FALL 2013
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
THE SCHOLARS PROGRAM: 10 YEARS LATER
I AM THE FIRST TEE
ALUMNA AMBER HARDEMAN
THE FIRST TEE NATIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAM SWINGING INTO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
THE FIRST TEE DRIVE REACHING MORE YOUNG PEOPLE
MAGAZINE
THE FIRST TEE
More Than a Game
OUR MISSION To impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
HONESTY | INTEGRITY | SPORTSMANSHIP | RESPECT | CONFIDENCE | RESPONSIBILITY | PERSEVERANCE | COURTESY | JUDGMENT
Table of Contents A Message from Joe Louis Barrow, Jr............................................................................... 2 Inspiring! The First Tee RBS Achievers of the Year Awards........................................... 3 Where Are They Now? The Scholars Program: 10 Years Later.................................... 4 Opportunities for Girls in Golf............................................................................................ 5 The First Tee National School Program............................................................................ 6 Learning, Leading, Living: The First Tee Outstanding Participant Summit................ 7 I Am The First Tee! The First Tee Alumna: Amber Hardeman...................................... 8 The First Tee DRIVE: Reaching Young People Where They Are.................................... 9 Corporate Partners Making a Difference: ClubCorp and Power Balance.................10 Network News............................................................................................................ 11–13
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(L-R) Country music artist Vince Gill; PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem; Chris Normyle from Shell Oil Company; and The First Tee participants Mallorey Stack and Tommy Swearingen, III joined me on stage to receive scholarships courtesy of Shell Oil Company at The First Tee’s Network Meeting earlier this year (see story, page 7).
A Message from Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.
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inspiring, and their success validates this program and its important role.
Continuing to prioritize academic achievement, The First Tee recognizes its participants through the A/B Honor Roll program where twice a school year, certificates are mailed to all who have earned As and/or Bs. I am proud to share that more than 17,000 certificates were mailed last school year. Impressive!
Moving from academics to golf, The First Tee celebrated another 10th anniversary milestone this year: The Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. An official Champions Tour event hosted by Monterey Peninsula Foundation, the tournament has given 480 teenagers the opportunity of a lifetime. They have built confidence, developed leadership skills and gained wisdom from some of golf ’s greatest champions. We are so thankful for this event and the impact it has had on our participants.
The First Tee has also created a variety of scholarship avenues with the help of incredibly generous donors. The First Tee Scholars Program is celebrating its 10th anniversary of the inaugural graduating class. We caught up with a few of our original scholars (see story, page 4). They are
Finally, we hosted our most elite group of young golfers at The First Tee PLAYer Advanced Academy this summer in Richmond, Va. The group of 24 students shot better than 77 during many rounds and all are likely to go on to play college golf. Eighteen were introduced to
t is hard to believe that The First Tee is completing another year of using golf to promote character education and a healthy lifestyle among young people. We have continued to grow as an organization driven to help young people develop the confidence to succeed in life.
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golf through The First Tee, and almost all said they introduced a friend or family member to the game of golf over the past 12 months. I am proud of the continuing efforts of everyone involved in The First Tee network, especially our chapters, and I am grateful for the widespread support received. It’s more than a game.
Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Chief Executive Officer
The First Tee 2013 RBS Achievers of the Year Back row L-R: Kyle Kubala; Kolton Cooper; Philip Hoffman; Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.; Lester Bell; Bob McKillip; Rashard Simpson; Xavier Sparrow Seated L-R: Darcy Phinney; Cody Lissner, finalist; Megan Chapin, finalist; Virgie Velazquez
INSPIRING!
The First Tee RBS Achievers of the Year Awards At the heart of The First Tee are the multitudes of young people with inspiring stories. The RBS Achievers of the Year Award is a perfect opportunity for chapters to share those incredible stories on a larger scale. Unlike other awards, these are not based on academic achievements or exceptional golf skills. Instead, the goal is to reward young people who exemplify one or more of The First Tee Nine Core Values and who demonstrate leadership, community service and teamwork while persevering through difficult circumstances in their lives. Mourning the death of a parent, overcoming addiction, enduring ongoing medical issues, experiencing poverty, and struggling through intense physical therapy after a severe car accident … these were some of the truly amazing stories of perseverance from this year’s Achievers. The First Tee is honored to help these young people prepare for their academic futures. Visit www.thefirsttee.org to read about each participant.
