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First Tee-Indiana Awarded USGA celebrating First Tee’s 25th Anniversary

First Tee – Indiana was among the 25 Chapters across America that received an IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) grant honoring a quarter-century partnership between the USGA and First Tee. The USGA’s IDEA Grant Program provided 25 chapters with grants ranging from $5,000 – $25,000, celebrating 25 years of growing the game through youth based initiatives. This program is committed to breaking down the barriers to participate in golf and First Tee programs, as well as ensuring that recreational golf continues to thrive.

The specific community partnerships that the grant will aid include the Douglass Golf Course Program, Madison County Minority Health Coalition; Spring Break Advancement Academy, the Tippy Stars Sports Team in Lafayette, and the Carver Community Center in Kokomo. We felt that these partnerships would benefit the most from receiving funding.

Douglass Golf Course Program

The Douglass Golf Course remains as one of the most accessible golf courses in the city and in 2021, we experienced that accessibility in full circle when First Tee introduced programming there. We were able to impact over a 100 kids and teens through various partnerships with other youth serving organizations in the area. Of those 100 kids and teens the majority of them were not only brand new to golf but had never stepped foot on a golf course before. Douglass is our only free site for participants, meaning that any kid or teen who wants to participate can do so at no cost to them. This grant funded us for continued golf course access and coach payment support, as well as additional class equipment.

“We are grateful for grants like this that helped us impact a record number of kids and teens that otherwise wouldn’t have the chance at Douglass” says Taylor Haudek, Site Director of Indianapolis First Tee – Indiana.

Carver Community Center

A new opportunity that is arising for First Tee -Indiana participants is programming at the Carver Community Center in Kokomo, Indiana. We have a new First Tee Coach and PGA Professional who will be implementing the First Tee Community Program both at the Carver Center and the Kokomo American Legion Golf Course. With this being a newly formed program, we are in high need for developmental funding. This grant has provided our Chapter with start-up money for program equipment, class materials/golf course access, and scholarship offerings.

Madison County Minority Health Coalition, Advancement Academy

In 2022, we took part in a two-week Spring break camp and a one-week Fall break for kids in the Anderson Community School Corporation through the Madison County Minority Health Coalition. The camps introduced golf to its students for the first time with First Tee Community Program equipment and the help of our First Tee staff and a local First Tee Coach. We provided information to the students about our programming at local golf courses. For the next camp, we will be purchasing K-5 equipment and providing scholarship funds for First Tee class sessions. This grant dispersed money for equipment and scholarship offerings.

“Last year during Spring Break we had approximately 300 students. This year for Fall Break we have a little over 800 students! The program is growing by leaps and bounds!” says Betsy Pearson from the Madison County Minority Health Coalition.

Tippy Stars Sports Team/First Tee Night, Lafayette, Indiana

For the last three years, our Lafayette First Tee location has partnered for an evening with the Tippy Stars special needs team for a golf skills challenge night. First Tee participants partner with a Tippy Stars player and guide them through a putting, chipping and hitting challenge course. With the USGA grant funds, we purchased golf clubs and balls for each Tippy Stars player to take home and safely use to practice indoors or outdoors.

“It’s a special night to be able to work with the Tippy Stars kids alongside our First Tee participants. It’s great to see how we can use golf to get us playing together. At the end of our night this year, all of the Tippy Stars received a golf club, ball and target to practice on their own. Hopefully their interest in golf has grown over the past three years that we have done this event, and they will want to join us in a full class soon” said Dan Ross, PGA Pro and First Tee Coach.

First Tee – Indiana is thrilled to use this USGA grant to continue supporting communities through community partnerships, financial assistance, free access, scholarships, and Youth on Course.

Donate to First Tee – Indiana here.

The Key to Setting Reachable Goals

Have you ever thought about your achievements in life? What were the dreams and ambitions that you wanted to work towards? How did you get there? At First Tee, these are the type of questions we propose to kids and teens to help them understand the process of attaining goals; but to reach their goal, they must first understand how goals are formulated.

A goal is something that you want to do, be or have, but it’s not something that you can do, be or have right at this moment. It’s something you must work to get in the future, and you can apply that to any challenge in life. For example, if your child wants to achieve Honor Roll and receive all As and Bs in school this year, what would that require them to do? They would need to do well on tests and assignments. How would they accomplish that? Encourage them to take good notes, turn in their work on time, and study for their tests.

