Did you know more than 80 percent of First Tee chapters offer programming specifically for girls?
“Growing up playing golf, I never imagined being in the golf industry,” said Rebecca Caimano, assistant executive director at First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, who joined the chapter in 2011 to help grow its girls programming. “It was tough being the only female who played golf.”
Now, Rebecca is among thousands of leaders/coaches who are involved in First Tee.
First Tee views golf as a metaphor for life. It’s not the score that counts, but what you learn along the way. The game is a perfect practice ground for learning skills that extend far beyond the course. Let’s face it, digging deep when things get tough is a natural part of our sport – and life – experiences.
As we celebrate our 25th anniversary (& Women’s Golf Day), First Tee is proud of the role we’re playing in helping more young girls embrace the sport and what they can learn through it. Thanks to many female coaches and leaders throughout our network – like Rebecca – we are a safe place where girls can come, be themselves and learn from coaches and role models on the course and in the business world.
Also, thanks to organizations like USGA (a Founding Partner), LPGA-USGA Girls Golf and John Deere, sponsor of the Drive Your Future Academy, a national leadership development opportunity for female First Tee teens, we continue to intentionally offer opportunities for girls’ personal growth and development in many ways.
Empowering girls for a brighter future
While many First Tee alumnae have gone on to work in golf, others have excelled in different areas, including medicine, journalism and public affairs. And we think that’s great for them, and for the world around us.
Studies have shown that women leaders are engaging and collaborative, yet it hasn’t always been easy for women to break into many top leadership roles. Golf can help.
Ninety percent of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf, according to the PGA of America, and more than half of all businesspeople believe golf is a valuable networking tool. Women executives believe that a background in sport was helpful to career advancement because it prepared them to work better in teams, and behaviors and techniques can be applied to the corporate setting (Women’s Sports Foundation).
First Tee teaches valuable life skills that can help girls as they become leaders. Through our personal growth and junior golf programs, we encourage girls to build self-confidence that they’ll carry with them into their future.
“I originally stuck with it [golf] because I wanted to beat my brother,” Rebecca continued. “And now, here I am, using a sport that changed my life to change others.”
Now, that’s girl power.
Approximately 25% of First Tee’s coaches are women, and we’d love to increase that number! If you are interested or know of a passionate female leader in your life, please point her here to get involved: https://firsttee.org/get-involved/coach-volunteer/
Sixteen-year-old First Tee – Lake County (Hammond, Ind.) participant, Steven Outlaw, was notified during the 2001 First Tee Network Summit, the annual gathering of those within the First Tee network, that he was going to have to make his speech earlier than originally scheduled. The events to follow happened in a way that only fate decides.
Steven describes it as “being in the right place at the right time.” Using one of the first skills instilled into First Tee participants, as well as taught within his own household, on how to properly introduce yourself to others, Steven walked right up to one of the other speakers of the evening, former president of Georgetown College, Dr. William Crouch, and shook his hand. Steven’s demeanor stood out to Dr. Crouch and gave him quite the idea.
Following Steven’s speech, Dr. Crouch scrapped his own prepared comments and surprised Steven with a full scholarship to Georgetown College and news that he planned to provide a full scholarship to First Tee participants every year following. This full-ride scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of furthering Steven’s education.
Bob Krause, former vice president of institutional advancement at Kansas State University, followed suit with Dr. Crouch’s pledge. The First Tee Scholars Program was born and set to begin by 2003 with the inaugural class of Scholars, many of whom Steven is still in touch with today.
L to R: Christopher Hawkins, First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumnus and First Tee Scholar Class of 2003; Adam Ruegg, Troon Golf; Steven Outlaw, First Tee – Lake County alumnus and inaugural First Tee Scholar; Rod Jackson, First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumnus; Brandon White, current Program Director First Tee – Lake County.
As the inaugural First Tee Scholar, Steven graduated from Georgetown College with a degree in political science. After college, he enrolled in the PGA, PGM Accelerated Program. After completing two levels of the program, he secured an internship with Troon Golf, a leading golf management company. He has since worked with Troon Golf for nearly 15 years, starting in Arizona and traveling overseas to work in the Middle East, and in Malaysia managing The Els Club Teluk Datai (rated #83 in the world by Golf Digest in 2016).