In its 10th year, the RBS Achievers of the Year Award, created by Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), helps fund continuing education after high school. Of the 10 Achievers, two receive a $15,000 award for ongoing education, and each of the eight remaining participants receive a $3,000 award.
post-secondary education plans.”
“All participants in this exceptional program deserve a standing ovation, and I congratulate each and every one for their tremendous achievements,” said RBS’s Bob McKillip, Co-Head of RBS Markets & International Banking, Americas. “Including this year’s Achievers event, we are proud to have provided more than $270,000 in scholarships to 52 high school participants of The First Tee supporting their
“For 10 years, thanks to RBS, we have been able to shine the light on some of the most exceptional young people and their inspiring stories of perseverance,” said Kelly Martin, chief operating officer of The First Tee. “I am proud of each of these 10 Achievers, especially for how they have demonstrated life skills and character that The First Tee programs reinforce.”
The 10 Achievers were honored at an awards ceremony held in Philadelphia, where they attended the 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club and enjoyed the sights and sounds of both Philadelphia and New York City.
The Achievers visit the Statue of Liberty
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? The Scholars Program: 10 Years Later After hearing the speech that 16-year-old Steven Outlaw gave in front of 500 people at The First Tee Network Meeting in 2001, Dr. William Crouch, then president of Georgetown College, surprised guests by spontaneously offering Outlaw a scholarship to Georgetown College. In that moment, The First Tee Scholars Program was born. Ten years after the inaugural class entered college, the program has designated 521 scholars from 55 chapters across the country and has awarded 100 scholarships totaling more than $1 million. The First Tee recently caught up with a few of the Scholars from the inaugural class.
Christopher Hawkins Chris attended Georgetown College, graduating with a major in business administration and a minor in Spanish. After a five-week immersion class in Mexico, he moved to Atlanta, Ga. and currently works as an account executive at Red Hat, the largest open source software company in the world.
Angelika Huguley Angie graduated from Kansas State University with a double major in political science and international studies. She is currently an Airman First Class in the United States Air Force, stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Washington state. She has completed her Masters in political science and is working toward a doctorate in business administration at Columbia Southern University.
Christopher Hawkins (l) and Steven Outlaw (r) with Georgetown College President Dr. William Crouch at their graduation in 2007
Steven Outlaw, PGA
Steven graduated from Georgetown College with degrees in political science and psychology. He is a PGA member and has been with Troon Golf for more than five years. Steven is currently one of the golf professionals at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, United Arab Emirates.
Kenneth Patterson, II, PGA After graduating from Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark. with a degree in mass communications and a minor in marketing, Kenneth worked as the director of outreach and assistant golf professional at The First Tee of Central Arkansas. He is now the marketing activation liaison for TaylorMade-adidas and Ashworth Golf in Carlsbad, Calif. In this role, he serves as a liaison between global marketing and global sports marketing, managing the relationships with the LPGA, Champions Tour and PGA TOUR athletes and agents. 4 | THE FI R ST T E E M AG A Z I N E
Participants from The First Tee of Metropolitan New York are all smiles with LGPA Tour professional and The First Tee Youth Ambassador Paula Creamer during their behind-the-scenes experience at the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open in Southampton, NY.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIRLS IN GOLF Now That’s Something to Shoot For Did you know hundreds of female college golf scholarships are unused each year? Unfortunately, many girls and their families are not aware these scholarships are available or know what requirements are needed to obtain them. But with the girls-focused programs offered through many of The First Tee chapters, there is an effort to help female participants apply for scholarships, learn the many life-long benefits from golf, build lasting relationships and experience competition in a fun, supportive environment. Girls make up 35 percent of the participants at chapters. The First Tee plans to increase the number of female participants to 45 percent by 2017. Most chapters have created female opportunities that engage participants and help them develop responsibility, sportsmanship, integrity and leadership skills. For instance, The First Tee of Greater Portland has developed a popular LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program that has grown from fewer than 20
girls to more than 100 as of the end of last year. In 2012 alone, this chapter offered 11 all-girl events, three “Bring a Friend” events and two parent/daughter events. The First Tee of Metropolitan New York has developed Girls Golf and FORE!, a program available to girls aged 12–18 that pairs them with community role models and mentors to address the growing number of at-risk behaviors in America’s youth. The girls are also encouraged to assertively introduce themselves, manage their emotions, resolve conflict and plan for their futures. Most recently, The First Tee of Metropolitan New York held an
educational event in conjunction with the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open in Southampton, NY. The event gave high school-aged participants the opportunity to go behind-thescenes at the tournament, as well as explore career options in golf beyond competitive play. Through these programs, The First Tee is actively engaging its female participants in opportunities available to them through golf. The educational and athletic prospects open to female golfers are very promising. The First Tee will continue to help them succeed both on the golf course and throughout life.
