Blog Archives - Page 13 of 15 - First Tee

Celebrating Global Diversity Month: Two Chapters Unite to Create a Global Community

Like our participants, what makes our chapters so special is that each one is unique in its own way. We celebrate their diverse perspectives because it makes our work even more powerful. Yet one thing that remains consistent at every chapter is their passion for supporting the next generation and the communities they live in. One way our chapters are doing this is by creating a space that makes every individual feel like they belong. A culture of acceptance is deeply rooted in our values as an organization as we seek to understand walks of life that are different from our own. Two of our chapters, First Tee — Greater Pasadena and First Tee — Korea, have brought this to life in a meaningful new way. In 2019, the two chapters became official sister chapters in an effort for participants to share cultural experiences and explore opportunities beyond their community.

Recently, participants and coaches from the two chapters were able to meet virtually to discuss a trending topic in communities across the globe: returning to school during a pandemic. During the video call, participants shared how they’re feeling and handling the return to school. Gloria from First Tee — Korea shared, “I think I should take responsibility for myself because if I don’t follow the rules, I could put my friends and family at risk.” Through the meeting, the participants realized that they have quite a bit in common despite growing up thousands of miles apart. They’re all adjusting to the “new normal,” and are leaning on the character strengths they’ve developed through First Tee to help conquer these challenges.

Bob Baderian, Executive Director for First Tee — Greater Pasadena, summed up the experience: “This very positive partnership between First Tee — Greater Pasadena and First Tee — Korea encourages participants to share their experiences and perspectives and provides opportunities to educate them about the culture and history of their respective countries and communities. These meetings have resulted in increased knowledge and appreciation of cultures and lifestyles between our two chapters.” Founded in 2006, First Tee — Greater Pasadena has served more than 200,000 kids and teens. First Tee — Korea was founded in conjunction with the 2015 Presidents Cup and is one of six international chapters within the First Tee network. The sister chapters have a goal to one day provide an in-person experience for their participants to meet. This pandemic, among other challenges this year, has been more than we could have ever anticipated. It’s stories like these, of coming together to learn, appreciate, and build relationships, that inspire us as we work to empower youth to be game-changers and make this a better world.

Participant Aaron Hall-King Overcomes Daily Challenges with Support of Mentors and Programs at First Tee — Metropolitan New York

USGA grant helps First Tee chapters keep programs running during the pandemic

Aaron Hall-King, a New Rochelle native, was attending Albert Leonard Middle School this past March when it became the first school in New York to close due to COVID-19. His mother Kira gave him words to live by.

“The school building may be closed, but the learning continues.”

Kira was the first to reach out when First Tee — Metropolitan New York announced online learning and tutoring. First Tee has become a comfort zone for Aaron, who has been diagnosed with ADHD and needs additional help with instructions. Aaron enrolled in First Tee Life Skills and Education programs in 2014 when he was in the second grade. Since that time, program director, Karen Les Pierre shares that his grades and organizational skills have improved dramatically. Karen didn’t miss a beat when First Tee’s campuses were closed due to the virus and immediately tutored Aaron utilizing FaceTime. “I love First Tee, because they have great programs for the kids,” says Aaron’s mom, Kira. “Aaron will take individual lessons in the fall. He has really matured with First Tee. If it wasn’t for [First Tee], I don’t know where we would be.” Aaron is one of many participants reached by the chapter’s virtual programs which were supported in part by a recent USGA grant . So far, they have delivered more than 200 hours of virtual tutoring this year. In addition, hundreds of hours are being spent online and, on the phone, helping participants navigate the college and high school application process through the Path to College program. They also offered Summer STEM online, a six-week program focused on the sciences, computer programming and literacy.

