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Ace participant Allison Brown says First Tee has boosted her confidence

Little did Allison Brown know a life-changing gift awaited her when she traveled to Florida to visit family 12 years ago.

“When we arrived, my uncle pulled out three small golf bags – one for me, and one for each of my brothers,” she said. “I was excited about the gift, but I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do with them.”

Her uncle taught her the basics at the driving range and told her parents about a program called First Tee. “I remember my first time walking inside and meeting the coaches and the other kids, and the rest is history,” she said

Now a high school junior, Allison has been involved with First Tee – Greater Philadelphia for more than a decade, and she’s making the most of the opportunities it provides.

Last year, she attended the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, a leadership development event in Montana, where participants learn from pushing their boundaries and trying new things, like whitewater rafting and horseback riding. This summer, she attended the Game Changers Academy, which brought together 72 teens from across the First Tee network in Minneapolis, encouraging them to celebrate their differences and embrace new perspectives.

Allison is also an Ace participant at First Tee – Greater Philadelphia. As part of First Tee’s capstone program, Ace candidates must complete four projects designed to help them prepare for the future. The projects center around academics, career exploration, community service and golf.

“Being a part of First Tee isn’t only about learning to play the game of golf — it’s about learning to become better people,” Allison said. “The Ace Program is what really focuses on that aspect of First Tee. It has given me the tools to fully think about and prepare for my future and, more importantly, helps me enrich my community through various service projects.”

Allison’s interests extend far beyond golf. She plays volleyball, taught herself French and was even cast to play a titular role in a production of Romeo & Juliet. “First Tee taught me to be confident in myself and my abilities which gave me confidence needed to audition for the role,” she said.

While working toward her high school diploma, she’s also earning an associate’s degree through a dual enrollment program with Liberty University.

Learn more about First Tee’s opportunities for teens.

First Tee honors its founder, Tim Finchem, with Lifetime Achievement Award

To honor Finchem’s legacy, campaign launched to support 100 additional alumni through First Tee College Scholarship Program

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Oct. 8, 2024 – Former PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem led the launch of First Tee in 1997 and was honored Monday with the youth development organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award, its highest recognition.

PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan and First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin presented Finchem with the award at a First Tee event in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Tim worked alongside other leaders in our sport, both with golf organizations and the greats of the game, to help facilitate the establishment of First Tee, which now reaches 3.4 million young people,” Monahan said.

Finchem led the creation of First Tee, which was originally founded to make golf accessible and affordable to all families. The organization has evolved to teach life skills and strengthen values in young people at 150 chapters, 11,450 schools and 2,000 youth centers across the globe.

“Tim’s leadership in what this organization has become is immeasurable,” McLaughlin said. “The contributions that he has made to the millions of young people and their families around the country and around the world, as well as to the game of golf, will be felt for decades to come.”

Finchem received messages of congratulations from Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, USGA CEO Mike Whan and LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, as well as prominent First Tee supporters like Arthur Blank, Charles Schwab and Casey Wasserman. President Bush served as Honorary Chair of First Tee from 2011 to 2024, succeeding his father, President George H.W. Bush, who was the organization’s Honorary Chair from 1997 to 2011, and was present on the day the organization was announced in New York’s Central Park, alongside Finchem.

First Tee will honor Finchem’s legacy through a $5 million campaign to support an additional 100 First Tee Scholars. First Tee alumni who are selected for the First Tee College Scholarship Program receive financial support, access to professional development opportunities and a dedicated adult mentor throughout up to four years of college. To date the program has served nearly 100 students.

First Tee is an international youth development organization that uses golf to teach life skills and build values that they carry to all aspects of their lives. Finchem is the second recipient of First Tee’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Retired First Tee CEO Joe Louis Barrow Jr. received the honor in 2022.

Chevron’s commitment to First Tee scholarships supports leaders like Alexa Vela

When Alexa Vela began First Tee, her mother hoped that it would help her make friends outside of school. What they didn’t realize at the time is that First Tee would become Alexa’s second home for the next decade.

