Author: mhart

First Tee Week: National campaign launches May 19 at the Charles Schwab Challenge, celebrating coaches who are game changers in their communities  

Parents call coaches the “unsung heroes of youth development.” First Tee will celebrate these mentors during its inaugural network-wide awareness campaign. 

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (March 11, 2025) – Leading nonprofit youth development organization First Tee is launching a weeklong national awareness campaign to celebrate the impact of its coaches. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build character like inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. 

Kicking off at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, from May 19-25, First Tee Week aims to engage communities across the country, encouraging them to celebrate the coaches who make a difference locally. Entitled “Dear Coach,” the campaign will feature a variety of in-person and online activities, including: 

  • First Tee will launch a new creative campaign, including an updated PSA that speaks to the power of youth sports coaches to instill confidence, values and life skills in the kids they serve. 
  • On Wednesday, May 21, First Tee will host a group of alumni at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge, where they’ll hear from a panel on “The coach effect: The importance of coaches and the stories that shape us.” The panel will feature New Orleans Saints defensive end and First Tee – Phoenix alumnus Cameron Jordan alongside other First Tee alumni. 
  • First Tee chapters across the country will host a variety of activations, including a fundraising tournament at Winged Foot (Metropolitan New York), meet the coach night (San Francisco), golf marathons (Greater Baltimore, West Michigan) and more. Find a First Tee chapter in your area. 
  • First Tee’s corporate partners will celebrate First Tee Week in a variety of ways. “Dear Coach” content will appear at Topgolf and PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country, with organizations like Golf Digest, the USGA and Morgan Stanley planning to highlight coach stories on their own channels. 
  • First Tee has launched a digital experience at FirstTee.org/DearCoach and social content featuring stories from participants, alumni and notable supporters like former NFL player Larry Fitzgerald and PGA TOUR professional Wyndham Clark on the incredible relationships between coaches and participants. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to engage. 

“Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and parents are looking for character-building programs because they know strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “For nearly 30 years, our dedicated and trained coaches have set First Tee apart because we have developed a training system built on research-proven methods of positive youth development. We are excited to celebrate their contributions and raise awareness for their work during First Tee Week.” 

According to research from Harris Poll, 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire their child to excel both on and off the field, and they believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others and be resilient in the face of challenges. 

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engage more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. First Tee serves more than 3.1 million kids annually. 

Learn more about getting involved with First Tee. 

Coach Emily ‘is a mentor and role model’

It’s no secret that First Tee considers its coaches to be the most important ingredient in its success. All trained and background checked, First Tee coaches connect with participants to ensure each one feels safe and celebrated for the qualities that make them unique.

One coach who exemplifies First Tee’s mission is Emily Ortmeier of First Tee – Southern Colorado, who has been with the chapter for five years. “Emily Ortmeier is more than a coach; she is a mentor and role model,” said First Tee – Southern Colorado board member Jeff Stedman.

A former collegiate golfer, Emily leads by example and inspires participants to do their best on and off the golf course, according to her colleagues at First Tee – Southern Colorado.

“When a participant fails, Coach Emily is always there to console and encourage them to persevere,” said chapter CEO Sandy Johnson. “She uses these moments as learning opportunities that greatly help to develop the character of each participant, reassuring them that we must fail in order to learn how to succeed and get right back to pursuing our goals.”

Eagles for Impact at THE PLAYERS® Championship

As the eyes of the golf world turn to TPC Sawgrass for THE PLAYERS Championship 2025, there’s an extra reason to root for low scores. For every eagle or double eagle carded by the pros during the tournament, Morgan Stanley will donate $5,000 to support First Tee’s coach training efforts.

Last year, Emily was one of 107 coaches to benefit from Morgan Stanley’s generosity. She attended a Level 4 training in Monterey, California, and has advanced to the point where she now leads Level 1 trainings for new coaches. She’s trained 20 coaches in her region.

First Tee – Southern Colorado colleagues agree that Emily’s passion for making golf accessible to all kids is evident in her work. She’s helped 21 new schools and community centers begin offering First Tee programming over the last two years.

