Category: Character Education

First Tee alumni and Scholar Luke Boldt reflects on life with First Tee 

I joined First Tee when I was 4 years old. 

 My dad decided to sign my twin brother and me up because he had seen so much overlap between golf and life skills, though he may have also wanted two more people for his foursome. 

First Tee has by far had the largest ripple effects on my life – not just when I was in the program during elementary, middle, and high school – but also in college.  

The life skills and leadership taught in First Tee is unmatched compared to any other youth program in terms of not just development but also breadth. I am 100% serious when I say I took a patient education class this semester and the concept of SMART goals was taught to my class.  

Throughout my time in college, my involvement in First Tee continues to show how far ahead I am compared to my classmates in terms of leadership and life skills. 

As a First Tee alumni heading to college, I was able to attend the pre-college retreat which gave me a huge sense of relief that I could adjust quickly to the new environment and excel in my academics.   

Additionally during each winter, First Tee has hosted winter workshops, which have helped further my knowledge as an undergraduate with topics related to practical things I experience in college.  

Finally, my favorite part about being an alumnus is being able to give back to First Tee as a chaperone at national participant opportunity events.  

This past summer I was so privileged to spend a week in Montana at the Leadership Summit. As an alumnus who is still very involved with my chapter, First Tee selected me to serve as a chaperone for this event to mentor the youth who attended.  

I had such a great time getting to meet participants from all over the nation in the beautiful state of Montana.  

These are all reasons why I encourage any First Tee alumni I meet to stay involved with the program and serve their home chapters. Be willing to give back to an organization that has given you so much! 

Currently, I’m a senior at East Carolina University studying public health on the pre-medical track with a minor in leadership studies. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a full academic scholarship to my university and I owe First Tee much of the credit for helping me achieve the award. Upon graduation in May, I’m planning to take a gap year before attending medical school in hopes of becoming a reconstructive plastic surgeon.  

During my gap year, I hope to go on medical mission trips, perform clinical research, and serve my home community as an EMT. 

First Tee is an amazing organization and if a young person had never heard about First Tee, I would emphasize the diversity and accessibility of the organization.  

Whether you’re in third grade or high school, First Tee has something for you and the program continues to grow and evolve each year. First Tee gives you a chance to learn a new sport and form new friendships all the while learning practical life knowledge, core values and leadership skills that you will carry for the rest of your life.  

To parents, I can whole heartedly say I would not be the person I am today or in the place I’m currently at without the First Tee.  

If there had to be one organization I could point to that changed my life, motivated me to pursue opportunities that led to me be awarded a full ride academic scholarship to college, and allowed me to have life changing experiences, it would be First Tee. 

The RSM Classic marks Jim Ruger’s 10th anniversary as a First Tee coach

Brunswick is a beautiful place on Georgia’s historic coastal plain, but it’s not a big city. In a small community like Brunswick, it’s pretty easy to stay informed, said Jim Ruger, a coach at First Tee – Golden Isles. 

“About a month ago in the local newspaper, I saw a photo of a high school girl. I knew her from participating in our chapter through the Boys & Girls Club”, he said. “She had no golf experience, but made a sincere effort at golf and to learn the First Tee’s core values. The caption to the photo stated she earned a partial scholarship and plans to attend Mercer University and become an OBGYN.”

It’s stories like that – “and she’s not the only one that comes to mind,” Ruger said – along with the dedicated staff at First Tee – Golden Isles that have kept him engaged with the organization for a decade.

Ruger’s dad got him into golf when he was just a kid, and his passion for the sport grew when he moved from Cincinnati in 1998 to work as a legal instructor at Glynco, a federal law enforcement training facility in southeast Georgia, an area also known for its spectacular golf courses. First Tee – Golden Isles presents after school and weekend programs at many of these golf courses.

In fact, the eyes of the golf world will be on nearby Sea Island this week for The RSM Classic, a PGA TOUR event. During this week’s tournament, First Tee – Golden Isles will be operating the Youth Zone, featuring putting, inflatables and an autograph area.