For kids, having guidelines or tools can effectively help them identify their goals and make them feel comfortable about reaching them. At First Tee, we utilize four guidelines to do this. Talk to your child about the dreams they currently have and try these out for yourself.

Four Guidelines for Setting a Reachable Goal:

The goal is Positive:
- I want to achieve a passing score of 80% or higher vs. I don’t want to fail this test

The goal is Important to You:
- The goal needs to be important to you, not to someone else. You should be able to explain why you want to achieve it and why it will make a difference for you.

The goal is Specific:
- You want to know exactly what you’re working toward.

The goal is Under your Control:
- Your efforts will allow you to achieve this goal vs. Something that is out of your control like becoming famous or winning the lottery.

Goal setting is a strategy kids and teens will apply for the rest of their life. When we set our goals, we want to be very clear about them so that we have the best chance to achieve them. The key to remember is that goals come in all shapes and sizes. Just because it doesn’t work for someone else doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve it. Your kids will learn from both their achievements and setbacks, but as they begin to set personal goals, they will learn and grow in ways that you did not think possible.

Want to get involved with what we are building at First Tee? Click here to find out more.

2022 First Tee Indiana Golf Championship

Final Results

High School Girls

Alivia Carlisle – Indy 78

Demi Bolin – Indy 82

Jenna Noort – Northwest 86

Zoe Cline – Richmond 91

Faith Lee – Northwest 92

Baylee Wissler – Richmond 92

Lauren Lacey – Richmond 101

Celia Florkowski – Michiana 109

High School Boys

*round shortened to 14 holes

Maddox Geyer – SouthCentral 62

Kellen Eder – Indy 62

Zach Geleott- Northwest 66

Charlie Tamasasky – Michiana 66

Tatsu Granvender – Michiana 72

Jaden Wong – Indy 74

Theo Thurmond – Indy 74

Micah Daniels – Richmond 78

Garrett Kretsinger – Foxcliff 96

Eric Harrison – Indy 96

Gabe Kruzendoerfer- SouthCentral 98

Sam Reising – Richmond NC

Nick Wills-Northwest NC

Boys 11 & Under

*round shortened to 8 holes

Sully Mammolenti – Michiana 39

Zach Brewer – Michiana 43

Logan Wang – Lafayette 46

Cash Gillaspy-Seymour 48

Girls 12-13

*round shortened to 6 holes

Camley Whitfield – Orange County 33

Josselyn Moran-Indy 34

Dionna Bohlinger – Lafayette 38

Olivia Patton – Indy 40

Ashlynn Sessler – Michiana 45

Leah Gradeless – Michiana 51

Boys 12-13

* round shortened to 8 holes

Carson Scheiben – Richmond 32

Blayze Chapman – Indy 36

Edison Armbrester – Indy 37

Noah Kruzendoerfer – SouthCentral 38

Kellen Laird – Richmond 42

Dallas Byerley – SouthCentral 42

Levi Gustine – Michiana 43

Brody Haaff – Orange Co. 47

Reggie Osborn – Richmond 53

Ethan Reynolds – Columbus 54

Grant Kretsinger – Foxcliff 62

Connor Jarrett – Indy 63

Liam Lawyer – Indy 73

Devin Lathan – Foxcliff NC

Elijah Wagner – Indy NC

Overall Team Results

Locations with 4 or more players were divided into teams of 4. If a location had enough players for more than 1 team, teams were selected either by their coach or by random draw. The format is best score on a hole for 9 holes.

Indy Team #1 Score

Alivia Carlisle, Kellen Eder, Olivia Patton, Theo Thurmond 32

Richmond Team #1

Carson Scheiben, Micah Daniels, Reggie Osborn, Zoe Cline 33

Richmond Team #2

Baylee Wissler, Sam Reising, Lauren Lacey, Kellen Laird 34

Indy Team #3

Demi Bolin, Blayze Chapman, Edison Armbrester, Liam Lawyer 35

Northwest

Faith Lee, Jenna Noort, Nick Wills, Zach Geleott 36

South Central

Maddox Geyer, Dallas Byerley, Gabe Kurzendoerfer, Noah Kurzendoerfer 38

Michiana Team # 2

Celia Florkowski, Charlie Tamasasky, Leah Gradeless, Ashlynn Sessler 39

Lutzke and Stacy Attend Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Burrow, Jr.

