FALL 2011
CAMPAIGN FOR 10 MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE THE FIRST TEE LAUNCHES ITS MOST AMBITIOUS EFFORT TO DATE
A GIRL WITH PERSPECTIVE SARA KUSE, PARTICIPANT
NINE HEALTHY HABITS TEACHING YOUNG PEOPLE HEALTHY HABITS THROUGH GOLF
AN ALUMNUS STORY: JEFFREY TRAN MAKING AN IMPACT ON HIS COMMUNITY
MAKING A DIFFERENCE THE WIFE OF ONE NATIONAL GUARDSMAN SHARES HER APPRECIATION
MAGAZINE
THE FIRST TEE
More Than a Game
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S MESSAGE
Education. Many have heard me talk about the astounding and unacceptable high school dropout rate in America today. One in four public school children drop out. That’s 1.3 million students alone in 2010. One every 26 seconds. 7,000 every school day. If you look at education as an economic imperative that produces a societal gap, then you must agree we have to turn this around. As The First Tee moves forward with our ambitious strategic plan, our purpose is to make our organization a greater force for good in society with ever-increasing relevancy in millions of households and hundreds of communities. Young people participating in our Life Skills Experience™ learn behaviors that include self-management, interpersonal communication, goal-setting and effective conflict resolution as well as a desire to serve their community. Through The First Tee National School Program, elementary
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students develop an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with golf (Nine Core Values™) while engaging in safe and fun lessons that introduce them to a lifelong, health-enhancing sport. The First Tee also emphasizes education in ways beyond our core programs. An example is the A/B Honor Roll, which acknowledges participants who receive As and Bs on their report cards. In the 2010-2011 school year, more than 11,000 certificates were sent to participants to commend them on this important achievement. Since 2003, The First Tee has designated more than 250 Scholars and funded 90 college scholarships as part of the Scholars Program. And that only tells part of the story. Many chapters offer tutoring, after school computer labs, college and career readiness and mentoring to support participants as they work toward their academic goals.
The Campaign for 10 Million Young People (story page 2) is important to our continued progress. The funds we raise will give us the ability to help sustain the network while investing in enhanced curriculum and programs needed for the future. While schools and families are an integral part of the education equation, youth development organizations such as The First Tee provide safe places with caring adults where young people can learn the skills needed to succeed in life. There are many organizations doing great work in the area of education. The First Tee is proud to be among them. The First Tee … it’s more than a game. Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Chief Executive Officer
10 MILLION MORE The First Tee is part of the solution to challenges young people face today. During the past 14 years, more than five million young people have participated in The First Tee programs which foster critical life skills that provide the foundation for The First Tee Nine Core Values: honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, courtesy, sportsmanship, confidence, judgment and perseverance. These important values—and the difference they make in a young person’s life—have prompted The First Tee to launch its most ambitious effort to date. The First Tee Campaign for 10 Million Young People kicked off in July at the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. The goal is to raise $100 million to help The First Tee reach an additional 10 million young people by 2017. The funds raised through the campaign will provide the foundation for ongoing chapter support to grow
their outreach efforts, as well as fund future programs and initiatives through the home office. PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem and Chairman & CEO of The United Company Jim McGlothlin, Trustees of The First Tee, are co-chairs of the campaign. At the Pebble Beach announcement, Finchem said, “The collective support of The First Tee by the golf industry and beyond has yielded extremely positive results over the years, and we’re ready to take it to the hearts and minds of millions more young people.” One in four public school children in the United States drop out before they finish high school. For AfricanAmericans and Hispanics, the chances of graduating are 50-50. Of those who do graduate, too few are truly prepared for the demands of college and the workforce1.
Over the past three decades childhood obesity rates in America have tripled. Today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. The numbers are even higher in African-American and Hispanic communities, where nearly 40% of the children are overweight or obese. If the obesity problem is not addressed, one-third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabetes at some point in their lives. Many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer and asthma.2 Today’s youth are faced with challenges like never before and research shows they need more tools to confront, manage and work through what they’re facing. The First Tee—which provides young people time-honored skills through golf that can be transferred to their everyday lives—is part of the solution.
