Author: tsmies

One Partnership – How it works, from beginning to End

New Partnership with Godfrey Lee Schools this spring This winter, a teacher at Godfrey Lee High School, Brain White, reached out to us, wanting to start a high school golf team.  We began to work with them to help lay a foundation and agreed to run a six-week session with interested middle and high schoolers at Kaufman GC in Grand Rapids. We began on April 29th and will run our six-class session into the first week of June.  Godfrey Lee has set up busing, and 24 young people have registered, all of them participating free of charge.  Despite the poor weather, we’ve had a strong showing in the first two classes.  I’ve been able to work with the oldest participant, Ke’Marien, an 11th grader who also wrestles.  He’s got a nice lefty swing, and is focused on improving and First Tee’s Nine Core Values. Yesterday, in the rain, I got to teach the three youngest participants – Josue, Yurem, and Katelyn – all 6th graders.  Each of them had a blast as we played three holes in the rain and reviewed the value of Respect (week 1), and this week’s value (Courtesy).   In addition to me, this group has two other veteran First Tee Coaches – Paul Bogardus (a marathoner), and Jason Manshum (a board member and marathoner).  Now, Mr. White and I are working to set up a scrimmage with his students and our Grand Rapids Public Middle School Golf Team – to give them their first competitive experience!  From here, our hope is many of these young people will register for our summer sessions, which begin in Mid-June, or our Summer League – a nine-hole competitive league we run at Indian Trails GC.  For each of these students, the league or sessions are just $5.00, as they are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch at school.  This is just one example of a group of 24 students.  We have more than 500 registered for spring classes alone, and expect more than 700 this summer!   Tyler Smies Executive Director

Audio Interview with WKZO – First Tee – West Michigan expands into Kalamazoo to teach youth life lessons through golf

Click here for WKZO Interview with Exec. Director Tyler Smies

First Tee – West Michigan expands into Kalamazoo to teach youth life lessons through golf

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — First Tee – West Michigan is partnering with the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association to launch its programs at three Kalamazoo golf courses this April.

First Tee teaches values and life skills through the game of golf to young people, with a focus on impacting students who otherwise would not have the opportunity.  Since 2019, First Tee has impacted more than 1,800 young people in West Michigan in Grand Rapids, Holland and Muskegon.

For seventy dollars, parents can register their child for a six-class session where they learn the game of golf from dedicated coaches and mentors, while also learning values like honesty, integrity, and respect.  Nearly half of families can receive the same six-class session for just $5.00, based on their income.

“The programs we offer are more than just learning basic golf instruction. Students get to be with the same coaches and mentors for years and build a relationship. That mentorship can influence a child’s life trajectory, on and off the golf course. We get to be a constant in young people’s lives and have seen the impact our program can have on how they even view themselves. It’s a privilege to be a part of a young person’s growth.”

For more information, or to sign-up a child for the program, visit First Tee – West Michigan’s website at firstteewestmichigan.org.

About First Tee – West Michigan:

Established in 2011, First Tee – West Michigan’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. For more information on First Tee – West Michigan, visit www.firstteewestmichigan.org or call 616-208-1177.

 

