Category: Blog

First Tee of West Michigan Expands to Kalamazoo County

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

First Tee of West Michigan Expanding to Kalamazoo County

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – February 10, 2019 – First Tee of West Michigan, in partnership with the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association and the City of Kalamazoo, is planning to expand its programs to Kalamazoo County starting in spring 2021. First Tee is an international non-profit youth development program that teaches life skills, values, and healthy habits through the game of golf. The curriculum serves youth ages 7 to 17. There are seven chapters in Michigan, more than 150 chapters around the country and 10 chapters internationally. First Tee of West Michigan, established in 2011 in Grand Rapids, currently impacts young people in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. First Tee started with 73 students in 2011 and now works with more than 1,200 youth at 15 area golf courses. The organization believes it can impact more than 500 young people in Kalamazoo annually by 2023. “Kalamazoo is one of the largest population centers in the state without a First Tee chapter presence,” said Executive Director of First Tee of West Michigan Tyler Smies. “We are incredibly fortunate to partner with the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association and the City of Kalamazoo, who have strong and sustainable junior golf programs. We can’t wait to provide First Tee curriculum to more young people in Kalamazoo who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn through golf because of transportation or economic barriers.” PGA Professional Dean Marks, who operates the City of Kalamazoo’s three courses, and is also president of the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association, is also excited. “The KJGA has provided affordable golf opportunities to 400+ youth annually for over 30 years.  The opportunity to partner with First Tee and their life skills and values curriculum will increase our outreach to area youth.  That is a win for the community, a win for the youth, and a win for golf and the future of Kalamazoo.  We are excited to expand the use of Red Arrow Golf Course to ensure that any family who wants their kids to learn important life skills through the game of golf will be able to do so regardless of their ability to pay.” Youth golf tournaments and clinics run by the KJGA will continue to operate in 2020, while First Tee develops relationships in Kalamazoo, recruits mentors and fundraises. First Tee’s programs are planned for all three of Kalamazoo’s municipal golf courses in 2021 – Red Arrow, Eastern Hills, and Milham Park. Smies says partnering with local school districts and youth-serving organizations is also critical to First Tee’s ability to impact students who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn through golf. First Tee hopes to begin outreach with area schools and organizations in the upcoming year in preparation for the 2021 program launch. First Tee relies heavily on volunteers and donors from communities in order to provide discounted programs to youth. Interested golfers, parents, volunteers, and donors can learn more about the organization and expansion plans at the West Michigan Golf Show, February 14-16 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Mich. In addition, First Tee is hosting a Meet & Greet event for all Kalamazoo County residents on March 11, 2020 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation Building at Homer Stryker Field, 251 Mills Ave.  Interested individuals are encouraged to RSVP by clicking here.  For more information on First Tee of West Michigan or to RSVP for the March 11 event, contact 616-208-1177 or visit firstteewestmichigan.org. ###

Randy’s Lessons – #1

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

Participant Spotlight – Jorge Garcia

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

Junior Coach Spotlight – Bradley Lardie

Junior Coach Spotlight

Bradley Lardie 9th Grade 14 years old Jenison High School 1st year as a junior coach

In Their Own Words: 

Bradley’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Confidence is my personal favorite to have learned and to teach to others.  Having confidence in yourself as well as other people is very important.  Sometimes all it takes to do something is a small bit of self-belief.  If someone doesn’t think they can sink a putt from really far away, I like to give them some encouragement. What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? Teaching the Nine Core Values to the PLAYer intro-level classes is really fun because you can see them progress within the six-week class.  I even got to work with a few students on multiple six-week sessions last summer.  Seeing the kids progress from their very first week to their last week of the second session is mind-blowing.  They’ve become better at golf and learned and use all the Nine Core Values.  I saw were students being courteous when others are golfing and gaining responsibility by bringing in their clubs and curriculum booklets every week.

Bradley’s fast facts, from Coach Tyler:

  • Bradley started on scholarship with First Tee at The Highlands in 2014, as a nine-year-old.
  • His older brother Caleb is also a long-time participant of First Tee West Michigan.
  • Bradley and Caleb both play for the Griffins Youth Foundation Hockey program.
    • Bradley has taken on a special role as a junior coach there, as well, where he’s served in a very special capacity.
    • To see Bradley’s involvement there, check out the video below.
  • This year, Bradley worked at the following golf courses:
    • Lincoln CC
    • Stormy Creek GC
  • Bradley has also helped clean our office from time to time – THANK YOU, Bradley!

