The speaker lineup will feature a who’s who of Minnesota sports legends, including Maya Moore and John Randle.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 8, 2025) – Over the last quarter century, thousands of First Tee participants have attended Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., the nonprofit youth development organization’s flagship event, where they learn about inclusive leadership and community building. First Tee proudly announces the event’s 25th anniversary edition will take place July 8-12, 2025, in Minneapolis. Seventy-two exceptional teens from across the country will participate in the transformative week of leadership training and personal growth that will include visits to U.S. Bank Stadium and Topgolf Brooklyn Center, as well as the opportunity to stay on-campus at the University of Minnesota.
The First Tee Game Changers Academy is supported by AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands, and is designed to challenge participants to elevate their voices, embrace their differences and become advocates for positive change, both on and off the golf course. As First Tee’s longest running participant event, it paved the way for a full slate of unique teen opportunities.
The 2025 First Tee Game Changers Academy is headlined by guest speaker Maya Moore, a Minnesota Lynx legend who will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this year. Moore is an Olympic gold medalist, WNBA MVP and college basketball national champion. She’ll speak at a celebratory dinner supported by U.S. Bank. Throughout the week, participants will also spend time with NFL Hall of Famer John Randle and current Minnesota Vikings rookies, while engaging in interactive workshops, challenging conversations and immersive golf experiences.
“The Game Changers Academy is about giving young people the tools, confidence and support they need to become changemakers in their communities,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are proud to celebrate the event’s 25th anniversary this year and grateful to our dedicated partners – AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands – for making it possible.”
First Tee continues to serve children and teens of all backgrounds, using golf as a vehicle to build life skills and core values like integrity, collaboration and perseverance.
For more information about the Game Changers Academy and First Tee’s national opportunities, visit firsttee.org .
Stephen Im’s golf story is about giving back to the community that helped shape him.
Stephen grew up in the inner city of San Diego, just minutes from Pro Kids, home of First Tee – San Diego. It was the 1990s, and “Tiger Mania” had a whole generation dreaming big. For Stephen, First Tee – San Diego quickly became his second home. “I describe my time at First Tee as the best years of my youth, when life was simple,” he said.
His journey through First Tee wasn’t just about swing mechanics or lowering scores — it was about building character and finding belonging. “The reason I credit much of my own development to First Tee has to do with my involvement during my teenage years,” he said. Being multiracial, Stephen struggled at times with identity and community, he said. “Learning who I was and what made me unique led me to develop better judgement.”
One defining moment of his youth came when Stephen was selected to attend the very first Game Changers Academy at Kansas State University. From navigating dorm life to playing one of the toughest golf courses in the country, Colbert Hills, the week was packed with new experiences.
Returning to Game Changers for a special anniversary
This year, Stephen returns to Game Changers Academy — not as a participant, but as a coach and mentor. The event, which focuses on inclusive leadership and community building, is taking place in Minneapolis and celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer.
Stephen is excited to be involved so he can help teens expand their horizons, just as he did decades ago. “There’s something about visiting another community that opens your eyes to the world we share with others,” he said. He hopes participants walk away with broadened perspectives — and the courage to inspire others through their experiences.
More than anything, Stephen is excited to spark those lightbulb moments. “Guiding teens to find their place in the world and giving them a safe space to express themselves. That’s what this work is about,” he said.
Coaching with Purpose
Since getting involved as a kid, golf has been an important part of Stephen’s life. While earning his degree from Cal Poly Pomona, he joined First Tee – Greater Pasadena as a coach and found his calling.
Over the years, Stephen wore many hats: coach, mentor and leader, becoming a Level 4 coach in 2020. Through his eight years in Pasadena, he watched young participants grow from beginners to high school graduates, and they, in turn, witnessed his own evolution.
Stephen returned to San Diego in 2023, and now he’s back in the same neighborhood where it all began, allowing him to bring experience and relatability “For the kids I get to work with now, I can literally say, ‘I’ve been in your shoes,’” he said.
He credits his own growth to the coaches who once saw his potential: “I can still describe a specific conversation with a coach from 30 years ago,” he said. “That’s the power of intentional mentorship.” He now strives to be a mentor for others by helping kids find their own strengths.