First Tee — Metropolitan New York is one of 51 First Tee chapters to receive a grant from the USGA towards their ongoing commitment to making the game more accessible and welcoming for juniors. In addition to the $200,000 that went to chapter grants, the association pledged $125,000 to help First Tee headquarters develop innovative digital tools that enable stronger connections between juniors, parents, chapters and coaches, bringing the USGA’s total investment to $325,000 for 2020. “Year after year we are seeing the positive impact that First Tee and other junior programs are having in breaking down barriers and connecting communities through sports,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “It is vital for golf’s long-term health that we continue to create pathways for all juniors to participate.” First Tee brings kids and teens to the game of golf and leverages it as a catalyst for personal growth through experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. Through chapters in 150 communities and more than 10,000 schools and 1,200 after-school partnerships, First Tee reaches kids ages 5-18 from all backgrounds. Learn more about our character building programs and how you can get involved.

The Power of the PURE Insurance Championship: First Tee Alumni Success Stories

For the last 17 years, the PURE Insurance Championship has welcomed teens from First Tee chapters nationwide to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course. Throughout the week the teens apply the life and leadership skills learned from First Tee programs during an event where they are paired with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs from the business world. For many of the teens who are selected for the tournament, the experience opens their eyes to the possibilities in golf and beyond as they are contemplating post-secondary education and careers, and in some cases, managing fears and emotions. This week, we take a look at several alumni who played in this tournament and how they’ve applied the lessons they learned from First Tee and this experience to reaching for their dreams. Michelle Xie, First Tee — Silicon Valley Played in 2013 with Kirk Triplett Michelle recalls her participation in the PURE Insurance Championship as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She played and won the tournament in 2013 alongside Kirk Triplett. The two established an immediate connection, which led to coachable moments on how to manage the mental and physical demands of the game – both on and off the course. Nothing compared to the exhilaration, nerves and pressure Michelle felt walking down the fairway with Triplett as their pro-junior team was in contention. Those moments of mentorship provided Michelle great perspective to deal with the rigorous schedule of being a student-athlete at Harvard University. Michelle graduated from Harvard in 2019 with a degree in molecular and cellular biology. She played on the women’s golf team, receiving numerous accolades including being named the 2018 Ivy League Individual Champion and was voted as team captain her senior year. Michelle recently moved back to the Silicon Valley to join REX Real Estate as a software engineer. Although she is not spending as much time at the golf course as she once did, Michelle still uses the many time management and problem-solving skills she learned from competitive golf and First Tee. Now that Michelle is back home, she has become a volunteer coach at the First Tee — Silicon Valley to mentor the next generation of participants. Rayshon Payton, First Tee — Metropolitan Oklahoma City Played in 2005 with Gil Morgan An alumus from First Tee — Metropolitan Oklahoma City, Rayshon remembers watching the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach on TV in 2000. From that point on, he dreamed of playing on the course one day himself. This dream became a reality in 2005 when he was selected for the PURE Insurance Championship, paired with PGA TOUR Champions player Gil Morgan. They found themselves in the final pairing on Sunday at Pebble Beach where Rayshon ended up holing out from the 12th bunker on national television. Rayshon has continued to pursue his dreams off the course. He interned at The White House, working in the office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs where he had the opportunity to work with Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. Today, he is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, College of Law, and is currently the Legislative Director for Representative Kendra Horn. Sara Scarlett, First Tee — Greater Sacramento Played in 2011 with Jerry Pate Being selected for the PURE Insurance Championship is a goal for many First Tee participants. That was definitely the case for alumna