Category: Feature Stories

Sara Diaz is Changing the Way the PGA TOUR Relates to its Multicultural Fan Base

By Sara Wright, Guest blogger, PGA TOUR When the First Tee of Greater San Antonio first put clubs in the hands of the Diaz family about 15 years ago, there was no way to predict just how much the game would impact the family’s life. Sara, the eldest of three children, her brother Adolfo, the middle sibling, and the youngest, Elsa, all learned to play golf with their dad through the program, but in the case of the Diaz siblings, their time with First Tee provided so much more. While Sara was born in the U.S., she and her family moved to her mother’s native Mexico to grow up learning Spanish. About a decade later, the family returned to the U.S., with Sara, Adolfo and Elsa then needing to re-learn English. That’s where the First Tee program came in, allowing the siblings to not just learn the sport of golf, but perhaps more importantly to practice their English in a fun and supportive environment. Of course, Sara learned a lot more than that during her time in the First Tee program. She also learned important character development, goal setting, fundraising techniques, public speaking, essay writing and confidence to travel on her own. When Sara qualified in 2008 for the prestigious Wal-Mart First Tee Open in Pebble Beach, the program’s top national opportunity, she was extremely lucky to have been paired with the legendary Tom Watson.  If that wasn’t exciting enough, she was featured on the Golf Channel during the tournament and was awarded the Oroweat Healthy Minds Scholarship during a surprise press conference. She recalls that week as ‘truly unbelievable.’ In 2010, Sara was selected to be a junior reporter at the WGC-CA Championship in Doral, FL, where she worked for the first time inside of the PGA TOUR’s media center. Later in the fall, she was chosen to go to Walt Disney World in Orlando for a Future Leaders Forum. That same year, she was given another incredible opportunity to participate in a commercial with the great Jack Nicklaus for the Royal Bank of Scotland in Jupiter, FL., where she snuck in a putting lesson from the greatest golfer of all time. After she graduated from the First Tee program as the first participant in the San Antonio chapter to complete the Ace-level certification, her opportunities with golf continued. Initially recruited to play golf at Texas A&M-Commerce, Sara progressed to the University of Richmond Division I program where she was offered a full scholarship for her Master’s degree and the opportunity compete alongside her younger sister in 2014.  Needless to say, the Diaz sisters had a blast playing together – albeit for just a year – on the same team. In 2017, she was asked to return as an alumnus to her favorite place, Pebble Beach, and share her experiences as a speaker for The First Tee Pure Insurance Legends and Leaders Dinner alongside Condoleezza Rice and Leon Panetta. Even though Sara knew this sport would always play a huge part in her life, what she didn’t realize at the time, was that all of these experiences were preparing her for this current role at the PGA TOUR, where she now manages their multicultural marketing strategy. Hired in March 2019, she excels in positioning the TOUR brand in unexpected places and has helped produce and distribute content through a variety of different channels allowing golf to be portrayed in a new light to a larger demographic. Sara helped in the success of the TOUR’s recently-launched Spanish Instagram page, @pgatouresp, where she hosted the eSeries Video Game Challenge in Spanish to show the behind-the-scenes of what goes on during the recording and reveal the personalities of our players in a casual setting. Sara also had a huge part in adding to the new PGA TOUR and First Tee’s co-sponsored site, Links to Learning. With her help, this site, which was established shortly after schools closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to provide golf-centric educational material into homes, added a section for youth to learn Spanish and additionally, she worked with a team to translate the whole site to Spanish – https://www.pgatour.com/academia.html. Most recently, Sara also had the honor of interviewing the Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, Jay Monahan and Harold Varner III on the return to golf and the current social injustice in our country. Check it out here: https://www.pgatour.com/video/2020/06/05/a-thoughtful-conversation-with-commissioner-monahan-and-varner-i.html “Because of golf, I have met wonderful people from all walks of life and have opened my eyes to different lifestyles and perspectives,” she said. “I feel extremely lucky and appreciative of all the experiences the sport has provided me. I have been honored to help create awareness, address misconceptions and curate the onsite tournament experience so people from all ages, races and backgrounds can feel welcome and enjoy the sport that has been such a big part of my life. My goal is to have multicultural initiatives interwoven into everything we do at the PGA TOUR,” Sara added. “I’m very excited for the future of this organization and how we can continue to connect with ALL of our fans!”