The Game Changers Academy is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities designed to keep teens engaged with the program. First Tee offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event, competitive golf opportunities and a community service workshop.
One of the best things about playing golf is the chance to unplug – to step away from screens and into nature, where players can breathe in fresh air, socialize with peers and get some exercise. But as the sport’s popularity grows, many golf courses are operating at or near capacity. Add in factors like weather and transportation, and it becomes clear: green grass golf isn’t always within reach, especially for kids.
That’s why meeting kids on their turf – in schools, online, and at community centers – has long been central to First Tee’s approach. It inspired the launch of the First Tee School Program and more recently, the First Tee app. While we believe time spent outdoors is time well spent, we also recognize that kids today need to build strong technology skills and learn how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
First Tee leaders Ben Jarvis, vice president of strategy and business enablement, and Ryan Graff, vice president of programs, regularly discuss both the opportunities and the challenges technology presents for young people, and for the adults supporting them.
What parents should know about kids and apps
“When evaluating apps for your child, start with privacy and data protection,” Ben said. Look for apps with clear, transparent policies that limit data collection. All of this information is available in the app store.
To see if an app is age appropriate, Ben recommends reading reviews from trusted sources like Common Sense Media and checking whether it offers parental control options – many kids’ apps do. Parents can also research app developers to see if they have a strong track record and good reputation.
Furthermore, there’s the matter of in-app purchase: “Check whether the app includes premium features that might lead to unexpected charges,” Ben said.
Ultimately, determine whether new apps fit into your family’s screen time philosophy. “Consider whether an app educates, inspires creativity, meaningful connection or develops skills rather than just capturing time and attention,” he said. “The First Tee app, for example, reinforces life skills and golf concepts through interactive activities.”
Building digital skills – and character
Technology skills are nonnegotiable, and today’s kids need more than just familiarity with devices. “Digital literacy is the ability to find, evaluate and analyze digital information critically, distinguishing between credible sources and misinformation,” Ben said.
Exposing kids to technology in a healthy way can help ensure they understand how to protect personal information and navigate digital spaces safely.
Equally important is helping kids develop healthy relationships with tech. “Families are searching for how to find a balance when it comes to technology,” Ryan said. “First Tee is impactful because it’s more than golf. Kids and teens learn valuable life skills to navigate the course but also other contexts such as school and extracurricular activities. We explore the values that are inherent to the sport, like honesty, good judgment and overcoming challenges – all of which are important in life and online.”
In addition, First Tee provides opportunities to help kids build social skills with coaches and their peers within class, so attending First Tee classes can be a support in developing this balance.
In a world filled with technology, there are lots of lessons we can learn from golf:
Focus and presence: Golf provides a space with fewer external distractions and the opportunity to focus and be present with the golf shot before you – a rarity in a world full of notifications.
Patience and delayed gratification: In an age of instant rewards, golf teaches that improvement comes through consistent effort over time.
Good judgment: Golf’s emphasis on integrity – calling penalties on oneself, playing by the rules – builds the ethical foundation that guides responsible technology use.
Face-to-face social skills: The in-person connections formed during golf provide interpersonal experiences that screens can’t replicate, building social confidence.
Emotional regulation: Managing frustration after a bad shot by learning the 4Rs (Relax, Replay, Ready Redo) builds emotional resilience that helps children navigate online challenges.
Strategic thinking: Golf can help build creative problem-solving abilities, like STAR (Stop, Think, Anticipate and Respond) that transfer to technological contexts.
Physical activity and nature connection: The experience of being outdoors and moving provides essential balance to screen time, contributing to physical and mental health.
According to data from First Tee and The Harris Poll, 85% of parents believe character is a “lost value” in society, and 93% agree that kids can learn life skills through sports. “Our coaches are trained not just in golf, but in youth development,” Ryan said. “That’s what makes the experience so impactful.”
At First Tee, technology isn’t a replacement for these experiences; it’s an enhancement. As Ben puts it, “We’re preparing kids for a world full of digital tools. But more importantly, we’re helping them develop the character and confidence to use those tools with awareness, purpose and integrity.”