Alexa found that the community at First Tee – Greater Houston welcomed her immediately with open arms. She quickly made lifelong friends and not only learned how to play golf, but how to become a leader in her community. Throughout her time as a First Tee participant, she served as a mentor and coach to the younger participants at her chapter and attended the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship where she was partnered with Mark O’Meara. In 2022, Alexa was named a First Tee Scholar, a scholarship program that pairs First Tee alumni with dedicated adult mentors and provides professional development opportunities throughout their four years in college.

Alexa’s love for the game of golf and First Tee is clear from her dedication to making it more accessible for kids and families. And there is no clearer example of that than her participation in the panel at The Chevron Championship in 2024 titled Fairway Phenoms: Diversity and Inclusion as Women’s Golf is on the Rise. As part of its support of First Tee, Chevron invited Alexa to speak. Alexa joined Al Williams, the VP of Corporate Affairs at Chevron, and Nellie Borrero, the Managing Director and Sr. Strategic Advisor in Global DE&I at Accenture, to speak on the intersection of innovation, diversity, inclusion and leadership in golf and business.

A proud supporter of First Tee since 2011, Chevron U.S.A. Inc. has worked with First Tee to create a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of many young people – like Alexa – throughout the country. Last month, Chevron continued its support of First Tee during the PURE Insurance Championship through a closest to the pin contest for the First Tee participants, with the ten winners receiving a $2,000 donation each for their local First Tee chapters and providing $100,000 for First Tee scholarships.

“Scholarships are a big part of what we do. We believe it’s important to provide opportunities whether they ultimately pursue golf or not. Having someone like Alexa share her journey with us brings the scholarship dollars to life, showing the impact on the individual and what they accomplish as a result of this opportunity,” said First Tee Trustee and Chevron Vice President and General Counsel Hewitt Pate.

Since first benefiting from the First Tee College Scholarship Program, Alexa has continued to develop her passion for growing the game. She interned with First Tee headquarters as a network relations intern and most recently with the USGA as a member of its merchandise and licensing team on-site for the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst. Now a junior on the club golf team at Rice University in Houston, Alexa has helped provide her teammates with the opportunity to experience the impact that access to the game can have in their life.

“My journey from a shy and timid young girl, uncertain of her place, to a confident leader with a clear vision for her future has been profoundly shaped by the unwavering support and opportunities provided by First Tee and Chevron,” said Alexa.

Applications for the First Tee College Scholarship Program open in early 2025. Learn more.

Actress, First Tee alumna Kathryn Newton joins First Tee as national brand ambassador

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 10, 2024) – First Tee is excited to announce that actress and avid golfer Kathryn Newton has signed on as its newest national brand ambassador. Newton, an alumna of First Tee – Miami, is passionate about making golf feel fun and accessible for everyone, and she’s known for featuring the sport on her popular social media channels.

Newton and First Tee have already collaborated at events like the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst and the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore in 2023 and 2024. In her role as ambassador, she’ll continue to engage with First Tee participants and represent the youth development organization at events.

“This is a full-circle moment for me,” Newton said. “Having grown up in First Tee, I’m proud to join the organization as an ambassador because I know the difference it can make for kids and teens. Golf has meant so much to me, and I’m thrilled to share my love for the game, and its inherent values, with the next generation.”

Well known for her roles in Marvel Studios Ant-Man and The Wasp Quantumania, Netflix’s The Society, as well as Legendary Pictures Pokémon Detective Pikachu, this year she stars in the highly anticipated Focus Features Film Lisa Frankenstein and Universal Studios Abigail. Her past work includes Oscar winning films such as Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri and LadyBird, as well as Golden Globe winning Big Little Lies.

Newton started her acting career at the age of 4 and was also an avid golfer. Her nickname in high school was “Kathryn the Golfer,” and as a +2-handicap, she helped her team win championships while simultaneously working as an actress.

