Category: Blog

First Tee Teens Reach for their Dreams and Inspire us Along the Way

So often, we are energized by the stories we hear from our participants and alumni. From incredible feats on the course to taking their learned life skills and putting them into practice in their everyday lives, we love to see the impact that First Tee is making on youth around the world. As part of Black History Month, we are featuring just a handful of teens who are paving their own path in their communities. Prepare to be inspired. Mombo Ngu, First Tee of North Florida alumnus Mombo was one of the three applicants selected for the 2019 John Deere Power for Good Scholarship in large part due to the powerful impact she is making in the North Florida community. She has spent countless hours volunteering as an after-school math tutor, helping to host events at her church and actively donating clothing to the less-fortunate through a local non-profit, Clothes Closet. On top of receiving the $5,000 scholarship, she spent a week at TPC Deere Run during the John Deere Classic in Silvis, Ill, and participated in fun events and even met PGA TOUR professional Matthew Wolff. “Throughout my life, I have faced difficulties that I believed I couldn’t overcome,” said Ngu. “First Tee has always been a key factor that has helped guide me through it all. [The coaches and mentors] have taught me that giving back to the community is crucial, and to be a power for good for at least one person makes everything worthwhile.” Mombo has since put her scholarship to good use. She now attends the University of Florida pursuing a degree in medicine in hopes of becoming a doctor – yet another way she plans to give back. She even won an essay contest at UF for her speech about an important moment in her life. Listen to Mombo’s speech. Marcellus Dillard, First Tee of Greater Chicago alumnus  Marcellus recently competed as an amateur at Torrey Pines for an event in conjunction with the PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open. The 27-hole tournament was contested on the North Course on the Saturday of the tournament. Marcellus was the only amateur to compete in the Advocates Professional Golf Association event. Beyond the course, Marcellus is currently a junior at Florida A&M University majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. A member of the golf team, he’s had continued success in his three years. Just last month he helped lead his team to victory at the BCGCA Legends Invite by capping off with an impressive 2-under 70 to close out the final round. Drew Charter School and Participants from First Tee of Metro Atlanta The Drew Charter School golf team made headlines last year when they became the first all-black high school team to win the Georgia state golf championship. All members of the team are also participants at the First Tee of Metro Atlanta, and two of the coaches, Head Coach Jeff Dunovant and Assistant Coach Nyre Williams, are actively involved at the chapter serving as Director of Golf Operations and Program Director. The team took the country by storm, garnering national attention by some prominent athletes. The team was celebrated by PGA TOUR professional Harold Varner III, who made a donation to the program. Calvin Ridley, NFL wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, arranged a party in the team’s honor. They were the talk of the town at this year’s TOUR Championship. Many of their participants are off doing great things. Solomon Dobbs is studying Computer Science at Morehouse College while competing on the golf team. Anthony “AJ” Ford played in the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee, and the senior has recently signed for a full athletic scholarship to play at North Carolina A&T State University upon graduation. The team will look to make history – again – at this year’s state championship. “My First Tee coaches and mentors have taught me that winners are not only defined by their scores and finishes, but by what they do to enrich their own lives and the lives of others,” said Ford. “First Tee has been a blessing for youth like me who could have easily been lost without a wonderful organization to help shape their lives.” There are no limits to where First Tee can take you. If you have great stories about First Tee participants and alumni in your community, we would love to hear them. Please reach out to [email protected] to submit your impactful stories.

Five Reasons You Should Apply for the First Tee National Championship

First Tee’s teen participants have an exciting new opportunity to explore their future and the possibilities golf can provide at the first-ever First Tee National Championship. Hosted at Clemson University’s The Walker Course on June 21-26, 2020, the tournament will bring together First Tee’s elite players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the next level. Are you thinking about applying? Do you know someone who might be interested? Here are five reasons why you should pursue the opportunity.

1.Opportunity to Further Develop Your Strength of Character

Experience elite competition that will put you to the test and showcase your inner strength, self-confidence and resilience required to compete at the next level.