“My daughter has struggled over the last couple of years finding her ‘sports niche’ between soccer, volleyball, lacrosse and golf. I heard a spark in her voice today that I haven’t in the past and I am grateful to you ladies for taking the time out to focus on my child today. It means a great deal!” Heather Jenkins—parent, The First Tee of Spartanburg, after her daughter participated in an all-girl mentoring tournament WWW.TH E FIRS T TE E .ORG | 5
THE FIRST TEE NATIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAM
GOLF SWINGS INTO TAMPA
NATIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAM The sound of students laughing as they have fun learning something new is music to any teacher’s ears. Physical educators in all 144 elementary schools in the Hillsborough County Public School District in Tampa, Fla. are likely to hear this laughter as they introduce the game of golf to students during physical education classes.
Research* shows P.E. classes increase the chances of young people living healthier, more productive lives in and out of the classroom. Participating in activities during P.E. will help students: • Experience goal-setting • Build self-esteem, reduce stress and improve judgment • Develop cooperation, teamwork and sportsmanship skills • Strengthen peer relationships Launched in 2004, The First Tee National School Program curriculum integrates golf skills and motor skill development with character education. More than 5,800 elementary schools across the country have signed on to provide 6 | THE FI R ST T E E M AG A Z I N E
Southern Company is The First Tee’s first-ever Education Patron. Through their support, The First Tee National School Program will be implemented in 1,000 schools over the next five years in the Southeastern United States.
the program, which is designed for physical educators to use a P.E. setting to introduce their students to the game of golf and its inherent values. The program uses golf to promote personal character development through The First Tee Nine Core Values and focuses on wellness education through The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits. Hillsborough County Public School District—the eighth largest school district in the country—has embraced the National School
Program for the 2013–2014 school year, making it an important part of the district’s elementary physical education curriculum. This commitment to health and fitness will positively impact more than 72,000 students in the district annually.
“As a district with a significant inner city population, we strive to offer a variety of life time activities that encourage students and families to engage in physical activity in and outside of the school day,” says Steve Vanoer, supervisor, K–12 Physical Education and Health Education, Hillsborough County Public Schools. “This program will connect our schools and students to community programs as well as promoting a fun learning experience that will spark an interest in the game of golf along with the inherent values of the game.” Already in more than 800 school districts across the county, The First Tee plans to expand the National School Program to 10,000 schools by 2017. * http://www.aahperd.org
The First Tee Honorary Chair, President George W. Bush, held a private question-and-answer session with the 32 members of the Outstanding Participant Summit at The First Tee 2013 Network Meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
LEARNING, LEADING, LIVING The First Tee Outstanding Participant Summit In February, leaders from across The First Tee network attended the biennial Network Meeting, a continuing education opportunity designed to focus on maximizing the organization’s positive impact on young people.
communities, providing a way to apply the skills and concepts learned at the summit. Service projects were created in partnership with their chapters based on the greatest areas of need in their communities.
So, why did this year’s meeting stand out above the rest?
Annika Sörenstam, World Golf Hall of Fame member and spokesperson for The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits, addressed participants about the importance of having a vision and creating goals to achieve what they want in life. The participants were also treated to a once-in-a-lifetime private question-and-answer session with The First Tee Honorary Chair, President George W. Bush.
Thirty-two of The First Tee’s most outstanding young people joined more than 700 chapter leaders in Nashville, Tenn. Thanks to the support of The Mackenzie Family Foundation, teenagers from across the nation participated in the debut of The First Tee Outstanding Participant Summit. Through educational workshops and the help of some very special guests, The First Tee Outstanding Participants had the opportunity to develop and hone the skills needed to become leaders in their chapters, schools and communities. For three days, participants developed plans for leading a meaningful service project in their
The Network Meeting and Outstanding Participant Summit concluded with a dinner emceed by country music star Vince Gill (see photo, page 2). During a special ceremony, six semifinalists and two finalists were honored with The First Tee Outstanding Participant Award—college scholarships provided by Founding Corporate Partner Shell Oil Company. This award recognizes exemplary
achievement in the area of academics, community service, chapter involvement and leadership. The First Tee network is proud of what these participants have accomplished and are honored to have them serve as our ambassadors.