In fact, Emily means so much to the community that she was recently recognized with Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest’s 40 Under 40 Award.

Coaches make the difference

According to research from First Tee and Harris Poll, 80% of parents believe there’s a shortage of high caliber coaches today. That’s why First Tee is committed to coach training and youth safety.

Nine out of 10 parents agree that coaches should help their child succeed both on and off the field, and parents view coaching as instrumental for teaching collaboration, resilience and leadership – all qualities that become even more important into adulthood.

Learn more about the importance of youth sports coaches.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day: ‘It gave me the courage to try new things’ 

Youth sports participation can be a game changer for kids and families. Sports can help kids develop healthy habits and strong motor skills, but the benefits aren’t just physical.  

Parents agree that sports create opportunities for teamwork, improve children’s mental health and provide supportive adults to strengthen character development, according to research from First Tee and Harris Poll. 

But opportunities to participate in sports can be more limited for girls. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation, girls have 1.3 million fewer opportunities to play high school sports compared to boys. 

Enhancing access to sports is one of the aims on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which celebrates the accomplishments of female athletes and highlights the benefits that come with playing sports, both on and off the field. 

Lauren Kyaw manages the coach program at First Tee. As a collegiate athlete now working in youth sports, she’s seen and experienced its benefits firsthand. In honor of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, she shared her thoughts on how sports have changed her life. 

FT: What have you personally gained from playing sports? 

LK: Playing sports has given me the confidence to try new things and fail. I used to feel like I always had to be “perfect” in school and in life. Playing golf, perfection doesn’t exist. 

Playing golf also gave me the opportunity to stay active while doing what I love and connecting with people. I love meeting new people and being able to network, especially with the women in my community.  

Playing golf has developed my self-efficacy and grit, where I feel comfortable setting goals and going after them. It helps me stick to something, even when it gets hard and to fight for what I want to achieve.  

FT: Do girls face additional barriers when it comes to playing golf? 

LK: I have been playing golf for over 10 years and am still intimidated when I’m the only women on the range, practice area or in my group. It sometimes feels like I don’t belong, but I push past that and want to be a role model for other girls who play. 

After playing collegiate golf, I have seen so many of my friends and teammates give up the game entirely. It can be very difficult to make time for golf and the things you love, but I think it’s so important to continue to invest in your happiness.  

FT: The benefits of playing sports extend beyond physical health. What lessons from sports can girls carry into adulthood? 

LK: From my experience, sports help so much with mental health and provide a great way to invest in my overall happiness. I am so grateful when I’m out on the course and love to look at nature, focus on my breathing and disconnect. It gives me the time and space I need to refocus and serves as a restart for me.  

Golf has also helped me so much with my body confidence, which is especially important for girls, who can feel pressure to look a certain way. I feel strong when wearing golf attire, especially hot pink! 

And on top of that, playing sports has helped so much with my time management. I play a lot of golf, and it takes a lot of time. To be able to do this, I must maximize my time at work and home so I can do what I love. This is so important as a student-athlete, as playing sports can feel like a full-time job. Our college coaches always said, “Good Human- Good Student- Good Athlete,” and it is something I live by.  

FT: How do sports serve as a platform for girls to challenge stereotypes and break through societal expectations? 

LK: When I play golf, I have often faced pressure to play the “women’s tee” or get looks on the first tee. It takes a lot of courage for me to stand up for myself and ability. I hope new golfers feel the confidence to do the same. 

As girls play sports, they showcase their strength and talent. It is amazing to see what our bodies and minds can do and overcome what people think we should be able to do. I always go back to you “swing like a girl”, “hit like a girl”, or “throw like a girl”. From the athletes I know, I would love to play like a girl and win as much as they do. 

FT: What role do sports play in promoting gender equality, both on and off the field? 

LK: In golf specifically, there are important conversations happening during rounds surrounding business, relationship building and networking. When women feel confident and empowered to play, it brings them into these important conversations and positions them as leaders and decision makers.  

