First Tee continues to enhance program with updates to Ace capstone project 

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (Feb. 5, 2024) – For more than 25 years, First Tee has been helping kids and teens learn important life skills through golf. A lot has changed during that time, and First Tee has grown to meet the needs of children and families. The nonprofit worked with Bridgespan to evaluate its curriculum in 2019, and over the last five years, has rolled out updated branding and technology, including new apps for First Tee coaches and participants. Now, the latest step in this evolution includes revisions to the Ace Program, First Tee’s capstone project for teens. 

Thinking about the future can be intimidating, especially for teens who do not know what it holds or where to start.​ Ace is all about helping high schoolers game-plan for the future, encouraging them to use the values they developed at First Tee as they uncover their strengths, passions and priorities. 

“Growing up, I always had the general idea that I wanted to do well in school and in golf, but the thought of juggling both areas felt overwhelming,” said First Tee – Silicon Valley alumna Michelle Xie, a former collegiate golfer who now works as a software engineer. “Taking the time during the Ace program to not only define my specific goals, but also define the steps to achieve those goals made everything feel so much more attainable and under my control.” 

To achieve Ace, participants must complete four major projects centered on community service, career planning, education and golf, which are then reviewed by a national committee. The process is guided by trained coaches who mentor each Ace candidate. Participants must complete a minimum 48 hours of community service to achieve Ace, with at least half that time dedicated to a cause outside of First Tee. 

Ace was revised with feedback from First Tee chapters across the country. The most significant change includes updates to the golf project. Participants can now choose between competitive and social tracks depending on their future aspirations. One of the program’s central tenets is the belief that there is not one path to success.  

“We have been proud of the Ace Program and the many graduates we have had over the years. With these updates, we feel the program will become even more relevant and accessible to teens,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. 

Ace is open to all First Tee high schoolers who have been involved with the organization for at least three years. It typically takes one to two years to complete. 

PING to support First Tee’s efforts to make golf, character education more accessible for future generations

PING will support First Tee headquarters and local chapters through its donation.

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. and Phoenix, Ariz. – (Jan. 31, 2024) – Youth development organization First Tee is pleased to announce that PING, a premier golf equipment manufacturer, has signed on to support the nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to prepare the next generation for life on and off the golf course.

“We are very pleased to support the First Tee at the Trustee level,” said Stacey Solheim Pauwels, PING Executive Vice President. “Junior golf has always been important to PING and the Solheim family. Golf is a game that can be enjoyed throughout a lifetime and it teaches so many positive character-building lessons. Having the opportunity to play golf in your youth is a great advantage for an individual’s future, both in the game and in business. From a young age, my father and uncle, Allan and John Solheim, encouraged my brothers, cousins and I to play golf and we are forever grateful for the experience and friendships we still maintain from those early years. Over the course of the past decades, we have seen tremendous growth of the First Tee nationally as well as at our Phoenix chapter. We’ve had the opportunity to view first-hand its effective programing, outreach and the outstanding youth it has developed both in the game of golf and beyond. We look forward to playing a part in furthering the mission of the First Tee.”

A portion of PING’s donation will support ongoing education for staff and volunteers from First Tee’s 150 chapters across the globe. First Tee also offers programming at more than 11,000 schools and 2,000 youth centers, as well as national participant events, a college scholarship program and a vast network of alumni.

“We are excited to partner with PING, an organization that is committed to innovation, service and quality,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “The needs of kids and families have evolved over the last 27 years and so has First Tee. We are grateful to PING for supporting our commitment to providing valuable learning experiences to children and teens from all backgrounds.”

With the support of Trustees like PING, First Tee uses golf as a vehicle to instill life skills and values in the kids and teens it serves. Through its character-building curriculum delivered by trained coaches, First Tee aims to prepare children for life, whatever they go on to do.

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Over more than 25 years, First Tee has reached millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.  

About PING
PING designs, manufactures and markets a complete line of golf equipment including metal woods, irons, wedges, putters and golf bags. The family-owned company was founded in 1959 in the garage of the late Karsten Solheim, a mechanical engineer with an extensive background in the aerospace and computer industries. His frustration with his putting inspired him to design his own putter, which created a “pinging” sound when striking a golf ball. This sound was the source of the name now synonymous with innovation, quality and service throughout the world of golf. Solheim and his company are credited with numerous innovations that became industry standards, including perimeter weighting, custom fitting and the use of investment casting in the manufacturing of golf clubs.  His insistence on adhering to strict engineering principles and tight manufacturing tolerances raised the level of product performance and quality throughout the golf industry.  Solheim is the only person to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame as a golf club manufacturer. Today, the Phoenix-based company is under the direction of Solheim’s grandson, John K. Solheim, who leads a team of more than 800 dedicated employees committed to helping improve the games of golfers around the world.

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PGA TOUR player Alex Smalley joins First Tee as ambassador

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (Jan. 18, 2024) – First Tee is pleased to announce that PGA TOUR player Alex Smalley has joined the nonprofit youth development organization as its newest ambassador.

In the role, Smalley will display the First Tee logo on his golf bag and promote the organization to help reach more kids and families with its character-building curriculum. 