Introducing the Parent Portal

In 2020, we embarked upon developing a software platform that would benefit the parents of our students and our coaches. Our goals were simple:
  • Make it easier for our coaches to measure the progress of the students, and
  • Allow parents to get timely accurate information about their child and their child’s goals within the program.
To fully appreciate the level of innovation, let’s first recall how this process worked before the Parent Portal was introduced. Coaches needed to perform attendance, keep track of quiz scores and measure skills certifications on paper.  They then took the data from paper and entered it into a spreadsheet once they got back in front of a computer.  Many coaches had to perform these actions across multiple classes and dozens of students.  Coaches also ran the spectrum of experiences in using technology to track these types of progress.  Once the six-class session was completed, they needed to heavily rely upon cut/copy/paste mechanisms within word processing software to deliver a report card or progress report to deliver to a parent on Week 6. Upon receiving the report card, Parents had that one moment in time – the end of week 6 – to have full knowledge on their child’s achievements, what goals still remained, and what level of instruction would be best suited for them as they faced the upcoming registration period for the next season.
Introducing the First Tee Parent Portal:
At the login screen, you can use the email address that we have on file for you.  For Parents, it will be the email address you use for Registration.  For Coaches, it will be the email address we have on file for you when you completed your background check.  You can utilize the “Forgot your password?” link at the bottom of the form to reset it to something memorable for you.  Once you have logged in, you can navigate to your profile page and link your account to your Facebook or Google login.
For Parents who have logged in successfully:
  Your first screen is to see the name of your First Tee student(s).  Click on their name to see their Current Progress or their Transcripts which list the past classes they have enrolled in.  On the Current Progress screen, you will get a listing of their achievements, and the goals still remaining.  The level for which they are eligible to register their next class is the bottom field.  Additionally, you can view the Program Overview if you need more information about what is being measured, and you can Contact the Coach if you need to communicate any upcoming absences or additional information to the Coach about your child.
For Coaches who have logged in successfully:
Your first screen is to see the list of classes for which you have been assigned to be the Lead Coach.  Click on the class to see the Class Roster, perform attendance, score quizzes and highlight any achievements in their play requirements.  Additionally, you can contact all the Parents for the class to notify them of any weather delays or class cancellations.  If you need to view any data specifically about any one student, click on their name and you will see Student Detail.  The Student Detail screen gives you the ability to supply notes to a Parent or to the Program Administrator.  This is also the screen where you can view any allergies the student might have (Bee stings, Peanut snacks, etc)  Lastly, this screen will allow you to contact the Parent should you need to communicate with them directly. The software works on computers, smart phones and tablets. We hope that you enjoy this technology and will improve your experience with First Tee. For any additional information, contact Chris Hashley at 616-208-1177 or [email protected]  

