Author: tsmies

USGA Awards Grant To First Tee – West Michigan

USGA Awards Grant to First Tee — West Michigan for Local Youth Development Programs

USGA grant is part of a nationwide initiative to provide greater access to golf for youth

Grand Rapids, MI (August 21, 2020) – The United States Golf Association (USGA) has awarded a $2,500 grant to First Tee — West Michigan to further their efforts of introducing young people to game of golf and experiences that empower them to build their strength of character. The grant is one of 51 being awarded nationwide to chapters located in or around USGA Championships and Allied Golf Associations as part of the organization’s strategy to leave a positive impact on its local host communities. Since 1997, the USGA has invested more than $26 million in grants to First Tee to provide greater access to golf for juniors and cultivate a life-long passion for the game. The commitment to expanding participation is part of the USGA’s mission to champion and advance the game.

“Year after year we are seeing the positive impact that First Tee and other junior programs are having in breaking down barriers and connecting communities through sports,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “It is vital for golf’s long-term health that we continue to create pathways for all juniors to participate.”

First Tee brings kids and teens to the game of golf and leverages it as a catalyst for personal growth through experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. With USGA’s support, First Tee — West Michigan reaches more than 1200+ young people annually at 15 program locations, with support from 250+ volunteers. First Tee — West Michigan impacts young people through character education and life skills programs at in-school and after-school programs.

Tyler Smies, Executive Director of First Tee – West Michigan said, “We are thrilled to have the support of the USGA in West Michigan. The USGA’s support shows that they understand the value of what First Tee teaches young people – both on and off the golf course.”

The funding is part of the USGA’s annual $70 million investment back into the game fueled by revenues generated by the U.S. Open.

For more information about the First Tee — West Michigan, visit https://www.firstteewestmichigan.org/. Visit firsttee.org to see the full list of USGA grant recipients.

About the USGA The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org. About First Tee — West Michigan Our Mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. ________________________________________ USGA Media Contact Danny Vohden USGA Communications 908-326-1217 [email protected] USGA 77 Liberty Corner Road Liberty Corner, NJ 07938 United States mediacenter.usga.org First Tee Media Contact Sara Henika First Tee 904-881-7398 [email protected]

First Tee hires first-ever Muskegon Area Director

Link to MLive Article About Erik

LINK TO GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL ARTICLE

  MUSKEGON, MI – June 16, 2020 – Since 2013, First Tee West Michigan has provided youth development and golf programs to young people in Muskegon, Kent and Ottawa Counties.  This spring, First Tee hired Erik Sanford as its first-ever Muskegon Area Director. Erik Sanford is a well-known name in Muskegon golf community, graduating from Whitehall High School in 1995 as a four-time all-state golfer and leading his team to four state appearances. Sanford went on to play golf at the University of Tennessee – Martin, and has won various local golf tournaments since. Sanford’s work experience includes more than fifteen years working for the Department of Health and Human Services in Child Protective Services, Catholic Charities West Michigan, and as a teacher and a behavioral specialist at an elementary school in Reed City. “We’re thrilled to have Erik as our first Director in Muskegon,” said Executive Director Tyler Smies. “His background working with youth from all walks of life, along with his passion and skill for golf make him the ideal fit for this role. We can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make on young people in Muskegon.” First Tee of West Michigan grew tremendously last year in Muskegon County, teaching life skills and its Nine Core Values through the game of golf to 200 students under the direction of Lead Coaches Terri Clock and Greg Heath.  Participation increased 40% between 2018 and 2019. More than half of students in Muskegon County receive scholarships to participate due to family income. The hiring of Sanford was made possible through a generous gift made in honor of Gordy Scripps, a Norton Shores resident and Muskegon Country Club member who passed away in 2019.  Only 10% of First Tee’s operational costs are covered by program fees. The rest is raised locally through gifts from the Muskegon community. First Tee of West Michigan works with more than 1,200 youth annually at 15 area golf courses, including Bent Pine Golf Course, Muskegon Country Club, Oak Ridge Golf Course, Stonegate Golf Club, and University Park Golf Course in Muskegon County.  Registration for summer sessions is currently open, with many 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 Erik Sanford, contact 231-670-6580 or email [email protected].

COVID-19 Programming Safety and Health Guidelines

COVID-19 procedures and practices are in place!  Click the PDF below to see the steps we are taking to keep our classes safe, and how you, as participants, guardians, and mentors, play an important role. [ddownload id=”2998″ text=”2020 Program Health and Safety Guidelines”]  

