Category: Blog

Four Teens Earn Selection into the First Tee College Scholarship Program

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL.  (September 12, 2022) – First Tee participants from Minnesota, Massachusetts, San Francisco and Orange County, Calif. have each been awarded scholarships and selection in to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. The teens were selected following their participation in the First Tee Leadership Series and Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore based on their intentional and innovative commitment to personal growth and development as leaders throughout the course of the program.

First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore congratulate:

  • Gabriella Mercado from First Tee – Orange County:  Gabriella is a 16-year-old high school junior from Placentia, Calif. She’s been involved with First Tee for seven years. She holds a 4.0 GPA and has aspirations of playing college golf and then becoming a sports lawyer.  Gabriella enjoys community service and in her first two years of high school accumulated more than 225 hours.
  • Jaylyn Remolona from First Tee – San Francisco: Jaylynis a 15-year-old high school junior from San Francisco.  Jaylyn attends Mercy High School in Burlingame has been involved with First Tee for seven years. She holds a 3.65 and outside of school her two hobbies are golf and singing.  
  • Kyzar Joshi from First Tee — Massachusetts: Kyzar is 17-year-old high school senior at Ashland High School in Ashland, Mass.He has been involved with First Tee for more than 10 years. He holds a 4.12 GPA and his career aspirations include playing college golf and majoring in finance or economics in college.  Kyzar serves as his class treasurer, and helped lead the Ashland High School golf team to the state section tournament. Kyzar is in the process of completing the ACE level of the First Tee Curriculum.
  • Saloni Somia from First Tee – Minnesota:  Saloni, from Plymouth, Minn.,is a17-year-old high school senior at Minnetonka High School. She has been involved with First Tee for four years. She holds a 4.0 GPA and serves as the President of her school’s National Honor Society, Captain of the Minnetonka Girls Golf Team, Founder and President of Everyone Eats (an organization that provides homeless youth allergy friendly foods) and co-founded a teen-led YouTube channel that gives good allergy advice to teens.

As First Tee Scholars, the teens will receive support throughout their post-graduate careers. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. In addition, each scholar is paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help 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.

“We are very proud of these four deserving teens from across the country,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “They each showed dedication and impressive character traits throughout the Leadership Series and Summit.  They are leaders in their schools, at home and at their First Tee chapters. Through the First Tee College Scholarship Program, we will continue to support them in their personal and professional development and empower them to hone their leadership skills as they pursue their careers. We’re thankful for partners like PGA TOUR Superstore who support these game changing initiatives.”

The four teens were selected from the more than 250 participants who attended the Leadership Series and Summit.  Boasting an average GPA of 3.9 the teens meet the College Scholarship Program eligibility requirements which are based on academic performance, length and involvement in First Tee programs, financial need and commitment to volunteerism.

First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible by donors and corporate partners who stand behind the program and First Tee’s mission. For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman Arthur M. Blank have championed First Tee’s mission through charitable and in-kind donations across the country. In September 2020, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of the Leadership Series and Summit.

“We are committed to being a positive influence in our communities and truly believe in the positive impact sports has in developing and supporting youth,” said Dick Sullivan, President & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We are proud to partner with the First Tee to empower young people with values-based leadership skills that will help them succeed throughout the course of their life. Congratulations Gabriella, Jaylyn, Kyzar and Saloni.”

Photos and broll of the Scholars is available 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. 

A Game for All

First Tee Chapters provide inclusive golf and character building programs for all kids and teens 

By Megan Hart, First Tee HQ 

About a quarter of Americans have a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but as many organizations have redoubled their focus on diversity, equity and inclusion in recent years, this group can often go overlooked in discussions on the topic. 

For 25 years, First Tee has shown up every day, determined to ensure that every kid and teen feel welcome and included. First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky is just one example of our Chapters who promote inclusive programs.  

The Chapter partners with organizations like Els for Autism, Special Olympics of Hamilton County and SCRATCHgolf to serve players of all abilities and skill levels, proving golf is for everyone. 

Thanks in part to the United States Golf Association’s IDEA Grant, the chapter has been able to expand its opportunities for all kids. The IDEA Grant was created to promote inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility efforts at the local golf level. This grant program awarded $200,000 from USGA to First Tee Chapters across the country in 2021. 