2.The “College Experience”

First Tee National Championship provides much more than playing in a 54-hole stroke-play event. Take part in the “college experience” including dorm-living, an official Clemson University campus tour, capped off with dinner at the West End Zone Club of the football team’s Memorial Stadium.

3.Exemption into the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee

That’s right! The winners of each male/female division will earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship held at Pebble Beach Golf Links this September.

4.Connect with Friends and Elite Players

Spend time with peers who are pursuing a similar path and can become a future go-to team as you take on new challenges and explore opportunities within golf.

5.Premier Challenge for the Competitive Golfer

This tournament promises heightened competition and an exciting golf environment. It will bring the most elite First Tee athletes to compete for the Tattersall Cup. A great addition to your resume! Ready to apply? Click here for more information on the First Tee National Championship.

Our One in Three Billion Story

PGA TOUR has given over $3 Billion in all-time charitable giving. This is a monumental milestone; one First Tee is thankful to be part of for more than twenty years. As we celebrate this achievement, we reflect on just a few of the ways PGA TOUR has made an impact.

Serving as Leadership for First Tee

Former PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem led the efforts to launch First Tee in 1997 and Monahan now continues that tradition, committing the resources of PGA TOUR’s global platform to further lift its mission. Commissioner Monahan and Former Commissioner Finchem currently serve as Chairman and Vice Chairman of First Tee.

Inspiration from the Greatest Players on TOUR

From Jason Day to Kevin Kisner, PGA TOUR players go the extra mile when it comes to inspiring our First Tee participants.  Experiences range from one-one interactions to youth clinics, but the results are the same: a lasting impressions that encourage our participants to reach for their dreams and goals.

International Expansion

This past December First Tee expanded our global impact with the launch of our sixth international chapter: First Tee of Australia. Like many of our other international chapters, PGA TOUR was instrumental in helping us expand so we can positively impact many more youth with programs that introduce them to core values and help prepare them for their future. It’s thanks to a collaboration between the Presidents Cup, Citi and PGA of Australia that our latest expansion in to Australia was possible.

Lifting Up Our Work & Impact

If you’ve ever tuned in to a PGA TOUR tournament, you may have seen one of our PSAs with Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Jimmy Walker or Scott Langley. Thanks to the PGA TOUR our message of impacting young people with programs that help build their strength of character through the game of golf has been seen by audiences nation-wide.

Community Support through our Chapters

With more than 150 First Tee chapters, many of the PGA TOUR tournaments across the country and world are directly supporting our local efforts to empower kids. Thank you, PGA TOUR, for your ongoing support and inspiration. We look forward to continuing to impact and empower young people through the game of golf. 3 billion is just the beginning!

Power of Relationships

Mentors can play a critical role in building the confidence of a young person and helping them feel empowered to pursue their goals. But mentoring relationships go beyond that. They are a shared opportunity for learning and growth. Mentoring not only greatly benefits the person you are teaching, but the experience will also have a positive impact on your life. During National Mentoring Month and all year-long, First Tee celebrates and recognizes our coaches, who often times are regarded by participants as mentors. Our coaches make a difference and empower kids every day to become the best version of themselves.
  • 84 percent of teens and 87 percent of alumni at First Tee said their relationships with their coaches were meaningful and grew stronger over time.
Benefits of Being a Mentor:
  • Enjoyment when spending time with someone you care about.
  • A sense of accomplishment when your mentee feels empowered and reaches milestones.
  • Personal growth and the opportunity to learn more about yourself and how to be an effective leader.
  • Knowing you are making an investment in your community and future leaders.
Without caring mentors, positive youth development just doesn’t happen. We believe that a meaningful, quality relationship between coach and participant is vital to our program.