Annika Sörenstam, spokesperson for The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits, talks to the participants about having a vision and creating goals. WWW.TH E FIRS T TE E .ORG | 7
Amber appeared in a national PSA for The First Tee where she shared her goal to become a doctor so she can open clinics to help underprivileged children around the world.
I AM THE FIRST TEE
The First Tee Alumna: Amber Hardeman The following is an excerpt from a speech Amber Hardeman, a graduating senior at Vanderbilt University and a former participant of The First Tee of Greater Dallas, gave at The First Tee 2013 Network Meeting in Nashville, Tenn.
“When I joined The First Tee of Greater Dallas in 2005, I was highly disinterested. I didn’t like golf. I didn’t want to be out in the 100 degree Texas heat swinging a metal rod, and I certainly didn’t believe the program could provide for me half of what it ultimately did. To
In 2006, Amber received golf tips from World Golf Hall of Fame member Lee Trevino at The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach.
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my ‘brilliant’ 14-year old mind, it was just another sports club that I would quickly quit after getting too bored. After a couple months in the program, I was named Most Outstanding Female Golfer at my chapter and that created a challenge for me. I actually wanted to improve my skills, so I started putting in more effort and taking more personal initiative. I quickly made friends, had the opportunity to play at beautiful courses in the area and applied to several national participant opportunities. Little did I know from this humble spark, The First Tee would significantly transform my entire life! As I enter the next phase of life, I look back at The First Tee and realize that my start there, and my subsequent experiences, have helped me determine my career goals. In The First Tee, one of the first things
we learn is how to set and achieve reachable goals. Though I may not have liked the program as a know-it-all teenager, I am so glad that the caring adults at The First Tee of Greater Dallas took notice of me, encouraged me and presented me with opportunities that would inspire and change my life forever. The First Tee is not only a program for golf development, but a program and organization that provides young people with tools, empowers them to use them and gives them initiative to grow into successful leaders and role models for those growing up behind them. My hope is that down the road, when someone asks any current or previous participant of the program, ‘What exactly is The First Tee?’, they can look up with a smile and say confidently, ‘The First Tee is ME! I am The First Tee!’”
THE FIRST TEE DRIVE: Reaching Young People Where They Are For 15 years, The First Tee has introduced millions of young people to the game of golf and its inherent values. Seeking to continue its positive impact and take more programs to where young people are, the organization has launched The First Tee DRIVE. It is designed to develop rewarding, inspiring values for everyone who participates! Specifically written for coaches and volunteers at youth-serving organizations, such as the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs, The First Tee DRIVE uses a golf platform to seamlessly introduce The First Tee Nine Core Values
to young people who may not previously have been exposed to golf. The unique aspect of The First Tee DRIVE is that it modifies traditional sports—such as baseball, football, bowling and tennis—to incorporate the four basic golf shots: putt, chip, pitch and full swing. This interactive “games approach” helps develop golf skills in a fun environment, introducing young people to a sport that can be played for a lifetime.
positive impact in more than 100 youth-serving organizations across the country. To learn how you can bring it to a location near you, visit www.thefirsttee.org.
Piloted in 2011 and 2012, and rolling out in 2013, The First Tee DRIVE is already making a
The First Tee has been a great addition and quick success for the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, N.H. We have been able to put clubs in kids’ hands and get them to start learning golf on a level where safety and respect are the focus. Many of our participants are first time golfers and would not have this opportunity without this program. I am excited to see how The First Tee DRIVE will continue to grow and encourage kids to get involved in golf. Mike Burleson, Athletic Director, Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, N.H. WWW.TH E FIRS T TE E .ORG | 9
CORPORATE PARTNERS
The First Tee recognizes corporations that made first-time and renewed commitments in 2013*
EDUCATION PATRON Through golf marathons, Nike golf ball sales and additional point-of-sale donation efforts, ClubCorp properties across the country are raising money for The First Tee chapters in their communities. Last year, ClubCorp raised more than $360,000 for The First Tee, and after pledging its continued support, has committed to raising $250,000 or more annually. Each of their clubs’ golf professionals has committed to raising at least $2,500 by playing 100 holes of golf and Neil Day, PGA soliciting one-time or per-hole donations on behalf of The First Tee. Neil Day, PGA, head golf professional at Diamante Country Club in Hot Springs, Ark., is just one of the 150 professionals making a difference in their communities by leading these fundraising efforts. “The opportunity to support The First Tee is an honor,” says Day. “Reaching out to introduce this great game to those in areas of lessened access is important and crucial to growing the game. The First Tee is the exact fit for this task. I will continue to support their efforts for the remainder of my career.”
