Category: Blog

PGA TOUR Superstore Collaboration

As a nonprofit, we rely on the support of others – whether through volunteering, gifts or advocacy. We are so grateful to all of our supporters and sponsors – especially those who give in all of these areas. The PGA TOUR Superstore is one of our generous corporate partners of First Tee, committed to strengthening our mission and brand. Arthur M. Blank, chairman of The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, became a Trustee of First Tee in 2012 by pledging $1 million to support First Tee. This gift also supports chapters in markets of PGA TOUR Superstore locations. First Tee President Greg McLaughlin recently sat down with Marvin Hightower, executive director of First Tee of Metro Atlanta, and Dick Sullivan, President and CEO of PGA TOUR Superstore, to discuss this evolving partnership.

PURE Insurance Championship Leaves Lasting Impression on 78 Teens

 
PURE Insurance Championship’s Pro-Junior Winners Sam Sommerhauser from First Tee of Greater Sacramento and Ashley Menne from First Tee of Phoenix
  It was the trip of a lifetime for 78 First Tee teens who stepped into the spotlight and showed off the life skills and values learned in First Tee programs as they competed on a national stage for the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee. The teens played with confidence and composure as they persevered on one of the toughest and most iconic golf courses in the world, Pebble Beach Golf Links, while being mentored by some of the legends of the games – PGA TOUR Champions players. Making it to this unique event was the real prize, but two of these teens are bringing home a little something extra: the Pro-Junior title. Sam Sommerhauser from First Tee of Greater Sacramento, who was paired with Kirk Triplett, finished at 23-under, winning the male Pro-Junior title. “It was a special week playing Pebble Beach and learning from the PGA TOUR Champions professionals,” said Sommerhauser. “Playing so well with Mr. Triplett and watching his determination and composure first-hand has been an experience I’ll never forget.” Ashley Menne from First Tee of Phoenix, paired with Tom Lehman, won the female Pro-Junior title with a score of 18-under. “The life skills I’ve learned through the First Tee helped me persevere this week to keep playing one shot at a time,” said Menne. “I’m so thankful for the outcome and for a great experience playing with Tom Lehman.” It’s evident that these two are destined for greatness. They’ll both continue their golf journeys next year as they play at University of Arizona and Arizona State University, respectively. Beyond that, Sam and Ashley hope to play with the pros on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. We look forward to seeing where the future leads these two young people – and know they will carry their First Tee experience along for the journey. For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com.   Top 5 Tournament Moments: 1. Sportsmanship came to light on the 18th green Sunday afternoon when the First Tee participants stayed to cheer on their fellow competitors who made the cut on Sunday.                                 2. Each of the 42 high school seniors in the field were surprised with a $1,000 college scholarship thanks to Ed and Lisa Vaughn. 3. PGA TOUR Champions pro Woody Austin sunk a hole-in-one on Pebble Beach’s No. 17 – complete with a celebration alongside his teammate and First Tee of San Joaquin participant, Lauren Garces.
  4. Six First Tee juniors and six PGA TOUR Champions pros were paired up for the Chevron Shoot-Out for STEM Scholars on Thursday. The event raised $100,000 for a college scholarship fund for future First Tee participants.                                 5. Scott Schlader from First Tee of Phoenix and defending champion Ken Tanigawa had a little fun before their first round.
  Final Leaderboard & Results

