Author: tsmies

First Tee Spotlight: Lindsay Reens

Lindsay Reens | 23 years old | First Tee Alum | Kindergarten Teacher, Holy Trinity Catholic School

A Heart for Education: How First Tee’s Junior Coach Program Ignited a Teen’s Teaching Career

Lindsay was one of our first four junior coaches. Hear from her how junior coaching made an impact on her life! 

Lindsay reading to her kindergarten class this fall.

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Lindsay began at First Tee at the age of 13 in 2013. From the outset, she was dedicated to improving and had aspirations of playing college golf. With Lindsay so dedicated to her game and First Tee, she got a multitude of opportunities to learn and grow through the program.

Lindsay, age 14, with LPGA star Paula Creamer in 2014

Lindsay applied and was selected to participate in Life Skills and Leadership Academy and the First Tee Champions Challenge, traveling free of charge to Philadelphia, PA and Naples, FL when she was 16 and 17 years old. She also got to caddie for a round with LPGA winner Megan Khang at the Meijer LPGA Classic upon graduating high school and met Paula Creamer as she just started in First Tee.

Lindsay, age 18, preparing to caddie for LPGA winner Megan Khang

Lindsay, at age 16 alongside First Tee grad Robert Butler meeting Masters Champion Larry Mize on her all-expense paid trip to Naples, FL in the First Tee Champions Challenge.

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Even with all these experiences playing and learning through golf herself, Lindsay knew she wanted to try her hand at coaching. So, in 2017, Lindsay started as one of our first four junior coaches – a paid position for teenagers in the program, built to develop leadership and organization habits. During that time, she fell in love with teaching kids. 

“The junior coach program helped me realize I wanted to be a teacher. Being on the course also allowed me to practice teaching and learn the qualities of being a great teacher and a mentor to the younger participants.”

What Lindsay helped start is now a fundamental development and leadership program of the chapter.  This summer, more than 25 teenagers who grew up in First Tee were junior coaches, assisting or leading 1-5 classes per week, depending on their availability and interest.  This year, more than $50,000 in payroll was paid out to current First Tee students or Alumni in the form of coaching or job training experience in fields like marketing, event planning, fundraising, and accounting. In addition, The Phil DeBoer Memorial Scholarship helped pay an additional $13,000 in college scholarships to nine First Tee – West Michigan grads this year alone. Lindsay was multiple-time winner of the scholarship, being awarded in 2020 and 2021. 

Upon high school graduation, Lindsay headed to Aquinas College, playing golf there but knowing that through her experience as a junior coach at First Tee, she wanted to become an educator. Each summer in college, Lindsay would return to work at First Tee, now leading the class with other adult mentors and younger junior coaches assisting her.  Each of the past three summers, Lindsay has led our LPGA*USGA Girls Golf classes at Kaufman GC, all while gaining experience and schooling in how to become a teacher.  In addition, she helped Cascade Hills CC Junior Golf Program after personally receiving instruction from their top-ranked instructor, Brandon Roby, PGA.

This fall, after graduating from Aquinas, Lindsay began as a kindergarten teacher for the first time at Holy Trinity Catholic School in Comstock Park. Her classroom was set up with one of her best friends from First Tee by her side, and many First Tee donors and volunteers pitching in for supplies. 

“The junior coach program has shaped me into the teacher I am today. I wouldn’t be the same without the experience I had coaching for First Tee.”

Now, you can help support our next generation of junior coaches. Graduates like Lindsay are Game Changers right here in West Michigan – your gift helps First Tee cultivate our next generation of leaders!

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First Tee Spotlight: Andrew DeYoung

Andrew DeYoung | 25 years old | First Tee Alum – Ferris State University |  PGA Professional at Deal CC in New Jersey & Division 1 Head Golf Coach at Monmouth University

From Supported to Serving Others – a 10-year cycle of transformation for DeYoung

Andrew participated in our chapter’s first and second national opportunities, applying to a nationwide panel of First Tee interviewees and being selected for trips to Naples, FL (First Tee Champions Challenge) and Washington D.C. (Perfect Sense Unified Challenge) to complete and learn together with students from other First Tee chapters around the country.  Hear how his trip to Washington D.C. made an impact on his life!

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Andrew joined First Tee at age 13 in 2011, attending the organization’s inaugural open-to-the-public class. Displaying a natural talent for golf, Andrew, who learned the game from his late father, became a valued member of the First Tee family. His mother, Kathi, enrolled him at The Highlands Golf Course, marking the beginning of Andrew’s journey.

Andrew, age 13, in his early days at First Tee

While at Kenowa High School, Andrew played golf for four years and consistently advanced through First Tee’s program levels. Despite occasional challenges in staying focused and making decisions affecting his academics and golf, Andrew’s potential shone through. His game also benefited from receiving free lessons from former Cascade Hills CC Director of Instruction and state-ranked instructor Brandon Roby, PGA.

