Cromwell, Conn. (Monday, April 8) – Henry Hughes, co-chairman of the 1975 Sammy Davis Jr, Greater Hartford Open, now the Travelers Championship, and long-time executive with the PGA TOUR, is being honored for his many contributions to the tournament and local golf with the establishment of a scholarship fund in his name at the First Tee – Connecticut. The scholarship, the Henry Hughes First Tee – Connecticut Scholarship, will support educational needs of deserving First Tee – Connecticut participants, as well as selected programming needs of the organization in the Greater Hartford community.
Hughes grew up in Wethersfield, Conn., in the shadows of the tournament and spent his youth and early adult life attending, working at, or managing the tournament. In 1984, Hughes began his career with the PGA TOUR as director of marketing for TPC Connecticut and two years later moved to TOUR headquarters in Ponte Vedra, FL to become the TOUR’s first director of marketing. Hughes later assumed responsibility for the TOUR’s Championship Management and Tournament Business Affairs Division, overseeing 13 tournaments including The President’s Cup, The Players Championship, The TOUR Championship and the World Golf Championships.
Throughout his career with the TOUR, Hughes never forgot his roots and deep affection for Connecticut’s PGA TOUR event. Over the years, he provided invaluable guidance and assistance to tournament management. In fact, Hughes played a significant role in 2003 when he helped save the tournament which had to raise over $4 million from the Connecticut corporate community to remain on the TOUR after the departure of long-time title sponsor Canon, USA. Following his retirement from executive leadership at the PGA TOUR, he served for many years on the Board of Directors for the Greater Hartford Community Foundation which oversees the Travelers Championship.
Ted May, long-time tournament board member and one of the founders of First Tee – Connecticut added, “Without Henry’s guidance and support in those very challenging years, we might not have remained on the PGA TOUR or at the very least, would be a very different tournament than we are today. Often behind the scenes, Henry was a major advocate for Connecticut’s PGA TOUR event and was instrumental with building Connecticut’s First Tee chapter into what it has become today.“
During his many years and positions with the TOUR, Hughes played significant roles in developing and advising on the national growth of the First Tee program, including the First Tee – Connecticut in Cromwell. He became a strong advocate of the First Tee’s mission because of the positive influence it has on the lives of young people.
Mark Moriarty, First Tee – Connecticut CEO added “Henry’s lengthy and successful career at the PGA TOUR, First Tee’s founding partner, has had a tremendous impact on the game, and specifically on our chapter’s success throughout Connecticut. Everyone at First Tee – Connecticut is extremely grateful to be a part of this tribute to his successful career.”
Hughes continues to reside in Ponte Vedra, FL with his wife Patty.
Donations to the scholarship fund in honor of Henry Hughes can be made online, by mail to 55 Golf Club Road in Cromwell, CT 06416 or by phone at (860) 882-1660 with reference to the Henry Hughes First Tee – Connecticut Scholarship.
About First Tee – Connecticut
First Tee – Connecticut (officially known as the Connecticut Golf Foundation Tax ID# 06-1510744) is a 501 c3 youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challengesby seamlessly integrating the game of golf with First Tee’s life skills curriculum.
More than 50 trained coaches and volunteers consistently work to create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. In 2023 First Tee – Connecticut positively impacted nearly 65,000 young people through programs at 17 outdoor golf facilities, in 185 elementary schools and in partnership with more than 30 local youth service agencies. Now in its 25th year of operation, the chapter’s leadership works tirelessly to strengthen existing partnerships while developing new relationships, with a strategic goal of reaching young people from underserved and underrepresented communities across Connecticut. For additional information about First Tee – Connecticut, we invite you to review our most recent Annual Report (2022) and this video (created and produced by our friends at Comcast/Xfinity) which highlights our strategic work in the community.
March 2024:In celebration of Women’s History Month, our First Tee – Connecticut feature story focuses on one of our best and brightest alumni, Andra Frappier, Women’s Head Golf Coach at Trinity College.Andra shares her perspective being introduced to the game as a young girl and how her experiences with First Tee – Connecticut at East Mountain Golf Course in Waterbury shaped the foundation of core values in her life.