Kalamazoo, Mich., June 25, 2025 — On Friday, June 21, Bradley Lardie, a First Tee – West Michigan alumnus and current intern in Grand Rapids, made history by playing 361 holes of golf in a single day at Eastern Hills Golf Course, setting a new record for the most holes ever played in a First Tee Golf Marathon. The previous record stood at 360 holes.
Lardie teed off at 6:00 a.m. and played continuously until 10:00 p.m., completing the equivalent of more than 20 full rounds of golf in just 16 hours. His extraordinary effort helped raise vital funds to support First Tee – West Michigan’s character building programs for youth in the community.
“First Tee has given me so much: my first job, a hobby I can play forever, and the perseverance to do things like this,” said Lardie. “I want to be able to give someone else the same opportunity that I had.”
Bradley joined First Tee as a participant in his youth and now, as a college student and intern with the organization, continues to live out the values he first learned on the course. His record-breaking day was not only a personal achievement but a meaningful contribution to a cause he believes in.
The Golf Marathon is First Tee – West Michigan’s most impactful fundraising event. The Eastern Hills Golf Marathon is just one of 23 golf marathons taking place across West Michigan this summer. In total, more than 150 golf marathoners will participate in 2025, playing as many holes as possible in one day while securing pledges from friends, family, and community members. All funds raised support scholarships for local students, ensuring that every child can participate in First Tee, regardless of financial circumstance.
First Tee – West Michigan serves more than 2,400 youth annually across Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo, using the game of golf to teach core values and life skills such as integrity, perseverance, respect, and confidence.
“Bradley’s accomplishment is First Tee personified,” said Tyler Smies, CEO of First Tee – West Michigan. “He started with First Tee at age 7, grew and learned through our curriculum and his relationships with mentors and peers, and was the first ever to complete the program’s Ace level. Now he is a driven young man with great integrity and character. We are thrilled at his accomplishment, and humbled by his passion for First Tee and the impact it made for him growing up. ”
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (June 26, 2025) – Jordin Cowing of Gilbert, Arizona, and Jacob Lewallen of Wylie, Texas, won the girls’ and boys’ divisions of the 5th annual First Tee National Championship at the Warren Golf Course at the University of Notre Dame. The event brought together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped them build the confidence, perseverance and skills needed to play at the next level.
Cowing, who is committed to play collegiate golf this fall at Austin Peay State University, finished 1-under (67-74-71) to claim victory. This is her third appearance at this national tournament, and she finished third at the 2024 First Tee National Championship at Clemson University. In addition to playing golf, Cowing volunteers with First Tee – Phoenix, Special Olympics and Rotary Club of Sun Lakes.
“It means so much to win this tournament,” Cowing said. “First Tee has been such an important part of my life, and I’m so grateful to end my time with First Tee with a win.”
Lewallen came from behind to shoot a blistering 66 on Thursday and finish the tournament 3-under (72-72-66). Lewallen, who will play collegiate golf this fall at Eastern Kentucky University, has been involved with his First Tee Chapter for more than a decade. He said he was happy to win the National Championship on behalf of First Tee – Greater Dallas, where he serves as a junior coach.
“It means everything to me to win this tournament,” he said. “This last year of tournaments has not been great for me. After countless second- and third-place finishes, finally being able to win a tournament like this means the world to me.”
Both winners were awarded the Tattersall Cup in honor of First Tee Trustee Fred Tattersall, who generously supports the event. Photos from the tournament are available here.
Sophomore Marley Pedrique of First Tee – Florida Gold Coast finished third (73-72-71) in the girls’ division to earn an exemption into the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that will take place Sept. 19-21 at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. The event pairs golf legends with First Tee juniors for a week of mentorship and competition. Players are eligible for an exemption if they finish Top 5 at National Championship, haven’t previously played the PURE Insurance Championship and will still be in high school this fall.
Based on their play at the First Tee National Championship, several players will also earn spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, which aims to support talented golfers from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the sport. The PGA TOUR will announce the full roster for its Pathways program in the coming days.
