Written by Tyler Smies, Executive Director of First Tee, 2011 – Present
Rick was one of the finest men I’ve ever had the chance to meet, and did so much to help both me and First Tee grow and thrive. Rick joined First Tee’s board in 2016 and served until the end of 2024. He served as Board Chair for three years, from 2021 – 2023.
I so deeply respect Rick and how he led and took care of people. No task was too small for Rick – he volunteered at a six-class session as recently as last spring, taking on 10 3rd and 4th graders from a GRPS school. At the same time, he led First Tee as board chair with care, kindness, directness, and steadiness. His faith in Christ was also rock solid and important to him. I have no doubt where he is today – in the embrace of his savior, Jesus.
I looked up to him in so many ways – how he led his family, walked out his faith, did his work, led me, and led the First Tee. Here are some highlights during his tenure on the board at First Tee:
From when Rick joined in 2016 to the end of 2024:
First Tee – West Michigan annual participation went from 726 to 2,400 students
went from 934 to 2,222 during his three years as chair
First Tee expanded our program from 2 communities (GR and Muskegon) to 4 (Holland and Kalamazoo)
First Tee’s budget went from $556,000 to $1,450,000
went from $809,000 to $1,125,000 during his three years as chair.
First Tee launched flagship programs like the junior coach program, the Play 9 program, and the individual instruction program during his tenure on the board. He also helped us navigate the transition of our home from the Highlands to Stormy Creek and Stormy Creek to our downtown location at United Way.
Rick also helped implement a more refined and defined way to evaluate me as Executive Director. That process has continued to today and now filters down to the goals and initiatives of every staff member each year.
All of these accomplishments we’ve had as a collective group had a large part to do with Rick – who he was and how he led. I am so grateful to have spent so much time with him, picking his brain, asking him questions, and leaning on his wisdom. Our heart goes out to Rick’s wife Mary, his two sons and their families, and others close to him. For more information, click here for Rick’s obituary.
Tyler Smies, Executive Director
To make a gift in memory of Rick and his impact on First Tee, click here.
Andrew DeYoung | 25 years old | First Tee Alum – Ferris State University | PGA Professional at Deal CC in New Jersey & Division 1 Head Golf Coach at Monmouth University
From Supported to Serving Others – a 10-year cycle of transformation for DeYoung
Andrew participated in our chapter’s first and second national opportunities, applying to a nationwide panel of First Tee interviewees and being selected for trips to Naples, FL (First Tee Champions Challenge) and Washington D.C. (Perfect Sense Unified Challenge) to complete and learn together with students from other First Tee chapters around the country. Hear how his trip to Washington D.C. made an impact on his life!
Andrew joined First Tee at age 13 in 2011, attending the organization’s inaugural open-to-the-public class. Displaying a natural talent for golf, Andrew, who learned the game from his late father, became a valued member of the First Tee family. His mother, Kathi, enrolled him at The Highlands Golf Course, marking the beginning of Andrew’s journey.
Andrew, age 13, in his early days at First Tee
While at Kenowa High School, Andrew played golf for four years and consistently advanced through First Tee’s program levels. Despite occasional challenges in staying focused and making decisions affecting his academics and golf, Andrew’s potential shone through. His game also benefited from receiving free lessons from former Cascade Hills CC Director of Instruction and state-ranked instructor Brandon Roby, PGA.
Encouraged by First Tee Executive Director Tyler Smies, Andrew applied for a national opportunity to visit Washington D.C. Selected for the experience, he spent a week at Congressional Country Club, playing with PGA Tour Professional Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey and meeting Jordan Spieth. This transformative trip ignited a newfound focus for Andrew to mentor younger students.
Andrew with PGA Tour star Jordan Spieth in 2014 at the First Tee National Opportunity in Washington D.C.
“He came back different. It’s like a light bulb switched for him,” Executive Director Tyler Smies said. “After that trip to D.C., he was extremely focused on helping younger students and giving back. And he never looked back.”
Post-trip and upon high school graduation, Andrew pursued a degree in Professional Golf Management at Ferris State University.
