Actors Michael Peña and Kathryn Newton will headlinethe two weeklong retreats focused on sharpening leadership skills.
WEST CREEK RANCH, Mont. (August 5, 2024) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore are set to host 40 teens from across the country at West Creek Ranch, an intimate setting in Montana for leadership development, community building and connection. Owned by PGA TOUR Superstore chairman and First Tee board member Arthur M. Blank, the picturesque ranch is the perfect setting for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these teens to explore leadership development, community building and problem solving. Students spend much of the time in outdoor interactions including whitewater rafting, horseback riding and archery, based on the belief that connections made in nature provide benefits that cannot be replicated in the classroom.
Each week will tee off with keynote speakers who will discuss their individual leadership, share life experiences and examine how they have grown through opportunities and challenges. The first week will feature actor Michael Peña, while actor and First Tee alumnus Kathryn Newton will be the featured speaker during the second week.
The First Tee Leadership Summit is designed to help teens grow their leadership skills through hands-on activities that require teamwork and personal strength. Daily leadership themes include pursuing goals, growing through challenges and building positive self-identity.
This is the fourth consecutive year that nonprofit youth development organization First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore will hold this event at West Creek Ranch. This year’s group comes from 25 cities across the country, with 20 teens attending each week. West Creek Ranch is a 6,600-acre working ranch in Emigrant, Montana, that is bordered by the Yellowstone River and Gallatin National Forest.
“We are excited to host these 40 impressive teens for an unforgettable week of personal growth and relationship building,” said Dick Sullivan, Executive Chairman & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “So many lessons from golf can be applied to life, and we truly believe in the positive impact sports can have on kids and teens, which is why we’re proud to support this event and partner with First Tee chapters across the country.”
“Thank you to Arthur Blank and PGA TOUR Superstore for their continued generosity in supporting this event,” added Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “The lessons these young leaders will take away from Montana will shape their futures in remarkable ways.”
At the conclusion of the Summit, four students will be selected for the First Tee College Scholarship Program and will receive financial support as well as access to mentorship and professional development opportunities throughout college.
To be eligible for the Summit, teens completed a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country, before completing applications that outlined their leadership experience and goals. For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and Arthur Blank have championed First Tee’s mission through donations and by supporting participant events, including the Leadership Summit and the Leadership Academy, which is held in Atlanta.
The Leadership Summit is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee to expose teens to new challenges and inspire them as they prepare to embark on life after high school.
First Tee – Metropolitan New York alumna and 2022 First Tee Scholar, Srishti Dhurandhar, has been involved with First Tee for more than 10 years. She made the most out of her experience by completing the First Tee Leadership Series, attending Leadership Summit and going on to work at her local PGA TOUR Superstore.
During her junior year of high school, Srishti completed five Leadership Series sessions, where she learned about personal values, leadership skills and exploring career fields. “The series planted little seeds of these ideas and then Montana really grew those ideas,” she said.
Following the Series, she was accepted to Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore in Montana. Participants at the annual event are encouraged to try new things like horseback riding and whitewater rafting. They learn about their own strengths and weaknesses, how to work as part of a team and how to build authentic relationships.
“Summit was a life changing week for me. I came back feeling like a whole new person,” she said. Srishti spent the week reflecting on and learning about herself.
The week allowed her to get comfortable being uncomfortable, with Srishti saying that she did things that she would normally never do thanks to the event’s focus on positive risk taking,. “The environment was so safe and supportive that I felt comfortable enough to do that,” she said.
Session 1 of the 2024 Leadership Summit will be from August 5 – 9 and session 2 will be from August 12 – 16 at West Creek Ranch in Montana.
Leadership Summit provided Srishti with the opportunity to talk to PGA TOUR Superstore executives and eventually go on to work as a club fitter at the store in East Hanover, New Jersey. There she learned a lot about customer service, clubs, shafts and how to use statistics to get people the clubs that fit them best.
Now as an alumna, Srishti jumped at the chance to go back to Montana as a chaperone.
“It was a full circle moment for me, standing in the same place that those participants were in and feeling the same emotions that they were going through,” she said. “Now becoming a mentor to those participants was emotional for me also.”