Junior Coach Spotlight – Darcey Dorris

Junior Coach Spotlight

Darcey Dorris 10th Grade 15 years old East Kentwood High School 1st year as a junior coach

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, pictured left, at the age of 10 at The First Tee.  Darcey, right, this fall at the age of 15.

darcey’s fast facts, from Coach Tyler:

  • Darcey started on scholarship with First Tee through one of its strategic school partnerships with Kentwood Public Schools in 2014.
    • Bowen Elementary is still one of First Tee’s partnership schools.
  • Darcey was interviewed by Maranda in 2014, as a youngster at The First Tee.  Watch here or by clicking the video below! 
  • First Tee partners with Crestwood Middle School, where Darcey went to middle school.
  • Darcey also participated on scholarship at First Tee through a strategic partnership with her home church, First Community AME Church in southeast Grand Rapids.
  • This year, Darcey worked the most hours of any of our first-year junior coaches! She coached at:
    • Indian Trails GC
    • Kaufman GC
    • Stormy Creek GC
  • Darcey’s younger brother, Dion, participated through Bowen and First Community AME as well.  He participated with First Tee’s PGA Junior League team this summer and is considering caddying next summer.
  • Darcey’s younger sister, Dari, has also participated at The First Tee!
  • Darcey and Dion together with Executive Director Tyler Smies helped make a presentation to Kentwood City Council this summer about the value of The First Tee in the Kentwood community.
Your year-end gift before the close of 2019 will be matched, dollar for dollar by a local donor, to fund the junior coach program in 2020.  Will you make a donation today? 

Click here to Donate Today!

Junior Coach Spotlight – Adam Koval

Junior Coach Spotlight

Adam Koval 9th Grade 14 years old Forest Hills Central High School 1st year as a junior coach

In Their Own Words: 

Adam’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Responsibility – it’s up to me; I am the one myself and others depend on to make it happen. What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? I love interacting with the kids,  and making sure they are learning.  At the same time, I want to help them have the time of their life!  I love seeing the smiles.

Adam, pictured center, at The First Tee’s Eagle class this fall. 

Adam’s fast facts, from Coach Tyler:

  • Adam has been in The First Tee since he was seven years old, starting way back in 2012.
  • Adam has advanced through each level at The First Tee within a month of his eligibility (9 at Par, 11 at Birdie, 13 at Eagle).
  • Adam’s handshake is one of our best – and strongest.  Shake his hand next time you see him.
  • Adam aspires to be a Navy SEAL someday.
  • Adam is a big Purdue Univesity fan…BOILER UP!
  • If you’ve come to any of our nine Annual Golf Outings, you’ve likely met Adam on a tee box!
  • Adam and his father John have played in the Golf Marathon fundraiser each of the past 3 years at Stormy Creek GC.
  • Trips through The First Tee: 
    • Adam was selected through The First Tee for the Nancy Tennant Leadership Academy in 2019.  He visited the University of Notre Dame and several other places throughout the trip.
    • Adam also participated in The First Tee of Chicago’s Great Lakes Invitational last year, where he and his First Tee teammates took 2nd place at Cog Hill.
  • Outside of The First Tee:
    • Adam is also a longtime member of Boy Scouts
    • Adam is also a longtime violinist
Your year-end gift before the close of 2019 will be matched, dollar for dollar by a local donor, to fund the junior coach program in 2020.  Will you make a donation today? 

Click here to Donate Today!

Adam, age 8, when he started at The First Tee

Junior Coach Spotlight – Jack Seufert

Junior Coach Spotlight

Jack Seufert 11th Grade 16 years old East Grand Rapids High School 2nd year as a junior coach

In Their Own Words: 

Jack’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Integrity – knowing the difference between right and wrong; doing the right thing even when no one is looking. What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? Definitely helping to coach the kids and help them learn the basics of golf.  I took First Tee classes when I was their age and it is really fun to be able to help coach the kids, just like I was coached when I was their age.

