Author: tsmies

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

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.