf this summer, you’re probably already thinking about how to show up for them. 

Your presence matters. Research consistently shows that parental support is one of the biggest factors in whether a young athlete has a positive sports experience. But there’s a version of support that helps kids thrive, and a version that can add weight to an already pressurized moment. The difference isn’t always obvious, especially when you love your kid and want them to succeed. 

Kids are remarkably perceptive. They notice the furrowed brow or slumped shoulders after a missed putt. They feel the silence in the car ride home. What they might not understand, however, is that you’re feeling disappointed for them – not disappointed in them. 

Your child wants to know that you care. But during competition, that awareness can work against them. When kids sense that a parent’s mood is tied to their performance, they start playing for the wrong audience. Instead of focusing on the shot in front of them, they’re managing your reaction, and that’s an enormous cognitive and emotional load for a young person to carry. 

What helpful presence actually looks like 

The good news is that being a supportive presence doesn’t require you to suppress your emotions. It just requires a small shift in focus. 

Before the round, keep it simple. Remind your child that you’re proud of them for competing, full stop. 

During the round, resist the urge to coach from the gallery. Even well-intentioned tips mid-round can disrupt a young golfer’s concentration and signal that you’re focused on outcomes rather than effort. Let them play and problem-solve. 

While athletes can learn from mistakes, avoid offering critiques right after a round when emotions are raw. Instead, try leading with curiosity. Prompt reflection with questions like: 

  • How did you feel? 
  • How were the conditions? 
  • What was the best moment of your round? 
  • What did you learn today from your round? 

Let the hard moments do their job 

Competitive golf is full of adversity … missed putts, bad bounces, tough weather. These moments feel painful in the short term, but they’re also exactly where some of the most important development happens. 

At First Tee, FAIL stands for First Attempt In Learning. The idea is that setbacks aren’t signs of failure but part of the process. When kids are allowed to sit with a hard moment, reflect on it and try again, they build something no coaching tip can give them: genuine resilience. 

Your role in those moments isn’t to fix the feeling or explain away the disappointment. It’s to stay calm, stay present and let your child know that your love isn’t contingent on the scorecard. 

What junior golfers often need most from their parents is the freedom to compete, take risks, make mistakes and figure things out in real time. 

Find a First Tee chapter near you to learn about competitive golf opportunities. 

From participant to coach: Libby Chamberlin’s First Tee story

This First Tee Week, we’re celebrating game-changing coaches like Libby Chamberlin. 

The youngest of three siblings, Libby watched her older brother and sister take classes at First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky for as long as she can remember. She wanted in. The moment she turned 7 and was old enough to join, she was ready. 

“I was ecstatic,” she said. 

Her siblings eventually found passions elsewhere, but Libby kept coming back, through middle school, high school and eventually into a coaching role she’s now held for six years. What started as a little sister tagging along has become a career shaped by First Tee’s values and the coaches who modeled them. 

Ask Libby what kept her coming back year after year before she even fell in love with golf, and she’ll tell you: the coaches. 

Tom and Mellisa Briner helped found First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky and helped shape Libby’s path. Swing instructor Bill Donaldson has been a constant presence throughout both her years as a participant and now as a fellow coach. 

“I want to give kids the same great experience with the program that I had,” she said. 

Game-planning for the future with Ace 

During her time as a participant, Libby was selected for two First Tee participant events: Game Changers Academy and Drive Your Future Academy. At both, she connected with participants from across the country and first learned about Ace. 

The seed was planted. 

In the spring of her junior year, Libby and her friend Abigail Laake decided to go for it together. They became the first participants at their chapter to complete Ace, meeting regularly with then-executive director Alicia Lawrence to work through it side by side. 

Libby remembers those meetings vividly — not just for the work, but for what they meant during a stressful stretch of senior year. 

“It was so helpful to have a mentor to consistently check in with,” she said. “I loved the way that the Ace experience encouraged me to create a game plan for life after graduation in all aspects of my life, like exploring ways to invest in my community and deciding how golf will fit into my life after I stop playing on a team. It provided me with an opportunity to explore who I am, what I want and what my long-term goals are.” 

A coach is born 

It was through volunteering in First Tee classes and serving as a role model for younger participants that Libby discovered her love for coaching.  

Alicia encouraged her to pursue it, and six years later, she’s still at it. Coaching part-time through college deepened her passion for working with young people and pointed her toward a career in youth development and education.  