Lutzke and Stacy attended this five-day learning and empowerment academy and participated in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. The Academy builds throughout the week into a final outreach project in collaboration with DE&I leadership in the local host community.

Lutzke’s favorite part of the trip was going to downtown Philadelphia for the scavenger hunt. “It was fun to go around the city and see how big it is. This trip has allowed me to see a beautiful city with so much history behind it.” He also reflected, “My biggest takeaway from the Game Changers Academy would have to be that my perspective of diversity has changed and hearing everyone’s stories about their personal experiences with discrimination has made me want to stand up and say that discrimination is wrong and it needs to be stopped.”

Stacy reflected a similar sentiment, “I learned the differences between equity and equality, I learned about privilege and how we should use it to help those less fortunate, and I learned a lot about foreign countries and America thanks to the fact that I was lucky enough to be able to play golf with the former US Ambassador of Morocco.” He also had a favorite fun part in “…the water balloon fight. It was a big surprise and everyone was really into it!”

Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., First Tee’s CEO who retired in 2017 after 17 years of leadership, has always been an advocate for social justice and believes that First Tee has and always will be more than a game to young people. First Tee Game Changers Academy is the ultimate tribute to Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., a fearless champion of change.

This Academy is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

Etherington named as First Tee Scholar

Esther Etherington of Richmond has been selected as one of 25 Scholars to join the First Tee College Scholarship Program’s Class of 2022. The First Tee College Scholarship Program extends its impact to First Tee alumni across the U.S.by providing support throughout their post-graduate careers. Etherington will be paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help encourage and guide[him/her]throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in person throughout the year, and $5,000 per year toward tuition. Etherington has been attending First Tee programs in Richmond, Indiana for 8 years.

Esther Etherington, First Tee – Indiana

Graduating from Richmond Bowie High School in Richmond, IN

18-year-old incoming college freshman at Franklin College, where she will play on the women’s golf team and plans to major in elementary education
Esther has been involved with First Tee for six years
Member of high school choir and golf team
She was awarded the 2021 Mitchel J. Winger Courage Award, an award given by the Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association to someone who contributed to the success of their high school program and overcame a disability.
Regularly volunteers with her church.
Esther was born prematurely and blind in her right eye. She spent the first decade of her life in and out of the hospital undertaking ten different surgeries, including heart surgery. She was diagnosed with mucoepidermoid carcinoma from a tumor in one of her bronchial tubes but is now cancer-free.
Aspires to become an elementary education teacher with the eventual goal of receiving a Master’s degree in Special Education.
4.4 GPA

“I learned resiliency during my time at First Tee through the health issues I faced during my journey with First Tee. Throughout the whole process, I always could see the selfless service that my coaches extended towards me and other campers at First Tee. Many coaches in my local chapter volunteer on a consistent basis, without pay. They inspired me to invest in others and encouraged me to overcome trials and battles faced in life with a positive attitude.”
Esther Etherington

This is the largest class of First Tee College Scholars to date and a significant milestone as the youth development organization celebrates 25 years of helping young people build their strength of character through golf.

Why Girls + Growing through Golf = Empowerment

Did you know more than 80 percent of First Tee chapters offer programming specifically for girls?

“Growing up playing golf, I never imagined being in the golf industry,” said Rebecca Caimano, assistant executive director at First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, who joined the chapter in 2011 to help grow its girls programming. “It was tough being the only female who played golf.”

Now, Rebecca is among thousands of leaders/coaches who are involved in First Tee.

First Tee views golf as a metaphor for life. It’s not the score that counts, but what you learn along the way. The game is a perfect practice ground for learning skills that extend far beyond the course. Let’s face it, digging deep when things get tough is a natural part of our sport – and life – experiences.

As we celebrate our 25^th anniversary (& Women’s Golf Day), First Tee is proud of the role we’re playing in helping more young girls embrace the sport and what they can learn through it. Thanks to many female coaches and leaders throughout our network – like Rebecca – we are a safe place where girls can come, be themselves and learn from coaches and role models on the course and in the business world.