How Positivity Can Help Us Persevere in Times of Uncertainty

By Sara Wright, Guest blogger, PGA TOUR

Positivity and perseverance have always been revered characteristics. This seems true now more than ever before. For most, regular day-to-day routines were flipped completely upside down during the COVID-19 pandemic. And it was a rapid change to the norm.

As the global health crisis took shape, most children saw their schools closed and their sports and after-school activities canceled. This inevitably included First Tee’s in-person programs, which were suspended for the unforeseeable future.

Many parents created a virtual learning environment for their children at home. While the lucky ones worked remotely, many faced layoffs as businesses closed their doors and unemployment rates skyrocketed. Our work-life balance shifted and even regular interactions with family and friends changed drastically almost overnight.

While some states begin to slowly reopen, the future is still unclear. Around the world, people and businesses are doing their part: helping others, spreading good news and simply reassuring each other with signs or messages of positivity that we WILL get through this. We will persevere.

Examples of golfers using perseverance and positivity are also plentiful, but the name that sticks out to us is one that we’ve heard frequently over the past year.

Photo courtesy of the PGA TOUR

She is not a professional golfer (at least not yet), but Amy Bockerstette, along with her iconic self-assurance and her “I got this” mentality, is a player who knows first-hand what it takes to persevere against all odds.

If you are one of the few who have not heard of ‘Amazing Amy’ yet, don’t worry. We got you. Watch this video released by the PGA TOUR about Amy and her viral moment with Gary Woodland in 2019 on the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale.

So, what can we learn from Amy? Well, her story is one that truly shows just how powerful positive attitude and self-talk can be.

“Amy’s energy, her love, her attitude was so contagious,” four-time PGA TOUR winner Woodland said. “I need more of that, and I think the world needs more of that. Her positive self-talk is stuff I’m still using to this day.”

Woodland credited Amy’s positivity and perseverance as a driving force to his U.S. Open victory that came a few months after he met her. So if it works for Gary and Amy, it can work for all of us.

Positive self-talk is an essential tool in perseverance.

Positive self-talk helps boost your confidence. This seems like a no-brainer, but studies have shown that positive self-talk is among the most efficient and effective means of increasing a person’s self-confidence. Many psychologists believe confidence is one of the primary prerequisites to personal and professional success.

In addition, it helps eliminates stress. According to the American Heart Association, positive self-talk can aid in controlling stress. As a result, it makes you feel calmer and less anxious, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease and other physical ailments brought on by stress.

How can you practice positive self-talk?

  • Create a positive outcome in your head: Imagine a goal and how you will accomplish it. Once you keep this intent in mind, it becomes easier for you to accomplish and set out steps to achieve it.
  • Build on your accomplishments: This can be done in two parts. First, remember your previous accomplishments. These memories will make you feel good about yourself. Then, praise yourself when you achieve your new goals.
  • Repeated affirmations: Focus on regularly saying optimistic statements about yourself, your present endeavors or what goals you intend to accomplish. By repeating these affirmations, a person has a higher chance of recalling positive thoughts instead of negative ones.

One of the goals of First Tee is to better equip our children for whatever comes their way. With that in mind, we have provided a vision board activity to complete with your child at home.

A vision board is a physical representation of a goal or set of goals that you’re aiming to achieve. It is a collage of items that are meant to kick start their imagination and help visualize those goals with words of positivity and affirmation. Check out the project linked here on our new Links to Learning website.

With positive self-talk, we CAN persevere even through the most uncertain and trying of times. Remember, you’ve got this. (Now, just repeat that to yourself as often as it takes!)

