Category: Blog

Greg McLaughlin Named World Golf Foundation CEO & President of The First Tee

Newly consolidated role to bring together direction and leadership of World Golf Foundation,  The First Tee, World Golf Hall of Fame; Miller Brady named PGA TOUR Champions President as McLaughlin’s successor 

St. Austustine, Florida, and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida (November 28, 2018) – The World Golf Foundation Board of Directors announced today that Greg McLaughlin will assume the combined roles and responsibilities of World Golf Foundation Chief Executive Officer & President of The First Tee. McLaughlin most recently served as President of PGA TOUR Champions, since January 2015; prior to his role at the TOUR, he was CEO of the Tiger Woods Foundation for 14 years. McLaughlin will strategically direct the World Golf Foundation, The First Tee and World Golf Hall of Fame, expanding the reach, impact and global prominence of each and ensuring financial performance and sustainability. McLaughlin will serve as a leader among the world’s top golf organizations, and a key ambassador and spokesperson for the game of golf. “We are thrilled to welcome Greg to this incredibly important new role,” said Jay Monahan, World Golf Foundation Chairman and PGA TOUR Commissioner.  “I’m not sure we could have asked for a more qualified, passionate leader, considering his deep level of experience and executive leadership success within the golf world and beyond.  Given the scope of this newly consolidated role – to further the World Golf Foundation’s mission and build upon the vision of The First Tee – his proven ability to build relationships at the highest level of the sports, business and not-for-profit communities is unique and will be invaluable.  This restructure represents an exciting evolution for the World Golf Foundation, and Greg is the perfect person to take the mantle.” World Golf Foundation Board Member and LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan added, “Greg will be a perfect fit in this new role. He is an authentic, proven leader who delivers on so many important attributes – he’s experienced, passionate and a visionary. Specifically, I think Greg will instantly connect with The First Tee chapters, donors and participants. With Greg at the helm, and given his ability to build lasting partnerships, this will be an exciting time for The First Tee and the World Golf Foundation.” “As a member of the greater golf community for more than 30 years, I have always been proud of what the collective efforts of our sport have done and continue to do to inspire communities and change lives, especially for young people who can learn and grow through the values of golf,” said McLaughlin.  “This is an exciting time in the evolution of the World Golf Foundation and, specifically, The First Tee, and I am humbled by and excited for the opportunity to lead our industry’s efforts to increase participation and global awareness of golf as a sport that is welcoming to all.” McLaughlin joined the PGA TOUR in 2014, initially as Senior Vice President of the TOUR’s Championship Management division; he was promoted to PGA TOUR Champions President in 2015 and Executive Vice President of the PGA TOUR in 2018.  McLaughlin has been instrumental in the success of PGA TOUR Champions, overseeing a record-setting 20-year marketing partnership with Charles Schwab & Co., the implementation of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs and the addition of several new title sponsors and markets. Prior to joining the Tiger Woods Foundation in 2000, McLaughlin was the Vice President of Tournaments at the (now-named) Genesis Open, Honda Classic and BMW Championship. McLaughlin graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Economics. He also received his Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law.    Ten-year World Golf Foundation CEO Steve Mona will assist McLaughlin with the transition, as Executive Director of WE ARE GOLF and Senior Advisor, before retiring later next year.  In addition, 25-year golf industry veteran, Jack Peter, who has made significant contributions including overseeing the design, build out and operation of PGA TOUR Entertainment and most recently, helping to bring the World Golf Hall of Fame to global prominence in his role as President, will retire from his position at the end of the year. “I’d like to thank Jack for his incredible leadership through the years, specifically his success in raising the profile of the of the World Golf Hall of Fame Museum,” added Monahan. Brodie Waters, World Golf Hall of Fame Vice President of Business Affairs, will lead the Hall of Fame structure, funding and operations with McLaughlin’s oversight, and will also oversee PR/communications activities for the World Golf Foundation.   Miller Brady, a 19-year veteran of the PGA TOUR, will succeed McLaughlin to lead PGA TOUR Champions.  Brady steps into the role after most recently working under McLaughlin as Senior Vice President & Chief of Operations, where his responsibilities have included direct oversight of tournament business affairs, operations, competitions and player relations as well as scheduling. In previous roles at the TOUR, Brady gained valuable experience within the Corporate Marketing department and as Special Assistant to the Commissioner (Tim Finchem) during the development of the FedExCup.  Brady began working in the sports industry in 1996 with Advantage International (now Octagon), overseeing BMW’s grassroots golf program and eventually Bank of America’s PGA TOUR Sponsorship of the West Coast Swing.  He is from Atlanta and is a graduate of Georgia Southern University. About the World Golf Foundation The mission of the World Golf Foundation is to unite the golf industry in support of initiatives that enhance the growth of and provide access to the game of golf worldwide, while preserving golf’s traditional values and passing them on to others. In support of that mission, World Golf Foundation focuses on a variety of initiatives to grow and celebrate the game of golf around the world.  Through The First Tee, the World Golf Foundation focuses on positively impacting the lives of young people.  Under the banner of the World Golf Hall of Fame, it recognizes and celebrates golf’s greatest players and contributors and serves as an inspiration to golfers and fans worldwide.  The World Golf Foundation’s GOLF 20/20 initiative pursues programs to ensure golf’s continued growth and vitality.  All World Golf Foundation initiatives work together to support the growth of the game among youth, women and minorities, while also fostering diversity within the golf industry. The World Golf Foundation also supports the golf industry in a variety of other roles, including acting as a centralized vehicle for communicating the industry’s initiatives to the media, providing a forum for golf’s organizations to collaborate on initiatives of mutual importance and commissioning and disseminating to golf’s stakeholders research on key aspects of the game.