Back in 2013, when First Tee – Golden Isles was just launching, the tournament played an important role in bringing Ruger into First Tee’s fold.  The RSM’s organizer, the Davis Love Foundation, reached out to tournament volunteers to see if they might be interested in getting involved with a new First Tee chapter.

Ruger had just retired and wanted to volunteer with kids. He’s since gone on to attend Level 1 coach training and more recently Level 2 coach training in Augusta. “It was really great to spend three days with coaches from other chapters to learn and share ideas,” he said.

For Ruger, the best moments as a coach often come when he’s working with a participant on a particular aspect of their game, and he starts to see them demonstrating the values they’ve learned at First Tee. And he enjoys the enthusiasm they bring to any type of competition, he said.

“Each summer, our chapter presents programs at several Boys & Girls Clubs around the county where we’ll set up nets, targets and putting greens in the gym and give them golf instruction,” he said. “At the end of the summer, each club sends four kids to a local golf club for Drive, Chip and Putt competition. They really seem to enjoy that,” he said.

“Our more experienced golfers play on a team we sponsor in the PGA Jr. League. In addition, our chapter partners with local school districts in middle school golf leagues. This gives our kids the opportunity to advance from beginner to more experienced golfers. Most rewarding, several of our participants who are now in high school volunteer coaching our youngest golfers.”

Learn more about becoming a coach.

2023 First Tee Scholar Stephen Ma reflects on his first semester of college

How long have you been in First Tee? 8+ years

How has the Scholar program positively impacted you since being selected for this year’s class?

The Scholar program has been an extension of my experience with the First Tee: I feel very supported. During our First Tee Scholars Pre-College Retreat, I learned advice from experts on how to acclimate and make an impact on campus. 

Besides bonding with the other Scholars who would be embarking on a similar adventure, I was surprised with college branded attire. Sporting my WashU shirt made me excited to begin school! 

Before I moved into my dorm, the Scholars program connected me with a mentor who works in St Louis. (I talk with her monthly and she assisted me with research for my Management 100 class case competition.)

I can’t wait to reunite with other Scholars at the Winter Workshop!

If someone had never heard about First Tee, what would you tell them?

Because I grew up with the First Tee, it’s a part of my identity. 

From First Tee, I learned life lessons and golf rules, experienced once-in-a-lifetime golf moments, received unparalleled support, and received advice from accomplished golfers.

Since I am the first in my family to play golf, I relied upon my First Tee coach and the Birdie Yardage Book to teach me golf rules. I had to learn them because when I was 10, I was called on for a false rule and accepted a one-stroke penalty. (After mastering the rules, I never lost a stroke due to my ignorance.)

More importantly, I learned to make friends older than me after hearing the “meeting and greeting” lesson. Because I was the only 5th grader to qualify for my middle school club golf team, I was hesitant at first to speak with my older (and taller) teammates. 

As I asked open ended questions, listened, and responded to their answers, it became easier to ask. Before the end of the season, these older golfers became my friends, and we still keep in touch (They even coined a nickname for me: “Ma man.”)

If it weren’t for First Tee, I would have missed out on my best life memories. With my coach’s encouragement, I applied for the national First Tee opportunity to play at Pebble Beach Golf Links as an eighth grader. 

First Tee also arranged for me to meet Jack Nicklaus – my role model ever since I wrote my fourth-grade book report on him.

I have been amazed by the unwavering support I’ve received from First Tee over the years. When the Ohio High School Athletic Association initially rejected my waiver request to play at the PURE Insurance Championship, my executive director advocated for me at the hearing. She also answered my questions for my 4-H research project and served as one of my college application recommenders. All of my First Tee coaches have been my greatest cheerleaders. 

Role models like them have inspired me to give back and help promote the game of golf. I volunteered as a golf coach for three First Tee summer camps and one winter session. Last summer I convinced my high school golf team co-captains to co-host “Pay It Forward” golf clinics to raise money to fund students to attend First Tee summer camps. This spring I posted my golf drill tips on social media as a virtual fundraiser. 

I’m grateful to the First Tee for nurturing me over the years and will continue to support it long after I graduate high school.