Smalley had some experience with First Tee as a youth in North Carolina, but his professional connection to the organization began in 2023, when he played with three First Tee alumni during the pro-am at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte. Smalley, who lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, also donated equipment to First Tee – Central Carolina. In his expanded role, Smalley will engage with First Tee participants both virtually and at tournaments, including at this week’s The American Express Golf Tournament at La Quinta Country Club in California, where Smalley and First Tee will formally kick off the partnership.

“Golf has had an incredible impact on my life,” Smalley said. “First Tee not only makes golf more accessible to kids from all backgrounds, but it also prepares children and teens for life beyond the golf course. I have had the opportunity to meet First Tee participants and alumni, and I have seen how the program has touched their lives. That is why I am excited to get involved.”

Smalley was a collegiate golf star at Duke University, where he was named ACC Scholar Athlete of the Year in 2019. Smalley has represented the U.S. in the Walker and Palmer cups and has seven Top 10 finishes on the PGA TOUR, including his runner-up turn at the 2023 John Deere Classic. He finished No. 54 on the 2023 FedEx Cup in his sophomore season on the PGA TOUR.

Smalley joins Austin Smotherman, First Tee’s first official ambassador, in formally representing the organization. Smotherman is a professional golfer and First Tee – Greater Sacramento alumnus.

“We are excited that Alex has agreed to become a First Tee Ambassador and sees the impact that First Tee is having on young people today,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “We know that playing on the PGA TOUR is demanding and the fact Alex is giving of his time to help the next generation speaks volumes about his own character, and we are pleased to partner with him.”

First Tee’s mission is to provide character-building experiences to kids from all backgrounds, using golf to teach life skills and values that children and teens will carry with them throughout their lives.

28 First Tee teens to develop impactful community service projects during Innovators Forum featuring Billy Horschel

Up to $32,000 in scholarships will be awarded to participants whose projects generate the greatest impact

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – (Nov. 9, 2023) – Twenty-eight exemplary teens from across the U.S. will attend the First Tee Innovators Forum in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home of the PGA TOUR, from Nov. 9-12. Each student will spend four days conceptualizing an original community service project with guidance from First Tee and its partners. Participants will then implement the projects when they return home, with the opportunity to earn a share of up to $32,000 to support future educational pursuits.

During the event, participants will hear from seven-time PGA TOUR winner Billy Horschel, who has demonstrated his commitment to growing diversity in golf and supporting his neighbors in northeast Florida through his own philanthropic endeavors. The teens will participate in interactive workshops and small breakout sessions covering a variety of topics including education, healthcare advocacy and programming. 

They will also learn about sustainability on an eco-cruise through the estuaries of nearby St. Augustine with support from TruGreen and receive counsel on their projects from technology consulting firm CapTech, both First Tee Trustees.

Parts of the event will take place at PGA TOUR Global Home and TPC Sawgrass. The purpose of the event is to encourage participants to become innovators in their respective communities, culminating with each teen presenting the plans for their project.

“Our participants have produced creative and impactful community service projects since this event launched – addressing issues like food insecurity and environmental sustainability – and we look forward to seeing what this group of impressive teens will uncover throughout the event week,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Thank you to Doug MacKenzie for making this event possible, and for our partners CapTech and TruGreen for participating in the experience.”

The 28 teens attending the forum were selected based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation.   

First Tee is a youth development organization teaching life skills and helping kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The First Tee Innovators Forum is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward high school graduation.

For more information, visit FirstTee.org.   

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)  

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of kids and teens through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.  

2023 First Tee Awards Presented by Golf Digest: Meet the winners who are supporting young people, spreading love of golf

Golf Digest, a Trustee of First Tee, will contribute a total of $100,000 to the four chapters the winners represent through a renewed partnership kicking off this year

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and New York, N.Y. – (Nov. 1, 2023) – First Tee and Golf Digest are proud to announce the winners of the 2023 First Tee Awards Presented by Golf Digest. Since 1997, First Tee has grown into a preeminent youth development organization seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum. In 2022, First Tee impacted more than 3.4 million kids and teens, thanks largely to the dedication of more than 10,000 adults – volunteers, coaches, teachers, staff and board members – across its network. The First Tee Awards in Partnership with Golf Digest recognize the committed adults and chapters going above and beyond to support kids in their communities.

The winners of the 2023 First Tee Awards are:

First Tee – Greater Trenton (Barbara Douglas & Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award)
This award recognizes the chapter that demonstrates outstanding commitment to promoting diversity at its chapter and in its community. More than 35% of First Tee – Greater Trenton’s participants are on scholarship, and 47% of participants are girls – one of the highest rates of female participation in the First Tee network. Nearly 70% of the chapter’s staff and board members, and 100% of the chapter’s executive committee, are ethnically diverse. 

Ariel Brown, First Tee – Savannah (Teacher of the Year Award)
This award highlights an outstanding teacher who has gone above and beyond in delivering the First Tee School Program. Brown is a First Tee alumna and was the first volunteer coach at First Tee – Savannah when the chapter relaunched in summer 2021. Brown is an elementary teacher at a small Christian school in downtown Savannah founded and operated by her parents. The Title 1 school serves 100% minority students, and Brown offers First Tee programming there on Fridays.

