Year: 2018

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FINNEGAN FAMILY

During this time of year, we remember and honor all of those lost on September 11, 2001. Michael B. Finnegan died tragically that day while working at Cantor Fitzgerald in the World Trade Center. Those who were lucky enough to know Mike will tell you that he made everyone feel special. He lived in the moment and made the moments with him memorable.  He was a great golfer.  He loved his family.  He was the best husband, the best father, the best son, the best brother, and the best friend anyone could be. Golf was a huge part of Mike’s life. In Mike’s loving memory, his family established the Finnegan Foundation to support junior golf, especially programs that introduce the game to young people with disabilities. “The foundation and Mike’s wife, Erin, helped our chapter come out of the ground and grow to serve thousands of students each year,” said Steve Rockoff, Chapter Chairman. “Mike had a special place in his heart for children with special needs and of course, the game of golf.”

ROSAFORTE HOSTING 100 FRIENDS TOURNEY HONORING DAVID BURKE

Our Chapter recently lost a great friend, ambassador and supporter of our mission.  David Burke, longtime vice president of The Breakers hotel and a leader in the Florida tourism industry, died suddenly on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the age of 61. “David was a great believer in our organization and I was lucky to have him as a close personal friend,” said Carl Mistretta, Chapter Executive Director.  “We met because of The Honda Classic’s and the Breakers’ generous support of our chapter and became fast friends, golf buddies and shared a love of football.  We simply cannot believe he is gone. Our thoughts are with his family- Amy, Matt and Ryan.” Aside from his 27-year career at The Breakers, Mr. Burke served as an ambassador for the Honda Classic, a 100 Friend of The First Tee of The Palm Beaches, a trusted adviser for Discover the Palm Beaches’ board of directors, the vice chairman of the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council, and president of the Florida Restaurant Lodging Association. Golf Channel’s, Tim Rosaforte, is hosting our annual 100 Friends Invitational golf tournament at The Bear’s Club on October 23 which is dedicated in honor and memory to “Burkie” this year. Tim is a longtime supporter of our Chapter and serves as Vice Chairman of our Honorary Board of Directors. For more information on the tournament, please CLICK HERE. For tournament sponsorship information, please CLICK HERE.

HONDA CLASSIC CARES BEAR TRAP BASH

Please join us at The Honda Classic Cares Bear Trap Bash presented by First Republic Bank! Replicating the energy of the famed Bear Trap at The Honda Classic, this Halloween party will be raising awareness for philanthropy in Palm Beach County. Join us for spirits, brews and bites, live music, exciting raffles and prizes for the best costume! Date: Saturday, October 27, 2018 Time: 7pm – 11pm Location: PGA National Resort & Spa Attire: Casual Dress – Costumes encouraged! Tickets: $200 per person before September 15 ($225 after 9/15)

Please select: “Charity to Support” – The First Tee of The Palm Beaches

KIWANIS CONTINUES SUPPORT OF OUR CHAPTER

The Riviera Beach Kiwanis Club recently hosted its Scholarship Luncheon and our Chapter was delighted to receive a generous donation for our outreach programming. Kiwanis members belong to clubs located throughout the world, attend regular meetings for fellowship and inspiration and perform voluntary community service through committees within each club. Pictured left to right: Kiwanis member and Chapter Director Mitch Stump presenting the check to Chapter Coach Dave McNulty, PGA.

SAVANNAH ATTENDS THE JOE LOUIS BARROW LIFE SKILLS & LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Nearly 100 junior golfers from The First Tee chapters across the country attended the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy hosted by Michigan State University and The First Tee of Mid-Michigan. Teenage participants have the opportunity to develop and hone skills to become leaders in their chapters, schools, and communities while experiencing championship golf, career exploration, and college preparation through dorm living. We were excited to have participant Savannah Mansueti attend from our Chapter! In November 2017, the Academy was renamed to the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy. The endowment was made to honor his retirement and commitment to positively impacting millions of young people during the last 18 years as CEO of The First Tee. Mansueti commented about the trip, “I was so honored to be chosen for this great academy. I met so many awesome people and coaches. Everything was so fun and I learned a lot about what it takes to be a leader and how to become one. My favorite part about this academy was getting to play golf with incredible people who I will never forget. I made some life-long friends and had many memorable experiences. This was the best week of the summer. Thank you to The First Tee!”