When more women play sports, it grows representation and shows girls that they can do it to. I think of women like Ilona Maher, Caitlin Clark and Simone Biles who showcase their strength and ability and are advocates for women in sports. They spark tough conversations, stand up for what is right and push societal expectations so that women are equally recognized in their accomplishments. 

Mentors make a difference: Scholar Nelia Leong shares tips for making a connection 

Young people have lots to navigate – not just school and career development, but they’re also building confidence, overcoming challenges and taking on their first leadership roles. These are all areas where a mentor can help. 

For many participants, First Tee coaches serve as early mentors, with parents seeing the benefits. According to research from First Tee and Harris Poll, parents turn to coaches to help teach their kids character, perseverance and leadership skills.  

Three-quarters of adults who were mentored in their youth say their mentor “contributed significantly to their success later in life.”  

With its many benefits, mentorship is an essential element of the First Tee College Scholarship Program which extends First Tee’s impact to alumni by providing support throughout their post-graduate career. In addition to receiving financial support and professional development opportunities, each First Tee Scholar is matched with an adult mentor to help support them during their college experience. 

“We’ve seen our Scholars buy into their mentorship connections and because of that, they have another layer of support to guide them through any obstacles and challenges they face in college,” said Robbie Lowman, who oversees the First Tee College Scholarship Program. “Our mentors help our Scholars become the best versions of themselves, which benefits them in the job market.” 

An alumna of First Tee – Upstate South Carolina, Scholar Nelia Leong is a junior at the University of Florida. As she prepares to apply to dental school, Nelia reflected on her connection with her mentor, Jennifer Weiler, senior vice president of network relations at First Tee.  

“The most important lesson I’ve learned from Jen is that it’s okay to ask for help,” Nelia. “In fact, it can lead to incredible opportunities.” 

Jen helped Nelia connect with a dentist in her network. Nelia has since been shadowing and assisting him for two years, and he’s writing a letter of recommendation for her dental school applications. 

“Jen’s mentorship has been one of the most important relationships in my life,” Nelia said. “We’ve built a strong, trusting bond where I feel comfortable sharing all aspects of my life, knowing she’ll listen and offer support.” 

Nelia said Jen was there for her during the stressful lead up to her Dental Admissions Test last year, and Jen was the first person she texted to celebrate after receiving an excellent score on the exam. 

While having a mentor on your side can be incredibly beneficial, it’s not always easy to build and maintain a relationship in a busy world. 

“I built a personal connection with my mentor by keeping her updated on both the big and small events in my life,” Nelia said. “She celebrates my successes and supports me through challenges.” 

In addition to texting, Nelia and Jen connect by Google Meet at least once per month. They especially relish opportunities to meet in person. 

Jen says she has enjoyed being Nelia’s mentor throughout her college journey. “It has been fun to connect with Nelia virtually, on the golf course and at First Tee scholar events. She is such an impressive young woman and has an incredible future ahead of her.” She added, “I am so proud to have been a very small part of her success in college.”  

Nelia’s tips for cultivating a strong mentor-mentee relationship: 

  • Try to connect at least once a month, and don’t be afraid to reach out about the small things. 
  • Share your struggles and your wins. 
  • Ask for help when you need it.  

First Tee Network Awards presented in partnership with Golf Digest honor outstanding leader, coach, volunteer and teacher of the year

Golf Digest will provide $175,000 in grants to support the winning chapters.

PHOENIX, AZ (Nov. 25, 2024) – Recipients of the annual First Tee Awards presented in partnership with Golf Digest were celebrated last week at First Tee’s 2024 Network Summit, a biennial gathering of more than 800 chapter leaders and partners from across the globe. The following individuals were recognized at the event in Phoenix for their dedication to the nonprofit youth development organization, which uses golf to teach life skills and build character.

Tim Finchem Leadership Award Winner: Gary Koch of First Tee – Tampa Bay
In 2021, the former professional golfer and NBC Sports broadcaster spearheaded the construction of a short course at First Tee – Tampa Bay’s home site of Rogers Park, providing the community with a new youth-accessible playing facility. The award recognizes an individual’s service and commitment to the mission of First Tee.