Bill & Kim Allen, First Tee – Delaware (Tim Finchem Leadership Award)
This award recognizes an individual’s service, leadership and commitment to the mission of First Tee. The Allens operated a transitional school, where First Tee – Delaware offered weekly programming for more than 17 years. They have raised more than $200,000 in financial support for the chapter and have made important introductions on behalf of the chapter, bringing its current board chair, business leaders and standout participants into the fold. 

Bob Sobecki, First Tee – Lake Erie (George H.W. Bush Volunteer of the Year Award)
This award recognizes a volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional service and commitment to First Tee. “He was here when we were a small chapter operating classes at public courses in rural Ohio. He was there when we were coaching classes behind schools with SNAG equipment to ensure we served our urban community. He was there when we opened our facility and began offering classes to more and more children in the greater Toledo area,” said First Tee – Lake Erie program director Alison Feehan.

The First Tee Awards are distributed annually, but this marks the first year Golf Digest has supported the initiative. Thanks to its generosity, each of the winning chapters will receive $25,000 to support their efforts.

“Our coaches, chapter staff, board members, teachers and volunteers are essential to the work of our organization,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to Golf Digest for helping us recognize their contributions in a meaningful way. Congratulations to our 2023 award winners and thank you for your dedication to First Tee and our mission.”

Golf Digest, a longtime supporter of First Tee, renewed its commitment to the organization in 2023.

“Golf Digest could not be more excited to support the First Tee in recognizing the people and chapters that are at the forefront of growing the game and building our next generation of Game Changers,” said Golf Digest’s General Manager, Chris Reynolds. “Congratulations to the 2023 award winners and thank you for your tireless commitment to the First Tee.”

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)  
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.  

About Golf Digest
Golf Digest is the worldwide authority on how to play, what to play, and where to play. Golf Digest’s aim is to enhance the enjoyment of all facets of the game – making its readers better players, smarter consumers and more discerning travelers, while offering informative and provocative stories that fuel the unending conversation that is golf. Visit www.golfdigest.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:   

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

Tony Morreale, WBD Sports – Golf Digest
[email protected]
(404) 575-7401

USGA and First Tee award 2023 IDEA grants to local youth programs

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J., and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 4, 2023) – The USGA is awarding its latest round of IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility) grants to 27 First Tee chapters across America, building upon a longstanding commitment to create a more accessible game and impact communities through golf.

From supporting chapters in major urban markets, mountainous regions and predominantly Hispanic communities to targeting low-income families across the country, the USGA and First Tee aim to level the playing field by providing club-in-hand experiences to every junior who wants to play golf and benefit from the character-building lessons the sport provides.

In 2023, chapters selected will receive up to $15,000 to provide transportation, hire diverse coaches, train volunteers and build programs in diverse communities, among other activities. USGA grant funding, which totals $200,000, will enhance grassroots efforts that help break down barriers of entry.

“It’s important that we don’t let up on our efforts to drive greater diversity and inclusion at the junior level,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “By meeting youths within their schools and communities, and collaborating closely with our industry partners, we are opening up more pathways at a critical entry point into the game.”

IDEA grants will support many chapter initiatives, including:

  • First Tee – Central Carolina, located near Winston-Salem, N.C., will extend its programming from eight months to year-round by hosting Golf and Grades, an after-school tutoring and golf initiative, at indoor and outdoor facilities. The chapter also supports six paid summer internship positions for HBCU golfers that offer valuable instructional opportunities, access to practice facilities and hands-on experience at the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship.
  • The first chapter in its region, First Tee – Greater Tallahassee (Fla.) engages students in Title 1 schools and predominantly low-income communities by supplying equipment and training physical education teachers to lead in-class activities, while also offering after-school programs and summer camps. The chapter hosts a golf camp and two DE&I Community Field Days in collaboration with Florida A&M University, an HBCU, with transportation and meals provided for participants.
  • Through a series of instructional sessions, First Tee – Central Coast offers children from People’s Self Help Housing in Guadalupe, Calif., their first exposure to the game. Over 20 participants from low-income households are invited to two-hour, off-course classes prior to taking lessons on-course at Santa Maria Country Club and Blacklake Golf Course, where they have access to the practice facilities and are able to play a hole of golf.
  • In partnership with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, First Tee – Phoenix engages local Latinx youth through a series of outreach initiatives in addition to hiring a translator and hosting listening sessions and focus groups. The chapter also provides clinics tailored toward Latinx families and events around Día Del Niño.
  • More than 70 percent of youths in the First Tee – Metropolitan New York’s service area come from traditionally underserved communities. The chapter plans to use its funding to help provide full scholarships for youths from the NYC Housing Authority, Mosholu Montefiore and other community centers.
  • First Tee – Virginia Blue Ridge is working to make golf more welcoming and inclusive by providing opportunities for kids to try the game without an intimidation factor. Following the successful launch of putting league competitions at a local putt-putt fun center, the chapter plans to use grant funds to improve the league and establish additional community partnerships that help to reach underserved populations.
  • First Tee – Monterey County (Calif.) has identified a growing number of children considered homeless in its area and hopes to inspire and engage these youths with new programs. The chapter plans to allow 25 participants to travel to King City Golf Course, which it assumed management of in 2022, where they will participate in four, two-hour clinics with a PGA instructor. Following the program, the students will take a field trip to Pebble Beach Golf Academy and participate in a clinic hosted by academy director Laird Small.