Encouraged by First Tee Executive Director Tyler Smies, Andrew applied for a national opportunity to visit Washington D.C. Selected for the experience, he spent a week at Congressional Country Club, playing with PGA Tour Professional Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey and meeting Jordan Spieth. This transformative trip ignited a newfound focus for Andrew to mentor younger students.

Andrew with PGA Tour star Jordan Spieth in 2014 at the First Tee National Opportunity in Washington D.C.

“He came back different. It’s like a light bulb switched for him,” Executive Director Tyler Smies said. “After that trip to D.C., he was extremely focused on helping younger students and giving back. And he never looked back.”

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Post-trip and upon high school graduation, Andrew pursued a degree in Professional Golf Management at Ferris State University.

Andrew passing his Playing Ability Test as a Freshman at Ferris State University, to become a PGA Professional

Graduating in 2021, he returned to Deal Golf and Country Club in New Jersey as an Assistant Golf Professional, after interning there while at Ferris. Now Andrew runs the club’s junior golf program, and his dedication there led to his hiring as Head Coach of Monmouth University’s Division 1 Golf program at the age of 25 in the fall of 2024.

Andrew DeYoung, far right, Head Coach of D1 Monmouth University Golf Team this fall

“To see Andrew grow so much through First Tee – West Michigan, and then to have such an immense and immediate impact on kids and young men in his career – it’s tremendous. His journey went full circle – from being the teenager who needed someone in his life, to becoming that someone for other kids and young men,” Smies said. 

Since Andrew’s trip, more than twenty First Tee students have embarked on national opportunities, broadening their horizons through golf, leadership, and travel experiences.

To ensure future students benefit from life-changing opportunities like Andrew’s, your support is crucial. Please consider supporting First Tee – West Michigan – 90% of our expenses are covered by donors like you!

Support First Tee by giving today!

Alumni Thriving – Angelo Luciani

Meet Angelo Luciani, aka JelloShot. Of course, there is a story behind the name. At a young age, Angelo developed a passion for sports. When he was seven, Angelo became a crucial player on a travel club soccer team. The quickness of the game didn’t allow for a three-syllable name, so Angelo was shortened by his teammates to Jello. His accurate shots were dubbed JelloShot, a moniker that endured. However, his love for soccer eventually gave way to a newfound passion for golf.

Angelo was first introduced to golf with First Tee – West Michigan when he was just eight years old. While learning the game of golf, Angelo also learned life skills that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. First Tee was instrumental in shaping who he was becoming as a young man and as a competitive golfer.  Angelo grew from being a program participant to representing the First Tee at several national competitions, including playing at Pebble Beach with a PGA Tour Champion, and twice in the First Tee National Championship (hosted at Notre Dame and Clemson). He also is the first student from the chapter to qualify for the USGA Junior Amateur Championship, hosted in North Carolina that year.

Participating in multiple golf tournaments each year, most of his fellow competitors knew him as Jello. He was easy to spot on the golf course – the guy with a big smile and a well-coordinated wardrobe. Drawing inspiration from his passion for looking his best on the golf course, JelloShotGolf emerged last spring as a brand dedicated to reminding you to bring your best self to every shot. With a dozen products available and more in the pipeline, the JelloShotsGolf brand continues to grow and evolve through the help of where he is now – at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ.

Visit JelloShotsGolf

This is only the beginning of the story. As a student at Grand Canyon University, Angelo is pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurial Business, practicing what he learns and funding his education. We are so proud of Angelo and can’t wait to see what’s next for his brand!

While the JelloShotsGolf brand is growing, and his business acumen expanding, Angelo continues to develop and grow his golf game at a high level. Grand Canyon University has a strong Division 1 Golf team (ranked higher than several Big 10 schools), so Angelo making the team as a freshman was an uphill battle. However, he quickly established himself on the club team this fall as a frehsman, where he was one of the strongest performers. Mid-year, Angelo won his first-ever college tournament, firing a 68-69 to win.

After this victory, Angelo’s year culminated in Grand Canyon winning their first-ever Divison 1 Club Championship!

What a start to Angelo’s college career! As he continues in his golf and entrepreneurial pursuits, we’ll be rooting him on in West Michigan! Keep it up, Angelo!

For more information on volunteering at First Tee and impacting other students like Angelo, click below:

Info on Volunteering at First Tee

USGA Grant Helps Grow First Tee’s Individual Instruction Program

First Tee – West Michigan has been selected to receive $2,500 from the United States Golf Association through its IDEA Grant. This significant gift plays a pivotal role in advancing First Tee West Michigan’s programs, including growing its individual instruction initiative. This program provides young individuals with PGA-level lessons at a significantly reduced cost to their families. 

