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First Tee alumni share the advice they’d give their younger selves 

With graduation in the books, many kids and teens are looking ahead to the future. But we asked First Tee alumni to look back and consider the advice they’d share with their 18-year-old self.

David Singh 
First Tee – Tampa Bay
Recently earned his Master in Healthcare Administration at the University of Pittsburgh

“Life is not always gonna stick to the script you’ve got in your head. Sometimes, it’ll throw you curveballs you never saw coming. Roll with the punches, stay flexible, and remember, there’s always a silver lining in every setback. Keep your chin up, ’cause even when things don’t go as planned, there’s still a world of amazing possibilities out there waiting for you.”

Savannah Mansueti 
First Tee – Florida Gold Coast 
Manager of operations at First Tee – Florida Gold Coast

“If I could advise my 18-year-old self, I’d emphasize embracing failure as a key part of learning and growth, seeing setbacks as opportunities to refine skills. I’d also stress the importance of building strong relationships with family, friends, mentors and colleagues for support and guidance. Lastly, I’d recommend prioritizing financial literacy early on, mastering budgeting, saving and investing for long-term stability and success.”

Haili Moore 
First Tee – Greater Dallas
Student at Texas Christian University and entry-level staff accountant 

“Do not allow yourself to settle in relationships, careers, friendships, education, etc. You are worth what you allow to infiltrate your time, peace and space. The thing is though, is that you are worth more than you’ll ever know.”

Jamie Rush 
First Tee – Pittsburgh 
Methodist University marketing student with a concentration in professional golf management 

“My advice would be to live in the moment. We are always wishing for the next big moment and forget to treasure the times that we are currently in. I’m still trying to learn this lesson today. Enjoy every aspect of the here and now, slow down and don’t wish your life away.”

Spencer McIntosh 
First Tee – Tampa Bay 
Director of business intelligence and analytics at First Tee 

“I would encourage my 18-year-old self to be continuously educating yourself whether that be reading more books, taking additional courses or seeking mentorship. I’d also recommend that he build a strong network and surround himself with supportive and knowledgeable people so you can apply those lessons to his passions. Then finally, I’d tell him to pay those gifts forward to the next generation of game changers!”

Srishti Dhurandhar  
First Tee – Metropolitan New York  
Business and technology management student and collegiate golfer at NYU 

“Some advice for my younger self would be to be less afraid to ask for help and make mistakes. I learned the most when things didn’t go according to plan and wish I had spent less time worrying about doing everything perfectly because everything will work out in the end as long as you surround yourself with people you can lean on. “

Are you a First Tee alumna? Learn more about the First Tee Alumni Network.

Where are they now: First Tee National Championship winners 

First Tee returns to Clemson University this year for its 4th annual National Championship. This year’s field includes 24 boys and 24 girls from First Tee chapters across the country to experience what golf looks like at the next level.

In addition to showcasing their skills and perseverance on the course, players will also attend a golf careers panel and a keynote address from First Tee alumnus Gavin Parker. 

This year’s tournament will be streamed on Gamecast, and you can follow scoring on Golf Genius. 

Before we head to Clemson, we caught up with our past winners to see what they’re up to. 

Ashton Harper  
First Tee — Roanoke Valley 

Ashton won the inaugural First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and is now a member of the golf team at Virginia Tech, where he is majoring in business. Ashton said his experience with First Tee taught him valuable lessons in perseverance. “Golf is not a game of perfect, and there will always be ups and downs when playing this game, but they are magnified in tournaments due to the high stakes. I was able to use perseverance to fight these ups and downs,” he said. 

Ashton aims to become an All-ACC player by the end of his tenure at Virginia Tech before going on to play professionally. 

Symran Shah 
First Tee — Greater Dallas 

Like Ashton, Symran won the First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and now plays golf at Virginia Tech. She studies business and plans to have a career in healthcare administration. 

Hannah Lydic 
First Tee — Delaware 

Hannah won the 2022 First Tee National Championship held at Notre Dame and is now a member of the golf team at the University of Richmond, majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Her experience in the First Tee National Championship taught her patience and perseverance in both herself and her game, she said. 