The First Tee Honorary Chair, President George W. Bush, participated in the campaign announcement through a videotaped message, saying, “Through The First Tee, our young people are learning how to set goals, how to overcome obstacles and how to make healthy choices, all in the context of the great game of golf. Our society is in a better place because of organizations like The First Tee, and I am delighted we are embarking on this ambitious goal to further our reach.” 1 Building a Grad Nation, Progress and Challenge In Ending the High School Drop Out Epidemic, America’s Promise Alliance 2 Let’s Move! First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative to solve the problem of obesity WWW.TH E FIRS T TE E .O RG | 2
A GIRL WITH PERSPECTIVE
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The RBS Achievers of the Year program continues to shine the light on some of the most heartwarming and convincing stories of confidence and perseverance in The First Tee network. Through an application and selection process, individuals each year are recognized for exhibiting The First Tee Nine Core Values while overcoming difficult circumstances. RBS, a Trustee of The First Tee, presented $10,000 scholarships to two finalists, one male and one 3 | TH E FI R ST T E E M AG A Z I N E
female, and $2,000 to the eight remaining semifinalists, including Sara Kuse. They also recognized Tina Keyes, a volunteer for The First Tee of Ireland, by awarding her chapter $5,000. The following letter was written by Kuse, a participant of The First
Tee of Greater Chicago. The letter came following her participation in the 2011 RBS Achievers of the Year event, which was held June 15 at The Rooftop in Rockville, Md., one day before the 2011 U.S. Open kicked off at Congressional Country Club down the road in Bethesda.
June 25, 2011 Thank You to the Royal Bank of Scotland, The First Tee, Golf Digest and Golf World. When you think of a gift, you often think of something wrapped with a bow or something found in a card. It’s something tangible, something you can feel and hold in your hands. I left my trip to D.C. with three gifts, but these gifts were not ones I could pack in my suitcase. These were gifts of grace, gratitude, and genius. Ten students and ten stories. As I sat at the dinner table awaiting the awards ceremony, I had no idea what to expect from the nine other achievers that I had only just met in the hotel lobby. Ten remarkable stories of heroism and hope. My mom always said that the greatest gift someone can share with you is their story and in that evening, I heard ten including my own. Heroes in their own right, who continue to overcome overwhelming odds that most of us take for granted. A 17-year-old aspiring animator who has faced multiple medical complications, a 16-year-old ace golfer battling a brain tumor, and an 18-year-old whose parents battle drug addiction and has lived in eight different homes in 18 years, just to name a few of the 2011 RBS Achievers of the Year. These are the stories of my heroes. There is a certain grace in where they have been and where they are going, on a path that has brought
us all together on a common thread of overcoming great odds. While each of our stories were different and we have travelled across the country to find each other, it was these stories that built an understanding and connection that reaches beyond golf. While these losses will never leave us, there is a comfort in knowing that we are not alone. It is not our struggles alone that define us, but our triumphs. I am grateful to these nine stories and more importantly, to my nine friends who reminded me that the struggles we face, we face them together. Patrick is a 17-year-old participant of The First Tee who, like every graduating senior, is looking forward to campus life. His game of golf goes beyond sight. For most of us, we take eyesight for granted, something I never thought about until I met Patrick. Have you ever been a sighted guide?