In the spring of 2021, First Tee – West Michigan launched a new initiative that would break a significant financial barrier for families that want to provide their young golfer with individual PGA instruction. Starting with one instructor, First Tee – West Michigan began offering individual lessons to scholarship students within its programs for just $15. Since that first year, the program has grown and now offers lessons with five different certified instructors across all four communities First Tee – West Michigan serves (Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, and Kalamazoo). More than 280 subsidized lessons have been given to scholarship students, with more each week. Thanks to the USGA’s IDEA Grant, First Tee can continue to provide PGA-level instruction at a low cost while adding more instructors to fit the needs of its students, no matter their circumstances. 

“This next-level partnership with local PGA Professionals is giving our kids what they need to thrive, learn, and grow through the game of golf,” Executive Director Tyler Smies said. “Now, our kids and teens who want to get better and play in high school or college can do so without worrying about the cost. The instruction is increasing our kids and teens engagement with First Tee and our life skills curriculum and with the game of golf in general. We’re so grateful to the USGA for their partnership in making the game even more impactful on our kids and teens.”

About First Tee – West Michigan

The USGA IDEA Grant program was established in 2021, building off the strength of more than 20 years of partnership between First Tee and the USGA. Since its inception, 72 grants have been distributed to 46 chapters across 30 states including First Tee – West Michigan, helping connect more diverse young people to the game and First Tee’s character-empowering programs. First Tee – West Michigan has been the recipient of this grant each of the past three years for their cutting edge initiatives to increase representation amongst kids from all backgrounds. 

Three Reasons to Give to First Tee this Season!

Reason #3: Bradley Lardie accomplishes wire-to-wire finish at First Tee – West Michigan

This season, your donation to First Tee goes further, thanks to a generous matching grant from Charles Schwab. Please give before year-end to ensure First Tee – West Michigan can fully take advantage of this $32,500 match! Help us raise $60,000 this December!
Donate Today!

When First Tee – West Michigan launched in the fall of 2011, there was just one coach (Tyler Smies), one course (The Highlands GC in northwest Grand Rapids), and a handful of volunteers. As the spring of 2012 rolled around, First Tee – West Michigan’s first full year of programming began. And it began with Bradley Lardie, age 7, and his older brother Caleb, age 9 in class.

From the first class, Bradley Lardie stood out amongst the participants. He was the youngest in the bunch – just barely old enough to participate. His mind worked differently than most seven-year-olds.

“The questions Bradley would ask,” Executive Director and coach Tyler Smies said. “They were so advanced, mechanical, and math driven. Things like “So the angle of the clubface changes distance?” or other specific questions like that. Most 7-year-olds just want to swing hard and have fun and play games, and truly don’t have a care in the world for mechanics or how the golf swing works. But not Bradley.”

“I just remember being the youngest in class, and really enjoying the ‘games approach’ to First Tee,” Bradley said, now looking back through coaching viewpoint. “I also remember Homework & Hitting, and how much fun and how much I learned just hanging out at First Tee throughout the winter.”

Donate Today! Your gift at year-end impacts future kids + is matched by Chuck!

Bradley’s curiosity and perspective were different than many of his peers. He was also always focused on the task at hand. He zeroed in on learning all he could to get better, despite rarely being the best golfer in the class. He was and is a sponge for learning the intricacies of the game. Because of his focus and interest, he was invited to the 2nd ever Collegiate Alternate Shot event, where he was paired with another Brad (Smith), who played at Calvin College. 8 years later, he participated in his last one, next to GVSU’s Men’s player Charlie DeLong. The pictures below are of each event.

Donate Today! Your gift at year-end impacts future kids + is matched by Chuck!

Bradley and his brother Caleb participated on scholarship side-by-side for four years before Bradley struck out on his own. As Bradley grew, and First Tee expanded, Bradley was able to consistently attend class with Coach and Executive Director Tyler Smies, participating in class at 5 different golf courses in Grand Rapids.

Bradley also was one of First Tee’s first junior coaches, working for First Tee and earning a paycheck at the age of 14, assisting lead coaches and learning the coaching side of First Tee’s work. Even before then, Bradley coached in the Griffins Youth Foundation, also becoming a coach for a blind hockey player all while he helped hundreds of students at First Tee.

“One morning, my mom woke me up and told me I was going to start helping and coaching with the Griffins Youth Foundation. I’m glad she did, because I found out really quickly that I really love coaching and working with kids. It’s fun to watch a kid have that ‘ah-ha’ moment and craft a lesson plan to make those moments happen.”

It quickly became clear that Bradley was more capable than most teenagers in leading class. By the age of 16, Bradley was leading class with twenty students and five adults at area courses like Cedar Chase, Indian Trails GC, Kaufman, Maple Hill, and the Mines GC, and Kaufman GC. The past two summers, Bradley has also worked administratively in the office. This summer, he focused specifically on personally connecting with other scholarship families, sharing what opportunities were coming up for their student, and answering questions. As a participant, he was well-informed and could speak to the value of First Tee in his life to other parents. This cold calling would scare off most teenagers, but Bradley dove in and excelled.