She graduated from Transylvania University where she played golf while studying education and social change, developing a particular passion for literacy and learning outside traditional classroom settings. She’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in library sciences with a focus on public libraries and youth services. 

The thread running through all of it traces back her First Tee chapter and the coaches who showed up for her. Now a Level 3 coach herself, Libby is certified to teach the Ace curriculum. 

For any First Tee alumni thinking about getting involved again, Libby has a simple message: Reach out to your local chapter. 

“I know it can be hard to meet people post-grad,” she says. “Helping out with a First Tee class is a great way to dip your toes back in while also giving back to the community — and it’s a fun way to get back into golf yourself.” 

According to research from The Harris Poll and First Tee, 90% of parents believe coaches are the “unsung” heroes of youth development. But most parents also agree there’s a shortage of high-caliber coaches today. That’s why we’re honoring impactful coaches during First Tee Week, May 23-30, 2026. Learn more.

Inside the ropes and behind the scenes: How First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is highlighting opportunities in golf 

For most golf fans, the PGA Championship is something you watch from the gallery or on television. For four young people from First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, it’s where they’ll go to work. 

Lewis Cantres, Jake Ruppert, Hank Charlton and Andi Jones will serve as standard bearers at this year’s PGA Championship, walking inside the ropes alongside the world’s best golfers. It’s the kind of experience that doesn’t just make for a great story. For participants who are beginning to think seriously about their futures, it’s a glimpse at what a career in golf can actually look like. 

That glimpse is something First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is intentionally creating. 

The week before the tournament, dozens of participants attended the PGA’s Career Exploration Day, an event designed for young people who are curious about the golf industry, whether that’s merchandise and marketing, technology, engineering or tournament operations. 

Participants rotated through stations covering each of those areas, getting a firsthand look at what it takes to pull off one of professional golf’s major championships. They’ll also receive a ticket to attend a practice round the following week, so the learning doesn’t end when the event does. 

Learning the craft 

First Tee – Greater Philadelphia’s 2026 Caddie Academy graduated 67 new caddies this year, including seven girls, and several have already taken their skills onto real courses, including 14-year-old Sydney Schafer, who completed her first loop at Philly Cricket Club.  

“The Caddie Academy was an incredible experience for me. The trainings taught me all the rules I needed to know, along with respect for the players and the course,” Sydney said. “The training helped me realize the responsibility I need to take on for a job, caddying and beyond. The Caddie Academy has really set me up for success and prepared me for my future.” 

For these participants, caddying is more than a job. It’s professional experience in the golf industry, made possible through the training and connections of First Tee – Greater Philadelphia. 

In 2025, the chapter launched a new initiative in partnership with other local organizations: a greenskeeper training program designed to prepare students for careers in golf course management. 

The program reflects the chapter’s broader belief that the golf industry needs people who understand how to build and maintain the game from the ground up and that those people should reflect the diversity of the communities First Tee serves. 

Making sure the door is actually open 

To make First Tee’s golf and life skills programming more accessible, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia’s Access 2 Golf initiative provides transportation and meals to participants from partner organizations in specific zip codes from which getting to a golf course is a genuine challenge. 

In 2025, Access 2 Golf reached 21 partner organizations and 545 students, 88% of whom came from diverse backgrounds.  

From the standard bearer assignments at a major championship to the students caddying their first loops, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is building something more than a youth golf program. It’s building a pipeline, one that connects young people to real opportunities in an industry that has historically been hard to break into. 

This spring, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia participants will walk through the gates of the PGA Championship not as fans, but as future professionals exploring what’s possible. 

From the golf course to college: Addison Seban’s journey with First Tee – Golden Isles

Growing up in the Golden Isles, Addison Seban began playing golf because it meant time with her grandfather.

“He would bring me out to the golf course with him, and those are some of my favorite memories,” she said. “I didn’t really know much about the game at first, but just being out there with him made me fall in love with it. He was always really patient with me and encouraged me to keep trying, even when I got frustrated.”

Those experiences lit a spark in Addison that she carried to First Tee – Golden Isles, where she would go on to develop her golf game and grow as a leader.

Candles, clubs and commitment

Along the way, Addison found a creative solution to a familiar challenge: She wanted to play more golf, but new clubs weren’t in the budget. She started making and selling candles. What began as a practical workaround became a passion.

Her favorite scents? Pine during the Christmas season for that classic, cozy feeling, and eucalyptus.