Jack pictured above in California in the spring of 2019, seen taking a selfie with Sir Nick Faldo at the CoBank Peak Performance Academy, an opportunity through The First Tee. 

Jack’s fast facts, from Coach Tyler:

  • Jack and his brothers Charlie (13) and Henry (11) are fixtures at The First Tee since 2015.
  • This spring, Jack won an essay contest through The First Tee and Wells Fargo, and received $500 cash for his entry!
  • Jack led his first six-class session this summer, with adult volunteers assisting him.  Jack is just the third junior coach to be asked to lead a session and will continue to do so in 2020.
  • Jack and his brothers played more than 200 holes of golf in the 2019 First Tee Golf Marathon Fundraiser, raising more than $2,000 for our students on scholarship.
  • Trips through The First Tee: 
    • Jack also was selected for the CoBank Peak Performers Academy, in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.  There he met sir Nick Faldo, a 41-time tournament winner and six-time major winner on the PGA Tour.
  • Outside of The First Tee:
    • Jack also plays basketball and tennis for his high school golf teams.
    • Jack’s mother, Mindy, played Division 1 college golf at Purdue University.
Click above to see the local clip of Jack Seufert, spotlighted by Dan Wilinsky and Jack Doles of WOODTV8. Your year-end gift before the close of 2019 will be matched, dollar for dollar by a local donor, to fund the junior coach program in 2020.  Will you make a donation today? 

Click here to Donate Today!

Junior Coach Spotlight – Aydin Johnson

Junior Coach Spotlight

Aydin Johnson 9th Grade 15 years old Coopersville High School 2nd year as a junior coach

In Their Own Words: 

Aydin’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Perseverance.  It is my favorite because I think it is a very helpful skill to have all your life.  You can have perseverance with everything you do. What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? I like to help the kids get better at golf.  There was one time that a kid was not swinging the club the right way.  I showed him how to grip the club and how to swing.  After that, he was able to make contact with the ball easier.

Aydin’s fast facts, from Coach Tyler:

  • Aydin and his brothers Dakota (16) and Owen (10) are fixtures at The First Tee since they started in 2016.
  • Aydin advanced to the Eagle level (the 4th level in the program) in the spring of 2019.
  • Aydin has a stylish flair on the golf course.  He loves bucket hats and high socks.  He also has a great sense of humor.
  • Aydin’s humor makes him a great junior coach. Younger participants can relate to him easily and enjoy being around him.
  • Aydin and his brother Dakota will receive top-notch individual golf instruction from Golf-Tec’s Ian Hughes this winter, thanks to Ian’s generosity.
  • Trips through The First Tee: 
    • Aydin was selected through The First Tee for the Nancy Tennant Leadership Academy in 2018.  He visited Harbor Shores Golf Course in Benton Harbor, Soldier Field in Chicago, and a host of other places around the midwest through that trip. The First Tee of Benton Harbor graciously hosted Aydin and two other First Tee students for this trip.
  • Outside of The First Tee:
    • Aydin is also a caddie at Kent Country Club, and aspires to be an Evans Scholar.
    • He also will be joining his brother on the high school golf team for the first time this spring, at Coopersville High School.
  Your year-end gift before the close of 2019 will be matched, dollar for dollar by a local donor, to fund the junior coach program in 2020.  Will you make a donation today? 

Click here to Donate Today!

 