Big New Reason #3 to Give at Year-End: Individual Instruction

Randy White, PGA Professional and new Director of Instruction, with his First Tee Holland PGA Junior League Team in 2019.
It’s rare when a program’s needs align so closely with a new opportunity.  When it does happen, organizations like First Tee that operate on smaller budgets must take advantage.  One of those opportunities has arrived. Randy White, First Tee staffer, and PGA Professional will shift into a new role as First Tee’s Director of Instruction. We are excited about the impact White (Coach Randy) will make on our most vulnerable students through this new role. First Tee’s mantra is “Building Game Changers.” We are a youth development program.  The platform that we use to develop young people is the game of golf.  The new Director of Instruction position will perfectly blend First Tee’s ability to develop high character, high integrity young men and women with our students’ need for a deeper, more technical golf experience. The Need First Tee West Michigan has heard a similar question over and over again from its parents since its inception in 2011.  It goes something like this: “We love First Tee and Coach [Fill in the Blank].  My kid has loved the First Tee experience and is REALLY getting into golf.  We’re wondering if you can recommend an individual instructor in the area?” We love this question – it tells us the family and the participant are ALL in.  Almost without fail, these families become some of our most engaged participants, learning First Tee skills like goal setting, conflict resolution, and of course, our Nine Core Values.  They end up playing high school golf, and for some, they even end up playing college golf or go to college for Professional Golf Management. The issue since 2011 has been with WHO asks this question.  Most families that ask for recommendations for individual instruction have two characteristics: #1. They have financial means.  This means they can afford the $60-$100 hourly rate that is required for an individual golf lesson with a PGA Professional. #2. They often come from a family of golfers. They know the impact individual instruction can make on their child’s golf game, so they pursue it. Our most vulnerable students usually are missing one or both of these characteristics, and therefore rarely ask about individual instruction.  First Tee needs to pursue its own students with limited golf background and disposable income, and offer the opportunity for instruction.   Parents who didn’t grow up around the game often don’t know the value of individual instruction or don’t believe they can afford it. This is where our Director of Instruction Role comes in. How PGA Professionals have helped until now For nearly a decade, First Tee has recommended PGA Professionals to its participants, and they’ve been incredibly generous with our students.  Local pros we’ve recommended to our students include Raquel Bryant (Thousand Oaks), Jeff Caminiti (Maple Hill), Ian Hughes (Golf Tec), Andre Pillow (Blythefield CC), Brandon Roby (Cascade Hills), John Seltzer (Quail Ridge), and Charley Vandenberg (Thousand Oaks).  Many of these pros have offered discounted or free lessons to our families.  We will continue to recommend these and other pros to our full-price students.  Several of these pros have generously taken 1-2 First Tee students on scholarship annually into their instruction program at a discounted rate or free. But these professionals are busy, and if they give their time away, they need to be certain the student is “all in” before they begin. Oftentimes, our scholarship students have barriers like inconsistent schedules, lack of transportation, lack of opportunity to practice, etc.  First Tee wants to build a bridge to these families to ensure they have the same opportunities for individual instruction and that they know about that opportunity. How it will work Through Randy White, PGA Professional and new Director of Instruction, First Tee students in all communities (Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, and now Kalamazoo) will be able to register for individual lessons with Coach Randy on our website.  They will work within the V1 Golf App to see uploaded swing videos and review past lessons.  During COVID-19, students will also be able to send videos for a mobile lesson.  These instruction videos will be available for students at any time to show their other First Tee coaches to ensure communication is aligned. First Tee will actively pursue and offer students on scholarship this opportunity.  Any child eligible for free or reduced-price lunch at school (an indicator of financial need) can receive First Tee’s scholarship rate of $5 for a six-class session. In 2020, First Tee also added any family experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19 to the list of those eligible for the scholarship.
Schedule of 2021 Participant Opportunities through First Tee HQ – Click to View
First Tee will offer students on scholarship hourly lessons for just $15, but will not turn away a family for their inability to pay. Group lesson rates will also be available, and non-scholarship students can also get lessons for $70. By working with Coach Randy, First Tee can offer this opportunity to students who are younger and less-seasoned in First Tee, capturing them earlier.  Informing parents and guardians about this opportunity for their child, and doing it at an earlier age can open up many opportunities, including: Each lesson offered to First Tee students on scholarship will be subsidized by First Tee’s budget.  Already, a generous donor from Grand Rapids has committed $12,500 to this program in 2021, including more than $9,500 in subsidized lessons (a projected 165 group and individual lessons).  Your gift would ensure even more students would have access to these subsidized lessons with Coach Randy.
Director of Instruction Randy White, PGA
Why Coach Randy White? White has served as First Tee’s Holland Area Director since 2017.  He’s led the growth in Holland from its start to now serving 150-180 students annually, fundraising and managing a $100,000 budget, and managing roughly 25 volunteers and 5 part-time Lead Coaches. But his heart is in instruction. In his 35-year career as a PGA Professional, White has instructed some of the finest high school golfers in West Michigan, including leading multiple area high school girls golf teams to state appearances, including Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Mona Shores.  In addition, Randy has run the MSHAA’s Girls Golf State Championships for the past several years, building relationships with hundreds of high school golf coaches. Outside of golf, prior to his work at First Tee, White served as an area director for First Priority, a faith-based school mentoring program. White is also a Level III First Tee Coach and knows First Tee’s life skills and values curriculum well. He will be able to seamlessly weave First Tee’s life skills like goal setting, conflict resolution, appreciating diversity, and of course, First Tee’s Nine Core Values into his golf instruction with First Tee participants. He has already taught PLAYer, Par, Birdie, and Eagle classes, and knows how to communicate with students at each level. This winter, with COVID-19 limiting group opportunities, Randy has opened up his personal home golf studio in Muskegon for “Open Hitting” and has already seen significant swing improvement from participants. Randy will also provide lessons during the winter in Grand Rapids in the future. In addition to improving our participants’ golf skills, we also see instruction with White leading to higher retention and progression amongst our students on scholarship, leading them to more First Tee and golf opportunities in the future. What’s Next?  As White leads this new initiative, First Tee hopes to add other PGA Professionals to the program in its communities.  Through training, these instructors can learn the curriculum of First Tee, and serve as instructors, offering the subsidized lessons to more students in more communities. Your support of this new initiative ensures that more students on scholarship get this opportunity, and have all the top-level instruction possible.  Thank you for your consideration!    