Not only did chaperoning provide Srishti with a valuable experience as a mentor but it opened doors for networking opportunities that made her aware of the First Tee headquarters internship that she is completing now.
“Working here has shown me how it starts at the root. You can tell that people are here because they want to be here, and they want to help the participants,” she said.
Both the Leadership Series and Leadership Summit culminate with final presentations in which Srishti talked about her desire to work in the golf industry and combine her passion of technology and data with her passion for sports.
“Going from the speeches I gave at the end of Series and Summit, to now living out those aspirations in this internship has been so rewarding and I absolutely love what I am doing,” she said.
Srishti will complete her internship in August and begin her junior year at New York University, majoring in business and technology management and member of the collegiate golf team.
For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.
With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry.
The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada.
First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.
“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.”
Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community.
Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.”
Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience.
Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.
“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”
She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.
Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event.
For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.
With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry.
The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada.
First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.
“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.”
Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community.
Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.”
Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience.
Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.
“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”
She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.
Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event.
“To the world, you may be one person, but to one person, you may be the world.” Dr. Seuss
Written by Chris Biehl
For the past ten years, if you asked my son Matthew who is his favorite golfer, his response may surprise you. Not Tiger. Not Rickie. Not Rory or Scottie. From the day he became a true golf fan, his favorite golfer has always been and will forever be Brian Davis.
Brian Davis? If the name sounds vaguely familiar to you, it should. Considered to be one of the greatest examples of golf’s “journeyman,” Davis’s career has spanned twenty-five years. The London-born precision-swinger has certainly made his mark with twenty-eight Top 20 finishes on the Tour, including five runner-ups.
Davis was a sixth place finisher in the 2003 British Open, and he was in contention at the 2009 Players Championship (5th place), but he is best remembered by golf enthusiasts for not winning the 2010 Verizon Heritage. At that tournament, Brian Davis found himself in a playoff against one of the more accomplished golfers of our generation, Jim Furyk. On the first hole of a playoff, Davis’s approach shot came up short and left of the 18th green at Harbour Town Golf Links, and he was forced to shoot his third shot from the hazard. Within seconds after hitting his third shot onto the green, Davis called longtime PGA Tour rules official Slugger White over to him and called a two-shot penalty on himself for barely making contact with an unattached reed in the hazard, something that may not have been noticed by anyone else if not reported by Davis.
In a moment, Brian Davis earned the respect of all who were watching or heard of his actions, and Davis became the poster-child for integrity in the only sport where one calls a penalty on him or herself. At the time when Brian Davis was making a positive name for himself in the world of sports, my son Matt never took notice. Matt was only five, but his knowledge of sports, particularly football and basketball far outweighed that of the typical five-year-old. He was a sports enthusiast at a very young age, but he had zero interest in golf.
About three years later, I received the call that no parent ever wants to receive from his child’s school. I am a teacher, and I was called from my classroom and told that Matt had an accident while at school. Although it was not deemed an emergency, I was asked to come to get him from school immediately.
When I arrived, my heart sank. Matt had fallen face-first onto the asphalt after slipping from monkey bars on the playground. The skin from the tip of his nose up to the area between his eyebrows had been rolled up and exposed a raw, oozing wound. Luckily, he had not broken any bones in his face. I remember a sad look on his face, one that was typically jubilant, when his eyes met mine. I brought him home, and he seemed miserable. So, I made a decision that was probably not the best parental decision, but it became a life-changing decision. That afternoon, I took him to the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic.
None of my four children had ever been to the Zurich Classic, but I had been attending the tournament annually for about ten years at that point of my life.
We arrived at the lot for general admission parking about thirty minutes after leaving the house. I had spent most of the ride telling him how cool the tournament was going to be. We parked and walked to the short line to board a charter bus that would take us to TPC Louisiana. He loved the bus ride – his first on a charter bus.
Next, we arrived at the course, and he chose to bypass watching the players practice their putting and chipping. So, we took the long walk along the 18th fairway and found a seat next to the Par 3 17th green. By the time we arrived at our seat, both he and I were sweating profusely due to the abnormally warm, humid, late-April day. It did not take long for the sweat to get into Matt’s wound, and he complained from the sting. I tried to quiet his suffering by distracting him and urging him to watch the chips of a couple of golfers. It seemed to work briefly, but by the time the first grouping had putted out, he was asking to leave.
