College golf recruiting: Advice from 3 First Tee alumni

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.

Tyler Smies and Graham Rayburn to Walk 100 Holes with Caddies at Indian Trails Golf Marathon in Support of First Tee – West Michigan

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.

To learn more or to support Tyler and Graham’s 100-hole caddied challenge, visit firstteewestmichigan.org. To book a caddie at Indian Trails GC this summer and get a reduced price 9 or 18-hole round, visit https://www.indiantrailsgc.org/caddies/.


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.  

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First Tee – West Michigan Welcomes Sarah Owens as New Programming Coordinator in Holland

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, visit firstteewestmichigan.org.

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Liberty National Foundation extends support for First Tee and its character-building golf program

The Liberty National Foundation announced earlier today an extension of its long-standing support through 2029. 

Committing an additional $1 million, this latest gift brings the Fireman family and Liberty National Foundation’s total contribution to First Tee to $8 million since its first commitment in 2012.

The announcement was made during a special event at Liberty National Golf Club, where the Fireman family was celebrated for their continued support of First Tee’s mission to build character in young people through the game of golf. The new commitment will primarily support four First Tee chapters across New Jersey, which collectively impacted nearly 29,000 youth in 2024.

Jennifer Weiler, Senior Vice President of Network Relations at First Tee, joined Liberty National Foundation and New Jersey’s First Tee chapter leaders at the event.

Jennifer Weiler, First Tee, and Dan Fireman, Liberty National Foundation

“What makes this partnership so meaningful is how it helps us shape young potential into lifelong character,” said Weiler. “The continued support from the Liberty National Foundation allows us to reach thousands of children across New Jersey, particularly in underserved communities where access to character-building programs like ours can be transformative.”

Dan Fireman, Founder of the Liberty National Foundation, emphasized the alignment between First Tee’s mission and his family’s values. 

“Through this continued partnership with First Tee, we’re committed to ensuring that more young people, especially those from underserved communities, have access to the character-building power of this great game,” said Fireman.

Dan’s father, Paul Fireman, was recognized last November when First Tee honored him with the Lifetime Achievement award

First Tee has grown into a global youth development organization impacting more than 3.1 million kids and teens annually through its network of 150 Chapters with programs delivered at more than 1,700 golf facilities, as well as in nearly 12,000 schools and more than 2,000 youth centers. The organization has expanded internationally, with programs now in Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Morocco.

The Liberty National Foundation’s gift will help further First Tee’s commitment to providing inclusive access to its programs, with a focus on reaching young people from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

First Tee – West Michigan elevates Tyler Smies to CEO

GRAND RAPIDS, MI, – March 6, 2025 – First Tee – West Michigan, a youth development non-profit organization that teaches character development through the game of golf, has promoted Tyler Smies from Executive Director to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

Smies has served 14 years as the Executive Director of First Tee – West Michigan and helped launch the organization in 2011. First Tee served 73 participants in Grand Rapids in its first year and had an annual operating budget of $50,000. Now, First Tee – West Michigan serves 2,400 participants across seven counties, and operates a $1.3 million budget, expanding its service area several times in the past decade. 

“The positive impact The First Tee of West Michigan has had on the lives of students and growth of our organization can be traced back to Tyler’s leadership and passion,” said Travis Mikulenas, First Tee – West Michigan board chair. “This promotion reflects his growth and increased responsibility as the head of a leading West Michigan nonprofit serving thousands of students all across West Michigan each year.” 

AS CEO, Smies will oversee strategic planning, operational management, fundraising efforts, and strategic partnerships, focusing on driving long-term sustainable relationships with participants, volunteers, donors, and staff. 

“I am honored to step into this title and grow the incredible work of First Tee’s team and volunteers,” said Smies. “Together, we will continue to make a lasting impact on the kids and teens we serve in West Michigan.”

During his tenure, Smies has been nominated for various awards with the Young Non-Profits Professional Network (YNPN) and was awarded MiBiz’s “Best Managed Small Nonprofits” in 2017. First Tee – West Michigan is consistently ranked as one of the top-performing First Tee chapters across the globe.  

First Tee – West Michigan was established in 2011 to impact young people’s lives by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through golf. 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, visit firstteewestmichigan.org

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First Tee – West Michigan remembers one of its finest

Rick Vandenberg, former Board Chair and 9-year board member, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Obituary

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.