More recently, Steven serves as the PGA Director of Golf at Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club, managed by Troon Golf. Steven has been a PGA Class A Professional for more than 10 years and currently serves on the Southwest Section PGA Board of Directors and is very active with Troon’s D&I Council. Going forward, Steven aspires to ascend the ranks in the PGA of America, with a passion specifically around diversity, equity and inclusion and positive change within the game of golf.
Though Steven had numerous amazing opportunities during his time as a First Tee participant, he now prides himself in exploring what he can do for First Tee as an adult. He works closely with First Tee – Lake County, often supplying the chapter with donations.
“These opportunities would not have been possible without First Tee and the core values instilled in me such as perseverance and confidence. Much of what I learned during my time with First Tee I use now to strengthen and empower my team. I am forever grateful and honored to be part of such a great organization. I look forward to the future of First Tee and the path they will pave for the next generation.”
Eleven years after Steven’s speech, the First Tee Scholars Program continues to thrive. It has since received a face-lift following Greg McLaughlin being named First Tee CEO in 2019.
Relaunching officially in 2020, President George W. Bush, honorary First Tee chair, congratulated the first class of the revamped program. First Tee College Scholarship Program now extends its impact to alumni beyond financial support, providing personal and professional development throughout their post-graduate careers.
Each of the Scholars is paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who helps encourage and guide them throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in-person throughout the year, and up to $5,000 per year toward tuition.
“First Tee aims to inspire and empower every young person in the program to set goals and begin pursuing them,” said McLaughlin. “The First Tee College Scholarship Program is intended to motivate young people to stay in the program and support alumni as they matriculate through the college.”
In recognition of First Tee’s 25th anniversary, the Class of 2022 includes 25 First Tee Scholars. This time, Steven Outlaw has turned the tables, joining as a mentor to one of the Scholars.
“I was extremely fortunate to be surrounded by great professionals as I progressed through my time with the First Tee. These individuals helped me grow not only in golf, but personally and professionally. I consider myself lucky to be able to return the favor to the next generation!”
We believe in helping youth succeed – on the golf course and in life. Learn more about our programs and how you can get involved.
Experiences are our greatest teachers. They shape how we treat others, how we see the world around us, and how we view ourselves. How we view ourselves is also known as our self identity and is defined as the qualities and potential you possess. It can influence the choices you make, the attitude you have day-to-day, and ultimately, it becomes your inner voice. For youth especially, a positive self identity can have a massive impact on who they become as adults. There are many ways parents can help their kids develop a positive self identity, and at First Tee we pride ourselves in nurturing a positive self identity for youth. Here are three ways you can help your kids develop a positive self identity inspired by our core values.
Live Your Values
Kids watch and learn from the adults in their lives every day. Studying their actions and responses, they develop their identity based on their guardians and the other mentors in their life. If you live according to the values you want your kids to have, then they are more likely to absorb that into their own independent lives. That being said, having a mentor is a great way to ensure this happens. At First Tee,youth learn from their coaches by:
Treating others with respect and honesty
Experiencing the value of teamwork, not just by being told to act as a team but by witnessing their coach lead with teamwork.
Watching their coaches exercise positive self talk and kindness to others around them brings out the best in themselves and their self identity.
Create a Culture of Acceptance
When there is no room for failure there is no room for growth. Fostering an environment that is not only safe for kids to fail but encourages them to try again, helps kids develop a strong sense of self. Acceptance also transcends just failure; it also means that every person, regardless of their background, is welcome. We work together to actively create a space of belonging for every kid— no matter what walk of life. Through example we encourage youth to accept their team members for who they are, treat each other with kindness, and create that culture of acceptance everywhere, so that when they reflect on themselves and their own identity they treat themselves with the same level of respect and positivity that they give others.
Empowerment Through Experiences
For kids, experiences shape their inner voice that gives them confidence and character. Not all experiences in life are easy, and when we empower youth to persevere and stay true to themselves, we bring out the best that’s inside of them. First Tee exists to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. As time goes on, that empowerment creates a strong sense of self, and encourages a positive self identity even in difficult situations.
Though a positive self identity may seem like something only some people are born with, it is really something that can be cultivated through leading by example, an open culture of acceptance, and consistent empowerment through all experiences. What do you want your child’s inner voice to sound like when they grow up? Nurturing their self identity can make all the difference in that. We guide kids and teens to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action. If you are interested in getting your child involved with First Tee, you can learn more and sign up today!
Every conversation can be an opportunity to learn something new, build trust with someone, and deepen connections. This happens when we build the skill of active listening and learn to treat listening as an active process – not a passive one.