The Faces of The First Tee January 2019 Vivian Volion

January 2019 Face of The First Tee Vivian Volion

Tenacious 6th Grader Sets Big Goals At first meeting, Vivian Volion is quiet, sweet, and squeezably cute. At second meeting, Vivian is quiet, sweet, and squeezably cute. What The First Tee coaches know about Vivian that some may not is that lying beneath that precious exterior is a scrappy spirit with lofty aspirations. A 12 year old, Birdie Level 6th grader at Visitation of Our Lady, Vivian has been playing golf with The First Tee for 2 1/2 years, where she enjoys helping younger novices with their foray into the program. Vivian lists Phil Michelson and Jordan Spieth as favorites, both of whom have given her coveted golf balls. A relative beginner, Vivian has impressively qualified for The 2019 U.S. Kids Golf World Championships at Pinehurst, the largest and most prestigious event in the world for players 12 and under, attracting over 1,450 participants from across the U.S. and more than 51 countries abroad. One of her short-term goals is to improve her game to one day qualify for that pie in the sky, the PGA’s Drive, Chip, and Putt competition preceding the Master’s in Augusta. Another short-term goal is to earn straight A’s in school. All of this is in preparation for her long-term goals to earn a scholarship to play collegiate golf, and then enjoy life as a Pro. “Vivian has that fire you see in most competitive golfers at the highest level. The last few years have seen her progress from learning golf’s fundamentals to playing with a determination to break par each and every round. It is very clear Vivian has what is takes to get her game to the top,” says former First Tee Director of Education Perry Faulkner. In addition to golf, Vivian practices Karate, where she has earned a purple belt (intermediate level before brown and black belt). True to form, Vivian is determined to become a black belt. She is a self-proclaimed lover of country music, art, and dance. When not kicking butt on the golf course and in the dojo, Vivian can be found spending time with her family or attending the youth program at her church. She loves animals and will be getting a new puppy in a few weeks, a well deserved reward. Shoot for the stars, Vivian!  