This was my first time. I started out poorly, with bad descriptions, but Patrick was kind and extremely patient. As we started to pull over to various war memorials, Patrick started to whisper facts he knew about the battles, often beating the tour guide. Right after we visited Arlington Cemetery, I started to get the hang of describing things to Patrick. I had always wanted to be an architect, but was never good at geometry. However, Patrick gave me the chance to be an architect and build every memorial piece by piece. I left D.C. with gifts. Gifts I couldn’t fit in my suitcase, but gifts that fit perfectly in my heart. Gifts I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Gifts that are better than the ones wrapped with bows or the ones found in cards. Thank you, The First Tee, RBS, Golf Digest, and Golf World for the trip of a lifetime. Thank you Brittany for all the hugs. Thank you Cody and Jonathon for the laughs. Thank you Patrick for helping me truly see. Thank you to my nine new friends for sharing your greatest gift of all, your stories. Sincerely yours,
Sara Kuse WWW.TH E FIRS T TE E .O RG | 4
LET’S GET HEALTHY! Food...Fitness...Fun. These three words describe how The First Tee is encouraging young people to cultivate healthy habits that will benefit them for a lifetime. Earlier this year, The First Tee added a framework to its programs that teaches young people healthy habits through golf. The First Tee Nine Healthy HabitsTM were created through collaboration among The First Tee, ANNIKA Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children to promote healthy, active lifestyles for young people. The healthy habits are nine health and wellness topics that fall under the categories of physical, emotional and social health. This content is being seamlessly integrated into The First Tee Life Skills Experience and The First Tee National School Program to provide young people with the resources to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle into adulthood. The First Tee chapters are finding exciting ways to make health and wellness a part of their daily 5 | TH E FI R ST T E E M AG A Z I N E
programming. Participants are learning the significance of eating colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure proper nutrition and how to identify foods and drinks that power their body. The First Tee of Cleveland offers “Fit to a Tee” nutrition classes to educate participants on the importance of making healthy choices about when to eat, how much to eat, and the types of food and drinks to provide the body with the most useful energy on and off the golf course.
“Adopt-A-Park” program. Once a month, immediately following a Life Skills Experience class, participants put down their golf clubs and pick up trash bags.
Like the health of one’s body, the Nine Healthy Habits also explore the health of one’s relationship with their community, recognizing that giving back and caring for the environment is important. The First Tee of San Antonio has partnered with the local Parks & Recreation Department to participate in their
There is a nationwide movement to improve the health and wellness of America’s youth. The First Tee is committed to champion that cause through the Nine Healthy Habits initiative—promoting choices that encourage young people to get healthy together!
Participants also engage in activities that emphasize the importance of a healthy mind. The First Tee of Pine Mountain’s Drug Prevention Program educates participants on the “science of addiction” and the significance of making good personal choices to remain drug-free.
THE FIRST TEE NINE HEALTHY HABITS – A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH PHYSICAL HEALTH is the result of regular physical activity (Play), proper diet and nutrition (Energy), and incorporating proper safe practices (Safety) and rest for physical recovery.
EMOTIONAL HEALTH is a state of emotional and psychological well-being in which an individual is able to use his or her cognitive and emotional capabilities (Mind), contribute to a healthy home (Family), and meet the ordinary demands of everyday life while preparing for the future (Vision).
SOCIAL HEALTH is the process of creating and maintaining healthy relationships (Friends) through the choices we make, obtaining knowledge (School) and participating in extended social opportunities (Community) that contribute to good health conditions, longevity, productivity and a positive attitude.
PLAY
MIND
FRIENDS
ENERGY
FAMILY
SCHOOL
SAFETY
VISION
COMMUNITY
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A ROLE MODEL A self-described “hyper-active youth,” Jeffrey Tran joined The First Tee of Augusta the year it opened in 1999. “When I first began playing golf, I had difficulty hitting the ball correctly,” Jeffrey said. “I felt slightly discouraged by my early struggles, but The First Tee’s encouragement and support helped me mature in golf and in life.”
Most recently, Jeffrey traveled to India as part of a summer internship with Child Family Health International. He worked with local physicians and helped provide basic health care services to villagers in the Himalayan Mountains.
Over time, Jeffrey became a regular at The First Tee participant opportunities attending two Life Skills Academies (2006, 2007), the Future Leaders Forum (2007), The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach (2007) and Congressional Breakfast (2008), as well as being selected for the Class of 2008 Scholars Program.
“I had the unique opportunity to shadow various specialists in many different settings and I observed how cultural and socioeconomic factors affected healthcare delivery,” he noted. “The First Tee prepared me for these multicultural experiences by instilling in me an appreciation for diversity and respect. In India, I felt comfortable transitioning to a different culture. I learned to shop at the bazaars and navigate through New Delhi on an auto-rickshaw.”