78 First Tee Teens Experience the Week of a Lifetime at PURE Insurance Championship

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2019) – Teens from across the country had the opportunity to learn from the game’s legends during the PURE Insurance Open at Pebble Beach Impacting the First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded today. Sam Sommerhauser from First Tee of Greater Sacramento, paired with Kirk Triplett, and Ashley Menne from First Tee of Phoenix, paired with Tom Lehman, claimed the male and female Pro-Junior titles today, respectively. Sommerhauser and Triplett finished 23-under, while Menne and Lehman capped off the event with a score of 18-under. First Tee is a national youth development program that helps young people build character using the game of golf as a platform. The event, in its 16th year, brings 78 teens from First Tee chapters nationwide to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course. Throughout the week the teens apply the life and leadership skills learned from First Tee programs during an event where they are paired with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs from the business world. The annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, was televised internationally on Golf Channel. “We are proud of all the teens who played with confidence and composure this week at the PURE Insurance Championship,” said Greg McLaughlin, president of First Tee. “These young people exemplify the character and values we instill through the First Tee programs every day. A special congratulations to Sam Sommerhauser and Ashley Menne for winning the Pro-Junior titles. Thank you to our partners – PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel – for making this a special week for 78 First Tee participants.” Sommerhauser is a 17-year-old senior at Whitney High School in Rocklin, Calif. where he has a 3.88 GPA and plays on the boys’ golf team. He has been involved with First Tee of Greater Sacramento for eight years and volunteers as an assistant coach. He credits the program for life skills and values that he will carry into college and adulthood. Sommerhauser holds a 1.9 handicap and is committed to play golf at the University of Arizona next fall. “It was a special week playing Pebble Beach and learning from the PGA TOUR Champions professionals,” said Sommerhauser. “Playing so well with Mr. Triplett and watching his determination and composure first-hand has been an experience I’ll never forget.” Menne is a 17-year-old senior at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, Ariz. where she has a 4.0 GPA and plays on the girls’ golf team. She’s been involved with First Tee of Phoenix for five years and is pursuing her Ace Certification, the highest level in the First Tee program that focuses on goal setting, career exploration and giving back to the community. Menne holds a 1.2 handicap and has committed to play on the women’s golf team at Arizona State University next fall. “The life skills I’ve learned through the First Tee helped me persevere this week to keep playing one shot at a time,” said Menne. “I’m so thankful for the outcome and for a great experience playing with Tom Lehman.” Kirk Triplett won the pro title, defeating Billy Andrade on the first playoff hole to secure his second victory of the season. Triplett became the second player in the history of the PURE Insurance Championship to own three titles at the event (2019, 2013 and 2012). This win moves him to No. 4 in the Charles Schwab Cup rankings. Final Leaderboard & Results

Chevron Shoot-out for STEM Scholars

Pebble Beach Golf Links Thursday, September 26, 2019 Holes 1-2-3-17 and a juniors-only closest to the pin chip shot

Format Modified Scotch alternate-shot format.  Each team plays alternate shot to completion of hole. Final hole (17 ½) is closest to the pin chip shot by the junior golfers only. Scholarship Purse Total purse: $100,000 ($20,000 per hole). Scholarships on behalf of Chevron will be given to First Tee HQ in the name of the First Tee Junior. Participants
Professional Junior The First Tee Chapter
John Cook Shani Waite First Tee of Los Angeles
Bernhard Langer Stephany Barbosa First Tee of Greater Dallas
Esteban Toledo Ashley Menne First Tee of Phoenix
Ken Tanigawa Alexander Iniakov First Tee of Monterey County
Kirk Triplett Anthony Ford II First Tee of Metro Atlanta
Paul Broadhurst Jamozzy Skenandore First Tee of Northeast Wisconsin
Hole-by-Hole Results – Girls
  • Hole 1:  Toledo/Menne (par) – $10,000
  • Hole 2:  Toledo/Menne (birdie) – $10,000
  • Hole 3:  Halved with pars (carry over)
  • Hole 17: Toledo/Menne (par) – $20,000
  • Hole 17 ½:  Menne chipped closest to the pin ($10,000)
Team Toledo/Menne wins $50,000 towards Chevron scholarships for First Tee Hole-by-Hole Results – Boys
  • Hole 1:  Halved with parts (carry over)
  • Hole 2:  Tanigawa/Iniakov (birdie) – $20,000
  • Hole 3:  Halved with bogey 5’s (carry over)
  • Hole 17: Halved with bogey 4’s (carry over)
  • Hole 17 ½:  Skenandore chipped closest to the pin ($30,000)
Team Tanigawa/Iniakov wins $20,000 towards Chevron scholarships for First Tee Team Broadhurst/Skenandore wins $30,000 towards Chevron scholarships for First Tee

