Category: Blog

Quick 9 for Personal Growth through Golf

By: Andrew Olivo, Age 16, First Tee – Central Florida

1. How does golf relate to life? ​

Golf relates to life as it teaches many important qualities such as respect, responsibility, and judgment. These characteristics help me to make the right decisions in life and place me on a path for success.

2. How does golf challenge you to be a better person?

​Golf challenges me to be a better person by placing me in situations to embrace the life lessons that I learn. For example, on the course, I have to always be honest with myself, even when nobody’s watching.

3. What is your favorite part about playing golf? ​

My favorite part about playing golf is spending time on the golf course with my dad. He is usually very busy with work so it’s nice to have some bonding time with him on the course to talk and play.

4. What golf skill helps you the most off the course? ​

Perseverance helps me the most off the course as it pushes me to do my best despite challenges or difficulties I may face in achieving my goals.

5. How can golf make you a more well-rounded individual? ​

Golf makes me a more well-rounded individual by teaching me a variety of skills and characteristics that I use in my day to day life. For example, golf helps to build my self confidence and practice respect towards adults and peers in my life.

6. How are you inspired through golf?

​I am inspired through golf to continue to improve as I play competitively in tournaments and on my high school team. In addition, as a junior assistant coach, it has inspired me to give back to my community and teach younger golfers the game of golf and important life lessons.

7. How have you grown up over the past year?

​Over the past year, I have learned to take on more responsibilities and leadership roles. For example, I am dedicating more time to junior coaching classes in First Tee. In school, I have become more active in clubs and organizations that I am a member of.

8. What or who motivates you? ​

My parents motivate me to work hard and try my best in golf and school. They teach me to always be a good person and lead by example.

9. What is your personal growth goal? ​

My personal growth goal is to keep working hard in school to be accepted in a highly rated university. In addition to developing my academics, I also want to continue focusing on maintaining my health and fitness through physical activity.

Kelvin Williams – Lessons in Leadership

At First Tee, we guide kids to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action because strong character, inner strength and resilience is needed now more than ever. This month we are talking to leaders within our Network about their experiences and key lessons learned over the course of their careers.

Kelvin Williams, Senior Vice President, Business Operations at First Tee Headquarters

What is your current role at First Tee and what is the most rewarding part of your job?

Senior Vice President, Business Operations. Definitely helping others be successful. And knowing that what we do is making a difference in the lives of young people.

This month we’re celebrating Black History Month and lifting up voices of Black participants, coaches and leaders exploring what it means to be a leader. What does leadership mean to you?

It means being a good example, practicing what I preach, and doing what I say I am going to do.  It also means being consistent and maintaining a great attitude no matter what… Attitude reflects leadership.

Did you always know you wanted to be in a leadership role? Can you share a little bit about your journey and how you’ve developed into your current role?

Yes. It started with my parents. People really respected them because of their strong work ethic and the manner in which they carried themselves. They would often get asked to lead various activities at church, work or in the community, and I knew one day I wanted follow in their footsteps. As I began my career, I held on to those qualities and observed others in leadership roles.  I learned what to do and what not to do, and from there I developed my own leadership style, which helped me to advance up the ladder and into the role I currently serve in.

Who were some of the strong voices or mentors in your life that inspired you?

My Wife, Parents and Pastors.

Can you give an example of a challenge you have faced in your career and how have you worked to overcome it?

Absolutely.  17 years ago, as a new manager, I was struggling trying to find ways to motivate one of my team members, and it really drove me crazy because I could not get this guy to perform at a higher level . Later that year, I went to a manager/leadership seminar and it was very enlightening. My biggest take way from the seminar was the effective listening session, and I was inspired and determined to take what I learned back to my office and try it on the team member I was struggling to motivate. And it worked! By listening, I was able to get to know him and build a relationship, which fostered trust. And in return, he trusted me and shared his goals and dreams with me. And because of that I was finally able to help him be successful because I listened to him and learned how to get his engine going.

How does or can First Tee play a role in bringing more diversity to our game?

By continuing to provide all young people, regardless of race, gender or social economic background, the opportunity to participate. And being intentional about hiring and recruiting leadership that looks like the community we want to serve.

What advice do you have for young people entering the job market determined to make a career for themselves?