“Through each event, I learned how to apply The First Tee’s core values in everyday situations,” he continued. “It’s played a pivotal role in leading me along the path of achieving my goals.” Fast forward several years later and Jeffrey is now a young adult studying biology and psychology at the University of Georgia with graduation set for May 2012. As Jeffrey ends this chapter in his life and prepares for the next—applying to medical school—he credits The First Tee for molding him into the confident, goal-driven young man he’s become. “Throughout my time in college, I’ve faced many stressful academic situations and peer-pressure. However, I feel as though I have successfully navigated through many obstacles primarily because of the life lessons The First Tee has taught me.” 7 | TH E FI R ST T E E M AG A Z I N E
When Jeffrey isn’t busy studying for school or traveling abroad for internships, he’s making an impact on his community by volunteering his time with several programs.
“The First Tee instilled in me a desire to be an active member of the community. I am presently a mentor at the Thomas Lay After School Program where I tutor elementary and middle school kids in math, science and language arts. I also volunteer at the Northeast Georgia Cancer Care where I work with patients by helping them access their medical history and cancer treatment regimen at home using a new computer program.” And when Jeffrey has a free minute to spare, he swings over to his old stomping grounds at The First Tee of Augusta to catch up with staff. He’s come a long way from being a “hyper-active youth” and demonstrates the positive impact The First Tee can have by mentoring younger participants. “When I return to the chapter, I play a round of golf with some of the newer members. I remember how much that kind of thing meant to me.”
The First Tee instilled in me a desire to be an active member of the community.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME The wife of one National Guardsman shared her appreciation for the impact The First Tee is having on her children. Since 2009 The First Tee has been reaching out to families of the United States Armed Forces, offering their children an opportunity to engage in fun, healthy and character-building activities on 120 military installations and at The First Tee chapters around the country. The following letter is an example of how The First Tee is touching military lives. June 24, 2011 Two of my four adopted, special needs children participate in The First Tee’s Department of Defense program. The character development provided by your staff is amazing and exactly the influence I want in my children’s life. My son is also challenged by the fact that his
father has been deployed overseas less than five months after the finalization of his adoption. He is seeking reassurance that his dad is a hero and has not abandoned him like so many previous foster placements. The First Tee honors his father and provides leadership in the absence of his dad. My daughter has taken upon herself the need to ‘lead’ the family rather than be a child during this difficult time. The First Tee is helping her release some of that control and enjoy the recreation of golf, while learning to be respectful and not ‘bossy’. I have shared with my husband the amazing progress I’ve seen the children experience being a part of The First Tee. He is so pleased that
this opportunity was afforded to children of National Guardsmen. My children are excited to share with their dad the things they are learning at The First Tee. My daughter even wrote him a letter telling her dad she will teach him how to golf when he returns. My son likewise has said one of the first things he wants to do when his dad comes home is take him golfing. You sure have infected my kids with the love of golf. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this amazing program and I pray more funding can be provided to help families just like ours. Emily, wife of Michael Beck, SSG South Dakota WWW.TH E FIRS T TE E .O RG | 8
EMPOWERING YOUTH Where would we be without physical education? Physical education is an essential part of a child’s mental and physical development. The First Tee National School Program has proven successful in delivering golf and core values safely and effectively in elementary school physical education settings. More than two million students are annually exposed to the game while learning Nine Core Values that enhance their behavior, leading to success in school and other areas of their lives. With the evolution of National School Program, The First Tee is positioned to address some of the challenges facing young people in elementary schools while staying current with trends in education. For the 2011-2012 school year, The First Tee proudly released
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National School Program 2.0, an enhanced curriculum that incorporates health and wellness activities and more dynamic delivery of lesson plans by engaging students and creating mastery driven learning experiences for young people. “Doing versus telling” and empowering youth to participate in the decisionmaking process—two important aspects of The First Tee’s successful educational philosophy—are now even more pronounced in the school program.