What is Active Listening?
Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. It’s about being present, listening to understand (not respond), and showing active interest and engagement in the dialogue.
Why does it matter?
Active listening is an important skill for all of us to cultivate. Not only is it an important leadership skill, it has been shown to promote mindful thinking, can reduce anxiety and depression, helps build relationships and can promote empathy.
How do we practice it?
At First Tee, we use a process called A-L-R to help build connection through active listening. This helps us to deepen conversations, keep them going, and get the most out of them. Here’s how A-L-R works:
Asking questions: Asking thoughtful questions is not only a way you can keep the conversation going, but it gives you a deeper understanding of the person or topic you are engaging with.
Helpful Tip:Be curious. Try asking questions that dig a bit deeper: How did they feel in that moment? What was going on in their minds during that experience? What would they do differently the next time? These make the conversation richer, rather than closed-ended questions that are typically answered with a simple Yes or No.
Listening to understand: When you ask a question, it is important to listen carefully to what the person is saying. We can sometimes be fixated on what we are going to say next, or when it’s our turn to jump back into the conversation, but try not to think about what you are going to say next.. Your focus is on them and their perspective rather than your own.
Helpful Tip:Make an effort to try to clear your mind first of any distracting thoughts. It can help to jot down a mental or physical note of things on your mind in order to give your full attention.
Reflect & respond to the reply: Keep the conversation going by responding in a way that connects with what they just said. You can try to restate in your own words what the person said, share what you think or feel about it, or ask another open-ended question that connects with what the person just said.
Helpful Tip: Show engagement and interest in what they are saying: look them in the eye when they are talking, use body language like nodding your head.
Active listening requires work, but you’ll be surprised at how much reward there is when you approach conversations and communication with this skill. Active listening is just one of the skills we are supporting kids and teens to build at First Tee. Click here to find out more about our programs.
Each month, First Tee – Greater New Orleans selects a participant, alum, parent, board member, coach, or staff member to share what First Tee means to them and to highlight the ways that they embody the spirit of being a #GameChanger. Our February Game Changer of the Month is John Barranco, a First Tee parent, board member, and former Board President!
We had the privilege of catching up with John Barranco last week. Check out the clip above to learn how John is embodying what it means to be a #GameChanger! Want to know more? Watch the full interview here.
Each month, First Tee – Greater New Orleans will select a participant, alum, parent, board member, coach, or staff member to share what First Tee means to them and to highlight the ways that they embody the spirit of being a #GameChanger. Our first Game Changer of the Month is Karrington Knight, a 2018 alum and current senior at Rhodes College.
We got to catch up with KK a few months ago. Check out the clip above to learn how KK is embodying what it means to be a #GameChanger! Want to know more? Watch the full interview here.
I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to The First Tee for giving me the opportunity to intern with them this summer. Through this internship, I have gained valuable work experience. I was assigned to several different work sites and I was able to learn different skills from each. Whether I was located at the office, Joseph Bartholomew, or at the summer camps, there was a lesson to be learned…
During the time I spent working in The First Tee office, every day was different. There was always something new that had to be accomplished. By being in the office, I began to truly understand how much work goes into running the organization. I have gained a new level of appreciation for the people who make it all possible. Whether it be the social media posts, finding sponsors, making membership bags, or any of the many other tasks that go along behind the scenes, it takes a lot of work to make The First Tee successful.
When I worked with The First Tee coaches at Joseph Bartholomew Golf Course, we partnered with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission. I learned the importance of pushing through and endurance. The coaches who work here are outside all day with only a break for lunch. There was never any question that these coaches were giving it their all for the kids.
I also worked at different The First Tee Summer Camp locations. Working with these kids taught me so many things, and most importantly, patience. I was able to realize the importance of celebrating all accomplishments, no matter how small, because every step taken in the right direction should be recognized.
I am so appreciative of The First Tee for affording me the opportunity to work for them this summer. I am grateful to have learned so much not only about working and having a job, but also many lessons that I can take with me going forward. It has been a privilege to work for such a caring organization that honors the message in its mission.