Make a difference today

Offered at more than 1,200 locations across the U.S. and in select international locations, our character building programs are delivered by coaches who are formally trained to empower youth. Check with your local chapter to see if becoming a coach is right for you and change the life of a participant… and yourself. Find a Location Near You

20 Things We’re Looking Forward to in 2020

We are already well into the first month of a new decade, and we are thrilled to experience all of the exciting and impactful events and initiatives 2020 has in store. Here are 20 things we’re looking forward to this year, in no particular order.
  1. Kicking off our inaugural First Tee National Championship hosted at Clemson University June 21-26, 2020
  2. Watching a participant demonstrate confidence as he or she plays alongside a PGA TOUR pro through the Wells Fargo Succeeding Together Contest
  3. Celebrating chapter anniversaries and the long lasting impact they’ve had in their communities
  4. Empowering girls to build their inner strength and set goals to prepare for their future during the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy
  5. Welcoming new schools and youth centers across the country which bring new opportunities and exposure to the game of golf through First Tee National School Program and DRIVE.
  6. Pairing veterans and First Tee participants in a Presidents Cup Style event at the Perfect Sense Unified Challenge
  7. Supporting participants with their collegiate aspirations with the John Deere Power For Good Scholarship Contest
  8. Launching the First Tee College Scholarship Program featuring a wrap-around experience to support alumni throughout their college career.
  9. Providing a life-changing experience for participants focused on building their character at the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy
  10. Enjoying an inside look at what it’s like working at one of the largest corporations in the world during Coca-Cola America’s Future.
  11. Playing golf on National Golf Day
  12. Celebrating those who reach the pinnacle of First Tee, through our ACE program.
  13. Participants demonstrating their values and character while competing on the national stage at Pebble Beach during the PURE Insurance Championship
  14. Bringing teens together at the Youth Leadership Summit
  15. Interacting with kids and families during the U.S. Open
  16. Golf’s return to the XXXII Olympic Summer Games
  17. Expanding our First Tee Alumni program
  18. Watching First Tee participants at Augusta National for the Drive, Chip & Putt competition
  19. Impacting millions of participants across the world.
  20. Empowering our youth and teaching kids honesty, confidence and goal-setting to ensure a brighter future.
 

Clemson University to Host Inaugural First Tee National Championship

72 First Tee teens to compete for Tattersall Cup in elite tournament at The Walker Course on June 21-26

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Jan. 9, 2020) – First Tee announces the first-ever First Tee National Championship will be held June 21-26, 2020 at Clemson University. The event will bring together First Tee’s elite players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level. The winners of each girls and boys’ division will be awarded with the Tattersall Cup named after First Tee Trustee, Fred Tattersall. Each winner will earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee held at Pebble Beach Golf Links September 18-20, 2020. “We are excited to announce the First Tee National Championship and play our inaugural event at Clemson University,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee president. “Our goal is to provide each participant with a college level experience both on and off the golf course. We are thankful to longtime First Tee supporter Fred Tattersall for creating this opportunity for the young people in our chapter network.” First Tee National Championship will be held annually at various college campuses around the nation providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with participants from across the country and take in the “college experience” including dorm-living, campus tours and more. Clemson University’s The Walker Course is set to host the inaugural Championship. Applications for First Tee participants will open January 28. Applicants will be selected based on their golf skill, competitive golf experience and handicap. First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping young people build character through the game of golf. The National Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. For more information on the tournament and First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org. *** 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.

Dedication and Hard Work Pays Off for 24 Participants Who Earn their Ace Certification, the Pinnacle of First Tee

Achieving Ace certification is the pinnacle of the First Tee program. For 24 First Tee participants, they put their life skills and core values to the test, earning the highest level of certification this year. These teens completed four major projects to earn the certification – Community Service, Career, Educational Opportunities and Golf – which were then submitted and reviewed by a national committee. It is a notable feat and the honorable culmination of hours of volunteering, goal-setting, preparation and practice. Gavin Hogan from First Tee of Fort Worth is one of these participants. Gavin was a member of his chapter’s Junior Advisory Committee, serving as Secretary of the group. He was in the program for more than 10 years and while in high school, was one of the chapter’s most frequent volunteers. He even designed some of the committee’s volunteer guidelines and policies. Gavin attended a number of the participant opportunities including the 2018 PURE Insurance Championship. He is currently a freshman at New Mexico State University, studying in the Professional Golf Management Program. Take a look at a few of the other Ace honorees who will continue their education at colleges across the country. Victoria Ladd, First Tee of the Triad Victoria is a freshman on the golf team at Western Carolina University Blake Brantley, First Tee of the Triad Blake will move on to play golf at Yale University Ayana Boyd, First Tee of Tennessee Ayana will attend University of Michigan Marlee Claassen, First Tee of Tennessee Marlee will attend Lipscomb University Gabrielle Edmonds-Andrews, First Tee of Tennessee Gabrielle will attend Xavier University Lincoln Haymaker, First Tee of Tennessee Lincoln will attend Manhattan College Justin Reed, First Tee of Tennessee Justin will attend Middle Tennessee State University Brandon Sudbury, First Tee of Tennessee Brandon will attend University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Emilie Williams, First Tee of Tennessee Emilie will attend The University of Arizona Click Here to learn more about how you can begin the path to success with the Ace certification.