“It gave me such an appreciation for what I had growing up in First Tee,” said Lardie. “I called so many parents who were grateful I called to share about upcoming opportunities at First Tee. But also I gained new perspective on the challenges some of our First Tee families have. I have a different level of compassion than I had before because of that work. I used to think everyone thinks or has a similar situation to what I have. Now I have an ear for what others think and are feeling.”

Donate Today! Your gift at year-end impacts future kids + is matched by Chuck!

Working on staff began to color Bradley’s thoughts on a future career.

“One of my teachers in high school heard about all the coaching I was doing, and asked if I wanted to help in a tutoring program at school, working with elementary school kids. And that experience, plus my coaching with First Tee and The Griffins Youth Foundation convinced that teaching is what I want to do as a career.”

As Bradley began to enter his final few years at First Tee, Program Director Taylour Boer and Tyler Smies were adamant that he get a National First Tee Opportunity. Bradley attended a leadership academy at age 14 put on by First Tee – Benton Harbor that was influential, but nothing since, as Bradley’s golf handicap was not low enough to apply. So Bradley was selected and went last winter to Naples, FL, along with another 10-year program veteran and Ace participant Adam Koval. They had a blast playing against students from across the country, and learning alongside Program Director Taylour Boer that trip. Bradley has also thrived also playing on the JV and Varsity golf team at Jenison. New initiatives in the past two years at First Tee and our year-end fundraising for new technology have been created for students like Bradley, so their golf game can improve at a more rapid pace. Bradley knows that would have made an impact on him.

“In my trip to Florida, my eyes were opened to how many good players there are,” Lardie said. “I thought I was really good, but now I know there’s whole different level of play, and I want to get there. Having a launch monitor and putting technology back when I was 10 or 11 years old, or access to someone like A PGA Professional like Coach Randy would have made a huge difference for me as a golfer.”

Donate Today! Your gift at year-end impacts future kids + is matched by Chuck!

10 years after beginning at First Tee, Bradley is the first ever in First Tee-West Michigan’s history to complete the Ace Level. Bradley worked through the PLAYer, Par, Birdie, and Eagle levels before beginning his Ace level journey in the spring of 2022. Ace serves as a Capstone project at First Tee, and functions much like an independent study. Bradley submitted his Ace Level Projects for review (they are currently in Florida being considered). These projects focused on different areas of growth: golf, career, giving back, and exploring educational opportunities. While nine other students have started Ace, Bradley is the first to complete the level.

“Honestly, the feeling of finishing the Eagle level at First Tee was overwhelming for me. I’ll always remember that moment. I was spinning my tires at the Birdie level, and almost gave up. But I kept at it, so finishing that made me really want to finish Ace and be the first at our chapter to do it.” Lardie said. “I had some competition with another participant, Kylie, who was also trying to complete it, and we were staying up late some nights each trying to complete it first. Her catching up to me really pushed me to finish, and that’s what I needed to do this.”

As 2022 wraps up, please consider giving so more students like Bradley can participate at First Tee on scholarship. With your help, more students can participate on a scholarship rate, while also getting first-class instruction, and access to game-changing technology.

Donate Today! Your gift at year-end impacts future kids + is matched by Chuck!

Three Reasons to Give to First Tee this Season!

Reason #2: New Tech = Higher Engagement

West Michigan receives national recognition in the First Tee Network for the strength of our winter tutoring and swing-training program, Homework & Hitting. But one of our Coach Building Blocks is “Continuous Improvement”. So we wondered: Could Homework & Hitting have a deeper impact and a wider reach?

First Tee’s winter Homework & Hitting program goes where students are – including 20 different locations this winter. We set up in gyms at schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, indoor Golf Facilities, and churches. Check out the interactive map below to see all the locations we’ll host Homework & Hitting this winter.

Donate Today! Your gift impacts students this winter + is matched by Chuck!
Click the map to interact with Homework & Hitting locations – 20 in all!

As golf increasingly goes digital, the importance of First Tee providing technology and visual support to students is critical. Set up and tear down at each Homework & Hitting site can be challenging, but with YOUR help, we can provide next-level technology to our participants and meet them where they are. Can you help support us at year-end, to ensure this portable technology can be added to Homework & Hitting?

PUTTR

Putting is the first golf skill we teach our students, but is tough to teach on gym floors and carpet. With Puttr, however, First Tee novices and experts can be entertained and challenged! We’re particularly fond of the PUTTR app, which comes with built-in games, including leaderboards where our students can compete against other First Tee students throughout the country! Check out this video on the capabilities of PUTTR.

PUTTR’s portability makes it a perfect fit for all our winter locations. Can you help us buy two for our various program locations, for $1,350 total? Your gift at year-end helps us purchase this, and reach our total year-end goal of $60,000 in December!

Donate Today! Your gift impacts students this winter + is matched by Chuck!