The USGA IDEA Grant program was established in 2021, building off the strength of more than 20 years of partnership between First Tee and the USGA. Since its inception, 72 grants have been distributed to 46 chapters across 30 states, helping connect more diverse young people to the game and to First Tee’s character-empowering programs.

The full list of 2023 USGA IDEA Grant recipients is as follows:

First Tee — Central ArkansasFirst Tee — Louisville (Ky.)
First Tee — Central Carolina (N.C.)First Tee — Massachusetts
First Tee — Central Coast (Calif.)First Tee — Metropolitan New York
First Tee — Central Mississippi First Tee — Monterey County (Calif.)
First Tee — Denver (Colo.)First Tee — Orange County (Calif.)
First Tee — Greater Charleston (S.C.)First Tee — Phoenix (Ariz.)
First Tee — Greater Pasadena (Calif.)First Tee — Sandhills (N.C.)
First Tee — Greater Philadelphia (Pa.)First Tee — South Central Wisconsin
First Tee — Greater Richmond (Va.)First Tee — South Dakota
First Tee — Greater Wichita (Kan.) First Tee — Southern Colorado 
First Tee — IndianaFirst Tee — Tallahassee (Fla.)
First Tee — Inland Empire (Calif.)First Tee — Virginia Blue Ridge
First Tee — Lake Erie (Ohio)First Tee — West Michigan
First Tee — Los Angeles (Calif.)

IDEA Grant applications were open to all First Tee chapters in the United States, with preference given to those affiliated with one of the USGA’s 58 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs). Located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, AGAs provide USGA resources and services at the community level – helping to increase engagement and participation and improving the golfer experience.

In 2022, 3.4 million juniors played on a golf course – the highest level since 2006 – with studies indicating that this golfer segment continues to be more diverse than the overall golf population. Programs like First Tee and initiatives such as IDEA grants play an important role in that growth, underscoring the need to direct funding toward grassroots efforts.

A recent study conducted by First Tee and Harris Poll highlights the importance of exposing youths from underrepresented backgrounds to golf and similar extracurricular activities in their character development. Eighty percent of parents surveyed stated that participation in extracurricular activities is more about development than recreational activity, with 76 percent also identifying golf as helpful in building character and teaching life skills. 

“First Tee is proud to not only introduce kids to the great game of golf, but also to provide fun and safe spaces for young people to build self-confidence, overcome challenges and grow as leaders,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The USGA has been an important partner of First Tee since our inception, and we are grateful for their ongoing support to help us reach kids from underrepresented and underserved communities.”

Additional research from the Harris Poll indicates that black and lower-income families participate in extracurricular activities at lower rates, creating a greater need for initiatives like IDEA grants that help break down barriers to entry. First Tee aims to make programming accessible to families through scholarships and other special programs.

About the USGA
The USGA celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment and amateur status rules. Our operating jurisdiction for these governance functions is the United States, its territories and Mexico. The USGA Handicap System is utilized in more than 40 countries and our Course Rating System covers 95 percent of the world’s golf courses, enabling all golfers to play on an equitable basis. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.     

Stewart, Casolari win Pro-Junior titles at 2023 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2023) – After a week of competition and mentorship, Alyssa Stewart and Brayden Casolari are the junior winners of the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded Sunday at Pebble Beach. 

Alyssa Stewart representing First Tee – Greater Dallas and paired with Justin Leonard, and Brayden Casolari representing First Tee – Pine Mountain and paired with Brian Gay, claimed the female and male Pro-Junior titles, respectively. Stewart and Leonard finished 28-under, while Casolari and Gay capped off the event 21-under, climbing three spots up the leaderboard Sunday to clinch the victory. 

Stewart and Leonard took the lead Saturday after recording a 59 at Spyglass Hill and extended their advantage Sunday, shooting a 63 at Pebble Beach. Meanwhile, Casolari and Gay birdied 18 on Sunday to secure their come-from-behind victory in the Pro-Junior competition, shooting an 8-under 64 at Pebble Beach.

In its 20th year, the PURE Insurance Championship brings First Tee participants from chapters across the country to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, where they demonstrate the skills and values they’ve practiced at First Tee to play alongside PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business world. The annual event was televised internationally on Golf Channel.

“The 80 players in the junior field represented First Tee well this week,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Our program aims to instill confidence and perseverance in the young people it serves, and I think those traits were on display during the tournament. A special congratulations to Alyssa and Brayden for winning the Pro-Junior titles. Thank you to our partners – PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel – for making this week an unforgettable experience for our participants.”

