Savannah Mansueti Graduates From UF

Chapter alumna Savannah Mansueti recently graduated from the University of Florida with her bachelor’s degree in political science! Savannah was a recipient of our four-year college scholarship after her many years of involvement at our Chapter as a student and Coach.

She will continue to serve our community as she has accepted a position as Events Coordinator and Social Media Manager with the Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue and Hospital.

“First Tee has been an integral part of my life, and I am so thankful for their support during my college career,” said Savannah. “The resources and opportunities that First Tee have provided have made a significant impact on my development as a person. I would not be where I am today without this organization.”

Chapter Attends Network Summit

Chapter staff, coaches and board members traveled to Dallas, Texas to attend the First Tee Network Summit. We attended classes on inclusion, fundraising, coaching, storytelling, and social media.  Guest speakers included First Tee’s Honorary Chairman President George Bush and former CEO of ATT Randall Stephenson.

This biennial event brings together representatives from the international network of 155 First Tee chapters for education, networking and learning from guest speakers to help us implement best practices and deepen our impact in the communities we serve.

We met with other chapters across the east coast to share ideas. Over 800 people attended the Summit.  Our chapter won “Best Attended” with over 17 representatives from our organization making the trip.

Program Partner Highlight: PAL

We are very excited to offer programming to the students of Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Police Athletic League (PAL) as one of our newest and largest program partners! We hosted programming for all FIVE of their centers across the county and concluded with an end of season party at Drive Shack. Each PAL center chose one outstanding participant, and they were gifted their own set of golf clubs.

Partial funding for this incredible program was provided by the BallenIsles Charities Foundation.

“The support of our local country clubs is how we fund the majority of our outreach programs,” said Dr. Edward Slotnick, Chapter Vice President.  “Their support and generosity impact the lives of thousands of students each year in Palm Beach County.”

End Of Year Bash

Lots to celebrate.  We had our biggest year ever in delivering First Tee, special needs and veterans’ programs in Palm Beach County.  In December, we hosted our End of Year Bash at the Finnegan Learning Center with over 130 students (including from PBSO PAL), parents, coaches, directors and supporters in attendance.

We kicked it off with our Honorary Vice Chairman Dennis Walters and Gussie putting on their inspirational trick shot golf show.  Next up, Chapter Director and LPGA Tour player Marina Alex and PGA Champions Tour player Ken Duke answered questions about becoming a touring professional and their lives on Tour. We ended the day with recognizing Coach Tami Blanks as our 2022 Coach of the Year and enjoying delicious food from the Jumby Bay Food Truck.

Mateo Muniz Player Of The Year

It came down to the wire, but Chapter student Mateo Muniz brought it home by winning the 2022 SFPGA Junior Tour Player of the Year in the 9-10 age group! When asked about his win, Mateo said: “I was surprised. It was my first full year playing the Prep Tour and I learned a lot about competition and integrity.  When I play, I play my game, and according to the rules.  I am fortunate to have people like my mom and Coach Glen who encourage me to play that way.”

Congratulations Mateo! We cannot wait to see what is in store for you in 2023…………

It’s Almost Honda Classic Time

“We are so appreciative of the support of all our tournament sponsors and fans and proud that we are able to continue moving the needle upward for the benefit of our philanthropic partners,” said Honda Classic Executive Director Andrew George.  “While the tournament strives to provide the entire South Florida area with a premier professional sporting event, the ultimate goal is to improve the lives of youth in need and to create a brighter future for our community.”

February 23-26

Looking for tournament tickets or hospitality to the biggest sporting event in Palm Beach County? https://thehondaclassic.com/tickets/

Mark your calendars for the First Tee Junior Clinic on Tuesday, February 21st at 3:15pm.

Want to play where the pros play?  We play the Sunday pins from the PGA Tour event on Monday, February 27th.  Sponsorships are available.

Sponsor Spotlight : PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE

PGA TOUR Superstore provides chapters with grants, student participant opportunities, equipment donations, tournament sponsorships, clinics and customer fund-raising events. In partnership with The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, the PGA TOUR Superstore makes grants to chapters where the stores do business.

PGA TOUR Superstores in South Florida host First Tee programs, employs many of our students, provides funding for our outreach programs and college scholarships, welcomes many chapter events, and provides gift cards for our tournaments. 

 Annual Appeal – Enter Our Pebble Beach Raffle

This year, our Annual Appeal will feature a raffle for a trip to play Pebble Beach!  For every $100 donated, you will be entered to win a 3-night stay at the Lodge at Pebble Beach (includes two Garden View rooms) and a foursome to play one round at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The prize package also includes $1,500 towards airfare, trip expenses, etc. 

Certain restrictions apply. Drawing to be held February 27, 2023. Winner will book their trip directly with Pebble Beach Resorts. The winning certificate does not expire, and the golf and room rates are valid for one year.

For example: $300 donation = 3 chances to win.  

Enter Now!

 The Junior Honda Classic

Register now for the The Junior Honda Classic on Saturday, January 7-8, 2023. The Junior Honda Classic is a premier event on the IMG Junior Golf Tour schedule and celebrates junior golf while perpetuating The Honda Classic’s initiatives to grow the game. Boys and girls ages 7-18 can participate in this event. This event returns to PGA National Resort & Spa as well. 

For more information and to register, visit the website.

 Ladies Day At TimberTech Championship

Three of our students played in the PGA Champions Tour TimberTech Ladies Pro-Am at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. Coach Gabbie Budd, LPGA accompanied students Olivia St. Antoine, Isabella Cecere, and Natalie Sosa.  The group had an amazing time playing and watching a clinic put on by Annika Sorenstam. The group, led by Pro Trevor Dodd, PGA placed 9th in the tournament.

“It was an unbelievable day,” said Coach Gabbie.  “Our girls had a wonderful time playing in this event.  We met Annika, they learned a lot from Trevor, and the girls received lots of SWAG.”