Coach of the Year: Manny Gallardo of First Tee – Silicon Valley
Over the last decade, Gallardo has become a beloved coach at the chapter, personally developing more than 200 games and activities to further engage First Tee participants. He is responsible for the development of the girls’ program at the chapter and is named as a mentor to participants, coaches and staff alike. Gallardo received First Tee’s inaugural Coach of the Year award.

George H.W. Bush Volunteer of the Year: Leslie Kleinman of First Tee – Cleveland
In 2008, Kleinman launched a culinary program that brings the life skills and values taught at First Tee into the kitchen, educating kids about diverse cuisines, healthy eating and the value of service through cooking for the Cleveland Food Bank.

Teacher of the Year: Layne Frazier of First Tee – Four Corners (NW New Mexico)
Frazier has been teaching at Eva B. Stokely Elementary School in Shiprock, New Mexico, for the last 16 years, 10 of which included First Tee School Program curriculum. He has introduced the game of golf to students from the Navajo Reservation both at the school where he teaches and by introducing other local schools to First Tee.

First Tee chapters in Tampa Bay, Silicon Valley and Cleveland will each receive $25,000 from Golf Digest, while First Tee – Four Corners and Frazier’s elementary school will split $25,000.

First Tee also honored three chapters with the Barbara A. Douglas & Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award, which began in 2013 to recognize chapters that demonstrate outstanding leadership and commitment to expanding access and inclusivity in their community. Golf Digest will make donations totaling $75,000 to these chapters:

  • First Tee – Central Coast ($35,000 recipient): Through a collaboration with People’s Self-Help Housing, the longest-serving nonprofit housing organization on California’s Central Coast, the chapter has engaged nearly 100 new participants from these families. Building off this success, First Tee – Central Coast connected with other organizations in the area to impact an additional 1000+ underserved youth through First Tee programming.
  • First Tee – Florida Gold Coast ($25,000 recipient): In 2023, the chapter’s participants were 63% ethnically diverse and 41% female, and the chapter was able to serve nearly 1,000 kids with special needs through partnerships with Boys & Girls Club, Police Athletics League, Big Brothers Big Sisters and the YMCA as well as other local organizations like Martin County Parks & Rec.
  • First Tee – Central Carolina ($15,000 recipient): Unique to the chapter is an HBCU Summer Golf Internship, where 10 HBCU golfers are given access to practice facilities while also gaining practical nonprofit experience. The chapter offers programming at Gillespie Golf Course and recently commissioned a mural that celebrates the sacrifices and impact of the “Greensboro Six.”

As a network, 47% of First Tee participants are ethnically diverse and 38% are female. More than 90% of chapters are serving young people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and nearly a quarter of participants (24%) come from at-risk or distressed communities, based on the Economic Innovation Group’s Distressed Communities Index.

“The award winners represent the true heroes of First Tee,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “They wake up each day with the intention of making a difference in young people’s lives. Congratulations to all the winners. Also, we are incredibly grateful to Golf Digest, for their longtime support of First Tee.”

“We are proud to honor all the First Tee individuals and chapters who are so dedicated to sharing golf with kids from all backgrounds, helping them learn life skills that go beyond the course,” said Golf Digest general manager Chris Reynolds. “Their inspiring stories remind us of what makes this game so special.”

First Tee celebrates Charles Schwab, Paul Fireman and PURE Insurance for ongoing support

PHOENIX (Nov. 21, 2024) – First Tee honored several of its most dedicated supporters Wednesday evening during a celebration dinner at the youth organization’s biennial Network Summit, where more than 800 chapter representatives and partners were gathered. Paul Fireman joined Tim Finchem as a recipient of First Tee’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Charles Schwab and PURE Insurance received the Founders Award, recognizing their longtime support of First Tee’s mission.

Former chairman of Reebok, chairman of Fireman Capital Partners and co-founder of Liberty National Golf Club, Fireman became a First Tee Trustee in 2012. He and his family have invested $8 million in First Tee nationally and in the four chapters in New Jersey – Essex County, Jersey Shore, Raritan Valley and Trenton – supporting their efforts to reach more than 500,000 youth in the last several years.