About First Tee College Scholarship Program

At First Tee, we believe that helping young people build strength of character is fundamental to success in life. Our active learning experiences are all about ensuring young people build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience, so when they face new challenges they are equipped to overcome them.

Going beyond our core programs, the enhanced First Tee College Scholarship Program is designed to provide further support, life skill development and mentorship of our alumni through their journey. Higher education continues to be a critical factor in unlocking opportunities for young people to thrive, and First Tee is committed to their success.

First Tee College Scholarship Program supports selected alumni throughout their college career. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. The program also provides professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. One of the key factors of the program is pairing Scholars with a dedicated adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the four years.

The program is open to graduating high school seniors planning to attend college the following year. Applicants must be active members of First Tee chapters and will be considered based on financial need, academic performance, chapter involvement, volunteerism and other criteria.

First Tee empowers 24 teenage girls through weeklong Academy made possible by John Deere

The national “Drive Your Future” event, held in San Francisco October 5-9, reinforces the organization’s commitment to empowering girls  

San Francisco – (October 2, 2023) – Twenty-four girls, ages 14-18, from First Tee chapters across the country are attending First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere in San Francisco, October 5-9. The all-female professional development academy focuses on empowering the girls to leverage opportunities available through their participation in golf and First Tee and recognize the importance of building a strong network.  

Throughout the weeklong academy, the girls will participate in interactive workshops, lead a volunteer experience, and hear from keynote speakers designed to inspire and help them as they plan for the future. Speakers, each who represent careers in STEM, include Susan Crickenberger, People & Operations at John Deere, Michelle Meyer, Managing Director of Supply Chain, Distribution & Logistics at CapTech, and First Tee alumnae Angelica Harris and Taryn Yee.

The event will be hosted at historic Lake Merced Golf Club where participants will build upon their connections and hear different perspectives from peers from around the country. Additionally, the group will have the opportunity to bond over inspiring and impactful experiences around the San Francisco area.

The event reinforces First Tee’s commitment to empowering girls through its programs, which are offered through 150 chapters in 1400 golf course locations. More than 80% of chapters offer dedicated programming for girls, intentionally inviting and engaging them in a variety of opportunities. Girls who stay in First Tee programs have the opportunity to apply for all national events, including Drive Your Future.  

“At John Deere, we run so life can leap forward,” said John Watson, project development manager, John Deere. “That includes partnering with organizations like First Tee to provide life-changing opportunities for today’s youth. It is an honor to continue the successful tradition of the Drive Your Future Academy and we are thrilled to support First Tee in developing the leaders of tomorrow.”  

The teens were selected for the Drive Your Future Academy through a national application process based on essays, letters of recommendation, and involvement in First Tee and other activities.  

“First Tee’s Drive Your Future Academy focuses on female empowerment and focuses on the leadership development of our young women,” said Jennifer Weiler, senior vice president of network relations at First Tee. “We are so grateful for John Deere’s support of this event and together, we are committed to building game changers.”

John Deere is a Trustee of First Tee and has supported the organization since 2012. 

First Tee is a youth development organization celebrating over 25 years of teaching life skills and helping kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The First Tee Drive Your Future Academy made possible by John Deere is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.   

MEDIA CONTACT:   

Megan Hart, First Tee   
[email protected] 
(904) 940-4348 

Because of First Tee – Alumna feature on Grace Kehoe 

1. Where are you today and how’d you get there? 

I am currently in my last semester of my undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University double majoring in Business Administration concentrating in Marketing and Foreign Languages and Literature concentrating in Mandarin. 

I was a Tournament Services Management intern for the 2022 Presidents Cup held at Quail Hollow Club. In 2023, I attended the Middlebury College Language School participating in an intensive language immersion program adhering to the Language Pledge, with emphasis on Chinese literature and culture. 

I hope to one day use my language proficiency to promote collaboration between the US and China while encouraging strategic stakeholder relationships and analyzing emerging markets.


2. How had First Tee positively impacted your life? 

First Tee offered a space for me to find community and mentorship. Because of First Tee, I have developed the confidence to trust my ability in navigating life. 