Andrew passing his Playing Ability Test as a Freshman at Ferris State University, to become a PGA Professional
Graduating in 2021, he returned to Deal Golf and Country Club in New Jersey as an Assistant Golf Professional, after interning there while at Ferris. Now Andrew runs the club’s junior golf program, and his dedication there led to his hiring as Head Coach of Monmouth University’s Division 1 Golf program at the age of 25 in the fall of 2024.
Andrew DeYoung, far right, Head Coach of D1 Monmouth University Golf Team this fall
“To see Andrew grow so much through First Tee – West Michigan, and then to have such an immense and immediate impact on kids and young men in his career – it’s tremendous. His journey went full circle – from being the teenager who needed someone in his life, to becoming that someone for other kids and young men,” Smies said.
Since Andrew’s trip, more than twenty First Tee students have embarked on national opportunities, broadening their horizons through golf, leadership, and travel experiences.
To ensure future students benefit from life-changing opportunities like Andrew’s, your support is crucial. Please consider supporting First Tee – West Michigan – 90% of our expenses are covered by donors like you!
Reason #3: Bradley Lardie accomplishes wire-to-wire finish at First Tee – West Michigan
This season, your donation to First Tee goes further, thanks to a generous matching grant from Charles Schwab. Please give before year-end to ensure First Tee – West Michigan can fully take advantage of this $32,500 match! Help us raise $60,000 this December!
When First Tee – West Michigan launched in the fall of 2011, there was just one coach (Tyler Smies), one course (The Highlands GC in northwest Grand Rapids), and a handful of volunteers. As the spring of 2012 rolled around, First Tee – West Michigan’s first full year of programming began. And it began with Bradley Lardie, age 7, and his older brother Caleb, age 9 in class.
From the first class, Bradley Lardie stood out amongst the participants. He was the youngest in the bunch – just barely old enough to participate. His mind worked differently than most seven-year-olds.
“The questions Bradley would ask,” Executive Director and coach Tyler Smies said. “They were so advanced, mechanical, and math driven. Things like “So the angle of the clubface changes distance?” or other specific questions like that. Most 7-year-olds just want to swing hard and have fun and play games, and truly don’t have a care in the world for mechanics or how the golf swing works. But not Bradley.”
“I just remember being the youngest in class, and really enjoying the ‘games approach’ to First Tee,” Bradley said, now looking back through coaching viewpoint. “I also remember Homework & Hitting, and how much fun and how much I learned just hanging out at First Tee throughout the winter.”
Bradley’s curiosity and perspective were different than many of his peers. He was also always focused on the task at hand. He zeroed in on learning all he could to get better, despite rarely being the best golfer in the class. He was and is a sponge for learning the intricacies of the game. Because of his focus and interest, he was invited to the 2nd ever Collegiate Alternate Shot event, where he was paired with another Brad (Smith), who played at Calvin College. 8 years later, he participated in his last one, next to GVSU’s Men’s player Charlie DeLong. The pictures below are of each event.
Bradley and his brother Caleb participated on scholarship side-by-side for four years before Bradley struck out on his own. As Bradley grew, and First Tee expanded, Bradley was able to consistently attend class with Coach and Executive Director Tyler Smies, participating in class at 5 different golf courses in Grand Rapids.
Bradley also was one of First Tee’s first junior coaches, working for First Tee and earning a paycheck at the age of 14, assisting lead coaches and learning the coaching side of First Tee’s work. Even before then, Bradley coached in the Griffins Youth Foundation, also becoming a coach for a blind hockey player all while he helped hundreds of students at First Tee.
“One morning, my mom woke me up and told me I was going to start helping and coaching with the Griffins Youth Foundation. I’m glad she did, because I found out really quickly that I really love coaching and working with kids. It’s fun to watch a kid have that ‘ah-ha’ moment and craft a lesson plan to make those moments happen.”
It quickly became clear that Bradley was more capable than most teenagers in leading class. By the age of 16, Bradley was leading class with twenty students and five adults at area courses like Cedar Chase, Indian Trails GC, Kaufman, Maple Hill, and the Mines GC, and Kaufman GC. The past two summers, Bradley has also worked administratively in the office. This summer, he focused specifically on personally connecting with other scholarship families, sharing what opportunities were coming up for their student, and answering questions. As a participant, he was well-informed and could speak to the value of First Tee in his life to other parents. This cold calling would scare off most teenagers, but Bradley dove in and excelled.
