Category: News

Wylie’s recent victory at the Junior Honda Classic meant he was invited to the 18th green for the awards ceremony and to meet 2023 Champion Chris Kirk.  Pictured above: Wylie and Chapter Executive Carl Mistretta pose for a picture on the 18th green in front of the big screen!

Monday after the Honda, our Chapter conducted our annual golf tournament where our donors, supporters, alumni and students play the Sunday pins from our local PGA Tour event.  A few crazy people even played the pro tees!

“The course was in great shape, the greens were fast and we hit the same shots the pros did,” said Chapter student Sara Valentine.  “I cannot believe Coach Connie invited me to play this year.  It was so much fun.”

The players gathered for awards and dinner after the tournament and the highlight of the day was Chapter students sharing their experiences, trips and awards from First Tee.

Monday after the Honda tournament results were as follows:

LOW GROSS

1st – Mike Gazlay and Bobby Collins (67)  (pictured above left)

2nd – Wylie Inman and Eddie Nathan (67)

3rd – Sam Carraher and Benny Ossi (68)

LOW NET

1st – Ethan Glasband and Eric Glasband (56)  (pictured above middle)

2nd – Matthew Enochs and John Webb (61)

3rd – Bill Inman and Wayne Sanders (62)

Closest to the Hole #5 – J.F. Kilcullen

Closest to the Hole #7 – James Witteck

Closest to the Hole #15 – Tony Chateauvert

Closest to the Hole #17 – Byron White

On Thursday of tournament week, Chapter students Haady Elneser, Cortez Ramirez and Davis Lucas were selected as this year’s inside the ropes PGA Tour Junior Course Reporters.  They were given special media credentials, toured the Tim Rosaforte Media Center and learned about camera work and reporting from ESPN’s and WPTV’s sports anchors Theo Dorsey and Tyree Smith. They explored camera duties, the interview process, and were granted inside the ropes credentials.

For the tenth consecutive year, Pratt & Whitney has funded a generous grant benefitting our veterans’ programs. Pratt & Whitney staff presented the big check Thursday morning of tournament week to our veterans and Coaches in the Patriots Outpost (the tournament’s military appreciation tent sponsored by Pratt & Whitney).  Hundreds of other veterans were also in attendance. 

“Pratt & Whitney’s incredible generosity has allowed our veterans golf programs to grow each year,” said Chapter President Bobby Hendel. “We now have five program locations and this grant also provides for our nation’s heroes to play at local golf courses.”

Thank you to our veterans that attended for their service.  In honor of the men and women who have and are currently serving our nation, The Honda Classic in partnership with Pratt & Whitney offers complimentary tickets for Active Duty, Reservists, Retirees, their registered Dependents and Non-Retired Veterans Thursday through Sunday of tournament week.

On Wednesday afternoon of Honda week, students from the Els Center of Excellence attended a special putting clinic.  The students received putting instruction from PGA Tour professionals Ben Crane, Vincent Norman and William McGirt while trying to sink some challenging putts set up by the Els and our Chapter Coaches.

Tuesday afternoon of tournament week Chapter participants were invited to a special behind the scenes tour of The Honda Classic sponsored by TRUGREEN.  The tour included the media center, inside the ropes access to the driving range and putting green and the ShotLink and GolfChannel trucks.

Tuesday of Honda week was also Mardi Gras.  Chapter Executive Director Carl Mistretta is a New Orleans native and took the opportunity to pass out beads and doubloons to all the kids and even a few adults.  Mistretta shared a few Mardi Gras facts with the crowd before the big show began.

Dennis Walters, and PGA Tour professional Andrew Kozan hosted our annual Junior Clinic sponsored by TRUGREEN.  The event began with Dennis and Gussie putting on their inspirational show of golf trick shots.  As always, the crowd was amazed.  Gussie even hit a few shots.  Does Dennis ever miss a shot?

Andrew grew up in South Florida and attended The King’s Academy and then played college golf at Auburn.  He talked to the kids and teens about challenges in his life and how he practices and manages his game to play professional golf.  He watched chapter student Mateo Muniz and alumnus Billy Reid hit some shots for the crowd.   Billy hit it far and Mateo hit it straight! 

Hot dogs and snacks were served to all that attended.  Over 100 juniors joined us for the clinic.  Thank you TruGreen for sponsoring our great partnership.

In a tournament week full of student opportunities, it all began with Chapter students playing the Monday Pro Am with PGA TOUR professional Marcus Byrd.

“Wow, that was awesome,” said Mateo.  “First, we received all kinds of SWAG- clothes, shoes, golf balls, a golf bag, sunglasses, a cooler and a hat- then we played a golf course in PGA Tour conditions with Marcus, a PGA pro.  It was his first time playing the course, but he talked with us the entire day and we had a great time.”

We had two groups of students play, Boys vs Girls! The boys group consisted of Executive Director Carl Mistretta Jr. and students Wylie Inman, Mateo Muniz, and Nashawn Tyson playing with PGA TOUR professional Marcus Byrd. Our Director of Program Development, Emily Valentine, played with Olivia St. Antoine, Audrey Bacic, Annika Collado, and PGA TOUR professional Erik Barnes.  For the record, the girls beat the boys this year.

“This is definitely one of our most coveted local participant opportunities,” said Mistretta.  “It is made possible because of the support and generosity of The Honda Classic and is reserved for our most dedicated students each year.  Want to play in this awesome Pro-Am?  Then please join the First Tee!”