All her hard work on the course, in the classroom and in service to others as a First Tee junior coach recently led to a major milestone. She earned an Evans Scholarship, a prestigious honor for young caddies.

“Finding out I earned the Evans Scholarship was honestly such an exciting and emotional moment,” Addison said. “I felt really proud of myself, but also just so grateful for everyone who supported me along the way. It made me reflect on all the time and effort I’ve put into golf, school and volunteering, and it felt amazing to see that pay off.”

The lasting impact of First Tee

As she heads to college, Addison said she’ll continue to use the values she learned at First Tee – things like integrity, confidence and perseverance. “Those are things that apply to so much more than just golf. First Tee has taught me how to stay positive, work through challenges and carry myself with respect both on and off the course.”

Those aren’t just words for Addison. They’re the foundation of everything she’s built and everything she’s building toward.

As for what comes next, Addison has her sights set on a career in professional golf, not as a player but behind the scenes. She hopes to work with the PGA TOUR and be involved in tournament operations someday. “I think it would be really exciting to be part of organizing or running events and being around the sport at that level,” she said. “Golf has been such a big part of my life, so I’d love to stay connected to it and build a career around it.”

With the Evans Scholarship opening new doors and a lifetime of lessons from First Tee behind her, there’s every reason to believe she will.

How to help shy kids make friends through sports 

Being shy can come with lots of overlooked benefits. Shy people tend to observe carefully before jumping in, which means they can notice details others miss. They’re often good listeners, empathetic and self-aware. 

Still for parents of shy kids, it can be difficult to watch your child struggle to connect with their peers. You want them to experience the joy of friendship, but pushing too hard can backfire. Sports offer a unique environment where shy kids can build friendships at their own pace. In fact, our research with The Harris Poll shows that 94% of parents believe playing sports helps children build confidence and social skills. 

Compared to many team sports, golf provides a more measured environment. There’s time between shots for conversation, opportunities to observe others before acting and a shared focus that takes the pressure off constant eye contact or quick responses. At First Tee, we’ve seen countless shy children blossom as they discover that the golf course is a safe space to practice being themselves. 

But making friends doesn’t happen automatically. Even in the most welcoming environment, shy kids might benefit from a little coaching on how to connect. 

Facilitating connections with A-L-R 

At First Tee, we teach a simple framework that can transform how shy kids approach new friendships: Ask, Listen, Respond. 

Ask questions: Encourage your child to become curious about others. Asking questions isn’t about filling awkward silence but about discovering who someone really is. Help your child understand that questions about a person’s background, experiences or interests can reveal commonalities they never expected. 

Listen to understand: Many shy kids are already good listeners by nature, but in social situations, they may be preoccupied by worrying about how to respond. Introduce the concept of active listening: focusing genuinely on what the other person is saying because you’re interested, not because you’re preparing your reply. 

You can practice this at home during dinner conversations or car rides. When your child shares something, model active listening by giving them your full attention, asking follow-up questions and reflecting back what you heard. Then gently encourage them to do the same when others are speaking. 

Reflect and respond: The final piece is showing others that you were truly listening. Teach your child that responding doesn’t mean having the perfect comeback or the funniest joke. It means acknowledging what was shared and building on it. 

A simple, “That sounds really cool. What was your favorite part?” or “I’ve felt that way too,” can be enough to keep a conversation flowing and signal genuine interest.  

The beauty of First Tee is that it provides natural, repeated opportunities to practice these skills. As a parent, you can support this process by encouraging participation in group activities, celebrating small wins and being patient; some friendships develop quickly, while others take a full season to form. 

Learning to ask thoughtful questions, listen actively and respond with authenticity can help prepare your child for success in school, future careers and all of life’s relationships. At First Tee, we’re committed to creating an environment where every child can discover their potential both on and off the course, because golf isn’t just about the game; it’s about the friendships formed, the confidence built and the life skills that last forever. 

Izzy Kornmeyer shares the transformative power of golf 

Izzy Kornmeyer didn’t know how to hold a golf club when she started at First Tee – Indiana in 8th grade. Now, as a high school senior and varsity golfer, she can’t stop thinking about the game that has completely changed her life. 

“Golf has changed me for the better, and I am forever grateful for it,” she said. 

Izzy’s golf journey started with Sunday mornings watching her dad and grandpa head out to play. When she decided to try high school golf, her mom signed her up for First Tee, hoping the program would give her daughter the foundation she needed. 