As a Spider, she’s won awards for golf and academics. “What’s cool about the game of golf is that if you play calm and treat your playing partners with kindness, you will ultimately have a better experience on the course which will allow you to play at a higher level,” she said. Because of her experience with First Tee coaches, she fell in love with golf and now has the goal to become a collegiate golf coach. 

Hunter Swanson 
First Tee — Green Valley Ranch 

Hunter won the First Tee National Championship at Notre Dame in 2022 and is now a business student and member of the golf team at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Hunter lost to Ashton in a playoff at the 2021 First Tee National Championship, which inspired him to have the perseverance to come back and win at Notre Dame and taught him how to be more comfortable in high stress situations, he said.  

As a college golfer, Hunter said the most important lesson he learned from First Tee is confidence. “I find I play more relaxed and have a better game when I practice enough to believe in my abilities,” he said. Since winning the First Tee National Championship, Hunter has made the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, been a Pac-12 Men’s Golfer of the Week and the Nevada State Amateur runner up. 

Megan Meng  
First Tee — Greater Trenton 

Megan won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and is preparing to begin her college golf career at Northwestern, where she’ll study economics. Her experience playing in the First Tee National Championship challenged her to be hardworking and patient. She said she continues to use other First Tee lessons. “I find that it is important to always apply respect, sportsmanship and courtesy to those you are playing with,” said Megan, who also won the 2022 PURE Insurance Championship. 

Recently, Megan was a member of Team USA at the 2023 Junior Solheim Cup and a 2023 Rolex Scholastic Junior All-American. She’s currently in the Top 10 of the AJGA Rankings and plans to pursue professional golf. 

Cooper Groshart 
First Tee — Central Coast 

Cooper won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and now attends California State East Bay, as a business administration major and a member of the golf team. Confidence is a First Tee lesson that Cooper keeps with him today while playing competitive golf. His experience in the First Tee National Championship was inspiring, as he saw so many people from different places share the same drive to compete and succeed in golf, he said.  

Cooper played in the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur in Charleston. As a freshman, he competed in 12 tournaments with his college team and has been on the dean’s list both semesters. He said his goal is to continue to improve as a player and a person. 

Learn more about the First Tee National Championship.

First Tee College Scholarship Program celebrates first graduating class 

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (May 14, 2024) – Four years ago, President George W. Bush had a big surprise for seven exemplary First Tee participants. First Tee’s honorary chair told the teens they were selected as inaugural members of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Now the organization is thrilled to celebrate their graduation. 

“Congratulations to the first graduating class of First Tee College Scholarship Program,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are very proud of your hard work and commitment, and we look forward to watching you move into the next stages of your journey. First Tee is proud to have played a role in your development.” 

“First Tee is family,” said Ricky Lam, a First Tee Scholar who is graduating from Harvard University and pursuing a career in insurance. “Ultimately First Tee is a place where you have such a strong support system to be able to pursue your passions, ask for help, expand your horizons and network so you can be the person you strive to be.” 

The First Tee College Scholarship Program is a need- and merit-based scholarship program through which Scholars receive financial support and access to a wide range of professional development opportunities. Each Scholar is paired with an adult mentor to ensure they are equipped with the tools they need to be successful in college and beyond. 

“The First Tee College Scholarship Program really helped me find connections, especially with my mentor,” said Malisone Chanthanpanya, now a graduate student and member of the golf team at Texas Wesleyan University. Mali is one of three Scholars who graduated early to bring the total number of graduated First Tee Scholars to 10. “She was a great resource who I could talk to about not just college and my career but about life. I got to meet a lot of people through the scholarship program.” 

The First Tee College Scholarship Program was launched in 2020, and it recognizes First Tee participants who have shown dedication to academics, community service and their First Tee chapters. It has since grown to include 70 Scholars, with the 2024 class slated to be announced next month.  

Meet the graduates: 

Luke Boldt 
First Tee – Coastal Carolina / East Carolina University 
He has accepted a position as a medical missionary for two years and plans to apply to medical school. 

Malisone Chanthanpanya 
First Tee – Fort Worth / Texas Wesleyan University 
She’s in graduate school and prepping for LPGA Q-school in the fall.  

Jessica Jiao 
First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Georgetown University  
She has accepted a position with BNP Paribas Bank in its equity capital markets department in New York. 