Big New Reason #2 to Give at Year-End: Deeper Relationships with our families

Since its inception in 2011, First Tee – West Michigan has focused on impacting students who otherwise wouldn’t be exposed to golf and the values it can teach because of income, communication, culture, and transportation barriers. For as long as the game of golf has been played, race and income have been huge barriers to access.  Caddie programs used to be one avenue for people of color and those with lower incomes to gain access. Caddie programs still exist today, but at a much smaller scale (only five caddie programs remain in West Michigan). So how does a student TODAY who doesn’t know any golfers and has never golfed themselves learn about the game and what it can teach? That’s where First Tee comes in. First Tee seeks to remove the barriers of entry to golf and what it can teach. One of the major barriers is communication. COVID-19 exacerbated the communication and technology barriers for many families First Tee serves. 2021 marks a new year for First Tee, and with it will come new initiatives to improve, increase, and individualize the communication with our most vulnerable students. How does First Tee find its participants?  In 2019, 48% of First Tee’s 1,241 participants received a scholarship to participate because of their family income. Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch at school receive First Tee’s programs for $5.00 or free, depending on how they participate. In 2019, 50% of students in Kent County (more than 50,000) were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, while in Muskegon (61%, more than 16,000), and Ottawa Counties (32%, more than 14,000) the need was great as well. First Tee works to provide access to students on scholarship through two different ways: partnerships with schools and other youth-serving organizations, and through open-enrollment sessions. Students receive the same curriculum and programming, but how they get to the golf course is different. In 2020, many of First Tee’s partnerships with schools and youth-serving organizations were put on hold due to COVID-19, which in turn, dropped our scholarship rate from 48% to 32% in 2020. Our 2021 communications plan will help increase the number of students on scholarship we serve.  In order to do that, First Tee needs to:
  1. Improve retention among its existing participants on scholarship
  2. Be more strategic in recruiting new participants on scholarship.
Improved, Increased, Individuals Communication to our existing low-income students With a Marketing & Communications Coordinator joining our staff in 2021, First Tee families will receive improved, increased, and individualized communications. Here are a few new tools and initiatives First Tee will use in 2021:
  • Hubspot – our new customer resource management platform easily segments participants so they receive emails about program opportunities specific to their community. This way, families in Muskegon receive program info about Muskegon – not Grand Rapids. Likewise, as a donor or volunteer, you can choose to receive information that is applicable to you.
  • TextMagic  Over time, First Tee has relied more on texting its families rather than emailing them. The reason? Every guardian and parent use texting regardless of their income or background – not all of our families use email frequently.
      • Example of how First Tee will use TextMagic to improve communication: When a participant comes to First Tee through a partnership with an organization like the Boys & Girls Club, the only thing required from a guardian or parent before the student participates is filling out a simple application. Some parents do not know that their child is participating in First Tee. But, now through TextMagic, partnership parents and guardians will receive a weekly text sharing what their child learned that day at First Tee, and also be given a question to ask their child about their experience.  In the final weeks of the session, parents and guardians will be sent a link to register for the next session available.
     
  • Case Workers – To foster more mentor-mentee relationships in 2021, First Tee asked their Lead Coaches in November to sign up for a new program. Six Lead Coaches opted in, saying they wanted to identify 3-6 participants on scholarship that they’d like to build a deeper relationship with. As a ‘Case Worker,’ our coaches will reach out individually 6-8 times per year to each of their students, sharing upcoming opportunities for six-class sessions, leagues, Saturday tee times, and other program opportunities. We expect the Case Worker initiative to increase retention and progression in the program, and foster more mentor-mentee relationships. Already, more than 75% of students who have participated in more than one session say they view someone at First Tee as a mentor.
  • Improved First Tee Store Items with First Tee’s logo – At each session, students earn First Tee bucks (our in-house currency) for good attendance and exhibiting positive behaviors and our Nine Core Values. In the final week of class, students can use First Tee bucks to purchase equipment, apparel, and other goodies. With First Tee’s new brand rollout in September 2020, we will be investing in hundreds of youth-sized First Tee t-shirts and polos to increase awareness, particularly with our partnership and low-income students. T-shirts and polos will be ‘sold’ at the First Tee store to incentivize students to wear them at school, at home, and in their neighborhood.
A strategic approach to finding new participants eligible for First Tee’s scholarship rate First Tee has relied heavily on partnerships and word of mouth to recruit new participants on scholarship. With COVID-19 temporarily putting our partnerships on hold, First Tee will add new strategic approaches to recruit new students on scholarship in 2021. With a new Marketing & Communications Coordinator in charge, here are two initiatives that will begin in 2021:
  • Facebook Advertising: Next spring, First Tee will offer programs at 19 area golf courses. By identifying lower-income neighborhoods nearby to those golf courses and advertising to ages 25-45,  First Tee can offer personalized program offerings to families in their neighborhood.
  • Door to Door Mailers:  With the help of First Tee’s 16 teenage junior coaches, First Tee will distribute simple program advertisements door to door in specific neighborhoods near its golf course locations.  This will provide information to new potential participants, while also providing more hours (and earned income) to First Tee’s teenage participants.
Each and every one of these new initiatives will require strategic thought, time, energy, and creativity.  Your support at year-end helps First Tee pay for the new Marketing & Communications Coordinator, and also for the increased marketing, mailers, and strategic communication to our families. Thank you for considering First Tee’s year-end campaign, and for supporting deeper relationships with the students that need us the most.