Andra Frappier: AIntroduction to Golf at First Tee – Connecticut Forges a Love for the Game Shaping Collegiate and Career Decisions
March is Women’s History Month, and we are proud to highlight one of First Tee – Connecticut’s best and brightest alumni, Trinity College Women’s Head Golf CoachAndra Frappier. The only child of parents Cheryl and Richard, Andra was introduced to the game of golf by her dad, a golf enthusiast, and started accompanying him to the golf course at age 3. An athlete like her father, Andra participated in soccer, basketball, and golf but her new love for the game prevailed.
Encouraged by her father’s disciplined approach to the game, Andra became fascinated by the realization that the more work she put into her game, the better the results. She credits her dad with making the game fun as well, creating games and contests that improved her skill, but offered a break from the solitude of practice. Golf suited Andra’s ability to occupy herself with her own thoughts and imagination and she immersed herself further, starting to understand that she had some potential to play this sport at a higher level. First Tee – Connecticut was about three years into its existence at this time and already had a presence at East Mountain G.C. in Waterbury. Spurred on with friends, both boys and girls, Andra became even more fond of the game with this new social aspect and made a new “best friend,” Joe Forget.
From 6th grade through 9th grade, the group played and competed together, traveling to nearby tournaments with Andra enjoying the camaraderie and the extra motivation to keep working and improving her game. Looking back on these formative years, Andra credits the core values learned throughout this period as “the foundation for the rest of my life.” There was respect for each other, wonderful lessons of sportsmanship and perseverance as they all strived to improve and get to the “next step” of playing more events with the Connecticut Section PGA and elsewhere. Andra was internally focused with a tough exterior, able to take constructive criticism well, and displayed an analytical approach to problem-solving. She learned to take golf and life “one step at a time” preferring not to look ahead but stay in the moment. Challenges were meant to be examined, and solutions might demand an “adapt, pivot and overcome” tactic to move forward.
A 2013 graduate of Cheshire High School, Andra was one of a handful of girls headed to play collegiate golf from Connecticut. The ultimate goal of all her hard work had been accomplished as Andra made the Women’s Golf Team at Fairleigh Dickinson in New Jersey on a college scholarship! Soon, Andra realized the work had really just begun. Relying on her dedicated work ethic and inner resilience from her First Tee days, Andra had a terrific year balancing golf, academics, and other adjustments to freshman life. That tough inner strength was going to be tested in the ensuing years as her game became sporadic, shooting 76/92 in a sophomore event and not able to find her form again, struggling with self-doubt. A summer job in the Pro Shop at Lyman Orchards after junior year afforded her an afternoon membership at the club and she returned for senior year, renewed and stronger, ready to assume a solid place on the team once again.
With a major in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies and a lifelong desire to become a Police Officer, Andra believed her golf career was in the rear view after her college graduation in 2016. She earnestly started working on her application for the Police Academy. Andra is struck by the idea that her First Tee friend from 7 years old, Joe Forget, then Assistant Professional at Lyman Orchards, helped change the direction of her life. Andra had thoroughly enjoyed her summer job at Lyman, and her close friendship with Marisa Kulig Crow who was in the early years of establishing her phenomenal women’s programs. With Joe and Marisa offering support, plans for the Police Academy were put on hold and Andra accepted a position as an instructor of junior girls and women players at Lyman Orchards.
The next six years with Lyman saw Andra working alongside Marisa building the Women’s Golf lessons into a program with unprecedented success, earning Marisa two LPGA National awards. Andra earned her Professional status, and taught camp, endless amounts of women’s lessons, wore several hats and became completely engrossed in the daily routine. There was plenty of laughter and fun with the long hours and Andra had not paused long enough to assess her overall “life plan” after Lyman. Turning inwards and reflecting alone on a new opportunity presented to her, Andra realized she needed to pursue her own path, and that teaching golf full-time was not her dream job. Trusting her core values and life skills, Andra embarked on a new position as Women’s Golf Head Coach at Trinity College in 2022.
Now in her second year at Trinity, Andra has become more aligned with her authentic self and is thrilled to be paying it forward and teaching her team the important lessons she learned at First Tee – Connecticut. She advises them to “be patient, have fun, stay in the moment, and always be a good representative of yourself and the institution.” The lessons are not limited to the golf course, as Andra finds herself advising the team on everything from academics to the other demands of collegiate athletics. She’s become a better listener, opening herself up and showing a more vulnerable side of herself than ever before. She is a team mom, friend, even therapist, as they work together to “peel back the onion” and explore different layers of themselves, strengthening their bond and the overall team.