First Tee also announced the winners of its Founders Award, which it has presented since 2002, as a measure of sincere gratitude to the individuals and organizations whose generosity enables First Tee to impact millions of kids. This year, First Tee honored Charles Schwab and PURE Insurance for their ongoing commitment to First Tee.

“First Tee would not be where it is today without the vision and ongoing commitment of supporters like Paul Fireman, Charles Schwab and the PURE Insurance company,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “When you look back on the organization’s success, it is the individuals, foundations and companies who believe in the mission that fuel the work. We are deeply grateful for their longstanding commitment to First Tee at both the national and local levels of the organization.”

Paul Fireman is just the third person to be recognized with the First Tee Lifetime Achievement Award, following former PGA TOUR commissioner and founder of First Tee, Tim Finchem, who was honored this past October, and retired First Tee CEO Joe Louis Barrow Jr., who was honored in 2022.

Charles Schwab not only provides financial support to First Tee chapters, having established a $25-million dollar matching grant, but the business executive also founded First Tee – San Francisco alongside Sandy Tatum in 2004 and was integral to the redevelopment of Harding Park, one of the chapter’s signature program locations.

Since 2016, PURE Insurance has been the title sponsor of an annual PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs First Tee juniors with golf legends at Pebble Beach. In 2021, the firm expanded its impact on First Tee, becoming a Trustee and committing $1 million to the First Tee College Scholarship Program, which has helped nearly 100 First Tee alumni advance their education by providing financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities. First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization that empowers young people through the game of golf, helping them develop their inner strength, confidence and life skills that they use on and off the course.

First Tee gathers for Network Summit to celebrate impact, focus on future and tee up national awareness campaign in 2025

With nearly half of First Tee chapters celebrating 20+ years of service, the youth development organization is looking to the future at its biennial Network Summit.

PHOENIX (Nov. 18, 2024) – First Tee is prioritizing teen and alumni engagement, innovative gamification strategies and ongoing education for adults in the network, the youth development organization will announce to more than 800 stakeholders in attendance at its biennial Network Summit. It will also share plans for the inaugural First Tee Week, an awareness campaign slated for May 19-25, 2025, that will coincide with the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge and celebrate the contributions of First Tee sports coaches.

“For more than 27 years First Tee has continued to strengthen and evolve while remaining committed to the kids, families and communities we serve,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We look forward to coming together to learn, grow and align around our priorities at this Network Summit. I am deeply proud of the work of our chapters and thank the sponsors who have made the gathering possible.”

Highlights discussed at this week’s Network Summit will include:

  • Placing a greater emphasis on serving participants through their teenage years, which is a critical time of development. To reinforce this, First Tee added technology and gamification to the experience and continues to offer impactful national teen opportunities, which serve nearly 350 participants a year.
  • Launch of the First Tee Alumni Network, where former participants can stay connected to each other and the organization for continued professional development and opportunities to serve as volunteers and coaches at its chapters.
  • Roll out of First Tee University, an enrichment program for the 10,000 adults involved in the network, providing access to year-round professional development and continuing education.
  • Continued investment in academic research and coach training. According to recent research from First Tee and Harris Poll, 93% of parents believe their kids can learn important life skills through sports, however, four out of five see a shortage of high caliber coaches in youth sports today.

These will be among the key topics more than 800 First Tee Chapter leaders from across the U.S. and select international locations will discuss this week in Phoenix during the youth development organization’s 2024 Network Summit. The continuing education event for the First Tee network takes place Nov. 18-21 and features networking opportunities, professional development classes and inspiring general sessions.

Mayo Clinic, Next Round and the Rockefeller Global Family Office are supporting sponsors of the 2024 First Tee Network Summit.

This week in Phoenix, First Tee is also hosting the First Tee Alumni Summit presented by Gallagher, the First Tee Partner Summit supported by CapTech and the Innovators Forum, a leadership event that brings together 32 teens from across the country to develop service projects they will implement in their communities. Past projects have been featured in People and Forbes.