Sara Scarlett. She joined First Tee around the same time that she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Sara’s confidence was low, and she was struggling to balance her medical needs with the desire to have an active and social childhood. First Tee became her sanctuary – a place where she learned the life skills and core values that would ultimately shape her into a confident teenager who always looked on the “bright side.” In 2011, she played in the PURE Insurance Championship with Jerry Pate. Some of Sara’s favorite memories include chipping in on the 10th hole at Pebble Beach and the motivational talks with her partner. Sara went on to play on the women’s golf team at University of Texas, graduating in 2017. Sara now works for Chevron on the Corporate Affairs team where she works with the local community and nonprofits on Chevron-supported initiatives. Sara says she is lucky to have been taught the value of diversity at a young age from First Tee. Taryn Yee, First Tee — Greater Sacramento Played in 2009 with Jim Thorpe For alumna Taryn Yee, playing in the PURE Insurance Championship was the first major goal she set for herself and accomplished on her own merit. Yee claims that she felt like a star when she first arrived at the 2009 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Taryn played with Jim Thorpe, and she says the biggest takeaway was how confident she was at the end of the tournament. The PURE Insurance Championship and the lessons she learned there have provided her self-confidence that she carried with her through college and now into her successful career. Taryn was a student-athlete at University of California, Irvine. As a freshman, she was selected to attend the PwC Executive Forum at THE PLAYERS Championship as an alumni opportunity with First Tee. At the event, she met PwC executives, spoke with clients and was introduced to the business industry and public accounting. This experience led to a new goal for Taryn, which was to graduate with an accounting degree and become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She accomplished that goal, which ultimately led her to career opportunities at PwC, The Gap, and her current position as a financial analyst at Facebook headquarters. Through setting goals and perseverance, Taryn has been able to stay positive and work through challenges to achieve her goals. “I have the confidence that I can accomplish anything. There is no such thing as an intangible goal!” Justin Potwora, First Tee — Greater Portland Played in 2017 with Bernhard Langer It wasn’t too long ago that alumnus Justin Potwora was holding up the PURE Insurance Championship trophy with his partner, Bernhard Langer. Meeting First Tee participants from across the country and hearing about their experiences and perspectives left a lasting impact on Justin. Currently, Justin is entering his senior year at Southern Methodist University where he is majoring in finance. He was recently promoted to Portfolio Manager with Boulevard Investment Group and is also the Philanthropy Chair for his fraternity which raised more than $50,000 for Huntsman Cancer Foundation. His goal is to eventually work for a private equity firm and continue to be a leader in his community. Justin credits First Tee with teaching him how to act professionally, selflessly and never compromise his character and values in whatever he sets out to accomplish. John Louie, First Tee — Monterey County Played in 2009 with Donnie Hammond Played in 2010 with Bobby Clampett John joined First Tee — Monterey County not long after its inception in September 2004. John attended Salinas High School, but had visions of achieving more. One day he told his father that by using “Goal Setting,” a life skill he had learned at First Tee, he had set a goal to attend Stevenson High School. John applied himself and with his parents’ support, John became a Stevenson “Pirate.” John competed on the golf team for Stevenson and represented First tee — Monterey County in the 2009 and 2010 tournaments at Pebble Beach. John was accepted to Middlebury College in Vermont, playing on the men’s golf team for three years. He was tempted to stay on the East Coast and work in finance in New York City like many of his fellow Panthers. However, his heart was in Salinas and the agricultural town where he grew up. He was offered a position with Tanimura & Antle, one of the top agricultural companies in Salinas. He has since worked his way up the company and now leads one of the firm’s recent acquisitions, PlantTape. John serves on the Board Committee for Taylor Farms Center For Learning. Last year, he was nominated as a member of the Board of Directors of First Tee — Monterey County, where he continues to give back by mentoring teens in the program.