“Kathryn embodies First Tee’s mission and our work to use golf as a platform to empower the next generation of game changers,” said CEO Greg McLaughlin. “She brings energy to our work and a commitment to making an impact on the young people with whom she interacts.”

Newton joins professional golfers Austin Smotherman and Alex Smalley, becoming First Tee’s third ambassador. As someone who’s passionate about the game, she brings a new perspective to the organization’s ambassador program.

First Tee has been helping kids and teens build character since 1997. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with its life skills curriculum, First Tee aims to instill values that are important both on and off the golf course, including inner strength, self-confidence and perseverance.

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,450 schools and 2,000 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.     

Contact:
Megan Hart
[email protected]
(941) 400-8793

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.

Where are they now: First Tee National Championship winners

First Tee returns to Clemson University this year for its 4^th annual National Championship. This year’s field includes 24 boys and 24 girls from First Tee chapters across the country to experience what golf looks like at the next level.

In addition to showcasing their skills and perseverance on the course, players will also attend a golf careers panel and a keynote address from First Tee alumnus Gavin Parker.

This year’s tournament will be streamed on Gamecast, and you can follow scoring on Golf Genius.

Before we head to Clemson, we caught up with our past winners to see what they’re up to.

Ashton Harper
First Tee — Roanoke Valley

Ashton won the inaugural First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and is now a member of the golf team at Virginia Tech, where he is majoring in business. Ashton said his experience with First Tee taught him valuable lessons in perseverance. “Golf is not a game of perfect, and there will always be ups and downs when playing this game, but they are magnified in tournaments due to the high stakes. I was able to use perseverance to fight these ups and downs,” he said.

Ashton aims to become an All-ACC player by the end of his tenure at Virginia Tech before going on to play professionally.

Symran Shah
First Tee — Greater Dallas

Like Ashton, Symran won the First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and now plays golf at Virginia Tech. She studies business and plans to have a career in healthcare administration.

Hannah Lydic
First Tee — Delaware

Hannah won the 2022 First Tee National Championship held at Notre Dame and is now a member of the golf team at the University of Richmond, majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Her experience in the First Tee National Championship taught her patience and perseverance in both herself and her game, she said.

As a Spider, she’s won awards for golf and academics. “What’s cool about the game of golf is that if you play calm and treat your playing partners with kindness, you will ultimately have a better experience on the course which will allow you to play at a higher level,” she said. Because of her experience with First Tee coaches, she fell in love with golf and now has the goal to become a collegiate golf coach.

Hunter Swanson
First Tee — Green Valley Ranch

Hunter won the First Tee National Championship at Notre Dame in 2022 and is now a business student and member of the golf team at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Hunter lost to Ashton in a playoff at the 2021 First Tee National Championship, which inspired him to have the perseverance to come back and win at Notre Dame and taught him how to be more comfortable in high stress situations, he said.

As a college golfer, Hunter said the most important lesson he learned from First Tee is confidence. “I find I play more relaxed and have a better game when I practice enough to believe in my abilities,” he said. Since winning the First Tee National Championship, Hunter has made the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, been a Pac-12 Men’s Golfer of the Week and the Nevada State Amateur runner up.

Megan Meng
First Tee — Greater Trenton

Megan won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and is preparing to begin her college golf career at Northwestern, where she’ll study economics. Her experience playing in the First Tee National Championship challenged her to be hardworking and patient. She said she continues to use other First Tee lessons. “I find that it is important to always apply respect, sportsmanship and courtesy to those you are playing with,” said Megan, who also won the 2022 PURE Insurance Championship.

Recently, Megan was a member of Team USA at the 2023 Junior Solheim Cup and a 2023 Rolex Scholastic Junior All-American. She’s currently in the Top 10 of the AJGA Rankings and plans to pursue professional golf.

Cooper Groshart
First Tee — Central Coast

Cooper won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and now attends California State East Bay, as a business administration major and a member of the golf team. Confidence is a First Tee lesson that Cooper keeps with him today while playing competitive golf. His experience in the First Tee National Championship was inspiring, as he saw so many people from different places share the same drive to compete and succeed in golf, he said.