The curriculum introduces students to health and wellness practices by incorporating The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits, a framework created through collaboration among The First Tee, ANNIKA Foundation, and Florida Hospital for Children to promote healthy, active lifestyles for young people (story page 5). National School Program 2.0 was developed by a team of youth development and physical education experts and written to align with national physical education
More than two million students have been exposed to the game while learning Nine Core ValuesTM that enhance their behavior, leading to success in school and other areas of their lives.
standards. Teachers are trained how to deliver the new curriculum, which includes developing students’ capacity to transfer life skills, core values and healthy habits to other areas of their lives. Through the program, students are engaged in fun activities that lead to motor skill development and an introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing activity: golf! An example lesson for a Kindergarten/First Grade class would focus on Responsibility (core value) by taking care of equipment while they participate and Set-up (golf skill) to the ball in preparing to strike it. The warm-up would focus on Energy (healthy habit) by identifying fruits and vegetables that power their bodies. All of the
objectives are seamlessly integrated into comprehensive lessons for each grade level. In 2004, The First Tee launched the National School Program and today, the program is in more than 4,300 schools and 600 school districts in the United States. Since its inception, the program has positively impacted student behavior in physical education and other school activities, according to a survey of physical educators who deliver the curriculum. The program continues to grow and expand each year to more communities throughout the country to the praise of students, physical educators, parents and school district leaders alike.
“Many curriculum programs can lead to academic success. However, The First Tee curriculum is ‘heads above’ character building achievement! Kids can’t be successful ‘in the real world’ if they’re not in school. Character education (nine core values) is the one component that can keep kids focused on their goals.....and, keeps them in school. The First Tee is an amazing curriculum.” Sharon Sterchy, former program director, Aldine Independent School District, TX
“I have found this to be one of the best programs ever! The details of the goals, core values, lessons, teaching cues and organization of the entire program makes it easy for the golfer and non-golfer to teach. I really like the versatility of the clubs being used indoors and outdoors. I know this will encourage the young athletes to take on a lifelong sport.” Physical Educator, Spencerport, NY
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A NEW DAY The stage is big. The cast is Hall of Fame-caliber. And the play makes a major difference in young people’s lives. The 2011 Nature Valley First Tee Open was one of The First Tee’s most significant events of the year. Since first played in 2004, the event’s awareness and momentum has built in many ways. And this year’s event was given an even bigger boost through its new title sponsor, Nature Valley. More than 375 teenage participants of The First Tee have played in this event through the years, and in their words it is often described as a difference-maker. Each participant goes through a comprehensive application process before being selected to represent their chapter at the tournament. They are judged on golf skills and their ability to describe how they
use lessons learned at The First Tee to better themselves. At chapters, participants learn how to set goals and how to make a “ladder” to reach those goals. They discover how hard work can help them achieve great things. It is life lessons like these—along with values like responsibility and confidence— that are often cited by participants as the reason they make it to Pebble Beach for this event. The Nature Valley First Tee Open takes the incredible work of the chapters that happens year-round and puts a spotlight on it for a week. Golf shines. The evidence of The First Tee’s impact becomes apparent. The participants win.
Those folks at Nature Valley know how to socialize! New to this year’s tournament was a Social Media Café, where participants could hang out and use provided iPads to keep their friends and family back home up-to-date on their week. Some friendly competition on Wii and snacks provided by General Mills made the comfortable spot a success. The highlight? Nature Valley made each participant a star by creating individual posters to decorate the Café. Tournament winner Jeff Sluman autographed each one before they were mailed to the participants.
“If the truth be told, the strength of The First Tee always has been in width and breadth of its reach. With white, black, Asian and Hispanic youngsters, The First Tee is a melting pot for the future of golf… America is finally beginning to understand that The First Tee is evolving. Under CEO Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., it is an organization that places more emphasis on life skills than golf skills. It was there all along—with The First Tee’s nine core values and various programs to involve kids in their communities—but finally the strength and validity of the message is shining through.” Golfweek Associate Editor James Achenbach wrote in the July 15th issue, after spending the week at Nature Valley First Tee Open. 1 1 | T H E FI R ST T E E M AG A ZI N E
REGIONAL ROUNDUPS CENTRAL ATLANTIC
CENTRAL PLAINS
MID-SOUTH
The First Tee of the Triangle hosted the inaugural North Carolina Cup at Brier Creek Country Club in Raleigh. Participants from five chapters participated in a competition consisting of 18-holes of play and on-course life skills questions. Congratulations to The First Tee of the Sandhills (Southern Pines) on winning the 2011 Cup!