First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization that uses golf to help young people build character and life skills. With 150 Chapters around the globe, First Tee serves more than 3.3 million kids with the help of more than 10,000 adults, including volunteers, staff members, coaches and board members.

Learn more about getting involved with First Tee.

Innovators Forum participant Sophia Waddell bridges a gap in her community 

Each year, a group of exceptional First Tee teens gather at the First Tee Innovators Forum, where they develop a meaningful service project to bring home to their community focused on education, health, human rights or environmental sustainability. By bringing together passionate participants from across the chapter network, the Innovators Forum provides a distinctive enrichment experience, engaging teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities.  

Sophia Waddell from First Tee – Central Coast attended the 2023 Innovators Forum in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home of the PGA TOUR. At her chapter she works as a junior coach and noticed that there were very few participants with special needs. Sophia’s sister, Ava, was born with a chromosome abnormality that impacts her daily life, so Sophia was aware that golf is a good sport for someone with special needs to pursue as it is quiet and relies less on balance or mobility than other sports.  

When Sophia was tasked with creating a meaningful service project, she knew immediately that she wanted to create a special needs golf program that would operate free of charge at First Tee – Central Coast. As soon as she returned home from Innovators Forum she began working with her coach, Darren Avrit, to get the program off the ground. 

Together, coach Darren and Sophia found multiple community partners to put the project in motion. They worked with the North County Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program to identify participants, and after having the program approved by their board, invited a group to participate.  

Additionally, they worked with coach Darren’s kinesiology class at California Polytechnic University to help provide additional volunteer support so that there was at least one support person for each class participant. Dairy Creek Golf Course, the host site of First Tee – Central Coast, was happy to host the program. With this central and consistent programming location, Sophia was able to utilize a local rideshare program for adults with disabilities to provide the participants with transportation to and from the golf course at no cost due to a NCASARP grant.  

The class ran the second Saturday of every month from February to June 2024. They were able to use an adapted version of the First Tee curriculum to provide fun but appropriately challenging activities for the participants. Sophia and the team at First Tee – Central Coast hope to continue this program into the spring of 2025 and beyond.  

“As an Innovators Forum member, I was able to use the skills I learned of networking and building the relationships that were needed so that we could get this project going quickly,” said Sophia. “Being able to bring groups together as partners in a goal allowed each group to increase their own effort in helping people with disabilities in the community.” 

The 2024 First Tee Innovators Forum will take place next week in Phoenix.

Learn more about First Tee’s national participant opportunities.

Golf industry pros share keys to success 

Pursuing a career in golf doesn’t always mean playing professionally. The golf industry is rich with opportunity, and many First Tee alumni have gone on to find roles in golf. We asked First Tee alumni and partners about the traits that have contributed most to their success: 

Brittany Gill 
First Tee – Greater Richmond alumna 
Corporate Partnerships Representative, PGA TOUR – Dominion Energy Charity Classic 

One quality that has contributed to my success in the industry is my ability to network within the community through the game of golf. Golf has been a platform for me to meet others, connect with prospective clients by playing a round of golf, and building relationships with many others. Being confident in my own golf game and walking into a crowd of strangers on a golf course has contributed to much of my success in my role this year. Another quality that I believe has contributed to my success is my ability to empathize with others. Being able to understand different viewpoints and empathize has led to many resolutions, agreements, and working together towards a common goal with the various constituents in the golf industry. 

Callie O’Neill 
First Tee – Northern Michigan 
Assistant Golf Professional, Pebble Beach Golf Links 

I have no doubt that through my experience at the First Tee – Northern Michigan, I gained the confidence to make the move across the country to start a job in the PGA of America at Pebble Beach Golf Links. One of my strongest traits of perseverance has played a large role in my success at Pebble Beach and I look forward to a long career here. 

Dave Pangraze 
VP, Business Development 
Next Round Golf 

Finding a career in golf is no different from other careers; it helps to have a passion for what you do!  I made the leap into the golf business from traditional sales and marketing, applying the skills I had in one industry to that in golf.  If you are having trouble figuring out how to break into the golf business, apply yourself in school and early jobs to make yourself more marketable for a career in the great game of golf! 

