Blog Archives - Page 14 of 16 - First Tee

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!

Participant Allison Hilton Designated a The First Tee Scholar

High School Senior Allison Hilton has been one of 90 high school seniors in The First Tee designated a The First Tee Scholar Class of 2018-2019. The First Tee Scholars Program is a distinction awarded to teen participants who excel in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement. Allison joins Topanga Sena (Class of 2017-2018), as our two The First Tee Designated Scholars.

Allison has been a participant at The First Tee of Central Florida since January 2015, joining a session after her younger brother Scott got involved in our program. Allison is truly one of the most courteous young ladies we have ever met and although she exhibits all of The First Tee Nine Core Values and Life Skills the one that stands out the most to us is Goal Setting. Since we have known Allison she has always wanted to be in the medical field specializing in pediatrics. While participating in our Birdie Level curriculum, Allison began creating her goal ladder (for golf, health, and future careers) and realized that she wanted to become a nurse practitioner. She immediately began to take the steps needed, which were under her control (a The First Tee lesson) to help her attain her goal. She enrolled in the nursing program at her high school and has completed 40 clinical hours at a nursing home, earned her certification as a CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant) and she is waiting to sit for her boards to become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). Even more impressive is that she researched colleges and determined on her own which college would be the best for her to achieve her goals and has been accepted to the University of South Florida, majoring in nursing. Her mom, who is extremely supportive told me “I didn’t even know she had applied and had been accepted, she’s done everything on her own.” Upon graduation in May, Allison will enroll in the University of South Florida. The designation of Scholar brings with it eligibility for select named scholarships offered by partnering family foundations of The First Tee HQ. The scholarships vary in value.

Get to Know Braden Thornberry and Hunter Mahan

Tour Professionals Hunter Mahan and Braden Thornberry will be the feature at this year’s Coca-Cola Junior Clinic at The First Tee of Central Florida Youth Day at the Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by Mastercard. The clinic will take place on Monday, March 4, 2019 at 4:30 pm on the 1st tee at Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge.

Click Here to Sign Up

Get to Know Hunter Mahan

Twitter: @huntermahan Instagram: @huntermahan

Hunter Mahan turned professional in 2003 after a very successful junior, collegiate, and amateur golf career. Mahan was the winner of the 1999 United States Junior Amateur Championship, and was a two-time Big 12 Conference Player of the Year and a two-time first-team All American at Oklahoma State University. Mahan joined the PGA TOUR in 2004 upon turning professional and gaining his TOUR Card in the 2003 PGA TOUR Qualifying School. His first PGA TOUR Victory came in 2007 when he won the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, winning in a playoff. Mahan won twice during the 2010 Season winning at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and the World Golf Championship – Bridgestone Invitational. In 2012 Mahan had another multiple win season winning the World Golf Championship – Accenture Match Play Championship beating Rory McIlroy in the finals and the Shell Houston Open. His last PGA TOUR Win came in 2014 where he won The Barclays, the first event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs. Mahan was a member of the victorious Team USA Presidents Cup teams in 2007, 2009, 2011, and 2013. He was a member of Team USA Ryder Cup teams in 2008 (victorious), 2010, and 2014. Quick Hits:

Born in Orange, California
Currently Resides in Dallas, Texas
Has 3 kids with wife Kandi
Starred in Golf Boys Music Video with Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, and Ben Crane. Video has over 8.2 million views on YouTube
Has a passion for cooking and cultivating his palate at restaurants around the globe.
Father, Monte, is a former undercover police officer in Southern California.
In 2012, along with wife, Kandi, founded the Mahan Foundation, which supports charitable initiatives focused on health and wellness, children, and the military.
Has served as National Co-chair of the American Junior Golf Association.
Special Interest: Fishing, basketball

Get to know Braden thornberry

Twitter: @tberrygolf Instagram: @tberrygolf

Braden Thornberry recently turned professional in December of 2018. Braden attended Ole Miss where he won the 2017 NCAA Division 1 Individual Championship at He also collected the Haskins Award as college golf’s top player in 2017, the same year that he won the Jones Cup and Sunnehanna Amateur while also being a member on the victorious U.S. Walker Cup team. Thornberry’s biggest accomplishment to date is that he finished T-4 at the 2017 FedEx St. Jude Classic as an amateur.