Meet the Field: PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee 2019

By Brittany Wynne, First Tee Seventy-eight First Tee teens are getting ready to tee it up at iconic Pebble Beach for the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee. One thing each of the 78 teens have in common is their proven leadership and demonstration of values on display at their First Tee chapters, at school and in their communities. Beyond that, these teens also represent a wide array of backgrounds, talents and hobbies. We’d like to introduce you to 20 of the juniors in this year’s field. Tune in to Golf Channel Sept. 27-29 to watch these teens and see how they put their life skills and golf skills into action. Neil Babu First Tee of Northern Nevada Hometown: Reno, NV Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 3.9 Fun Fact: I am a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, which I earned this year. It has taught me perseverance, hard word and grit.     Malisone Chanthapanya First Tee of Fort Worth Hometown: Fort Worth, TX Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 0.5 Fun Fact: I am quadrilingual. I can speak fluent English and French (thanks to my father, who speaks the language). I learned Mandarin Chinese for three years and Spanish for 11 years.     Madison DeBruin First Tee of Greater Houston Hometown: Houston, TX Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 4.8 Fun Fact: At a young age, I taught myself how to read hieroglyphs and am obsessed with everything ancient Egyptian. I work at the same museum I have been visiting my whole life and am trained in all sorts of macabre areas.     Sean Dobson First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK Age: 18 Grade: Senior Handicap: 5.9 Fun Fact: I have a fascination with meteorology. The only time I have ever met anyone else my age who shares my love for weather was at a summer weather camp that I traveled hundreds of miles to attend.   Ella Fisher First Tee of Fort Worth Hometown: Aledo, TX Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 2.9 Fun Fact: I’m learning American Sign Language and have had the opportunity to immerse myself in the deaf community and really test out my skills.     Anthony Ford II First Tee of Metro Atlanta Hometown: Atlanta, GA Age: 16 Grade: Senior Handicap: 2.1 Fun Fact: I like to try new things. I picked Harp Ensemble as my elective unlike many of my peers who chose P.E. or weight training.     Lukas Freelove First Tee of Salina Hometown: Salina, KS Age: 18 Grade: Senior Handicap: 1.2 Fun Fact: Before I was born, my parents were struggling to come up with a boy’s name that they liked. One night while watching Star Wars, it hit my mom: Luke. My dad loved it, too; mostly because he would be able to say, “Luke, I am your father.”   Skylar Graham First Tee of Los Angeles Hometown: Rosewood, CA Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 6.4 Fun Fact: I am a photographer. In 2017, I was awarded two gold medals for Best-In-Grade in photography by the National Scholastic Art & Writing competition. My work was honored in New York at Carnegie Hall, and it toured in other galleries across the nation.   Ryan Guzzo First Tee of Benton Harbor Hometown: Benton Harbor, MI Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 4 Fun Fact: As a third-grader, I was selected to have a golf lesson with Jack Nicklaus as a kickoff celebration to a PGA TOUR Champions event at our local course. I hit balls on the range while Mr. Nicklaus coached my swing. In eighth grade, I completed a video assignment on the impact he had on me. My dad sent the video to Jack Nicklaus through his website, and incredibly he watched it and sent me a letter with a signed picture of us together from that day.     Keiki Hofilena First Tee of Greater Seattle Hometown: Bellevue, WA Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 5 Fun Fact: I’m restoring a 1984 Volkswagen Mk2 Scirocco Wolfsburg edition into a daily driver/racecar. I drive the car to school and try to keep it in good shape.     Grace Holcomb First Tee of Greater Wilmington Hometown: Wilmington, NC Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 0.9 Fun Fact: I played Baby Jenny on the hit TV series, “One Tree Hill.” During a convention this past February, I signed autographs for fans. Some of the fans – and One Tree Hill actress Hilarie Burton, a.k.a. Peyton – follow my golf career.   Alexander Iniakov First Tee of Monterey County Hometown: Salinas, CA Age: 17 Grade: Junior Handicap: 0.9 Fun Fact: My parents are first-generation immigrants and came from countries where golf is not a popular game. I was raised with four languages spoken daily at our house. Teachers would call my Mom and ask her to translate what I was saying. It turns out, I was simply making my own language, thinking that I had to since everyone at home spoke their own.     Jack Kray First Tee of South Dakota Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 4.9 Fun Fact: When the weather is nice, I ride my moped around town instead of driving a car. It is orange and white. Four of my friends have mopeds, too! We like to join up and go for rides together.   Stephen Ma First Tee of Central Ohio Hometown: Columbus, OH Age: 14 Grade: Freshman Handicap: 6 Fun Fact: I presented Ohio legislation to increase the number of horse therapy centers as there is a waiting list of more than 5,000 kids. I co-authored a proposal to change the tax code for stables to qualify for discounted property taxes and the handicap access necessary for the level of horse therapy certification for stables. My teammates and I presented the proposal to State Representative Jonathan Dever, who is drafting a bill and presenting it to the House.   Sutton McMillan First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City Hometown: Choctaw, OK Age: 15 Grade: Sophomore Handicap: 0.3 Fun Fact: I’m named after legendary basketball coach, Eddie Sutton. I met Coach Sutton at four months old. He gave me a pair of signed Nike shoes. Six months later, he sent another signed pair and called my parents personally to wish us a Merry Christmas.   Tyler Mistretta First Tee of The Palm Beaches Hometown: North Palm Beach, FL Age: 17 Grade: Junior Handicap: 1.6 Fun Fact: I am very tall, at 6 feet, 8 inches and weigh 220 pounds. People often stare at me, as I am usually the tallest person wherever I go.     Ryan Sauer First Tee of North Florida Hometown: Jacksonville, FL Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 4.7 Fun Fact: I’ve gained the nickname “Peter Parker” because some people think I look like the Spiderman actor, Tobey Maguire.   Sophie Shrader First Tee of Naples/Collier Hometown: Naples, FL Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 5 Fun Fact: I’m obsessed with the restaurant Moe’s. I once had Moe’s for lunch nine days in a row, ordering the same meal each time – a chicken stack with cheese, black beans, queso and seasoned rice.   Jamozzy Skenandore First Tee of Northeast Wisconsin Hometown: De Pere, WI Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 0.9 Fun Fact: Many people do not know how to pronounce my name. My Dad came up with it. It is derived from the rock band Pearl Jam and Ozzy Osbourne, Jam-ozzy. My family and I often drive to golf tournaments on our RV. We will be traveling to Pebble Beach on the RV from Wisconsin, making fun pit stops along the way.     Zayla White First Tee of Greater Austin Hometown: Austin, TX Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 3.7 Fun Fact: I have a growing record collection, and anyone who knows me knows that I’m almost always listening to music. I pride myself on finding different artists across all genres.    