  1. Do what you say you’re going to do.
  2. Don’t let anyone out work you.
  3. Pay your dues.
  4. Have fun!

Monica Blake – Lessons in Leadership

At First Tee, we guide kids to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action because strong character, inner strength and resilience is needed now more than ever. This month we are talking to leaders within our Network about their experiences and key lessons learned over the course of their careers.

Monica Blake, First Tee – Central Arkansas

What is your current role at First Tee and what is the most rewarding part of your job?

My name is Monica Blake and I am the Executive Director of First Tee-Central Arkansas. The most rewarding part of my job is making a positive impact on the lives of the youth and families we serve in Central Arkansas. As the Executive Director I’m able to serve as the voice of our participants and advocate on their behalf. I am also a certified First Tee coach and I have been intentional about staying involved in the coaching process. I believe that in order to be a successful leader it’s important that I stay connected to our participants and our mission. As the Executive Director, it’s essential to be a good steward of our donors and sponsoring donations and it’s very rewarding to see those contributions directly impact the youth that we serve.

This month we’re celebrating Black History Month and lifting up voices of Black participants, coaches and leaders exploring what it means to be a leader. What does leadership mean to you?

I believe that leadership isn’t about a title or position that you hold, but that it’s about the difference you make in someone’s life. As the leader of First Tee- Central Arkansas it’s important that I’m putting everyone within our organization in a position to not only be  successful, but to facilitate an environment where each participant, coach, and volunteer aspire to be the change they seek in the lives of the youth that we serve.

Did you always know you wanted to be in a leadership role? Can you share a little bit about your journey and how you’ve developed into your current role?

My journey with First Tee began in an entry level role as a volunteer coach in 2012. It was in this role, I realized the value that each position within the organization holds, and how it’s sometimes the person who’s the initial point of contact, that can make the biggest impact on a participant. As I reflect on my growth in the organization, and how my career has progressed, I was extremely fortunate for the opportunity to serve as a volunteer. It was instrumental in laying a foundation of what it means to serve and how to incorporate service into my leadership style. I quickly moved into the role of a paid coach and from there I was promoted to Program Director, where I served for 6 years. Being the Program Director allowed me to connect with the curriculum we were teaching and our mission as an organization and how it impacts each participant. In 2019, I became the first female African-American Executive Director of First Tee-Central Arkansas. I know it was every role that I’ve served, which helped prepare me for this amazing opportunity within this organization and has put me in the greatest position to be successful .

Who were some of the strong voices or mentors in your life that inspired you?

Harold Banks has been a mentor to not only myself, but to countless golfers throughout the Central Arkansas area. Harold was always willing to share his knowledge, skills and expertise with everyone in the golf community. He always had a positive attitude and took a personal interest in mentoring the next generation. Harold was instrumental in advancing black golfers in Little Rock and often his advice extended far beyond the golf course. He was respected by golfers throughout Central Arkansas and left a lasting impact on golfers for generations to come. The impact Harold has made on our community is something that truly inspires and motivates me to become a mentor and leader in the community.

Can you give an example of a challenge you have faced in your career and how have you worked to overcome it?

Having to lead during a pandemic was certainly a challenge and continues to be each day. One important lesson I’ve learned is how to constantly adapt to ever changing  circumstances and continue to modify and adjust as necessary. Flexibility and the power of teamwork are key pillars I have to lean on. Together, as an organization, we were able to navigate through our new circumstances and now we’re in a position to advance our organization even further. We were forced to evaluate our operations through a different lens, and I feel programming has benefited as a result.

How does or can First Tee play a role in bringing more diversity to our game? 

First Tee has the opportunity to play a fundamental role in increasing diversity in golf, especially in Central Arkansas.  The mission of our organization has always been to introduce our programming to underserved communities and now we have the opportunity to lead the charge in bringing diversity and inclusion into the game of golf. This is done by elevating black voices within the community and developing a plan to identify the disconnections and expanding opportunities for minorities. As an organization it is our responsibility to ensure that all participants are having an equitable experience.

What advice do you have for young people entering the job market determined to make a career for themselves?

My advice for young people entering the job market would be to find something that you are passionate about and where you can make a difference. Golf has always played a significant role in my life and as I’ve grown older so has the desire to help people in my community. I’m very fortunate to now serve in a role where I get to blend these two together. It is important to make an impact on the world around you and to help those who are in need.