Big New Reason #1 to Give at Year-End: First Tee’s Kalamazoo Expansion

How it Started In the spring of 2020, First Tee announced its plans to expand to the Kalamazoo community, partnering with the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association and the Kalamazoo Municipal Golf Association (owners of Red Arrow, Milham Park, and Eastern Hills Golf Courses) to offer its programs to kids starting in the spring of 2021. But the potential partnership between the KJGA, the City of Kalamazoo, and First Tee – West Michigan started long before that. Executive Director Tyler Smies first met with Mitch Wilson and PGA Professional Dean Marks of the KJGA in 2016 to discuss a potential partnership. At that time, First Tee – West Michigan was a young chapter, and unable to dedicate the time and resources to a potential partnership.  As 2018 came to a close, Tyler Smies reconnected with Mitch Wilson, Dean Marks and First Tee board member Nate Golomb to see if First Tee could be a fit in Kalamazoo.  Little did First Tee know all the groundwork the KJGA had already laid in the community. By the end of 2019, First Tee – West Michigan had a full business plan and applied for the opportunity to expand to Kalamazoo.  So many pieces were already in place thanks to the hard work of the KJGA.  The KGJA had already been using First Tee LINK, a modified version of First Tee’s curriculum, for years at Red Arrow Golf Course.  More than 150 students participated in the LINK program throughout 2019 and even more participated in 2020. An additional 250+ participate in the KJGA’s tournament series annually, a natural competitive golf opportunity for future First Tee students. In addition to Red Arrow, First Tee will run programs at Eastern Hills and Milham Park. PGA Professional Dean Marks, who operates the City of Kalamazoo’s three courses, and is also President of the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association, is excited. “The KJGA has provided affordable golf opportunities to 400+ youth annually for over 30 years. The opportunity to partner with First Tee and their life skills and values curriculum will increase our outreach to area youth. That is a win for the community, a win for the youth, and a win for golf and the future of Kalamazoo. We are excited to expand the use of Red Arrow Golf Course to ensure that any family who wants their kids to learn important life skills through the game of golf will be able to do so regardless of their ability to pay.” Kalamazoo Advisory Committee & Kalamazoo Golf Marathon Fundraiser All throughout 2020, a newly formed Kalamazoo Advisory Committee has been meeting monthly to prepare for the launch of programs in 2021.  In September, First Tee launched its first-ever Golf Marathon fundraiser in Kalamazoo.  $38,000 was raised and more than 1,400 holes were played for First Tee’s launch in Kalamazoo.  Below are all the marathoners who played this year! This, along with a surprising and incredibly generous $25,000 gift from a local family foundation, allowed First Tee to begin searching this December for a full-time Kalamazoo Area Director.  All of these efforts have been led by the First Tee’s Kalamazoo Advisory Committee, listed below:
  • Nate Golomb, Chair, Mercantile Bank
  • Mercedes Befus, Horizon Bank
  • Marcus Brussee, Mercantile Bank
  • Matt Forkin, Boys & Girls Club of Kalamazoo
  • Torean Greeley, HUB International
  • Jeanne Hess, Kalamazoo City Commissioner
  • Melissa Johnson, Gull Lake View Resort
  • Dean Marks, Kalamazoo Municipal Golf Association, KCC Women’s Golf Coach
  • Jack Versau, Kalamazoo Country Club
  • Mitch Wilson, Retired from Pfizer, Pretty Lake Camp, KCC Men’s Golf Coach