Also, thanks to organizations like USGA (a Founding Partner), LPGA-USGA Girls Golf and John Deere, sponsor of the Drive Your Future Academy, a national leadership development opportunity for female First Tee teens, we continue to intentionally offer opportunities for girls’ personal growth and development in many ways.

Empowering girls for a brighter future

While many First Tee alumnae have gone on to work in golf, others have excelled in different areas, including medicine, journalism and public affairs. And we think that’s great for them, and for the world around us.

Studies have shown that women leaders are engaging and collaborative, yet it hasn’t always been easy for women to break into many top leadership roles. Golf can help.

Ninety percent of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf, according to the PGA of America, and more than half of all businesspeople believe golf is a valuable networking tool. Women executives believe that a background in sport was helpful to career advancement because it prepared them to work better in teams, and behaviors and techniques can be applied to the corporate setting (Women’s Sports Foundation).

First Tee teaches valuable life skills that can help girls as they become leaders. Through our personal growth and junior golf programs, we encourage girls to build self-confidence that they’ll carry with them into their future.

“I originally stuck with it [golf] because I wanted to beat my brother,” Rebecca continued. “And now, here I am, using a sport that changed my life to change others.”

Now, that’s girl power.

Approximately 25% of First Tee’s coaches are women, and we’d love to increase that number! If you are interested or know of a passionate female leader in your life, please point her here to get involved: https://firsttee.org/get-involved/coach-volunteer/

Catching Up With the Inaugural First Tee Scholar

Sixteen-year-old First Tee – Lake County (Hammond, Ind.) participant, Steven Outlaw, was notified during the 2001 First Tee Network Summit, the annual gathering of those within the First Tee network, that he was going to have to make his speech earlier than originally scheduled. The events to follow happened in a way that only fate decides.

Steven describes it as “being in the right place at the right time.” Using one of the first skills instilled into First Tee participants, as well as taught within his own household, on how to properly introduce yourself to others, Steven walked right up to one of the other speakers of the evening, former president of Georgetown College, Dr. William Crouch, and shook his hand. Steven’s demeanor stood out to Dr. Crouch and gave him quite the idea.

Following Steven’s speech, Dr. Crouch scrapped his own prepared comments and surprised Steven with a full scholarship to Georgetown College and news that he planned to provide a full scholarship to First Tee participants every year following. This full-ride scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of furthering Steven’s education.

Bob Krause, former vice president of institutional advancement at Kansas State University, followed suit with Dr. Crouch’s pledge. The First Tee Scholars Program was born and set to begin by 2003 with the inaugural class of Scholars, many of whom Steven is still in touch with today.

L to R: Christopher Hawkins, First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumnus and First Tee Scholar Class of 2003; Adam Ruegg, Troon Golf; Steven Outlaw, First Tee – Lake County alumnus and inaugural First Tee Scholar; Rod Jackson, First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumnus; Brandon White, current Program Director First Tee – Lake County.

As the inaugural First Tee Scholar, Steven graduated from Georgetown College with a degree in political science. After college, he enrolled in the PGA, PGM Accelerated Program. After completing two levels of the program, he secured an internship with Troon Golf, a leading golf management company. He has since worked with Troon Golf for nearly 15 years, starting in Arizona and traveling overseas to work in the Middle East, and in Malaysia managing The Els Club Teluk Datai (rated #83 in the world by Golf Digest in 2016).

More recently, Steven serves as the PGA Director of Golf at Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club, managed by Troon Golf. Steven has been a PGA Class A Professional for more than 10 years and currently serves on the Southwest Section PGA Board of Directors and is very active with Troon’s D&I Council. Going forward, Steven aspires to ascend the ranks in the PGA of America, with a passion specifically around diversity, equity and inclusion and positive change within the game of golf.

Though Steven had numerous amazing opportunities during his time as a First Tee participant, he now prides himself in exploring what he can do for First Tee as an adult. He works closely with First Tee – Lake County, often supplying the chapter with donations.

“These opportunities would not have been possible without First Tee and the core values instilled in me such as perseverance and confidence. Much of what I learned during my time with First Tee I use now to strengthen and empower my team. I am forever grateful and honored to be part of such a great organization. I look forward to the future of First Tee and the path they will pave for the next generation.”