Celebrating an Impactful Year: A Message from President of First Tee, Greg McLaughlin

As 2019 draws to a close, I can’t help but be proud of the millions of lives that have been impacted this year through First Tee. Whether it’s on a golf course, in school or at a community center, we are helping young people build their strength of character and empowering them to pursue their goals. This year marks our 22nd year helping kids and teens develop character through the game of golf. It takes a strong network of chapters and support from our partners, donors, staff and volunteers, to ensure we reach young people with our life-changing programs. Thank you for your contributions to our mission to help us reach tomorrow’s leaders. Here are some of our favorite moments from the year. We look forward to making many more in 2020. Warm regards, Greg McLaughlin President, First Tee

First Tee’s Top 5 Moments from 2019

1. Expanding Across the Globe

This year, First Tee expanded by four new chapters! With support from partners like Citi and the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, First Tee expanded to Australia, Morocco, North Coast (Calif), and West Texas.

2. U.S. Open Junior Experience featuring First Tee

First Tee experienced the U.S. Open like never before. Our interactive venue welcomed kids and families to learn more about our fun and educational programs. From celebrity drop-ins to the announcement of a $15,000 grant from USGA for local First Tee chapters, we made a huge impact and had a great time along the way.

3. PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee

This year’s PURE Insurance Championship was a huge success! Sportsmanship and teamwork were out in full force as participants, family and friends came out to support the 78 junior players. It was the trip of a lifetime for First Tee teens who competed, including Ashley Menne from First Tee of Phoenix and Sam Sommerhauser from First Tee of Greater Sacramento who won the female and male pro-junior titles.

4. THE PLAYERS Kids Zone presented by First Tee

First Tee returned to THE PLAYERS Championship with a larger-than-life set-up representing the hub for family fun at the tournament. The tent featured activities like a putting challenge, golf simulator and digital photo booth to document all of the smiles. THE PLAYERS 2019 Champion Rory McIlroy, along with Tommy Fleetwood, helped kick-off the week with clinic for 100 local First Tee participants.

5. Charles Schwab Announced $5 Million Grant to Impact First Tee Chapters in Texas

Charles Schwab announced his donation of $5 million to nine First Tee chapters in Texas in the form of a challenge grant. Over the next three years, Charles Schwab will match donations to the chapters to expand programs and deepen their impact statewide.  We can’t wait to see the continued support and success of our First Tee Texas chapters.