Native of Olive Branch, Mississippi
Former Number 1 World Ranked Amateur in the World Amateur Golf Ranking
- Won 2018 Mark H. McCormick Medal, which goes to the top-ranked golfer in the World Amateur Golf Ranking following the U.S. Amateur each year.
Participated on the victorious Team USA in the 2018 Palmer Cup in France
Qualified for 2018 US Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
First all-time at Ole Miss in tournament victories with 11
When he was in elementary school, Braden loved to ride dirt bikes. But when he fractured his right tibia and fibula, and then less than a year later broke the growth plate his left forearm.
Thornberry also was involved in martial arts, earning a second-degree black belt.
Earliest golf memory was seeing Tiger Woods make the putt to force a playoff against Rocco Mediate at the 2008 U.S. Open.

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Cole Highlights His Experience at the PURE Insurance Championship to Benefit The First Tee

Written by Cole Chastain

September 25-29, 2018 I had the privileged of representing The First Tee of Central Florida at The Pure Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee. The week was amazing, filled with lots surprises, fun people, great golf, and majestic scenery. After registration Tuesday morning at the renowned Pebble Beach course, I played a practice round with other participants from around the country representing their The First Tee Chapters at the Poppy Hills Course. Tuesday evening the participants were surprised at a welcome party and concert with a TaylorMade embroidered golf bag and was introduced to our PGA Champion. I was matched with Wes Short Jr. and was hopeful with his record on the tour we could propel ourselves towards a great weekend and make the cut for Sunday. I also participated in a putting competition, which I would found out Friday night I won by 3 stokes. Wednesday, I played my first round of golf at the World-renowned Pebble Beach, in a word “Majestic”. That night, I attended the Legends and Leaders dinner and enjoyed listening to the banter between Alfonso Ribeiro, ABC Television Host and Actor, and the other distinguished guests. I had the honor of meeting Tom Watson, who is known for winning eight major championships and heading the PGA Tour money list five times between 1970-1980.

Thursday, I started my day at 7:30am with another practice round at Poppy Hills. As I stared into the Marine Layer (thick fog) I found out I was paired with two great golfers, Glen Day and Charlie Rymer along with another First Tee Jr from Baltimore, MD. These guys were a hoot. They helped me read the greens, adjust tee shots and work on my jokes. Mr. Rymer and Mr. Day were obviously lifelong golf friends and witnessing their exchanges was priceless. Thursday night I attended the Slice Party located at the Cheveron STEM Zone just off hole 17 at Pebble Beach. The STEM Zone consisted of many scientific methods and theories related to golf and physics. My favorite exhibit was the giant Newton’s Cradle. My favorite hole at Pebble Beach had to be hole 7 because of the view, distance and the wind effect., but I have to say 17 was a close second (my birdie hole). I enjoyed the challenging perspective from the greens while putting so close the Pacific Ocean.

Friday was the start of the official tournament with a tee time of 1:04 pm at Poppy Hills. Wes Short Jr. and myself teed off with two Amateurs for a 5 hour round. Admittedly, it was not the best round of golf for either of us but we pressed on throughout the afternoon. Together we finished 1 over par. Friday nights activities were the best yet with the Core Values Dinner & a live concert by Train. The food was amazing and the concert was a lot of fun. It was held on the lawn adjacent to the 18^th green at Pebble Beach. My name was called and I was able to go up on stage to receive a gift card to the Pebble Beach pro shops as the prize for winning the putting competition held Tuesday night.

Saturday morning came early with an 8:30 AM Tee Time back at the Pebble Beach course. Wes Short Jr. and I had a lot of ground to make up from Friday’s round. We were up for the challenge and really took advantage of the views and experiences along the course. My family was able to watch the round and their support was much appreciated. I had a memorable birdie on hole 17 and the crowd went wild from the balcony. I finished off the round with a par on hole 18. We did not make the cut for Sunday but rather participated in the Core Values Cup at Poppy Hills. It was a best ball and scramble format similar to the Ryder Cup. I was paired with three other The First Tee participants from all over the country. We enjoyed a more relaxed environment and had fun playing together. An amazing, memorable, inspiring, exceptional, unbelievable week of meeting new people, playing golf and experiencing new things. I am very grateful for all the sponsors especially PURE Insurance and support of The First Tee who made this week all it could be.