Alumni Spotlight: A Foundation of Values

Our character education programs aim to put youth on a path for success. First Tee Alumni continue to demonstrate this long-lasting impact by sharing their success stories. Owais Durrani is one such alum from First Tee of Greater Houston. Owais uncovered his self-confidence through First Tee and is now making a difference in his community.

Owais’ Story:

When Owais Durrani slips on his white doctor’s coat, he stands ready to help treat whatever illness or injury walks through the emergency room doors at UT Health in San Antonio. Currently finishing up his residency, Owais has quickly learned his profession is one that demands a lot – self-confidence, determination and resilience – characteristics he’s been building on since his time at First Tee.

“Life gets difficult and complex at times, but even the most challenging of circumstances boils down to a few basic principles – many of them included in First Tee’s values.”

During his time at First Tee of Greater Houston, Owais developed an interest in social issues and says First Tee gave him the confidence to pursue opportunities that he once didn’t see possible for himself as a first-generation American. Owais received his dual-Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Political Science from the University of Texas. He took his passion up a notch by attending medical school. In his gap year, Owais interned at the White House under the Obama administration. He remained dedicated to learning about how to address health disparities, one of his life’s greatest passions. Confident in his foundation, Owais is excited about his future giving back to underserved communities.

Alumni Sightings: PGA Merchandise Show

We like to think of our First Tee alumni network as a big family. Last month, we had the opportunity to have a mini reunion where we reconnected with several alumni during the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida hearing more about where their journeys have landed them. With 81% of teens saying First Tee contributed to their personal transformation, these young adults represent the many alumni across the country and globe who are using the life skills they learned in the program to live out their dreams.

Paloma Santiago, First Tee of Greater Trenton

Paloma grew up in the New Jersey area, participating with the First Tee of Greater Trenton. She has continued to serve within the golf industry. After graduating from Methodist University and becoming a certified PGA Golf Professional, Paloma began serving as a Head Golf Professional in the New Jersey PGA section. Since 2017, Paloma has been the President of a non-profit golf organization she started called Live Golf. This non-profit is dedicated to supporting the community by exposing the game of golf, its values and opportunities primarily to youth and military in the community.

     

Jasmin Cunningham, First Tee of Metro Atlanta

Jasmin hasn’t strayed far from her roots at First Tee of Metro Atlanta. A Professional Golf Management graduate from University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Jasmin is now a Training & Curriculum Coordinator at First Tee headquarters. During her visit at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jasmin spent her time networking with PGA WORKS fellows. She also attended the We Are Golf  Diversity Roundtable Discussion, taking a deeper dive into the world of golf for minorities. They held discussions about how the industry can improve, providing unique perspectives on the topic.

     

Gavin Hogan, First Tee of Fort Worth

During Gavin’s time at First Tee of Fort Worth, he was an extremely active member. Hogan earned his ACE certification, the highest level a participant can achieve with First Tee. He also competed in the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee in 2018 alongside PGA TOUR Champions professional Todd Hamilton. Gavin is currently a freshman at New Mexico State University, studying in the PGA Golf Management program with hopes of learning more about the various paths that golf can provide.       Are you a First Tee alum? Join our First Tee Alumni Network and stay connected with participants and professionals from around the country.

Beating the Odds: John Scott Senz

Across the country, participants from First Tee chapters are learning valuable life lessons to help them overcome obstacles. John Scott Senz is one of those success stories. The 19-year-old teen from First Tee of Contra Costa was born with cerebral palsy, but refused to let the disorder become a limiting factor in the pursuit of his dreams. Embracing the values and life skills of First Tee, like self-confidence and perseverance, John Scott is now an active competitor on the Concord High School golf team, and has experienced tremendous success at the Special Olympics, being crowned a two-time champion. In his spare time, he inspires the next generation of golfers to reach their goals and dreams by teaching golf fundamentals and life lessons at the First Tee’s junior camps. John Scott not only serves as a tremendous example of what it means to persevere, but his service to his community functions as a benchmark that others can hope to attain. John Scott is everything First Tee says you can be. See John Scott’s story in action. If you are interested in making a donation to support participants like John Scott, click here.