“It gave me such an appreciation for what I had growing up in First Tee,” said Lardie. “I called so many parents who were grateful I called to share about upcoming opportunities at First Tee. But also I gained new perspective on the challenges some of our First Tee families have. I have a different level of compassion than I had before because of that work. I used to think everyone thinks or has a similar situation to what I have. Now I have an ear for what others think and are feeling.”
Working on staff began to color Bradley’s thoughts on a future career.
“One of my teachers in high school heard about all the coaching I was doing, and asked if I wanted to help in a tutoring program at school, working with elementary school kids. And that experience, plus my coaching with First Tee and The Griffins Youth Foundation convinced that teaching is what I want to do as a career.”
As Bradley began to enter his final few years at First Tee, Program Director Taylour Boer and Tyler Smies were adamant that he get a National First Tee Opportunity. Bradley attended a leadership academy at age 14 put on by First Tee – Benton Harbor that was influential, but nothing since, as Bradley’s golf handicap was not low enough to apply. So Bradley was selected and went last winter to Naples, FL, along with another 10-year program veteran and Ace participant Adam Koval. They had a blast playing against students from across the country, and learning alongside Program Director Taylour Boer that trip. Bradley has also thrived also playing on the JV and Varsity golf team at Jenison. New initiatives in the past two years at First Tee and our year-end fundraising for new technology have been created for students like Bradley, so their golf game can improve at a more rapid pace. Bradley knows that would have made an impact on him.
“In my trip to Florida, my eyes were opened to how many good players there are,” Lardie said. “I thought I was really good, but now I know there’s whole different level of play, and I want to get there. Having a launch monitor and putting technology back when I was 10 or 11 years old, or access to someone like A PGA Professional like Coach Randy would have made a huge difference for me as a golfer.”
10 years after beginning at First Tee, Bradley is the first ever in First Tee-West Michigan’s history to complete the Ace Level. Bradley worked through the PLAYer, Par, Birdie, and Eagle levels before beginning his Ace level journey in the spring of 2022. Ace serves as a Capstone project at First Tee, and functions much like an independent study. Bradley submitted his Ace Level Projects for review (they are currently in Florida being considered). These projects focused on different areas of growth: golf, career, giving back, and exploring educational opportunities. While nine other students have started Ace, Bradley is the first to complete the level.
“Honestly, the feeling of finishing the Eagle level at First Tee was overwhelming for me. I’ll always remember that moment. I was spinning my tires at the Birdie level, and almost gave up. But I kept at it, so finishing that made me really want to finish Ace and be the first at our chapter to do it.” Lardie said. “I had some competition with another participant, Kylie, who was also trying to complete it, and we were staying up late some nights each trying to complete it first. Her catching up to me really pushed me to finish, and that’s what I needed to do this.”
As 2022 wraps up, please consider giving so more students like Bradley can participate at First Tee on scholarship. With your help, more students can participate on a scholarship rate, while also getting first-class instruction, and access to game-changing technology.
Reason #1: From First Tee 3rd Grader to College Freshman – Darcey Dorris
This season, your donation to First Tee goes further, thanks to a generous matching grant from Charles Schwab. Please give before year-end to ensure First Tee – West Michigan can fully take advantage of this $32,500 match! Help us raise $60,000 this December!
Darcey first began participating in First Tee in third grade. Her journey demonstrates how First Tee’s various programs and initiatives can collectively make an impact off the golf course.
Darcey first stepped off the bus at Stormy Creek GC in southeast Grand Rapids through a partnership with Bowen Elementary (a Kentwood Public School). Working with First Tee’s Program Director, she participated in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade at the introductory level of First Tee, being introduced to First Tee’s Nine Core Values and golf fundamentals like Target Awareness and Distance Control (see an article about Darcey’s experience back in 2014). When she began attending Crestwood Middle (also a Kentwood Public School) in 6th grade, First Tee added a partnership with that school as well.