FULL SWING LAUNCH MONITOR

As students advance at First Tee, they seek for more swing feedback. A portable launch monitor (endorsed by Tiger Woods!) would make a huge impact. Students preparing for high-school golf need data and video feedback to improve their swing. Full Swing has partnered nationally with First Tee, and if it proves to be as impactful as we think, more launch monitors can be purchased at an even steeper discount. Can you help First Tee – West Michigan buy one Full-Swing Launch monitor for $4,000, and see the impact it can make with our students all throughout West Michigan?

With the PUTTR and Full Swing launch monitor, students like Darcey (Reason #1) can grow and learn at a younger age. More students engaged for more years yields bigger impacts (see report below). Help us ensure that each student, no matter what their socioeconomic background, can access technology to improve their game, and in turn, receive life-changing mentoring and training for years to come. Help us raise $60,000 this December so we can purchase this technology for our students this winter!

Donate Today! Your gift impacts students this winter + is matched by Chuck!

First Tee – West Michigan Outcomes

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Three Reasons to Give to First Tee this Season!

Reason #1: From First Tee 3rd Grader to College Freshman – Darcey Dorris

This season, your donation to First Tee goes further, thanks to a generous matching grant from Charles Schwab. Please give before year-end to ensure First Tee – West Michigan can fully take advantage of this $32,500 match! Help us raise $60,000 this December!

Donate Today!

Darcey first began participating in First Tee in third grade. Her journey demonstrates how First Tee’s various programs and initiatives can collectively make an impact off the golf course.

Darcey first stepped off the bus at Stormy Creek GC in southeast Grand Rapids through a partnership with Bowen Elementary (a Kentwood Public School). Working with First Tee’s Program Director, she participated in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade at the introductory level of First Tee, being introduced to First Tee’s Nine Core Values and golf fundamentals like Target Awareness and Distance Control (see an article about Darcey’s experience back in 2014). When she began attending Crestwood Middle (also a Kentwood Public School) in 6th grade, First Tee added a partnership with that school as well.

As she entered high school, First Tee formed a partnership with a new local church, First African Methodist Episcopal Church. We were thrilled when we saw Darcey came through this newly formed partnership with her church.

3 different community partnerships helped Darcey learn and grow at First Tee, keeping her involved until she became a junior coach!

Donate Today! Your gift at year-end impacts future kids + is matched by Chuck!

Golf was not the motivator for Darcey – she enjoyed First Tee because she was outdoors and spending time with her friends. In fact, she thrived in other athletics – as a discus and shot put thrower. But her maturity and positivity helped land her a paid junior coach role at First Tee at the tender age of 15. Once in the role, Darcey’s confidence and maturity exploded.

Darcey relished the opportunity to be a leader and junior coach, coaching younger participants and leading them through games and activities. She often created her own warm-ups and activities – they were so good, our full-time staff started stealing the ideas! By 11th grade, Darcey was leading classes of 15+ students and 3 adult volunteers. As she blossomed as a coach, Darcey’s interest in her own golf game was piqued. For the first time, as a senior in high school, Darcey tried out for her high school golf team.

Darcey, this summer, with her class at Indian Trails GC

Darcey played JV golf her senior year and had several conversations that year about her career and college aspirations with Tyler Smies, Executive Director. She was interested in pursuing a career in politics or as an attorney. Finally, she chose Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, a HBCU school, where she received a scholarship to be a discus and shot put thrower.

Between her athletic and academic scholarships, Darcey’s tuition and room and board at Central State University were fully paid for!

Before heading to school this fall, Darcey worked at First Tee full-time through the end of July, leading class and working on administrative tasks in the office. She then headed to Central State University to join their track and field team, and is currently majoring in Psychology.

Darcey, leading a session in 2021 at Indian Trails
Donate Today! Your gift at year-end impacts future kids + is matched by Chuck!

What Darcey DIDN’T receive at First Tee

While Darcey’s experience demonstrated the value of partnerships and relationships, it also highlights an area of growth for First Tee – West Michigan. First Tee wants to offer a way to engage kids at a higher level through the game of golf. Darcey was never eligible for national week-long opportunities First Tee offers due to her inexperience in golf (and lack of a handicap). Her First Tee classmates These trips have been life-changing for dozens of First Tee participants. Unfortunately, students like Darcey did not have enough opportunity to work on her golf game while at First Tee.

In the past year, First Tee has implemented two major golf-focused initiatives geared toward scholarship students like Darcey – individual instruction, and the “Play 9” initiative. Both initiatives help future Darceys work on their golf game. Both have been very successful, including in 2022 more than 40+ discounted lessons with PGA Professionals and 150+ rounds to students on scholarship at First Tee. With these opportunities, we expect more students on scholarship to get great opportunities to travel across the country through First Tee HQ’s excellent travel and leadership opportunities.

Next Steps for First Tee’s Next Generation

As the world moves toward more technology and STEM based learning, First Tee wants to invest in tools that can improve skills while teaching important math and data skills. First Tee would like to buy the technology to help the next generation of Darceys improve their golf game alongside the valuable life skills First Tee offers.