In conjunction with the PGA TOUR and the FORE!Kids Foundation, The First Tee selected 3 participants to attend the 2019 Zurich Classic to cover the event as Junior Course Reporters. Armed with PGA TOUR issued media credentials and enthusiasm, the Junior Course Reporters interviewed tournament staff and volunteers to investigate the preparation and planning that goes into hosting a golf tournament of this magnitude. The Junior Course Reporters were asked to pick a topic of coverage on which to collect information via the opportunities provided while on site. The following are the fruits of their investigative journalism…
Matthew Biehl tries first oyster. Ever.
Going to a professional golf tournament is enjoyable. You can enjoy many things from watching the professional golfers play, to relaxing in the warmth of the sun. While you enjoy all this fun, you do not think about who makes each tournament happen, what they did to help, and how they actually helped out. It is what’s on the inside of the tournament that counts.
The people that work the tournaments help in many ways. Peter Dachisen, a rules official, goes around the world to assist players when they need a ruling, and also enforces the rules if someone does not follow them. Most professionals do not need a ruling, but the rules official’s job is a big responsibility. His job is a big responsibility because he makes sure the professionals do the right thing and do not cheat. Another person who helps support PGA tournaments is Mike Rodrigue. He helps set up the tournament including the Acme food tent so people can eat great food during the Zurich golf tournament. It takes about a week to prepare the food. He also gives the PGA money, and in return, he can sell ACME products. Also, there is Wade Stettner, the meteorologist of the PGA Tour. His job is to make sure there is no lightning in a 8 mile radius, so everyone at the PGA tournament is safe. It is a really important job. These are three examples of people who help in major ways.
There are companies that support the PGA through merchandise. Eric Lassiter is a representative of Oakley which is a company that makes detailed glasses that adjust to your surroundings. Justin Phillips is also a company representative like Eric Lassiter, but Justin Phillips represents Levelwear, a company that makes shirts, shorts, belts, and hats. Levelwear, like Oakley, supports the PGA by paying the PGA, so they can sell their products during golf tournaments.
Matthew Biehl being interviewed for radio
There are also larger sponsors of PGA tournaments. For example, David Perlis is the Chairman of the Board of Fore Kids Foundation, which is a big supporter of PGA and the Zurich Classic. Fore Kids Foundation donates a lot of money to PGA to set up tournaments and has partnerships with PGA and Zurich Classic. Additionally, he is the leader of more than 200 Fore Kids Foundation volunteers at the Zurich. Another big supporter of the PGA is Liz Broekman. She is the Director of Power at Fidelity Bank. She helps women get jobs with their abilities. Fidelity Bank supports PGA and in return, gets their own booth during tournaments.
In conclusion, these people are a few of the many people who help out during professional golf tournaments. Thanks to these people and many others, golf tournaments can take place, and you can have fun in the sun. It is about the people on the inside that count.
Can’t keep Piper Hall away from her art
What Goes on Behind the Scenes
By: Piper Hall
When people visit the Zurich Classic, they usually focus on the players. Instead, I got to meet and interview around 20 people in my two days as a Junior Course Reporter for The First Tee of Greater New Orleans. My mission was to find out about more than the players (though they do deserve credit for their impeccable skills). My interviews provided a behind-the-scenes look at all of work that goes into creating such a huge event. I was able to talk to so many incredible people and hear about their contributions to the Zurich Classic. From food to merchandise, supplies, sponsors, and media, there are so many components of hosting a golf tournament.
Media
With my media credentials, I was able to access the Media Center of the Zurich Classic, a homebase for all of the reporters, journalists, photographers, and videographers covering the tournament. Every morning, Zurich Classic Media Director Tom Long would issue our media credentials. Tom works with the PGA TOUR and the Zurich Classic to make sure all tournament questions are answered. He has been a member of The Fore Kids Foundation for 25 years and has directed all Zurich Classic media for 15 years. I also met media New Zealand native Mark Williams, who is the PGA TOUR Director of Communications. Mark has been working with the PGA tour for 11 years, where he coordinates interviews for the PGA TOUR. He has a true love for the game of golf and has played since he was a 4 year old. Local favorite Jeff Duncan, a columnist for Times Picayune and Nola.com, travels all over the world for stories. He finds his job very important because he gets to educate and inform people in the community. Jeff is in his 20th year in New Orleans and has worked as a journalist since 1987.