Eleven years after Steven’s speech, the First Tee Scholars Program continues to thrive. It has since received a face-lift following Greg McLaughlin being named First Tee CEO in 2019.

Relaunching officially in 2020, President George W. Bush, honorary First Tee chair, congratulated the first class of the revamped program. First Tee College Scholarship Program now extends its impact to alumni beyond financial support, providing personal and professional development throughout their post-graduate careers.

Each of the Scholars is paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who helps encourage and guide them throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in-person throughout the year, and up to $5,000 per year toward tuition.  

“First Tee aims to inspire and empower every young person in the program to set goals and begin pursuing them,” said McLaughlin. “The First Tee College Scholarship Program is intended to motivate young people to stay in the program and support alumni as they matriculate through the college.”

In recognition of First Tee’s 25^th anniversary, the Class of 2022 includes 25 First Tee Scholars. This time, Steven Outlaw has turned the tables, joining as a mentor to one of the Scholars.  

“I was extremely fortunate to be surrounded by great professionals as I progressed through my time with the First Tee. These individuals helped me grow not only in golf, but personally and professionally. I consider myself lucky to be able to return the favor to the next generation!”

We believe in helping youth succeed – on the golf course and in life. Learn more about our programs and how you can get involved.

Three Ways to Help Kids Develop a Positive Self Identity

Experiences are our greatest teachers. They shape how we treat others, how we see the world around us, and how we view ourselves. How we view ourselves is also known as our self identity and is defined as the qualities and potential you possess. It can influence the choices you make, the attitude you have day-to-day, and ultimately, it becomes your inner voice. For youth especially, a positive self identity can have a massive impact on who they become as adults. There are many ways parents can help their kids develop a positive self identity, and at First Tee we pride ourselves in nurturing a positive self identity for youth. Here are three ways you can help your kids develop a positive self identity inspired by our core values.

Live Your Values

Kids watch and learn from the adults in their lives every day. Studying their actions and responses, they develop their identity based on their guardians and the other mentors in their life. If you live according to the values you want your kids to have, then they are more likely to absorb that into their own independent lives. That being said, having a mentor is a great way to ensure this happens. At First Tee,youth learn from their coaches by:

Treating others with respect and honesty
Experiencing the value of teamwork, not just by being told to act as a team but by witnessing their coach lead with teamwork.
Watching their coaches exercise positive self talk and kindness to others around them brings out the best in themselves and their self identity.

Create a Culture of Acceptance

When there is no room for failure there is no room for growth. Fostering an environment that is not only safe for kids to fail but encourages them to try again, helps kids develop a strong sense of self. Acceptance also transcends just failure; it also means that every person, regardless of their background, is welcome. We work together to actively create a space of belonging for every kid— no matter what walk of life. Through example we encourage youth to accept their team members for who they are, treat each other with kindness, and create that culture of acceptance everywhere, so that when they reflect on themselves and their own identity they treat themselves with the same level of respect and positivity that they give others.

Empowerment Through Experiences

For kids, experiences shape their inner voice that gives them confidence and character. Not all experiences in life are easy, and when we empower youth to persevere and stay true to themselves, we bring out the best that’s inside of them. First Tee exists to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. As time goes on, that empowerment creates a strong sense of self, and encourages a positive self identity even in difficult situations.

Though a positive self identity may seem like something only some people are born with, it is really something that can be cultivated through leading by example, an open culture of acceptance, and consistent empowerment through all experiences. What do you want your child’s inner voice to sound like when they grow up? Nurturing their self identity can make all the difference in that. We guide kids and teens to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action. If you are interested in getting your child involved with First Tee, you can learn more and sign up today!

Building Understanding, Trust and Empathy with Active Listening

Every conversation can be an opportunity to learn something new, build trust with someone, and deepen connections. This happens when we build the skill of active listening and learn to treat listening as an active process – not a passive one.

What is Active Listening?

Active listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. It’s about being present, listening to understand (not respond), and showing active interest and engagement in the dialogue.

Why does it matter?

Active listening is an important skill for all of us to cultivate. Not only is it an important leadership skill, it has been shown to promote mindful thinking, can reduce anxiety and depression, helps build relationships and can promote empathy.

How do we practice it?