The full cost of the technology First Tee needs for its winter programs is $5,200.

Donate Today! Your gift at year-end impacts future Darceys and is matched by Charles Schwab!

Below is an interview of Darcey as a 10th grader, and recent junior coach (published in 2019)

In Their Own Words: 

Darcey’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Integrity.  Since I started in First Tee I have learned more and more about the word integrity.  Integrity simply means doing good when someone in authority isn’t around.  I still think I have a bit of improvement to do but I feel like First Tee has helped me to understand the word more.

What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? I just love the overall experience.  Getting to know kids and teaching them what I learned when I was their age.  During my time as a junior coach, I have learned to be patient and to go with my gut on things.  This experience has helped me prepare for the career I want in the future.  I know my future career will require being a good communicator, being patient, and understanding.  All of those traits and more encourage me to make coaching at First Tee fun!

Darcey at age 10, participating at First Tee through their partnership with Bowen Elementary School in Kentwood.
Darcey, as a sophomore starting as a junior coach

Executive Director Tyler Smies’ 2022 Marathon

I‘m now less than 48 hours from teeing off for this year’s marathon fundraiser, where I’ll attempt to play 150 holes at Kent Country Club to raise money for First Tee students on scholarship. This is my last note before I play. Will you pledge to me to help our kids at First Tee? I’m 60% of the way to my goal of $20,000 raised!

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I love how First Tee can help kids from across the gamut through the game of golf. This winter, I led Homework & Hitting with kids from Grand Rapids Public Schools, all of whom participated for free because of their family’s income. I was able to build a strong relationship with a dozen kids over the span of 5 months.  When we wrapped up, each of them had earned enough First Tee bucks to buy what they wanted – full golf sets, hats, gloves, and shirts. Here we were on the last day of class (I circled all the fun stuff they earned and purchased with their First Tee Bucks that last day)! 

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Tyler with five students from Stocking Elementary with their new clubs and First Tee gear!
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While those journeys with First Tee have just begun, I also am blessed to work with students who have been with us for a decade. This past Thursday, I had the privilege to caddie for Angelo Luciani, a 17-year-old Ace participant, who started in First Tee when he was just 8 years old. Angelo played in a prestigious invite-only Amateur Tournament at Detroit Golf Club called the Michigan Medal Play (formerly Horton Smith). On his second round on Thursday, Angelo shot a sizzling 1-under 67 and came within a few strokes of making the cut. 

Angelo & Tyler.jpeg
Tyler and Angelo Luciani on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at Detroit Golf Club

No matter where a student is on their journey, First Tee walks alongside them, using the game as a teaching tool to teach about life. I firmly believe there is no better place to build a relationship than on the golf course. Will you support me with a per hole, per birdie, or flat pledge before I play tomorrow, so we can continue to impact even more kids in 2022?

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I hope to hear from you before I tee off tomorrow morning! 
Tyler

#BuildingGameChangers

#3 of FORE! Reasons to Give at Year-End: Hiring a Parent and Participant Communications Intern

As we mentioned in the first of our FORE! Reasons to Give stories, we talked about First Tee – West Michigan’s mission. Impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. We strive to reach kids and teens of all backgrounds, no matter race, gender, or income level. While we have had many successes reaching thousands of kids and teens over the past ten years, there’s always more that we can do. Especially for those that are most at-risk. To help us reach those families most at-risk that truly can benefit from our programs and values, we are looking to hire a Parent & Participant Communications Intern for each of our four communities.

Give to Reason #3: Hiring a Parent & Participant Communications Intern

By The Numbers

Grand Rapids

Total Participants: 771
Percentage of students on scholarship: 39%

Holland

Total Participants: 226
Percentage of students on scholarship: 21%

Kalamazoo

Total Participants: 347
Percentage of students on scholarship: 34%

Muskegon

Total Participants: 273
Percentage of students on scholarship: 48%

We had a record number of students in 2021, and are so excited to have many new faces around our programs! While the percentage of our students on scholarship is significant, we truly believe that we can do so much more for these at-risk students. The life skills and lessons our programs provide these students can make a big impact on their lives.

Where the Parent & Participant Communications Intern Comes In

Over the last year, we have found that retaining our most at-risk students is an area in which we can vastly improve. This season, we had a total of 30 partnerships across all four of our communities. These partnerships are where we help so many of our at-risk students, introducing them to our values and the game of golf. While we reach a lot of students in these programs, a big problem we have been facing is retaining these students and transitioning them into our programs at other golf courses. Here is where we believe the Parent & Participant Communications Intern can make a huge difference.

The primary role of this internship will be to contact our at-risk families and enroll their kids and teens into our classes. We have found over this past season that part of the issue with retaining our scholarship families is communication. Historically, communication with all of our families when registration is available is through email and social media. While this is an effective tactic that reaches most of our participants’ families, it lacks that personal touch. The Parent & Participant Communications Interns will help break this barrier by personally reaching out to all of our scholarship families, ensuring that they are aware of the programs we offer while helping them register their kid or teen!