“USGA’s support is a game changer for the youth in the communities that we serve,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “With these grants, our chapters are opening the door to even more youth, especially in underserved and underrepresented communities, to explore the possibilities in golf and beyond as they build their character and life lessons through the game.” 

The USGA’s efforts to make golf more inclusive go far beyond its work with First Tee. The association will host the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this July, which will feature the globe’s top golfers with disabilities, including those with limb impairments, intellectual and neurological impairments and seated golfers. Among the field is First Tee — Tampa Bay alum Joey Hill and First Tee — Triangle alum Zachary Duncan! 

‘You just have to love the kids and find out what they need’ 

First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky is focused on reaching children from all backgrounds and abilities, and with the help of the USGA and other organizations, they have found creative ways to become more accessible. 

The Chapter will bring back programming for kids with autism this fall after it was put on hold by the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff first trained with Els for Autism in 2018.  

Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky also partners with Special Olympics of Hamilton County to introduce participants to golf. The program attracted about 20 kids per year before the pandemic, and it’ll return this summer for a weekly series.  

Three kids have transitioned from the Chapter’s Special Olympics program to its golf course program, and Executive Director Alicia Yund recalls seeing a Special Olympics participant return for a community field day hosted by the chapter. 

“It was cool to see him thriving and see how all the other kids were in awe of him and his ability to hit the ball,” she said. “It’s great when all kids are included.” 

Wendy Mockabee manages the School Program at First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, which integrates First Tee’s life skills program into elementary and middle schools in the community. One of the participating schools exclusively serves special needs students, and it’s been inspiring to see how teachers have adapted First Tee programming to meet the needs of the kids. For example, teachers attached a leaf blower to a golf club so children with mobility challenges could instead push a button to move the ball. 

In addition, the chapter hosts programming for kids with life-threatening and chronic health challenges, including SCRATCHgolf. In partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Heart Institute and the Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati, the chapter recently held a multiday camp for kids with heart defects, who are then provided scholarships for future programming. 

“We’ve been very focused on making sure all kids have a safe space, an environment where we’re prepared to make any modifications necessary to make them feel welcome and part of First Tee community,” Yund said. “Weaving accessibility and inclusion into programming — outside of finding more volunteers — it’s not a daunting or taxing effort. You just need to love the kids and find out what they need.” 

A number of First Tee chapters within the network offer youth development and programming for participants with disabilities. Contact your local chapter to learn more. 

Find a Chapter

PGA TOUR Professional Austin Smotherman Joins First Tee as an Official Ambassador

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL., (July 12, 2022) – PGA TOUR professional and First Tee alumnus Austin Smotherman has been named an official ambassador of First Tee. A Loomis, Calif. native, Smotherman participated in the Greater Sacramento chapter from age seven until 18 and developed his golf game and character during his time in the program. As an ambassador, Smotherman will showcase his involvement with the youth development organization and the impact it has on his life to help inspire the next generation.

Smotherman is debuting the First Tee logo on his bag this week during the Barracuda Championship in support of the program and its mission to empower kids and teens to build their strength of character through golf. As an ambassador, he will also give his time to meet with participants, donors, and chapter leadership to inspire more support of its mission and participation of the program.

“I’m honored to take on this role as First Tee Ambassador,” said Smotherman. “Looking back at my time as a participant, I really value the balance of developing my character while I was also developing my golf swing. Those experiences and the skills I acquired helped shape who I am as a person and now as a professional athlete. They still guide me today as I navigate the ups and downs of this game that I love.”

“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, congratulations to Austin Smotherman on today’s announcement regarding his new role as official ambassador of First Tee,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Competing on the PGA TOUR requires hard work and perseverance and his story and the character strengths he developed during his time in First Tee will help inspire many kids and teens as they explore the many opportunities golf can provide. Austin paying it forward is another example of what makes the PGA TOUR – and our members  – so special.”

During his time in First Tee, Smotherman progressed through the program, transitioning from a participant to a junior coach and mentor to the younger kids. In 2009 and 2010 he played in the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee and in 2011 he earned First Tee – Greater Sacramento’s Core Value Award.