ABOUT THE FACES OF THE FIRST TEE

The Faces of The First Tee is a new platform to recognize and award current participants who embody the criteria set forth in the Mission of The First Tee. The Faces of the First Tee demonstrate impeccable character, embody one or more of the Nine Core Values, and faithfully practice one or more of the Nine Healthy Habits. This award is not based on athletic ability, but rather a displayed grasp of The First Tee curriculum. This recognition will be awarded to one participant monthly for a period of 12 months (following the school year calendar, beginning in September). Advantages of being selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee include:
  • A professional portrait taken by New Orleans Snapshots’ photographer and First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Board President Andrew Cohoon
  • A month-long, dedicated web site feature story including the portrait and a biography describing the criteria for which the participant was selected
  • A featured headline in our newsletters, Home on the Range and Tuesday’s Talk of The Tee
  • Social Media promotion on Facebook and Instagram
  • A certificate of recognition
Congratulations to those of you who have been selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee!

Paying it Forward: One First Tee Coach’s Wish to Pass on the Love of the Game

Paying it Forward: One First Tee Coach’s Wish to Pass on the Love of the Game

By: Coach Wes Gilmore I’ve always been competitive. Like many kids, I’d always dreamt of being best at everything. The game of golf quickly made its way to the top of my list. As a four-year-old, I would spend hours whacking the ball around the putting green, and sometimes, the hole got in the way. As I got older, the frequency with which the ball found the hole grew, and as a result, my interest in golf. I started playing competitive golf at the age of six and marveled at the level of independence and unpredictability of the game. Golf helped me to understand accountability and showed me that there are no shortcuts to success On the golf course, I was in charge. I was to blame when things went wrong. My expectations grew, as did an intense work ethic. I entered The First Tee of Atlanta three years later at the age of nine. My desire to improve sold me on the summer camp. I would not understand the other positive effects the program would have on me until much later. Before entering The First Tee, I usually practiced by myself. I had very few peers that shared the same passion for the game as I did. Initially, the only gratification I found was from winning competitions. As I advanced through the program, my skills improved. I met like-minded, lifelong companions that loved the game just as much as I did. The program allowed me access to practice facilities that otherwise I would not have had. While I am thankful for these things, I am most thankful to The First Tee for instilling a deep appreciation for the game of golf; a deeper gratitude for the game that shaped me into the man I am today. The Nine Core Values taught by The First Tee have stayed with me my whole life. The First Tee not only helped me to improve my skill set on the course, it armed me with the skills to face my flaws. Like any other sport, you can better your golf game through technique, strategy, equipment, and mental training. Further, golf requires the patience, grit, and critical thinking used when facing challenges in every-day life. I’ve always felt that I am battling human nature on the golf course – my own personal flaws. We never truly conquer our flaws, but throughout our lifetime, we can always try to improve ourselves. As a The First Tee coach, my goal is to introduce the game of golf to as many youths possible and to instill the same passion to ensure the game’s future. It is my hope that I can pass along a little of the joy that the game has given me. Golf can open doors that change lives. It can bind people that otherwise would have nothing in common. Golf is a game you can play for a lifetime and gain a lifetime of lessons learned.  