TRUSTEE
DIAMOND
GOLD
ClubCorp facilities can choose a chapter (or chapters) to donate up to 75 percent of all funds raised. This 75 percent will help chapters with awarding scholarships to participants in need, training additional coaches and expanding their programs. The remaining 25 percent will support The First Tee home office’s efforts, including curriculum and development, education and training for coaches and volunteers, and once-in-a-lifetime participant opportunities. With a lofty goal of reaching an additional 10 million young people by 2017, the on-going financial support of ClubCorp and all corporate partners of The First Tee is more important than ever.
SILVER DonorPerfect GiftWorks Golf Logix Golf Tournament Specialists Golf Tribute Golf Genius Software
THE POWER OF GIVING BACK
Heritage Charity Auctions & Awards
This year, Power Balance® created the “Golfers Who Give Back” wristband. For every band sold, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the mission of The First Tee. Featured in Golf Digest publications throughout the year, this wristband symbolizes the important role that golf plays in support of charities. With thousands of dollars generated to date, this partnership makes a positive impact on the lives of young people as they learn life and leadership skills through the game of golf. For more information, visit www.powerbalance.com/GolfDigest. 1 0 | TH E FI R ST T E E M AG A ZI N E
Impact Zone PowerBilt Power Tee Sawgrass Marriott ScoreBand Share-A-Tee Sidekick Golf Caddy Participants at The First Tee Academies enjoyed wearing their Power Balance® wristbands throughout the week
Survival Straps Swing Trust Oil Visionworks *as of September 23, 2013
NETWORK NEWS Chapters of The First Tee offer programs at more than 825 golf locations in the United States and select international markets. Their efforts result in a positive impact on young people, their families and communities. Below are some highlights from The First Tee chapters. The First Tee of Benton Harbor (Mich.) is bringing healthy back! Through a partnership with Lakeland Regional Health Systems, Be Healthy Berrien and Whirlpool Corporation, the chapter tapped into the expertise of coaches, health experts, educators, human resource specialists and innovators to create a new summer program for Par-level participants that is centered around The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits. Participants receive a backpack complete with a pedometer, water bottle and journal to track their experiences. The journal provides information about each of the healthy habits and suggests self-led activities the participants can complete at home or in their community each week.
Mike and Karol Wolf, affectionately known as “The Wolfpack,” have supported programs for The First Tee of Greater Miami Valley (Ohio) as head coaches for the last five years. Mike (pictured above) served as a volunteer program director for two years, and currently holds a seat on the chapter’s Board of Directors.
Every success story, obstacle overcome, goal set and lesson learned can be related back to a program, activity or message that one of these two individuals put together. Their mixture of compassion, creativity, innovation, kindness, toughness and dependability make them The First Tee Coaches in the truest sense of the title.
Iyana (pictured above) had not been more than a mile or two from her home … ever. The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia (Pa.) has helped change that! A bus ride of nine miles brought 60 campers from one of Philadelphia’s toughest areas to the Walnut Lane Golf course to see a little more of the world, meet new people and get a first glimpse of a real golf course. About one-third of the excited campers are expected to continue in the program during the year as their new charter school also connects with the chapter. Broadening horizons and raising aspirations is another part of how The First Tee helps transform the lives of children.
Getting into the swing of things! The First Tee of Greater Sacramento (Calif.) has partnered with the Sacramento City Unified School District to annually bring 60–80 developmentally challenged students to William Land Golf Course for golf and life skills training. This year, the chapter and United Cerebral Palsy of Sacramento and Northern California joined forces to transport the students in buses that can accommodate up to 10 wheelchairs at a time, allowing students to participate each week. Students build confidence and social skills engaging in a physical activity and an environment that is new to them (pictured above). In addition, they learn independent living skills through this community-based education opportunity.