More than 80 participants and 25 volunteers participated in the 7th Annual Caddie Day at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. The event, which has become a tournament tradition, pairs participants from The First Tee of Fort Worth and PGA TOUR professionals on the 13th hole for the Monday and Wednesday Pro-Am events. Saturday was The First Tee day at the Hideaway, where J.J. Henry presented a $50,000 check to the chapter as part of the Henry House Foundation’s commitment to help build The Ben Hogan Learning Center for The First Tee of Fort Worth.
The First Tee of Nashville participant Sarah Harris organized a “Bag Drop” that now provides participants at her chapter with golf bags. Harris reached out to the community and was successful in getting more than 40 new and used golf bags donated to The First Tee of Nashville. Thanks to Harris’ kindheartedness and the donors’ generosity, the chapter is now able to supply the equipment to participants in need.
The First Tee of Aiken Pencils & Putters Program addresses the chapter’s diversification goals to increase female, ethnic diverse, special needs and at risk participants. The program is offered throughout the school year at outreach locations including parks, recreation centers and schools. Children first receive homework help from volunteers, followed by SNAG games and a relationship-building meal. The chapter looks to expand the program to involve parents and guardians and to reach more locations.
Four college-bound participants were recently recognized as The First Tee of Greater Dallas College Scholarship recipients. Many years of planning came to fruition when a generous $5,000 gift from the law firm of McKool Smith was designated for scholarships. Scholars selected include Valeria De Fex (Southern Methodist University), Jenna McCoppin (University of North Texas), Brittney Lightfoot (University of Texas at Dallas) and Reginald Dupard (Prairie View A&M).
The First Tee of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky drew a great crowd—and important fundraising support—at its 4th annual Golf Ball Drop for Kids. The Cincinnati Fire Department hook & ladder dropped two bags of presold, numbered “raffle” golf balls onto a target green. First ball into the hole on each drop was a winner! The “Eagle” drop prize was foursome rounds at 10 private golf clubs; the “Birdie” drop prize was foursome rounds at 10 daily fee courses. New this year—and to draw attention to The First Tee’s Nine Healthy Habits—the event closed with a “Wellness Walk” that drew additional donations. On average, the event has netted almost $10,000 each year. The always inspirational Dennis Walters performed his show to the delight of many during the event, and lunch was provided courtesy of Jersey Mike’s. WWW.TH E FIRS T TE E .ORG | 12
MIDWEST
MOUNTAIN
Ten participants represented The First Tee of Milwaukee County at the Backyard Bash, a Pro-Am fundraiser created in the spirit of bringing professional golf back to Wisconsin while raising funds for The First Tee of Milwaukee County, The Wounded Warrior Project, Folds of Honor Foundation and Veteran Shield. The Milwaukee County participants raised more than $3,200 as a group.
The First Tee of Pueblo was proud to be part of U.S. Olympic Committee’s Olympic Day, which successfully introduces young people to Olympic and Paralympics sports. The First Tee of Pueblo coaches and trained physical educators showcased The First Tee’s programs at the event, providing the 125 young people in attendance with a fun and safe introduction to the game of golf. The Nine Core Values that are emphasized in The First Tee’s programs are consistent with the Olympic Values, and the young people enjoyed what they learned.
More than 75 participants from The First Tee of Benton Harbor and the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor attended a golf clinic conducted by World Golf Hall of Fame member Tom Watson at The Golf Club at Harbor Shores. The clinic was part of a two-day fundraising golf outing that raised over $1.5 million for the youth development organizations. “Mentoring programs are a huge success,” said Watson. “You get the confidence of a kid or a young person and that’s where their life expands exponentially and that’s what these programs are all about.”
The First Tee of Pasadena was recognized by the Rose Bowl Operating Company and the City of Pasadena for their outstanding work in introducing the game to girls in the San Gabriel Valley. The chapter’s LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, led by Kathy Cho, meets weekly and includes visits from successful women executives from around the Southern California community.