In 2016, he graduated from Southern Methodist University where he played on the men’s golf team. After competing for two seasons on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica (2017 –2018) he transitioned to the Korn Ferry Tour (2019-2021) until he earned his PGA TOUR card in August 2021. Smotherman is the third First Tee alum, following Scott Langley (retired) and Cameron Champ, to achieve this milestone.

“We are proud to welcome Austin as our First Tee ambassador,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This is a special moment as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and the lasting impact we are having on youth and alumni across the country as they pursue their careers and passions, both on and off the golf course.  His commitment to giving back and dedication to living out his values is an inspiration and will impact many lives.”

Launching in 1997, First Tee is celebrating 25 years of enabling kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations.

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. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 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.  

Contacts:
Sara Henika
[email protected]
(904)881-7398

JP Ray – First Tee Alumnus

What happens when you provide free programs? The results are game-changing. 

With support from Southern Hills Country Club, host of this week’s PGA Championship, First Tee – Tulsa provides free character-building programs to everyone who walks through their door. JP Ray is one of many participants impacted by the program.

Developing Positive Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a great time to check in with yourself and consider how you might be able to support others. 

“Showing up for others means that you are there for someone when they need you,” explained Emma Laker, a participant with First Tee — Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky. “You show kindness by helping others and not just thinking of yourself. You give people the respect they deserve.” 

Mental health challenges can affect anyone – from professional golfers to friends and family. In 2019, a third of high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

All of that is to say: If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. 

Be there for your team and ask for help when you need it 

Emma said it feels good to have people she can count on. “It shows me that I am surrounded by friends and family that love me no matter what. I can look up to my friends and family to help me through the rough times,” she said. 

Who is on your go-to team? Maybe it’s family, friends, teachers and coaches. Building strong relationships is one of the best strategies for improving your mental health, according to the CDC. 

Game Changers seek out good groups of people that lift them up and allow them to feel safe to be themselves. 

If you’re feeling alone, there are organizations that can help. 

Talk about your feelings 

It takes lots of courage to speak out about mental health issues you may be facing. By sharing your challenges, you’re not only helping yourself but others, too.  

Recently prominent members of the sports world, from Simone Biles to Michael Phelps, have talked about their own struggles and the importance of destigmatizing mental health challenges. No one should feel embarrassed or scared to acknowledge the difficulties they’re facing. 

Talking about your problems is the best way to find help! Some mental health situations do require bigger interventions, which is why it’s important to talk to adults about how you’re feeling. 

Develop a healthy mindset 

As we’ve all seen over the last few years, there are periods when unexpected challenges appear. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many kids experienced the difficulties that come with virtual school, family financial troubles and even losing loved ones.  

Fortunately, there are ways to help prepare for tough times.  

  • Stay positive: Don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go perfectly and take a few moments to feel proud of your victories – no matter how small. 
  • Do your best: Giving your best effort helps you realize your capabilities. 
  • Give back: Emma volunteers at her church and school, and it feels amazing, she said. “I realize how extremely lucky and blessed I am to have all the love and support of my family and friends. When I am helping others, I feel like I am giving them some of my joy and happiness.” 
  • Take ownership: It’s normal to feel anxious sometimes but remember that you have control over many of the challenges you face. Practicing problem solving tools like STAR – Stop, Think, Anticipate, Respond – can help you feel empowered when future difficulties arise. 

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.

First Tee Massachusetts takes on Fenway Park

BOSTON, Massachusetts – A total of 20 First Tee Massachusetts participants were invited to Fenway Park on November 3rd to hit golf balls with Top Golf. The night out for the kids was made possible by the PGA Tour and Make Golf Your Thing.

“This was such an incredible and unique experience that I know the kids will remember for the rest of their life, I know I will.” said Kyle Harris, Director of Operations for First Tee Massachusetts.

Participants of all skill levels from ages 7 to 14 were able to enjoy this experience, including some of our coaches and volunteers.

Boston’s Franklin Park Par level participant, Finnbar Starosky, stated “I thought it was really cool, I hadn’t been to Fenway Park that often so that was really cool with the bright lights and just such an awesome experience.”

The Make Golf Your Thing initiative is made possible by the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour has been so incredibly supportive of First Tee both at the national level and local level and we are truly thankful. They believe in our life skills curriculum program and creating opportunities that our kids wouldn’t normally have. Being here at Fenway Park, creating experiences, and building character with our kids is wonderful and we can’t thank the PGA Tour enough.