Megha Ganne to Compete in the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open

As a participant of First Tee of Metropolitan New York since she was seven years old, Megha Ganne has an adept knowledge of the game of golf. Now, eight years later her work proves to be paying off… At just 15 years old, Megha Ganne stole the show last month at the U.S. Women’s Open Sectional Qualifying at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township, New Jersey. The high school freshman out of Holmdel, New Jersey shot an even-par 70-72-142 beating out a field of 40, including eight professional golfers, and claiming her spot in the U.S. Women’s Open. One month later Megha is heading down to Charleston, SC to compete against the world’s best female golfers, but she doesn’t seem too worried.“I’m going to be playing six rounds of walking golf in 90 degree weather and I’m not scared at all because of the First Tee and what they prepped me through for the last five years at summer camp…I think if anyone is prepared in the field for the physical conditions it’s going to be me” says Megha. Watch out Charleston, here she comes! Though this will be her first major, the high school freshman is no novice to championships. The reigning New Jersey State Golf Association Junior Girls champion has also participated in the US Women’s Amateur (2017), US Girl’s Junior Championship in (2017 and 2018), and US Women’s Four-Ball Championship (2018). Last month, Megha finished second in the 2019 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National. She made history by becoming the first junior to earn a spot in the DCP for the fourth time in the event’s six year history. Megha hopes to continue representing First Tee to inspire others to pick up the game. Tune-in to the U.S. Women’s Open this weekend to keep up with Megha’s story.

Get Involved

With more than 1,200 locations, The First Tee offers programs to youth from all backgrounds—no golf experience needed! If you know a kid interested in golf, visit our location map to find a local chapter! Find a Chapter

Royal Moroccan Golf Federation Brings First Tee Program to Young People in Morocco through New Partnership

Announcement made during Trophee Hassan II and Lalla Meryem Cup Tournaments

Rabat, Morocco (April 27, 2019) – Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and First Tee announced today they are partnering to bring character-building programs to Morocco. First Tee of Morocco will become the fifth international First Tee and first on the continent of Africa. The announcement was made at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, Morocco today by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid and First Tee President Greg McLaughlin. McLaughlin joined Golf Channel’s Morning Drive this past Saturday for the announcement.  First Tee has been in existence for 22 years, primarily in the United States, and has grown to approximately 150 chapters and over 1,200 program locations including four international (Canada, Japan, Korea and Mexico) chapters. “Through this partnership, we hope to introduce more young Moroccans to the game of golf while developing their confidence, life skills and values,” said His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid. “My desire is to enhance the sport’s public perception, encourage greater openness to the larger public, and ultimately create opportunities for the emergence of an elite golfer able to hoist our flag high in international competitions.” “Morocco has become an important part of the global golf community and is an excellent place to introduce First Tee programs to children in Africa,” said McLaughlin. “I have been impressed by the commitment and passion for the game during my visit here, and trust this will be a longstanding partnership for the benefit for the Moroccan community.” First Tee programs will be offered at the Royal Dar Es Salam and other locations. Coaches will be provided with formal training from First Tee’s well-established and highly regarded program. About Royal Moroccan Golf Federation Founded on March 12th of 1960 the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation’s role is to ensure, as an authority, the smooth running of the golf practice in Morocco. Beyond the organization, administration, management and development of amateur and professional golf in Morocco, it has a representative role, for sports associations or affiliated clubs, both nationally and internationally. Since January 2018, the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation is chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid. One of the main strategy direction is to broaden the base by encouraging the golf clubs all around the Kingdom to an aggressive policy of integration of young people of all social categories with as a priority, the respect of their schooling. About First Tee First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its beginning in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Its headquarters are in St. Augustine, Florida, USA, with programs in all 50 United States and select international locations. Media Contacts: Jane Fader, First Tee, [email protected], 904-940-4330 (U.S.) Ghizlane Haloui, Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, +212 661 112 206

Wells Fargo and The First Tee announce winners of national Succeeding Together contest

Four winners will attend the 2019 Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, N.C.