The Faces of The First Tee December 2018 Wyatt and Wynston Rownd

December 2018 Faces of The First Tee Wyatt and Wynston Rownd

The Rownd brothers drive forward in the face of adversity

December’s Faces of The First Tee are brothers, each living with unique challenges at the hands of a merciless disease – one brother, the diagnosed, and the other, a supportive care taker and friend. In March of 2018, 9 yr old avid athlete Wynston Rownd attended his introductory First Tee Player class at Grand Ridge in Luling, LA, where the Rownd family resides. In tow was Wynston’s then 12 year old brother, Wyatt. Class began as usual, except Coach Perry Faulkner noticed that Wyatt didn’t join his younger brother on the golf course. He stayed off to the side of the green and remained seated to watch. Coach Perry approached Wyatt and asked him if he wanted to join the class, an invitation Wyatt readily and enthusiastically accepted. As Wyatt stood up and walked to join the others on the putting green, Coach Perry noticed that his gait was slow and a bit labored. What Coach Perry didn’t know at the time was that as a 13 month old, Wyatt was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative, fatal muscular disease that has no cure. Unfortunately, playing sports does not come easily for Wyatt. His muscles are slowly getting weaker with age, which makes the repeated swinging of a golf club, walking the course, and even standing for long periods of time, exhausting. But he WANTS to be able to do this. He fights hard to not let the disease stop him. Like all boys, he wants to be able to play like his friends and his brother. Social butterfly and math lover Wynston, whom mom Jessica considers Wyatt’s biggest cheerleader, has played and will attempt any sport there is to play. And with every athletic adventure Wynston begins, he takes Wyatt along for the ride. “Wynston supports Wyatt in everything he does while still enjoying things that he loves. He loves to include his brother in everything,” say mom Jessica Rownd. “While some say he is not affected by his brother’s disease, he truly is.” Wyatt goes to multiple appointments, which as he says, gets in the way of having fun. “When The First Tee came to Grand Ridge, we were blessed to have a small group of kids participate who included Wyatt. No one asked why he couldn’t come every time, they just treated him like all the others. Being a part of a group makes Wyatt feel ‘normal,’ which life is not always for us,” says Jessica. Wyatt makes the best out of the time he gets to play with his brother and his friends. Recently, Wyatt received a service dog named Wrigley. Wrigley is a constant companion he can lean on when he takes a break, while others continue playing. “We know that God blessed us with these two complementary personalities. Wynston will do anything to make sure Wyatt is included and having fun. Though they fight like all siblings do, they are best friends and couldn’t imagine life without each other.” To learn more about Wyatt and to follow his progress, visit his web page at https://www.caringbridge.org/. There is currently no cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. To learn more about the disease and how you can help,visit www.endduchenne.org or www.jettfoundation.org

About The Faces of The First Tee

The Faces of The First Tee is a new platform to recognize and award current participants who embody the criteria set forth in the Mission of The First Tee. The Faces of the First Tee demonstrate impeccable character, embody one or more of the Nine Core Values, and faithfully practice one or more of the Nine Healthy Habits. This award is not based on athletic ability, but rather a displayed grasp of The First Tee curriculum. This recognition will be awarded to one participant monthly for a period of 12 months (following the school year calendar, beginning in September). Advantages of being selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee include:
  • A professional portrait taken by New Orleans Snapshots’ photographer and First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Board President Andrew Cohoon
  • A month-long, dedicated web site feature story including the portrait and a biography describing the criteria for which the participant was selected
  • A featured headline in our newsletters, Home on the Range and Tuesday’s Talk of The Tee
  • Social Media promotion on Facebook and Instagram
  • A certificate of recognition
Congratulations to those of you who have been selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee!

The Faces of The First Tee November 2018 Ariana Blagrove

November 2018 Face of The First Tee

Ariana Blagrove

Civic Minded Student Dances Her Way Into The Hearts of The First Tee

A newcomer to The First Tee of Greater New Orleans, Ariana Blagrove is making an incredible first impression on First Tee coaches. Having joined us for the first time in June 2018, Ariana, a 13 year old 8th grade at Ursuline Academy, has been playing competitive golf since 2015. Her father Aaron says she continues to learn the rules of the game and important life skills by being a member of The First Tee. In addition to playing golf, Ariana is a Girl Scout. With her Girls Scout troop, Ariana built a community vegetable and herb garden for the New Orleans Mission homeless shelter in Lacombe, Louisiana. She received the Girl Scout Silver Award for her efforts in May 2018, which is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can receive. The award recognizes those who demonstrate leadership, organization, determination, and a dedication to improving the community. When not taking progressive strides to improve her community, she taps into her creative side by playing piano and dancing. Ariana has been dancing and playing the piano since she was 5 years old. She is a seasoned performer, having been in many ballet & modern jazz recitals, piano recitals, and music festivals. Ariana received and accepted an invitation from NOBA (New Orleans Ballet Association) to join the pre-professional program for the 2018-2019 academic year. Her long term goals are to play collegiate golf and study computer engineering.