Coach Dustin Marsh – Lessons in Leadership

At First Tee, we guide kids to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action because strong character, inner strength and resilience is needed now more than ever. This month we are talking to leaders within our Network about their experiences and key lessons learned over the course of their careers.

Coach Dustin Marsh, First Tee – Central Carolina

What is your current role at First Tee, how long have you been in that role and what is the most rewarding part of your job?

Currently, I am a recognized First Tee Coach. I have been coaching with The First Tee since 2009.

This month we’re celebrating Black History Month and lifting up voices of Black participants, coaches and leaders exploring what it means to be a leader. As a coach, you’re both a mentor and leader to the participants in the program. What does that mean to you?

It means a great deal to me! Many people get to middle age and find themselves in a job or career that they did not foresee. They get caught up in making a living. They may or may not like what they do. I like what I do but, before I started with The First Tee I was not participating in my community as I thought I needed to. I was searching for something to fill a void in my being. When I was young, I was an education major but, life happened and I took an opportunity to work in computer technology. Now that I am coaching with The First Tee, I feel like I’m exercising the same passion I had when I was on a path to be an educator.

How important is it for participants to see diverse leaders like yourself and others coaching at the chapter?

It’s extremely important that our participants experience the program from a diverse range of leaders and with diverse peers. I think specifically about some of the kids I have coached over the years who have gone on to college and professional careers, and I know having diverse coaches was instrumental in not only attracting them to the program, but also keeping them engaged for the long run.  At the end of the day, it’s about making kids feel welcome and comfortable, and when a kid can see themselves in me or another black or brown coach, that increases the likelihood they will want to come back.

Who were some of the strong voices or mentors in your life that inspired you?

Many of my coaches made strong impressions on me for various reasons. Some of my teachers inspired me as well. However, I think the strongest voices in my life were those that exemplified and instilled the importance of decency toward others.

What accomplishment are you most proud of in your life or career?

One thing I’m most proud of is my track record of community service, specifically through First Tee – Central Carolina.  I’ve been doing this for over 11 years.  It isn’t always convenient or easy in my schedule, but it has been worth it.  I’m proud that kids have called me a mentor even when I didn’t think I was, and that I’ve been able to help them figure out all how to deal with the hard things life has thrown at them.

Can you give an example of a challenge you have faced in your career and how have you worked to overcome it?

A challenge that I have faced in my career is leading teams of people and how to get the best results possible.  What I’ve learned is that you have to know what motivates them and what their strengths and weaknesses are.  This takes time and building relationships.  Once you know these details, you can put people where they are going to be the most effective and the whole team benefits.  I’ve done the same thing in the First Tee classes I coach.  I try to learn as quickly as I can why a kid is there and what they are looking to get out of the experience.  Once I know this, I can adapt my coaching to best match their needs.  Like we are trained in the First Tee Coach Program, match the activity to the child and not the child to the activity.

How does or can First Tee play a role in bringing more diversity to our game?

I think we must continue to find ways to make golf inviting to a diverse group of people. There isn’t one way to bring more diversity to golf. We have to try every approach we can come up with. It’s not something that can be accomplished overnight. Golf used to be a sport that was available to only those with financial means and making it more inclusive is going to take time and perseverance. There is a lot of untapped talent that golf has yet to tap into. It ultimately comes down to building relationships in your community that are genuine and time tested.  The opportunities to be more diverse can be hard to initially see, but if your focus is on building relationships, the opportunities to engage with black and brown communities will become more apparent.  When it comes to this type of work, don’t worry about being the first one there, focus on being the last one standing.

What leadership advice or concept do you think is most important for your participants to know?

Focus on the process, not the outcome.

