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The Power of Connection: Building the Coach-Participant Relationship

By Kristin Westberg, Senior Director of Curriculum and Education

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” ― Theodore Roosevelt

At First Tee, coaching involves far more than just teaching golf skills and life skills in a class; it’s about cultivating relationships that foster growth, build confidence and demonstrate resilience. But how can coaches create a foundation of trust that cultivates legitimate relationships with participants? Empowering Youth, one of the First Tee Coach Building Blocks, focuses on this aspect of development and is one key to building relationships that create impact.

Trust is the foundation

Eighty-three percent of parents wish their child had more access to trustworthy coaches. Trust forms the bedrock of any enduring coach-athlete relationship. It’s the glue that holds everything together, facilitates effective communication, skill development and overall progress. All First Tee coaches are background checked and formally trained to connect with participants, whether they’re passionate golfers or just trying something new. They prioritize building trust early on to establish a strong foundation that can lead to a lasting connection.

Positive role modeling

Ninety-two percent of parents say they hope their child has a coach who they would consider a role model. First Tee coaches serve as mentors and role models for participants. They lead by example and demonstrate the values they expect from participants. Kids are far more likely to do what you do, rather than what you say, and coaches recognize this as an opportunity to positively model both golf skills and life skills that can be applied on and off the course. Coaches are committed to Building Game Changers, work hard to embody the Key Commitments, set a positive example of pursuing goals, grow through challenge, collaborate with others, build positive self-identity and use good judgment. These behaviors help to build trust and foster connections with participants of all ages.

Continuous improvement

Fifty-three percent of parents say having a trustworthy sports coach or mentor would increase their likelihood to commit long-term to the activity. First Tee coaches understand that building meaningful connections with participants is an ongoing process, and the First Tee curriculum exists to support them through that. First Tee offers a variety of eLearning courses and supplemental resources, as well as HQ led trainings to deepen their knowledge and develop new skills, such as understanding the stages of youth development or tips and tricks for tackling skill disparities. These practices improve the learning environment in a class and create opportunities to develop relationships and strengthen connections with participants.

Ninety percent of parents believe that coaches are the unsung heroes of youth development. A coach’s influence extends beyond the course and long after the round ends. Genuine connection matters when building the coach-participant relationship and even more when building game changers. At First Tee, we recognize that when participants know you care, they’ll care what you know and that’s when true learning and growth happens.

The statistics used throughout this story are from a new study between First Tee and Harris Poll. Visit the Character Gap research to learn more.

Q&A with a Coach

Sterling Simmons III is a First Tee alumnus and the player development instructor at First Tee – Greater Richmond. In that role, Sterling leads First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Player Development Academy, First Tee matches and oversees the organizations PGA Jr. League teams.

How did you get involved with First Tee?

My father took me to the First Tee Greater Richmond driving range when I was younger, and I met my first golf coach Craig Wood. I’ve stayed involved ever since.

Why do you continue to coach?

I enjoy being able to be a part of the development process for our participants, both on and off the golf course.

What have you learned from coaching at First Tee?

First Tee has taught me that each participant is unique in their own way and as a coach, you have to be able to adapt how you teach to match the participant.

What do you think new First Tee students should know?

The course of life and the golf course are very similar. You will be presented with obstacles and challenges along the way, but the ability to navigate and overcome adversity will help you in the future on both of these “courses.”

What do you think new/inquiring coaches should know?

You don’t have to be a great golfer to make an impact on a participant’s life.

New Study from The Harris Poll and First Tee: Coaches are the unsung heroes of youth development

Parents rely on sports – and trained coaches – to help their children build character and learn life skills, including working with others.

CHICAGO, Ill. & PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2024) – While 93% of parents agree that kids can learn important life skills from playing sports, four out of five parents also believe there is a shortage of high-caliber coaches today.

That is from a new survey by global consulting and market research firm, The Harris Poll, and youth development organization, First Tee. The U.S.-based survey was conducted online in April 2024 with feedback from 2,049 adults.

The survey captured data on youth involvement in extracurricular activities and sports. The data was also analyzed by gender, age, race, education, and income, among other characteristics.