At First Tee, we use a process called A-L-R to help build connection through active listening. This helps us to deepen conversations, keep them going, and get the most out of them. Here’s how A-L-R works:

Asking questions: Asking thoughtful questions is not only a way you can keep the conversation going, but it gives you a deeper understanding of the person or topic you are engaging with.
- Helpful Tip: Be curious. Try asking questions that dig a bit deeper: How did they feel in that moment? What was going on in their minds during that experience? What would they do differently the next time? These make the conversation richer, rather than closed-ended questions that are typically answered with a simple Yes or No.

Listening to understand: When you ask a question, it is important to listen carefully to what the person is saying. We can sometimes be fixated on what we are going to say next, or when it’s our turn to jump back into the conversation, but try not to think about what you are going to say next.. Your focus is on them and their perspective rather than your own.
- Helpful Tip: Make an effort to try to clear your mind first of any distracting thoughts. It can help to jot down a mental or physical note of things on your mind in order to give your full attention.

Reflect & respond to the reply: Keep the conversation going by responding in a way that connects with what they just said. You can try to restate in your own words what the person said, share what you think or feel about it, or ask another open-ended question that connects with what the person just said.
- Helpful Tip: Show engagement and interest in what they are saying: look them in the eye when they are talking, use body language like nodding your head.

Active listening requires work, but you’ll be surprised at how much reward there is when you approach conversations and communication with this skill. Active listening is just one of the skills we are supporting kids and teens to build at First Tee. Click here to find out more about our programs.

4 Ways To Encourage Positive Thinking In Kids

We all deal with highs and lows in life. Even as kids, we experience a variety of emotions that have a direct impact on our choices, and the way we think about ourselves. A bad experience can result in negative thinking which can be detrimental to a young person’s self confidence and outlook on life. That’s why positive thinking is so powerful— not just for adults but kids as well. Maintaining a positive attitude can be challenging at times, but through practice and encouragement it becomes a skill that can shape and transform young lives.

Just as you exercise your swing before hitting the ball, it’s important to practice things that can promote positive thinking. Our minds are valuable tools, and maintaining a healthy and positive headspace can improve confidence and drive in all aspects of life.

Here are four ways that you can encourage positive thinking in your kids:

Always Give Your Best Effort – Parents and mentors should encourage kids to give their best effort as often as possible. At First Tee, we believe that it is important to help kids show up to the challenge, and develop the resilience and inner strength needed to give their best effort on and off the golf course. If kids can give their best effort in all of their endeavors, they will be able to realize what they are truly capable of. This can directly improve their confidence, and help them develop a positive attitude about the world around them.

Give Back To Your Community – Giving back to your community, or causes that you care about is another great way to maintain a positive mindset. Volunteering can help your family connect with others who hold similar values and beliefs. Even activities as simple as tutoring someone on the weekend, or pulling a neighbor’s weeds can have a tremendous effect on the community you live in. When kids can see that their actions can make a positive difference in the world, they will be more likely to feel positively about themselves, and their community.

Practice Positive Self-Talk – Parents and mentors should show kids the importance of being gentle with themselves and others. A great way to help kids develop this skill is to tell them to talk to themselves as if they are talking to their best friend. If they wouldn’t say something mean to their friend or loved one, they shouldn’t say it to themselves. The way we think directly impacts our behavior and feelings about the world. If kids can think positively about themselves, they will likely feel the same way about the world around them.

Take Ownership & Responsibility For Your Actions – Helping kids realize they have control over the outcomes of the challenges they face can help build confidence and reduce overall anxiety. Reducing anxiety and practicing problem-solving skills at a young age can have a huge effect on how their mindset develops through the rest of their lives. Raising confident kids is one of the best ways to help encourage positive thinking.

First Tee guides kids and teens to strengthen what’s inside them and put it into action. It’s a priority for us to show young people the value of caring for their social and emotional wellness. So when they step up to the next shot, math test, or presentation they have the strength to move forward, aim further, and finish stronger than the last time.

If you are interested in getting your child involved with First Tee, you can learn more and sign up today.

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The Impact Of Having A Good Mentor

Having someone that you can look up to and go to for support is one the most important things a kid can have. Mentors give youth (and even adults) the confidence they need to confront challenges and come up with their own solutions. They provide a safe place for kids and teens to be themselves and have fun, while also learning valuable life skills.

