Author: admin at FTCF

UPDATE: Jordan was 1 of the 6 participants to receive a $2,000 towards higher education through the generosity of First Tee trustee, Doug Mackenzie! She was selected for this opportunity due to the great ambition, creativity, and passion that she all proved at the Innovators Forum last month. At the forum, Jordan came up with a community service project to bring back to her chapter. She has designed a class for kids with Mental Disabilities. Stay on the lookout for her idea to come to fruition soon!

Jordan Pigeon from First Tee – Central Florida has been selected from a pool of national candidates to attend the First Tee Innovators Forum October 8–11 in San Jose, Calif. The forum will empower First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focusing on raising awareness on issues surrounding education, health and sustainability.

Interactive workshops and small breakout sessions during the forum will cover a variety of topics including the importance of community service, volunteerism, and environmental sustainability, and will be presented by experts in the respective fields. During the workshops, Pigeon will have the opportunity to learn from global industry leaders at the three-day summit. At the end of the forum, a total of $32,000 will be awarded to eight attending participants to further their educational pursuits. 

“Congratulations to Jordan on earning this national opportunity. ” said Julie Leventhal, Program Director of First Tee – Central Florida.  “Jordan has been part of our chapter for three years and it has been inspiring to see her personal growth over the years. We’re excited for her to have this opportunity to meet with other like-minded teens from across the country focused on being game changers in their communities and building their character as they pursue their future goals.” 

Jordan is a junior at Harmony High School where she is a dual-sport athlete on both the golf and track teams. Jordan enjoys volunteering with First Tee and is an active eLeader in First Tee – Central Florida’s Girls Golf program. Pigeon aspires to play college golf while earning a degree in education to accomplish her goal of being a teacher.

Reagan Chastain from First Tee — Central Florida was selected to attend the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy held in Detroit, September 3-6. Chastain is one of 24 young women selected from the First Tee chapter network to participate in the four-day academic, career and leadership development academy hosted by First Tee and John Deere. During the event, the girls will explore topics that will help them prepare for the future including volunteerism, teamwork and remaining active in the game of golf. The curriculum will come to life through interactive workshops and team-building activities such as a community service project and golf outing. In addition, the girls will attend the Solheim Cup in Toledo, Ohio. Chastain, 16, is an incoming homeschooled student dual enrolled at Valencia College. Active in First Tee — Central Florida for 6 years, she participates as an eLeader in our Girls Golf Program, represents First Tee – Central Florida at fundraisers, and volunteers with young First Tee classes. Outside of First Tee she is a classically trained pianist, and volunteers with numerous organizations such as Clean the World. On this honor Chastain said, “I’d like to thank John Deere for selecting me to attend this prestigous academy. I am honored to be one of 24 First Tee participants selected to attend the Academy because it will allow me to grow as a leader and interact with other aspiring girls from around the country.” Chastain was selected for the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy through a national application process that scored applicants based on essays, letters of recommendation, and involvement in First Tee and other activities. “John Deere is proud to support the Drive Your Future Academy and congratulates Reagan Chastain on being selected,” said John Watson, John Deere relationship manager of First Tee. “We know this experience will position Reagan to build upon an already strong foundation and be positioned for great things going forward.”

Cole Chastain, Abigail Fernandez, and Kaleb Palm of First Tee – Central Florida will compete in the upcoming First Tee National Championship, June 20-25, 2021 at Clemson University. The first-ever event with a total of 48 players will bring together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level. The tournament was postponed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Cole has been with First Tee – Central Florida for seven years. He has participated in multiple classes, been selected for many National Opportunities, including the Pure Insurance Open at Pebble Beach, and has become a wonderful advocate and volunteer for us. Chastain has played golf at the high school level for Circle Christian and will continue to play at the collegiate level this Fall at LeTourneau University. On his acceptance Cole stated, “It is both an honor and a privilege to represent my chapter at the First Tee National Championship. This opportunity was cancelled in 2020, so I was not sure I would ever be able to be a part of such an elite player list. I’m looking forward to making memories and having fun with First Tee participants from across the county” Abigail has been with First Tee – Central Florida for six years. She has participated in multiple classes and serves as an eLeader in our Girls Golf Program. This will be Abigail’s first National Opportunity she competes in. Fernandez is currently a sophomore and plays on Circle Christian’s high school golf team. She stated, “I’m very honored to be one of the few selected for the National Championship. I’m looking forward to experiencing this wonderful tournament and meeting new friends from other chapters along the way!” Kaleb has been with First Tee – Central Florida for six years. He has participated in multiple classes, and like Cole, been selected for many National Opportunities, including the Pure Insurance Open at Pebble Beach. Kaleb is an elite golfer who was selected for the Congaree Global Golf Initiative in 2019. Palm played at the high school level for Cypress Creek and is signed to begin to play this Fall at Florida Atlantic University. Kaleb said, “This tournament means a great deal to me. I was one of the few participants selected and it is going to be an amazing honor to play in such an event like this. Especially since the event was cancelled last year, it will be so amazing to get to play this year with all new people and friends I will get to meet”. While COVID protocols will be in effect, the 54-hole event will take place and the winners of each girls’ and boys’ divisions will be awarded with the Tattersall Cup and also will earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee held at Pebble Beach Golf Links September 21-26, 2021. “We are proud to see Cole, Abigail, and Kaleb from our area compete in this inaugural event, which will provide them with a college level experience on and off the course” said Scott Spragg, Executive Director of First Tee – Central Florida. First Tee National Championship will be held annually at various college campuses around the nation providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience. Clemson University’s The Walker Course is set to host the inaugural Championship. During the week, Chastain, Fernandez, and Palm will have the opportunity to hear from PGA Head Golf Professional Steve Scott on how his values intersected with his experience of finishing Runner-Up to Tiger Woods in the 1996 U.S. Amateur Championship. The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-19, who were selected based on their golf skill, competitive golf experience and handicap. Players will come from 32 First Tee chapters across the country.