Alumni Spotlight

Through the game of golf, our program aims to prepare youth for success — on the golf course and in life. First Tee Alumni continue to demonstrate this long-lasting impact by sharing their success stories.

Below are just a few recent alumni who have shined academically, athletically and through tremendous service efforts.

Lennard Long, Morehouse College Class of 2019

Photo: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Lennard Long, alumnus of First Tee of Greater Washington D.C. was a competitor in the 2013 PURE Insurance Championship. He always knew he wanted to play golf in college, it was just a matter of choosing the right fit. Lennard’s father was a Morehouse alum and as fate would have it, Lennard would follow in his father’s footsteps

Fast forward a few years and Lennard has now graduated from Morehouse College with Magna Cum Laude honors, Phi Beta Kappa with a degree in psychology, all while playing Division II Collegiate Athletics. During his time at Morehouse, he was a four-year member of the golf team, and earned Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference all-academic honors in 2018.

Golf had given so much to Lennard, he decided to to give back. He spent his summer working as the director of a golf mentorship program in his hometown Washington, D.C., guiding kids who have committed low offense crimes. After successful completion in the program, their records are cleared. Service has been a focal point in Lennard’s life, and now he hopes to continue on the path of service, giving back to others in his community.

Sadie Martinez Clavijo, University of the Cumberlands Class of 2017, University of Hartford Class of 2020

Since transitioning from First Tee of Connecticut, Sadie Martinez Clavijo has worked hard to serve her community in the Connecticut area. Though she is at University of Hartford studying for her Master’s degree in special education and teaching, Sadie still finds time to give back to her local chapter by serving as an assistant coach. She works with participants to better their golf game and provides weekly group lessons to help with fundamentals and character-building.

In May, Sadie was selected to become a member of the Obama Foundation Leadership Corps. This program runs for six months and provides the tools and platforms for young people to develop projects that address opportunities and challenges in their communities. The three main qualities that members exemplify are leadership potential, community investment and adaptivity, values that were cultivated throughout her time at First Tee.

 Bibilani Liu, Boston College, Class of 2021 

An alumnus of First Tee of Silicon Valley, Bibilani Liu has learned the value of a community of believers. Since her time competing at the PURE Insurance Championship, Bibilani has gone to college on the east coast. She plays Division I college golf at Boston College while studying business at the Carroll School of Management. She credits much of her success to playing golf at the game’s highest level through the PURE Insurance Championship.

“Without the First Tee, there would be no opportunity for young players to earn this once in a lifetime experience. My time with First Tee has taught me that to become successful, it takes a village of people. Playing with a professional, and playing at one of the most renowned golf courses in the world was truly a dream come true.”

Bibilani is incredibly thankful for everyone who took the time to encourage and mentor her. She believes the leadership skills she gained from the event have been invaluable. In the next two years, Bibilani will be the captain of her golf team, and hopes to use the platform as an opportunity to be a strong influence in her community.

Angelica Harris, Washington University, St. Louis, Class of 2020

As a participant at First Tee of Greater New Orleans, Angelica Harris participated in the PURE Insurance Championship in 2014. Since that time, she has graduated high school and is now a college senior, majoring in both computer science and finance at Washington University. Her family was greatly affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and she knew that because of her good fortune during those events, she should give back to the community.

On campus, Angelica is a member of the John B. Ervin Scholars Program, women’s varsity golf team, Investment Banking Group, and the National Black MBA Association. She has recently completed internships in sales and trading at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and in the fixed income division at Morgan Stanley. Because of her impressive accomplishments during her high school years, Angelica received many college scholarships. She was so grateful to receive college scholarships herself, that she decided to give back to those around her. She started her own standardized test prep business that hosts ACT classes in New Orleans and tutors students in California and Georgia. She uses her platform to help raise ACT scores and give students advice about the college process. On a more personal note, Angelica would teach her brother Jeremiah, who was diagnosed with Autism, how to play golf. Her success inspired her to launch Angelica’s Angels, where she teaches golf to autistic individuals in the community. Through fundraising, she was able to raise more than $3,000 for her organization, and used this money to purchase a sustainable program for her students, as well as fund a $1,800 college scholarship for a local high school senior. Angelica has shown that despite the obstacles, success can still be attained with hard work and perseverance.