Merchandise
In the Merchandise Tent, I spoke with TPC Louisiana Assistant Golf Pro and Merchandise Tent Manager Ben Hutchinson, who explained that the PGA TOUR purchased and shipped over $305,000 worth of merchandise to be sold during the Zurich Classic. I also spoke with Oakley’s Field Manager Eric Lassiter, who was at the Zurich Classic to sell merchandise like the Oakley Prizm Lense – sunglasses made with special lenses for specific sports and environments. The lenses are engineered by studying the eye and are designed to absorb specific colors one would see on a golf course. Justin Phillips has been working with Levelwear for 10 years. Levelwear makes customizable performance golf clothing and currently holds over 100 university merchandise licenses.
SponsorS
We were very fortunate to have been allowed into the Fidelity Bank Champion’s Club, one of the Zurich Classic’s most sought after tickets. I spoke with Liz Broekman, Director of Fidelity Bank’s. P.O.W.E.R. program, which stands for Potential Of Women Entrepreneurs Realized. Liz works with female business owners and entrepreneurs to help them connect and grow their businesses. Fidelity Bank is a proud sponsor of the Zurich Classic.
The Fore!Kids Foundation
The golf tournament is produced by a 3-way partnership between The Fore!Kids Foundation, The Zurich Classic, and The PGA TOUR. The Fore!Kids Foundation Board of Directors gives guidance for donating to children’s organizations with funds raised during the Foundation’s golf events. Our group was lucky to catch Board Chair David Perlis in the Media Center. David has been a member of The Fore!Kids Foundation for 25 years. He said the acting as the Board Chair is a year-round responsibility for which he directs and provides resources for the Fore!Kids CEO and President. He volunteers not because of golf, but to give back to the community. The First Tee is one of the major benefactors that receives a grant from The Fore!Kids Foundation. I send my personal thanks to the Fore!Kids Foundation for making The Zurich Classic Pro-Am Caddie Day and other programs available to The First Tee participants!
Oysters!
I had the pleasure of speaking with restaurant owners Mike Rodrigue, owner of ACME Oyster House, and Tommy Cvitanovich, owner of Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, who both talked about their businesses and how much effort goes into selling food throughout the week. Drago’s has 4 locations and over 500 employees. Tommy is proud to see his father’s (now deceased) name all over the tournament. He said that watching people enjoy food and have a good time is one of his favorite things about the tournament. Zurich patrons eat over 30,000 oysters and 150-200 gallons of sauce during the week of the Zurich Classic! According to ACME’s Mike Rodrigue, he and his team start on site a month before the event and meet again after to discuss any need for improvement. ACME has been at the tournament since 1973 , and every year they try to keep it “fresh.” ACME Oyster House donates it’s food and services to The Fore Kids Foundation as “their way of giving back to the community.” One thing everyone agrees about is that one of the best and most unique part of the Zurich Classic is the abundance of New Orleans style food!
course workers
Piper gets some air time
There are workers on the golf course that help the tournament run smoothly, like Peter Dachisen, a rules official, Wes Gilmore, a First Tee golf coach and worker at the Zurich Classic, CJ Tessitore, a practice range manager, and people like Bobby, Amy, Scott, and Tommy who work on the course to provide help and snacks to the players. Practice Range Manager CJ Tessitore are very passionate about the golf. He is 80 years old still loves to work in golf. He says that “golf gets you out and you can still play as you get older.” CJ thinks the team format is a great part of the Zurich Classic and he believes it is a very hospitable tournament. Wes Gilmore also works at the practice range making sure the players get what they need. He loves the environment and being close to the pros to see what they do. Peter Dachisen is a rules official who has been traveling the world officiating for 5 years. There are 8 strategically placed rules officials on the course during the Zurich Classic. They are generally off to the side and are called upon when needed. Peter has played golf all of his life and getting to work with the best players in the world encourages him. Lastly, no PGA golf tournament is possible without its very own meteorologist! Wade Stettner is one of 7 meteorologists on the PGA TOUR. He travels with the the TOUR to forecast weather for tournaments. His most important role is to look out for lightning. He warns and evacuates about 30 minutes before a storm. When the weather is good, Wade answers questions about wind, moisture in the ground, and other things that can affect a golfer’s game. He has been working 19 years as a meteorologist and 14 years with the PGA TOUR
I hope you enjoyed learning about planning the Zurich Classic from reading my report! I learned so much as a First Tee Junior Course Reporter. It takes a very large team to plan and execute a PGA TOUR tournament. I would love to attend the Zurich Classic next year as a spectator or perhaps for another year as a Junior Course Reporter!
