Author: lross

Three longtime First Tee-Indiana participants were awarded scholarships to support them in their future endeavors. Funds for these scholarships are part of a grant from the PGA TOUR Superstore promoting teen retention in our programs. Congratulations Ben, Nick and Sam! Below are their reflections on their time with First Tee.

Ben is from our Northwest location and will be attending Purdue University with a double major in Profession Flight Technology and Aviation Management.

“One thing that was stressed frequently to me throughout my time with First Tee was not the mechanics of the game, but the mental side of the game. First Tee taught me perseverance, sportsmanship, and confidence, all of which play a heavy role in my character today, both inside and outside of the golf world.”

Nick is also from our Northwest location and will be attending Trine University to study Golf Management, possibly play golf for their team, and also continue to grow my personal company with their tools and resources on campus.

“I would tell someone who is new to golf that First Tee is a great place to start. It’s an amazing overview of the game of golf and the people are very well rounded in the game of golf. Learning quickly from these people is obtainable at any age level and it really is the perfect start. I started my golf journey with a few of the First Tee high school sessions and it helped me quickly learn the basics of the game and I’ll always be thankful for that.”

Sam is from our Indianapolis location and will be attending Purdue for Computer Engineering.

“First Tee coaches have taught me patience and respect to people who have trouble fitting in with their environment. Golf is a great sport but it is slow and you need to learn to wait with others and participate as a team. Being uplifting is important even if it was a bad play, you should not be negative in any scenario even if they are not your friend or teammate. Communicate well with others, don’t be quiet, approach people and ask them questions or try to start conversation because its a lot of walking around the green and you will be spending a lot of time with them, might as well try to make friends.”

It was a beautiful afternoon at Eagle Creek Golf Club as First Tee middle school and high school participants teed up for the third annual State Championship, this year in honor of beloved First Tee Coach Roger Lundy. “His passion for golf and for kids was one that exceeded all expectations.   Everything he did he always put kids first.   He always wanted the best for all.   We know that continuing his ideas and his traditions would make him proud,” said Ali Beam, Senior Director of Programming. “He was cheering all of you on during your good shots and your not so great shots.  Keep your head held high. Each day on the golf course is a new day.  Just learn for each day and reflect on the positive.”

Fifty-six players hits the links on Eagle Creek’s Pine Course with the High Schoolers playing 18 holes and the middle schoolers 9 holes. Each player received a First Tee-Indiana umbrella, water bottle and bracelet. Indianapolis’ Demi Bolin led the way with a hot three-under par on her first nine and an 18 hole score of 73. Bolin, a soon to be high school senior, is a nine year participant of First Tee. She is committed to play golf at University of Mary in North Dakota.

Levi Simms from our Northwest location edged out Sullivan Mammolenti from Michiana and Brody Haaf from South Central by a stroke with a three-over 39. The low girls round for middle school competitors came from Laila Abriani from our East Central location with a 44.

See a list of full results below and enjoy an album of photos from the day. PHOTOS

Roger Lundy Memorial State Championship

First Tee-Indiana alumni Sam Reising had the unique opportunity to return to the Game Changers Academy, a First Tee National Opportunity, recently held in Minneapolis, Minn. He joined current participant Jacob Tellez from our Michiana location. During this event teens will participate in important conversations embracing topics of self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. Reising has the honor of attending this opportunity as a participant himself. Here are his reflections of returning in a new role:

Becoming a leader within the First Tee program has been the cornerstone of who I am as a leader, instilling values that transcend the golf course. As a participant, I learned the importance of inclusive leadership, which emphasizes promoting all voices and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. This approach taught me that effective leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room but about being the person who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Inclusive leadership involves listening actively, valuing diverse perspectives, and promoting an environment where everyone feels respected and heard.

Transitioning from a participant to a chaperone, I continued to apply these leadership skills. My role shifted from receiving guidance to providing it, ensuring the participants felt supported and valued. I strived to create an inclusive atmosphere where every participant, regardless of background or skill level, felt they belonged and could contribute meaningfully. I feel like being only one year removed as a participant I truly was able to connect and relate to what the participants needed to have the best and most meaningful experience.