Give Back and Get Involved

We are grateful to have a community of bright young men and women leading the future of our world. Looking for ways to stay involved with  First Tee after you leave the program? First Tee Alumni Network provides a variety of opportunities for alumni to network and build their career.

Alumni Opportunities

USGA Boosts Its Support of First Tee with $100,000 in Grant Funding

The grants, which have totaled more than $26 million since 1997, will leave a lasting impact on 25 communities delivering First Tee programs in and around USGA championships and Allied Golf Associations PINEHURST, N.C. (Aug. 12, 2019) – Thanks to a $100,000 donation from the United States Golf Association (USGA), First Tee chapters across the nation are receiving grants to further their efforts to introduce life skills and the game of golf to more young people. The grants are a continuation of the support the USGA has provided to First Tee for more than 20 years, and one of a series of initiatives on which the organizations have collaborated in 2019. The grants are being dispersed to 25 chapters located in or around USGA championship locations and Allied Golf Associations as part of the organization’s strategy to leave a positive, lasting impact on local host communities. The announcement was made today at the USGA’s 119th U.S. Amateur Championship in Pinehurst, N.C. Participants from the First Tee of the Sandhills, one of the USGA grant recipients, were on hand with the chapter’s Executive Director Courtney Stiles to share the announcement alongside USGA CEO Mike Davis. “We are so grateful to the USGA and organizations like this, as it is these partnerships that allow us to broaden our impact in communities across the country, engaging young people who we may not have otherwise reached,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee president. “Together, we will inspire youth for years to come, engaging them in the sport and helping them to become leaders in their communities.” “We are proud to see our First Tee grant funding directly benefit those communities that welcome us throughout the year and embrace the spirit of what a USGA championship represents,” Davis added. “The USGA is committed to making a difference in our host communities, and we are excited to see the long-term impact these grants will have in welcoming more junior golfers to the game, and to inspire them to play it for a lifetime.” The USGA has supported the First Tee since its inception in 1997, providing more than $26 million in grants to the organization. Their shared commitment to bringing more young people to the game was highlighted this past June during the 119th U.S. Open Championship at Pebble Beach, where the two organizations debuted the Junior Experience Featuring First Tee. The on-site interactive experience connected youths with the excitement and values associated with golf and First Tee programs offered throughout the country. With the USGA’s support, First Tee chapters are reaching more than 136,000 young people annually at more than 1,200 program locations, with support from 25,000 volunteers. Additionally, First Tee has been introduced to more than 10,000 schools and youth centers reaching millions of additional kids through these programs. *** 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. About the USGA The USGA celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment and amateur status rules. Our operating jurisdiction for these governance functions is the United States, its territories and Mexico. The USGA Handicap System is utilized in more than 40 countries and our Course Rating System covers 95 percent of the world’s golf courses, enabling all golfers to play on an equitable basis. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org. Media Contacts: Danny Vohden, USGA (908) 326-1217, [email protected] Sara Henika, First Tee (904) 940-4341, [email protected]

First Tee and Charitybuzz Host Annual Auction Aug. 6-22, Offering Incredible Golf and Lifestyle Experiences to Benefit the Organization’s Youth Sports Programs

More than $1 million raised for First Tee through its multi-year Charitybuzz partnership