I convinced Matt to stay to watch one more group come through. The group had two golfers – Greg Owen and Brian Davis. Neither hit a memorable shot, but Matt seemed more interested in watching the approach shots of the two golfers. After they completed #17, we walked with the duo to the 18th tee and watched as they both teed off. We walked just outside the ropes up the fairway and watched both finish their rounds. At that point, Matt was relieved that we would be leaving. We stopped at the concession stand to buy a drink for the ride back, and I realized how red Matt’s wound had become. I knew it hurt him.
In a last ditch effort to cheer Matt up, I suggested that we walk over to the autograph area to get a few players’ signatures. Surprisingly, he said “yes”. There were only a handful of people there, and it would be relatively simple to get an autograph; however, he had nothing nice for the golfers to sign. I pulled out his admission ticket, and all three golfers who were there signed his ticket. Just as we were about to leave, both Greg Owen and Brian Davis emerged from the scorers’ tent and approached. There were six children in line for an autograph, so the wait would not be too bad. Greg Owen quietly signed each child’s memorabilia. I realized I also had an extremely small notebook in my pocket that he could use instead of his ticket, so Matt used that for Greg to sign. Brian Davis also had begun giving autographs to the kids, but at the exact moment that he had reached my son, another golfer called his attention, and he turned his back to Matt. When he turned back around, he inadvertently skipped Matt and signed the last girl’s hat.
Matt was too shy to speak up, so I approached my son and asked if he was ready to leave, and he nodded. I grabbed his hand, and we began the walk back to the line for the bus, likely leaving a golf course for the last time of his life. We had walked a good bit when a random lady ran up behind me and tapped me on the shoulder and said, “Sir, that man over there is calling for you.”
I spun around and saw one of the caddies waving to me. I turned Matt around, and we went back to the autograph area, and Brian Davis and his caddie, Steve “Hulk” Hulka waited for Matt. Fortunately for us, Steve had seen that Matt was skipped and wanted to make sure that Matt was not disappointed. Matt walked up to the two of them with his pocket notebook in hand, and Brian asked Matt if he wanted him to sign it. Matt nodded, and Brian looked right at him and said, “No. I am not signing that.” My first thought was not good, but Brian put his glove on his hand, signed it, took it off, and handed it to Matt. My boy grinned from ear to ear and thanked him. Brian even signed his little note pad too. Matt had a favorite golfer, and now, I did too.
That afternoon, when I arrived home, I decided to go on Brian’s website to send him an email of appreciation.
On 2 May 2012, at 17:12, Christopher Biehl wrote:
Mr. Davis,
I would like to thank you for taking the time to not only sign my six-year-old’s “autograph book” (a 25 cent notebook!), but you also signed your golf glove and signed it for him. My son, Matt began to cry from excitement. Matt had never been to a PGA event, and you have made him a fan (particularly, of yours), for life! He has been self-conscious due to an accident to his face, but he was smiling from ear-to-ear because of you. As his father, I just wanted to say “Thank you!” Best of luck!
-Chris Biehl
New Orleans, LA
To my surprise, within thirty minutes I received an email back:
Dear Chris,
Thank you for taking the time to drop me a line and I am delighted Matt had a fun time. That’s what it’s all about. Also, you can tell him from me, it’s not just about what’s on the outside that defines you, it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
Best wishes
Brian
Throughout the rest of that PGA season, Matt would check out the leaderboard in the newspaper to find Brian’s name. It was after that encounter when Matt joined the First Tee of Greater New Orleans, a program that has made a tremendous, positive impact on my son. The following year, when he heard that the Zurich Classic was approaching, he asked if he could attend. I purchased tickets, and he and I went to the tournament. I was hoping that I could either bring him to the driving range, the practice green, or on the course to go “watch” golf, but he insisted that we go to the autograph area to see Brian. We arrived about the time that Brian and his playing partners were making the turn, so I told him that it would be a two-hour wait, and we would be better served going to watch some golf. Matt asked politely that we stay, and he collected autographs from various golfers (this time I had a sketch book tablet for autographs).