Cooper played in the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur in Charleston. As a freshman, he competed in 12 tournaments with his college team and has been on the dean’s list both semesters. He said his goal is to continue to improve as a player and a person.

Learn more about the First Tee National Championship.

First Tee College Scholarship Program celebrates first graduating class

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (May 14, 2024) – Four years ago, President George W. Bush had a big surprise for seven exemplary First Tee participants. First Tee’s honorary chair told the teens they were selected as inaugural members of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Now the organization is thrilled to celebrate their graduation.

“Congratulations to the first graduating class of First Tee College Scholarship Program,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are very proud of your hard work and commitment, and we look forward to watching you move into the next stages of your journey. First Tee is proud to have played a role in your development.”

“First Tee is family,” said Ricky Lam, a First Tee Scholar who is graduating from Harvard University and pursuing a career in insurance. “Ultimately First Tee is a place where you have such a strong support system to be able to pursue your passions, ask for help, expand your horizons and network so you can be the person you strive to be.”

The First Tee College Scholarship Program is a need- and merit-based scholarship program through which Scholars receive financial support and access to a wide range of professional development opportunities. Each Scholar is paired with an adult mentor to ensure they are equipped with the tools they need to be successful in college and beyond.

“The First Tee College Scholarship Program really helped me find connections, especially with my mentor,” said Malisone Chanthanpanya, now a graduate student and member of the golf team at Texas Wesleyan University. Mali is one of three Scholars who graduated early to bring the total number of graduated First Tee Scholars to 10. “She was a great resource who I could talk to about not just college and my career but about life. I got to meet a lot of people through the scholarship program.”

The First Tee College Scholarship Program was launched in 2020, and it recognizes First Tee participants who have shown dedication to academics, community service and their First Tee chapters. It has since grown to include 70 Scholars, with the 2024 class slated to be announced next month.

Meet the graduates:

Luke Boldt
First Tee – Coastal Carolina / East Carolina University
He has accepted a position as a medical missionary for two years and plans to apply to medical school.

Malisone Chanthanpanya
First Tee – Fort Worth / Texas Wesleyan University
She’s in graduate school and prepping for LPGA Q-school in the fall.

Jessica Jiao
First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Georgetown University
She has accepted a position with BNP Paribas Bank in its equity capital markets department in New York.

Ricky Lam
First Tee–Tri-Valley / Harvard University
He has accepted a position with Sompo as a commercial underwriter.

Kelly Low
First Tee – Fort Worth / University of Texas at Dallas
She has accepted an offer with Amazon Web Services as an associate solutions architect in Austin.

Nicole Monsalve
First Tee – Miami / Duke University
She has accepted a position with the NFL in its two-year rotation program in New York.

Sara Rintoul
First Tee – Central Florida / University of Florida
She has accepted an offer at Proctor & Gamble as a brand manager in Boston.

Remi Shendell
First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Emory University
She is graduating with a double-major in biology and political science.

Borina Sutiko
First Tee – Silicon Valley / Santa Clara University
She hopes to attend Cal Berkely this fall to earn her master’s in information systems.

Denise Wei
First Tee – San Francisco / University of California, Irvine
She has accepted an offer with PwC in its audit division.

First Tee Spotlight: Elias Aouad

Elias Aouad | 26 years old | First Tee Alum | Bethany Christian Services

Winter at First Tee Yields Immediate and Future Fruit for Aouad

Elias was our very first participant in 2012 at Homework & Hitting, our winter tutoring and swing training program. Hear from Elias how Homework & Hitting made an impact on his game, his school, and now his career:

First Tee alumni Elias Aoaud on the impact of Homework & Hitting

Support First Tee through a Marathoner!

After one six-class session at First Tee in the fall of 2011 in Grand Rapids, Elias was hooked on golf. He wanted to play high school golf the following spring. So Executive Director Tyler Smies bought a hitting net and began working with Elias in the basement of the Elks Lodge at the Highlands. The following spring, Elias made the high school golf team, and thanks to golf training and academic assistance Elias received, Homework & Hitting was born.