About The Faces of the first tee

The Faces of The First Tee is a new platform to recognize and award current participants who embody the criteria set forth in the Mission of The First Tee. The Faces of the First Tee demonstrate impeccable character, embody one or more of the Nine Core Values, and faithfully practice one or more of the Nine Healthy Habits. This award is not based on athletic ability, but rather a displayed grasp of The First Tee curriculum. This recognition will be awarded to one participant monthly for a period of 12 months (following the school year calendar, beginning in September). Advantages of being selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee include:

  • A professional portrait taken by New Orleans Snapshots’ photographer and First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Board President Andrew Cohoon
  • A month-long, dedicated web site feature story including the portrait and a biography describing the criteria for which the participant was selected
  • A featured headline in our newsletters, Home on the Range and Tuesday’s Talk of The Tee
  • Social Media promotion on Facebook and Instagram
  • A certificate of recognition
Congratulations to those of you who have been selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee!

Intention

Intention

By: Coach Chad Radecker Intention: A determination to act in a certain way (Webster’s Dictionary). Intention is one of the most important words we use when practicing a sport, especially golf. When we go to the driving range, putting green, or sand trap, we must have a plan or intention. It’s common to see people at the driving range use every club in their bag to hit hundreds and hundreds of golf balls. Golfers are often told that to become better players, they must hit hundreds of balls on the range and practice their putting repeatedly. The secret to becoming a better golfer is not necessarily to practice more, but to practice smarter and more effectively. For example, if you want to build swing speed and strength, it is better to go to the gym than the golf course. Hitting hundreds of balls can cause repetitive use injuries and solidify bad habits built from changing proper form due to muscle fatigue (see www.bmihealthcare.co.uk). How do we practice smarter? First, we must plan. We must decide what we need or want out of practice and then form an intention. If your intention is to learn how to hit a cut, then use a 7 iron and set up and practice a cut. If your intention is to learn how to hit a knock down shot, then you would practice the best tools to meet this end. Be very specific about what you want out of practice. Many people go to the driving range or chipping green and practice by aiming at the tee flag. A better use of time is to mark a spot on the green to practice aim. Intention is best used when we practice one skill at a time. If you are having a problem reading greens, then this is what you work on and is your intention. Understand how to read greens and work on that skill. We should all remember that golf, or any other sport, is meant to be enjoyed and not suffered. Practice and intention help us focus, stay safe, and get the optimal benefits. Work smarter, be better, and get stronger. Coach Chad Radecker