Angelina Camacho, a First Tee parent and long-time supporter of First Tee Massachusetts, said “Experiences like this give our young people access in a way they may not feel they have otherwise. To be here at the iconic Fenway Park with Top Golf, it really expands opportunities for our young people and allows them to see where golf can really take them.”

First Tee of Massachusetts continues to grow and teach children across the state with plans to open two to three more locations in 2022. The work done by First Tee would not be made possible without experiences like this one, our coaches and volunteers.

To learn more about giving back to First Tee Massachusetts, visit: FirstTeeMass.org  and don’t forget to follow us on social media, @FirstTeeMass for Facebook and Instagram.

15th Annual First Tee Massachusetts Charity Tournament

FIRST TEE TOURNAMENT SUPPORTS FUTURE ENDEAVORS FOR FIRST TEE YOUTH, STATEWIDE PROGRAMMING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: OCTOBER 26, 2021

NORTON, Massachusetts – Golfers may have been dressed in several layers for the 15th annual First Tee of Massachusetts Charity Golf Tournament, but the rain and cold didn’t deter their spirits and efforts to support youth golf.

A total of 128 golfers took part in the shotgun start event at TPC Boston, with the proceeds supporting First Tee Massachusetts, which helped raise important funds for the mission to provide golf instruction and life skills to the next generation of golfers. According to Kyle Harris, Director of Operations for First Tee Massachusetts, the tournament has continued to grow each year, and saw a 63% increase in net proceeds from the year prior.

“We had a tremendous response from the golf community,” Harris said. “The word gets out that it’s a good tournament and obviously the venue is incredible. They want to support us, they want to support the kids so much that they’re willing to throw on layers and just go out and play.”

ONLINE: TOURNAMENT SCORES | FIRST TEE MASSACHUSETTS HOME

The group from Birdies 4 A Change was one of the many sponsored groups playing in the First Tee Massachusetts Charity Golf Tournament at TPC Boston. The group donated $5K to First Tee earlier this year during the 100 Hole Hike for Youth on Course. (Mass Golf)

Sarah Forbes, who serves on the Board of Directors for Mass Golf and First Tee Massachusetts, said the proceeds will help expand the program’s reach in more areas so more young people experience the game and learn its inherent values.

“As we move forward, we hope to see us open up a couple more locations, expand the program, reach more kids, continue to spread the word about the program and find more kids out there that could use it and learn about golf as more than just a game, but the life skills and core values,” Forbes said.

Among the participants in the field were standout amateur golfers Shannon Johnson and Herbie Aikens, as well as former New England Patriots linebacker Andre Tippett, and First Tee Lead Coaches Paul Coutomous (Brockton), Dan Moran (Natick), and Joe Eadie (Springfield).

Jenn Downey played with her team from Titleist/FootJoy during Monday’s tournament. (Mass Golf)

The tournament also got a tremendous boost from its Title Sponsor: LPM Charitable Foundation, one of the largest charitable organizations in Massachusetts. Robert J. Watson, President, and CEO of LPM Holding Co. Inc., founded the organization in 1991 to help support and give back to the communities in which his company conducted business. In addition to health-related organizations, LPM has also supported Massachusetts youth summer camps, including Camp Wing in Duxbury.

The Acronym “LPM” stands for Laurie, Patrick, & Mike; Watson’s wife and two sons.

Patrick Watson represented the organization on Monday and played alongside JP Chouinard, Jack Tannar, and Earl Daniels. Watson said LPM’s support of First Tee is two-fold. One, many of his relatives have worked in public service, including his parents who met each other as juvenile corrections officers. The second is golf as LPM has hosted a charity tournament each of the past 30 years to help raise money.

“We just thought it was a perfect fit,” Watson said. “Helping the youth of Massachusetts has always been kind of their mantra.”

Added Harris: “To be able to partner up with LPM Charitable Foundation is phenomenal. Our missions align closely. They’ve been a great partner in year one, so we’re incredibly appreciative of their efforts and their support of us.”

LPM & Associates has specialized in contract foodservice management and catering ​for business & industry, schools, healthcare, and cultural / entertainment venues.