There were not too many children in the autograph area, and a particular security guard struck up a conversation with Matt. “So, whose autograph are you looking to get…Rickie Fowler’s? Ernie Els’? Justin Rose’s?” Matt smiled politely and said, “Brian Davis.” The security guard smiled politely, but clearly did not expect that answer. Since we had a lot of time to kill, I explained Matt’s answer to him.
After collecting dozens of autographs, the time had come when Brian Davis had finished his round. Matt really lit up when he saw him, and I explained to Matt that he needed to sign his scorecard before he could come over to give autographs. By this time, there about two dozen boys and girls who were waiting for autographs. Brian took time to speak with most of them, and Matt waited patiently for his turn. When Brian reached Matt, Matt asked him to sign his sketch book, and Brian did. He was elated. The security guard came over a few seconds later and told Brian that Matt had waited over two hours just to get his autograph and that Brian was Matt’s favorite player in the world. At that point, the unexpected happened. Brian asked Matt, “Is that true? I am your favorite golfer?” Matt responded, “Yes, Sir,” and before I knew it, Brian reached over the barricades and pulled Matt over, and he asked his caddie Steve “Hulk” Hulka to snap a picture. Steve and I spoke briefly and explained why Matt was such a big fan, and I mentioned to Steve that it was actually his intervening the previous year that began this fandom.
After that day, Matt would follow every event that Brian played in by using the ShotTracker on the PGA website. He would literally watch four hours of shots on the tracker since Brian was rarely shown on the television broadcast. He occasionally messaged Brian and always received a response. At the same time, Matt began to take up the game of golf himself. He was repeatedly asked by his First Tee coaches and by other golfers who his favorite golfer was, and the answer was always the same – Brian Davis.
By his third Zurich Classic, Matt, Brian, and “Hulk” (Davis’s longtime caddie) had become friendly, talking to each other before and during the round. In fact, for Christmas, I received a call from Steve Hulka asking me to measure Matt’s height. He and Brian gifted Matt Brian’s Tour-used Scotty Cameron putter and cut it down to Matt’s size. They both also sent Brian’s sand wedge as a gift as well. Matt and I were following the pair, but in the middle of his round, when he was farthest from the clubhouse, the weather horn went off, and the golfers and caddies were carted back to the clubhouse. Brian’s cart stopped next to the two of us as we were hustling back towards the entrance gate, and he asked me if it would be okay to bring Matt with him to the clubhouse. Matt was beaming, and I obliged. I walked through the rain back to the area outside of the clubhouse and stood near a concession stand overhang to avoid the rain. About an hour later, my son emerged dry from the doors to the clubhouse, and Brian walked him out to me. It was literally the happiest I had ever seen him. He told stories of sitting next to K.J. Choi, and he rattled off the names of all of the golfers whom he had met. He was now hooked for life.
Shortly after that season, Brian sustained a season-ending neck injury. Ironically, the injury occurred during his flight from Texas to New Orleans to attend the Zurich Classic. It was even more disappointing because the entire family was planning on meeting Brian for the first time. During his absence from the Tour, which extended for a couple of years, “Hulk” began to communicate with us, and we followed his golfers when they came to the Sanderson Farms (in Jackson, Mississippi) and the Korn Ferry’s Chitamacha Louisana Open (in Lafayette). In fact, one year, “Hulk” took time out of his busy schedule to play a round of golf with Matt (picture below). Over the two year span, we followed Chad Collins, Charlie Danielson, and Dylan Meyer with “Hulk” on their bags. In fact, one patron at the Sanderson Farms asked if Matt was actually Dylan Meyer’s brother due to their very similar facial appearances. All the while, it just was not the same as seeing Brian.
Matt and I drove to see Brian play at the Sanderson Farms, the Chitamacha, and the Nashville Open, but those would be the last events that he attended. None the less, Brian remained Matt’s favorite golfer.
Throughout it all, Matt’s golf game continued to develop. During his time as a member of the First Tee of Greater New Orleans, Matt received multiple awards. One year, he received an award for responsibility. However, I think Brian Davis would be most pleased with the fact that Matt also received awards for honesty and sportsmanship. I would like to think that Matt learned these core values not only through the First Tee program but also from Brian’s actions on the Tour, particularly during the fateful Heritage with Jim Furyk. He additionally earned a spot on his successful high school team, and he won the team’s Coach’s Award after his senior year. Lastly, Matthew was named the First Tee of Greater New Orleans’ Male Particpant of the Year in 2022. There is no doubt in my mind that my son’s success in golf, and more importantly, in life has been enhanced by his relationship with Brian Davis and Steve Hulka. As a father, I could not ask for two better role models for my son.