I have been encouraged to set goals and work towards them, always knowing I could turn to my mentors for guidance. One of these goals was to become the first participant of the First Tee of Greater Charlotte chapter to become ACE Certified. I have had the opportunity to travel to many incredible places across the US and meet wonderful people across different First Tee chapters. 

I played in the 2018 Pure Insurance Championship and attended many life skills and golf development academies. 


3. What advice would you share to participants in the program now? 

Embrace every opportunity big or small. 

Picking between my favorite memories at First Tee is impossible because walking down the fairways of immaculate and acclaimed courses around the world holds just as much weight as those walking down the fairway of Dr. Charles L. Sifford with the friends I made in my chapter. I would also say to give back to your chapter and community as much as you can. Volunteering within your chapter and neighboring chapters is a valuable experience that helps develop leadership and organizational skills. You only have so much time in your life to be a part of First Tee as a participant, make sure to embrace the connections that will last beyond that time. To this day I go to my mentors for guidance and advice as it remains helpful as life goes on

First Tee – Coachella Valley alumna and coach, Karla Garcia, on her journey with First Tee

Karla Garcia was born on March 11, 2002, in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico. 

She moved to Novillero, Nayarit at the age of 4, where she spent almost eight years with her maternal grandparents. She worked in her grandparents’ vegetable field during those years, planting, picking and selling vegetables. Karla and her older sister immigrated to the Coachella Valley in 2013 where their mother and stepfather lived. 

Karla’s stepfather enrolled her in the First Tee in the summer of 2013 when she was 11. It was there that she learned how to play golf for the first time. Karla didn’t speak English and couldn’t understand a word the coaches said to her but she enjoyed striking a small ball with a club. 

Karla started working as a lead instructor with the First Tee in 2021, and she enjoys passing on her knowledge to other young children. Karla has recently accepted the position as outreach coordinator, and she is extremely excited to be able to work and grow with First Tee. 

Karla is also a student at the College of the Desert where she is pursuing a degree in golf management. Karla intends to continue working with First Tee in order to make a positive impact on the lives of children. 

Alumna Karla Trevino shares the impact First Tee — Greater Dallas had on her journey of constant growth

A mantra I live by is when one door closes, it’s because it wasn’t meant for me. When I am redirected, I’m reminded that this is where I’m supposed to be. At 13, if you would have told me I would be playing golf I wouldn’t have believed it. Luckily enough, I was unknowingly signed up for the after-school program at my school by my dad. At first, my reaction was negative, and I told him, “Golf? Only old people play golf! I don’t want to go!” Nonetheless, I went because my dad told me to go and try it for at least two weeks. The classes were only once a week and were located at a small 9-hole course near the school. So, the first day of classes I get on the bus to go to the course and was greeted by Coach Katie and Coach Ron. I remember being shy and nervous about playing since I was one of the few girls in the session. Despite being shy I recall the coaches being welcoming and kind to me.

After the first day, I had changed my mind and wanted to keep coming back to First Tee. My mom kept taking me because one, I enjoyed playing and two, she knew it would help me in the future. Once I was consistent with the after-school class, I started attending Saturday sessions with the program at another nearby course. Here I met different coaches and other participants of the program. Sadly, the course I first started playing at was shut down and I moved to the newer course indefinitely. At the same time, I was also donated my first set of brand new golf clubs from the program because I didn’t have a set of my own. Being left-handed, the courses I played at had far and few between left-handed women golf clubs.

As the years went on, I had gone to several different courses with the program because the sessions would end with those courses. Along the way I met several coaches and other participants in the program. Come to think of it, I think I kept coming back because of the positive atmosphere when it came to learning and growing as a player in golf. Not only that, but I appreciated the kindness every participant had shown me despite being such a reserved person. By moving around different courses I also learned how to make friends which helped me learn how to blossom in new environments.