Elias at Homework & Hitting in 2013 at The Highlands Golf Course

More than 10 years later, Homework & Hitting is going strong in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, and Kalamazoo. More than 200 participants will receive tutoring and swing-training help at 20 area locations in West Michigan this winter. But it all started with Elias.

Elias shared, “It’s hard to believe that it’s been 12 years since Homework & Hitting started. I remember when the idea of it was first brought up. To say I was excited was an understatement. The program allowed for year-round coaching and allowed me to learn about the game as well as keep up with my studies.

“Help with schoolwork was especially important for me – having dedicated study time where I could focus on my school work and get help if I was stuck. “

Keeping good grades meant I was able to continue playing for my high school team and with help from Homework & Hitting, it allowed me to do just that.”

Elias, with golf legend Jack Nicklaus in 2013

Now a Network Administrator for Bethany Christian Services, Elias was First Tee’s first graduate in 2015 and went on to get his bachelor’s at Davenport University. During his time at Davenport and years after, he’d come back to volunteer at Homework & Hitting.

“I knew that once I was no longer a student with First Tee, I wanted to give back in some way. Shortly after my graduation, I asked about volunteering at Homework & Hitting.

“Coming back to First Tee as a volunteer after graduating and being able to help those who were in my shoes was beyond gratifying.“

Helping students learn more about the game of golf, correcting swings, and teaching them that golf is a fun sport.

“First Tee opened doors for me professionally, too. I was able to secure my first job in my career through the connections I made with other volunteers after I graduated.”

Support a Marathon Golfer today!

“I have nothing but gratitude for First Tee as they helped shape me into the adult and golfer I am today.” – Elias Aouad, 2015 graduate

The Next Generation is here

Finally, Claudia is at the beginning of her journey and just wrapped up Homework & Hitting for the first time this winter. On her first day of class, Claudia immediately grabbed a putter and told Coach Brian she wanted to become the best putter in the class. At just seven years old, Claudia already outperformed the older boys in the class on the putting course. In addition to her Homework & Hitting sessions with Coach Brian, she’s also receiving discounted lessons from the PGA Professional, Kosta Ramirez through First Tee. First Tee will be with her as she learns and grows through the game of golf.

Your support helps the next generation of kids like Elias become better versions of themselves on and off the course. Give today and support deeper level impact like Homework & Hitting.

Support Claudia through a pledge to a Marathon Golfer!

The importance of embracing differences and different experiences

February is Black History Month, an important time to recognize the contributions and remember the hardships endured by generations of African Americans. Appreciating diversity and what makes us each unique remains an integral part of First Tee’s DNA year-round.

“When you bring together people with different perspectives and different experiences, the whole becomes stronger than the sum of its parts,” said Pepper Peete, whose career in golf began more than two decades ago when she established the men’s team at Edward Waters College, an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida. Peete now helps lead culture and inclusion efforts at First Tee headquarters.

Access for All

First Tee has always been committed to reaching kids from all backgrounds and making sure they feel included in our programming. At First Tee we commit to:

Appreciating what makes us different.

Providing everyone with what they need to succeed, knowing that our needs and challenges may differ.

Creating space that makes every individual feel like they belong and can see themselves reflected.

Collaborating with others – including those who are different from you – is a Key Commitment at First Tee, and it means showing respect, kindness and care for everyone. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation or lived experience, we’re all unique.

Here are some ways kids can get more comfortable learning about and from others.

A-L-R is a tool for learning about others

First Tee coaches introduce the concept of appreciating diversity by explaining that people differ in many ways and are similar in other ways, and we all have strengths and weaknesses. It is important for kids and teens to understand, accept and appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses, but it is equally important they do the same with others.

Engaging others in conversation doesn’t always come naturally to children, but it can be one of the best ways to form meaningful connections across perceived barriers. A-L-R is a strategy we teach at First Tee.