Though this year’s event will be played without our First Tee participants, this tournament has remained committed to recognizing our participants, their hard work and aspirations. We are grateful to PURE Insurance, Pebble Beach and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation for investing in their futures through First Tee. Learn more about how we provide access to the game and new opportunities through our character-building programs.

First Tee is Showing Up Stronger after 23 Years

For more than a year, we have been working on a revitalization of the First Tee brand to ensure we stay connected with today’s young people

For more than two decades, we’ve been helping kids and teens learn life skills and build core values using the game of golf as the vehicle. Now, it’s time for us to write our own growth story. In May 2019, we began a process of reflecting on who we are, what we’re capable of and how we can show up stronger for this generation of kids. This brand evolution is grounded in research and insights from key stakeholders and is an updated reflection of who First Tee is and our promise to help empower kids to build their strength of character. Since 1997, when First Tee was first launched in Central Park, Manhattan, NY, the intention was clear: leveraging one of the most engaging sports to enrich the lives of young people. It’s been a lot of hard work, but we are proud to now be serving many communities through our network of chapters, schools and community partnerships. It’s all about empowering kids. And we still think golf is the perfect platform in which to do it. “There is little doubt the world has changed significantly over the last 23 years,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “Today’s kids and teens are facing pressures that are different from previous generations, and it’s important that we look in the mirror to ensure we are approaching our work with as much relevance and awareness of today’s families as possible. I am proud of the team who has worked so hard to really understand our participants, alumni, parents, coaches, volunteers, chapters, donors and many more who pour their hearts into our mission each day in their communities. “This year has been challenging on many levels. We debated holding tight on this project, but in the end, our chapters were hungry for the ability to reinforce the incredible work they do through this brand refresh, so we decided to move forward now.” The brand evolution was led by Sub Rosa, a brand strategy and design practice, and included PGA TOUR creative, marketing and communications teams. The evolution includes refreshed brand purpose and story, as well as a new logo, which is a metaphor for the growth guidance at the heart of First Tee. The changes also include removing “The” from the organization’s name and updated colors and patterns. We will continue to build experiences that build character to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations.

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].

Jakari Harris embodies values and lessons from First Tee to help support fellow student athletes

This time of year, many college students are preparing to head to their school and prepare for the upcoming school year. But this year looks different, especially for many student-athletes like Jakari Harris. Due to the financial impact of COVID-19, some universities have made the difficult decision to cut programs from the athletic department. This can be devastating for students who are also losing their scholarships, which means they are now paying for their education. First Tee – Metro Atlanta alum, Jakari Harris, is doing something about it. A graduate of Hampton University and a former member of the golf team, Jakari was disheartened to learn that the golf team’s funding had been cut upon her graduation. She and a few other teammates have since started a funding effort to help those who are affected.

“Because of First Tee, I was able to play collegiate golf and would like that opportunity to be available to athletes at Hampton again.”

Jakari’s act of service is directly rooted in the values she learned while a participant at First Tee – Metro Atlanta. We asked her a few questions about her experience, and this is what she had to say. After being exposed to the game of golf at a young age, my dad started looking for golf programs around our neighborhood. The first chapter I joined was First Tee – Atlanta, but I switched to First Tee – East Lake once I transferred to Charles R. Drew Charter School. The home course was right across from the school, so I could just walk over after classes and practice almost every day.

First Tee emphasizes the fact that participants not only learn golf skills, but also life skills. A lot of the values I hold near and dear to my heart are the very values that were taught in First Tee classes. My personal favorites were integrity and perseverance. Aside from life skills I learned, I also gained a family with First Tee. All of the coaches at my home chapter were extremely supportive to me on and off the course. They went above and beyond, and I consider many of them as my mentors. First Tee camps always presented me with both new experiences and challenges. I soaked in all the instruction I could from every drill and practice session. Whenever I faced a challenge, I referred back to what I was taught earlier and tried to apply it. When I wasn’t successful, I could always ask one of the coaches for help. This is the same way I take on the new experiences and challenges in life. I take the experience for what it is and try to learn as much as I can. Then, I look at the challenges from every angle possible. Because of First Tee, I have no problem asking for help and learning from my mistakes. One of my First Tee mentors is Coach Brittny Lott, and I actually still keep in contact with her regularly. She actually does my hair from time to time. Her love for the Lord pushes me to develop a better relationship with God. She was very patient and encouraging when I first met her. Because of my competitiveness, I would sometimes be too hard on myself when I didn’t perform well during competition. She would give me encouraging words and talk me down. I called her after one of my tournaments in college when I shot a terrible score. I just kept saying “I don’t know why I keep doing this. I know I can do better than this.” She brought up a very good point that will always be in the back of my mind. Things happen in golf that you can’t control. Even professionals have their off days. Instead of reacting to what I scored on the last hole, I can choose to not give up and do my very best from then on. If you can walk away knowing you did your best, that’s all you can ask for.