    First Tee Kalamazoo Launch Timeline: 
  • January 2016: KJGA visits First Tee – West Michigan’s Homework & Hitting program
  • November 2018: Executive Director Tyler Smies and board member Nate Golomb reconnect with Mitch Wilson and Dean Marks of the KJGA
  • January 2019: First Tee – West Michigan launches a feasibility study with support from Kalamazoo current and former residents
  • December 2019: First Tee’s Kalamazoo Business Plan approved by Board of Directors
  • February 2020: First Tee’s territory expansion to Kalamazoo County approved by First Tee HQ in Florida
  • March 2020: First Tee hosts Meet & Greet at Homer Stryker Field in Kalamazoo
  • April 2020: First Tee Kalamazoo Advisory Committee begins to meet monthly
  • September 2020: First Tee’s first fundraiser, the inaugural Kalamazoo Marathon held at Eastern Hills, nets nearly $40,000 for the program launch.
  • November 2020: First Tee received a generous $25,000 gift from a family foundation
  • December 2020: First Tee Kalamazoo Area Director Position is posted
Fostering Community Partners As First Tee launches in the spring of 2021, it will look to partner with other organizations already working with at-risk youth in Kalamazoo.   First Tee ceaselessly collaborates with existing organizations to give students new opportunities to learn values and life skills.  Conversations have already begun with key strategic organizations in Kalamazoo, including:
  • Boys & Girls Club of Kalamazoo
  • Douglass Community Association
  • Kalamazoo Country Club
  • Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation Department
  • Kalamazoo Public Schools
  • Kalamazoo Communities in Schools
  • Kalamazoo Youth for Christ – City Life
  • The Moors
  • And others
The Need Come this spring, with a new Area Director joining the staff and programs offered at multiple locations, First Tee anticipates 35-50 needed volunteer mentors to start in Kalamazoo.  Interested individuals can connect with Program Director Taylor Haudek at [email protected]. All this growth means a 2021 projected operating budget of over $100,000, with that number expected to increase in future years as First Tee impacts hundreds of area youth. Your financial support of this expansion at year-end can make a big impact on next year’s launch.  Thank you for your consideration!        

Participant Spotlight: Jorge Garcia

Since 2016, Jorge and his younger brother Nicholas have been mainstays in First Tee, receiving its six-class sessions for just $5.00. Along the way, both Jorge and his brother have become solid golfers. Jorge was the number one golfer at Wyoming High School during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. Through donated lessons at Golf-Tec with number four teacher in the state of Michigan Ian Hughes, Jorge carded his lowest scores ever (in the low 40s on 9 holes) his junior year. As he wrapped up his senior year (golf season was canceled due to COVID-19), he was in the Eagle Level at First Tee and was a junior coach in 2019 and this summer. But since his freshman year, Jorge has been working toward something bigger than his 4.0 GPA and a good golf game – a full-ride college scholarship. He began caddying at Kent Country Club in 2016 and worked extremely hard in the summer of 2019 to get the loops he needed as a caddie for a chance at the prestigious Chick Evans Scholarship – a caddie scholarship that provides a full ride, including room and board, to the University of Michigan or Michigan State. Last winter, Jorge was the first-ever Evans Scholarship recipient from First Tee – West Michigan, and was the only caddie from the area courses selected for the award. Now, he’s in his first year at the University of Michigan with 25 other Evans Scholars, putting his self-reliance to the test with COVID-19 online classes and other typical first-year college challenges. He and Executive Director Tyler Smies connect every other week over Zoom to ensure Jorge is acclimating in Ann Arbor. He’s the first in his family to attend college. The normal challenges exist – getting to bed on time and balancing new freedoms with class demands and responsibilities in the Evans House. There is still time for fun – Jorge is excited that he made an eSports Team at Michigan and has found a passion for ping pong as well. Looking back four years ago when we first interviewed Jorge’s mother Maria, it was clear to her even then what impact First Tee was making on Jorge and Nicholas. “I noticed then that both my sons were calmer, more polite, more thoughtful, and even more strategic in their day-to-day life than they were before,” Maria said. “The values that First Tee talks about – they are truths that they can live by in all parts of life – it’s not just in the context of sports.”