Matthew graduated high school this past May. My wife Lauren and I pondered what would be an appropriate graduation gift for our son. As a private school teacher with four children, money is always tight, but this year, in particular, we were struggling to find a nice gift that was financially reasonable. On a whim, I reached out to “Hulk” and asked him if I thought it would be appropriate to ask Brian if he would be willing to play an 18-hole round with Matt. Not only did he like the idea, he said that he was willing to come join in.
A few days later, I called Brian and asked about the possibility of Matt playing a round of golf as a graduation present. Unsurprisingly, he said “yes”. About three weeks after graduation, Matt and I drove to Winter Garden, Florida, and met with Brian. Unfortunately, “Hulk” could not make the trip due to an impending orthopedic surgery, but he certainly was there in spirit.
Brian Davis met up with Matt, gave him a 90-minute lesson, and offered Matt and me lunch. He gave Matt two dozen new balls, three new wedges, a new putter grip (for Matt’s Scotty Cameron putter that was once in Brian’s bag), and four hats. More importantly, for the four hours that followed lunch, he offered Matt a memory that he will never forget – an opportunity to play 18 holes of golf with his hero.
Relationships between children and their sports heroes usually do not happen. Often, professional athletes are either too busy, too absorbed in themselves, or too focused on their own circle of friends and family to become actively involved in a young fan’s life. But, Brian Davis and Steve Hulka took time out for my son. They included him in their small circle of team. They went beyond the call of duty, and today, I look at the positive ripple effect it has made not only on my son, but our entire family. My youngest child, Ashley is an extremely talented golfer. Her team won a state championship during her 8th grade year when she was a starter. My other two children, Emily and Andy, do not care for the sport quite like Matt and Ashley, but they are big fans of Brian Davis.
Today, Brian is prepping for his 50th birthday and an opportunity to compete on the PGA Champions Tour. In addition, Brian runs the Brian Davis Golf Academy at Stoneybrook West Golf Course in Winter Garden, Florida. Steve Hulka is still preparing for his upcoming surgery and hopes to come out of retirement and return to caddying, ideally for Brian, a few more years. Matthew is preparing for his first semester at the University of Alabama, where he will not be on the team, but he plans to play the game that he loves when time allows. Lastly, my wife and I are just thankful. We are thankful that two men found it in their hearts to be kind to our son. And to us, they mean the world.
Clemson, South Carolina (June 27, 2024) – Norah Yang of Los Altos, California, and Trent Mierl of Austin, Texas, won the girls’ and boys’ divisions of the 4th annual First Tee National Championship at the Walker Course at Clemson University. The event brought together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the confidence, perseverance and skills needed to play at the next level.
Yang finished the tournament 6-under-par and shot a final round 69 to clench the victory on the girls’ side. She is a rising high school senior with a 4.0 GPA. She’s been a volunteer coach at First Tee – Silicon Valley for three years and finished 3rd at the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA Tour Champions event that pairs First Tee juniors with professional players for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach.
“It has been amazing playing at Clemson this week,” Yang said. “I have met so many amazing players from all the other chapters and had so many great experiences. Getting here and winning would not have been possible without First Tee and all the skills they have taught me.”
Mierl, who will play golf at the University of Missouri next year, shot a blistering 65 in the final round to finish 9-under for the tournament. He’s been a member of First Tee for nine years and is a volunteer coach at his chapter. He’s the only player to compete in all four First Tee National Championships, with the inaugural event taking place in 2021, and said it was special to win in his final attempt.
“I came up one shot short of the playoffs in the first National Championship,” he said. “I’ve met great people here and made so many great memories. This is my favorite junior golf event, and it feels like I came full circle in my final chance to win at the same golf course where I fell just short.”
Both winners were awarded with the Tattersall Cup in honor of event chairman Fred Tattersall.