“Since our mission is centered on positive youth development, we think it is important to seek parents’ perspectives as the world around them continues to change and their kids face new challenges,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “It helps us better understand and serve youth, and in the case of this study, it reinforces the importance of our investment in training our coaches.”

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. The training system is built on research-proven methods of positive youth development, providing coaches with the tools to make kids feel safe, included and empowered. As part of First Tee’s onboarding, each coach is background-checked and completes training from the U.S. Center for SafeSport.

The key findings from the survey include:

89% of parents feel character is a lost value that should be more emphasized in today’s society – an increase of +4 percentage points from the 2023 survey. Today’s kids and teens are facing new challenges, and strength of character is essential for overcoming obstacles. Parents understand that need, as nine out of 10 parents seek opportunities for their kids to build character.

Parents believe sports can help close the character gap. Parents put their kids in extracurricular activities – with sports being most popular – for socialization and to build confidence. According to 93% of parents, children learn important life skills from playing sports.

Parents believe coaches are essential to youth development. Parents turn to coaches to help teach their kids character, self-confidence, determination and leadership. 91% of parents agree that sports coaching should inspire children to excel both on and off the field.

Safety is critically important to parents. They prefer coaches who have been background checked, with 94% of parents citing it as a priority in today’s world and 83% wishing their child had more access to well-trained coaches.

“While every generation confronts their own unique challenges, kids are facing new barriers to character development,” said Harris Poll CEO Will Johnson. “Our research findings make it clear: Parents, when registering your kids for the upcoming school year, don’t forget the critical development that comes outside the classroom.”

This is the second annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee.

Download the full 2024 Report.

For the results of the 2023 parent survey, click here.

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)  
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 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.  

About The Harris Poll
The Harris Poll is a global consulting and market research firm that strives to reveal the authentic values of modern society to inspire leaders to create a better tomorrow. It works with clients in three primary areas: building twenty-first-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. One of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., The Harris Poll has tracked public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963, and is now part of Stagwell, the challenger holding company built to transform marketing.

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MEDIA CONTACTS:    
Annika Mayers, First Tee    
[email protected]
904-273-3513

Unleashing Potential: Selam Olson’s Inspiring Journey from First Tee – Connecticut to Trinity College

Selam Olson’s journey with First Tee – Connecticut started at the tender age of seven, driven by a shared passion for golf and community with her peers. Now 17, the Wallingford resident embarks on an exciting new chapter at Trinity College in Hartford as one of the select few – 24 students nationwide – to receive the prestigious First Tee National Scholarship. Olson’s story is a testament to dedication, community involvement and the transformative power of First Tee.

From the outset, Olson was determined to excel within First Tee – Connecticut. “During my freshman year, my goal was to make sure I was the best applicant possible for the scholarship program,” she shares. Her application process was a blend of simplicity and authenticity, featuring a video where she spoke directly to the camera, podcast style, discussing her aspirations, interests and personality.

Olson’s academic and extracurricular accomplishments are impressive. A sociology major with a minor in art history, she accumulated an astounding 668 hours of community service in high school. Her involvement spans various activities, including volunteering with the Special Olympics and coaching for First Tee – Connecticut. Reflecting on her commitment, she says, “Volunteer work has always been my main thing. I didn’t even realize I had so many hours until I counted them up.”

Olson’s weekly routine is a testament to her dedication. “During the school year, I spent early Thursday mornings at a local soup kitchen and this really highlights my passion for community and helping people,” she explains. Her efforts extended to securing an internship at the Hole in the Wall development office, further showcasing her initiative and drive.

Being part of the First Tee – Connecticut community is a cornerstone of Olson’s growth. “The community that First Tee has fostered has been an amazing experience and has helped prepare me for today and the future. They want the best for all of us; I feel very supported and have a network of people behind me,” she reflects. This sense of belonging and encouragement has propelled her to pursue unique opportunities, such as attending Choate Rosemary Hall, a private high school where she was a scholarship recipient.

Olson’s achievements culminated in her acceptance into the highly selective First Tee National Scholarship Program. “I am so grateful to First Tee. I did not expect to get the scholarship; it is very selective,” she says. Her excitement about joining Trinity College is palpable as she looks forward to continuing her involvement with First Tee – Connecticut and engaging in volunteer work both independently and with her school team.