Continuing in the First Tee program is crucial because it reinforces these leadership principles and allows for ongoing personal growth. The program’s focus on character development, resilience, and integrity is invaluable. It provides a platform for me to continuously practice and refine leadership skills, ensuring they are applied not only within the program but in everyday life. By staying involved, I aim to help support the next generation of leaders, giving my touch on some of the things I gained through the program. Showing them that true leadership is about empathy, inclusivity, and guiding others with integrity and compassion is the way to create a positive work, learning, and even social environment!

-Sam Reising, Richmond

First Tee-Indiana t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts and more are now available for purchase in our new on-line storefront. Our partnership with Athletic Solutions will allow coaches, volunteers, and participants and family members to add to their golfing wardrobe with First Tee-Indiana items. Our chapter will benefit by 25% of every sale being donated back to First Tee-Indiana.

You can access the storefront at https://firstteeindiana.athsolutions.shop/. Enjoy shopping!

First Tee-Indiana is honored to be one of six locations in the United States to introduce the Watson Links program to junior golfers. The mission of Watson Links is to provide opportunities for kids to play golf alongside a mentor, inspiring lifelong players who benefit from the positive experiences associated with the game

Eight-time Major Champion Tom Watson’s initiative provides a bridge from golf lessons on the driving range to playing on a real golf course for aspiring players ages 10 to 18. The model is simple: pair adult golf mentors with junior golfers for fun, relaxed rounds of golf to hone basic skills, introduce course etiquette and reinforce valuable life skills – all for free!

The first program in Indiana will begin this summer at The Legends of Indiana Golf Course. A kick off event for mentors and participants was held on Monday, June 17th. We are excited to see the development of youth players and their mentors.

For more information, contact Kiselya Salcedo at [email protected].

Our First Tee-Indiana  leaders developed a special program for our First Tee School Program partners.  This unique event gives students, many who have never been to a golf course, an opportunity to visit one of our green grass programming sites and experience golf on a real course using real golf clubs.  Ten attending students from each school are selected by their P.E. teachers. On challenge day, the students will compete in a 9-hole skills event. Students answer First Tee core value questions at each of the nine stations that include putting, chipping/pitching, irons and wood shots. T-shirts are provided to the students and teachers and are color coordinated with their respective school colors. Lunch is also provided before students and teachers board their buses and return to school with the winners carrying a traveling trophy to present to their principal.  

On May 19th, 11 Fort Wayne Community Schools gathered at Brookwood Golf Course and McMillan Park Golf Course  to participate in the first events in their area. “I had the privilege of spending a few hours at McMillen with our students and staff. There were six schools at McMillen and Brookwood hosted 5 schools. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to be exposed to the game of golf, at a golf course, on a beautiful spring day. Laughter and excitement filled the air as our students enjoyed the day,” Jennifer Matthias, FWCS Board of Trustees.

In order to facilitate the School Skills Challenge days, First Tee-Indiana  provides funding for .5 day substitutes for the P.E. teachers and pays for the use of the school corporation buses and drivers. All participating students receive an invitation to attend a local green grass program free of charge via scholarship opportunities. 

All together, First Tee reached 260 kids this May through  five School Skills Challenge days. “It’s great to see kids utilizing the skills they worked on at school come alive on the golf course. Their excitement for trying something new is very encouraging.   We hope to see many of these students in our green grass programs this summer,” said Ali Beam, Senior Director of Programming.   

Along with the Fort Wayne Challenges, Klondike Elementary from the Tippecanoe School Corporation piloted a Challenge day at West Lafayette Golf & Country Club. With school administrators present, we are sure to expand the program in the greater Lafayette area next year. Our longest running challenge site at Cascades Golf Course in Bloomington welcomed seven teams from Monroe County Community Schools.  Both Franklin & Greenwood Community Schools competed at Otte Golf Center in early May with Webb Elementary taking home this year’s prize. “My students had a blast and all the schools had such great kindness and sportsmanship!  Can not wait until next year.” Ryan Macy, Greenwood Community Schools. 

Chapman and Tellez chosen for National Opportunities

We’re proud to announce that Jacob Tellez from our Michiana location was selected for the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr this July in Minneapolis, Minnesota! During this event teens will participate in important conversations embracing topics of self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building.