Team LPM: From left, JP Chouinard, Jack Tannar, Patrick Watson, and Earl Daniels. (Mass Golf)

In addition to this year’s tournament, there are many ways you can support the mission of First Tee and help us introduce the game of golf and its inherent values like honesty, respect, and confidence, to kids and teens. Options include: equipment donations, volunteerism, and monetary contributions. 

To learn more about giving back to First Tee Massachusetts, visit: FirstTeeMass.org 

FIRST TEE IN THE NEWS

CHRIS TOWLE PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL SUMMIT

Chris Towle, a four-year participant in the First Tee program at William J. Devine Golf Course in Boston, packed his bags and headed west this past summer for the first-ever First Tee Leadership Summit out at Arthur Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana. First Tee Massachusetts was one of 29 nationwide chapters to host a Leadership Series for its students, and over the course of five weeks, Towle was chosen to represent the local chapter.

CLICK HERE to learn more.

Chris Towle, left, poses for a photo with Kevin Frawley, the head pro at William J. Devine Golf Course. (Brian Smith)

FIRST TEE STUDENTS PLAY IN MEMBER-JUNIOR WITH VOLUNTEER LEADERS

Four volunteer leaders at Mass Golf played alongside four female First Tee participants in Mass Golf’s Mother-Daughter/Member Junior back in July to help bridge the generational gap in the game and over mentorship opportunities for these young women.

FIRST TEE, YOUTH ON COURSE JOIN FORCES

Beginning in May 2021, First Tee Massachusetts participants who have reached Birdie level or above and register for a First Tee class at that level became automatically be enrolled into a Youth on Course membership for the remainder of 2021 at no additional charge. Youth On Course (YOC) allows youth 6-18 to play at any of the 29 participating locations in the state for just $5 per round.  YOC benefits also include a Mass Golf Membership, as well as access to paid summer internship programs, leadership council, caddie programs, and several more opportunities that will set individuals up for future success.

CLICK HERE to learn more.

ALLYSON MOLLUNG JOINS FIRST TEE STAFF

Back in February, First Tee Massachusetts expanded by adding Allyson Mollung to the staff as the organization’s Program Manager. Mollung, a former volunteer with the First Tee of Delaware, has overseen programming at the seven on-course locations and has deepened the connection with First Tee participants, parents, and coaching teams. She has also expanded First Tee’s outreach on its various social media channels.

CLICK HERE to learn more.

ABOUT FIRST TEE MASSACHUSETTS

In 2003, Mass Golf was selected by The First Tee to join its national network with the goal of bringing an affordable junior golf program to youth and communities that did not have them.

Since that time, Mass Golf has introduced seven program locations: D.W. Field Golf Course (Brockton), William J. Devine GC at Franklin Park (Boston), Hyannis Golf Course (Cape Cod), Cranberry Valley Golf Course (Harwich), Fenway Golf Center (Springfield), KOHR Golf (Natick) and The Links at Mass Golf (Norton).

As part of the curriculum, the children progress through a series of golf lessons where they are introduced to the different aspects of a golf course including the green, tee, fairway, rough, bunkers, and water hazards. The participants are also introduced to the basic elements of the game of golf and the swing including distance and accuracy control, course management, how to score, pace of play, honor, and proper, grip, stance, and posture.

In addition to golf, the participants are introduced to the nine core values inherent to the game including honesty, integrity, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, sportsmanship, judgment, respect, and courtesy. The life skills experience was the platform used in getting the participants to become comfortable with introducing themselves to others, meeting new people, learning something new, setting goals, and dealing with conflict. The life skills learned are useful for the participants both on and off the golf course.