First Tee Quarantine Challenge

When: March 21-April 5 What: 
  1. Pick a First Tee Nine Healthy Habit from the list below to focus on for the day.
  2. What Healthy Habit was chosen and what activity did your participant do (sample ideas below)? Get creative!
  3. Post a picture or video on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter of your participant doing the activity, tag First Tee of West Michigan, and hashtag the Healthy Habit
    1. Facebook: @tftwm
    2. Instagram: @thefirstteewestmichigan
    3. Twitter:  @tftwm
  4. Post 6 times from March 21 – April 5 and receive a free six-class session or a First Tee polo for your participant!
Pick from the following Nine Healthy Habits:
  1. Energy: Make healthy choices about when to eat, how much to eat, and the types of food and drinks to provide the body with the most useful energy.
    1. Did your participant eat a healthy snack?
  2. Play: A variety of energizing play can help the body stay strong, lean and fit, and be fun in the process. 
    1. Build a putting course or hole inside, play it! How crazy of a course can you create?
    2. Sock Golf: Create a course/hole to play. Toss the sock. How many tosses does it take to finish each hole? 
    3. https://www.pgajrleague.com/organization?fbclid=IwAR1h6RbUg5tp3PugfFEqgfoztSNfCkcq_RNf2f_LzI6RDnfIJkUBnLHDYJc
    4. https://junioracademies.co.uk/2018/01/15/3-indoor-golf-games-for-a-rainy-day/
    5. https://activeforlife.com/bucket-toss-golf/
    6. https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/gross-motor-activities-golf-games-for-kids/
    7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brnkc2tl1AI#action=share
  3. Safety: Protecting the body with proper equipment, warming up and cooling down and wearing sun protection.
    1. Did you wash your hands?
  4. Family: When family members participate in activities together — share meals, communicate and establish roles and responsibilities
    1. Help cook a meal with parents
    2. Eat as a family.. Selfie?
 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

First Tee of West Michigan remains committed to our students and all those that make First Tee the great program it is. If you are a family we serve, please let us know anyway that we can provide assistance (food, supplies, etc.). We want to help any way we are able to during this time. Below are some resources we’ve pulled together in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon Counties. PS. Spring registration is still open and scheduled to start on time if you’d like to register. Kent County Resources   Ottawa County Resources   Muskegon County Resources
——– OTHER RESOURCES FREE Internet Service Via Comcast “As the country deals with the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Comcast is taking immediate steps to help connect more low-income families to the Internet at home. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, new Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service.” https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19 Other articles: How to talk to your kids about Coronavirus – NY TIMES

Seufert & Karhunen finish 2nd at First Tee – Champions Tour Challenge in Florida

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – March 2, 2020 – Two local teens got away from the winter cold and brought their golf clubs to compete in The Golf to Paradise – First Tee Champions Challenge in Naples, Florida.
Participants from across the country posing at the end of a great week.
Jack Seufert, a junior at East Grand Rapids High School, and Alex Karhunen, a junior at Jenison High School were sent by the local non-profit First Tee of West Michigan. Both are Eagle Level participants, with Seufert a participant at First Tee of West Michigan since 2014 and Karhunen since 2013. In conjunction with the Chubb Classic, a Champions Tour event, 12 affiliates of the First Tee from across the country are invited to participate.  The Challenge was hosted at Lely Resort in Naples, Florida on February 14-16. Seufert and Karhunen were two of just 24 students from across the country selected for this event. They competed in three different playing formats against pairs of students from other First Tee chapters and took 2nd place out of the 12 First Tee teams.  They also received instruction from Champions Tour Professionals when they arrived and volunteered at a local food bank.
Alex Karhunen and Jack Seufert with Executive Director Tyler Smies on day 1 at Quail Creek GC.
“We worked with more than 1,200 students at The First Tee of West Michigan in 2019, and Jack and Alex are two of our finest young people.  They are strong golfers, but more importantly exemplify the Nine Core Values we teach, especially the values of judgment and perseverance.  We are ecstatic about the way they represented our chapter on a national stage while also getting to meet Champions Tour players and other students from around the country,” said Executive Director Tyler Smies.  Smies accompanied the teenagers on the trip.
Alex Karhunen and Jack Seufert on day 2 at Quail Creek GC.
Seufert and Karhunen competed against eleven other teams from Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C. throughout the weekend. For more information on The First Tee of West Michigan, contact 616-208-1177, email [email protected] or visit firstteewestmichigan.org. ### Jack, left, and Alex, right, with Champions Tour Legend Bernhard Langer hitting range balls in the middle.  Jack at the local food pantry volunteering Alex at the local food pantry volunteering Jack and Alex with Executive Director Tyler Smies on the Naples Sunset Cruise.

Muskegon Spring Volunteer Opportunities

2/24/20 Spring is coming, and we are looking for 16 mentors in the Muskegon area! You do not need to be an excellent golfer – just to be able to have a good time and care for young people.  Follow these simple steps to become a volunteer coach in Muskegon: Step 1:
  • Take a look at the schedule below.
    • Each row represents a six-class session (12-hour volunteer commitment) that needs coaches.
    • Sessions are color-coded for need:
      • Red = 3+ volunteer coaches needed
      • Yellow = 2 volunteer coaches needed
      • Green = 1 volunteer coach needed
      • White = Currently no need for volunteer coaches
  • Find a six-class session whose times align with your schedule
    • As a coach, we ask that you commit to a six-class session
    • Committing to six classes helps you build rapport with your class.
Step 2:
  • Email [email protected] in order to take an online background screening serviced by NCSI.
    • Background screening checks local and national databases.
    • Screening costs $30 to the volunteer
    • The First Tee of West Michigan receives a ‘green light’ or ‘red-light’ based on the background screening.
Step 3: 
  • Go through our 15-minute online volunteer orientation, which can be sent by Program Director Taylor Haudek ([email protected])
Step 4: 
  • Arrive 15 minutes before class on the first day to get the scoop for your lesson!
We hope to see you this spring in Muskegon!  