New Orleans – April 8, 2019 – Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) and The First Tee today announced the 2019 winners of the Succeeding TogetherSM essay contest. Wells Fargo created the national contest specifically for the 30,000+ teenage participants of The First Tee®, a youth development organization dedicated to helping kids build character through the game of golf. The contest asked eligible participants of The First Tee to reflect on their personal journeys for success including their application of The First Tee’s Nine Core Values. Kobe Narcisse, 14, from the First Tee of Greater New Orleans, was named the grand prize winner and will play in the 2019 Wells Fargo Championship Pro-Am with a PGA TOUR golfer on May 1, 2019. Narcisse has been involved in The First Tee for seven years. A freshman at Thomas Jefferson High School in Gretna, Narcisse plays on the school’s football team and has plans to pursue playing collegiate golf. “We’re excited to have one of the winners of Wells Fargo’s Succeeding Together contest from here in New Orleans,” said Nick Carey, marketing manager at Wells Fargo. “It was heart-warming to hear all of the wonderful stories that the contest participants shared through their essays. Wells Fargo believes when our communities thrive, we are all successful. We should all take great pride in the achievements of these young people and the leadership they have shown — in the classroom, on the golf course, and in our communities.” Narcisse was one of four winners selected by a panel of judges from Wells Fargo, The First Tee, and the Wells Fargo Championship tournament office from the written submissions. Nadia Kimbrough, 15, from The First Tee of Indiana; Bailey O’Donnell, 17, from The First Tee of Fort Worth; and Pierce Robinson, 18, from The First Tee of the Foothills (North Carolina) were named the first prize winners and will receive a four-day/three-night trip for two to Charlotte, N.C., to attend the Wells Fargo Championship and experience the excitement of a PGA TOUR event from inside the ropes. In 2015, Wells Fargo deepened its relationship with The First Tee by becoming a national Trustee and further supporting the organization, its participants  and volunteers – recognizing that little by little, we can join together to make a huge difference in the lives of so many kids. More information about Wells Fargo’s Succeeding Together community program and the contest is located at: http://www.succeedingtogether.org. About Wells Fargo Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,800 locations, more than 13,000 ATMs, and the internet (wellsfargo.com). Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially. With approximately 259,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 26 on Fortune’s 2018 rankings of America’s largest corporations. In 2018, Wells Fargo donated more than $444 million to nearly 11,000 nonprofits in support of affordable housing, small business growth, financial education, and sustainability, among other community needs. For 10 consecutive years, Wells Fargo has held the honor of No. 1 in workplace giving by United Way Worldwide. Wells Fargo team members also make a difference by donating more than 2 million hours of volunteer time in the last year. News, insights and more information on the company’s corporate responsibility are available at Wells Fargo Stories. About The First Tee The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida, The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States. Each year, The First Tee brings character education through the game of golf to more than 5 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Southern Company is its Education Patron. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair. The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501c3. Media Name, XXX-XXX-XXX [email protected] @TwitterHandle

Alumna Elsa Diaz Set to Play in LPGA Event

At The First Tee, we strive to provide kids with opportunities that will not only improve their skills in golf but also put them on a path to succeed in life. Like many alumni of The First Tee, these type of opportunities have impacted 22-year-old Elsa Diaz in a big way. An alumna from The First Tee of Greater San Antonio, Elsa joined the program at the age of nine and quickly found a golf family who prepared her for the experience she is about to begin. Currently playing college golf at the University of Richmond, Elsa recently received an exemption to play in the Kingsmill Championship, a LPGA Tour event. We asked her to tell us about her time at The First Tee and how she is preparing for this unforgettable opportunity.
Elsa Diaz, alumna from The First Tee of Greater San Antonio, chaperoning at the 2017 Joe Louis Barrow Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy

Tell us about your time in The First Tee

I started at The First Tee of Greater San Antonio when I was nine years old and it became a second home for me and my two older siblings, Sara and Adolfo, until we graduated from the program. When I think about my time at The First Tee, I remember it as a place of opportunity, friendships, a playground and where we could dream big. The First Tee gave my family and me opportunities that we could’ve never imagined experiencing anywhere else. Both my sister and I played alongside PGA TOUR Champions players at PURE Insurance Open at Pebble Beach on separate occasions. I never thought I would, but I got a chance to meet my golfing idols: Annika Sörenstam and Lorena Ochoa. With all these opportunities my siblings and I had the chance to explore so many different parts of life and learned more about ourselves and who we wanted to be in the future. The First Tee was a place where I loved to be because it was a place where I could be myself but also grow as a person while having fun. We learned life lessons through the game of golf and formed new friendships through every session, even during the two-hand touch football games we would play after classes. The First Tee was a place that let me be a kid full of joy a laughter and I will forever be grateful that this program is part of my life.

How did The First Tee prepare you for your time in college and in playing college golf?

The national opportunities The First Tee offers, like going to leadership academies and player forums, are the experiences that better prepared me for college and college golf. Having the chance to travel somewhere new without your parents and meet participants from across the country made me a more open-minded individual and I always felt a sense of growth after I came home. When I came to college, I found it easy to make new friends and the challenge of being so far away from home did not seem as hard because of those core principles I had been taught through my parents and the program. The national opportunities also taught me that when we have a dream, a goal, or an opportunity presented to us we should chase after it. I remember the day my program director told me about The First Tee Speed Golf Championship and told me that I should attempt it. I trained for the event as much as I could and was flown to Richmond, Virginia to compete in the championship. Little did I know I would end up winning the event, have a college coach watch me win it and later offer me a full four-year golf scholarship to the University of Richmond! I accepted it and have spent the last four years earning my business marketing degree, and have been having the time of my life.

Going into the Kingsmill Championship, what do you hope to gain and experience from this opportunity?

During the Kingsmill Championship, I hope to gain experience and knowledge on how it feels to play next to the best women golfers in the world. I can’t wait to know what that adrenaline and excitement will feel like and to finally be competing in the dream that I so long ago envisioned when I was 15 years old. Playing in this event will let me know where my strengths and weaknesses are so that I can compete, join them on tour, and play against the best in the world. I am very excited because it’s going to be a test of my character and mental game. I know its going to be hard to keep the excitement and nerves down, but hopefully, as soon I hit that first shot I’ll remember all those lessons from The First Tee I learned so long ago.

What are your future career and golf goals?

My future career and golf goals is to play full time on the LPGA Tour. Now that I have completed my education at the University of Richmond, I have my mind set on becoming a full time golfer, grow the game, especially women golf, and serve as a representative of brands and organizations.

If you could give one piece of advice to participants at The First Tee hoping to pursue a college golf, what would it be?

One piece of advice that I would give a The First Tee participant who is pursuing college golf would be to dream big and in the pursuit of doing it try everything the program has to offer. I think The First Tee does a great job of focusing on making us well-rounded individuals, not just golfers. They teach us that giving back is actually a benefit to ourselves, to excel in academics, choosing healthy habits, improving our social skills and most importantly how to dream and set goals. Even if it’s not golf-related, there is so much the program can give you that you can later apply to your own golf game. It seems to me that even though I am a golfer and I am playing golf, it was all the life lessons I learned while not playing golf that got me where I am headed to today.

JOIN THE FAMILY

Are you an alumnus of The First Tee? Join our Alumni Network to stay up to date on career opportunities, The First Tee events and chances to share your story, like Elsa. Join the Alumni Network

GET INVOLVED

With more than 1,200 locations, The First Tee offers programs to youth from all backgrounds—no golf experience needed! If you know a young person who has an interest in golf, visit our location map to find a local chapter! FIND A LOCATION

5 Junior Golfers from The First Tee Competing in Drive, Chip and Putt Finals

It’s an opportunity many only ever dream about: playing Augusta National Golf Club. Five of The First Tee participants have realized that dream, earning invitations to compete in the fifth annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, held at the famed golf course. This year’s competition will take place on Sunday, April 1, prior to the start of the Masters Tournament.

