Across the country, participants from First Tee chapters are learning valuable life lessons to help them overcome obstacles. John Scott Senz is one of those success stories.
The 19-year-old teen from First Tee of Contra Costa was born with cerebral palsy, but refused to let the disorder become a limiting factor in the pursuit of his dreams. Embracing the values and life skills of First Tee, like self-confidence and perseverance, John Scott is now an active competitor on the Concord High School golf team, and has experienced tremendous success at the Special Olympics, being crowned a two-time champion. In his spare time, he inspires the next generation of golfers to reach their goals and dreams by teaching golf fundamentals and life lessons at the First Tee’s junior camps.
John Scott not only serves as a tremendous example of what it means to persevere, but his service to his community functions as a benchmark that others can hope to attain. John Scott is everything First Tee says you can be.
See John Scott’s story in action.
If you are interested in making a donation to support participants like John Scott, click here.
It’s an opportunity many only ever dream about: playing Augusta National Golf Club. Five of The First Tee participants have realized that dream, earning invitations to compete in the fifth annual Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals, held at the famed golf course. This year’s competition will take place on Sunday, April 1, prior to the start of the Masters Tournament.
The First Tee is represented by all females at the 2018 Drive, Chip, & Putt finals:
Participant
Chapter
Division
Raylee Bosley
The First Tee of Greater Houston
Girls 7-9
Danica Lundgren
The First Tee of Greater Austin
Girls 10-11
Allyn Stephens
The First Tee of Greater Houston
Girls 12-13
Elise Deschaine
The First Tee of Greater Portland
Girls 14-15
Megha Ganne
The First Tee of Metropolitan New York
Girls 14-15
Elise Deschaine qualifies for the Drive, Chip, & Putt finals – Watch her story on Golf Channel
A joint initiative by the Masters Tournament, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the PGA of America, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is a free, nationwide youth golf development initiative open to girls and boys ages 7-15 – competing in separate divisions in four age categories. The competition focuses on the three fundamental skills employed in golf and taps the creative and competitive spirit of young golfers.
Competing in the National Championship is no easy task. The road to Augusta began with local qualifying in May, June, and July, held at more than 260 sites throughout the United States. The top three scorers per venue, in each of the four age categories in separate boys and girls divisions, advanced to 50 subregional qualifiers in July and August. Two juniors in each age and gender division then competed at the regional level in September and October.
The top finisher from each regional site’s age/gender divisions – a total of 80 finalists – earned a place in the National Finals, which will be broadcast live on Golf Channel.
Junior Golf Programs Through The First Tee
Founded by golf’s governing bodies—the LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA—The First Tee has been changing the sport of golf for more than 20 years. By making the game fun, inclusive and affordable, The First Tee has introduced golf to more than 15 million kids since 1997, changing their lives along the way. More than 1,000 PGA & LPGA teaching professionals and 25,000 volunteers work together to empower and teach kids The First Tee’s Nine Core Values: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgment.
Find a location near you
Golf Channel host Damon Hack with interns (L-R): Lauren Conder, Drake Mosley and Kayla Jackson
By Chris Hybl
Golf Channel, The First Tee’s proud media partner, has given threealumni of The First Tee a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity this summer–a 12-week summer internship at the Golf Channel studios in Orlando! The program allows these junior golfers to gain first-hand experience in their respective areas, while developing work samples for their personal portfolio. Continue reading “Golf Channel Gives Three Alumni Chance of a Lifetime”
Across the country, participants from First Tee chapters are learning valuable life lessons to help them overcome obstacles. John Scott Senz is one of those success stories.
The 19-year-old teen from First Tee of Contra Costa was born with cerebral palsy, but refused to let the disorder become a limiting factor in the pursuit of his dreams. Embracing the values and life skills of First Tee, like self-confidence and perseverance, John Scott is now an active competitor on the Concord High School golf team, and has experienced tremendous success at the Special Olympics, being crowned a two-time champion. In his spare time, he inspires the next generation of golfers to reach their goals and dreams by teaching golf fundamentals and life lessons at the First Tee’s junior camps.
John Scott not only serves as a tremendous example of what it means to persevere, but his service to his community functions as a benchmark that others can hope to attain. John Scott is everything First Tee says you can be.
See John Scott’s story in action.
If you are interested in making a donation to support participants like John Scott, click here. 
It’s an opportunity many only ever dream about: playing 