Ricky Lam 
First Tee–Tri-Valley / Harvard University 
He has accepted a position with Sompo as a commercial underwriter.  

Kelly Low 
First Tee – Fort Worth / University of Texas at Dallas 
She has accepted an offer with Amazon Web Services as an associate solutions architect in Austin. 

Nicole Monsalve 
First Tee – Miami / Duke University 
She has accepted a position with the NFL in its two-year rotation program in New York. 

Sara Rintoul  
First Tee – Central Florida / University of Florida 
She has accepted an offer at Procter & Gamble as a brand manager in Boston. 

Remi Shendell 
First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Emory University 
She is graduating with a double-major in biology and political science. 

Borina Sutiko  
First Tee – Silicon Valley / Santa Clara University 
She hopes to attend Cal Berkely this fall to earn her master’s in information systems.  

Denise Wei 
First Tee – San Francisco / University of California, Irvine 
She has accepted an offer with PwC in its audit division. 

The importance of embracing differences and different experiences 

February is Black History Month, an important time to recognize the contributions and remember the hardships endured by generations of African Americans. Appreciating diversity and what makes us each unique remains an integral part of First Tee’s DNA year-round.  

“When you bring together people with different perspectives and different experiences, the whole becomes stronger than the sum of its parts,” said Pepper Peete, whose career in golf began more than two decades ago when she established the men’s team at Edward Waters College, an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida. Peete now helps lead culture and inclusion efforts at First Tee headquarters. 

Access for All 

First Tee has always been committed to reaching kids from all backgrounds and making sure they feel included in our programming. At First Tee we commit to: 

  • Appreciating what makes us different. 
  • Providing everyone ​with what they need ​to succeed, knowing that our needs and challenges may differ. 
  • Creating space that makes every individual feel like they belong and can see themselves reflected.​ 

Collaborating with others – including those who are different from you – is a Key Commitment at First Tee, and it means showing respect, kindness and care for everyone. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation or lived experience, we’re all unique.  

Here are some ways kids can get more comfortable learning about and from others. 

A-L-R is a tool for learning about others 

First Tee coaches introduce the concept of appreciating diversity by explaining that people differ in many ways and are similar in other ways, and we all have strengths and weaknesses. It is important for kids and teens to understand, accept and appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses, but it is equally important they do the same with others. 

Engaging others in conversation doesn’t always come naturally to children, but it can be one of the best ways to form meaningful connections across perceived barriers. A-L-R is a strategy we teach at First Tee. 

  • Ask questions: Invite your child to ask questions to discover more about a person’s background and past experiences, which might provide insight into who they are today and the commonalities they share. 
  • Listen to understand: Introduce active listening by encouraging your child to focus on what others are saying rather than thinking about what to say next. 
  • Reflect and respond: Invite your child to show how they were listening by responding with a thoughtful question or sharing your own thoughts or feelings on the topic at hand.  

Through this exercise, kids might learn they share common interests with someone who looks or sounds different to them. 

Don’t forget that in addition to learning about others, preteens are often grappling with and discovering their own identities. If your family positions diversity as an asset, your child might feel more comfortable being themself.  

Exposing your child to food, music or books from other cultures can help them see the commonalities we share and appreciate that our differences make the world a richer place. You can also discuss the diversity that exists within your own family or community to show that diversity is everywhere, including the golf space. 

“Golf has given me an opportunity to go places I never would have been able to go and meet people I never would have been able to meet,” said Peete, who was married to Calvin Peete, one of the most successful Black professional golfers in history. “I think golf can open up unexpected doors.” 

A lifelong golfer and mother to two daughters who played golf at HBCUs, Peete has seen the sport become more accessible, especially to women, and she believes the golf course is a perfect place to break down barriers. “You get to meet so many different people through golf,” Peete said. 

Carter Bonas wants everyone to feel like they belong on the course 

Carter Bonas has already broken through in the business world, and he’s just 12. His love of golf helped inspire his company, Spectrum Golf. 

The golf brand got its name because Carter is on the autism spectrum. The company was created to address an issue he faced, turning a challenge into an opportunity. 

“Me and my mom were spending lots of money on clothes that were supposed to be comfortable but weren’t because I have skin sensitivity,” explained the First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant.  