Stewart is a 17-year-old high school senior who is committed to play golf next year at Houston Christian University. With a +3.9 handicap, Stewart has set records at two courses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She aspires to play on the LPGA Tour and become a veterinarian. 

“I feel amazing right now,” Stewart said after her victory. “Words can’t even describe it. I just have a lot of thanks for my mom, PURE Insurance, First Tee and the PGA TOUR Champions players. Something that I learned this week is that you can’t really dwell on one shot. You have to move forward.”

Casolari is a 15-year-old high school sophomore from Cumberland, Kentucky. He took up golf 8 years ago at Lynch Country Club in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky after borrowing a set of left-handed clubs. Casolari volunteers with the Empty Stocking Fund and Tri-City Little League. He aspires to play collegiate golf and works at a local course. His trip to the PURE Insurance Championship was his first time traveling by airplane. 

“This has been a great experience,” said Casolari. “This is my first time out there, and I love this course. My pro and I hit some good shots out there.”

During the week, First Tee partners PURE Insurance and Chevron both celebrated their commitment to First Tee’s mission and raised additional funds to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program through special events. Leaders from PURE Insurance extended a surprise invitation to the scholarship program to 17-year-old Aditi Balakrishna, a high school senior from First Tee – Tri-Valley in Northern California. The program pairs Scholars with a mentor and provides professional development workshops and financial assistance throughout the college experience.

First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship 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. 

To access photos from the event, visit here. For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com. To learn more about First Tee and see the full field list, visit TheFirstTee.org

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.     

About Monterey Peninsula Foundation

Surpassing $200 million in total donations, Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.

www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org
www.attpbgolf.com
www.pureinsurancechampionship.org

About PURE Insurance

Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for responsible high net worth families, providing customizable coverage for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal liability, watercraft, flood, fraud and cyber fraud. PURE’s low cost of capital, careful member selection and proactive risk management contribute to fair pricing and a Financial Strength Rating of “A (Excellent)” from A.M. Best Company, Inc. PURE has sustained at least 15% annual growth in each year since its inception and now serves more than 100,000 members across the United States. Pureinsurance.com | 888.813.7873

About PGA TOUR Champions

PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 34 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour and on Instagram @pgatourchampions.

All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Tournament programming is available via 25+ TV linear partners in 145+ countries and territories, with 25 channels carrying long-form and/or highlights coverage, and 200+ hours of live coverage distributed in 135+ countries and territories. Programming is also available via the OTT platform GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR in every market outside of the United States, excluding China and Korea, with live coverage distributed in 130+ countries and territories.

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PURE Insurance surprises First Tee participant with college scholarship award during 2023 PURE Insurance Championship

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2023) – PURE Insurance continued its ongoing support of the First Tee College Scholarship Program Thursday during the PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee by surprising First Tee – Tri-Valley’s Aditi Balakrishna with an invitation to the program based on her academic record and commitment to helping others.

Balakrishna, who is participating in this week’s PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach, is a 17-year-old senior at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, California, where she is vice president of the Society of Women Engineers and president of the Neurodiversity Club. Balakrishna founded HappyArt, an organization that creates cards for Bay Area seniors, and she volunteers with First Tee – Tri-Valley and Special Olympics.

Launched in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program currently serves 70 First Tee Scholars selected into the program based on their academic performance, involvement in First Tee programs, financial need and commitment to volunteerism. 

PURE Insurance has served as title sponsor of the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee since 2017. Since coming on board as title sponsor, PURE has continued to deepen its relationship with First Tee, including a commitment of $1M over five years to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program.

“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with, and support of, this incredible organization,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “It’s particularly gratifying to know that we can impact the remarkable young men and women of First Tee, like Aditi, in such a powerful way.”

First Tee is a youth development organization that uses golf to teach life skills and values. The First Tee College Scholarship Program extends its impact to alumni by providing support throughout their post-graduate career with Scholars receiving mentorship, professional and personal development workshops and financial support. Select PURE Insurance associates will serve as mentors and the company will contribute to educational sessions, helping share industry knowledge and expertise with scholars who are interested in business and finance.

“Congratulations to Aditi for all her accomplishments in the classroom, on the golf course and in her community,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Thank you to PURE Insurance for its ongoing support of First Tee. By supporting the PURE Insurance Championship and the First Tee College Scholarship Program, PURE Insurance is supporting our efforts to empower youth and prepare them for the future. ” 

First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible by donors and corporate partners, like PURE Insurance, that stand behind the program and First Tee’s mission. 

For more information on PURE Insurance, visit pureinsurance.com. To learn more about First Tee, visit firsttee.org.  

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.     

About PURE Insurance

Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for responsible high net worth families, providing customizable coverage for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal liability, watercraft, flood, fraud and cyber fraud. PURE’s low cost of capital, careful member selection and proactive risk management contribute to fair pricing and a Financial Strength Rating of “A (Excellent)” from A.M. Best Company, Inc. PURE has sustained at least 15% annual growth in each year since its inception and now serves more than 100,000 members across the United States.