For Olson, the future is bright with possibilities. She envisions a career in the nonprofit sector or public health, fields where her passion for community service can thrive. Her unique trajectory and steadfast commitment to giving back exemplify the values that First Tee – Connecticut instills in its participants.

Olson’s journey is not just about personal achievement but also about the power of community and support. “It’s exciting to meet a lot of other people interested in First Tee and experience this new chapter of life. I’m nervous and excited to pursue college and take the next step,” she shares. Her story is a powerful reminder that with dedication, passion and the right support system, anything is possible.

As Olson steps into this new phase of her life, she carries with her the lessons, values and spirit of First Tee. Her journey is an inspiration to all, illustrating how the combination of hard work, community involvement and a supportive network can lead to extraordinary accomplishments and a bright future.

Full Circle: From Tee to Triumph – Christian Bonvisuto’s Remarkable Journey

At just 19 years old, Christian Bonvisuto of Wethersfield has already experienced a full-circle moment in his life, thanks to the First Tee National Scholar Program. Starting his journey with First Tee – Connecticut at the tender age of six, Bonvisuto embraced the program’s core values, which have shaped his life far beyond the golf course. Now, as a sophomore majoring in finance at the University of Connecticut, he recently embarked on an unforgettable adventure at the John Deere Classic.

“The nine core values (honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment) have helped me in more ways than I can count,” says Bonvisuto. “First Tee – Connecticut is about so much more than just golf. It’s about character, integrity and building a strong foundation for the future.”

Bonvisuto’s trip to the John Deere Classic was nothing short of incredible. Playing alongside professional golfer Rafael Campos, he had the chance to talk to Campos’ caddy and read greens like a pro. But the experience extended beyond the fairways and greens. Bonvisuto also played with Leslie Hager, Vice President and Comptroller at John Deere and toured its headquarters in East Moline, Ill.

“Meeting the team at John Deere and seeing how the headquarters operates was amazing,” Bonvisuto recalls. “The entire team contributes to the company’s success, and it’s impressive to see how much work goes into making John Deere a global leader.”

Bonvisuto’s goals for the trip were clear: to meet as many people as possible and make lasting connections. “I didn’t know how I would do it all in one week, but it was far more than I expected,” he admits. “Everyone was so nice, and the opportunity to interact with professionals in my field was invaluable.”

During his time at John Deere, Bonvisuto spoke with interns and learned more about the business side of the company, which aligned perfectly with his goal of pursuing a career in the financial industry. Through First Tee, he’s been matched with mentor Craig Pfeiffer, President and CEO, Money Management, further solidifying his path toward his professional aspirations.

Bonvisuto’s father, Don, was there to witness this milestone event, capturing moments as First Tee members arrived and interacted with pros and executives. “From a parent’s perspective, it’s incredible to see how much he’s grown, interacting with adults and professionals,” the elder Bonvisuto reflects. “It was a humbling experience.”

Looking ahead, Bonvisuto is excited about the upcoming winter retreat in Jacksonville and the monthly check-in calls with his First Tee class of 2023. “We do it on our own once a month, and it’s nice to see everyone and stay in touch,” he says.

Bonvisuto’s journey with First Tee – Connecticut has been marked by numerous highlights, but being nominated for the National Scholarship Program by CEO Mark Moriarty stands out. “I was one of 24 candidates selected from a competitive national pool of First Tee applicants. Being chosen was truly an honor.” His involvement with the UConn Husky Harvest Food Pantry, Special Olympics and other community activities has only furthered his commitment to making a positive impact.”

“First Tee gives you so many opportunities in your field,” Bonvisuto emphasizes. “It’s not just about golf; it’s about creating a network and building a future.”

As Bonvisuto continues to pursue his dreams, he remains a shining example of what the First Tee – Connecticut program can achieve. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, character and the incredible opportunities that come when you’re willing to put in the work. With a bright future ahead, Bonvisuto is poised to make a significant impact both on and off the course.

Swinging Beyond Boundaries: Sammy Dunn’s Journey with First Tee

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.

Help your child stay calm with the 4 Rs

There was a viral moment at the 2024 U.S. Open, when in a news conference, First Tee – Sandhills participant Tytus Solt asked World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler about staying calm after a recent triple bogie.