I mention a positive atmosphere because of one of my earliest memories in the program. I was being taught by Coach Ron and he had told me I had potential to grow as a player, and in that moment that was the first time I was ever told that by a mentor. The memory of that moment is so vivid that I remember I was learning how to putt on the practice green at an old course that no longer exists. Ten years later and I still hold onto that memory to this day, because it made me realize it’s important to instill positivity into mentees and that words have impact. From then on, I learned that having a good mentor, coach, or leader is much more powerful than I had even realized. Eventually, once I graduated high school, I had started my first job with the First Tee. I was a junior coach at a course by my house and this was my first experience with being a mentor for children in the program. I’m grateful for this because it showed me that I enjoy teaching children and like to find different ways to help them understand what they are learning. Today, I’ve been put into positions where I teach my peers and even my superiors.

The same year I graduated high school was the first year I applied for the First Tee – Greater Dallas Scholarship. I didn’t fully understand the importance of the scholarship because I am a first-generation college student within my family. I took it for granted and didn’t realize how much of a privilege it was to even receive the reward from my chapter. All I knew was that it was something I had to do, because it would help me pay for college. Once I received the award the first time, it hit me that this was something serious and shouldn’t be taken for granted. So, every year moving forward I made sure I turned everything in on time and got all my recommendations from mentors and professors I had over the years.

When I first started attending Tarleton State University, I had changed my major from nursing to environmental engineering after my first year. After my first semester, I made the dean’s list for perfect grades. As for the reason I switched from nursing to environmental engineering, I truthfully wanted to change the narrative that there aren’t many Latinas in STEM, and I wanted a different challenge that involved being outside because I love nature.

In my second year, the first semester I was the president of a Latina-founded sorority and in several other clubs. Yet, in the spring semester, the COVID-19 pandemic had begun and most of my classes had gone virtual. At this point, none of the clubs were active and I was no longer president. That following fall, all my classes were online, and I failed every single class. With classes being online, I felt as though I didn’t have the self-discipline that I have now that would’ve allowed me to pass those courses – let alone taking math or engineering courses online. I am a student who must be in the classroom to learn efficiently. Failing an entire semester was the lowest point in my college career. Although slowly but surely, with each following semester I finally got to a point where I didn’t fail any classes.

Due to failing that entire semester, my graduation had been pushed back further than I expected. So, I retook all the classes I had failed and had the best semester of my college career in the fall of 2022. The highlight of one of my hardest classes was making a 100 on a midterm for water resources. I mention this because two years prior I would’ve never imagined myself scoring that high in an engineering course. Thankfully, throughout my time in engineering courses, I had made friends who all wanted each other to succeed. I’m more than grateful for the group of friends I made in the engineering program because it was such a positive environment. We all wanted each other to grow in school and in the real world. Honestly, if it wasn’t for my group of friends I made, I wouldn’t have gotten through the engineering program as smoothly. Not to mention, the two professors in the program that taught me throughout my degree. Both have seen me grow as a student and person, as well as seen me fail and succeed. Anytime I had a question they were there for me and always uplifted me when I didn’t feel accomplished.

While in college I had several internships, and my first internship was in a lab on campus. Here, I learned how to test water for bacteria from wells in the nearby area. After this, I got my first engineering internship in Brownwood for the Texas Department of Transportation where I learned how to make maps for the state using a program called ArcGIS Pro. From my time in Brownwood, the next year I decided to intern again through TxDOT but in the Galveston office. In Galveston, I learned how to design projects that would be put out within the next couple years. It was even more interesting because I was working on a project that involved the road I drove on to go to work every day. I say that it’s interesting because I felt like I was working towards something that would impact the community I lived in, in a positive way.

Currently, my adult aspirations include graduating with my bachelor’s in environmental engineering and receiving my licensure to become a professional civil engineer in environmental and water resources. Being a First Tee participant has helped me complete my bachelors by providing the opportunity to receive the First Tee Scholarship of the Greater Dallas chapter. Along with the tools to make long-lasting connections and being able to persevere despite hardship. Playing golf at a young age taught me patience early in my life and that good things truly take time when it comes to my goals and aspirations. I’ve had many mentors in my life and have even come to a point where I’ve become a mentor to people in my life. I know I’m only just starting when it comes to my career, and I can’t wait to see what else is in store for me. I enjoy being in a state of constant growth because that means I’m where I’m supposed to be.