Pureinsurance.com | 888.813.7873

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Savannah elementary teacher Ariel Brown recognized as First Tee’s 2023 Teacher of the Year

The international youth development organization recognized Brown for her ability to connect with students and spread her love for golf.

SAVANNAH, Ga. Aug. 24, 2023 – Ariel Brown, an elementary teacher at Savannah Legacy Academy, has been named 2023 Teacher of the Year by First Tee, an international youth development nonprofit that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The award is presented to one teacher each year who has gone above and beyond in delivering the First Tee School Program, which brings First Tee’s character-building curriculum to thousands of school gyms across the country.

Brown has been an elementary teacher at Savannah Legacy Academy since 2014.  The school, located in downtown Savannah, was founded and operated by her parents. The Title 1 school serves 100% minority students, and Brown offers First Tee programming there on Fridays. Brown is also a First Tee alumna and was the first coach at First Tee – Savannah when the chapter relaunched in summer 2021.

“As a coach, Ariel thrived from the beginning,” said First Tee – Savannah program director John Parker. “She began encouraging the students in her elementary school classes to enroll in our off-site program. I can without hesitation say that some of our best kids in programming today are there because of Ariel.” 

“It’s indeed an honor to see a former First Tee – Savannah participant become the National Teacher of the Year,” said First Tee – Savannah Board Member Teia Acker Moore. “This recognition shows Ariel’s deep passion for the sport and her desire to share her knowledge and skills with others. As a teacher, she has inspired and guided new generations of golfers, imparting not only technical expertise but also sportsmanship, teamwork and personal growth. This journey and Ariel’s achievement as Teacher of the Year highlights the positive impact that First Tee has on shaping individuals’ lives and fostering a sense of community within the golfing world.”

Brown was surprised with the award in her classroom at Savannah Legacy Academy, where she was presented with balloons, flowers and a video with congratulatory messages from colleagues and loved ones. Her achievement was highlighted by Golf Digest.

Since launching in 1997, First Tee has grown into a preeminent youth development organization seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum. Its network spans 150 chapters with programs delivered at 1,400 golf courses, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers in all 50 states and select international locations. In 2022, First Tee impacted more than 3.4 million kids and teens with more than 10,000 adults – from volunteers, coaches and board members – as well as teachers from schools across the country working tirelessly to help empower participants. 

Through the First Tee Awards in partnership with Golf Digest, First Tee recognizes the dedicated adults and chapters who go above and beyond to bring its mission to life every day.

“The First Tee School Program reached more than 3 million kids last year,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Obviously, it takes a lot of committed adults to make that happen. But our colleagues at First Tee – Savannah told us Brown stands out for her ability to connect with the kids she serves. Congratulations to Ariel on this well-deserved honor.” 

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About First Tee – Savannah 

First Tee — Savannah is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee — Savannah reaches kids and teens through programs delivered at the 5 program locations, 20schools and 4 youth centers. Learn more at www.firstteesavannah.org. 
 

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MEDIA CONTACTS:    

Meri Erickson, First Tee – Savannah 
[email protected]

Dana Whitfield, First Tee – Savannah
[email protected]

First Tee enters 50 new Title I schools with support from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Program

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 14, 2023) – Youth development organization First Tee is excited to announce that it has expanded its School Program to 50 additional Title I schools thanks to $100,000 in matching grants from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Program. First Tee golf equipment has already been shipped to 30 of the schools. The Title 1 schools selected serve a high percentage of kids from low-income families and 40% of students receive a free or reduced-price lunch.

First Tee’s School Program gives physical educators all the tools to begin implementing its curriculum, including training, equipment and lesson plans that integrate life skills with the game of golf. The curriculum is also designed to help children improve their motor skills through golf instruction. First Tee has been offering its programming in physical education classes in the United States and Canada since 2004, reaching more than 3 million kids last year.

“We created the School Program almost 20 years ago to make First Tee programming accessible to more kids,” said Jen Weiler, senior vice president of network relations at First Tee. “We are grateful to The DICK’S Foundation for helping us reach more students. Recent research shows that nearly 80 percent of parents believe golf can teach life skills and character. Now more kids have access to those lessons.”

Grants have been awarded to schools in California, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

DICK’S and The DICK’S Foundation are longtime partners of First Tee, providing more than $1.9 million to support First Tee’s character-building programs since 2008.

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.  

About The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation

The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inspire and enable sports participation. It was created by DICK’S Sporting Goods as a private corporate foundation to support DICK’S charitable and philanthropic activities. Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, The DICK’S Foundation champions youth sports and provides grants and support to under-resourced teams and athletes through its Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about The DICK’S Foundation can be found on sportsmatter.org.

Contacts:

Megan Hart, First Tee
[email protected]

Actors Michael Peña, Kathryn Newton; gymnast Aly Raisman headline First Tee Leadership Summit in Partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore

40 First Tee teens from across the country will experience the wonders of Montana, sharpen their leadership skills during two week-long retreats. 