Brother Martin graduate Zaire Stevenson on the radio at the Zurich Classic
It’s Hard Work, But It’s Worth It
By: Zaire Stevenson
Before my experience as a First Tee Junior Course Reporter at the Zurich Classic, I thought a PGA TOUR tournament was be simple to put on, and I was very surprised to see how difficult it is. As a Junior Course Reporter, I was given the task of investigating what goes on in the making of a PGA TOUR event.
I met up with The First Tee Coach Wesley Gilmore, who is also on the staff at TPC Louisiana. He said that preparing for the Zurich Classic is very hectic, especially ensuring that the golf course is at its peak. He enjoys being able to be a part of the experience and watching the tournament and thinks the new format is very exciting. During the tournament, Wes works at the practice range with CJ Tessitore. CJ is the practice facility manager. He and his staff are in charge of making sure each pro receives their special practice range golf balls.
With access to the Zurich Classic Media Center, I met Tom Long, the Media Director for the Zurich Classic. He is tasked with promoting events, writing press releases, running and operating the media center, working with title sponsors, and planning the 18th green ceremony for top tournament finishers. He has been a member of the Fore!Kids Foundation for 25 years, and the manager of the Media Center for 15 years. He enjoys working with media and being a part of the Zurich Classic team. Also in the Media Center was Mark Williams, the Director of Communications for the PGA TOUR. He is responsible for coordinating all tournament interviews. He is an 11 year employee of the PGA and he loves his job. Jeff Duncan is a columnist for the Times Picayune and Nola.com. He writes opinions on sports events and believes it is important to inform the community on public affairs. He has been working for the Times Picayune for 20 years and has 32 years of experience in journalism.
Back on the course, I met a variety of different tournament workers and contributors like PGA TOUR Rules Official Peter Dachisen. He travels with the PGA TOUR year-round assisting players with any concerns pertaining to the rules of golf. Mr. Dachisen has been a rules official for five years. Wade Stettner is a 7 year veteran of the meteorologist team of the PGA TOUR. He is in charge of tracking the weather during tournament week to insure safety and proper playing conditions. Mr.Stettner uses technology that can track weather movement and detect lightning strikes at a distance of over eight miles! Wade has 19 years of meteorology experience.
Lastly, I was fortunate to interview tournament sponsor and ACME Oyster House owner, Mike Rodrigue. ACME Oyster House is one of the largest food vendors at the Zurich Classic. Mr. Rodrigue has over 1000 employees who work during the week of the tournament and he donates the proceeds from food sales made at the tournament to charity. Mike is also past President of The First Tee of Greater New Orleans Board of Directors, and remains a major supporter of the chapter.
There are so many more jobs and important people that are involved in the making PGA TOUR events like the Zurich Classic possible. From what I have learned as a First Tee Junior Course Reporter is that it is is hard work, but worth it in the end!
It is with extreme pride that we share participant Kobe Narcisse of The First Tee of Greater New Orleans has been selected the Grand Prize Winner of the Wells Fargo Succeeding Together essay competition. Kobe will travel to Charlotte, NC for the Wells Fargo Championship in May, where he will participate in exclusive behind-the-ropes activities, including playing in the Pro-Am with the PGA TOUR tournament player of his choice.
This year, the Wells Fargo Succeeding Together contest encouraged teenage participants of The First Tee to showcase how The First Tee Nine Core Values have helped them on their personal journey to become better students, better citizens, better golfers, and better prepared for life. A panel of judges selected ten finalists and then ultimately four winners, each of whom won a trip to the 2019 Wells Fargo Championship.
As the grand-prize winner of the Succeeding Together, Kobe receives a 4-day/3-night trip for two to Charlotte, North Carolina to play in the Wells Fargo Championship Pro-Am with a PGA TOUR pro of his choice as a guest of Wells Fargo. He will attend the pro-am draw party and have the opportunity to meet PGA TOUR pros, golf TV personalities, as well as attend the Wells Fargo Succeeding Together Golf Clinic.
Congratulations to Kobe, and many thanks to Wells Fargo and The First Tee Home Office for awarding Kobe with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Many thanks to Wells Fargo and The First Tee Home Office for recognizing Kobe with this prestigious award!
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!
Tickets on Sale Now for the 2024 First Tee Raffle!
Enter for a chance to win four ultimate prizes in the 2024 First Tee Raffle including the grand prize: 152nd Open Championship Deluxe Package Experience Package. All ticket purchasers will receive a commemorative First Tee headcover. Ready to win?