“The dedication, skill and composure of the players this week has been inspiring to witness. We are incredibly proud to congratulate Jordin and Jacob on their outstanding performances at the 2025 First Tee National Championship,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “This tournament is about building character and providing opportunities. These winners truly exemplify what First Tee stands for, and we cannot wait to see what their futures hold both in the game and beyond.”
The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college golf courses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country.
The field included 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. A full list of results is available here.
The championship is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities, which are designed to keep teens engaged with the program. In addition to competitive golf opportunities, First Tee headquarters offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event and a community service workshop.
Now in its fifth year, the First Tee National Championship returns this week to the University of Notre Dame. It’s an opportunity for top players from across the country to showcase the skills they developed at their chapters.
All eight past champions are currently on college golf rosters, including First Tee – Green Valley Ranch alumnus Hunter Swanson, who plays at the University of Colorado, Boulder. While playing collegiate golf can be a rewarding experience, the process of getting there can be demanding.
First Tee – Greater Washington DC alumna Joey Nguyen is a member of the team at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, where she was named Women’s Golfer of the Year by the Landmark Conference last season. First Tee – West Virginia alumnus Argyle Downes is a First Tee Scholar who’s heading into his sophomore season at Rutgers University.
As former First Tee National Championship competitors, we asked Joey, Argyle and Hunter about their journeys from First Tee to college golf.
When did you start thinking about college golf?
Joey started reaching out to coaches in 8th grade, sending introductory emails to get on their radar. She wasn’t sure which NCAA Division would be the right fit — but she knew it was important to get her name out as a potential recruit.
Meanwhile, Argyle got serious about college golf after his freshman year of high school, when his confidence caught up with his ambition. “I always had a goal but until that time I didn’t really have true self belief,” he said.
Key takeaway: While there’s not a specific recruiting timeline you need to follow, start early if you can, and know that belief in your own potential is just as important as raw skill. As you navigate the recruitment process, remember to set goals that are positive, specific and under your control.
How important are academics?
Both players emphasized the importance of grades in the recruiting process. “There are so many successful players that grades often become a deciding factor whether a player will be part of the team or not,” Argyle said, noting that the razor thin margin between recruits sometimes leaves coaches looking for reasons to leave a player off the roster.
Joey noted that grades and test scores are also critical for academically selective schools, opening doors that golf scores can’t.
Key takeaway: Strong academics can show good judgment, which is important to college golf coaches.
What’s your advice for connecting with coaches?
For Hunter, a busy competition schedule helped him get his name in front of coaches. “I played as many of the top junior golf tournaments as I could, not only to play against the best junior golfers, but knowing that college golf coaches would be watching the scores,” Hunter said.
When it comes to outreach, Joey used a combination of emails, phone calls and texts to build relationships with coaches. Hunter said social media is also an important recruitment tool.
When you do exchange messages with coaches, it’s important they come from players, not parents. Joey recommends starting with a concise intro email that includes:
Name, school and grad year
Tournament schedule
Key stats and highlights
Once the conversation starts, it’s important to send updates, results and anything else that keeps you on their radar. “If a coach doesn’t respond, that doesn’t mean you stop emailing. Be persistent,” she said.
When coaches do reach out, you can expect them to ask a wide variety of questions:
What are your academic and athletic goals?
What do you want in a team, school and coach?
What’s your practice routine and tournament schedule?
What are your strengths and weaknesses — on and off the course?
Key takeaway: Coaches may not find you unless you help them, and while it can be intimidating, try to show your personality, not just your golf skills. Showing that you can work well with others and respect differing opinions indicates you’re likely to be a good teammate.
What were the biggest surprises during your freshman year?
A campus visit helped Joey decide on Drew University. “I could see myself living there and really enjoying the courses and practice facilities we have,” she said. “I considered what was important to me and what I wanted to get out of my college experience, and that also helped me decide.”
But she faced a challenge before the start of the season, when the coach who recruited her left for another school. “That was definitely tough,” she said.
Hunter also had to be flexible throughout the process as he wasn’t able to go on recruiting visits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, he decided on Colorado because he felt like he could contribute to the team, grow as a player and student and trust the coaching staff, he said.