ZANVILLES HOST COACHES APPRECIATION DAY AT IBIS

BIG SHOUT OUT to Coach Joel Zanville and his wife Sue for hosting our annual Coaches’ Appreciation Day at Ibis Golf & Country Club. Chapter Coaches enjoyed a huge brunch and somehow found the energy for a round of golf and fellowship for the day! Without caring mentors, positive youth development just doesn’t happen. At The First Tee, we take coaching very seriously. We believe that a meaningful, quality relationship between coach and participant is vital to our program. Our mission would not be possible without our dedicated coaches and the Zanville’s showed their appreciation for man of our hard-working Coaches.

CHAPTER STUDENT ATTENDS CONGAREE

There are many advantages to being associated with our chapter of The First Tee.  Recently through his involvement with The First Tee, participant Harrison Hutchings (pictured above right with Golf Channel’s Gary Williams) was selected to attend an all-expense paid week of mentoring and game improvement at the Congaree Golf Club in South Carolina.   “As a freshman in high school and a golfing enthusiast, I knew that there was more to golf than simply the game itself, in fact, it is a lifestyle,” said Harrison. “Beginning with the opportunity to caddy at Seminole Golf Club, I was introduced to a culture that has shaped my personality, character and goals in life.  I aspire to emulate the mentors that I have met through these opportunities, most notably Bob Ford of Seminole, John Hand a Seminole member and Carl Mistretta, chapter Executive Director.”  Congaree Golf Club’s mission is to help deserving children from around the world to achieve success and build future leaders. Harrison attended a six-day program held at the exclusive Congaree Golf Club in which young people are introduced to an example of where their lives can go and what levels of success they are able to achieve. This example starts with simply experiencing the amazing beauty and atmosphere of arriving at the beautiful golf club nestled in South Carolina and built by captains of industry and top entrepreneurial business leaders.  Upon arriving, the students were provided with an agenda that outlined what to expect for the next six days. This agenda included; strength and flexibility training, future college admissions, planning/practice, putting, short game, full swing and club fitting. Instructed by notable professionals including James Currin, Mike Wesko, Jason Baile, Kathryn Doyle, Joe Humston, Mike Harmon, Ken McMaster, and James Lee.  Harrison continued, “If I had to sum up the most important aspect of what the Congaree Experience meant to me, it would be the examples of these mentors who have given so much of their time and resources to help others. I now know that this will be my life’s standing goal, to pay forward the opportunities that I have experienced.  Thank you to The First Tee of The Palm Beaches!”

YOUR INVITED TO NEW PRO-AM EVENT IN BERMUDA

The BERMUDA 3s presented by Goslings, a new team golf championship matching Pro-Am teams from four international territories will be held October 21-26, 2018 in Bermuda. The event is the creation of two golf industry veterans, former PGA chief executive Joe Steranka and The Honda Classic Executive Director Ken Kennerly. PGA Professionals from the U.S., Canada, Great Britain & Ireland and Continental Europe will lead four-person teams and compete individually for a $100,000 purse. Event Details:
  • Opportunity to represent your country for a world title; Canada, Continental Europe, Great Britain/Ireland and the United States.
  • Four (4) person team including one (1) PGA Professional as captain.
  • Amateurs may belong to different golf clubs.
  • Luxury accommodations at the Fairmont Southampton on Bermuda’s stunning south shore.
  • Three Iconic courses: Turtle Hill Golf Club, The Mid Ocean Club, and Port Royal Golf Course.
  • $100,000 purse with $11,000 first place and a $500 minimum prize money for all Professionals.
  • Best Ball Team Competition – net of handicap.
  • Premium food and beverage, including a spectacular Bermuda style closing ceremony and awards gala.
Presented by Joe Steranka and Kenneth R. Kennerly, two industry pioneers. To register or for more information visit: www.bermuda3s.com or email: [email protected]