Ask questions: Invite your child to ask questions to discover more about a person’s background and past experiences, which might provide insight into who they are today and the commonalities they share.
Listen to understand: Introduce active listening by encouraging your child to focus on what others are saying rather than thinking about what to say next.
Reflect and respond: Invite your child to show how they were listening by responding with a thoughtful question or sharing your own thoughts or feelings on the topic at hand.

Through this exercise, kids might learn they share common interests with someone who looks or sounds different to them.

Don’t forget that in addition to learning about others, preteens are often grappling with and discovering their own identities. If your family positions diversity as an asset, your child might feel more comfortable being themself.

Exposing your child to food, music or books from other cultures can help them see the commonalities we share and appreciate that our differences make the world a richer place. You can also discuss the diversity that exists within your own family or community to show that diversity is everywhere, including the golf space.

“Golf has given me an opportunity to go places I never would have been able to go and meet people I never would have been able to meet,” said Peete, who was married to Calvin Peete, one of the most successful Black professional golfers in history. “I think golf can open up unexpected doors.”

A lifelong golfer and mother to two daughters who played golf at HBCUs, Peete has seen the sport become more accessible, especially to women, and she believes the golf course is a perfect place to break down barriers. “You get to meet so many different people through golf,” Peete said.

Alumni Thriving – Angelo Luciani

Meet Angelo Luciani, aka JelloShot. Of course, there is a story behind the name. At a young age, Angelo developed a passion for sports. When he was seven, Angelo became a crucial player on a travel club soccer team. The quickness of the game didn’t allow for a three-syllable name, so Angelo was shortened by his teammates to Jello. His accurate shots were dubbed JelloShot, a moniker that endured. However, his love for soccer eventually gave way to a newfound passion for golf.

Angelo was first introduced to golf with First Tee – West Michigan when he was just eight years old. While learning the game of golf, Angelo also learned life skills that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. First Tee was instrumental in shaping who he was becoming as a young man and as a competitive golfer. Angelo grew from being a program participant to representing the First Tee at several national competitions, including playing at Pebble Beach with a PGA Tour Champion, and twice in the First Tee National Championship (hosted at Notre Dame and Clemson). He also is the first student from the chapter to qualify for the USGA Junior Amateur Championship, hosted in North Carolina that year.

Participating in multiple golf tournaments each year, most of his fellow competitors knew him as Jello. He was easy to spot on the golf course – the guy with a big smile and a well-coordinated wardrobe. Drawing inspiration from his passion for looking his best on the golf course, JelloShotGolf emerged last spring as a brand dedicated to reminding you to bring your best self to every shot. With a dozen products available and more in the pipeline, the JelloShotsGolf brand continues to grow and evolve through the help of where he is now – at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ.

Visit JelloShotsGolf

This is only the beginning of the story. As a student at Grand Canyon University, Angelo is pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurial Business, practicing what he learns and funding his education. We are so proud of Angelo and can’t wait to see what’s next for his brand!

While the JelloShotsGolf brand is growing, and his business acumen expanding, Angelo continues to develop and grow his golf game at a high level. Grand Canyon University has a strong Division 1 Golf team (ranked higher than several Big 10 schools), so Angelo making the team as a freshman was an uphill battle. However, he quickly established himself on the club team this fall as a frehsman, where he was one of the strongest performers. Mid-year, Angelo won his first-ever college tournament, firing a 68-69 to win.

After this victory, Angelo’s year culminated in Grand Canyon winning their first-ever Divison 1 Club Championship!

What a start to Angelo’s college career! As he continues in his golf and entrepreneurial pursuits, we’ll be rooting him on in West Michigan! Keep it up, Angelo!

For more information on volunteering at First Tee and impacting other students like Angelo, click below:

Info on Volunteering at First Tee

USGA Grant Helps Grow First Tee’s Individual Instruction Program

First Tee – West Michigan has been selected to receive $2,500 from the United States Golf Association through its IDEA Grant. This significant gift plays a pivotal role in advancing First Tee West Michigan’s programs, including growing its individual instruction initiative. This program provides young individuals with PGA-level lessons at a significantly reduced cost to their families.