Janine Fellows, PGA 
Director of Golf 
Topgolf 

My curiosity has fueled a constant pursuit of learning, sharpening my problem-solving abilities, and inspiring innovative approaches that expand my impact on both my team and the game of golf. This mindset has also opened me to new perspectives and solutions, enabling more creative and effective strategies.  

Sara Scarlett 
First Tee – Greater Sacramento alumna 
Brand Manager, Dick’s Sporting Goods (Walter Hagen & Maxfli) 

I’ve always been an excellent communicator and that has allowed me to thrive in my roles to-date, but my underlying passion for golf is what sets me apart in my current role. The passion propels me to think creatively and work hard, while also having so much fun throughout the process.     

Gavin Parker 
First Tee – Greater Richmond alumnus 
PGA Professional and golf influencer 

For First Tee, the number one quality that comes to mind is respect. I have respected what it takes to be successful. All that is, is not missing a day. Staying consistent day by day to get better than who I was yesterday. The ultimate form of self-respect is to stay disciplined. 

Grace Zimmerman 
First Tee – Greater Detroit alumna 
Coordinator of Programs, First Tee HQ 

I believe the quality that has contributed the most to my success in the golf industry is having courage. As a young adult, it can be very intimidating to be in any working environment, but in my opinion believing in yourself is the best way to be successful. People grow by being uncomfortable and that happens when you put yourself out there and have courage. Being a college golfer, LPGA member and working for First Tee has given so many positive experiences, but I have always had to have courage to try out new possibilities. 

With the support of its partners in the golf industry and beyond, First Tee helps participants build the confidence and inner strength they need to pursue their goals, wherever they take them.  

The First Tee Alumni Network is a great way for past participants to stay engaged with First Tee and learn about career opportunities and professional and personal development opportunities. Learn more. 

Bullying Prevention Month: Identifying and addressing bullying 

Three of four parents worry about their child being bullied. Parents know bullying is a problem, but they might not always know how to recognize its signs or how to address it. 

“October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus and raise awareness on bullying,” said Kristin Westberg, senior director of curriculum and education at First Tee and author of several books on bullying. 

What is bullying?  

Bullying is defined as repeated aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Sometimes it can be difficult for parents to differentiate between bullying and bad behavior. Don’t discount your child’s feelings if they’re embarrassed or their feelings are hurt; however, these outcomes might not be the result of bullying. 

“For an action to be considered bullying, the behavior must be unwanted by the person experiencing the bullying and intentional on the part of the person who is bullying,” Westberg explained. “There needs to be a power imbalance, making it difficult for the victim to defend themself, and the action must be repeated.” 

Bullies intend to intimidate, harm or control their victim, and their actions can take the following forms:  

  • Physical violence 
  • Name calling, making threats or taunting 
  • Spreading rumors or intentionally ruining someone’s reputation 
  • Cyberbullying online or by text 

How to prevent bullying 

Westberg suggests communicating these messages to your kids to help them understand the potential impact of bullying. 

  • “Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected here.” Reinforce that everyone has the right to be treated with kindness and respect.  
  • “Your words and actions matter. Choose to be kind.” Help your kids understand the power of their behavior and encourage them to think before acting or speaking.  
  • “Everyone has something unique to offer. Let’s celebrate our differences and work together.” Promote inclusivity and appreciation for diversity, helping to prevent bullying that stems from misunderstandings or judgment.  
  • “Let’s build a community where everyone can be themselves and feel accepted for who they are.” Build a supportive and accepting community where everyone feels valued and safe.  
  • “Being a leader means standing up for others and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.” Be a positive role model for your child. 

Build your child’s confidence 

Low self-esteem may make kids both more susceptible to being bullied and to bullying. A simple way parents can help their child build confidence is by listening to them and supporting their interests. 

Encourage your child to try new things in a safe environment to help them learn what they’re capable of and that failure is a natural part of growth. 