“I started Spectrum Golf because I wanted other people to be comfortable too.” 

The brand sells golf attire and accessories, which have been displayed at the PGA Show in Orlando, an industry standard event. Carter has been interviewed by Golf Channel, Golf Digest and more about his company. 

It’s impossible for Carter to choose a favorite memory from his time as a golfer. “They’re all super amazing,” Carter said.  

He’s walked the course with Ernie Els at the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida, chipped with PGA Champions Tour player Alex Cejka and even met basketball star Steph Curry. Last year Curry was honored as Sports Illustrated’s Sports Person of the Year, while Carter was named Sports Kid of the Year. 

Carter has big goals for his company, ultimately aiming to own a retail store and collaborate with other major brands. Playing on the PGA TOUR isn’t out of the question either, he said. 

Carter loves the sport because he’s able to play on a team while still controlling the outcome of his round – whether good or bad. He also loves spending time in nature, he said. 

Carter began playing golf after struggling to find another sport that fit.  

During Autism Awareness Month, his message to others on the spectrum: “If you’re considering golf it takes lots of patience and practice, and you always need to stay positive,” he said. 

Carter and his family have faced their own set of challenges when it comes to managing a new business. They had to table Spectrum Vitamin Water due to a manufacturing issue. “Carter only wants to sell products he loves,” said his mother, Dr. Thelma Tennie. But after finding a new producer, the vitamin water could be back on the market this year. 

Seeing his mom – who owns a private therapy practice – helped inspire Carter to become an entrepreneur, he explained. And he’s also passionate about giving back. He recently launched a nonprofit, and he serves as a golf coach and motivational speaker for schools and events. 

Like First Tee, Carter is dedicated to growing the sport of golf and showing that anyone can play. Carter and his mom were drawn to First Tee’s values, and he’s been participating with the Florida Gold Coast chapter in Fort Lauderdale for about a year. 

“It’s been super awesome,” Carter said. 

Women’s History Month: How Jayda Dookie is changing the game 

Jayda Dookie didn’t quite know what she was getting into when her high school coach reached out about a caddying opportunity at Seminole Golf Club. 

Ranked the top course in Florida for the last 35 years by Golf Digest, the Club has a rich history of hosting the corporate elite along with a couple of high-profile events in the past. But Jayda was about to make her own history. When Jayda, a First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant, signed on as caddy, she was unaware that she would become the first female caddy in the history of the storied club. As a freshman, she was also the youngest caddy in the yard when she took the job four years ago. 

“A lot of the caddies were excited to see a girl come and do this job, not only because you have to engage with a lot of important people, but it’s also a physical job,” she explained. “I quicky had to get out my shell. I had to make sure my players were comfortable, and I definitely only succeeded because of the mentors I had in the caddy yard.” 

She said planning ahead is an important part of caddying at Seminole: “First we have to forecaddie. We must get to the ball before the players do to get all the numbers like distance from the hole, wind speed and direction. At Seminole, we really place an emphasis on pace of play, and the only way we’re able to do that is if our caddies are two steps ahead of our players,” she said. 

Jayda said it was intimidating to start her job at Seminole, but now she loves it because of the network she’s forged. 

“I have learned so much through the other caddies and members,” she said. “Many are prominent CEOs and business leaders, and it’s good for me to watch how business deals are negotiated the golf course.” 

That’s especially true since Jayda plans to have a career in international business – even though she’ll be sad to leave Seminole when she attends college in the fall. “I’m definitely going to miss it, but I know there’s an invitation extended for me to come back because they’ve become my second family now,” she said. 

Jayda credits First Tee’s John Deere Drive Your Future Academy with helping her select her future career path. She attended the event in San Francisco last summer. “It was amazing to see girls from all over the country gather to learn about business and leadership and play golf,” she said. “We didn’t know each other at first but by the end we all felt like family.” 

Jayda said First Tee has not only given her lots of impactful opportunities – including a recent behind-the-scenes visit to The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens – but also a supportive community. 

“I’m probably not going to remember all the stress and heartbreaks of different tournaments but I’m definitely going to remember the people and the family that has gathered around me thanks to golf.” 

Jayda was recently named Participant of the Year by First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. 