The Faces of The First Tee October 2018 Gavin McDermott

October 2018 Face of The First Tee 

Gavin McDermott

Well-rounded 4th grader is creative both on and off the course

Gavin McDermott The Faces of The First Tee, October 2018
St. Cletus 4th grader Gavin McDermott is our selection for The Faces of The First Tee for the month of October. Gavin first started going to the golf course as a 2-year-old, tagging along to watch his older brother practice. After about a year of watching, Gavin decided he wanted to play too. He’s been a golfer ever since. Nine year old Gavin is a 2-year veteran Birdie Level member of The First Tee, and lives in Harvey with mom Jessica, dad Kevin, and older brother Hunter, who is also a First Tee participant. He competes in many different golf tournaments throughout the year, including the US Kids Golf Gulf Coast Tour, Kelly Gibson’s Junior Golf Tour, and the USSSA Junior Golf Tour. He is also a member of the PGA Jr. League Team of TPC Louisiana, where he also attends The First Tee sessions. “Gavin’s favorite part of the game is putting. The part he enjoys the most about playing golf is making new friends and having fun with them on the course,” says mother Jessica. “One round of golf with Gavin McDermott will show you what this game is all about,” says Director of Education Perry Faulkner, praising Gavin’s on-course character. “The raw emotion that permeates from Gavin makes him a real joy to play with. When not having you rolling laughing, Gavin amazes with his astute observations and decision-making ability.” As shown in Gavin’s portrait, he’s partial to blue, and is an avid reader. His favorite read is the Ready Freddy book series by Abby Klein. Gavin also loves to draw and is not afraid to try the most challenging ideas inspired by his imagination. When not in school, reading, drawing, playing golf, and making people laugh, Gavin enjoys playing video games. Not surprisingly, his favorite game is Fortnite! This well rounded, jovial, and passionate young man joins incredible company as this year’s 2nd selection for The Faces of The First Tee.  

About The Faces of the first tee

The Faces of The First Tee is a new platform to recognize and award current participants who embody the criteria set forth in the Mission of The First Tee. The Faces of the First Tee demonstrate impeccable character, embody one or more of the Nine Core Values, and faithfully practice one or more of the Nine Healthy Habits. This award is not based on athletic ability, but rather a displayed grasp of The First Tee curriculum. This recognition will be awarded to one participant monthly for a period of 12 months (following the school year calendar, beginning in September). Advantages of being selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee include:

  • A professional portrait taken by New Orleans Snapshots’ photographer and First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Board President Andrew Cohoon
  • A month-long, dedicated web site feature story including the portrait and a biography describing the criteria for which the participant was selected
  • A featured headline in our newsletters, Home on the Range and Tuesday’s Talk of The Tee
  • Social Media promotion on Facebook and Instagram
  • A certificate of recognition
Congratulations to those of you who have been selected as one of The Faces of The First Tee!  

Nurturing Participant Growth and Development, Coach’s Corner, 4th Ed.

Nurturing participant growth and development

Karrington “KK” Knight accepting Oscar J. Tolmas Foundation Scholarship at Bayou Oaks in August
By: Perry Faulkner, Director of Education For the last three years, The First Tee of Greater New Orleans has crafted an engaging, fun, and educational program to grow the game of golf. We use this approach to introduce young people to the sport, resulting in a seamless transition into acquiring golf skills. Our obligation is to serve the youth that we have initiated and nurtured in a way that will help them grow as both golfers and people. Over time, we have seen the need to develop new opportunities for our older participants as they push the envelope of success and achievement. In answer, we are excited to offer The First Tee Flagstick Tournament Series and Enrichment Seminar Series. We encourage parents and participants to take advantage of our new programming. We’ve committed our staff and resources to accommodate the growth of our participants as competitive golfers, while still maintaining the highest standards of The First Tee Life Skills Experience. The First Tee does not exist solely as introductory program, but as an organization that will help our participants continue to develop through adolescence, high school, and in preparation for the transition to college. The Tournament Series and Enrichment Seminar Series is a must, especially if your child is planning to or is already playing on the competitive junior golf circuit. Likewise, the Seminars serve to educate parents and address questions and concerns regarding the growing world of junior golf. These events are thoughtfully curated with our parents and participants in mind, and we hope that you will find them beneficial. Thank you for the continued support of our program. I am excited at what the future holds as we work together to make the youth of New Orleans Good Golfers and Better People.

Do You Want to Play College Golf? Coach’s Corner, 3rd Ed.

Do You Want to Play College Golf?