Two players were also awarded exemptions to the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship. As First Tee juniors can only play in the PURE Insurance Championship once, this year’s exemptions went to Gianna Singh from First Tee – Greater Sacramento and Spencer Ives from First Tee – Naples/Collier. The tournament will be broadcast on Golf Channel, Sept. 20-22.
Based on their play at the First Tee National Championship, two players will also earn spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, which aims to support talented golfers from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the sport. The PGA TOUR will announce the full roster for its Pathways program, including the two players who earned their spots at the First Tee National Championship, in the coming days.
“Congratulations to all of our participants in the field and especially to Trent and Norah for an outstanding performance in becoming the 2024 First Tee National Champions,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This event plays an important role in helping these young people prepare for the next level. We are extremely proud of this event and of the teens who work hard on their game all year preparing. Thank you to Clemson University for hosting for the second time, we look forward to coming back again.”
The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college golf courses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country. Next year’s event will take place at Notre Dame University.
The field included 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. A full list of results is available here.
The National Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
For the first time, this year’s tournament will be streamed on Gamekast with live scoring available on Golf Genius.
Clemson, South Carolina – (June 21, 2024) – The Walker Course at Clemson Universitywill host the First Tee National Championship next week, June 25-27, 2024, bringing together 48 of the organization’s top golfers for a 54-hole event designed to showcase how the program has helped them build the skills, positive attitude and perseverance needed to play collegiate golf.
The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. Fourteen players in the field have already committed to college golf teams. First Tee held its inaugural National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and all six of the past winners are members of college golf teams. That includes 2023 winner Megan Meng of First Tee – Greater Trenton, who’s in the Top 10 in the AJGA Rankings and will begin her collegiate career at Northwestern this fall.
In advance of this year’s competition, the event will feature a keynote address by First Tee – Greater Richmond alumnus Gavin Parker, PGA, who shares his love for the sport on his popular social media channels. Participants will also attend a careers in golf panel to learn more about working in the industry.
“First Tee continues to play an important role in the development of teens, both on and off the course,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Our National Championship is an opportunity for participants who want to take their game to the next level to showcase their skills. The week provides them with competition and an enriching opportunity to get them ready for playing in college and beyond.”
For the first time, viewers can stream the First Tee National Championship on Gamekast. Scoring will also be available on Golf Genius.
In addition to crowning a male and female tournament winner, one boy and one girl from the field will be awarded spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, a player development program that aims to achieve greater diversity in golf through an increased focus on developing talent from diverse and historically underrepresented groups.
First Tee – Greater Austin’s Danica Lundgren earned a spot in the Pathways program at last year’s National Championship, held at Stanford University. She’s back in the tournament field this year before joining the Nebraska Cornhuskers women’s golf team this fall.
Two exemptions to this year’s PURE Insurance Championship will also be up for grabs. The PGA TOUR Champions event pairs pro and junior players for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach each September.
The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college campuses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience. Next year’s event will take place at the University of Notre Dame.
The Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. For more information on the tournament and First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.
Teens from across the U.S. will learn about leadership from executives within the Arthur M. Blank family of businesses.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 17, 2024) – The First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore returns from June 17-22. The weeklong Atlanta event will bring together 48 teens from across the country who will learn about operating successful teams from executives within the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
The event is headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore, a 4-time WNBA, 2-time NCAA and 2-time Olympic champion, who off the court, has been a dedicated advocate of criminal justice reform. Participants will also hear from leaders like Atlanta United CEO Garth Lagerwey, Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman and CEO Dick Sullivan and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Chief of Staff Kelley Gulley.
It will feature workshops on communication, developing a winning culture and more. Attendees will get a taste of the college experience, with the Georgia Institute of Technology serving as its hub. The group will also visit sites across Atlanta, including the PGA TOUR Superstore Support Center, the Coda building, Atlanta United’s training facility, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
“Our participants learn valuable skills at the First Tee Leadership Academy and have made friendships they will carry with them well beyond their time in Atlanta,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore for supporting these truly life-changing events.”
PGA TOUR Superstore has been a partner of First Tee for more than a decade, providing financial support and in-kind donations. It provides chapter grants to promote teen retention and supports national events like the Leadership Academy, Leadership Summit and Leadership Series.