Apply for the Parent & Participant Communications Internship

How You Can Help

Here is how you can help. To offer this internship for each of our communities, we need to raise the funds to find the right candidates to fill these roles. This internship will play a large role in increasing the number of scholarship students in our programs so we can make a difference with those that need it most! Will you help us reach our year-end goal so we can continue to serve those that need it most?

Give to Reason #3: Hiring a Parent & Participant Communications Intern

#4 of FORE! New Reasons to Give at Year-end: Kalamazoo Meteoric Growth!

In the April of 2021, First Tee – West Michigan launched programs in Kalamazoo at Red Arrow GC, Eastern Hills GC, and Milham Park GC thanks to the generosity of Dean Marks, PGA and the Kalamazoo Municipal Golf Association. Soon, Kalamazoo County Club joined as a program location as well. Thanks to an instrumental partnership with the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association and a dynamic Kalamazoo Advisory Board, Kalamazoo participation was more than double than First Tee’s goal in year 1!

Kalamazoo’s 1st First Tee Class – April 17, 2021 at Milham Park GC
Give to Reason #4: Kalamazoo Meteoric Growth

Historical Benchmark: Communities in their First Full Year of First Tee Programs:

Grand Rapids: 152 kids and teens (in 2012)

Muskegon: 78 kids and teens (in 2013)

Holland: 127 kids and teens (in 2018)

In Kalamazoo: 357 kids and teens (in 2021)

Meeting Kalamazoo Demand

The demand from parents and partnerships in our first year was everything our staff and Kalamazoo Area Director Matthew Gifford could handle. “Coaching 5 nights a week was a positive because it meant I built relationships with nearly every Kalamazoo kid and parent in First Tee,” said Gifford. “We know, though, to make a deeper impact on more kids and teens, we need more help!”

Kalamazoo Area Director Matthew Gifford
Give to Reason #4: Kalamazoo Meteoric Growth

The Solution

First Tee – West Michigan hopes to hire a full-time seasonal Program Coordinator to help ensure that every experience is a fantastic one, and kids and teens are growing through the program. This individual would be responsible for coaching 4-5 sessions per week, April – October, in addition to fostering and developing relationships with new partnerships with groups like the Boys & Girls Club and Kalamazoo Public Schools.

First Tee has already developed partnerships in Kalamazoo with the Kalamazoo Black Male Alliance, Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation, Peace House, and Youth for Christ to ensure their kids and teens get an opportunity to explore First Tee.

The new Program Coordinator would join a group of amazing first-year Kalamazoo Coaches!

With this expansion, Kalamazoo’s expenses will increase from $85,000 to an anticipated $145,000 in 2022. Your help is critical to ensure that every kids and teen in Kalamazoo who wants to learn through First Tee has the opportunity! By reaching $70,000 raised by year-end, First Tee would maximize a matching grant from Charles Schwab, and ensure that a Program Coordinator role can be hired this upcoming March for our kids in Kalamazoo!

Give to Reason #4: Kalamazoo Meteoric Growth

PS. Can’t give at year-end, but love to play golf? Another way to support in 2022 is join our Golf Marathon Fundraiser. Join the 18 marathoners and see how many holes you can play this upcoming spring at Eastern Hills or Kalamazoo Country Club! Opportunities to play in the marathon are also available in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Holland.

#2 of FORE! Reasons to Give at Year-End: More Individual PGA Instruction

Last year, First Tee launched a new initiative to provide individual instruction to ALL kids, particularly those on scholarship because of their families’ income. To learn why this initiative began, click here. PGA Professional Randy White took on a new title in 2021 as First Tee’s first-ever Director of Instruction after serving as First Tee’s Holland Area Director from 2017-2020.

Give to Reason #2: More Individual PGA Instruction
PGA Professional and First Tee Director of Instruction Randy White

This was a new program in 2021. How did it go?

Starting in May of 2021, Randy began providing individual instruction to First Tee students in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Holland, spending a day in each community. Thanks to a generous donor, First Tee was able to offer Randy’s hour-long lessons to kids on scholarship for just $15. This affordable rate meant students on scholarship could get individual instruction for the very first time.

2021 results

Totals:

  • 45 kids and teens took lessons in 2021
  • 140 lessons were given
  • 65% of lessons were given to students on scholarship
Birdie Level Participant Diane with Director of Instruction Randy White at Kaufman GC this summer

The demand showed First Tee that individual golf instruction was a game-changer for our scholarship kids. The lessons are giving First Tee kids and teens confidence to play their next high school season, or for many of them, their very first chance to play high school golf. Read below on some of the thoughts shared by parents through an anonymous survey.

“He works so well with my daughter and gives her confidence.”

“He helped work on the little things to improve my child’s golf game, which increased their enjoyment of the game.”

“We love his great jokes.”