The First Tee is represented by all females at the 2018 Drive, Chip, & Putt finals:

Participant

Chapter

Division
Raylee Bosley The First Tee of Greater Houston Girls 7-9
Danica Lundgren The First Tee of Greater Austin Girls 10-11
Allyn Stephens The First Tee of Greater Houston Girls 12-13
Elise Deschaine The First Tee of Greater Portland Girls 14-15
Megha Ganne The First Tee of Metropolitan New York Girls 14-15
 
Elise Deschaine qualifies for the Drive, Chip, & Putt finals – Watch her story on Golf Channel
A joint initiative by the Masters Tournament, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the PGA of America, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is a free, nationwide youth golf development initiative open to girls and boys ages 7-15 – competing in separate divisions in four age categories. The competition focuses on the three fundamental skills employed in golf and taps the creative and competitive spirit of young golfers. Competing in the National Championship is no easy task. The road to Augusta began with local qualifying in May, June, and July, held at more than 260 sites throughout the United States. The top three scorers per venue, in each of the four age categories in separate boys and girls divisions, advanced to 50 subregional qualifiers in July and August. Two juniors in each age and gender division then competed at the regional level in September and October. The top finisher from each regional site’s age/gender divisions – a total of 80 finalists – earned a place in the National Finals, which will be broadcast live on Golf Channel.

 

Junior Golf Programs Through The First Tee

Founded by golf’s governing bodies—the LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA—The First Tee has been changing the sport of golf for more than 20 years. By making the game fun, inclusive and affordable, The First Tee has introduced golf to more than 15 million kids since 1997, changing their lives along the way. More than 1,000 PGA & LPGA teaching professionals and 25,000 volunteers work together to empower and teach kids The First Tee’s Nine Core Values: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgment. Find a location near you

Building a life in golf, through The First Tee

Alumnus Kyle DiGiacobbe from The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia
For many alumni of The First Tee, golf is more than a game. It’s an opporunity to meet new people and experience new things. Alumnus Kyle DiGiacobbe tells us firsthand how the sport has impacted his life, from his career to his friends.

In His Words:

“I was always involved in golf as a kid, playing at the club with my dad on afternoons, and caddying on weekends. When caddying for him, John MacDonald, now retired executive director of The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, asked me to come down and check out his new facility and The First Tee. I quickly became involved after my first visit, seeing the learning center as a great place to hit balls and practice in the winter, plus meet new kids who were my age and who played golf. Through The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, I not only met numerous golfers, lifelong friends who I still communicate with, but also had my eyes opened to the golf industry as more than just the PGA TOUR on TV. I was selected to attend two golf and leadership academies hosted by The First Tee, chosen to play in The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, and selected to attend the Future Leaders Forum.
Kyle and Beau Zastrow at his wedding

making lifelong friends

I have friends who I met at these events who I still talk to today, almost 10 years later, and have seen them be successful in golf and life. Beau Zastrow, who I roomed with at one of the academies, asked me to be a groomsman in his wedding. We also get together once a year, from across the country, when he can get time off from being a police officer. Kelsey Berg, who I met and keep in touch with, is a Marketing Director with FootJoy and I see yearly at the PGA Show. AJ Newell and I played a practice round at Pebble Beach and still keep in touch with via social media. She just earned status on the LPGA Tour.

Working in the Golf Industry

After these experiences in high school, I knew I wanted a life and career in golf. I moved to Florida for college and tried to walk on to the golf team, but it did not work out. So instead, I got a job at the course next to my university Gand worked there for four years. During college, I was able to secure a USGA P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship with the Pennsylvania Golf Association for the summers of 2012 and 2013, and loved the tournament administration side of the golf business. Following the internship, I was hired in July 2013 by the Florida State Golf Association(FSGA). Now in my fifth season with the FSGA, I am the Director of Men’s Golf, charged with conducting state championship, junior tournaments, USGA qualifiers and numerous other events. I never thought caddying at 12 and 13 years old would lead to a life where I spend every day surrounded by golf, get to be on a golf course 3 to 5 days a week, and have lifelong friends that I made through this great sport.”