The First Tee Leadership Academy is one of ten national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and empower teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring.
Members of the First Tee College Scholarship Program receive financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (June 4, 2024) – First Tee is thrilled to welcome 24 new members to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Entering its fifth year, the program recently celebrated its first graduating class, and now boasts 94 current or former members. Like those who have come before them, each of the new First Tee Scholars has shown dedication to school, extracurriculars, volunteerism and especially First Tee, averaging 9.5 years of involvement with the youth development organization.
The 14 young women and 10 young men who comprise the 2024 Scholar class were selected from a pool of 150 applicants. They boast an average GPA of 4.0 and SAT score of 1350. Ten members of the new class are participants in the Ace Program, First Tee’s capstone experience. Four plan to play collegiate golf, including First Tee – West Virginia’s Argyle Downes, who will play Division I golf at Rutgers.
Members of the First Tee College Scholarship program not only receive financial support, but they are also matched with an adult mentor and provided annual professional development opportunities.
“Spring is an exciting time of the year when we welcome a new group of First Tee Scholars,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The scholarship program has grown significantly since it launched in 2020 thanks to our generous donors and sponsors. We look forward to supporting our Scholars on their path to success.”
Ten First Tee Scholars graduated from college this spring. Several plan to attend graduate or medical school, while others are starting careers with companies like AWS, BNP Paribas Bank, PwC, Proctor & Gamble and the NFL.
Participants across First Tee’s network submitted applications to be a part of the latest Scholar class. Following an online application process, finalists were selected by a committee
for one-on-one interviews. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, community service and other criteria.
With graduation in the books, many kids and teens are looking ahead to the future. But we asked First Tee alumni to look back and consider the advice they’d share with their 18-year-old self.
David Singh First Tee – Tampa Bay Recently earned his Master in Healthcare Administration at the University of Pittsburgh
“Life is not always gonna stick to the script you’ve got in your head. Sometimes, it’ll throw you curveballs you never saw coming. Roll with the punches, stay flexible, and remember, there’s always a silver lining in every setback. Keep your chin up, ’cause even when things don’t go as planned, there’s still a world of amazing possibilities out there waiting for you.”
Savannah Mansueti First Tee – Florida Gold Coast Manager of operations at First Tee – Florida Gold Coast
“If I could advise my 18-year-old self, I’d emphasize embracing failure as a key part of learning and growth, seeing setbacks as opportunities to refine skills. I’d also stress the importance of building strong relationships with family, friends, mentors and colleagues for support and guidance. Lastly, I’d recommend prioritizing financial literacy early on, mastering budgeting, saving and investing for long-term stability and success.”
Haili Moore First Tee – Greater Dallas Student at Texas Christian University and entry-level staff accountant
“Do not allow yourself to settle in relationships, careers, friendships, education, etc. You are worth what you allow to infiltrate your time, peace and space. The thing is though, is that you are worth more than you’ll ever know.”
Jamie Rush First Tee – Pittsburgh Methodist University marketing student with a concentration in professional golf management
“My advice would be to live in the moment. We are always wishing for the next big moment and forget to treasure the times that we are currently in. I’m still trying to learn this lesson today. Enjoy every aspect of the here and now, slow down and don’t wish your life away.”
Spencer McIntosh First Tee – Tampa Bay Director of business intelligence and analytics at First Tee
“I would encourage my 18-year-old self to be continuously educating yourself whether that be reading more books, taking additional courses or seeking mentorship. I’d also recommend that he build a strong network and surround himself with supportive and knowledgeable people so you can apply those lessons to his passions. Then finally, I’d tell him to pay those gifts forward to the next generation of game changers!”
Srishti Dhurandhar First Tee – Metropolitan New York Business and technology management student and collegiate golfer at NYU
“Some advice for my younger self would be to be less afraid to ask for help and make mistakes. I learned the most when things didn’t go according to plan and wish I had spent less time worrying about doing everything perfectly because everything will work out in the end as long as you surround yourself with people you can lean on. “
Established in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program is celebrating its first graduating class. Among its ranks is First Tee – Fort Worth alumna Kelly Low, who recently graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Now, Kelly is embarking on her career with one of the world’s most influential companies, which also happens to be a major supporter of First Tee.