Local teen golfers awarded trips across the country this summer

Contact: Tyler Smies                                                                                                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Executive Director Office: 616-965-6633 Email: [email protected] Local teen golfers awarded trips across the country this summer GRAND RAPIDS, MI – June 24, 2019 – Eight local teen golfers are getting away this summer through trips made possible through The First Tee, a youth nonprofit organization that teaches values, life skills and healthy habits through the game of golf. The First Tee of West Michigan, one of 175 chapters of The First Tee across the world, has had more students selected for leadership academies in 2019 than any previous year.  Prior to these recent selections, two teens were already selected for a weeklong trip and academy in Naples, Florida in February, competing against other participants from across the country. Students who attend The First Tee of West Michigan apply for national opportunities, competing against thousands of other participants who attend class at other First Tee chapters. Below is a list of local teens who have been selected this year, where they are headed, and the name of the academy or award they were selected for.  All eight teens play or intend to play on their respective local high school golf teams.
  • Sierra Berlin | Senior, Grandville High School | San Francisco, CA | John Deere Drive Your Future Academy | June 24-28
  • Jorge Garcia | Senior, Wyoming High School | Boise, ID | Joe Louis Barrow Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy | July 24-30
  • Alex Karhunen | Junior, Jenison High School | Nantucket Island, MA | Sankaty Country Club Caddie Camp | June 15 – August 20
  • Adam Koval | Freshman, Forest Hills Central High School | Benton Harbor, MI | Nancy Tennant Leadership Academy | July 23-27
  • Bradley Lardie | Freshman, Jenison High School | Benton Harbor, MI | Nancy Tennant Leadership Academy | July 23-27
  • Connor Penn | Sophomore, West Catholic High School | Boise, ID | Joe Louis Barrow Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy | July 24-30
  • Shelbie Perski | Sophomore, Ottawa Hills High School | Benton Harbor, MI | Nancy Tennant Leadership Academy | July 23-27
  • Jack Seufert | Junior, East Grand Rapids High School | Ranch Palos Verdes, CA | CoBank Peak Performers Academy, & Wells Fargo Essay Writing Contest Finalist | August 21-24
“We will work with more than 1,000 students at The First Tee of West Michigan this year, and these teens are some of our finest. They are strong golfers, but more importantly exemplify theNine Core Values we teach.  We are ecstatic to have so many selected when the competition amongst their peers across the country is so stiff.  We know that they will represent our chapter well on a national stage while also learning and meeting other students from around the country,” said Executive Director Tyler Smies. For more information on The First Tee of West Michigan, contact 616-208-1177, email [email protected] or visit firstteewestmichigan.org.  ###

Participant Spotlight: Spencer Schaffer

Words From Spencer’s mother, Jennifer

“As a parent, it is my goal to help my children grow up to be adults with integrity, who value and respect life and those around them.  So you can imagine my surprise and excitement one year ago when I opened up the Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation flier and read the line “character building through golf”.  You see my son Spencer, had tried many sports and never really enjoyed them enough to want to stick with one.  Iwondered if golf would be a good fit.  I also liked the idea of character building!  I love the idea of Spencer becoming a young man with character and integrity. IMG_1261

I signed Spencer up for the spring session and went to the parent orientation.  All I could say was WOW!  This is an amazing opportunity, an amazing organization! This is more than just swinging a club.       

This is where Spencer’s journey in the world of golf with The First Tee began.  Who knows where it will take him.  This is truly the FIRST time he has stuck with something, stayed excited and interested in something, other than legos or video games.  He has learned the importance of honesty, respect, integrity, sportsmanship, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment.  He has been taught the importance of making right and healthy life choices.      

I appreciate the mentors involved.  They model the attitudes, values, and behaviors I hope to see grow in Spencer.  The mentors encourage Spencer to do what is right.  The mentors show interest in Spencer, in his schooling, life, and attitude.  Spencer needs men in his life who will do this.  I so appreciate it!        

If you know of a young person who needs some direction, who lacks positive role models in their life.  If you want to support young people to grow in character and find a place to learn.  The First Tee of West Michigan is a great place to look for this direction. 

Whether you send your child or support The First Tee with a donation, this is truly a youth development program.  Giving youth direction, life skills, and encouragement to be the best young person they can be. IMG_0756

Words From Spencer:
I enjoy learning and playing golf.  I have learned about honesty, integrity, courtesy, and more.  One of the core values I use every day is perseverance.  Perseverance is when you keep going and don’t give up even when things are hard.   I use perseverance at school when I have a math test and don’t really understand.  I keep trying and don’t give up on it.  I use perseverance at home when homework is hard and I want to give up.  I remember that it is better to keep trying and I ask for  help from my Mom. I use perseverance with my friends too.  Sometimes my friends ignore me or won’t let me play a game with them.  I persevere and choose to find someone else to hang out with instead of getting angry and giving up.  The First Tee helps me learn about things like perseverance.  The First Tee is AWESOME!