“He is a phenomenal coach.”

How Can You Help?

Randy’s one day a week in Grand Rapids this past year was not enough. Most Wednesdays, you could find Coach Randy giving 8 straight lessons on the tee at Kaufman Golf Course, with more kids and teens clamoring for spots. We need more individual lesson opportunities for our kids in Grand Rapids! Just 2% of our Grand Rapids participants received a lesson with Randy this summer, and we know that more kids could benefit from the life skills and technical instruction of a PGA or LPGA Professional. We need your financial support to provide that opportunity.

Give to Reason #2: More Individual PGA Instruction

Ready to Serve:

First Tee – West Michigan already has strong relationships with dozens of PGA Professional Instructors in Grand Rapids, and has asked several of them to join Randy and offer discounted lessons to scholarship participants. So far, Head Golf Professional Matt Swan and Director of Instruction Jimmy Wisinski of Kent Country Club have joined on, offering 1-2 hour slots each week for First Tee students. Several other PGA Professionals are considering as well.

Give today:

In order for more PGA Professionals to support our kids on scholarship, we need your help. Here’s how one lesson works:

  • First Tee family on scholarship pays $15 for a lesson
  • First Tee, through your generous gift, pays $55 additional to a local trusted PGA Professional
  • PGA Professional discounts their normal hourly rate $10-$50. This system means that the Professionals and families both have skin in the game, but First Tee, through your help, can bridge the gap to affordable and impactful instruction.

This system means that the professioinals and families both have skin in the game, but First Tee, through your help, can bridge the gap to affordable and impactful instruction. To do this in 2022 at a bigger scale, we’ll need to raise an additional $7,500. Will you help us raise funds to support this and our other 2022 initiatives?

Give to Reason #2: More Individual PGA Instruction

#1 of FORE! Reasons to Give: Hiring a Recruiting Specialist:

Ten years ago, First Tee – West Michigan began as a small nonprofit with one employee. The mission was simple: impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. From humble beginnings ten years ago, First Tee – West Michigan has grown to serve 1,600 kids and teens in 2021 with eight full-time employees, 40 lead coaches, and 27 junior coaches across all four of our communities (Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, and Muskegon). While this growth has led to more impact each year, we have struggled to meet the demand for First Tee in each community. To aid us, we need your help. We need to raise the funds to hire someone full-time with professional experience to recruit future lead coaches, as well as manage the current staff’s human resource needs.

To kick off our year-end-giving, the first of our FORE! New Ways why you should give to First Tee – West Michigan is hiring an HR & Recruiting Specialist. 

Give To Reason #1: Hiring a Recruiting Specialist

This position will help us in the following areas:

Recruitment

In 2021, First Tee – West Michigan served more than 1,600 participants! 

For each class, we need 1 coach/mentor for every 4 participants

When you combine the demand and need across all four communities First Tee – West Michigan serves, we have 65 paid coaches and more than 200 volunteer mentors. And in 2021, that wasn’t enough! We want to ensure every child, regardless of income or geography, has the opportunity to learn through First Tee’s programs. When First Tee is unable to offer a session or is understaffed at a class, the experience is not as impactful. We can’t recruit the coaches and mentors we need as is, and a Recruitment Specialist would increase the number of coaches in each community.

By attending different recruiting events, browsing job boards, and other tools, this role will help us fill those gaps where we need coaches and mentors!

The impact of adding this position will greatly improve our participants’ experience! Well-trained and equipped coaches make the most impact on our participants and see higher ratings from parent surveys. As we continue to grow, it is becoming harder to adequately recruit enough new coaches. The Recruiting Specialist role will equip us to continue to make a deeper and more meaningful impact in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, and Holland.

Give To Reason #1 Hiring a Recruiting Specialist

Managing Current Staff and Coaches

With the considerable number of First Tee employees that need human resource support (eight full-time, 40 lead coaches, 27 teenage coaches), we need a knowledgeable and supportive staff person dedicated to ensuring the success of each staffer, so they can positively impact kids to the highest possible degree. Tasks like onboarding/training, handling legal paperwork, child/coach training, and implementing employee benefit programs are all needed, so our focus can remain on our kids and teens. Having someone with grace and enthusiasm to walk our new teenage junior coaches through their first interview processes and work permit requirements is also critical to their leadership development and work-life readiness. In 2021 alone, we hired 12 new own teenage participants (junior coaches), joining 15 who had coached previous years.

The Need

We want to impact even more kids and teens in 2022 and beyond, but we need your help. A recruitment specialist will put our organization in position to make an even greater impact in 2022 and beyond. Can you help? By donating to First Tee – West Michigan this year-end and helping us raise $70,000 before year-end, you will ensure we have the resources to hire the right person for this role, meaning more young people from age 7-17 will be positively impacted by First Tee – West Michigan.

Will you help us continue our mission by donating to us this year-end?

Give To Reason #1: Hiring a Recruiting Specialist