Why Golf is the Perfect, Safe Sport for Your Child this Fall

We know that lots of youth sports organizations are cancelling their fall seasons, but rest assured that First Tee – Central Florida is the perfect answer! Because golf is an individual sport, we have the ability to socially distance to ensure maximum safety. This means we can be outside, be around other people, and get some great exercise! Pair that with the life skills and character education lessons revolving around our Nine Core Values and we’ve got the perfect answer in today’s crazy world! Ability to Socially Distance: Since golf can be played alone- we’re able to space our kids out appropriately to practice their golf skills, but still send them encouraging air high fives from 6 feet apart! New Policies and Procedures: The safety of our participants, coaches, and volunteers is of the utmost importance to us. All coaches and volunteers are required to wear masks, and participants are encouraged to as well. No equipment will be shared among equipment, and any borrowed equipment will be properly sanitized. We will have plenty of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes available as well. Some of their favorite golf games to play with others (like sharks and minnows) may look slightly different- but will still be just as fun! Exercise and the Outdoors: Golf is a great way to get your child moving outside. We start our classes with a dynamic warm up to get your child’s body ready to hit the ball as hard as they can! Limits Screen Time: We know your children have been having a lot of screen time recently. Golf is a great way to get them to look away from their phones, tablets, computers, and more. Whether it’s the 60-90 minutes of class time, or when they go out to practice by themselves, there’s no time for screens on the course! Return to a Sense of “Normal”: Whether they’re returning to class with us, or brand new. Having a weekly activity will help establish a routine with your child and give them a sense of normalcy. Resilience and Character Building: Our golf class is centered around our core values and building character- just what everyone needs right now. This pandemic may seem frustrating- but if a child can persevere through hitting out of the bunker, having bad holes, or going out of bounds, they can do anything! Our lessons focus on giving them the inner-strength to move forward, aim better, and finish stronger than the last time- in golf and life. Check out this clip from News Channel 6 for more on why golf is a great sport for your kids this season! Classes will start the week of September 21, 2020, meet once a week, and continue for 9 weeks. Ready to get in on the fun? Register today to secure your spot! If you have questions or concerns, please contact [email protected].

Register Here- Limited availability

 

Click Here to see Sara Surprised by the News on Golf Channel!

First Tee of Central Florida is excited to announce Sara Rintoul has been selected into the inaugural First Tee College Scholarship Class of 2020. This program is designed to provide further support, life skill development and mentorship throughout Sara’s collegiate journey. Sara Rintoul has been a participant at First Tee of Central Florida since 2013. We are so proud of all Sara’s achievements, both in First Tee, academically, and within our community – all key factors in being honored as a part of the First Tee College Scholarship Class of 2020 Sara will attend the University of Florida and major in Health Sciences and International Studies. She is a recipient of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Scholarship, where she traveled to North Africa in 2019 to represent the U.S. and learn Arabic. Her extracurriculars include President of the Model United Nations team, Vice President of We Dine Together Club, promoting inclusion at school, and captain of her varsity golf team. She has been a First Tee participant for seven years attending the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy in 2018 where she was awarded the Renee Powell Outstanding Female Leader Award. We are so excited for Sara to have this opportunity to be a part of the inaugural First Tee College Scholarship program. Stated Director of Operation and Programs, Sherry Dircks. I have had the pleasure to watch Sara grow from a quiet young girl into a confident empowering young lady. She is a positive role model, leader and an example of how First Tee core values and life skills have helped her build her confidence, perseverance and her character. As a scholarship recipient, Sara will receive professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. The program also provides up to $5,000 per year, for up to four years of college admission. One of the key factors of the program is pairing Scholars with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the college experience. Congratulations Sara! You’ve already achieved so much, and we can’t wait to see the great things you will do next. “Go Gators!”

