Category: News

Winner At The Spring Egg Stroll

We were delighted to attend the East 10th Street Community Center Spring Egg Stroll at Memorial Park in downtown Stuart. East 10th Street Community Center has been an amazing partner in their efforts to serve the young people of the community in a positive manner.

Program Coordinator, Steven Andrade, handed out Easter eggs including one special egg that contained a ticket for a free 6-week golf program. Mikey was our lucky winner, and he is eager to get started!

SHOUT OUT to East 10th Street Community Center for hosting such a great event and for being a valued program partner for so many years with out Chapter.

Student Spotlight: Malachi

Fourteen teen participants from Boys and Girls Club of St. Lucie County attended weekly programming at our Westside Campus golf learning facility. One teen in particular, Malachi Davis, showed such an interest and talent that he was invited to our Saturday programs at Sailfish Sands. After attending two golf lessons per week, Malachi began asking for his own set of clubs and playing at a local golf course. We provided a set of clubs and helped Malachi arrange for a tee time at Fairwinds Golf Course.  Coach Ben Miller, PGA and Program Coordinator Steven Andrade introduced Malachi and his grandmother to the staff, showed him around the facility, and took him out for his first 9-hole round of golf. Malachi is officially hooked! He lives only 8 minutes from Fairwinds and now knows what this amazing facility can offer him.

Summer Camps Open For Registration

Summer is almost here!  Enroll your children in our programs in Martin and St. Lucie Counties. 

We are back at Crane Watch Club! Coach Gabbie Budd, LPGA has begun after school programs and Saturday classes. Coach Gabbie cannot wait to see you there!

For more information and to register at one of our 8 program locations, please visit our website.

Sponsor Spotlight: AutoNation

At AutoNation, it’s about more than selling and servicing cars and trucks. It’s about taking care of people.

We offer our sincere gratitude to AutoNation, our Presenting Sponsor for our upcoming Par 3 Corporate Challenge.

Marc Cannon, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Experience Officer, and Joe Lower, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, continue to be huge supporters of our mission to serve the kids, veterans, and people with special needs of Broward County.

South Florida Charity Classic

Special Operators Transition Foundation (SOTF) held its annual South Florida Charity Classic at Eagle Trace Golf Club on Friday, April 7th. We were invited to promote our free golf programs to all veterans in partnership with Broward County’s Mission United.

We offer free veterans’ golf programs at Eagle Trace Golf Club, The Club at Weston Hills, Pompano Beach Golf Course, and Cooper Colony Country Club.

For more information, please visit our website.

Veterans Monthly Golf Outing

Veterans Robert Enquist, Tom Kruse, and Erik Ducharme played in the monthly golf outing at Parkland Golf and Country Club with Veteran Outreach Director, Jack Bloomfield.

Special thanks to Parkland Golf and CC director of golf, Miles Harris, for hosting our nation’s heroes.

Veteran Spotlight: Bill Mei

Bill Mei, retired Navy, has been playing golf for the last 4 years as a part of our veterans’ golf programs.

When talking about his experience in our programs, he said: “I love this game! I’ve played golf off and on for years but never really got into it. Thanks to First Tee, I’ve found this beautiful game has much to offer and I’ve connected with my fellow veterans. There are so many to thank that I have encountered within this program: the golf pros and coaches; volunteers; and those who financially support First Tee. It’s truly wonderful to be affiliated with this group.”

This program is generously supported by The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation.

Erica Bennett Visits With Students

Board Vice President Erica Bennett paid a surprise visit to an advanced level class at Davie Golf Club. It is always great to see Erica interacting with our young leaders. As the founder & owner of Orca Golf Bags, Erica provides important mentorship that our participants and coaches greatly appreciate. 

Student Spotlight: Daniel Ulloa

Daniel Ulloa started with First Tee at the Boys & Girls Club: Rick & Rita Case Club where he met his future coach, Christopher Cupp, PGA. Ever since, Daniel has been more focused on golf and his commitment really showed this past Christmas.  All he asked Santa for was golf equipment!

His parents expressed how very excited and proud they are of Daniel. They are impressed on how he has taken up golf with so much passion, dedication, and perseverance.

Awesome Trip To Sage Valley

In partnership with First Tee – Aiken, 6 of our students took a road trip and volunteered at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club. The group was even invited to tour the new PGA Tour Headquarters in Ponte Vedra. 

Isabella Rubio, said about the experience, “I had such an amazing time being a standard bearer for the best junior players in the world. It is such an honor to represent our chapter at this tournament. I learned so much from simply watching the great play. The agility, strength, and mental thinking of these players is so inspiring. Their ability to restart and recover from a bad shot was incredible. South Carolina was truly a wonderful place to visit. This was such a remarkable experience!”