WEST CREEK RANCH, Mont., (July 31, 2023) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore are set to host 40 teens from across the country at West Creek Ranch, an intimate setting in Montana for leadership development, community building, inspiration and connection owned by PGA TOUR Superstore chairman and First Tee board member Arthur M. Blank. The teens will learn about leadership and explore their own strengths and values during two week-long Summits, which will feature guest speakers, leadership training and outdoor activities. 

Each week will tee off with keynote speakers who will discuss their individual leadership, open up about their life experiences and how they have grown through opportunities and challenges. The first week will feature actors Michael Peña and Kathryn Newton, the latter a First Tee – Miami alumna, who will also play golf with the participants. Olympic gold medal gymnast Aly Raisman will be the featured speaker during the second week. Photos and videos of Peña, Newton and Raisman will be available here

Set in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch, the First Tee Leadership Summit is designed to help teens grow their leadership skills through dynamic activities that require teamwork and personal strength, including golf, small group reflections, whitewater rafting, hiking and more. Daily leadership themes include building authentic relationships, growing through challenge and building positive self-identity.  

This is the third consecutive year that nonprofit youth development organization First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore will hold the Summit at West Creek for 40 participants from 25 cities across the country, with 20 teens attending each week. West Creek Ranch is a 6,600-acre working ranch in Emigrant, Montana, that is bordered by the Yellowstone River and Gallatin National Forest.  

“The First Tee students are going to have a memorable week learning about innovation and creative problem solving, share unique experiences that will inspire ideas and most importantly build relationships with their peers from across the country,” said Dick Sullivan, Executive Chairman & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We truly believe in the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth and are proud to partner with First Tee across the country throughout the year.”  

“Thank you to Arthur Blank and PGA TOUR Superstore for continuing to support this impactful event,” added Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “We are confident these 40 participants will take away lifelong lessons and make incredible memories.” 

At the conclusion of the Summit, four students will be selected for the First Tee College Scholarship Program and will receive financial support as well as access to mentorship and professional development opportunities throughout college. 

To be eligible for the Summit, teens completed a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country and completed applications that outlined their leadership experience and goals. The diverse group of selected participants – 24 young women and 16 young men – on average have spent seven years in the First Tee program. 

For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and Arthur Blank have championed First Tee’s mission through donations and by supporting participant events, including the Leadership Summit and the Leadership Academy, which was held for the first time in Atlanta earlier this year.  

The Leadership Summit is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee to expose teens to new challenges and inspire them as they prepare to embark on life after high school.  

FIRST TEE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS:  July 31- Aug. 4 

Name                                              First Tee Chapter 

Jeremiah Aguiniga                        First Tee – Greater Chicago 

Allison   Brown                               First Tee – Greater Philadelphia 

Jaden    Chin                                  First Tee – San Francisco 

Matthew Cook                               First Tee – Metro Atlanta 

Gabrielle Cunningham    First Tee – Green Valley Ranch (CO) 

Mary Kerr                                       First Tee – Greater Houston 

Zoe Kim                                          First Tee – Orange County (CA) 

Sophia  Lohr                                  First Tee – Greater Dallas 

Georgia Meysman-Sharpe           First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains  

Elise Njogu                                     First Tee – Silicon Valley 

Li An Panfil                                     First Tee – Silicon Valley 

Aryana Persaud                             First Tee – Central Florida 

Harrison Powell                             First Tee – North Florida 

Joaquin Rodriguez                        First Tee – Green Valley Ranch (CO) 

David Sandino                               First Tee – Florida Gold Coast 

Rhea Shetty                                   First Tee – Tri-Valley (CA)

Randee Tormondsen                    First Tee – Utah 

Nathan Vertes                               First Tee – Florida Gold Coast 

Bailey Webb                                  First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains 

Jake Zulueta                                  First Tee – Greater Charlotte                     
  

FIRST TEE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS: Aug. 7-11 

 
Name                                              First Tee Chapter 

Rizwaan Bana                               First Tee – Orange County (CA) 

Aanya   Batra                                 First Tee – Tri-Valley (CA) 

Kennedy Bell                                  First Tee – Greater Austin 

Seth Damsgard                             First Tee – Minnesota 

Peyton  DeBruin                             First Tee – Greater Houston 

Jillian Fatkin                                   First Tee – Coastal Carolinas 

Hailey Hays                                    First Tee – Coachella Valley 

Megan Horacefield                        First Tee – Greater Houston 

William Inman                                First Tee – Savannah 

Charli Jones                                   First Tee – Greater Philadelphia 

Rida Karim                                     First Tee – Greater Washington, DC 

Emmy Martinez                             First Tee – Greater Dallas 

Ethan Miller                                    First Tee – Greater Washington, DC 

Joseph Neddo                               First Tee – North Florida 

Lorelei   O’Donnell                          First Tee – Fort Worth 

Brandon Quach                             First Tee – Raritan Valley (NJ) 

Xander  Sehgal                             First Tee – Greater Washington, DC 

Melony  Su                                      First Tee – San Francisco 

Christopher Taylor                        First Tee – Massachusetts 

Claire Young                                  First Tee – San Francisco 

Seventy-Two Teens to Attend First Tee Game Changers Academy in Philadelphia

 APGA golfer and First Tee alumnus Marcus Byrd and diverse leaders from the sports industry to kick off the weeklong event facilitating critical conversations around issues of race and equality

PONTE VEDRA, Fla. (July 18, 2023) − First Tee, a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, will host the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. in Philadelphia, July 18-22, 2023. Seventy-two teens from 51 First Tee chapters across the country have been selected for the five-day learning and empowerment academy where they will participate in conversations and activities designed to enlighten, inspire, encourage, and position them to be advocates for social justice.