PURE Insurance Championship: Golf has been a constant for Bella Villarin 

Bella Villarin has plenty of experience writing the news. But next week, she’ll be making it as a participant in the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, a PGA TOUR Champions event that will air on Golf Channel. 

A senior at Coronado High School, Bella is a First Tee – San Diego participant and captain of her school’s golf team. She took up the sport 13 years ago and now boasts a +0.8 handicap. Bella is also an accomplished journalist, having published more than 200 articles as an intern for The Coronado Times.

Now 17, Bella has already traveled the globe and experienced diverse cultures. 

She originally joined First Tee – Hampton Roads in Virginia when she was 4, but later her family moved to Singapore where her father was stationed for the military. The four years Bella spent in Singapore were longer than she had ever lived in one spot, and returning to the U.S. was difficult, she said. 

“There were vast differences between Singapore and San Diego. The food, the people, the weather – nearly every aspect of our lives were brand new,” she said. 

However, one thing carried through: Bella continued to play golf in each of the places she lived.

Bella became involved with First Tee – San Diego when her family moved back to the U.S. through her cousin, Reece, who is a First Tee – San Diego and Harvard alumna. One of the things Bella has enjoyed most about First Tee is getting to meet kids from different backgrounds. She’s met participants from Somalia to Ukraine, and she’s been able to serve as a mentor and mentee.

“I have made countless friendships and lifelong relationships with fellow golfers, coaches and volunteers,” she said.

Off the golf course, Bella completed more than 100 hours of community service in 2022, and she volunteers with the American Red Cross. She is also president of her school’s Days for Girls Club, which supports women and girls in developing countries by creating reusable feminine hygiene products that allow them to attend school during their menstrual cycles. 

Along with the other 79 First Tee participants in the tournament this week, be sure to cheer on Bella as she competes in her first PURE Insurance Championship. 

Learn more about the PURE Insurance Championship.

A gratitude letter to Arthur Blank from First Tee participant Nathan Vertes 

Dear Mr. Blank, 

Hello, my name is Nathan Vertes. I was honored to participate in the 2023 First Tee PGA TOUR Superstore Leadership Summit last week at your beautiful West Creek Ranch and felt like I needed to follow up on my thank you note. I have never seen such a beautiful place. I met wonderful people, experienced awe inspiring adventures, took risks and learned many new skills. When I was asked to participate in the Leadership Series at your PGA TOUR Superstore last spring, I had no idea how much it would help me for my volunteer mission with a nonprofit called Project Zawadi. The five-week Leadership Series gave me some answers I was seeking and helped me dig deeper into myself to come up with new ideas that I could implement. After the Montana Leadership Summit, I am even more motivated and realize how I CAN make a better, larger impact now and far into the future. 

I became involved with Project Zawadi when I was in 7th grade, about 5 and a half years ago. One day my mom and I stopped at a park and saw a lady named Rhonda Barona getting aluminum cans out of the garbage. With my curiosity piqued, I asked her what she was doing and she said that she was helping build schools in Tanzania. She mentioned that there were 150 boys with only one teacher, writing in the dirt with sticks due to lack of educational material, and that girls didn’t attend because they had to walk for water all day. Project Zawadi made it possible for all the kids to attend school by building classrooms and school facilities and donating supplies. Last year, they installed pipelines in four villages for running water. Many of the kids walk five miles to school each day and are required to pick up two sticks so they can build a fire to cook their one meal for the day. The teachers and students planted gardens so they can feed themselves and provide surplus food to their families. 

Since 7th grade, I have been collecting aluminum cans out of recycling bins in the neighborhoods around our house. Along with Rhonda, we take them to the recycling center and get $.50-.60 cents per pound. Last year was our best year yet and we collected 4,000 pounds of cans, which was a little over $2,000.