Many parents believe extracurriculars, including youth sports, can help kids feel more confident. First Tee and Harris Poll collaborated on research that shows that 90% of parents agree that youth sports coaches could impact their child’s ability to respect others. 

You can access additional resources on bullying at stopbullying.gov. 

Ace participant Allison Brown says First Tee has boosted her confidence

Little did Allison Brown know a life-changing gift awaited her when she traveled to Florida to visit family 12 years ago.

“When we arrived, my uncle pulled out three small golf bags – one for me, and one for each of my brothers,” she said. “I was excited about the gift, but I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do with them.”

Her uncle taught her the basics at the driving range and told her parents about a program called First Tee. “I remember my first time walking inside and meeting the coaches and the other kids, and the rest is history,” she said

Now a high school junior, Allison has been involved with First Tee – Greater Philadelphia for more than a decade, and she’s making the most of the opportunities it provides.

Last year, she attended the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, a leadership development event in Montana, where participants learn from pushing their boundaries and trying new things, like whitewater rafting and horseback riding. This summer, she attended the Game Changers Academy, which brought together 72 teens from across the First Tee network in Minneapolis, encouraging them to celebrate their differences and embrace new perspectives.

Allison is also an Ace participant at First Tee – Greater Philadelphia. As part of First Tee’s capstone program, Ace candidates must complete four projects designed to help them prepare for the future. The projects center around academics, career exploration, community service and golf.

“Being a part of First Tee isn’t only about learning to play the game of golf — it’s about learning to become better people,” Allison said. “The Ace Program is what really focuses on that aspect of First Tee. It has given me the tools to fully think about and prepare for my future and, more importantly, helps me enrich my community through various service projects.”

Allison’s interests extend far beyond golf. She plays volleyball, taught herself French and was even cast to play a titular role in a production of Romeo & Juliet. “First Tee taught me to be confident in myself and my abilities which gave me confidence needed to audition for the role,” she said.

While working toward her high school diploma, she’s also earning an associate’s degree through a dual enrollment program with Liberty University.

Learn more about First Tee’s opportunities for teens.

First Tee honors its founder, Tim Finchem, with Lifetime Achievement Award 

To honor Finchem’s legacy, campaign launched to support 100 additional alumni through First Tee College Scholarship Program

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Oct. 8, 2024 – Former PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem led the launch of First Tee in 1997 and was honored Monday with the youth development organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award, its highest recognition. 

PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin presented Finchem with the award at a First Tee event in Scottsdale, Arizona. 

“Tim worked alongside other leaders in our sport, both with golf organizations and the greats of the game, to help facilitate the establishment of First Tee, which now reaches 3.4 million young people,” Monahan said. 

Finchem led the creation of First Tee, which was originally founded to make golf accessible and affordable to all families. The organization has evolved to teach life skills and strengthen values in young people at 150 chapters, 11,450 schools and 2,000 youth centers across the globe. 

“Tim’s leadership in what this organization has become is immeasurable,” McLaughlin said. “The contributions that he has made to the millions of young people and their families around the country and around the world, as well as to the game of golf, will be felt for decades to come.” 

Finchem received messages of congratulations from Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, USGA CEO Mike Whan and LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, as well as prominent First Tee supporters like Arthur Blank, Charles Schwab and Casey Wasserman. President Bush served as Honorary Chair of First Tee from 2011 to 2024, succeeding his father, President George H.W. Bush, who was the organization’s Honorary Chair from 1997 to 2011, and was present on the day the organization was announced in New York’s Central Park, alongside Finchem. 

First Tee will honor Finchem’s legacy through a $5 million campaign to support an additional 100 First Tee Scholars. First Tee alumni who are selected for the First Tee College Scholarship Program receive financial support, access to professional development opportunities and a dedicated adult mentor throughout up to four years of college. To date the program has served nearly 100 students. 

First Tee is an international youth development organization that uses golf to teach life skills and build values that they carry to all aspects of their lives.  Finchem is the second recipient of First Tee’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Retired First Tee CEO Joe Louis Barrow Jr. received the honor in 2022.