The week will kick off with a ‘Critical Conversation’ hosted by RISE on Tuesday, July 18, featuring 8-year NFL veteran, Philadelphia native and member of the Baltimore Ravens Daryl Worley, First Tee – Greater Washington D.C. alumnus and professional golfer, Marcus Byrd, and Lodge Grass High School Head Basketball Coach Josh Stewart. Scarlen Martinez, the Sr. Director of Empowerment at RISE will moderate the panel about how sports lead to access and can help address societal inequalities. 

RISE, a national nonprofit and leader in the sports community championing social justice and working to improve race relations, will also facilitate engaging and interactive workshops throughout the week. The workshops will explore a multitude of topics that encourage personal growth and understanding of diversity concepts that foster positive change in the community.  The workshops will be paired with reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches, team-building activities such as the Villanova Challenge Course, and golf outings at Walnut Lane Golf Club where they will continue to build relationships with other participants from around the country and learn from each other’s unique perspectives.

“We are proud to offer opportunities for our teens to hear, share and learn from diverse perspectives,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO.  “In past years, we have seen our participants return to their communities inspired and motivated to be advocates for change, and we know it will be the same this year.”

This Academy is an evolution of First Tee’s longest-standing participant event. The Academy honors First Tee’s former CEO, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., who led the organization from 2000 until his retirement in 2017. It’s one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.  

The 72 teens attending the Academy can be viewed here.

Featured Participants: 
 

Ana Hunter, First Tee – Tennessee

  • 18-year-old rising college freshman boasting a 4.0 GPA  
  • Involved with First Tee for nine years and is currently a lead coach at the Memphis location.
  • Senior Representative for Hutchison High School’s Honor Council, member of Society of Women Engineers Next Club, and Hive mind eSports League.
  • Founded the nonprofit “Don’t Ovary Act” to provide her community with proper disposal methods of feminine products and educate about periods and period poverty.
  • Award winning Scholastic Poet.
  • Aspires to be a video game coder.

“From player to coach level at First Tee, I have had no choice but to step out of my safe havens and learn how to adapt. With my career aspirations being in video game development, a male-dominated field, introducing myself and exiting places of familiarity will become all but normality in my life. However, knowing how well-prepared I am because of First Tee gives me the confidence to thrive in my future endeavors.”

Tanvi Samayam, First Tee – Greater Trenton

  • 17-year-old rising senior boasting a 3.9 GPA.
  • Involved with First Tee for six years and volunteers as a coach.
  • Co-captain of her high school varsity golf team, a member of Medical Minds Club, South Asian Society, and Project Green.
  • Tanvi is a certified EMT.
  • Started a non-profit called Mpower Kids that works to empower and support kids around the world today for a better tomorrow.
  • Aspires to be an allergy specialist to help others that battle life-threatening food allergies.

“In order to be an allergy specialist, my goals include excelling in high school, attending a prominent college, and graduating from a well-known medical school. With a medical degree, I will be able to help others like me who have life-threatening food allergies.”  

Jake Zulueta, First Tee – Greater Charlotte

  • 16-year-old rising junior boasting a 4.0 GPA.
  • Involved with First Tee for seven years and is an active youth coach.
  • Member of the Weddington High School varsity golf team, DECA, and the Marine Corp Jr. ROTC program.
  • Recently awarded the MCJROTC Leader by Example award and participated in the United States Naval Academy STEM on DECK in August of 2022.
  • Jake is multi-lingual and speaks Greek, English, French, and is currently learning Arabic.
  • Aspires to follow in his grandparent’s footsteps and join the Navy to carry on their legacy.  

“By embracing diversity and proactively seeking to include all individuals, a leader can establish a more strong and healthier team or community, where everybody can flourish. Ensuring inclusivity should be a primary goal of every leader.”   

Matthew Stolte, First Tee – Minnesota

  • 17-year-old rising college freshman boasting a 4.69 GPA.
  • Involved with First Tee for 13 years and a junior coach for the last two where he helps with the Urban Ventures camps, the Parks and Recreation camps, and the special needs program.
  • He is his golf team captain and a black belt in Taekwondo.
  • He has previously participated in the 2021 First Tee Leadership Summit and 2022 First Tee Champions Challenge.
  • Aspires to attend the University of Minnesota honors program and earn a degree in Management Information Systems to become a software engineer.

“Since then [Leadership Summit] I’ve strengthened relationships and used my skills to influence younger golfers as a golf coach. I learned to be intentional, creating the life I want to live because it’s my responsibility. I’m grateful that I learned this lesson early and I’m excited to build on it to influence and connect with others throughout my journey.”