That first tournament was humbling. After top-slicing her opening drive, Izzy shot 110. But instead of giving up, she leaned into the challenge. Several summer tournaments and countless practice sessions later, she returned to that same course and shot 83, proving what dedication and perseverance could accomplish. 

Now Izzy is preparing to play collegiate golf at St. Thomas University in Miami, where she’ll be a first-generation college student. 

Finding her voice 

The transformation wasn’t just about golf scores. Izzy arrived at First Tee as a quiet, uncertain beginner who felt out of her element. Over four years, she evolved into a confident mentor and leader who now helps launch new First Tee – Indiana initiatives through the Leaders In Training Program. 

Her leadership extends far beyond the golf course. Izzy serves on First Tee – Indiana’s Participant Advisory Council and was chosen as a Youth Deacon at Second Presbyterian Church.  

Izzy’s approach to leadership is guided by her faith and the values she’s developed through First Tee. She lives by Matthew 20:26: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” 

“I now understand that true leadership isn’t about being in control,” Izzy said. “It’s about being present, expressing kindness and prioritizing other people before yourself.” 

Whether she’s volunteering in the church nursery, creating encouraging TikTok content or being the first to help others at First Tee – Indiana, Izzy leads with kindness and compassion. 

Making an impact 

When she’s not competing, Izzy is often watching professional golf, practicing and or giving back to others. In 2024, she attended the First Tee Innovators Forum in Phoenix. During the event, participants plan service projects they execute in their communities. Izzy ultimately collected 700 full-sized hygiene products and $500 for the Julian Center, Indiana’s largest organization supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crises. 

Her journey from a nervous beginner who couldn’t grip a club to a confident leader who helps others find their own path proves what First Tee has always known: With the right support, young people can achieve remarkable growth. 

For Izzy, that growth has been about more than improving her golf game. It’s been about discovering her voice and leading with kindness – one shot, one challenge and one act of service at a time. 

A commitment to service: Military veterans share why they volunteer at First Tee 

For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life means finding new ways to serve their communities. At First Tee, coaches with military backgrounds bring unique perspectives shaped by years of discipline, leadership and dedication to something greater than themselves. 

This Veterans Day, we spoke with three First Tee coaches who served in different branches of the military about their experiences, why service matters to them and what keeps them coming back to the course to mentor young people. 

Coach Joshua Grantham, First Tee – Phoenix 

Coach Joshua served in the U.S. Marine Corps from January 2002 to October 2008, achieving the title of Reconnaissance Marine. He helped to counter IEDs and capture high-value Al-Qaeda leaders in Iraq. He credits three Bible verses for driving his passion for service: 

  • “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But do not use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 
  • “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34-35 
  • “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others.” Matthew 20:25 

Coach Joshua began his journey with First Tee as a parent. “Once I received some training on the First Tee Building Blocks and Coaching Philosophy, I was hooked,” he said. “I have implemented many of the strategies in my own parenting with great success.” 

His favorite moments on the golf course come when kids light up after hitting a great shot. “Ultimately, it is watching them shift their mindset from outcome to process, learning that they can accomplish anything,” he said. 
 
Coach Devin Shaw, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast 

Coach Devin served 12 years in the U.S. Army as a Unit Supply Specialist. He was responsible for ensuring soldiers had the equipment and resources needed to accomplish the mission. It was a role that required organization, accountability and a strong sense of service to others. 

“Service is about purpose, sacrifice and being part of something greater than yourself,” he said. “The Army had a clear mission, and serving my country gave me a deep sense of fulfillment. I took great pride in being a soldier and in contributing to something that mattered beyond my own life.” 

First Tee – Florida Gold Coast offers a golf program for veterans at Dyer Park, which was the original draw for Coach Devin. “The friendships and bonds I’ve formed through those programs have truly improved my quality of life. It gave me a sense of community again – something I really missed after leaving the military,” he said. 

 What keeps Coach Devin coming back to First Tee is getting to help new golfers experience the thrill of the perfect shot – and grow their confidence – one swing at a time. 

Coach Steve Napier, First Tee – Greater Washington DC 

Coach Steve spent 25 years as an Air Force intelligence officer, working at Air Force Special Operations Command and the Pentagon. The highlight of his career was being selected as Squadron Commander, leading over 210 personnel conducting various intelligence missions. 

