As Sammy Dunn enters her senior year at Berlin High School, her journey with First Tee – Connecticut has already spanned more than a decade. From a young girl taking golf lessons to a junior coach and now a senior member of the First Tee Participant Advisory Council, Dunn’s involvement has been transformative, both for her and for the organization.
“I’ve been with First Tee – Connecticut for 11 years, since I was six,” Dunn shares. “It’s incredible to see the progression of the organization and how it has impacted my life and others.” Her deep-rooted connection with the Connecticut chapter has given Sammy a unique perspective on the evolution and growth of First Tee – Connecticut.
Dunn’s experience with the First Tee Participant Advisory Council stands out as a significant chapter in her journey. Selected as one of only eight participants nationwide, she has had the opportunity to provide valuable feedback and suggestions to First Tee headquarters. “My favorite part was being part of the marketing meetings,” she recalls. “I’m a creative person and loved offering ideas, talking about programming and hearing about other chapters.”
Her suggestions, such as in-person alumni meet-ups and a focus on practical skills like resume building, have been shaped by her own experiences and the feedback from her peers. “The programs are incredibly useful to kids in their teens. It’s important to give feedback based on what we’ve experienced with First Tee,” Dunn emphasizes.
Dunn’s role on the council also allows her to witness firsthand the efforts to make golf more accessible. “Seeing behind the scenes and understanding the efforts to make golf more inclusive has been eye-opening,” she says. Her travels to various national First Tee events, including a memorable trip to PGA Tour headquarters and TPC Sawgrass, have further enriched her perspective. “The experience at TPC Sawgrass was incredible. We took a tour of the clubhouse, went to the arcade and the beach—it was a fantastic time.”
Beyond the national stage, Dunn’s local contributions as a junior coach in Connecticut have been equally impactful. “First Tee – Connecticut has always given me opportunities to engage with golf and taught me life skills,” she reflects. “It fostered my love for golf, and I want to give back.”
Dunn’s commitment to First Tee is unwavering. She plans to remain involved as a junior coach and be an active part of the alumni network. “I want to interact with First Tee headquarters more often and continue giving back to the community that has given me so much,” she affirms.
As Dunn steps into her final year of high school, her journey with First Tee – Connecticut stands as a testament to the overall organization’s mission to build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Her story is one of dedication, growth and a deep-seated desire to give back, ensuring that the next generation of First Tee participants can experience the same transformative journey.
“I’ve met so many amazing people through First Tee – Connecticut, and those connections have only deepened my engagement,” Dunn says. “The nine core values of First Tee (honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment) are something I carry with me every day. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
With her sights set on continuing her involvement with First Tee and beyond, Dunn exemplifies the power of mentorship, community and the lifelong impact of being part of an organization that goes far beyond golf.