For Argyle, the biggest surprise has been just how busy life is for student athletes. “From 6 a.m. until bedtime, it’s honestly just a fully packed day with practice, recovery and school responsibilities,” he said. “There may be a few small breaks but it’s a very busy and demanding schedule.”
Key takeaway: It’s important for collegiate golfers to be flexible and prepared for change. While you’re likely to face challenges during your college golf career, it’s important to consider what you can learn from them.
Any final words of advice?
During periods when you’re playing well, play in as many tournaments as you can to boost your scoring average and showcase your skills, Joey recommends. And keep in close contact with coaches: “Send updates frequently about how you are playing, what you are working on or anything you would like to share,” she said. “It never hurts to show you are interested or really want to play at their school.”
“My best piece of advice for juniors hoping to play in college is to honestly love working hard and love the sacrifices you have to make to succeed,” Argyle said. “I may not have been the most talented or successful junior golfer, but I really love the sport and love playing and competing, and without that I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in today.”
And Hunter recommends enjoying the journey as much as possible. “This is something that a lot of kids in this world do not get the opportunity to experience, and it is a process that could change the life of someone forever,” he said. “Enjoy the process, don’t put too much pressure on yourself to perform and understand that things will work out how they are supposed to with hard work, dedication and having fun.”
The First Tee National Championship is part of our full slate of national participant opportunities, which are designed to keep teens engaged with the program. In addition to competitive golf opportunities, we offer leadership programs, a girls empowerment event and a community service workshop.
All 8 previous tournament champions are currently on collegiate golf team rosters
SOUTH BEND, IND. (June 23, 2025) – National youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce its 2025 National Championship will take place June 23-26 at the University of Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course. Now in its fifth year, the First Tee National Championship brings together 48 of the organization’s top male and female players from across the country for a 54-hole stroke play event designed to provide participants with the opportunity to compete at a high level while demonstrating the values they have developed through the First Tee program.
The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. Fourteen players in the field have already committed to college golf teams. All eight past winners are on collegiate golf rosters, including Megan Meng of First Tee – Greater Trenton, a member of Northwestern’s 2025 NCAA Division I women’s golf championship team.
Before the tournament kicks off, the event will feature a fireside chat with Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua, who has been a leader in the golf industry through roles with the USGA, the PGA of America and NBC Sports. Participants will also attend a coaches panel, where they will learn more about playing at the next level.
“We’re excited to return to the Warren Course for the 2025 National Championship, and we are grateful to the University of Notre Dame and First Tee Trustee Fred Tattersall, who makes this impactful tournament possible,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This tournament not only highlights the incredible talent of our participants on the course but also the leadership and character they display off the course. It is a celebration of what First Tee is all about.”
In addition to presenting the Tattersall Cup to the male and female tournament winners, one boy and one girl from the field will be awarded playing spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, a player development program that aims to achieve greater diversity in golf through an increased focus on developing talent from diverse and historically underrepresented groups.
First Tee may also award up to two exemptions into the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs professionals and junior players for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach Golf Links each September. Tournament participants are eligible for an exemption into the PURE Insurance Championship if they are in high school, they haven’t previously played at the PURE Insurance Championship and they finish in the Top 5 at the First Tee National Championship.
The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college campuses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience. Next year’s event will take place at the University of North Carolina’s Finley Golf Course.
The championship is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities which are designed to keep teens engaged with the program. In addition to competitive golf opportunities, First Tee headquarters offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event and a community service workshop.
View the full list of selected participants here. Scoring will be available on Golf Genius.
Since 1999, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to First Tee, supporting youth development across the U.S. through the game of golf
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 20, 2025) – First Tee today announced a landmark $10 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which reaffirms PGA TOUR Superstore’s strong commitment to the youth development organization. The gift marks a milestone in the organizations’ ongoing relationship, which began more than 25 years ago with an investment in First Tee – Metro Atlanta. With the growing popularity of youth golf – 3.7 million juniors hit the links in 2024, according to the National Golf Foundation – this grant helps ensure that youth from all backgrounds have access to the sport and its inherent values.
Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, joined First Tee as a National Trustee in 2011. Since then, support from Blank’s PGA TOUR Superstore and family foundation has helped fuel the growth of First Tee’s character-building programs across the country, which now reach more than 3 million youth annually on golf courses, schools and community centers. The new grant will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen First Tee’s curriculum for teenage participants.