“I think that’s something you just learn playing more and more golf, that bad breaks are going to come, but it’s more about your response to those things,” Scheffler answered.

Everyone has highs and lows on the golf course, but the most successful players have strategies to control their emotions. And the important thing is, those strategies can be useful in tough moments off the course too.

At First Tee, we teach the 4 Rs.

Relax: “This can look a few different ways,” explained AnnaLeis Caldwell, from the Programs team at First Tee. “You might hum a song while walking to your next shot. You might close your eyes for a moment or visualize your next shot.” The former collegiate golfer said she uses breathing patterns to calm down while walking to her ball. “Every player may find something a little different works best for them,” she said.

Replay: This technique is not just useful when you hit a poor shot, Caldwell explained. It is most effective when you use the 4 Rs to keep your emotions level, so you do not get too excited or upset. Replaying a good shot can help boost your confidence. Meanwhile, Bobby Jones famously said, “I never learned anything from a match I won.” Replaying a poor shot and considering what went wrong can be enlightening too.

Ready: This is when you choose your target and club before completing your pre-shot routine, Caldwell said. Consistency and rhythm are important in golf, which explains why research shows that having a pre-shot routine can help you play better.

Re-do: In this step, you put everything together, hit your next shot and start the process over again. “This is your opportunity to start fresh,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell still uses the 4 Rs when she is playing golf but acknowledged there can be off-the-course applications too. “It could be helpful for kids during testing, maybe after receiving a poor grade or even while playing other sports,” Caldwell said.

Find a First Tee location near you.

40 First Tee Teens invited to First Tee Leadership Summit in Partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore

Actors Michael Peña and Kathryn Newton will headline the two weeklong retreats focused on sharpening leadership skills.

WEST CREEK RANCH, Mont. (August 5, 2024) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore are set to host 40 teens from across the country at West Creek Ranch, an intimate setting in Montana for leadership development, community building and connection. Owned by PGA TOUR Superstore chairman and First Tee board member Arthur M. Blank, the picturesque ranch is the perfect setting for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these teens to explore leadership development, community building and problem solving. Students spend much of the time in outdoor interactions including whitewater rafting, horseback riding and archery, based on the belief that connections made in nature provide benefits that cannot be replicated in the classroom.

Each week will tee off with keynote speakers who will discuss their individual leadership, share life experiences and examine how they have grown through opportunities and challenges. The first week will feature actor Michael Peña, while actor and First Tee alumnus Kathryn Newton will be the featured speaker during the second week.

The First Tee Leadership Summit is designed to help teens grow their leadership skills through hands-on activities that require teamwork and personal strength. Daily leadership themes include pursuing goals, growing through challenges and building positive self-identity.

This is the fourth consecutive year that nonprofit youth development organization First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore will hold this event at West Creek Ranch. This year’s group comes from 25 cities across the country, with 20 teens attending each week. West Creek Ranch is a 6,600-acre working ranch in Emigrant, Montana, that is bordered by the Yellowstone River and Gallatin National Forest.

“We are excited to host these 40 impressive teens for an unforgettable week of personal growth and relationship building,” said Dick Sullivan, Executive Chairman & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “So many lessons from golf can be applied to life, and we truly believe in the positive impact sports can have on kids and teens, which is why we’re proud to support this event and partner with First Tee chapters across the country.”

“Thank you to Arthur Blank and PGA TOUR Superstore for their continued generosity in supporting this event,” added Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “The lessons these young leaders will take away from Montana will shape their futures in remarkable ways.”

At the conclusion of the Summit, four students will be selected for the First Tee College Scholarship Program and will receive financial support as well as access to mentorship and professional development opportunities throughout college.

To be eligible for the Summit, teens completed a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country, before completing applications that outlined their leadership experience and goals. For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and Arthur Blank have championed First Tee’s mission through donations and by supporting participant events, including the Leadership Summit and the Leadership Academy, which is held in Atlanta.

The Leadership Summit is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee to expose teens to new challenges and inspire them as they prepare to embark on life after high school.

See the full field of participants.