Angela “Coach Angel” Whorton, First Tee — Greater Akron

Coach Angel has been an educator for 15 years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Hampton University, where she attended on a full NCAA Division I scholarship helping lead her team in March Madness. After graduation, Coach Angel traveled extensively and was invited to speak on diversity and educational practices. She began her teaching career in Turkey, teaching English as a Second Language before going back home, to Akron, Ohio where she is currently an educator at the Lebron James IPromise school. Coach Angel was introduced to First Tee 8 years ago when her son, John Ramon, joined the program. She joined in not long after and has been coaching at First Tee — Greater Akron for 7 years.  “I feel it is important to stay involved in the First Tee to offer the kids in my urban community the opportunity to play a sport that they may have not felt was in their realm of abilities.  When we begin working with these athletes we open a whole new world for them while developing their character through the Core Values to instill a solid foundation for success.  I also feel it is essential to have representation in the world of golf and being able to interact and develop friendships and perspectives with people in the golf community that may have otherwise never built a relationship with someone in the Black community such as myself.” Coach Angel is just one of the many inspirational coaches across our network and we invite you to learn more about her journey and thoughts on leadership in the video below.

First Tee Alumni Compete on the APGA Tour

We believe that golf provides a powerful vehicle to help kids build inner strength and life enhancing skills they can take to everything they do. Joseph Dent, Marcellus Dillard and Joey Stills are First Tee alumni using these life lessons as they compete on the APGA Tour, a launching pad for African Americans and minority golfers to compete and make their way to the PGA TOUR. The three alumni shared their experiences through First Tee and how it’s empowered them to develop their character as they pursue their goals.

SCNS Sports Foods Becomes Gold Partner of The First Tee

SCNS Sports Foods is proud to become a Gold Partner to The First Tee, an organization that provides positive youth development through golf. SCNS Sports Foods supports The First Tee via donating a portion of the proceeds on every bar sold of their gluten free Trail Mix bars. There are two varieties – Dark Chocolate Chip and Cranberry. Each bar is a delicious combination of gluten free oats, and six different nuts and seeds. The primary sweetener of each bar is agave syrup, and the bars do not contain any artificial ingredients. “Golfers need sustained energy in order to play their best. Our gluten free Trail Mix bars are designed to help golfers sustain energy while providing great taste,” said Bill Stewart, Chief Operating Officer of SCNS Sports Foods. “Our Trail Mix bars are also a great light meal or snack off the course as well” Stewart added. “We are especially pleased to be able to contribute a portion of the proceeds on these bars to The First Tee across the country. Their youth development programs have positively impacted millions of young people over the years, and helped them learn highly valuable life lessons while learning the game of golf,” Stewart noted. “The First Tee is reliant upon charitable contributions to carry out our mission and is grateful to receive support from donors like SCNS Sports Foods” said Jennifer Weiler, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer of The First Tee. “We’re positively impacting the lives of young people thanks in great part to their contributions.” 1st Tee™ and 10th Tee™ golf nutrition and energy bars are sold at over 2,000 golf courses and golf retail outlets across the United States. For more information on 1st Tee and 10th Tee golf nutrition and energy bars, please visit www.golfenergybar.com or call toll free 1-888-638-8686. Contact: Bill Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at [email protected]

The First Tee National Par-3 Championship 2016 Winners

 

Madalyn Ardueser from The First Tee of Greater Portland Wins Girls Division and Presley

Mackelberg from The First Tee of Northern Nevada Wins Boys Division of The First Tee’s

National Par-3 Championship 

 

Richmond, VA (June 25, 2016) – Madalyn Ardueser representing The First Tee of Greater Portland and Presley Mackelberg representing The First Tee of Northern Nevada clinched The First Tee’s National Par-3 Championship title today for their respective divisions. The First Tee National Par-3 Championship is a unique event that gathers 32 junior golfers from around the country to participate in a 36-hole individual stroke play competition at an exclusive Par-3 course. The tournament took place this weekend at The Kanawha Club in Mankin-Sabot, Virginia.  Ardueser and Mackelberg both finished +8 over 36-holes. The girls division runner up, Alice Duan +11 (T2), The First Tee of Northern Nevada, faced Mariana Ocano +11 (T2), The First Tee of St. Petersburg, in a play-off for the runnerup trophy. Duan came out on top after two holes of battle. Steven Schnobrich +9, The First Tee of New Hampshire, finished runner-up in the boys division. “[Today] the pin locations were easier and the greens rolled about the same so it made easier to putt,” Ardueser reflects. “It means a lot to win this tournament.t I came from the other side of country, all the way Oregon, and I came to represent my chapter and The First Tee program overall. It was a great test of perseverance and I think anyone who is thinking of considering coming to an event like this should go for it because it teaches you a lot about yourself.” Ardueser is attending Eastern Washington University on golf scholarship in the fall. “I thought the pin locations were a little more scoreable and the greens were slower greens from rain over night,” Mackelberg noted. “It means a lot [to win this tournament] because I can go back to my chapter and tell them about my experience. I hope to inspire others to come here and have fun, too. I always say that people should enjoy the courses you’re playing and the people you’re playing with.” Mackelberg is a rising junior in high school and has goals to play college golf. Full Scores:  
First Name