With just a week until Christmas, and shopping in full swing, we know that among the happiest time of year, it can also be the most stressful. And who knows what a young golfer wants for the holidays? We do! Shop our list of selected items from the PGA Tour Superstore that we’ve noticed our participants loving in class and help them take that cheer into their First Tee of Central Florida Winter Session!  

Stocking Stuffers Under $15

1. Tees!

Every golfer goes through tees by the handful because they easily break and get lost. Add some color to their bag with this $5.99 pack of tees like for a practical, and fun stocking stuffer!

2. Sleeve of Golf Balls

For a fun stocking stuffer, opt for a sleeve of three golf balls rather than a dozen. These fun mickey ones come in at $12, and they also have them with a bunch of sports teams for the sports fan in your life.

3. PGA Tour Superstore Gift Card

If you don’t know what your child wants for golf, they might! Grab a gift card so they can use it towards any apparel or accessories they want! This is a great stocking stuffer or gift for any budget!

4. A Junior Glove of their Own!

Help them feel like a PGA Tour Pro with a glove of their own, that will fit their hands for $8.99  

Gifts Under $30

1. Volvik Vivid Balls

Our kids seem to love their colored golf balls! Volvik is a favorite for their bright and unique colors! Additionally, check out this Callaway pack on sale for under $20,  that has a sleeve each of yellow, orange, blue, and white for the days they feel more subtle, here.

2. Animal Headcovers

A fun way to add some personality to your child’s golf bag is with a headcover for their driver or woods! One company, Daphne’s Headcovers, makes any animal you could possibly imagine to protect (likely) their favorite club! Daphne’s range from $20-35.

3. A Reusable Water Bottle to Bring to Class

Here in Florida, it’s easy to get dehydrated even in the Winter months. Get a reusable water bottle like to keep your kids hydrated on and off the golf course.

Writer’s Choice

Winter Session at The First Tee of Central Florida Lastly, what’s better than the gift of golf! Get them a Winter Session to the First Tee of Central Florida. They do not need their own clubs, balls, or other equipment. Our 9 week session is $75, and we have financial aid available as needed.

One of our biggest questions asked by parents is how to get their kids on the golf course outside of The First Tee class. Well like anything else it’s going to take motivation. As anyone who deals with kids through coaching, parenting, and teaching knows, getting kids to do something they do not want to do is a challenge. What they need more than anything is motivation that comes from within them- not motivation that comes from external factors like rewards and punishments. Here we have six ways that can help your child cultivate their own internal motivation.

1. Set Goals

At The First Tee of Central Florida we believe strongly in setting goals. We first introduce the concept of “Personal Par” to our students to get them thinking about the goals they want to set for themselves. What’s par on a golf course? A number an expert should score. So a “Personal  Par” is a number the children can expect from themselves, that’s challenging but doable. This could be an 8 on a Par 5, or a B+ in a subject in school they are not proficient at.

2. Ask the Right Questions

How was class today? What did you learn? Asking a couple open ended questions shows you’re interested in their interests, without overwhelming them with pressure about details of their performance.

3. Praise Efforts, Not Results

Golf is a game for the long term. Getting too excited over results can send the wrong message when they do well (that they don’t need to keep practicing) or discourage them when they don’t do well.

4. Make things Competitive

Golf is great in that your child can go practice by themselves! That being said, it’s always good to keep a game in mind during practice to tap into their competitiveness. This will help encourage your kids to practice and keep it fun!

5. Take an Interest

If you’re able playing golf with them to not teach them skills, but just to show you’re interested in their interests are highly beneficial in motivating kids. Other ways to show interest is to learn more about golf through the Internet or books, watch golf related movies like The Greatest Game Ever Played, or just putting with them on the putting green. As The First Tee of Central Florida members, your child has access to MyPathway2Golf. Helping them set their account up and complete their drills and challenges would be a great way to show interest!

6. Remain Positive

A negative attitude with their negative results, or seemingly lack of motivation, will only make them anxious and learn to appease you, not to find motivation within themselves. Stay positive to inspire your children. As you can see, these tips to motivate your child work both on and off the golf course. Golf is the perfect basis to begin instilling these tips and you’ll see their internal motivation throughout their other activities as well. Unfortunately, there’s no “Secret Sauce” or magic wand we can give them to make them better- it’s practice, practice, and more practice. Tune in to our next blog to find out more about what your kids can do to practice outside of class!