AUGUSTINE, Florida (Aug. 6, 2019) – National youth development organization First Tee is partnering with leading auction site for cause Charitybuzz to auction off access to the world’s most prestigious golf courses and other lifestyle experiences. The auction is live at Charitybuzz.com/TheFirstTee through Thursday, August 22. First Tee chapters from across the country are participating in this year’s auction, raising funds for programs introducing youth to life and leadership skills through the game of golf. Experiences for auction to benefit First Tee include: “Our First Tee chapters are reaching youth across the country, empowering them with crucial life and leadership skills to help them succeed in school and prepare for their futures,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee president. “Partnering with innovative organizations like Charitybuzz provides important fundraising opportunities to support our chapter programs and allows us to reach more young people.” First Tee has partnered with Charitybuzz since 2017 to bring exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime experiences to a community of high net-worth bidders. First Tee has raised more than $1 million to-date through Charitybuzz. “Although it is an exceptional number, it’s no surprise that First Tee has surpassed the million-dollar mark through Charitybuzz,” said Charitybuzz President Ben Erwin. “First Tee is a smart, engaged organization — throughout the headquarters and the more than 150 individual chapters — and they know how to maximize what Charitybuzz has to offer. Through our collaboration, we’re able to reach even more children with the transformative experience of sport.” Many of First Tee’s chapters have built year-round partnerships with Charitybuzz, taking advantage of the platform’s Golf Curates auctions and other marketing opportunities, to raise new, unrestricted funds on a consistent basis. First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping young people build character through the game of golf. First Tee’s 150 chapters are reaching more than 136,000 young people annually at more than 1,200 program locations, with support from 25,000 volunteers. Additionally, First Tee has been introduced to more than 10,000 schools and youth centers reaching millions of additional kids through these programs. To learn more about First Tee and view all the auction lots for this campaign, visit Charitybuzz.com/TheFirstTee now through August 22, 2019. *** About Charitybuzz Charitybuzz is the leading online charity auction platform, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences and incredible luxury packages to its community of hundreds of thousands of high-net-worth bidders while raising funds for charitable causes around the globe. Charitybuzz auctions feature exclusive access to some of the world’s most influential personalities, including Sir Paul McCartney, Tim Cook, Beyoncé, Mick Jagger, Warren Buffett, Taylor Swift and many more. To date, Charitybuzz has helped raise nearly $350 million for more than 4,000 non-profit organizations, including Save the Children, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, One Drop Foundation and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Charitybuzz is a member of Charity Network. Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, Charity Network is also parent company to Prizeo, an online sweepstakes-for-good platform, and Global Philanthropy Group, a strategy consulting firm for cause. To learn more, please visit www.charitybuzz.com. 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.

John Deere Events Empower Young Women to Lead the Way

There is no doubt that the young women in the First Tee have a passion for golf, but what goes beyond that is their unmatched potential to be leaders and advocates. In partnership with John Deere, First Tee has brought together some of the best and brightest young women from First Tee chapters across the country to celebrate their tremendous accomplishments, and empower them to work together to solve the issues of today, and lead the next generation. 24 Teen Participants attend the John Deere “Drive Your Future” Academy   
Participants received a tour of Facebook HQ where they heard from current employee and First Tee Alumna Taryn Yee.
Focusing on leadership development, remaining active in the game of golf, learning the impact of volunteerism while recognizing the importance of teamwork, the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy is a three-day all-girls event that was recently held in San Francisco. TPC Harding Park, site of the 2020 PGA Championship and 2025 President’s Cup, served as the host venue for the 24 future female leaders who spent the week taking part in a variety of activities designed to enhance their skills as they transition to the next chapter of their lives – both on and off the golf course. The week began with a welcome dinner and reception where participants heard valuable advice from distinguished speaker Anne Walker, head women’s golf coach at Stanford. Walker encouraged them to continue to be “intellectually curious.” She also reminded the women to embrace their own brand, and that how important it is to present the best version of yourself. The participants also heard from an all-female young professional’s panel, consisting of young leaders from organizations like RPS Ventures and Chevron. Out in the field, the participants had the opportunity to tour Facebook HQ, where one of our First Tee Alumni, Taryn Yee, is currently employed.  They also visited the famous Muir Woods as well as received a private tour of Stanford’s Women’s golf facility from Women’s Golf head coach, Anne Walker. It was a fantastic week filled with inspirational stories, and valuable life lessons that will help prepare these juniors for the next stage of their career. Three Teens RECOGNIZED FOR USING THEIR “Power for Good”
Katelyn Harris, Mombo Ngu, PGA TOUR Pro Matthew Wolff and Kharynton Beggs smile at the 2019 John Deere Classic.
Three First Tee participants from opposite parts of the country, recently discovered they have more in common than their love of golf. Katelyn Harris of First Tee of Greater Sacramento, Kharynton Beggs of First Tee of Greater Charleston and Mombo Ngu of First Tee of North Florida were selected among a national pool of applicants to win the 2019 John Deere Power for Good Scholarship. Their award-winning essays revealed their many acts of service and the profound impact its having on their communities. Ngu works as an after school math tutor, helps to host events at her church, and actively donates clothing to the less fortunate through Clothes Closet. For her, seeing the lives of those around her improve inspires her to do more, see more, and give more. Harris spends her time as a volunteer coach with the California Eagles Special Olympic Athletes, even working to create a joint Skills Challenge with First Tee Life Skills participants. Beggs models her service philosophy after the saying “Your ceiling is the floor for the next generation to stand on.” The Charleston native started her own all-girls golf class at her chapter, and is actively involved in Compass Rose, a partnership where she teaches local students from a nearby charter school how to swim. Along with receiving a $5,000 scholarship, the trio spent the week at TPC Deere Run, during this year’s John Deere Classic. The girls participated in all kinds of fun events from getting to drive a John Deere tractor to playing where the pros play at the John Deere Classic Pro-Am. They even met recent PGA TOUR Champion Matthew Wolff! At the course, they also got a behind-the-scenes look at the tournament and experienced what it really takes to put on a PGA TOUR event week after week. On their last day, the participants headed over to the John Deere Harvester Works, John Deere’s manufacturing facility for large agriculture equipment. It was an amazing experience for these young women, one that created memories they will not soon forget.