Laniah Moffett Shines at First Tee National Championship

A Journey of Perseverance and Community

For Laniah Moffett of Waterbury, participating in the First Tee National Championship at Clemson University was not just about the competition; it was a testament to her journey and dedication to the sport she loves. The prestigious event, now in its fourth year, gathers 48 of the nation’s top junior golfers, with equal representation of boys and girls. Candidates are chosen based on their involvement in their local chapters, essays, character, grades, and handicap indexes.

Moffett, who has been playing golf for 12 years, started her journey with First Tee -Connecticut at the age of five. Now preparing to attend Division I Howard University to further her academic and golf career, she reflects on how her early involvement with the program shaped her. “When I was 15, I began helping as an assistant coach at Prospect Golf Course and East Mountain in Waterbury,” she says. “I also participated in golf shows, representing First Tee – Connecticut, giving back to a program that has done so much for me.”

Competing at Clemson this year, Moffett found the experience both challenging and rewarding. “It was an amazing experience meeting people from across the country,” she shares. “I’ve been paired with some of the same girls since I was ten, and it’s always nice to meet new people and compete in different course conditions. Adjusting to the greens and the different grass types was part of the challenge, but it helped me grow as a golfer.”

Moffett’s preparation for the event included focusing on muscle memory and honing her swing. She knew the competition would be fierce, as many participants are highly ranked golfers, some already committed to college teams. “It’s one of the most competitive events I have played in,” she remarks. “The mental preparation was crucial, and I enjoyed every moment of it.”

One of the highlights of the championship for Moffett was a “Careers in Golf” panel. “You could hear about so many careers in golf, from turf management to college coaching,” she explains. “A lot of golfers aren’t sure what they want to do, but this opened up so many possibilities for me.”

Looking ahead, Moffett dreams of turning professional and eventually owning a coaching business for youth. “I want to go pro and then own a coaching business for youth so I can give back to the younger generation,” she states. “My coach inspired me to pursue this path, and I plan to major in business management to achieve my goals.”

Moffett’s commitment to First Tee – Connecticut and its core values—such as perseverance, respect and giving back to the community—has been a driving force in her life. “First Tee has instilled so much in me,” she reflects. “I have the skill and strength to work hard, balance school with golf, make friends and network throughout college. I plan to stay involved with First Tee – Connecticut and will be there whenever they need me.”

As she embarks on her new journey at Howard University, Moffett remains a shining example of what First Tee – Connecticut programs aim to achieve: nurturing young talent and instilling values that go beyond the golf course. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and the unwavering support of First Tee.

Alumna Srishti Dhurandhar reflects on how Leadership Summit has impacted her journey

First Tee – Metropolitan New York alumna and 2022 First Tee Scholar, Srishti Dhurandhar, has been involved with First Tee for more than 10 years. She made the most out of her experience by completing the First Tee Leadership Series, attending Leadership Summit and going on to work at her local PGA TOUR Superstore.

During her junior year of high school, Srishti completed five Leadership Series sessions, where she learned about personal values, leadership skills and exploring career fields. “The series planted little seeds of these ideas and then Montana really grew those ideas,” she said.

Following the Series, she was accepted to Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore in Montana. Participants at the annual event are encouraged to try new things like horseback riding and whitewater rafting. They learn about their own strengths and weaknesses, how to work as part of a team and how to build authentic relationships.

“Summit was a life changing week for me. I came back feeling like a whole new person,” she said. Srishti spent the week reflecting on and learning about herself.

The week allowed her to get comfortable being uncomfortable, with Srishti saying that she did things that she would normally never do thanks to the event’s focus on positive risk taking,. “The environment was so safe and supportive that I felt comfortable enough to do that,” she said.

Session 1 of the 2024 Leadership Summit will be from August 5 – 9 and session 2 will be from August 12 – 16 at West Creek Ranch in Montana.

Leadership Summit provided Srishti with the opportunity to talk to PGA TOUR Superstore executives and eventually go on to work as a club fitter at the store in East Hanover, New Jersey. There she learned a lot about customer service, clubs, shafts and how to use statistics to get people the clubs that fit them best.

Now as an alumna, Srishti jumped at the chance to go back to Montana as a chaperone.

“It was a full circle moment for me, standing in the same place that those participants were in and feeling the same emotions that they were going through,” she said. “Now becoming a mentor to those participants was emotional for me also.”