First Tee Massachusetts Partnering With Youth On Course

NORTON, Massachusetts – Mass Golf is pleased to announce that First Tee Massachusetts and Youth on Course, two programs that are committed to growing the game and teaching intrinsic values of the game to young children and teenagers, will be partnering together to provide even more opportunity to young golfers in the Bay State. Effective as of May 2021, First Tee Massachusetts participants who have reached Birdie level or above and register for a First Tee class at that level will automatically be enrolled into a Youth on Course membership for the remainder of 2021 at no additional charge. “We are very excited to partner our First Tee program with Youth on Course as we continue to make golf more affordable and accessible to young players across the state,” said Kyle Harris, Director of Operations of First Tee Massachusetts. “The goals of First Tee and YOC align perfectly, so it’s a natural fit. We also felt this was a great way to reward the First Tee participants who have worked their way to the Birdie level, while offering another incentive to our younger players to remain engaged with the program and our Life Skills Curriculum.” First Tee is an international youth development organization focused on introducing the game of golf to youth, while also tying in the inherent values that come with the game to its participants. Mass Golf and First Tee have been partners for nearly 20 years with seven on-course locations across the state for children and teens to learn. Through its nine core values and healthy habits, First Tee is committed to helping children and young teens learn the game of golf, while also building game changers. The program develops life skills that last well beyond the golf course and develop more confident and goal-oriented individuals. Similarly, Youth on Course aims to provide affordable golf course access to young golfers throughout the Bay State. Golfers between the ages of 6-18 can obtain an annual membership for $15 that allows them to play at any of the 29 participating golf courses in the state for just $5 per round. A membership with Youth on Course also includes all the same great benefits as a Mass Golf membership. YOC helps young golfers develop well beyond the green with expanded opportunities aside from affordable golf course access. Through YOC, participants can become involved in paid summer internship programs, leadership council, caddie programs and several more opportunities that will set individuals up for future success. Through the new partnership, First Tee participants will have the opportunity to get on the golf course and practice the skills they are learning, all while maintaining an affordable price. “I think this is just a perfect marriage for two quality, successful programs that complement each other,” said Jesse Menachem, Mass Golf’s Executive Director/CEO. “We’ve been with First Tee for almost 20 years, and adding Youth on Course just a few years ago, it was for the reasons to support juniors, to support our First Tee participants, and to provide access where they may not have it for a very affordable price point.” Under the umbrella of Mass Golf, Youth on Course and First Tee are fully supported by the association. Youth on Course, the newer of the two programs, has seen tremendous growth in participation over its short existence. When the program came to Massachusetts in 2019, 400 participants played over 1,000 rounds of golf. Last year, those figures jumped to 2,000 participants playing 6,000 rounds of golf. “We’re seeing an incredible trajectory. We’re seeing that the program works, it’s vibrant and we’re hoping to continue to build off of that,” Menachem said. “That ties into First Tee growth, where we have our sights set on adding program locations in different pockets of the state to make sure we’re able to keep up with demand and interest and ensuring that it truly is a statewide program.” Parents who are interested in getting their children involved in either First Tee or Youth on Course can read more about both programs on MassGolf.org .

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:

  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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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Taking on Challenges

Taking on Challenges

Experiences can be some of our greatest teachers, and there are a variety of learning opportunities ahead for parents and students alike. While some will be fun and exciting, others may be challenging or difficult to navigate. Without practice or understanding, some of these new experiences are likely to leave students feeling overwhelmed and stressed. However, if you can help your student choose to see every experience as one that can build character, they’ll always come out better equipped for whatever comes next.

We believe in developing experiences that are just as fun as they are meaningful. As a result, our students are empowered by new challenges which result in continuous personal growth and essential character development.

Going back to school is the perfect opportunity to practice growing through challenges. To help parents and students navigate their back-to-school transition, we’ve developed a few tips to help them get ready.

  • Use STAR
    • S stands for STOP and take a deep breath.
    • T stands for THINK of all your choices.
    • A stands for ANTICIPATE what could happen (good or bad) as a result of your choice.
    • R stands for RESPOND by selecting the best choice for what to do.
  • Identify Challenges and Support
    • Ask your child to identify challenges for specific subjects and social interaction
    • Work with them to create a list of people they can lean on for support

Each of these steps can plant seeds of mindfulness as students go through everyday life. Taken directly from our First Tee programs, where we prepare kids to face new experiences by helping them to identify their support team, reflect on their opportunities, and strengthen what they bring to everything they do. We define strength of character as the self-confidence to show up to the challenge, the resilience to keep going when you fail, and the inner strength to do the right thing even when it’s the hard thing to do. It’s what will allow your child to walk away from failure determined, not defeated.

With our over 20 years of experience, we’ll continue developing experiences that build character to empower kids and teens through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth. This way your kids will never face a challenge they can’t go through or grow through. To learn more about getting your child involved with First Tee, you can find a chapter near you today!