Last Name

Chapter

 Round 1 + Round 2 + OVERALL OVERALL +

Olivia

Alcoran

Greater Sacramento

66

12

65

11

131

23

Madalyn

Ardueser

Greater Portland

57

3

59

5

116

8

Hallie

Boles

Pine Mountain

65

11

61

7

126

18

Sayaka

Carpenter

Raritan Valley

70

16

56

2

126

18

Serena

Chen

Greater Trenton

66

12

65

11

131

23

Kaitlynn

Criswell

Phoenix

65

11

68

14

133

25

Alice

Duan

Northern Nevada

61

7

58

4

119

11

Madelyn

Edwards

Aiken

71

17

68

14

139

31

Angelica

Harris

Greater New Orleans

65

11

59

5

124

16

Emily

Harvey

Valparaiso

64

10

71

17

135

27

Savannah

 Kummelman

Lakeland

77

23

69

15

146

38

Tarin

Leong

Fort Worth

66

12

63

9

129

21

Mariana

Ocano

St. Petersburg

61

7

58

4

119

11

Lauren

Palmer

Greater San Antonio

71

17

69

15

140

32

Jayla

Rogers

Brunswick County

65

11

68

14

133

25

Belle

Tan

Greater Dallas

60

6

60

6

120

12

Tyler

Armstrong

 East Baton Rouge Parish

61

7

58

4

119

11

Owen

Avrit

Central Coast

59

5

62

8

121

13

Joseph

Auth

Pittsburgh

63

9

69

15

132

24

Carlo

Carino

Greater New Orleans

68

14

66

12

134

26

Cole

Elmore

Salina

65

11

64

10

129

21

Evan

Griffith

Fort Smith

61

7

65

11

126

18
Alexander

Lamm

Greater Charlotte

61

7

60

6

121

13

Jason

Liu

Connecticut

61

7

60

6

121

13

Seth

Lomison

the Triad

63

9

58

4

121

13
Alexander

Lowe

Fort Worth

68

14

69

15

137

29

Presley

Mackelburg

Northern Nevada

59

5

57

3

116

8

Steven

Schnobrich

New Hampshire

60

6

57

3

117

9

Scott

Schuster

Greater Houston

71

17

60

6

131

23

Deion

Shepherd

Raritan Valley

65

11

57

3

122

14

Brice

Smoker

Aiken

70

16

62

8

132

24

Alex

Woo

Greater Richmond

81

27

68

14

149

41
   

About The First Tee National Par-3 Championship

The First Tee’s National Par–3 Championship is a national opportunity for network participants. To qualify, youth ages 14-17 must go through a thorough application process; girls must have a handicap of 10 or better and boys must have a handicap of 8 or better to be accepted into the event. The playing field is made up of 16 boys and 16 girls representing 26 chapters of The First Tee from 16 different states. Because this is a national opportunity produced by The First Tee, Life Skills and healthy habits are incorporated into daily activities—the overall theme being “the responsibilities of leadership.” On Friday, June 24th, the participants will compete in an individual stroke play competition on an exclusive Par-3 course, The Kanawha Club in Manakin-Sabot, VA. One boy and one girl will be named The First Tee National Par-3 Champion after 36 total holes of individual stroke play, Saturday, June 25th.  The University of Richmond will house participants from Wednesday through Sunday.  

About The First Tee

The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youthserving locations. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to nine million young people in all 50 United States and select international locations. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair. In 2015, The First Tee of Greater Richmond reached over 22,000 youth through The First Tee Life Skills Experience, collaborative community partnerships, and The First Tee National School Program. At three programming locations, the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range, The Chesterfield Golf Course, and Independence Golf Club, the chapter provides spring, summer, and fall programs, as well as summer camps and a spring break camp. During programs and camps, head coaches and volunteer coaches positively develop young people with a supportive environment.