GIVE BACK AND GET INVOLVED

Looking for ways to stay involved with The First Tee after you leave the program? Join The First Tee Alumni Network for a variety of opportunities to network and build your career. Join the Alumni Network

Alumnus Norman Xiong Competes in Farmers Insurance Open

At The First Tee, core values like perseverance and confidence are key in not only teaching golf but the life skills that come with it. These two values are no stranger to nineteen-year-old Norman Xiong. An alumnus of The First Tee of San Diego, Norman joined the program at the age of five when his family moved to the states from Guam to pursue Norman’s passion for the game. Norman’s hard work paid off as he recently played in the Farmers Insurance Open after being granted an exemption to play in the PGA TOUR event.
Participants of The First Tee of San Diego wish Norman luck before The Farmers Insurance Open
We asked Norman, who is currently playing college golf at the University of Oregon, to tell us about his time at The First Tee and what it was like to play in the PGA tournament.

1) Tell us about your time at The First Tee.

I started at the First Tee at the age of 6. The program became a second home for me as I grew through elementary school. It was a place I could go and learn about myself, others, do my homework, and learn many life skills early in life. It’s also a place I’ve met some of my best friends. For example, I met Donald Kay in Par class when I was 6 years old.  Now 13 years later, Donald and I are roommates and play together at Oregon. I can say without a doubt that my life has been greatly improved because of The First Tee program.

2) Did Your experience at The First Tee influence your decision to play college golf?

Growing up at The First Tee, college was always something I knew I would do. There was talk with people around golf that I may just turn pro after high school. But I always knew college was something I wanted to experience. My situation starting at Oregon was unique. I graduated high school early and began at Oregon mid-school year.  It was a tough transition to begin something as new as college when all the other freshmen were already in the rhythm of things. During these challenges, I relied even more on the life skills I learned at The First Tee. Skills like meeting someone new, goal setting, and time management were all key in making the transition as smooth as possible. I absolutely love being a Duck and going to school at Oregon.  Going there was the perfect decision for me and I’m still not done learning.
Norman Xiong, student and college golfer, University of Oregon

3) What were your thoughts going into the Farmers Insurance Open and playing at such a professional level?

My family had a goal for me to play in one PGA TOUR event before I considered turning pro.  Hearing that I got into the Farmers Insurance Open and my first PGA TOUR event would be in my hometown was something I still can’t believe happened. Especially with the ties with charitable giving from the Farmers and The First Tee of San Diego. My biggest goals for the event were to have fun, gain experience, and see where I needed to improve my game to be eventually ready for the PGA TOUR. Just like I prepared for college well ahead of time, preparing for the PGA TOUR is something I want to equally be ready for. The Farmers in a sense was like visiting colleges in high school. To see how it looked and felt so I could become comfortable early.

4) Do you have any advice for participants at The First Tee who want to pursue college golf and/or play at the professional level?

The biggest bit of advice I would have for anyone who wants to pursue college golf is the importance of school. I was around a lot of talented golfers who thought their golf game would make it so their grades were not as important. Unfortunately, they learned the hard way that what you do in the classroom is equally weighted as what you do on the golf course. Those golfers, unfortunately, didn’t get to go to their dream schools. For their golf game, I would always stress to enjoy the game, not the rewards. At the end of the day it’s a game, and you’ll never be your best if you don’t love it.

Join the Family

Are you an alumni of The First Tee? Join our Alumni Network to stay up to date on career opportunities, The First Tee events and chances to share your story, like Norman.

Get Involved

With more than 1,200 locations, The First Tee offers programs to youth from all backgrounds—no golf experience needed! If you know a young person who has an interest in golf, visit our location map to find a local chapter! Find a Location