Farmers Insurance Open Experience – San Diego, CA

Eagle participant Angelo Luciani was selected out of 16 applicants for the newly created Farmers Insurance Open Experience, held January 20-25, 2020 at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California.   He was selected based on his academics, involvement in the program, and his essays.  This trip’s opportunities, and all its costs, were provided courtesy of Farmers Insurance. Watch the video below to see his week! While he was there, Angelo:
  • Played golf at The Bridges of Rancho Sante Fe
  • Played golf at Balboa Park Golf Course
  • Took a lesson from PGA Tour stars Rickie Fowler and Billy Horschel
  • Walked inside the ropes alongside Rickie Fowler for the Pro-Am
  • Played a hole at Torrey Pines with Rickie, and tied him!
  • Got inside access to TV and Media trucks
  • Watched the Farmers Insurance Open as a spectator for the opening round.
Angelo, 14 years old, has been a participant at First Tee of West Michigan since he was eight years old.  He joined our junior coach staff this past fall for the first time, and will play golf for East Grand Rapids High School this spring, and has aspirations of playing golf professionally.

First Tee of West Michigan Expands to Kalamazoo County

Contact: Tyler Smies                                                                                                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Executive Director Office: 616-208-1177 Cell: 616-965-6633 Email: [email protected]

First Tee of West Michigan Expanding to Kalamazoo County

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – February 10, 2019 – First Tee of West Michigan, in partnership with the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association and the City of Kalamazoo, is planning to expand its programs to Kalamazoo County starting in spring 2021. First Tee is an international non-profit youth development program that teaches life skills, values, and healthy habits through the game of golf. The curriculum serves youth ages 7 to 17. There are seven chapters in Michigan, more than 150 chapters around the country and 10 chapters internationally. First Tee of West Michigan, established in 2011 in Grand Rapids, currently impacts young people in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. First Tee started with 73 students in 2011 and now works with more than 1,200 youth at 15 area golf courses. The organization believes it can impact more than 500 young people in Kalamazoo annually by 2023. “Kalamazoo is one of the largest population centers in the state without a First Tee chapter presence,” said Executive Director of First Tee of West Michigan Tyler Smies. “We are incredibly fortunate to partner with the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association and the City of Kalamazoo, who have strong and sustainable junior golf programs. We can’t wait to provide First Tee curriculum to more young people in Kalamazoo who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn through golf because of transportation or economic barriers.” PGA Professional Dean Marks, who operates the City of Kalamazoo’s three courses, and is also president of the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association, is also 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.” Youth golf tournaments and clinics run by the KJGA will continue to operate in 2020, while First Tee develops relationships in Kalamazoo, recruits mentors and fundraises. First Tee’s programs are planned for all three of Kalamazoo’s municipal golf courses in 2021 – Red Arrow, Eastern Hills, and Milham Park. Smies says partnering with local school districts and youth-serving organizations is also critical to First Tee’s ability to impact students who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn through golf. First Tee hopes to begin outreach with area schools and organizations in the upcoming year in preparation for the 2021 program launch. First Tee relies heavily on volunteers and donors from communities in order to provide discounted programs to youth. Interested golfers, parents, volunteers, and donors can learn more about the organization and expansion plans at the West Michigan Golf Show, February 14-16 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Mich. In addition, First Tee is hosting a Meet & Greet event for all Kalamazoo County residents on March 11, 2020 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation Building at Homer Stryker Field, 251 Mills Ave.  Interested individuals are encouraged to RSVP by clicking here.  For more information on First Tee of West Michigan or to RSVP for the March 11 event, contact 616-208-1177 or visit firstteewestmichigan.org. ###

Randy’s Lessons – #1

First Tee Holland Area Director and PGA Professional Randy White shares how to encourage students to have good footwork.  

Participant Spotlight – Jorge Garcia

UPDATE April 13, 2020: Fox 17’s Jason Hutton interviewed Jorge about being awarded the Evans Scholarship, and its impact on him and his family. Watch the video below, or click this link to read the article. 
  Eagle participant Jorge Garcia just became the first First Tee West Michigan student to receive the Evans Scholarship! He will be attending the University of Michigan School of Engineering next year, thanks to this full ride, room and board scholarship. After being selected as one of just 25 finalists across the state, Jorge, his mother, and Executive Director Tyler Smies traveled across the state to Plum Hollow Country Club for his in-person interview on January 9, 2020.  More than 50 Evans Committee members were in attendance. Check out the video of his big day.