She credits the sport with teaching her discipline and giving her confidence and recommends golf for any girls who are looking for a new hobby. “I think they should definitely do it,” she said. “Golf is a sport you can play for life. Golf gives you a community and opportunities and people to lean on if you ever need help.” 

Obando on following his dreams: ‘Not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end’

Felipe Obando may now be studying at the Keiser University College of Golf. But it wasn’t always a given that the sport would play an important part in his life. 

Obando has long been a passionate artist, and in fifth grade, he won an art contest that not only awarded him tickets to The Honda Classic – and meet and greets with PGA TOUR players like Russel Henley – but also a lifetime membership to First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. 

It was the first time Obando was exposed to golf, and First Tee introduced him to the coaches who could become important mentors, he said.  

“I could go on all day long about the insane and incredible opportunities that have been given to me by the First Tee,” he said. But one thing stands out from his time in the organization: the values it instilled. 

“Responsibly, honesty, integrity … were all words we learned as kids going to the First Tee which helped pave the way for the rest of my life,” he said. 

During his time as a First Tee participant, Obando attended national events like the Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, he played at storied courses, including The Breakers and The Bears Club, and he volunteered to help younger kids learn the game. 

Obando was so passionate about the sport that he teamed up with seven other First Tee participants to create the First Tee – Palm Beaches Teen Golf Association, which has evolved into a thriving organization. 

Obando has had to overcome challenges to get where he is today. He was born with a malformed right hand and has developed a golf swing that compliments his disability.  

“Grabbing a cup, throwing a ball, flipping a coin. Those were all things I could do with my normal left hand. But what about a sport that involves your two hands gripping something? Golf was probably the most challenging sport I ever had to learn, and it took me lots of time and practice to be able to get good contact,” he said. 

“I would say the most important thing throughout this process was never giving up, even if it meant putting myself in uncomfortable situations. I always (and still do) finished holes even if I wasn’t playing my best and wanted to pick up,” he explained. “Overcoming challenges for me was difficult, and it still is to this day, but not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end.” 

Obando always knew he wanted to attend college, and now his goal has become a reality. He received a four-year scholarship to attend Keiser University College of Golf where’s he’s studying golf management.  

“When it comes to post graduation, all I know is that I want to be involved in the best industry there is, the golf industry, whether it’s a head pro at a club, a coach, working for a company and many more of the thousands of careers there are in the golf world,” he said. 

He recently received his WR4GD pass, which makes him eligible to compete in tournaments like the USGA’s second U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this summer. Obando said he’s excited for what the future holds. 

“I have been practicing hard, focusing on my classes, focusing on my game and staying healthy,” he said. 

Coach Kelly on Building a Positive Self-Identity

Louis Kelly, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia alumni and now coach, has been with the chapter for longer than he can remember. Coach Kelly started when he was just 13 years old, graduating through the program in 2010.

Growing up with the First Tee – Greater Philadelphia chapter, Coach Kelly had been so positively impacted as a participant that he thought the only thing he could do was give back by returning to be a coach at the chapter in 2017.

“I love First Tee and I’ve been around it a long time now. Coaching my kids and being with influential people outside in the business world makes me reflect that I just love being able to bring a smile to people’s faces,” said Coach Kelly.

Coach Kelly focuses primarily on the in-school curriculum, along with coaching golf lessons for the participants to help them make their high school golf team. From there, Coach Kelly wishes to see his kids in the program graduate and go on to college where they can play for collegiate teams.  

In addition to the curriculum and golf lessons, coaches like Coach Kelly serve as a mentor for the community, helping to support participants along their educational and golf journey. Coach Kelly focuses on building a positive self-identity as a core characteristic in life.

“The mind believes in whatever you say about yourself, so we need to make it a good one,” said Coach Kelly.

“We need community, and as you know, First Tee has allowed young people to come in a safe space and be around positive coaches and other young people to build healthy habits and life skills.”

Here’s how 2 First Tee chapters are committed to promoting diversity

First Tee – Greater Charleston intentionally promotes diversity at all levels of the organization. Its efforts were recognized as one of two chapters that received First Tee’s national award: the 2022 Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award presented by The Toro Company. Toro, which has supported First Tee for 25 years, donated $5,000 to both winning chapters: First Tee – Greater Charleston and First Tee – Delaware.