A great mentor has many traits— they can be a role model, cheerleader, policy enforcer, advocate, and friend to the students they work with. First Tee mentors have a sincere desire to be involved with their students, and treat them with respect. They practice active listening skills and empathy, while also seeking solutions and opportunities for those they work with.

We celebrate each of our coaches, and recognize them for the unique role they play in young lives. In fact, research shows that First Tee participants think of their coaches as more than just teachers and counselors, but real mentors who have made a positive difference in their lives.

Here are four ways a mentor impacts their mentees that were inspired and created by what our junior golfers have to say about their coaches:

1. Mentors show that you can never stop learning

They are always growing and showcasing that to their mentees who can feel inspired by how they adapt to life’s challenges.

“I constantly heard that sport emulates life, and life emulates sports. I didn’t understand this concept until I started the First Tee program. Through this sport, I learned accountability and responsibility for my actions and how to respond to adversity. These lessons have affected my thinking about the impact I have on those around me and how important it is for me to strive to be my best self.” – Quincy Crawford, participant, 2021 Scholar

2. Mentors help inspire students to be game-changers

Not just for themselves, but in their everyday lives and especially with their peers.

“Having an amazing mentor through the First Tee who I have developed a strong relationship with has inspired me to help others find mentors that can help them through their education and career.” – Remi Shendell, participant, First Tee Scholar

3. Mentors teach the importance of active listening

Not only do they offer support, but they show how valuable it can be to listen to someone in both good and bad times.

“Coach Mary Beth McGirr has been a major influence in my life, helping me with golf and with learning critical life skills that will aid me throughout my life. She took me under her wing and has been a shining example for me to follow. Additionally, as a woman, she has been an amazing mentor and example of a strong, confident female for me to look up to and admire. Coach Mary Beth has been one of my biggest fans and encourages me to do my best. She takes time to talk about my golf, life, family and personal struggles. She has been an excellent example of a strong leader and businesswoman who consistently gives back to the game and the community.” – Alyssa Caraballo, The First Tee of Roanoke Valley

4. Mentors guide students to lead by example

It’s easy to tell someone what to do, but more impactful to give students the tools and examples they need to come to their own solutions.

“Coach Donnie Caldwell, PGA has given me great advice with my golf but more importantly, in my life. He has told me ‘make choices today that you’ll be proud of tomorrow.’ I used to just make choices that seemed the easiest or most convenient. But now I take time to think about those big decisions and how my choices may also affect others. Without him and his advice, I don’t know where I would be with my life, and that’s scary. He has made me a better person and he has shown me how to make the most of my life.” – Braxton Caldwell, First Tee of Pine Mountain

As you can see, the impact of a great mentor is one of our strongest tools in life. Our mentors work to guarantee students that there is someone who cares about them and who will assure them they are not alone in dealing with challenges. Offered at more than 1,200 locations, our program was developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and is delivered by trained coaches, or as our participants say— mentors!

Check with your local chapter about how you can become a mentor to a junior golfer in your community.

Twenty-Eight Teens Attending First Tee Innovators Forum

San Jose, CA (Oct. 7, 2021) – Twenty-eight participants from First Tee chapters across the country are attending the First Tee Innovators Forum Oct. 8–11 in San Jose, Calif. The forum will empower the First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focusing on raising awareness on issues surrounding education, health and sustainability. During the Forum, the teens will participate in interactive workshops and small breakout sessions covering a variety of topics including education, sustainability, healthcare advocacy and programming. The participants will have the opportunity to learn from global industry leaders including representatives from First Tee’s Trustee, CapTech, as well as guests from companies including Tesla. The forum will empower the teens to be innovators and game changers in their respective communities, culminating with each of the teen participants developing a community service project that they will be encouraged to take back and implement in their local communities. At the end of the forum, a total of $32,000 will be awarded to eight attending participants to further their educational pursuits. “Congratulations to our amazing participants on earning a spot in the First Tee Innovators Forum and thank you to First Tee trustee, Doug MacKenzie, for his leadership in developing and sponsoring this event.” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “These outstanding young leaders remind us how bright the future is for them and in the communities they are determined to serve.” The 28 teens attending the forum were selected based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation. First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The Innovators Forum is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. To learn more about First Tee and the Innovators Forum, visit TheFirstTee.org.