As she entered high school, First Tee formed a partnership with a new local church, First African Methodist Episcopal Church. We were thrilled when we saw Darcey came through this newly formed partnership with her church.
3 different community partnerships helped Darcey learn and grow at First Tee, keeping her involved until she became a junior coach!
Golf was not the motivator for Darcey – she enjoyed First Tee because she was outdoors and spending time with her friends. In fact, she thrived in other athletics – as a discus and shot put thrower. But her maturity and positivity helped land her a paid junior coach role at First Tee at the tender age of 15. Once in the role, Darcey’s confidence and maturity exploded.
Darcey relished the opportunity to be a leader and junior coach, coaching younger participants and leading them through games and activities. She often created her own warm-ups and activities – they were so good, our full-time staff started stealing the ideas! By 11th grade, Darcey was leading classes of 15+ students and 3 adult volunteers. As she blossomed as a coach, Darcey’s interest in her own golf game was piqued. For the first time, as a senior in high school, Darcey tried out for her high school golf team.
Darcey, this summer, with her class at Indian Trails GC
Darcey played JV golf her senior year and had several conversations that year about her career and college aspirations with Tyler Smies, Executive Director. She was interested in pursuing a career in politics or as an attorney. Finally, she chose Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, a HBCU school, where she received a scholarship to be a discus and shot put thrower.
Between her athletic and academic scholarships, Darcey’s tuition and room and board at Central State University were fully paid for!
Before heading to school this fall, Darcey worked at First Tee full-time through the end of July, leading class and working on administrative tasks in the office. She then headed to Central State University to join their track and field team, and is currently majoring in Psychology.
Darcey, leading a session in 2021 at Indian Trails
While Darcey’s experience demonstrated the value of partnerships and relationships, it also highlights an area of growth for First Tee – West Michigan. First Tee wants to offer a way to engage kids at a higher level through the game of golf. Darcey was never eligible for national week-long opportunities First Tee offers due to her inexperience in golf (and lack of a handicap). Her First Tee classmates These trips have been life-changing for dozens of First Tee participants. Unfortunately, students like Darcey did not have enough opportunity to work on her golf game while at First Tee.
In the past year, First Tee has implemented two major golf-focused initiatives geared toward scholarship students like Darcey – individual instruction, and the “Play 9” initiative. Both initiatives help future Darceys work on their golf game. Both have been very successful, including in 2022 more than 40+ discounted lessons with PGA Professionals and 150+ rounds to students on scholarship at First Tee. With these opportunities, we expect more students on scholarship to get great opportunities to travel across the country through First Tee HQ’s excellent travel and leadership opportunities.
Next Steps for First Tee’s Next Generation
As the world moves toward more technology and STEM based learning, First Tee wants to invest in tools that can improve skills while teaching important math and data skills. First Tee would like to buy the technology to help the next generation of Darceys improve their golf game alongside the valuable life skills First Tee offers.
The full cost of the technology First Tee needs for its winter programs is $5,200.
Below is an interview of Darcey as a 10th grader, and recent junior coach (published in 2019)
In Their Own Words:
Darcey’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Integrity. Since I started in First Tee I have learned more and more about the word integrity. Integrity simply means doing good when someone in authority isn’t around. I still think I have a bit of improvement to do but I feel like First Tee has helped me to understand the word more.
What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? I just love the overall experience. Getting to know kids and teaching them what I learned when I was their age. During my time as a junior coach, I have learned to be patient and to go with my gut on things. This experience has helped me prepare for the career I want in the future. I know my future career will require being a good communicator, being patient, and understanding. All of those traits and more encourage me to make coaching at First Tee fun!
Darcey at age 10, participating at First Tee through their partnership with Bowen Elementary School in Kentwood.
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 NeedFirst 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 nowFor 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 ViewFirst 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, PGAWhy 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!
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 lunchat 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:
Improve retention among its existing participants on scholarship
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.
How it StartedIn 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!
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.”
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].
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 11thTyler 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
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.
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]
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 
This, along with a surprising and incredibly generous $25,000 gift from a local family foundation, allowed First Tee to begin 
Media Alert
Contact: Tyler Smies FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Direct: 616-965-6633, 