PGA of Australia launches First Tee of Australia ahead of the Presidents Cup

MELBOURNE, Australia (10 December 2019) – Former PGA TOUR Commissioner and the Vice-Chairman of First Tee Tim Finchem and CEO of PGA of Australia Gavin Kirkman announced today the launch of the First Tee of Australia. Presidents Cup and its Global Partner, Citi, helped launch the efforts through the Citi 44 Million Yard Challenge, an interactive global experience for fans to drive a golf ball around the world while driving toward the opportunity to bring the First Tee chapter to Australia. CLICK HERE to download video, interviews and CLICK HERE for photos from the event. The chapter will be managed by PGA of Australia and will engage with local community groups to reach underserved teenagers. Initially, the program will be offered at three program locations in Melbourne with plans to expand throughout the country in the next several years. Coaches are being provided with formal training to introduce the teens to the First Tee’s curriculum with an emphasis on personal development and understanding of core values and life skills, using golf as the platform. “The chapter will utilise the sport of golf to teach the First Tee’s core values of honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, judgement and courtesy,” CEO of PGA of Australia Gavin Kirkman said. “We are proud that our PGA Members have been selected to be the program deliverers of the First Tee in Australia and I look forward to witnessing youth develop under the mentorship of PGA of Australia Professionals.” This will be the sixth international location for First Tee, a youth development organization that seamlessly integrates the game of golf with a life skills curriculum. “Already such an exciting week for golf in Australia with the Presidents Cup’s return to Melbourne, we are thrilled about this formation of a First Tee chapter in Australia and the opportunity to teach the game of golf and its core values to countless youth in the future,” said the First Tee Vice-Chairman Tim Finchem. “We are extremely grateful for Presidents Cup Global Partner Citi, the First Tee and the PGA of Australia for their support in bringing this initiative to life throughout Melbourne and all of Australia.” Leading up to the announcement and this week’s Presidents Cup, fans participated in the Citi 44 Million Yard Challenge to collectively drive a golf ball 44 million yards – the length it takes to circle the globe – for the 2019 Presidents Cup, while driving towards the launch of the First Tee of Australia. The Challenge included an interactive web-based game, a mobile game and a simulator that was placed throughout Australia and New York. “Citi is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the First Tee chapter in Australia,” said Guy Matthews, Head of Corporate Affairs for Citi Australia and New Zealand. “We see this is as a legacy of our partnership with the Presidents Cup here in Melbourne. The values of the First Tee are well-aligned with our philanthropic commitments to support young people as they gain the skills to succeed in their transition from education to employment.” The launch featured a variety of First Tee golf activities at Victoria Golf Club being demonstrated by 2019 Women’s PGA Champion Hannah Green, two-time Presidents Cup member Nick O’Hern and former AFL footballer and avid golfer Brendon Goddard. “The First Tee program is great and allows the game of golf to be the vehicle to instill morals into young people like respect and sportsmanship that are so valuable in day-to-day life,” said Brendon Goddard. “The greatest coaches I have had in football are the ones that not only made me a better footballer, but a better person.” “When I grew up playing I learned a lot about myself being at the golf club, learning values from those around me,” said Hannah Green. “I think that First Tee is a great program aimed at highlighting these life values. I think it’s great that First Tee is coming to Australia.” First Tee has been in existence for 22 years, primarily in the United States, and has grown to approximately 150 chapters and more than 1,200 program locations including Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, Mexico and Morocco. Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has impacted more than 15 million young people through its character-building programs on golf courses, in schools and at youth-serving locations. For more information on First Tee, visit firsttee.org. *** 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.

The Faces of First Tee: Our Year In Review

“Being a member of First Tee for over nine years, I have been able to learn not only how to trust myself and my ideas, but also to explore ideas outside of the box, beyond my normal limits. The First Tee empowered me to be a power of good for the rest of my life.” – Christian Cargile, The First Tee of Greater Houston
What does a typical First Tee participant look like? With over 150 chapters around the world, every participant looks and sounds very different, each bringing their own personal flair to our First Tee family and the game of golf. But one thing they all have in common are the values instilled through our programs. These values, provide youth with a framework for their behavior and character that guides them toward success no matter where they are. It’s an honor that our programs help shape and frame the lives of so many youth around the world. To ensure that any student can participate, we offer affordable lessons and financial assistance to anyone in need. With your help we can continue those efforts, and ask that you think of First Tee for your #GivingTuesday nonprofit of choice. Each year, our coaches and staff have the opportunity to work with and mentor thousands of amazing youth all across the country, and that is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. As the largest day for giving and the kickoff of end of year giving, any gift you make on GivingTuesday would help support and develop our programs for the new year. As 2019 comes to a close, there are several First Tee participants whose dedication and hard work have inspired them to make changes at home, in school, or in their community. In honor of that perseverance, we’d like to highlight seven youth that were chosen to compete in the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Every day we’re inspired by their abilities on and off the golf course, and with your support we can continue this impact around the world. 