“My biggest takeaway from First Tee is that family doesn’t have to be blood.”

First Tee coaches have had one of the biggest impacts on my life. They care about each and every participant. Even when I would go to a First Tee camp where I didn’t know anyone, the coaches made me feel so welcome and at home. The relationships I have formed through this organization are priceless. Looking forward, I eventually want to become a professor at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). After graduating in STEM from an HBCU, I know that there are very good students there who just need better resources. I was able to end up where I am because of resources I came across and relationships I developed. I am now in the Biomedical Engineering PhD program at Georgia Tech and Emory University. First Tee taught me how to network and keep in contact with the people you meet. Sometimes it’s more about WHO you know than WHAT you know. The core values I learned will help me through grad school and beyond. If you wish to help support Jakari and her fellow Hampton Golf Alumni in their efforts to off-set the lost scholarships and bring the golf program back, visit their GoFundMe page.

“Act as if…” and achieve success in any part of your life

By June Ryan, Guest blogger Last week, First Tee hosted the inaugural First Tee College Scholarship Pre-College Virtual retreat. Our scholarship winners participated in a two-day virtual event where they heard from various speakers on how to tackle the challenges they may face as they step into this next chapter of their life; One of those speakers was Rear Admiral June Ryan. June had a highly successful career in the Coast Guard, achieving many historical firsts for women including the first enlisted woman to rise to the rank of Rear Admiral. She was the first woman to serve as the Military Advisory to the Secretary of Homeland Security and only the third woman in our nation’s history to serve as the Military Aide to the President of the United States. During the pre-college retreat, Rear Admiral June Ryan spoke to the First Tee scholars about “Brain Training for success” and provided tips to retain positive thoughts and how to block out the negative. We loved her session so much that we invited her to share with our readers, some of her tips for success.

June’s Tips for Success

I travel around the country teaching and training more than 64 different success principles, helping individuals navigate from where they are to where they want to be. One of the most powerful principles is “Act as if…” In other words, act as if… you already have graduated from your favorite college. Act as if… you have already won the big tournament. Act as if… you have already landed your dream job. At the University of Houston, two college roommates understood the tremendous power of this success principle. One roommate was an aspiring sports announcer, majoring in Broadcasting. The other had his sights set on playing on the PGA TOUR. The two roommates “acted as if” they were both at the Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters Tournament. The golfer acted as if he just won. His broadcaster roommate acted as if he was the sports announcer selected to conduct the interview with the newly crowned champion in the historic Butler Cabin at Augusta National. Despite the self-doubt and feelings of “this would never happen” or “what are the chances” that may have crept into their psyche, these two roommates played out their improbable scene in vivid detail. They “acted as if” it was actually happening. Fast-forward 13 years later, the exact scene came to fruition. At the 1992 Masters, Fred Couples had just won his first Major Championship, and his college roommate, Jim Nantz, was there waiting in Butler Cabin to conduct the interview. Following the interview, the two men embraced, overcome by the realization that they had achieved their most outrageous goal together. History is filled with other individuals who also “acted as if” with unprecedented results. “Acting as if” is more than visualization. It’s putting into motion every possible muscle in your body and creating the neurological memories in your mind of what that achievement would be. Most importantly, “acting as if” is about creating the feeling you would have by achieving your goals. Couples and Nantz created the feeling by using just two chairs in a University of Houston dorm room. What are your most outrageous and audacious goals? How can you begin to “act as if”?