Fifty percent of full-time staff members and all seasonal workers at First Tee – Greater Charleston come from diverse backgrounds, helping to ensure every participant see themself represented in their coaches and mentors. Two-thirds of the chapter’s partner schools are Title I institutions, and First Tee – Greater Charleston works with a dozen organizations that support underserved populations, including Charleston Promise Neighborhood and the Lowcountry Autism Foundation.

“We partner with each of these groups to provide free program access and transportation. Our goal of each school and community partnership is to provide equitable access and exposure for all kids to experience the heart of First Tee’s golf and life skills education,” said executive director Bucky Dudley.

And, while chapters across the First Tee network are working to build Game Changers, First Tee – Greater Charleston has created exciting new programming to support this mission. Its Game Changers Immersion Program provides significant support – from homework help and field trips to classroom lessons and golf practice – for cohorts of underserved kids as they progress through middle and high school.

“We want to instill in the kids that they have the confidence to do anything,” said coach Lerone Johnson. “Confidence is big because in life, you’re going to be faced with challenges, and you have to have enough confidence in yourself, as well as perseverance, to persevere through.”

Toro also honored First Tee – Delaware last year for its commitment to diversity. “Advancing diversity is a hallmark for our 27 years and our legacy,” said executive director Bob Norris.

Program director and First Tee national trainer Charma Bell has worked to recruit diverse coaches to the chapter. Now six of its seven recognized coaches are women or people of color. The chapter serves kids at 36 Title I elementary and charter schools and works with seven Boys & Girls Clubs across the state.

First Tee – Delaware was awarded an LPGA/Renee Powell Grant in 2021, which allowed the chapter to host a Girls Golf Experience for new players. More than 30 girls of color attended the event in March of 2022.

Across the First Tee network, other chapters are working to reach diverse communities with their life skills programming. Learn more about how The Toro Company is supporting this mission.

The Toro Company Extends 25-Year Commitment to First Tee, Continuing Support of Diversity Efforts

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. and BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Feb. 13, 2023 –The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC), a global innovator in turf and landscape maintenance, is extending its longtime commitment to First Tee®, a nonprofit that helps young people develop character and life skills through golf. Supporting the nonprofit youth development organization since 1998, the extension will include grants and equipment donations to support chapter initiatives and diversity efforts across the First Tee network.

“The Toro Company is proud to celebrate 25 years of supporting First Tee,” said Edric Funk, Group Vice President of Golf, Grounds and Irrigation Businesses.  “Being a part of the ongoing growth of First Tee aligns with our values as we have seen thousands of young people empowered through the game of golf. Golf provides the framework through which First Tee teaches life skills like self-confidence, honesty and resilience, qualities we know will continue to serve First Tee participants throughout their lives on and off the golf course.”

Toro’s “Growing the Game Through Impact and Inclusion” grants have helped First Tee chapters around the country reduce barriers and expand access to their character-building programs, providing places where kids from all backgrounds feel safe and welcome. In 2022 alone, a dozen First Tee chapters benefited from those grants, while 20 chapters received Toro equipment donations valued at $1,000 each. Toro also sponsored the 2022 Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award, which was presented to two chapters that have made great strides in the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: First Tee – Delaware and First Tee – Greater Charleston. Each chapter received a $5,000 donation from Toro.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with one of our longest partners, The Toro Company, which will continue to support the diversity initiatives that are central to First Tee’s mission,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Toro has been by our side for 25 years, and our organizations share the goal of making golf and our character-building programs more accessible to anyone who wants to play. We’re grateful for their ongoing support.”

Over the last 25 years, Toro has donated more than $1 million to First Tee, and it is committed to supporting the nonprofit through 2025. Founded in 1997, First Tee enables kids to build inner strength, confidence and resilience – qualities that will serve them on the golf course and in life. Its character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations. 

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)  

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its 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 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of youth annually through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.  