Not only did chaperoning provide Srishti with a valuable experience as a mentor but it opened doors for networking opportunities that made her aware of the First Tee headquarters internship that she is completing now.

“Working here has shown me how it starts at the root. You can tell that people are here because they want to be here, and they want to help the participants,” she said.

Both the Leadership Series and Leadership Summit culminate with final presentations in which Srishti talked about her desire to work in the golf industry and combine her passion of technology and data with her passion for sports.

“Going from the speeches I gave at the end of Series and Summit, to now living out those aspirations in this internship has been so rewarding and I absolutely love what I am doing,” she said.

Srishti will complete her internship in August and begin her junior year at New York University, majoring in business and technology management and member of the collegiate golf team.

Warren Beardow – 2024 Walter Shelton “Coach of the Year”

First Tee – Connecticut lost a dear friend and coach in Walter Shelton in early 2022. Walter epitomized what it means to be a valuable coach and mentor to an extraordinary amount of participants in his tenure with First Tee – Connecticut. He embodied all of the qualities that make a good coach – compassion, empathy, kindness – and instilled those attributes in his young students alongside the nine core values that are the foundation of First Tee.

In 2023, First Tee – Connecticut established the Walter Shelton Coach of the Year Award and we are proud to have Warren Beardow as the second person honored with this distinction. Warren’s qualities are similar to Coach Walter in so many ways. Warren strives to connect with each young individual he is teaching to find the right words to ignite that “AHA” moment in their golf journey. Warren attests that in every class there is always some knowledge imparted, or a way of helping and relating to a child that makes him love coaching. Golf is a difficult sport demanding many types of clubs and shots and it can become overwhelming to a youngster as they are learning the game.

For over a dozen years, Warren Beardow has been coaching kids from ages 7-18 at First Tee – Connecticut primarily at our flagship location in Cromwell CT, and various other facilities around the state. While attending Tufts University in the late 50s, Warren studied English Language and Literature; his vocabulary and way with words is evident in his interactions with the young people at First Tee – Connecticut. Coach Warren is always there on the practice tee, putting green or the golf course with the right words of encouragement, a gentle arm around a shoulder, and a smile doing his best to engage, inspire and motivate the kids looking for their next great shot. At 86 years young, Warren is asked frequently by his friends why he is spending his time teaching young kids? His response is quite simply because he has so much fun! Warren goes on to explain that it is the kids’ smiles and their excitement that are his great reward. Humble and soft-spoken, Warren is extremely modest about the enormous impact he has made on countless kids in our communities, teaching golf and sharing valuable life lessons to assist in their futures. He knows from parent interactions over the years just how much kids rely on these life skills and incorporate the core values at school, socially and even in their adult careers.

Warren took up the game of golf when he was looking for employment as a young man and had additional time on his hands. Taking a fondness to it, he developed his own golf game during his late twenties practicing with famed teacher, Jim McLean, at Westchester Country Club, and playing in tournaments in the Fairfield and Westchester County area. A job with CBS as a Sales Executive led Warren to Chicago and he took classes in Sports Marketing at the University of Chicago. During those years, Warren honed his golf skills further and took advantage of the wealth of great amateur tournaments in this region. A new job spanning 30+ years as a product license specialist, primarily for the U.S. Olympic Committee, brought Warren back to Connecticut. While he played a lot of golf at various clubs, most often at Lyman Meadows, he began to focus on golf instruction and began teaching for First Tee – Connecticut toward the end of his career. When more time presented itself in retirement, Warren became a Certified Professional Golf Instructor with the United States Golf Teachers Federation in 2006 and offered private instruction at several places. He continues to give private lessons at Indian Springs Golf Club in Middlefield in addition to his volunteer coaching responsibilities with us.

We are beyond grateful for Warren’s many accomplishments and dedication to First Tee – Connecticut representing our organization with grace, intelligence, class, and humor. With no signs of slowing down, we look forward to many more years of having Warren teaching golf and life lessons to our young people. We value his contributions and are honored to recognize Warren with pride as our “Encourager of the Year” as he refers to the award.

Mackenzie Mack talks about the lasting impact of First Tee

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without First Tee.”

For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.

With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry.

The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada.

First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.

“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.”

Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community.

Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.”

Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience.

Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.

“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”

She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.

Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event.