“Junior golf is the fastest-growing segment of the sport, and that’s no coincidence. It’s a testament to the power of First Tee, which has made the game more accessible and enjoyable for young people, helping them experience golf in new and fun ways,” said Arthur Blank, owner and chairman, Blank Family of Businesses. “The innovative and engaging experiences that First Tee provides help kids build self-confidence and inner strength, qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. We’re proud of our deep partnership with the First Tee and are committed to the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth.”
“We are grateful to Mr. Blank and his family of businesses for their continued support of First Tee,” said Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair of First Tee Board of Governors. “Arthur’s vision and commitment reflect a deep understanding that investing in First Tee is truly an investment in the future. Through this transformative gift, Arthur is helping open doors for young people nationwide – empowering them to grow as golfers and as people.”
The new grant extends programming established by a $9.5 million grant in 2020 and will support First Tee’s efforts to keep teens engaged with the organization, where they have access to safe spaces, educational opportunities and positive role models during a traditionally challenging time in adolescence. The grant will be deployed in several ways:
Chapter grants: First Tee Chapters in PGA TOUR Superstore markets will receive grants to support youth to develop life and golf skills. To date, grants have impacted 50 First Tee chapters across the country, a number that will grow as PGA TOUR Superstore’s footprint continues to expand.
Leadership Series: PGA TOUR Superstore general managers across the country lead a five-week, in-store leadership series in partnership with First Tee designed to help teens uncover their strengths and personal values and explore potential career opportunities. The program was offered at 44 PGA TOUR Superstore locations in 2024 and plans to expand to 70 by 2029.
Leadership Summit: Each summer since 2021, Arthur Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, Montana, has welcomed 40 First Tee teens for an unforgettable experience where they grow as leaders by taking on new challenges – like whitewater rafting, ropes courses and horseback riding – and learn about the power of building authentic relationships.
“This incredible partnership with the Blank Family of Businesses reflects our shared commitment to using golf as a vehicle for positive youth development,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We are grateful to Arthur Blank, who has been a longtime, committed supporter of First Tee. This transformative investment will allow us to introduce more youth to golf, keep them engaged with First Tee and teach them essential life skills like leadership and teamwork.”
This week the Blank Family of Businesses welcomed 48 First Tee teens from across the country to Atlanta where they learned about what it takes to lead a successful organization. The weeklong program included visits to PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters, the Atlanta United training ground, the Atlanta Falcons practice facility and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, where the new grant will be officially celebrated this afternoon with a check presentation and remarks from the foundation’s president, Fay Twersky, and managing director, Youth Development, Daniel Shoy, Jr., PGA TOUR Superstore’s vice president, Partnerships & Community Relations Ralph Stokes and First Tee’s senior director, Philanthropy Amanda Zedrick.
First Tee’s evidence-based program combines golf instruction with a life skills curriculum, reaching youth ages 7-18 at golf courses, schools and community centers across the globe. The organization impacts more than 3 million young people annually.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to First Tee to date. In 2022, First Tee presented Arthur Blank with its Founders Award, for his generous support of the organization.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 12, 2025 – In a feat that is as rare as it is remarkable, Erik Olson made not one, but two hole-in-ones during Monday’s First Tee – West Michigan Golf Marathon at Cascade Hills Country Club. Olson was participating in the all-day fundraiser to support First Tee’s youth programs, which make character-building golf experiences accessible to students across West Michigan, regardless of financial background.
“Golf has impacted my life in so many positive ways,” Olson said. “I wouldn’t have many of the friendships, professional successes, and life experiences without this beautiful game.” Motivated by that deep connection to the sport, Olson embraced the First Tee Golf Marathon challenge and played an incredible 153 holes in a single day, setting a new Cascade Hills Country Club record for most holes played during the event, while simultaneously raising more than $15,000 for First Tee.
For most of the marathon on Monday, Erik played solo. Later in the afternoon, Olson’s family joined him and that’s when the magic happened. He aced hole number 131 of the day, then struck again just 13 holes later on hole 144.