Media Contacts

Madison Rogers Director of Marketing & Special Events, The First Tee of Greater Richmond [email protected] 804-357-8125   Brent Schneider Executive Director, The First Tee of Greater Richmond [email protected]  804-349-3364

Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach Brings 81 Teenagers an Opportunity of a Lifetime

The First Tee participants to play in official PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach in September

St. Augustine, Fla. (July 6, 2016) – Participants representing chapters of The First Tee throughout the country have been selected to play in the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, an official PGA TOUR Champions event hosted by Monterey Peninsula Foundation. The event will be held September 13-18 and televised internationally on Golf Channel. Eighty-one young men and women listed below, ages 14 to 18, were selected by a national panel of judges that evaluated participants’ playing ability and comprehension of the life skills and core values learned through their involvement with The First Tee. “At Nature Valley we have great admiration for the mission of The First Tee. The program has such a meaningful impact in the lives of young people by strengthening important values like responsibility, judgement and perseverance. The opportunity for these teenagers to be selected as a part of The First Tee has the power to transform lives,” said Carla Vernón at General Mills. “The teenagers selected to play in the Nature Valley First Tee Open have worked hard to prepare for this opportunity, and we are immensely proud to welcome them to this year’s tournament.” The juniors will be teamed with 81 PGA TOUR Champions players and 162 amateurs as they compete for the pro-junior title at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course. Players committed to compete include two-time major championship winner John Daly, World Golf Hall of Fame member and 28-time PGA TOUR Champions winner Bernhard Langer, and defending champion Esteban Toledo. The junior field was announced this morning on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive. The show included current U.S. Presidents Cup captain and soon-to-be PGA TOUR Champions member Steve Stricker, Quicken Loans National winner Billy Hurley III, PGA TOUR player and The First Tee alumnus Scott Langley, Golf Channel’s Charlie Rymer and 2013 Nature Valley First Tee Open pro-junior winner Michelle Xie surprising six juniors with the news of their selection. Highlights from the coverage can be found on www.golfchannel.com. “We are pleased to introduce this year’s juniors in the Nature Valley First Tee Open, an event to which many have been working hard to secure their spot for years,” Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee, said. “We appreciate our partners—Nature Valley, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel—and their commitment to the event which is a life-changing experience for the juniors.” In its 13th year, more than 710 participants from The First Tee chapters have benefited from the opportunity to play in the tournament by meeting and learning from PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs in the field, utilizing the leadership and life skills they have acquired at their chapters. The Nature Valley First Tee Open is one of 10 national opportunities provided by The First Tee home office to encourage and motivate young people as they progress through the program and toward high school graduation. The First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization with golf programs centered on building character through Nine Core Values™: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. Clint Eastwood is chairman of the event and Arnold Palmer, World Golf Hall of Fame member and Trustee of The First Tee, is honorary co-chair. Play will be conducted on Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course on Friday and Saturday, and final round will be played on Pebble Beach on Sunday. For more information, visit www.thefirstteeopen.com. To learn more about The First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.

The First Tee Participants Selected to Play in 2016 Nature Valley First Tee Open

Alphabetical by state

First Name:

Last Name:

Chapter:

City:

State:

Josie

Roberson

The First Tee of Central Arkansas

Maumelle

AR

William

Gibson

The First Tee of Fort Smith

Fort Smith

AR

Sydnie

Gamble

The First Tee of Fort Smith

Greenwood

AR

Grayson

Martin

The First Tee of Central Arkansas

White Hall

AR

Patrick

Fernandez

The First Tee of Phoenix

Surprise

AZ

Dylan

Choi

The First Tee of Greater Pasadena

La Cañada

CA

Caitlyn

Yamashita

The First Tee of Greater Pasadena

Pasadena

CA

Beah

Cruz

The First Tee of Greater Sacramento

Fairfield

CA

Emily

Dixon

The First Tee of Greater Sacramento

Rocklin

CA

Grant

Leppek

The First Tee of Greater Sacramento

Rocklin

CA

Neeve

Chen

The First Tee of Greater Sacramento

Roseville

CA

Jonathan

Tanihana

The First Tee of Greater Sacramento

Sacramento

CA

Calista

Reyes

The First Tee of San Diego

San Diego

CA

Catherine

Batang

The First Tee of San Francisco

San Francisco

CA

Madeline

Zunino

The First Tee of San Joaquin

Stockton

CA

Isabelle

Castro

The First Tee of Silicon Valley

San Jose

CA

Jacob

Meyberg

The First Tee of Silicon Valley

San Jose

CA

Joshua

Meyberg

The First Tee of Silicon Valley

San Jose

CA

Rachel

Roter

The First Tee of the Tri-Valley

Livermore

CA

Kailer

Rundiks

The First Tee of Denver

Denver

CO

Chase

Skrubis

The First Tee of Connecticut

North Granby

CT

Kaden

Kinard

The First Tee of Delaware

New Castle

DE

Nicolas

Kresl

The First Tee of Lakeland

Lakeland

FL

Jake

Moscoso

The First Tee of Miami

Miami

FL

Christian

Taylor

The First Tee of Naples/Collier

Naples

FL

Kelly

Newbrough

The First Tee of Naples/Collier

Naples

FL

Makenzie

Hotchkiss

The First Tee of Naples/Collier

Naples

FL

Peter

George

The First Tee of Naples/Collier

Naples

FL

Trevor

Madridejos

The First Tee of North Florida

St. Augustine

FL

Madelyn

Dimitroff

The First Tee of Northwest Florida

Pensacola

FL

Brandon

Pozzie

The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee

Bradenton

FL

Isabella

Stepanek

The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee

Sarasota

FL

Nicole

Polivchak

The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee

Sarasota

FL

Sadie

Chlapowski

The First Tee of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg

FL

Claire

Vermette

The First Tee of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg

FL

James

Morotti II

The First Tee of Tampa Bay

Brandon

FL

Brandon

Doner

The First Tee of The Palm Beaches

Palm Beach Gardens

FL

Alejandra

Ayala

The First Tee of Atlanta

Alpharetta

GA

Brette

Bryant

The First Tee of Augusta

Augusta

GA

Madison

Harwell

The First Tee of Augusta

Evans

GA

Perry

Chong

The First Tee of Hammond

Chicago

IL

Emily

Harvey

The First Tee of Valparaiso

Crown Point

IN

Yianni

Kostouros

The First Tee of Valparaiso

Crown Point

IN

Cole

Elmore

The First Tee of Salina

Salina

KS

Tyler

Armstrong

The First Tee of East Baton Rouge Parish

Zachary

LA

Julia

Simon

The First Tee of Greater New Orleans

New Orleans

LA

Jairus

Gaines

The First Tee of Greater Baltimore

Baltimore

MD

Tyler

Burkum

The First Tee of Three Rivers Park District

Maple Grove

MN

Pierce

Robinson

The First Tee of the Foothills

Kings Mountain

NC

Connor

Moore

The First Tee of the Triangle

Durham

NC

Kayla

Parsons

The First Tee of the Triangle

Raleigh

NC

Ryan

Birkedal

The First Tee of the Triad

Lewisville

NC

Lauren

Thibodeau

The First Tee of New Hampshire

Hampstead

NH

Abbi

Fleiner

The First Tee of Northern Nevada

Reno

NV

Joshua

Fleiner

The First Tee of Northern Nevada

Reno

NV

Faith

Francioso

The First Tee of Metropolitan New York

Wantagh

NY

Summer

Marshall

The First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City

Norman

OK

Soulai

Vang

The First Tee of Tulsa

Oologah

OK

Tya

Seth

The First Tee of Greater Portland

West Linn

OR

Kendel

Abrams

The First Tee of Greater Baltimore

New Freedom

PA

Brice

Smoker

The First Tee of Aiken

North Augusta

SC

Megan

Tang

The First Tee of Memphis

Memphis

TN

Trinity

King

The First Tee of Fort Worth

Arlington

TX

Calista

Lothliam

The First Tee of Fort Worth

Fort Worth

TX

Alexander

Lowe

The First Tee of Fort Worth

Westworth Village

TX

Annaliesia

Salazar

The First Tee of Greater Dallas

Balch Springs

TX

Mariano

Barbosa

The First Tee of Greater Dallas

Dallas

TX

Aysis

Azarcon

The First Tee of Greater Dallas

Grand Prairie

TX

Stephen

Boyd

The First Tee of Greater Houston

Houston

TX

Scott

Schuster

The First Tee of Greater Houston

Katy

TX

Aubrey

Zastoupil

The First Tee of The Piney Woods

Longview

TX

Zoe

Mayfield

The First Tee of The Piney Woods

Longview

TX

Lauren

Palmer

The First Tee of Greater San Antonio

San Antonio

TX

Ryan

Woo

The First Tee of Greater Richmond

Richmond

VA

Drew

White

The First Tee of Greater Washington, D.C.