Coach Steve originally wanted to fly but found out he was too tall. “I learned there was much more to being in the Air Force — the camaraderie, the focus on mission, and as I progressed, mentoring the new airmen and officers on their life and career,” he said. It was his passion for mentorship that inspired him to join First Tee as a coach.  

He was watching golf one day while stationed in Hawaii and saw a First Tee ad. “I didn’t know much about it, so I did some research and felt it was something I would like to be a part of, especially since I was getting close to retirement,” he said. He joined First Tee – Hawaii as a volunteer coach and later got involved with First Tee – Greater Washington DC. 

For Coach Steve, it means a lot when kids and parents keep returning to First Tee, and he’s seen participants grow over the years. “I love seeing their progress as kids and golfers, and a few are playing in some junior golfer tournaments,” he said. 

This Veterans Day, we’re grateful for coaches like Joshua, Devin, Steve and the hundreds of other veterans who volunteer at First Tee chapters across the country. Their continued service makes a lasting impact on the next generation. Learn more about volunteering at First Tee. 

From course to career: Coach Stuart demonstrates the transformative power of First Tee mentors 

Accenture, a global professional services company and First Tee Trustee, hosts a personal development session for staff members at its Atlanta office on the first Friday of each month. Stuart Furlow had no idea one of these workshops would lead to one of the most rewarding experiences of his professional life. While working as a manufacturing and operations consultant, Stuart was also looking for a way to give back, and First Tee – Metro Atlanta provided the perfect opportunity. 

Growing up, Stuart learned golf from his father, uncle and cousin. The game had been a part of his life, but he’d never considered becoming a coach. “It was perfect timing,” Stuart said about discovering First Tee. “I just finished a project and heard about the volunteer opportunity. I wanted to be a mentor. I wanted to teach the game of golf and learn about First Tee.” Little did Stuart know, he would create a meaningful relationship with a participant named Ethan, helping to shape his bright future ahead. 

A mentorship built on more than golf 

Ethan Herndon didn’t take up golf by choice. When his dad first brought him to First Tee – Metro Atlanta at 8 years old, he went “begrudgingly,” following in his older sister’s footsteps. But that day changed everything. While golf can be portrayed as a sport for older and wealthier people, “First Tee is the opposite of that – it’s for everybody,” he said. 

For the next decade, Ethan returned to John A. White Golf Course every Saturday. By the time Stuart joined First Tee as a coach three years ago, Ethan was a high school freshman starting to think seriously about his future. 

Stuart immediately noticed something special about Ethan. “His work ethic: He was always one of the first kids out there, starting before we even got the chance to begin our actual lesson,” Stuart said. “We started talking and learning more about each other. I learned what he was interested in, what his aspirations were, and I started to add a little bit of feedback and my own perspective.” 

For Ethan, Stuart became more than just a golf coach. “He had a lot of advice that was very beneficial to me: looking at majors, programs, scholarships, things I hadn’t heard from other people before,” Ethan said. “He gave me a different outlook.” 

What made Stuart’s mentorship particularly meaningful was his genuine concern for Ethan’s overall wellbeing. “While shooting low scores and hitting good shots are important, Coach Stuart always wanted to make sure we were doing good in school, mentally, physically, and that everything was going well,” Ethan said. “He was truly concerned about our wellbeing and how we were as people versus just golfers.” 

The power of partnership 

Stuart’s commitment to First Tee reflects Accenture’s broader values. “The partnership between Accenture and First Tee is something that Accenture takes great pride in,” Stuart said. “We continuously talk about making an impact in the communities we serve.” 

But for Stuart, the impact goes beyond corporate social responsibility; it’s personal. Stuart sees his role as helping participants like Ethan navigate life with the benefit of his own experience. 

Through the Hope Tee Shot and other programs, Accenture’s support of First Tee and its Metro Atlanta chapter extend beyond participants’ time in high school. “It doesn’t stop after you leave the program,” Stuart said. “We want to continue supporting current students and alumni through all the avenues of life.” 

Today, Ethan has spent 10 years with First Tee – Metro Atlanta, transforming from a reluctant golfer into a young man with clear goals and the confidence to pursue them. Stuart’s mentorship played a crucial role in that journey, not just teaching him about golf, but helping him understand the possibilities ahead. 

Their story demonstrates the true mission of First Tee: using golf as a vehicle to build character and teach life skills that extend far beyond the course. And for volunteers like Stuart, it’s proof that giving back can be one of the most rewarding experiences of all. 