By: Coach Ryan I joined The First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ coaching staff this past summer, and since then, have been amazed by the impact that golf has on so many young people. Golf is a game you can play for a lifetime, regardless of age or skill level. Being able to see such enthusiasm and dedication from junior golfers has been a heartwarming experience. I sincerely wish every First Tee participant has valued their experience as much as I have. I am writing this to address junior golfers who want to take their game to the next level. If you want to play college golf, here are a few pieces of advice to help you achieve that dream:

The first and probably most important thing to keep in mind is that you must be all in. If you decide that playing college golf is your dream, you need to be willing to invest a lot of time. I was a freshman in high school when I decided I wanted to pursue college golf, and from that moment forward, I was dedicated. I practiced every day after school. I skipped friends’ birthday parties for junior tournaments. I spent hour-upon-hour learning everything I could about golf swing mechanics. Those hours paid dividends, as I signed a golf scholarship with Loyola New Orleans my senior year. My dream was realized. But, I never would gotten that scholarship if it hadn’t been for those years of hard work. In the words of Joel Embid, “Trust the process.”

Second, there is absolutely no substitute for competitive experience. Hitting range balls and practicing your short game is important, but the most formative moments are during tournament play. If you want to play college golf, play in as many tournaments as possible to become familiar the competitive atmosphere. There will be growing pains, but you will learn to be more comfortable under pressure.

Lastly, it is important to be passionate about something other than golf. This is not meant to contradict my first point. Golf is a frustrating game by nature, and even the best golfers don’t win all the time. It is the reality of the game we love. It is easy to become discouraged when the results don’t align with the effort. In moments of doubt, it is vital to have other passions to properly measure the importance of golf. I found my second passion in writing, but it can be anything you want. When golf becomes frustrating and practice starts to feel like work, sometimes the best solution is to take a break to clear your mind. It helps to have something to distract you from golf, even if only for a few hours.

I hope this advice is helpful for any junior golfer who dreams of playing college golf, and I am excited to see the progression of junior golf in New Orleans!  

Golf on the Emerald Isle; Coach’s Corner, 2nd Ed.

GOLF ON THE EMERALD ISLE

At the beginning of the summer, my family got the chance to embark on the trip of a lifetime to the beautiful country of Ireland. Not only was this the first time I’d been to Europe, but this was also my first chance to play golf outside of the United States. I would like to share my thoughts on what makes Ireland such a great place to visit, and especially, to play golf. Being from Louisiana, the first thing I noticed in Ireland was the weather. Summers in Ireland are mild with highs rarely topping 70 degrees. This was a welcome change from the hot and humid New Orleans weather. Second, I noticed the people. Irish people are very welcoming, happy, and humorous (see Rocky below). The people in every town we visited made our trip that much better. Lastly, the incredible green landscape for which the country received its nickname, “The Emerald Isle,” and mesmerizing views from coast to coast, can only be done justice by seeing in person. The only thing missing was a little golf… . In a small town outside of Galway, we scoured the internet for the best courses, available tee times, and local recommendations. All fingers pointed to Lahinch Golf Club. The course, founded in 1892, is in a town of less than 1,000 residents, right on the Atlantic Ocean. Lahinch is golf at its purest – no trees, no carts, no nonsense. It was the perfect setting – just us and the golf course. And Rocky. Our forecaddie. Rocky was a local guy in his mid-40s who started caddying at Lahinch when he was 15 years old. Rocky guided us through the rolling dunes for the next 5 hours, keeping the mood light by cracking jokes all afternoon. As the day went on, we realized the round was more about the memories we were making and less about scores. The one exception was my eagle 2 on the drivable Par 4 13th. That was special. Not long after that play, the sun began to set. We walk off the 18th green 9:30pm, concluding what was one of the most memorable rounds in one of the most unique places. My wish for all the kids I coach is that one day, they can take a trip across the pond and make memories like mine. You will not be disappointed with what Ireland has to offer. To read more about Lahinch, click the button! http://www.lahinchgolf.com/ PS: Also, check out the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open… Coach Brad

The Coach’s Corner, 1st Ed.