She’s going to be a solutions architect for AWS based in Austin. “What excites me the most is the opportunity to innovate for each unique customer scenario,” she said. Kelly also said it feels profoundly gratifying to work for a company that’s so actively engaged with First Tee.
From mentoring alumni to encouraging staff to volunteer with local chapters, AWS supports First Tee in a variety of ways.
AWS posted an internship opportunity on the First Tee Alumni Platform, and First Tee scholarship manager Robbie Lowman passed it along to Kelly. She applied, received an internship offer, and the rest is history.
Francessca Vasquez, VP, AWS Professional Services and Generative AI Innovation Center said, “Witnessing the positive impact of First Tee on lives like Kelly’s is a privilege that makes our work as First Tee Trustees truly meaningful and inspiring. Like Amazon’s Leadership Principle of ‘Learn and Be Curious,’ this story exemplifies the power of continuous learning and growth, inspiring us to keep exploring new ways to empower and uplift the next generation of builders.”
Kelly has already experienced AWS re:Invent, the world’s largest annual cloud computing conference, where she was invited to play in the AWS ProAm in 2023.
“I am excited for Kelly and her role with AWS,” Lowman said. “After getting to know her over the last few years, she is a passionate learner who has a deep appreciation for emerging technology. Kelly will thrive at AWS because of the supportive environment, and we are grateful for their continued support.”
As a participant and Scholar, Kelly has been involved with First Tee for nearly a decade, and she said she still uses its lessons today. “First Tee’s approach to perseverance goes beyond mere persistence. It encompasses managing emotions, setting realistic goals and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of challenges,” she said.
As part of the First Tee College Scholarship Program, each Scholar receives financial support, professional development opportunities and a dedicated mentor. Kelly’s favorite part of the program was getting to know her peers and her mentor from AWS, Heidi Buck.
AWS signed on as a First Tee Trustee in 2021 and has focused its efforts on teen retention. The company also invites its employees to volunteer at First Tee chapters around the globe.
“First Tee’s goal is to provide kids with experiences that build character, and AWS has been a great supporter of that mission,” said Jennifer Weiler, First Tee’s senior vice president of network relations. “We’re grateful for the relationship and excited to follow Kelly’s journey with AWS.”
Mahek Acharya’s golf journey began when her uncle gifted her a set of pink clubs. “I tried other sports, but golf just stuck with me,” she said. She went on to join First Tee – Greater Chicago and play on her high school team.
But as all players know, golf doesn’t always cooperate. “One season, things were going really great,” Mahek explained. “I was having fun and playing well, but then all the sudden, I just couldn’t hit the ball. I don’t know what happened, but it was really demotivating. I even told my parents I wanted to quit, but I knew I couldn’t give up the sport I love.”
It was this experience that inspired Mahek to start her podcast, Insights of the Mental Game. “I knew I needed to find a solution and talking things out has always helped me,” she said. “It’s been a journey, but the podcast has helped me love golf again, and people have told me it’s helped them too, which I think is my biggest accomplishment.”
Mahek has interviewed First Tee participants from around the country, many of whom she met at national participant events, including the First Tee Leadership Summit supported by PGA TOUR Superstore. That’s where she connected with LPGA player Shasta Averyhardt, who went on to appear on her show too. “Mental strength is so important in golf so to hear from a professional was really cool,” Mahek said.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which was created to help address stigma surrounding the topic, but experiencing mental blocks can still be isolating for athletes, Mahek said. “I remember when Simone Biles had the ‘twisties’ and she wasn’t able to compete during the Tokyo Olympics,” she said. “Even in my own community, a lot of people didn’t take it seriously.”
While her podcast mostly focuses on golf, Mahek has also covered ice skating, basketball and tennis. She’s learned that each sport brings unique mental challenges. “I think it helps when athletes realize they’re not alone,” she said. “For a while I thought I was the only one struggling, but it makes it easier to know other people have these experiences too.”
Mahek is preparing to graduate from high school and plans to continue her podcast at Indiana University, where she will study business. Though her competitive golf career is ending, she said she’ll continue playing for fun and stay involved with First Tee.
“I’m just so happy I could make change with this podcast,” she said. “Making a difference in even one person’s life is such a great feeling.”