 

About The Toro Company 

The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, underground utility construction, rental and specialty construction, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With net sales of $4.5 billion in fiscal 2022, The Toro Company’s global presence extends to more than 125 countries through a family of brands that includes Toro, Ditch Witch, Exmark, Spartan Mowers, BOSS Snowplow, Ventrac, American Augers, Trencor, Pope, Subsite Electronics, HammerHead, Radius HDD, Perrot, Hayter, Unique Lighting Systems, Irritrol, and Lawn-Boy. Through constant innovation and caring relationships built on trust and integrity, The Toro Company and its family of brands have built a legacy of excellence by helping customers work on golf courses, sports fields, construction sites, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties and agricultural operations. For more information, visit www.thetorocompany.com.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:    

Megan Hart, First Tee    
[email protected]
(904) 940-4348

Branden, Happel, The Toro Company
[email protected]
(952) 887-8930

Jose Perez Makes an Impact at First Tee – Monterey County

Jose Perez grew up in Salinas, California where his family loved watching different professional sports, but primarily soccer because of their Hispanic heritage. It wasn’t until Jose was 8 years old when he was first introduced to the sport of golf – and instantly he fell in love. “In other sports, you have to rely on other people. With golf, you only have to rely on yourself and that’s why I love the game,” said Jose.

Jose became a participant at First Tee – Monterey County after being introduced to the game, loving the programs he took part in. So much so, after graduating from the program, he became a First Tee coach in 2013. “Monterey County had a summer program which I applied to that summer. I took my first class and loved it. First Tee – Monterey County has helped me a lot in my career. The coaches I had gave their best at everything and gave me values and skills I could use in my life. The least I could do is give back,” said Jose.

While coaching at First Tee – Monterey County, Jose is also studying to get his degree in accounting. Once he completes his bachelor’s degree, he will apply to get his master’s degree and become a CPA. One day, Jose hopes to do accounting for businesses all over California and take over his dad’s pallet business.

“If there’s anything I could teach my participants, it’s to be patient, be positive and always be willing to ask for help.”

Topgolf Callaway Brands and First Tee Expand Partnership to Reach More Young People from All Backgrounds

The organizations build on a shared commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and empowering young people

PONTE VEDRA, FLA. and CARLSBAD, Calif., Dec. 13, 2022 – First Tee®, a youth development organization that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, and Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) (the “Company” or “Topgolf Callaway Brands”), a global leader in golf equipment, apparel and entertainment, are expanding their longtime partnership. Through the new partnership, Topgolf Callaway Brands will support initiatives that are helping expand First Tee programs, especially in underserved and underrepresented communities, including networkwide access to Topgolf.

“Topgolf Callaway Brands is proud to support First Tee’s mission to empower children and teens through golf,” said Chip Brewer, President & CEO of Topgolf Callaway Brands. “We are excited to become a First Tee Trustee and through our shared values, provide more access and opportunities for youth in the communities we serve.”

Topgolf Callaway Brands has been supporting First Tee since 2001. The Company is expanding their support and becoming a First Tee Trustee on the heels of the First Tee’s 25th Anniversary Network Summit held in Dallas, November 16 – 18, 2022. The Summit brought together more than 600 representatives from First Tee’s network of 150 chapters to celebrate the organization’s anniversary and continue to build momentum for the future with robust workshops and training sessions. The Summit concluded with a networking event at Topgolf.

“We believe in creating experiences that are just as fun as they are meaningful, and Topgolf Callaway Brands is an ideal partner to help us expand our reach,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Since launching the organization 25 years ago, it has been our priority to reach young people from all backgrounds, and we are grateful for the support from Topgolf Callaway Brands that will help further our efforts.”

Founded in 1997, First Tee is celebrating 25 years of enabling kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations. 

To learn more about First Tee, please visit firsttee.org.  

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)  

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its 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. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.  

About Topgolf Callaway Brands

Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. (NYSE: MODG) is an unrivaled tech-enabled Modern Golf and active lifestyle company delivering leading golf equipment, apparel, and entertainment, with a portfolio of global brands including Topgolf, Callaway Golf, TravisMathew, Toptracer, Odyssey, OGIO, Jack Wolfskin, and World Golf Tour (“WGT”). “Modern Golf” is the dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that includes both on-course and off-course golf. For more information, please visit https://www.topgolfcallawaybrands.com.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:    

Sara Henika, First Tee    
[email protected]     
(904) 881-7398   

Lauren Scott, Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp.
[email protected]  
(760) 931-1771