Coach Perry Reflects on a Valuable Lesson learned from the passing of Jarrod Lyle

  I wanted to start this series off by discussing the history of golf, but something happened the other day that prompted me to share a more important message. The golf world was stunned by the devastating news that Australian Professional Tour player Jarrod Lyle passed away at the age of 36 after his third battle with cancer. The news had a profound impact on me, as it made me recall my dad’s (a cancer survivor) battle with cancer. My dad introduced me to the game of golf and it is a love that we share together to this day. A few months ago, I was privileged to play with him during his first round of golf since treatment. We were in Lake Chautauqua, NY and he shot 84 – not too shabby for a someone who had just undergone a year of surgeries and radiation!  When I heard about Jarrod’s passing, it made me realize how lucky I was to share that round of golf with my dad. It will be a round that I remember forever, and I hope to make many more memories on the links together. The reason I share this story is to remind both our First Tee parents and participants that golf is far more than a score you put on your card, or the place you finish in a tournament. As said by Jarrod: “I feel like I’m the luckiest golfer goin’ around, because so many people took an interest in me and took an interest in my fight. You know, to have so many friends around the world, whether they’re spectators, whether they’re golfers, whether they’re marshals …whatever, to have that kind of support … to go to every tournament, is a great feeling.” Jarrod passed away reflecting not on his many victories, but on the relationships he forged through the game. So, participants, think of Jarrod the next time you are lamenting a double bogey or a three-putt. The moments in golf that you will carry through your life have little to do with your performance on the golf course. Parents, I ask you to reflect on how the game of golf has impacted your relationship with your child. I hope that many years from now you will look back fondly on these moments. They are times you got to spend together. Author: Coach Perry Photo: Getty Images

2018 Senior Spotlight

senior spotlight

  Karrington Knight Ace Certified, 2016 Participant of the Year, Karrington “KK” Knight  has been with The First Tee of Greater New Orleans since she was 7 years old. She was the 1st winner of The First Tee of Greater New Orleans Regional Tournament, a First Tee Scholars Recipient, and received the JAKE Scholarship from The First Tee National Office. Karrington is a decorated graduate, having earned distinctions such as National Honors Society, Senior Class President, Varsity Golf Team Captain & MVP, St. Charles Ave. Magazine Student Activist Award. Not surprisingly, she received the prestigious 2018 Student of the Year Award from Ursuline Academy. Karrington looks forward to her future in International Studies, with a concentration in Psychology and Spanish at Rhodes College (one of seven institutions offering Karrington academic scholarships). Karrington has been guaranteed a starting spot on the Rhodes Female Golf Team.       Lori Launey Click on Lori’s picture to watch her interview with mike hoss of hoss communications!!! Class of 2018, Cabrini High School senior Lori Launey has no shortage of both athletic and academic achievements. Lori began The First Tee in 2016 at the age of 15, where she received the 2017 Respect Award, the 2018 Honesty Award, and served as The Zurich Classic Junior Coarse Reporter for 3 consecutive years. She is also a Founding Member & Team Captain of Cabrini’s Golf Team. A values-based designation, Lori was voted Cabrini Character Court Senior Queen by her classmates. Lori received over $1 million in academic scholarships and has decided to attend Loyola University New Orleans, where she will join the women’s Wolf Pack Golf Team.         Julia Simon National Merit Finalist, National Honor Society Member, U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Candidate – these are just a few of the accolades earned by Julia Simon. Come Fall, Julia will enroll at Stanford, where she plans to study Environmental Science and play intramural golf. Julia began The First Tee in the 5th grade and reached Ace level her Junior year. In 2017, she was awarded the chapter’s top honor, the Participant of the Year award. Also recognized by The First Tee National Program, Julia was chosen to play at The Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach and was selected as one of The First Tee National Scholars. Since the 8th grade, Julia has volunteered as a Junior Keeper at the Audubon Zoo. She also served as a Tulane University Van Bael Lab Assistant. and during the summer of 2016, interned with the University of New Orleans Advanced Material Research Institute’s (AMRI) Summer Outreach Research Program for High School Students.