In the spring of 2021, First Tee – West Michigan launched a new initiative that would break a significant financial barrier for families that want to provide their young golfer with individual PGA instruction. Starting with one instructor, First Tee – West Michigan began offering individual lessons to scholarship students within its programs for just $15. Since that first year, the program has grown and now offers lessons with five different certified instructors across all four communities First Tee – West Michigan serves (Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, and Kalamazoo). More than 280 subsidized lessons have been given to scholarship students, with more each week. Thanks to the USGA’s IDEA Grant, First Tee can continue to provide PGA-level instruction at a low cost while adding more instructors to fit the needs of its students, no matter their circumstances.

“This next-level partnership with local PGA Professionals is giving our kids what they need to thrive, learn, and grow through the game of golf,” Executive Director Tyler Smies said. “Now, our kids and teens who want to get better and play in high school or college can do so without worrying about the cost. The instruction is increasing our kids and teens engagement with First Tee and our life skills curriculum and with the game of golf in general. We’re so grateful to the USGA for their partnership in making the game even more impactful on our kids and teens.”

About First Tee – West Michigan

The USGA IDEA Grant program was established in 2021, building off the strength of more than 20 years of partnership between First Tee and the USGA. Since its inception, 72 grants have been distributed to 46 chapters across 30 states including First Tee – West Michigan, helping connect more diverse young people to the game and First Tee’s character-empowering programs. First Tee – West Michigan has been the recipient of this grant each of the past three years for their cutting edge initiatives to increase representation amongst kids from all backgrounds.

Carter Bonas wants everyone to feel like they belong on the course

Carter Bonas has already broken through in the business world, and he’s just 12. His love of golf helped inspire his company, Spectrum Golf.

The golf brand got its name because Carter is on the autism spectrum. The company was created to address an issue he faced, turning a challenge into an opportunity.

“Me and my mom were spending lots of money on clothes that were supposed to be comfortable but weren’t because I have skin sensitivity,” explained the First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant.

“I started Spectrum Golf because I wanted other people to be comfortable too.”

The brand sells golf attire and accessories, which have been displayed at the PGA Show in Orlando, an industry standard event. Carter has been interviewed by Golf Channel, Golf Digest and more about his company.

It’s impossible for Carter to choose a favorite memory from his time as a golfer. “They’re all super amazing,” Carter said.

He’s walked the course with Ernie Els at the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida, chipped with PGA Champions Tour player Alex Cejka and even met basketball star Steph Curry. Last year Curry was honored as Sports Illustrated’s Sports Person of the Year, while Carter was named Sports Kid of the Year.

Carter has big goals for his company, ultimately aiming to own a retail store and collaborate with other major brands. Playing on the PGA TOUR isn’t out of the question either, he said.

Carter loves the sport because he’s able to play on a team while still controlling the outcome of his round – whether good or bad. He also loves spending time in nature, he said.

Carter began playing golf after struggling to find another sport that fit.

During Autism Awareness Month, his message to others on the spectrum: “If you’re considering golf it takes lots of patience and practice, and you always need to stay positive,” he said.

Carter and his family have faced their own set of challenges when it comes to managing a new business. They had to table Spectrum Vitamin Water due to a manufacturing issue. “Carter only wants to sell products he loves,” said his mother, Dr. Thelma Tennie. But after finding a new producer, the vitamin water could be back on the market this year.

Seeing his mom – who owns a private therapy practice – helped inspire Carter to become an entrepreneur, he explained. And he’s also passionate about giving back. He recently launched a nonprofit, and he serves as a golf coach and motivational speaker for schools and events.

Like First Tee, Carter is dedicated to growing the sport of golf and showing that anyone can play. Carter and his mom were drawn to First Tee’s values, and he’s been participating with the Florida Gold Coast chapter in Fort Lauderdale for about a year.

“It’s been super awesome,” Carter said.