Learn more about how you can support young people like Ethan. 

Margaret Kerr of First Tee – Greater Houston, Julio Rodas-Rhim of First Tee – Metropolitan New York win pro-junior titles at 2025 PURE Insurance Championship  

Kerr and Rodas-Rhim were paired with pros Steven Alker and David Bransdon respectively 

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2025) – After a week of exciting competition and personal growth, Margaret Kerr of Friendswood, Texas, and Julio Rodas-Rhim of New York City are the junior winners of the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded Sunday at Pebble Beach.  

Both Kerr and Rodas-Rhim sealed their victories Sunday with birdies on Pebble Beach’s iconic par-3 17th hole. Kerr and Alker finished 18-under to win by one stroke. Rodas-Rhim and Bransdon finished 16-under and won in a scorecard playoff. 

For more than 20 years, the PURE Insurance Championship has provided First Tee participants with the unique opportunity to showcase the skills and values they’ve gained through the program. Held at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, the tournament pairs 80 standout teens from First Tee Chapters nationwide with PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business community. The annual event was broadcast internationally on Golf Channel. 

“This week, the 80 young representatives of First Tee demonstrated perseverance, personality and exceptional talent on the course,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We extend our congratulations to Margaret and Julio on their outstanding victory. And we are sincerely grateful to PURE Insurance, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, PGA TOUR Champions players, Golf Channel and all our generous partners for helping make this an unforgettable experience for our participants.” 

First Tee – Greater Houston’s Margaret Kerr is a 16-year-old junior at Clear Springs High School, who’s been playing golf for 10 years. She referees lacrosse games, fosters dogs and completed Ace, First Tee’s capstone program designed to help teens prepare for the future. 

“I don’t even think I can put it in words; life doesn’t feel real right now,” Kerr said. “I was so supported this week by not only my pro, but his caddie, his family – everybody.” 

First Tee – Metropolitan New York’s Rodas-Rhim is a 17-year-old senior at Fordham Preparatory School. In addition to earning a black belt in martial arts, he has been playing golf for 13 years. He was the New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association’s 2025 individual champion, and he plans to attend college somewhere warm so he can play golf all year. 

“I’m very grateful for this experience,” Rodas-Rhim said. “I really wanted to make my grandparents proud because they got me into golf in the first place, and them getting to see me on TV is probably a dream come true of mine.” 

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 Malakai Jazayeri of First Tee – Phoenix and Ashton Washington of First Tee – Tampa Bay with invitations to become the newest members of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. 

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 FirstTee.org.  

Meet 2 PURE Insurance Championship juniors who are making an impact 

Many First Tee participants work for years to earn a spot in the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs golf legends and business leaders with First Tee juniors for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach Golf Links. 

First Tee juniors are selected for the field based on their golf skills and their commitment to First Tee values. Two participants who excel in both areas are Malakai Jazayeri from First Tee – Phoenix and Ashton Washington from First Tee – Tampa Bay. 

Malakai is a senior from Gilbert, Arizona, with aspirations to play collegiate golf and experience new cultures after graduation. He’s been involved with First Tee – Phoenix for a decade, and he was named the chapter’s 2024 Player of the Year. He also works at Goodwill. 

Ashton will not only graduate from high school this spring, but he’ll also earn his associate’s degree in business administration. He aspires to play professional golf and work in real estate development. He’s a member of National Honor Society and he volunteers with organizations that address food insecurity in his community.  

On Thursday, PURE Insurance Championship executives surprised Malakai and Ashton with invitations to join the First Tee College Scholarship Program. 

The First Tee College Scholarship Program is building game changers 

Launched in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program provides selected alumni with financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities to help them succeed in college and beyond.  

Since its inception, more than 125 First Tee Scholars have benefited from this comprehensive support system, designed to prepare them for success both academically and personally. 

PURE Insurance has been the title sponsor of the PURE Insurance Championship since 2017 and is a dedicated partner of the First Tee College Scholarship Program.  

“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with, and support of, this incredible organization,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “Golf skills aside, the young men and women of First Tee excel in the classroom, give their time to their communities and lead in their First Tee chapters, their schools and beyond. They’re going to shape the future — and PURE is proud to support them and help share their stories.”

As they prepare to take this next step, Malakai and Ashton join a network of motivated alumni who represent the values and skills learned through First Tee.  

Learn more about the First Tee Alumni Network.