Originally, I figured collecting cans was a way to make money without asking people for donations, but as I was getting older and busier I realized it is too time consuming with endless hours of gathering, crushing and delivering cans for little return. To be successful in my school work, sports and other philanthropy ventures, I needed to work smarter. My tactics evolved throughout the years, and I was always looking for ways to do better. For instance, last year I spoke to the manager of Madison Green Golf course, where my high school practiced and they gathered cans for me for a short time until it took too much time from their workers and needed to stop. I was appreciative for the help they gave me. 

After the Leadership Series, many of the exercises we did started triggering more ideas for me. I felt more confident and became more vocal in asking for donations. In several instances it led to people giving me donations. In the summers, we spend time in Michigan, a state that has a mandatory $.10 deposit on cans. With this in mind, I created and distributed flyers, and people provided me with cans by the bag full, making significantly more money than in Florida. I turned to social media, and with my posts, more and more people started saving their cans for me. I approached businesses and started writing to foundations. Obtaining a larger donation hasn’t panned out yet, but thanks to the values learned at the Leadership Summit, I know perseverance is key and that I will be successful in these endeavors.

I look forward to one day visiting the schools so I can volunteer in person. I realize how lucky I am to live in America, where education is a basic right. Every child in the world deserves an education and to have all of their basic needs met so they can learn skills to help lift themselves out of poverty. By working hard, going to college, networking on the golf course and having a successful career, I will be able to help a lot more kids. For right now, I will be bold and keep taking action by working hard and doing my best. I really appreciate all that First Tee and your organization has taught me and I will work toward becoming a person who can give back more and more throughout my life. Thank you for being such a blessing to all of us young golfers and to so many people! 

Sincerely,

Nathan Vertes 
First Tee – Florida Gold Coast

How golf helped First Tee – Manhattan’s Tate Reid through difficult times 

Tate Reid started playing golf with his dad when he was just a toddler. Now he’s a high school junior preparing to play with professionals at the PURE Insurance Championship, where 80 First Tee juniors will play alongside PGA TOUR Champions players at Pebble Beach. 

He’s excited and a little nervous, he said. “Getting to experience playing with PGA TOUR Champions pros on these amazing courses, that’s what I’m looking forward to,” said Tate. 

Tate is a junior coach at First Tee – Manhattan, where he shares his love for the sport with younger participants.  

“I think I just enjoy the desire to get better and improve yourself,” he said. “When you hit good shots, it’s fun. You just keep coming back for that feeling.” 

Golf helped Tate get through a difficult time when he was younger. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age 8, just a month after moving to Manhattan, Kansas. He went through over three years of chemotherapy but is now in remission. “Golf just made me feel like a normal kid again,” he said. 

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which was created to highlight the importance of investing in lifesaving research and supporting those families who’ve been touched by the disease. Acknowledging his own experience is important to Tate because he believes it might help children in the future. 

Tate’s mom said First Tee – Manhattan was a safe place for her son during his illness. “It’s such a great program,” Amy Reid said. “It doesn’t matter your level as far as skills, everyone is so encouraging. When Tate was in treatment, we had to be careful with him being exposed to germs and his coaches were fantastic about keeping an extra eye on him.” 

She’s proud of how Tate has overcome challenges but not let them define him, she said. “He’s kind of a quiet old soul, super responsible guy who doesn’t like to have the spotlight on him but works hard and excels at what he does,” she said. 

In addition to golf – Tate has an +0.1 handicap and works at a local golf course – he also plays trumpet as section leader in the pep band. 

You can watch Tate and the full field of 80 juniors competing in the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship on Golf Channel, Sept. 22-24.  

Against all odds: Esther Etherington’s journey to collegiate golf  

Esther Etherington is a First Tee Scholar, a collegiate golfer at Franklin College and an inspiration for athletes everywhere.  

She was born prematurely at 26 weeks, weighing less than 2 pounds and blind in her right eye. Esther spent the first two months of her life in the NICU, where she survived heart surgery at just three weeks old.  

She spent much of her early years in that hospital, and a tumor was found in her bronchial tube when she was 5 years old. As a result, a third of her right lung was removed and Esther would spend the next five years of her life returning to the hospital for check-ups. 

Despite all odds, Esther joined First Tee – Indiana when she was 12 years old and not only fell in love with golf but thrived in it.  