Click here to Donate $240 or $20/month for a student to receive a six-class session at First Tee

First Tee hires Ben Elenbaas as Administrative and Accounting Coordinator

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – November 17, 2020  – Since 2011, First Tee – West Michigan has provided youth development and golf programs to young people in Muskegon, Kent and Ottawa Counties. This upcoming spring, it will also provide programs in Kalamazoo Counties.  To accommodate the growth of the organization, First Tee has recently hired Benjamin Elenbaas as its first full-time Administrative and Accounting Coordinator. Elenbaas grew up in Byron Center, graduating from South Christian High School in 2012 as a multisport athlete in golf, soccer, and basketball, including a 2-time state competitor in golf and state champion in soccer in 2010.  Elenbaas went on to play golf at Calvin University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Accounting in 2016. He continues to be an avid golfer and has a 2 handicap. Elenbaas’s work experience includes two years at Everett’s Landscape and two years at the Christian Athletic Complex, serving in accounting and programming roles.  In addition, Elenbaas has more than 5 years of coaching experience, including currently serving as the Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach at South Christian High School. “We’re thrilled to have Ben on our staff,” said Executive Director Tyler Smies. “His background and passion working with youth, experience in accounting, along with his passion and skill for golf makes him the ideal fit for this role. We are excited to have a steady hand on our finances, and can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make on our young people.” First Tee – West Michigan grew to serve more than 1,200 students in 2019 at 15 area golf courses, teaching life skills and its Nine Core Values through the game of golf.  Hundreds of their participants receive First Tee’s programs for $5.00 or less because of their families’ income. Despite the coronavirus, First Tee will still serve nearly 950 students in 2020 and has a strong financial position to pursue continued growth. Registration for First Tee’s virtual winter program is currently open to all returning and new participants, with sessions beginning this week.  To register a participant between the ages of 7-17, visit firstteewestmichigan.org/register. For more information on The First Tee of West Michigan or to interview Ben Elenbaas, contact 616-240-8069 or email [email protected].

Homework & Hitting Update – NEW offerings, cancelled in-person H&H

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued a new emergency order on November 15th. Due to this order and our desire to keep our participants safe, from November 16 through January 3, in-person Homework & Hitting has been CANCELLED.   Check out these great alternatives to keep your child learning and growing personally and as a golfer this winter!

NEW! FREE PLAYer Virtual Hour this winter:

Now, First Tee will be offering a free weekly virtual hour for ALL levels of the program for ALL communities (Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo).  The program will be LIVE, with a coach, and other First Tee participants.  Students will learn about a value, a golf skill, and participate in trivia against other participants! Schedule: Student Registration Link ($0 – FREE). After clicking link above, please click LOGIN on the top right before trying to register.  Registration for Scholarship Families ($0 – FREE): For those eligible for free or reduced-price lunch at school, or experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. PLAYer Virtual Hour (VThurPLAYer1)- Thursdays, 4-4:45 pm, December 3, 10, 17 Par Virtual Hour (VMonPar1) – Mondays, 4-4:45 pm, November 16 – December 14 Birdie Virtual Hour (VWedBirdie1)- Wednesdays, 4-4:45 pm, November 18 – December 16 Eagle Virtual Hour (VWedEagle1) – Wednesdays, 3-3:45 pm, November 18 – December 16 Timing doesn’t work? Ask Coach Taylor ([email protected]) for assignments following the session to get additional hours in toward registration!

NEW! FREE Open Hitting in Grand Rapids and the lakeshore this winter: 

To allow our participants to get out of the house and work on their game these upcoming weeks, we are offering family Open Hitting at two locations this winter, for one-hour blocks. Families will be able to pre-register in one-hour blocks to use hitting nets, putting, and simulators at our locations.  ONLY one family per hour will be allowed, and masks will be required, and a survey ensuring no contact with the coronavirus will be required upon entry. Parents, younger siblings, and those not in the program are welcome to use the space with the First Tee participant during the hour.  Access is FREE to all First Tee families! Get out and get some swings in!