Nearly 100 Teens to Participate in First Tee’s National Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy in Boise

Two local participants from First Tee of Idaho will join 94 other junior golfers at national youth leadership event on July 24-30

BOISE, Idaho (July 23, 2019) – Nearly 100 participants from 63 First Tee chapters around the country will converge in Boise this week to participate in the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy. Two local participants from the First Tee of Idaho, Devon LaPrath and Chandler Curtis, are among the teen golfers who will participate in the First Tee’s national youth leadership event on July 24-30. Hosted by First Tee headquarters, the academy recognizes and rewards exceptional teen participants who are prepared to build upon leadership skills introduced through programs at First Tee chapters. Top coaches in the First Tee’s network deliver the golf and leadership instruction that incorporate the First Tee’s values and life skills in a concentrated, week-long event. Participants build skills preparing them for success beyond the golf course. They will experience championship golf, career exploration, dorm living at Boise State University and meeting other teens from around the country sharing golf as their common bond. Ben Thomas, Board President of the First Tee of Idaho, said “The Idaho chapter is honored and privileged to be selected to host the Life Skills and Leadership Academy for the next two years.  We are looking forward to showcasing our great community to the participants and giving them the opportunity to experience playing at two wonderful golf courses – Ridgecrest Golf Club and Banbury Golf Club.” LaPrath, 16, is a sophomore at Middleton High School in Middleton. Active in First Tee of Idaho for three years, he volunteers at Rake Up Boise as well as a local soup kitchen. LaPrath also served as a standard bearer at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Boise Open. Curtis, 15, is a sophomore at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise. Active at the local First Tee chapter for nine years, he actively participates at First Tee of Idaho Day and the Idaho Food Bank. Outside of the chapter, Curtis volunteers his time as a member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and is a member of the Summerwind Skippers Competitive Jump Rope Team. First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping youth build character through the game of golf. Through in-school and after-school programs, it helps shape young people’s lives by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance embedded in the game of golf. First Tee of Idaho delivers programs at eight golf courses , numerous elementary schools and  youth centers across the state, reaching more than 10,000 youth each year. For more information or to learn more about First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org. *** About First Tee of Idaho First Tee of Idaho http://www.firstteeidaho.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. First Tee of Idaho has expanded to reach thousands of young people annually on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. First Tee of Idaho is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the United States and select international locations. Media Contact: Brittany Wynne, [email protected], (904) 940-4043

Seventy-Eight First Tee Teens Selected for PGA TOUR Champions PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee at Pebble Beach

 

Jack Nicklaus, PGA TOUR players and Golf Channel hosts surprise teens on  Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive”