First Tee – West Michigan Welcomes New Members to Board of Directors

First Tee – West Michigan welcomes Randy Freeburg and Henry Stallings III to its Board of Directors. These individuals bring a wealth of experience in the business and education fields that will immediately contribute to First Tee’s mission to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. 

Randy Freeburg

Freeburg is a retired real estate appraiser and previously worked with Foremost Insurance Group as a financial and economic analyst. He is an avid golfer and bowler and helped organize the PGA Tour Champions stop while a member of the Grand Rapids Jaycees Foundation. He has also served on several capital campaigns for local non-profits, including the Women’s Resource Center and the West Michigan Sports Commission. Freeburg is a member of Blythefield Country Club while also serving First Tee as a volunteer mentor and a Golf Outing Task Force committee member. In addition, he has participated for the past two years as a Golf Marathon fundraiser for the organization. 

Henry Stallings III

Stallings is a 3rd grade teacher at Grandville Public Schools. He has served as an Executive Board member of Grandville Education Association and is currently serving on the Michigan Education Association PAC Council as a board member. Both his parents were teachers in Grand Rapids before Stallings also entered the profession. He is an active parent of a First Tee teenager and is currently a Lead Coach and Caddiemaster at First Tee – West Michigan, while also serving on the Recruiting & Nominating Committee. 

“Randy and Henry are driven by First Tee’s mission to impact kids and teens through golf and have been an integral part of our impact the past several years,” said Tyler Smies, First Tee – West Michigan Executive Director. Having their professional expertise and their passion for our kids and teens in the boardroom for the next three years will help us have an even bigger influence in West Michigan.”

Freeburg and Stallings join Russ Hines, Jason Manshum, Travis Mikulenas, Maureen Fitzgerald Penn, Ross Ryzenga, Scott VanderLinde, Antoinetta Freeman, Nate Golomb, John Kruis, and Randy Lindquist on the First Tee – West Michigan Board of Directors.

Mackenzie Mack talks about the lasting impact of First Tee

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without First Tee.” 

For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.  

With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry. 

The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada. 

First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.  

“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.” 

Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community. 

Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.” 

Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience. 

Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.

“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”  

She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.  

Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event

Mackenzie Mack talks about the lasting impact of First Tee

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without First Tee.” 

For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.  

With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry. 

The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada. 

First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.  

“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.” 

Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community. 

Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.” 

Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience. 

Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.

“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”  

She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.  

Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event

First Tee Leadership Academy returns to Atlanta, headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore 

Teens from across the U.S. will learn about leadership from executives within the Arthur M. Blank family of businesses. 

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 17, 2024) – The First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore returns from June 17-22. The weeklong Atlanta event will bring together 48 teens from across the country who will learn about operating successful teams from executives within the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. 

The event is headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore, a 4-time WNBA, 2-time NCAA and 2-time Olympic champion, who off the court, has been a dedicated advocate of criminal justice reform. Participants will also hear from leaders like Atlanta United CEO Garth Lagerwey, Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman and CEO Dick Sullivan and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Chief of Staff Kelley Gulley

It will feature workshops on communication, developing a winning culture and more. Attendees will get a taste of the college experience, with the Georgia Institute of Technology serving as its hub. The group will also visit sites across Atlanta, including the PGA TOUR Superstore Support Center, the Coda building, Atlanta United’s training facility, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. 

“Our participants learn valuable skills at the First Tee Leadership Academy and have made friendships they will carry with them well beyond their time in Atlanta,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore for supporting these truly life-changing events.” 

PGA TOUR Superstore has been a partner of First Tee for more than a decade, providing financial support and in-kind donations. It provides chapter grants to promote teen retention and supports national events like the Leadership Academy, Leadership Summit and Leadership Series. 

The First Tee Leadership Academy is one of ten national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and empower teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.  

To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring.  

First Tee alumni share the advice they’d give their younger selves 

With graduation in the books, many kids and teens are looking ahead to the future. But we asked First Tee alumni to look back and consider the advice they’d share with their 18-year-old self.


David Singh 
First Tee – Tampa Bay
Recently earned his Master in Healthcare Administration at the University of Pittsburgh

“Life is not always gonna stick to the script you’ve got in your head. Sometimes, it’ll throw you curveballs you never saw coming. Roll with the punches, stay flexible, and remember, there’s always a silver lining in every setback. Keep your chin up, ’cause even when things don’t go as planned, there’s still a world of amazing possibilities out there waiting for you.”