“My wife, Kelli, and two sons, Lucas and Benjamin, had just joined me to watch and support me as I attempted to break the Cascade Hills number of holes played record of 150,” Olson shared. “Little did I know they would also witness not one, but two hole-in-ones!”
Having his family by his side made the moment even more special. “The money raised and the memories my kids will have for a lifetime will make that one of the most fulfilling days of my life,” Olson said. “I need to keep reminding my oldest son that it had been 28 years since my last one as he now thinks they are a dime a dozen!”
The Golf Marathon is one of First Tee – West Michigan’s key fundraising events. Players commit to a full day of golf while rallying donations to provide scholarships for students who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate in the program. “Supporting the First Tee and knowing that my small efforts, along with the monetary support of the very generous donors on my team, can have such an impact on an individual’s life by allowing them to be introduced to the game of golf is very important to me,” Olson said. Olson’s commitment to playing and giving back makes a meaningful difference for hundreds of kids in the community.
The Cascade Hills Golf Marathon is just one of 23 golf marathons happening at different golf courses across West Michigan this summer. In total, more than 150 marathoners will participate in 2025, playing as many holes as possible in one day to raise vital funds for First Tee students.
“We’re completely awestruck by Erik’s day, and so grateful for his dedication to raising funds for our students that need it most,” said Tyler Smies, Executive Director of First Tee – West Michigan. “This is what First Tee is all about—community, family, and moments that build character and deep relationships.”
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 29, 2025 — On Friday, May 30, two passionate golf leaders—Tyler Smies, CEO of First Tee – West Michigan, and Graham Rayburn, General Manager at Indian Trails Golf Course —will take on an ambitious challenge: walking and playing 100 holes of golf in a single day. Known as the Golf Marathon, the event is First Tee – West Michigan’s largest annual fundraiser. This year, Smies and Rayburn are elevating the challenge by walking, not riding, 100 holes with youth caddies by their side throughout the day at Indian Trails, a City of Grand Rapids municipal golf course.
Using a rotation of First Tee caddies during their day, the pair will test their endurance and spotlight First Tee’s caddy program based at Indian Trails GC. Every dollar raised through the marathon supports First Tee students on scholarship, making programs accessible to all kids regardless of financial background. Smies and Rayburn’s efforts will go to fund the caddie program, which is a joint partnership between the City of Grand Rapids and First Tee – West Michigan.
“This is more than a golf challenge—it’s about expanding access to opportunity,” said Smies. “We’re walking 100 holes so local teens can walk their own path of growth, mentorship, and belonging through First Tee and caddying.”
In 2024, more than 2,400 students participated in First Tee – West Michigan programs, with 58 percent receiving free programs because of their family income. These programs are made possible by fundraising efforts like the Golf Marathon and are vital to ensuring that no student is turned away due to cost.
Indian Trails Golf Course is not only the organization’s largest programming site in Grand Rapids, it’s also home to the First Tee caddie program. This initiative pairs students with local golfers, offering paid summer opportunities that teach accountability, work ethic, and professionalism. For many students, caddying is more than a job, it’s a launching pad for personal growth, confidence, and lifelong mentorship. Caddying can also be a springboard to a life-changing college scholarship for the teens – the Evans Scholarship, which offers full-ride, room, board, and tuition to the University of Michigan or Michigan State University.
“Hosting First Tee at Indian Trails is a privilege,” said Rayburn. “The caddie program is a game-changer. These students gain far more than golf experience—they learn how to communicate, lead, and carry themselves with purpose. Supporting this program is an investment in their future.”
The Indian Trails Marathon is just one of 25 golf marathons happening at 22 different golf courses across West Michigan this summer. More than 150 golf marathoners will participate in 2025, playing as many holes as possible in one day to raise funds for First Tee. Community members can support the effort by pledging per hole or making direct donations. All funds raised help ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to grow through golf.
About First Tee – West Michigan First Tee – West Michigan is a youth development organization that empowers young people through the game of golf. The program integrates life skills and core values with golf instruction, helping youth build confidence, resilience, and integrity on and off the course. The chapter serves more than 2,400 students annually across Allegan, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Ottawa Counties.