Indianapolis’s Blayze Chapman had been selected to participate in the First Tee Leadership Academy in Montana in August. The Academy is designed for teens to explore leadership concepts including (1) building authentic relationships by developing awareness, (2) growing through challenges via positive risk taking, and (3) developing positive self-identity through dynamic outdoor and team building activities. Set in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana, Chapman will participate in activity-based workshops facilitated by leaders from PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters, West Creek Ranch, and First Tee headquarters. 

Jacob Tellez

Blayze Chapman

Support the Indiana Golf Foundation and First Tee-Indiana with our Online Auction going live this Monday May 20th at 8:00 AM EST. You don’t want to miss out on these one-of-a-kind items!

Click the link below to check out our auction items!

Learn more about First Tee: http://ow.ly/rw5o50J7Eg5

Donate: http://ow.ly/8oNI50J7Eg1

Rebecca Jones and Esther Etherington, both former First Tee-Indiana participants and National Scholarship winners, recently traveled to Jacksonville, Florida for the 2024 First Tee Scholar Winter Workshop. They had weekend filled with fun at a the beach, a Jacksonville Icemen hockey, a little mini golf along with a career fair, workshops and special speakers. The ladies also got to spend some time with Stephen Outlaw, the first ever First Tee scholar and Indiana native.

“We had the opportunity to meet Steven Outlaw as he with the keynote speaker at the graduation dinner for the senior class. Steve, a First Tee – Indiana alum from Lake County, was the inaugural First Tee Scholar. After speaking at the 2001 First Tee Network Summit, he was offered a full ride to Georgetown College in Lexington, KY as the president of the college was in attendance. He is a PGA Professional, has travelled the world playing and working in the golf industry, and  currently works as the Director of Sales and Marketing at Troon Golf in Arizona,” said Etherington.

Jones’s experience was just as positive. “I had an amazing time at the First Tee Scholars Winter Workshop. I had the opportunity to meet other First Tee alumni, talk to industry professionals, and participate in professional development workshops. I am so thankful for the opportunities The First Tee has given me, they have made me grow personally and professionally.”

The First Tee Scholars program and weekend is one of many National Opportunities that are offered to First Tee participants across country. To see the full schedule of opportunities and their requirements, you can visit the national First Tee website link HERE.

On this #givingtuesday we are highlighting two campaign pillars that go beyond the building. Using the link below, you can designate your donation to go towards First Tee Program Locations or scholarships that support First Tee-Indiana participants, a program reaching over 100,000 youth annually with the game of golf! #IndianaGolf has currently raised $4.8 million of our $6.5 million goal. Please consider the Indiana Golf Capital campaign today! Donate: https://charity.pledgeit.org/igcapitalcampaign… Learn More: http://indianagolf.org/capitalcampaign #indianagolf #capitalcampaign #TheFort

Indiana Society for Health and Physical Educators recently name Northern Regional Director Ali Beam as its 2023 INSHAPE Recreation Professional/Leisure Educator of the Year Award recipient. The award was given at INSHAPE recent conference held at SportsZone Indy on November 9-10. Educator of the Year means through which INSHAPE recognizes the work of an individual who exhibits outstanding leadership in the recreation profession or as an leisure educator at the college/university level.

First Tee-Indiana partners with over 300 elementary and middle schools throughout Indiana with the First Tee School Program, a physical education curriculum centered around golf skills. Beam is the primary trainer of P.E. teachers and helped write the middle school curriculum with our national headquarters.

Located on the grounds of The Fort Golf Resort designed by Pete Dye at Fort Harrison State Park, the new Pete and Alice Dye Golf Center will feature new administrative space for staff, the Indiana Golf Foundation Hall of Fame, a Golf Academy, and an adjacent short game practice area.

Indiana Golf has launched a four pillar Capital Campaign with the new Pete and Alice Dye Indiana Golf Center at the forefront. The central location of Fort Harrison will bring Indiana Golf’s homesite closer to our targeted programming population and provide a space for us to tell our story throughout the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame space. The property will include our administrative building, the Indiana PGA Golf Academy and an enhanced short game area. Our additional three pillars to the campaign include the Indiana Golf Trailer, support of our First Tee program locations and Scholarships to support First Tee-Indiana participants. To learn more about our campaign, keep up with progress, and/or speak with someone about a multi year pledge; check out indianagolf.org/capital campaign/.

View our Capital Campaign brochure HERE.