She overcame obstacles many golfers never have to think about, like needing a range finder for every shot due to limited depth perception, but quickly rose through the ranks and held the No. 1 spot on the Richmond Bowie High School team for three years. Her determination brought her to state twice, in addition to four sectional team championship wins and three all-conference selections. She set her mind to her goals, and nothing could stop her from achieving them.  

Esther’s success both on and off the golf course is undeniable.  

In 2021 she was recognized by the Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association and awarded the Mitchel J. Winger Courage Award. This award recognizes an individual each year who has contributed to the success of their high school golf program and overcame a physical impairment or medical condition. Esther was the first recipient in her high school’s history. Although the award recognizes her accomplishments in golf, all anyone could talk about was how incredible she was as a teammate and person.  

After making waves in her high school golf community Esther still wasn’t finished.  

She recently finished her first year of collegiate golf at Franklin College where she was awarded WGCA (Women’s Golf Coaches Association) All-American Scholar Honors. At a tournament in April, she scored a new career-low round and topped the Franklin College leaderboard.  

For Esther, the sky is the limit.  

Esther was chosen as a member of the 2022 First Tee Scholar class where she is awarded up to $5,000 per year towards tuition and paired with a mentor to help guide her through college. Esther is using this to pursue an undergraduate degree in elementary education with the eventual goal of receiving a graduate degree in special education.   

Esther has been overcoming challenges since she was born and has done so with grace and resilience.  

As a mentor in her community and First Tee Scholar, she continues to inspire all those who encounter her. First Tee is proud to recognize all that Esther has accomplished thus far and celebrate everything she will accomplish in her future.  

Women’s Equality Day: First Tee – Greater Austin alumna Zayla White is paving the way for women’s golf  

Zayla White joined First Tee – Greater Austin when she was 8 years old at a time when golf was largely male dominated.  

When her parents first enrolled her in camps, she was one of few girls there, but she didn’t let that deter her and took an almost immediate liking to golf.  

“I thought it was so cool that you can be your own boss. All the work you put in is a direct correlation to what you see on the course. You can take ownership of your own success,” said Zayla.  

Many of the people she met in that first camp are still her friends to this day and have supported her from that initial day on the course.  

As she moved through the program, Zayla got to see the growth of girls golf firsthand. According to the National Golf Foundation, the percentage of women golfers has increased by more than 20% since 2000, and girls like Zayla have been paving the way.  

Through golf Zayla found her dream school, Savannah College of Art and Design, where she plays on the collegiate golf team.  

“Getting a scholarship into college [for golf] is one of the biggest things that I don’t think I would’ve been able to do without First Tee. Every area of my life has been touched by First Tee and golf in some way,” said Zayla.  

Zayla is a rising senior this year and continues to pave the way for young golfers following in her footsteps.  

“It’s not uncommon for me to be one of the only girls at the range and definitely one of the only women of color. More and more I’m seeing young girls get into it and more and more girls like me,” said Zayla.  

“Breaking those stereotypes and saying, ‘Yes, I’m a young woman of color in this game and that’s okay.’ We can still succeed and break down these barriers. Being a little bit of representation for some of the younger people who might not know that it’s possible to get into golf is really important.” 

Zayla still volunteers at First Tee – Greater Austin where she grew up whenever she is home in the summers, especially in their programs aimed at young women.  

When asked what advice she has for that next generation of girls pursuing golf she said, “You can be one of the first in your community or one of the first people to break a barrier. Getting into it and knowing you can be comfortable in something new is important.”   

 Zayla is studying industrial design and will start her senior thesis soon. She hopes to incorporate golf into it as she looks towards the end of her college golf career. Her priorities now are enjoying her final year with the girls on her team and making it to nationals, again. 

There’s no doubt in her mind golf will continue to play a large part in her life even after she closes out her final year.  

“When I first showed up to golf camp when I was 8, I was really scared, I didn’t think it would turn out this way. Trust yourself and have the confidence that whatever comes your way you are prepared, and you might find some unexpected surprises in your life,” she said.