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (July 3, 2019) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions announced today the 78 First Tee participants selected to play in the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee. The 16th annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, will be held September 24-29 at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California, and will be televised internationally on Golf Channel. The PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee is the only event of its kind where 78 First Tee teenagers from across the country are paired up with 78 PGA TOUR Champions players and 156 amateurs during an official PGA TOUR Champions tournament. Ranging in ages from 14 to 18, the First Tee participants compete for the Pro-Junior Team title. Representing 27 states, participants were selected by a national panel of judges based on their understanding and application of the values and life skills learned through First Tee’s programs, as well as their playing ability. The full junior field was revealed live on Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive” today, including a video of World Golf Hall of Fame Member Jack Nicklaus surprising Stephen Ma from First Tee of Central Ohio. Other surprises by PGA TOUR players and Golf Channel hosts had been recorded over the last month and aired today as part of the PURE Insurance Championship announcement. “We are proud to continue our involvement with this prestigious event and help support the great work of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and First Tee,” said Katherine Frattarola, Chief Marketing Officer of the PURE Group of Insurance Companies. “The impact this event has on the incredible young men and women from the First Tee makes this sponsorship tremendously rewarding for our entire team.” This year’s field of professionals will include World Golf Hall of Fame Members Bernhard Langer, Mark O’Meara, Vijay Singh and Retief Goosen, as well as defending champion and recent KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship winner Ken Tanigawa. Clint Eastwood serves as chairman of the PURE Insurance Championship. Play will be conducted on Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course on Friday and Saturday, with the final round contested solely at Pebble Beach Golf Links on Sunday, where 23 First Tee juniors will compete based on their 36-hole performance. The tournament will crown one male and one female First Tee Junior Champion on Sunday. Nearly 1,000 teens from First Tee have played in the PURE Insurance Championship, experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet, play and be mentored by PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs in the field. “Congratulations to the 78 participants who have been selected to play and represent First Tee on a national stage,” said First Tee President Greg McLaughlin. “Their hard work and commitment to academic, social and emotional development through our programs has secured this opportunity. Thank you to our partners − PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, Poppy Hills Golf Course, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel − for their commitment to young people and helping us provide this opportunity to these deserving teens.” First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping young people build character through the game of golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to encourage and motivate kids as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com. To learn more about First Tee, visit TheFirstTee.org. View First Tee participants selected to play in the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship    ***  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. About Monterey Peninsula Foundation Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization which donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. www.attpbgolf.com www.pureinsurancechampionship.com About PURE Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is a member-owned reciprocal insurer dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for responsible high net worth individuals and families. PURE provides customizable coverage for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal liability, watercraft, flood, fraud and cyber fraud to more than 75,000 responsible, high net worth families throughout the U.S.  Inspired by some of the finest policyholder-owned companies, PURE emphasizes alignment of interests and transparency. PURE’s low cost of capital, careful member selection and proactive risk management all contribute to highly competitive rates. In return for a fee, PURE Risk Management, LLC acts as Attorney-in-Fact for PURE. PURE membership is subject to an executed Subscriber’s Agreement & Power of Attorney. For more information or to find a local broker, visit pureinsurance.com. You can follow PURE on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. About PGA TOUR Champions PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 35 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. In 2019, the PGA TOUR Champions schedule includes 27 tournaments across the United States, Scotland and Canada, with purses totaling more than $56 million. The Charles Schwab Cup, which includes the Regular Season and the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, is used to determine the season-long champion. All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Internationally, telecasts air in excess of 190 countries and territories, reaching more than 350 million potential households. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour and on Instagram @championstour.

USGA Awards $15,000 in Grant Funding to Local First Tee Chapters

Pebble Beach, Calif. (June 12, 2019) – USGA CEO Mike Davis, Vice Chairman of the First Tee Board and former PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, and First Tee President Greg McLaughlin came together today at the 119th U.S. Open Championship at Pebble Beach to recognize USGA’s longstanding commitment bringing young people to the game through the First Tee. The three leaders were joined by two participants from First Tee for a friendly competition in the Junior Experience Featuring the First Tee, an interactive area for kids in families located with this year’s U.S. Open’s Fan Central. Playing in a putting competition, all five helped to earn grant money (courtesy of USGA) for the 10 local First Tee chapters in Northern California (Central Coast, Central Valley, Contra Costa, Fresno, Greater Sacramento, Monterey County, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Silicon Valley and the Tri-Valley). Davis, Finchem and McLaughlin each sunk their putts to win the competition, splitting the $7,000 between Central Coast, Central Valley, Contra Costa, Fresno, Sacramento and San Francisco. The remaining four remaining chapters each received $1,000, for a total of $15,000 distributed in USGA-funded grants. Since First Tee’s inception in 1997, USGA has provided more than $26 million in grants to the organization. The USGA and First Tee debuted the Junior Experience featuring First Tee this week at the U.S. Open to help connect youth attending to the excitement and values associated with golf and First Tee programs offered throughout the country. Highlights of the immersive experience include First Tee’s hands-on putting green, chipping challenge, golf simulator, large-scale coloring wall, photo booth and more. The Junior Experience also includes activations with LPGA-USGA Girls Golf and WGT/Top Dog ESports. “We are proud to be a part of the fan experience at the 119th U.S. Open Championship, ensuring that kids and families have a great time and opening the doors for them to get involved in the game at one of our 150 chapters nationwide,” said McLaughlin. “We are thankful for USGA’s longstanding commitment to our mission, our chapters and for providing us the ability to introduce golf and the Nine Core Values to more young people each year.” With the USGA’s support, First Tee’s 10 northern California chapters are reaching more than 35,000 young people annually at more than 120 golf program locations, with support from 2,700 volunteers. Additionally, First Tee has been introduced to more than 750 schools and youth centers reaching thousands of additional kids throughout the state. To learn more, visit www.firsttee.org. More information about The U.S. Open is available at www.usopen.com.

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About The 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. About the USGA The USGA celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment and amateur status rules. Our operating jurisdiction for these governance functions is the United States, its territories and Mexico. The USGA Handicap System is utilized in more than 40 countries and our Course Rating System covers 95 percent of the world’s golf courses, enabling all golfers to play on an equitable basis. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.