About Indian Trails Golf Course Founded in 1928, Indian Trails GC is a historic golf course, driving range, and practice facility in Grand Rapids, MI. The facility is operated by the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department.
HOLLAND, Mich., May 28, 2025 — First Tee – West Michigan is thrilled to announce the hiring of Sarah Owens as the new Programming Coordinator for the Greater Holland area. Owens becomes the second full-time staff member dedicated to the community, a reflection of the region’s rapid program growth and strong community support for character building opportunities through golf.
A recent graduate of Hope College, Owens earned her degree in Communications and brings a strong blend of leadership and athletic experience to her new role. During her time at Hope, she was a four-time letter winner on the Women’s Golf Team and served as team captain for two seasons. Her exemplary character on and off the course was recognized with the prestigious MIAA Sportsmanship Award. Owens is originally from Charlotte, MI.
Owens is no stranger to First Tee – West Michigan. She served as a Program and Donor Communications Intern in 2024, working directly with students, families, and coaches in Holland. Her experience that summer further ignited her passion for youth development and helped lay the foundation for her new full-time role.
“Excited is an understatement, adding Sarah to our Holland team allows us to connect deeper with our community- families, students, and other youth development organizations,” said Jeff Keyser, Holland Area Director. “Sarah’s connection to the community, leadership background, and passion for mentoring youth make her a perfect fit as we continue to show that golf is for everyone!”
The addition of Owens comes at a pivotal time for First Tee – West Michigan in Holland. Over the past four years, the chapter has seen significant growth in the number of young people served. In 2024, 366 local youth participated in First Tee programming in Holland, with 43 percent receiving full scholarships—an increase of 10 percent from 2023. These scholarships ensure that every child can participate, regardless of financial circumstances.
With the addition of Sarah Owens, First Tee – West Michigan is poised to build on this momentum in Holland. Her full-time presence will allow the chapter to deepen relationships with families, schools, and community partners, while expanding program offerings and volunteer support. As demand for youth development through golf continues to grow in the region, Owens will play a key role in ensuring more kids have access to transformational opportunities through First Tee.
About First Tee – West Michigan: First Tee – West Michigan is a youth development organization that empowers young people through the game of golf. The program integrates life skills and core values with golf instruction, helping youth build confidence, resilience, and integrity on and off the course. First Tee – West Michigan serves 2,400 students annually in Allegan, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Ottawa Counties. For more information about First Tee and its mission to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges, visitfirstteewestmichigan.org.
Debuting during First Tee Week, the national “Dear Coach” PSA underscores the lifelong impact of youth sports coaches and calls on communities to celebrate their role in shaping the next generation.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (May 21, 2025) – As part of its inaugural First Tee Week celebration, leading youth development organization First Tee has announced a powerful new public service campaign titled “Dear Coach.” The campaign honors the thousands of First Tee coaches across the country who use the game of golf to help kids and teens build character, confidence and resilience.
Airing nationwide on digital and social platforms, the PSA features heartfelt messages from kids that showcase the deep and lasting impact of coaches, who are often described by parents as the “unsung heroes” of youth development. Additionally, First Tee participants and alumni will be sharing their personal stories through social media and First Tee’s website.
“A great coach does not just teach the game of golf but also the incredible life lessons and values that are inherent to the sport, including believing in yourself, acting with integrity, building resilience and playing with sportsmanship,” said Jane Fader, senior vice president of marketing and communications at First Tee. “This PSA reflects the gratitude we hear every day from kids, parents and alumni about the coaches who helped them believe in themselves.”
Shot with real participants and coaches from First Tee – Metropolitan New York, the PSA is a centerpiece of First Tee Week, a national awareness campaign running May 19–25, designed to celebrate First Tee coaches and inspire communities to get involved in youth character development through sports.
In addition to the PSA, First Tee Week includes:
Community activations and coach appreciation events at First Tee chapters across the country
An alumni event at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge, featuring a panel discussion on the impact of coaches
Corporate partner engagement, spreading awareness across leading sports and media platforms
First Tee coaches undergo a robust training program grounded in positive youth development research and now serve kids at 150 chapters across the globe.