Here are some suggestions:

Want to attend a certain college or university? Create an exact replica of the college diploma. Create the replica with as much vivid detail as possible. Include the name and crest of the university. Add your name and the degree you would be awarded. Complete the diploma with mock-up signatures of the College Dean and University President. Looking to win a tournament? Make a mock-up of the trophy out of cardboard, other craft art material, or print a picture of the trophy. Add your “engraved” name to the trophy along with any other details like your final score. For an added bonus, make a mock-up of the winning check you’d receive if it’s a professional tournament. What if your goal is to earn a million dollars? Why not create a million-dollar bill? Although there is no such thing in the U.S. Treasury as a million-dollar bill, make a mock-up as if one existed. Place your “million dollars” on a bathroom mirror or somewhere where you would see it every day. You can accomplish your most outrageous goals if you begin to put into daily practice this powerful success principle – “Act as if.”

Congratulations Sara Rintoul!

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!”

Announcing Our New Executive Director Scott Spragg

The First Tee of Central Florida Names

New Executive Director

Orlando, Fla. (March 5, 2020) –The First Tee of Central Florida is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Spragg as the organization’s new Executive Director effective March 9, 2020 Spragg succeeds Tom Lawrence, who served as Executive Director since launching the Central Florida chapter in 2012 until his move last July to a new position at the First Tee’s headquarters in St. Augustine. Sherry Dircks, long-time Program Director for the First Tee of Central Florida has served as Interim Executive Director for the last eight months. “We are very fortunate to have benefitted from Sherry’s extensive First Tee experience and strong leadership during this time…the organization did not miss a beat,” explained Laurie Burns, Board President of the First Tee of Central Florida. Scott joins the First Tee following a very successful 34-year career in banking and merchant services in Central Florida. Scott was most recently with BancCard of America where he partnered with community banks and credit unions throughout the state. He also spent 22 years with SunTrust Bank and six years with Bank of America Merchant Services. Known for his ability to build relationships and as an approachable, hands-on leader, Scott has a strong track record of delivering desired results. “We look forward to the impact that Scott will have on the youth we serve here in Central Florida. With his extensive leadership experience and business success, Scott brings a unique skill-set and fresh perspective to the role. We are confident that Scott will accelerate the organization’s growth and build on our strong foundation,” commented Burns. Spragg is passionate about the game of golf and played in both high school and college. He also coached youth sports for many years as his four boys were growing up and has been actively engaged in non-profit fundraising as a volunteer in our community. “At this point in my career, I feel like the time is right to leverage my business skills and experience to give back and to make a difference in the community. The First Tee is a perfect fit, combining my passion for youth development and golf,” stated Spragg. “I’ve always believed that the game builds character; and I love the First Tee’s focus on teaching youth the many positive values inherent in golf like integrity, perseverance, and courtesy. I’m excited to get started and expand the reach of the First Tee in Central Florida.” About the First Tee of Central Florida The First Tee of Central Florida is headquartered at 1326 Palmetto Avenue in Winter Park, and offers youth programs throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. An independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the First Tee of Central Florida began operating in August 2012 and is the Central Florida licensee of The First Tee Program, a youth development organization founded to positively 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. For more information, visit www.firstteecfl.org.

Vote for us on Target Circle

To our families and supporters,

We are honored and excited to announce that we have been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target again! And you have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us! When you enroll in Target Circle, here, you’re eligible for many benefits such as 1% earnings, special deals, birthday gifts, and most importantly to help The First Tee of Central Florida! Every eligible purchase made from 7/1/2020 to 9/30/2020 gives you a vote in how Target spends their community giving and you can vote for The First Tee of Central Florida! These votes can take place on the app or Target Circle website, as long as you’re a registered member. We’re asking our supporters to help us make the most of this incredible opportunity. Every vote counts to help us receive a portion of the available Target funds as we continue our mission to impact the lives of Central Florida youth by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Remember, as you earn more votes, you can keep voting multiple times during the campaign! Thank you for your support, and we encourage you to share your support for us (and your thanks to Target) on social media throughout the duration of the voting!

Enroll and Learn More Here

Junior Golfer Holiday Gift Guide: Items from the PGA Tour Superstore

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

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

Six Ways to Motivate Your Child (In Golf and Otherwise)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!