NORTHEAST The First Tee of Pittsburgh hosted its inaugural Junior Golf Weekend in Western Pennsylvania at the Bob O’Connor Golf Course in Schenley Park. World Golf Hall of Fame members Arnold Palmer and Carol Semple Thompson were honorary co-chairs and Pittsburgh Steelers’ legendary L. C. Greenwood served as the weekend spokesperson. The chapter offered youth clinics and 1 3 | T H E FI R ST T E E M AG A ZI N E
programs that promoted junior golf, course etiquette and respect for the game. Programs included golf skill clinics hosted by Semple Thompson and the Tri-State PGA, a “Care of the Course” workshop facilitated by the Greater Pittsburgh Golf Course Superintendents Association, and an interactive rules clinic presented by the West Penn Golf Association.
Several young people in the D.C. metro area participated in the 2011 Jack Vardaman Metro Tour. Participants from The First Tee of Baltimore, The First Tee of Howard County, The First Tee of Montgomery County, MD, The First Tee of Prince George’s County and The First Tee of Washington, D.C. took part in 10 tournaments throughout the metro area. The Metro Tour is named in honor of Jack Vardaman, a board member of The First Tee of Washington, D.C., three-time Congressional Country Club Champion and competitor in the U.S. Senior Open.
SOUTHEAST Through a collaborative effort between the Florida Junior Golf Council, Ajax Building Company, Leon County Schools and other community partners, The First Tee launched the National School Program in 11 Title One elementary schools in Tallahassee, Fla., marking The First Tee’s first presence in the state capital. Leon County school board members have expressed
wonderful enthusiasm and excitement for the program.
The First Tee of Tuscaloosa was recently affected by one of the worst tornados in Alabama history. Not only has the chapter continued its regular programming, but they increased efforts by creating a West Alabama junior tour and a junior festival that allow all young people and their parents to play golf at their facility for free after five o’clock every day. “I have witnessed first-hand the compassion, fortitude, and selflessness that come with servicing your community,” said Executive Director Mike Shevitts. “Although it will take years for our community to recover and return to normal, it is the resiliency of people and programs like The First Tee that create environments for possibility.”
WEST The First Tee of Monterey County held its first-annual 2011 Z Gal’s Invitational, a nine-hole, womenonly tournament created to raise
money for the chapter’s girls-only programs. The event included golf, gifts donated by corporate sponsors, a silent auction and a luncheon featuring presentations from chapter participants and guest speaker, professional soccer standout Brandi Chastain. The tournament, named in honor of the late John Zoller, founding chairman of The First Tee of Monterey County, raised approximately $60,000 and brought increased awareness to the chapter in the community.
Foodservice took home the title of Corporate Challenge champions.
INTERNATIONAL The First Tee of New Zealand’s Jesse Hamilton represented the chapter at the World Masters of Junior Golf tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. Hamilton won the 15-17-year-old age division, becoming the first New Zealand golfer to ever win the tournament. Fellow Eagle participant and younger sister Brooke also had a great week, finishing third in the girls 13-14–year-old division.
The First Tee of Central Valley hosted its annual Corporate Challenge at Del Rio Golf & Country Club. Twelve two-person teams of amateur players, including some chapter participants, competed in an alternate shot golf horse race with The First Tee participants also serving as caddies. In addition to the tournament, guests took part in an auction, dinner and entertainment which raised more than $35,000 for the chapter. Sysco
NEW CORPORATE PARTNERS & SUPPLIERS As a new corporate partner, Golf Galaxy will offer a discount program and in-store clinics to chapters in The First Tee network. Maxfli will offer discounts to The First Tee chapters on clubs, balls and accessories, as well as supply its new line of junior clubs to new chapters. WWW.TH E FIRS T TE E .ORG | 14
425 South Legacy Trail St. Augustine, Florida 32092 904-940-4300 www.thefirsttee.org
From left to right, David Feherty, Jack Nicklaus and Luke Donald
ALL IN GOOD TASTE Fundraising in the Windy City More than 300 people attended a wine tasting extravaganza at the third annual The Taste of The First Tee of Greater Chicago. PGA TOUR professional Luke Donald served as host and was joined by World Golf Hall of Fame member and Trustee of The First Tee Jack Nicklaus, golf personality David Feherty and PGA TOUR player Mark Wilson. Sara Kuse, (story page 3), shared inspirational stories about the impact The First Tee has had on her life. The event raised $250,000 which will be used to sustain and ultimately grow the chapter.
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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.