BACK TO SCHOOL AND BACK TO GOLF

Exciting opportunities await your children and teens this fall.  Our curriculum teaches The First Tee Nine Core Values™; using the game of golf as the vehicle. NEW! 9-Week Fall Programs start September!  Ages: Boys and Girls from 5-18 Registration Fee: $125 per 9-week program, per participant Location:  Dyer Park – 7301 N Haverhill Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33410 Please CLICK HERE for the program schedule and to sign up!

CHAPTER HOSTS THE FIRST TEE COLLEGE GOLF PREP ACADEMY

This important national academy managed by The First Tee home office is provided for advanced high school players interested in playing college golf. Twent-four elite junior golfers from The First Tee chapters across the country were selected from hundreds of applicants to attend the academy hosted by our chapter in July. Applicants must have low handicaps and be enrolled in The First Tee for a minimum of three years. Chapter participant Tyler Mistretta was selected to attend the academy and Chapter Coaches Connie Capanegra, LPGA and Jack Barrett were selected to coach during the week. “It was an awesome week,” said Tyler Mistretta.  “I met new friends, great coaches and learned a lot about how to improve my game and scoring.” Participants were immersed in the routines of playing college golf by living in the dormitories at Palm Beach Atlantic University, walking morning rounds of 18-holes while carrying their bags, participating in structured work out sessions and engaging in late afternoon practice sessions at our golf facility in Dyer Park.  Jupiter Hills, Seagate Country Club and The Palm Beach Par 3 generously hosted the students for golf during the week. The curriculum of The First Tee Life Skills Experience was incorporated into every aspect of the academy. Specifically, during the academy the students participated in interactive sessions in the areas of:
  • Golf Technique
  • Education and Career Exploration
  • Physical Fitness and Nutrition
  • Golf Equipment Fitting

THE HONDA CLASSIC CARES VISITS OUR CHAPTER

Recently our Chapter received a visit from staff members from The Honda Classic including Tournament Executive Director Ken Kennerly, President of Children’s Healthcare Charity John Domenico and Tournament Director Andrew George.  The Honda folks visited with Chapter staff and students at the Palm Beach PAR 3 Summer Camp!  The Honda Classic Cares presented a generous “big check” donation. The Honda Classic is a Founding Partner of our Chapter. Through their host organization, Children’s Healthcare Charity, Inc., The Honda Classic Cares awards grants available to local non-profit organizations in Palm Beach County and throughout South Florida to enhance the health and welfare of our children and the future of our community.

CHAPTER ALUM JANELLE JOHNSON TURNING PRO AND ENGAGING SPONSORS

Janelle Ashley Johnson, a 2018 college graduate of Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and member of the NSU Sharks Women Golf team has made the decision to turn pro and pursue her goal to play professional golf.  This season, NSU Sharks won their SSC Women’s Championship and placed 4th in the NCAA Division II National Championship.  Janelle had 3 top 10 finishes, two 3rd place finishes at the NCAA Division II National Preview and the World Golf Invitational and a 9th place finish at the Lady Panther Invitational. Janelle is preparing for LPGA Qualifying School and is searching for sponsors.  If you are interested in sponsoring Janelle, please email [email protected] for more information. Prior to NSU, Janelle played on the Women’s Raiders Golf Team at Seminole State College of Florida for two years and was part of the 2015 NJCAA Championship Team.  From 2010 to 2013, Janelle played and represented the Palm Beach County Junior Golf Association (PBCJGA) Team at the yearly FSGA Junior Team Championship tournaments.  She also played 4 years on the golf team at Wellington High School and advanced to High School State Nationals as a two-time FHSAA Class 3-A State qualifier (2011 and 2013).  In 2013, Janelle was also the first participant to represent our chapter by playing in Pebble Beach, California in a PGA TOUR Champions event, now called The Pure Insurance Championship impacting The First Tee.