Alexandria

VA

Gerry

Jones, Jr.

The First Tee of Hampton Roads

Suffolk

VA

Ross

Funderburke

The First Tee of Roanoke Valley

Roanoke

VA

Callie

Montgomery

The First Tee of Roanoke Valley

Hardy

VA

Julia

Dai

The First Tee of Greater Seattle

Bellevue

WA

Dylan

Bissell

The First Tee of Yakima

Yakima

WA

Maxwell

Turnquist

The First Tee of Yakima

Yakima

WA
 About Monterey Peninsula Foundation Monterey Peninsula Foundation (MPF) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization which disburses funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament.. MPF focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties.www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org; www.attpbgolf.com; www.thefirstteeopen.com About PGA TOUR Champions PGA TOUR Champions has the most recognizable and accomplished players in the game, with many of its 34 members in the World Golf Hall of Fame competing regularly in its events. It’s where Legends play. The Tour also counts numerous other major championship winners among its members. PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older. Conceived in 1980 as the Senior PGA Tour, it started with just four events and purses totaling $475,000. PGA TOUR Champions primary purpose 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, protect the integrity of the game and generate significant charitable and economic impact in communities in which it plays. Points earned in official Charles Schwab Cup events in 2015 determined Bernhard Langer as the Charles Schwab Cup champion. In 2016, the newly-introduced Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs will identify and recognize the Tour’s leading player. The Commissioner of the PGA TOUR is Tim Finchem. Greg McLaughlin is President of PGA TOUR Champions. The PGA TOUR’s website is pgatour.com, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Follow the PGA TOUR Champions at facebook.com/ChampionsTour and on Twitter @ChampionsTour. About Nature Valley® Nature Valley created the granola bar category in 1975 and brings great taste to active consumers looking for wholesome snacks. Nature Valley offers nine great-tasting granola snacks: Crunchy Granola Bars, Sweet & Salty Nut Granola Bars, Chewy Trail Mix Bars, Granola Thins, Yogurt Granola Bars, Roasted Nut Crunch Bars, Protein Bars, Soft-Baked Oatmeal Squares and Protein Granola. Nature Valley is also the Official Granola Bar of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Web.com Tour, the United States Ski and Snowboarding Association, Nature Valley NASTAR, Cross Country Ski Areas Association, Vail Resorts. In addition, Nature Valley is a sponsor of the National Parks Conservation Association. About Golf Channel Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. Serving the most-affluent audience in all of television, Golf Channel – co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and now part of NBC Sports Group – is available in more than 200 million homes in 84 countries and 11 languages around the world. Golf Channel features more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, including tournament action from the PGA TOUR, LPGA Tour, The Open, Olympics, and Ryder Cup, as well as high-quality news, instruction and original programming. Golf Channel’s digital platforms, headed by GolfChannel.com, deliver unmatched coverage of the world of golf. Fans are able to enjoy 24/7 live streaming of Golf Channel content through Golf Live Extra and NBC Sports Live Extra, both powered by Playmaker Media, and select programming is simulcast via SiriusXM’s PGA TOUR Radio. In addition, Golf Channel connects the world to golf through a wide array of digital and lifestyle services including Golf Channel Mobile, a comprehensive app covering golf’s latest headlines, scores and analysis; GolfNow, the world’s largest online tee time booking platform and golf course technology partner, which includes the GolfNow Mobile App, featuring on-course GPS tracking, in-round scoring and game tracking; GolfAdvisor.com, the world’s largest golf course ratings and review resource for golfers, by golfers; a North American network of Golf Channel Academy instructional facilities; and Golf Channel Am Tour, the world’s largest amateur golf tour. About The First Tee The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States and select international locations. In 2015, The First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 4.7 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Shell Oil Company is The First Tee’s Founding Corporate Partner and Johnson & Johnson is its Legacy Partner. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.