Savannah Mansueti 
First Tee – Florida Gold Coast 
Manager of operations at First Tee – Florida Gold Coast

“If I could advise my 18-year-old self, I’d emphasize embracing failure as a key part of learning and growth, seeing setbacks as opportunities to refine skills. I’d also stress the importance of building strong relationships with family, friends, mentors and colleagues for support and guidance. Lastly, I’d recommend prioritizing financial literacy early on, mastering budgeting, saving and investing for long-term stability and success.”


Haili Moore 
First Tee – Greater Dallas
Student at Texas Christian University and entry-level staff accountant 

“Do not allow yourself to settle in relationships, careers, friendships, education, etc. You are worth what you allow to infiltrate your time, peace and space. The thing is though, is that you are worth more than you’ll ever know.”


Jamie Rush 
First Tee – Pittsburgh 
Methodist University marketing student with a concentration in professional golf management 

“My advice would be to live in the moment. We are always wishing for the next big moment and forget to treasure the times that we are currently in. I’m still trying to learn this lesson today. Enjoy every aspect of the here and now, slow down and don’t wish your life away.”


Spencer McIntosh 
First Tee – Tampa Bay 
Director of business intelligence and analytics at First Tee 

“I would encourage my 18-year-old self to be continuously educating yourself whether that be reading more books, taking additional courses or seeking mentorship. I’d also recommend that he build a strong network and surround himself with supportive and knowledgeable people so you can apply those lessons to his passions. Then finally, I’d tell him to pay those gifts forward to the next generation of game changers!”


Srishti Dhurandhar  
First Tee – Metropolitan New York  
Business and technology management student and collegiate golfer at NYU 

“Some advice for my younger self would be to be less afraid to ask for help and make mistakes. I learned the most when things didn’t go according to plan and wish I had spent less time worrying about doing everything perfectly because everything will work out in the end as long as you surround yourself with people you can lean on. “

Are you a First Tee alumna? Learn more about the First Tee Alumni Network.

First Tee Scholar Kelly Low is launching her career at AWS

Established in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program is celebrating its first graduating class. Among its ranks is First Tee – Fort Worth alumna Kelly Low, who recently graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Now, Kelly is embarking on her career with one of the world’s most influential companies, which also happens to be a major supporter of First Tee.

She’s going to be a solutions architect for AWS based in Austin. “What excites me the most is the opportunity to innovate for each unique customer scenario,” she said. Kelly also said it feels profoundly gratifying to work for a company that’s so actively engaged with First Tee.

From mentoring alumni to encouraging staff to volunteer with local chapters, AWS supports First Tee in a variety of ways. 

AWS posted an internship opportunity on the First Tee Alumni Platform, and First Tee scholarship manager Robbie Lowman passed it along to Kelly. She applied, received an internship offer, and the rest is history.

Francessca Vasquez, VP, AWS Professional Services and Generative AI Innovation Center said, “Witnessing the positive impact of First Tee on lives like Kelly’s is a privilege that makes our work as First Tee Trustees truly meaningful and inspiring. Like Amazon’s Leadership Principle of ‘Learn and Be Curious,’ this story exemplifies the power of continuous learning and growth, inspiring us to keep exploring new ways to empower and uplift the next generation of builders.”

Kelly has already experienced AWS re:Invent, the world’s largest annual cloud computing conference, where she was invited to play in the AWS ProAm in 2023.

“I am excited for Kelly and her role with AWS,” Lowman said. “After getting to know her over the last few years, she is a passionate learner who has a deep appreciation for emerging technology. Kelly will thrive at AWS because of the supportive environment, and we are grateful for their continued support.”

As a participant and Scholar, Kelly has been involved with First Tee for nearly a decade, and she said she still uses its lessons today. “First Tee’s approach to perseverance goes beyond mere persistence. It encompasses managing emotions, setting realistic goals and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of challenges,” she said.

As part of the First Tee College Scholarship Program, each Scholar receives financial support, professional development opportunities and a dedicated mentor. Kelly’s favorite part of the program was getting to know her peers and her mentor from AWS, Heidi Buck.

AWS signed on as a First Tee Trustee in 2021 and has focused its efforts on teen retention. The company also invites its employees to volunteer at First Tee chapters around the globe.

“First Tee’s goal is to provide kids with experiences that build character, and AWS has been a great supporter of that mission,” said Jennifer Weiler, First Tee’s senior vice president of network relations. “We’re grateful for the relationship and excited to follow Kelly’s journey with AWS.”