Shani Waite poses by the water with her pro golf partner at Pebble BeachShani Waite

A member of the First Tee of Los Angeles, Shani Waite, a senior in high school has been participating in First Tee programs since she was 6 years old. When she first came to First Tee, she was a quiet, introverted child. She was only a little girl when her younger sister passed away, which caused her to withdraw from much of the world. It was a difficult time for Shani, but through working with First Tee, she was able to open up and become more confident. As she grew older, Shani grew into a talented and driven young woman who is as capable off the golf course as she is on it. She has competed in many tournaments over the years in addition to being a Girl Scout and an honor student, and she aspires to join the LPGA someday.

Evan Koutsopetras

Evan Koutsopetras swinging a golf club by the water on the 18th holeFifteen-year-old Evan Koutsopetras was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of three years old, and didn’t start talking until six months after his diagnosis. His golf career began at the age of six when his parents enrolled him in First Tee of Metropolitan New York and he’s excelled in our programs ever since. By working with First Tee he was able to learn valuable life lessons that he is able to apply to all areas of life for long-term success. Currently playing No. 1 on his high school’s golf team, Evan’s passion and hard work has led him to become an honor student and an Eagle Scout.

Kayli Lucas

At seventeen, Kayli Lucas has been hooked on the game of golf since her first lesson. Originally born in China, she was adopted by her mother after being found outside of a factory in Nanjing. As a member of First Tee of Tennessee, she has shown time and time again that she is willing to invest the time and effort it takes to get better. Kayli was also one of nine First Tee participants who spent a day with six-time major champion Nick Faldo in the CoBank Peak Performers in Los Angeles. She currently plays on her high school golf team, and her best score is 2-over par for 18 holes. 

Jamozzy Skenandore

Jamozzy Skenandore, 17, first joined First Tee of Northeast Wisconsin when he was nine years old. With a handicap index of 0.1, Jamozzy is a Native American and a member of the Oneida nation in Wisconsin. Jamozzy is a hard worker and does not let adversity stop him. He was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and faced an array of difficulties as a result, but Jamozzy stayed strong and adapted thanks to the lessons he learned working with his local First Tee. He currently plays on his high school golf team and he is a standout bowler. 

Stephany Barbosa

Seventeen-year-old Stephany Barbosa’s first golf lessons came from her father. A Mexican immigrant, her father taught himself to play golf so he could coach his daughter to support her interests. Eventually, she came to be a member of First Tee of Greater Dallas and developed a 0.8 handicap through hard work and dedication. Though she faced a period of uncertainty early on in high school, she was able to navigate this period with guidance from her coaches and staff at the First Tee. Currently, Stephany is looking at colleges, and though she does not plan to play professionally, she still wants golf to be a part of her life. 

Luke and Jackson Boldt

At the age of four, identical twins Luke and Jackson Boldt were regulars at First Tee of Coastal Carolinas. Golf has been a part of their life for longer than they can remember. In a devastating turn of events, the Boldts went through a tragic car accident that resulted in the death of their grandparents and severe injuries for the boys. Luke and Jack used golf as a way to recover from their accident. The two founded the “Buddy Tee” program at First Tee of Coastal Carolinas which is focused on teaching adaptive golf to children with disabilities. Currently seniors in high school, Luke’s goal is to play golf professionally while Jack has plans to try out for the rodeo team at North Carolina State.

How to Help Fund the Future

Each of the young men and women above have incredible stories, and we are proud that First Tee was able to be a part of their journey. They have all been able to benefit from the skills and lessons that they have learned at their First Tee location. With your support, we are able to make a difference in the lives of young people across America. You can help fund the future and transform the lives of even more youth when you include First Tee in your end of year giving. Join the movement December 3rd and donate for GivingTuesday. You can also make a tax deductible donation by midnight December 31st. Making a tax-deductible donation to First Tee helps us introduce the game of golf to youth across America and provide them a safe haven with structure, direction, and mentorship.