In Grand Rapids: First Tee Headquarters (3450 36th St. SE, Grand Rapids, 49512)

Use the 540 sq ft. putting green and two hitting nets to work on your game! Register for a one hour block below First Tee Headquarters Space will be available at the following times: Tuesdays: November 24, December 1, 8, 15, OPEN 10 AM – 7 PM Wednesdays: November 18, December 2, 9, 16, OPEN 10 AM – 7 PM Thursdays: November 19, December 3, 10, 17, OPEN 10 AM – 7 PM REGISTER HERE

On the Lakeshore: Coach Randy’s Studio (671 East Pontaluna Road, Muskegon, 49444)

Coach Randy’s Studio will be available at the following times (see pictures below): Tuesdays: November 24, December 1, 8, 15, OPEN 10 AM -12 PM, 2-5 PM Wednesdays: November 18, December 2, 9, 16, OPEN 10 AM – 12 PM, 2-5 PM Thursdays: November 19, December 3, 10, 17, OPEN 10 AM – 12 PM, 2-5 PM REGISTER HERE             We hope to see you virtually this winter, or at one of our open hitting times! Questions? Contact Program Director Taylor Haudek at [email protected] or call 616-208-1177.  

Survey Results 2017-2019

[ddownload id=”32[ddownload id=”3288″ text=”See Survey Results from Parents over the past 3 years”]

MEDIA ALERT – Local golfer walking a marathon today while playing golf for First Tee students

Media Alert Contact: Tyler Smies                                                                                                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Direct: 616-965-6633, [email protected] Local Golfer walking a marathon and golfing 100+ holes along with 100 others to raise money for Charity What:            Today (September 11th), 14 golfers will participate in a golf marathon to raise funds on behalf of the student participants for First Tee – West Michigan. Today is a part of a multi-week fundraising event, which takes place at 10 different golf courses between August 31 and October 5 to raise money for students on scholarship at First Tee. Today, Eric Bixler will play in his 6th ever marathon, but this time, he is walking 26.2 miles with his wife Megan while playing more than 100 holes of golf at West Ottawa Golf Course near Holland, MI.  To pledge to his efforts, or give him a per-mile pledge, use this link – https://bit.ly/2Cgv1wk Bixler has been a mentor at First Tee since 2013 and has raised more than $26,000 through the marathon since starting six years ago.  Last year, he played 300 holes of golf!  This year, he’s ramped up his efforts, determined to walk all day until he has walked a marathon (26.2 miles) while playing golf – all for First Tee’s students on scholarship.  Here is a video of how he started his day! More than 10,000 holes of golf are expected to be played during all the marathon events.   12 marathoners are playing today at West Ottawa Golf Course. First Tee is a non-profit organization that impacts the lives of young people by teaching values and life skills through the game of golf.  Nearly half of the 1,242 students served in 2019 were on scholarship due to their families’ income. Monies raised from this event will go directly to student scholarships. Students who participate in The First Tee’s programs are playing in the marathon after their school day, attempting to reach their own goals for holes played. A leaderboard and pictures will continuously be updated throughout the day on our Facebook page, “First Tee of West Michigan”, on Twitter at @TFTWM, and on Instagram at firstteewestmichigan.  First Tee anticipates raising more than $225,000 through their marathoners’ effort, and marathoners will play as many holes as they are physically capable. For more information, visit www.firstteewestmichigan.org. When:           3:30 p.m. – 8 pm, Friday, September 11th Tyler Smies, Executive Director of The First Tee, and Eric Bixler, marathoner, will be available for interviews throughout the afternoon. Students will be participating in the marathon beginning at 3:30 pm. Where:         West Ottawa Golf Course – 5046 136th Ave, Holland MI 49424 Additional First Tee Golf Marathon Schedule:
  • August 31st | Cascade Hills & Stonewater CC | 5 marathoners
  • September 8 | Sunnybrook CC | 2 marathoners
  • September 11 | West Ottawa GC | 12 marathoners, including students
  • September 14 | Muskegon CC | 14 marathoners, including students
  • September 15 | Kent CC | 3 marathoners
  • September 18 | Maple Hill GC | 32 marathoners, including students
  • September 21 | Wuskowhan PC & Lincoln GC | 16 marathoners
  • September 25 | Eastern Hills GC | 14 marathoners
  • September 28 | Watermark CC | 4 marathoners
  • September 30 | Thousand Oaks GC | 3 marathoners
  • October 2 | Indian Trails GC & Railside GC | 6 marathoners, including students
  • October 5 | Egypt Valley CC | 1 marathoner