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The First Tee of Ireland received funding from the Million Dollar Round Table Foundation to deliver a number of “Primary Days” academies in national schools around Ireland with an anticipated reach of some 2,500 students between the ages of 9–12 years old. The academies introduce students to the concepts of problem solving, effective communications and team building in addition to the fundamentals of golf and the inherent values of the game. The First Tee of Ireland visited the Presentation National School to conduct an Outreach Leadership and Golf Skills Academy for female students (pictured below). The girls in each of the classes enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills that they will be able to use in other sports, activities and many other aspects of their lives.
The First Tee of Naples/Collier (Fla.) and the Immokalee Foundation continue to positively impact young people with programming that unites golf with the development of life skills. Most participants come from families of hardworking migrant farm workers who are Hispanic, Haitian or Native American. Many participants have endured hardship in their lives, but their enthusiasm and excitement for the program impacts those around them. This 1 2 | TH E FI R ST T E E M AG A ZI N E
year, 10-year-old Roche (pictured below) won hearts as he made amazing progress on the course and the classroom. After just one year in America from his native Haiti, Roche demonstrated perseverance that inspired his coaches and classmates. His experience with The First Tee has provided him with a seamless opportunity to make healthy choices and develop life-enhancing values on and off the golf course.
The First Tee of Nashville (Tenn.) is helping students toss their caps! Ten Ace-level and Ace-certified participants will achieve their dream of graduating college thanks to the chapter’s college scholarship awards program. The scholarship commitments were distributed at the chapter’s second annual “Bridging the Gap” dinner held in July. Thanks to the generosity of scholarship sponsors Scott and Tracie Hamilton, The Ervin Family and the HB Foundation provided through the PowerBilt Junior Golf Scholarship program, the chapter awarded $24,000 for the 2013– 2014 academic year to 10 incoming college freshmen and current college students (nine of the recipients are pictured above). These scholarships help “Bridge the Gap” financially to make college accessible by supplementing the participant’s financial aid and total tuition bills. Now that’s something to cheer about!
salsa and guacamole making competition. A representative from Garden Fresh Restaurant Corporation discussed healthy choices and provided cooking expertise. The finished products were judged on flavor, presentation and creativity by PGA TOUR players. Pro golfer Rickie Fowler even stopped by to say hi to the participants (pictured below)!
The CarMax Foundation is helping to drive home The First Tee program! It awarded a grant to The First Tee of Richmond & Chesterfield (Va.) to provide The First Tee National School Program to students at Overby-Sheppard Elementary School during physical education classes. Also, more than 20 CarMax employees volunteered at the school’s Field Day with The First Tee celebration, helping with fun activities, supervising The First Tee golf stations (pictured above) and handing out snow cones to very happy students!
The First Tee of Tampa Bay (Fla.) and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Tampa chapter coordinated an outreach project with a group of 22 high school females, representing six at-risk area schools. The students were introduced to golf and The First Tee Nine Core Values during a fun, two-hour class at Rogers Park Golf Course (pictured below). This
event, led by two coaches from The First Tee of Tampa Bay, was the first exposure to golf for these very enthusiastic students.
Congratulations Coach Aaron! An alumnus from The First Tee of The Piney Woods (Texas), Aaron Weinstein (pictured above), became the youngest recognized coach in the history of The First Tee at only 19 years old. Since 2006, he has served as a mentor to junior golfers and helped set up and run The First Tee program location at the Rusty Rail Golf Course. Aaron is Ace certified and attended The First Tee Life Skills & Leadership Academy and also represented his chapter at the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. He has completed the three coach classes and continues to be a tremendous resource and mentor to the young people in his community!
Olé! In celebration of the Farmers Insurance Open, the PGA TOUR Wives Association and The First Tee of San Diego (Calif.) teamed up for a healthy competition on tournament grounds (pictured above). Mixed teams of Association members and young people competed against their peers in a WWW.TH E FIRS T TE E .ORG | 13
World Golf Village 425 South Legacy Trail St. Augustine, Florida 32092 904-940-4300 www.thefirsttee.org
COUNTRY STRONG The First Tee thanks Grammy Award winner, country music star and golf enthusiast Vince Gill for helping us celebrate our 2013 Network Meeting in Nashville. Gill emceed the final dinner, ending the evening by playing a few of his hits, much to everyone’s delight!
The First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. 2013 The First Tee. All rights reserved. Use with permission.
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