Coach Spotlight: Katie Rudolph

In this season of giving, we want to highlight those who have given so much to our participants. Coaches work tirelessly to teach values and life skills to thousands of kids each year. They are their positive role models to these kids during the most important years of their lives. We are so thankful for all they do, and want to highlight the everyday activities that make them a unique part of our mission. Katie Rudolph is one of these awesome leaders.

Katie Rudolph, Coach at First Tee of Metropolitan New York

How did you originally get involved with the First Tee?

I initially walked into First Tee of Charlotte back in 2010 when Jennifer MacCurrach was the ED. I was interested in volunteering, and I walked out with a job. I was simply going in to inquire about the program and fell in love with the mission, Jennifer and the then-program director, Kaitlyn Jarman. The three of us had SO much fun that first year. Every day was an adventure, to say the least. Without Jennifer (now the Executive Director in Austin) as my mentor, I wouldn’t have caught on as quickly as I did. I didn’t realize how many hats you have to wear in this job.

How long have you served as a Coach, and how has your job evolved over the years?

I initially started as a program coach. I moved to NYC and started at the Metropolitan New York chapter. There I started an all-girls program which evolved over the past seven years to include all of our campuses called Girls Golf and FORE. I took over running the Newark campus and have been overseeing the operations in Newark for the past six years. Because of our huge footprint in the NYC/NJ area, I’ve taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer for our organization, assisting our Executive Director in all things: fundraising, curriculum and staffing.

What was the biggest impact First Tee has had on your life?

I think it’s the moment you realize the kids watch every single detail about what I do. If I eat apples, the kids eat apples. If I look at my putt from the other side of the hole, the kids look at their putt from the other side. If I think my mom is cool, they think their mom is cool. Knowing you have that kind of influence is a special feeling and not one to take for granted.

What is the best part about your job?

Aside from the obvious that you get to help shape the lives of kids, the unpredictability of my day. One minute you can be wiping a kid’s nose, the next you’re giving a tour to a potential million dollar donor, and the next you’re helping a parent sign her daughter up for a college tour. No two days are ever the same, and I love that part.

What accomplishments are you most proud of, and what goals do you have going forward?

We’ve had so many success stories I am proud to be part of. I started Katie’s Golf Academy for the kids that are really taking to the game. We push the kids harder than they have ever been pushed, and that’s always exciting to see them start the program nervous and intimidated and finish more confident and proud of themselves for doing something so physically demanding. Recently, I’m most proud of being part of the team that helped bring a girl over from Kenya to play college golf. She grew up in the slums of Kibera and is now getting an American education and playing college golf. It’s wild to think that I was able to help another person in such a profound way.

Biggest takeaway from First Tee:

It boils down to the saying that if you don’t feel like you’re working, you must be doing something you love. This job is a labor of love. I always have a good time with the other First Tee coaches talking about all the little things we do on a daily basis that will never go recognized, but are the reasons a lot of us keep showing up.

You change kids’ lives every day as a First Tee Coach. Tell us a bit about a time when you witnessed such a change.

One moment that I always think back on…  I took some kids who had never been on the golf course before just to see it and experience what it was like. We were on the 9th hole near the clubhouse, and from the other side of the fairway I saw a kid pull a six-iron from about 100 yards, which was way too much club. Not too concerned because he hadn’t exactly gotten any off the ground yet, I didn’t say anything. Wouldn’t you know, it was the most beautiful shot that unfortunately sailed over the green, over the fence and into the parking lot right on top of the hood of a brand new car. Talk about a teachable moment. We left a note on the car with our names on it. The poor kid was a nervous wreck. Everything turned out fine and the owner of the car was really nice about it. Fast forward to the end of the summer, I was asking the kids what their favorite day of the summer was with us. The little guy that hit the car told me that was the best day of his life. When I asked him why, he told me that was the first time he had ever taken responsibility for something.  It was an “ah-ha” moment for me for sure about the impact we have.

Any other standout moments?

Too many to put into words! Does your child have a mentor like Katie in their life? They could! Learn more about our programs and find a location near you.

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.