Andra is amazed at the growth in the First Tee – Connecticut chapter since her early days and immensely proud to be an alum of the program. Her own recruiting efforts have forged new bonds with First Tee participants from across the country and she hopes to attract more First Tee alumni to Trinity, knowing they have a similar foundation of core values. To give back to her team, help them be successful, and share the experiences that Andra feels fortunate to have had at First Tee – Connecticut is the current plan. We are incredibly proud to have Andra as a representative of our organization and a shining example of the opportunities available here and through the game of golf. Will there ever be an Officer Frappier? Stay tuned as we might once again see Andra “adapt, pivot and overcome,” welcoming a new challenge in her life.
February 2024:As part of Black History Month, our First Tee – Connecticut Feature story highlights the journey of Eric Grant, First Tee – Connecticut staff member at Goodwin Park Golf Course.
Eric Grant: ABlack Man’s Journey through Life to Golf and his Path to First Tee – Connecticut.
As part of Black History Month, our First Tee – Connecticut Feature story highlights the journey of Eric Grant, First Tee – Connecticut staff member at Goodwin Park Golf Course. During his school years Eric played team sports like baseball and football with his friends. Eric attended UCONN, was a member of the Middletown Army National Guard and at 22, became an Officer in the Portland Police Department. He is the first and only African American Police Officer to serve in Portland and in 2009 was honored as the Connecticut Officer of the Year! Currently, Eric works as a Physical Education teacher in the Hartford Public Schools. You may be asking how did Eric wind up involved in golf?
Eric Grant is an incredibly charismatic man, with a wide grin, good nature and a positive perspective on life. He described his father, a Supervisor at Pratt and Whitney as “magnanimous, happy, charming, everyone loved him”. Clearly, the apple has not fallen far from the tree. Growing up, the Grants were the only Black family in the town of Chester. Eric’s world was divided; he was among all Black people when with family, and all white people the rest of the time which was the majority of his days. Eric’s father was a very proud, confident Black man and did not let discrimination hold himself or Eric back from whatever they wished to pursue. His dad was well respected in his supervisory role, loved his family and had an abundance of friends, many of whom began to play golf in the Pratt & Whitney Golf League.
The golf bug had set in, and Eric’s father and friends expanded their horizons and began playing in the Ebony Golf Classic Tour, an all-black tour sponsored by Ebony Magazine with stops up and down the eastern United States. Eric was along for the ride and traveled to Virginia, Alabama, Mrytle Beach and other terrific golf destinations. His time was not spent on the golf course watching his dad, however, but predominately in the arcades playing video games and the like. It was that era, and Eric never had a thought that he should also be playing golf. For that matter, neither did his dad. It was not so much prejudice, Eric believes, but more the fact that there were no kids hanging around at these golf courses, no kids at school or on T.V. that played and no young role models in general. To Eric and his dad, golf was simply a sport for older people to play.
As Eric’s adult life continued in Connecticut, his parents retired to Panama City, FL and Eric’s visits began to include playing golf with his father, sharing his clubs. Within a year of his first attempts to play, Eric was hooked and bought his first set of clubs. He began bonding with his father in a whole different way, taking golf trips together and making special memories. His father idolized Calvin Peete and his memory holds significant meaning to Eric to this day as the first and only African American Professional golfer they knew at the time.
Eric’s athletic pursuits continued during his years on the force, playing soccer in a Men’s League and coaching Girls Soccer at Haddam – Killingworth for twenty years. He decided to delve into a second career in athletics and obtained a degree at Central Connecticut over three years alongside shifts at night to teach Physical Education. Eric retired from the Police Force and began teaching P.E. to pre-school to 2nd graders at Valley View Elementary School in Portland. Sadly, Eric’s father passed just before he made the move to becoming a full-time teacher.
On the home front with summers off, Eric began making frequent loops at Portland Golf Course. Eric landed a job teaching P.E. at Thirman Milner Middle School adjacent to Keney Park, close to Goodwin Park and started golfing there regularly. His association with Ron Victor, Head Professional at Goodwin Park, and formerly of Portland Golf Course, became the final connection to Eric working in the Pro Shop at Goodwin Park with First Tee – Connecticut during the summer months.
As a father of two daughters, Brookelyn, 13 years, and Savannah, 10 years, Eric demonstrates the importance of sharing Black history in Hartford with his girls. They know that Thirman Milner, for whom Eric’s school is named, was the 1st African American Mayor of Hartford. Brookelyn attends Beman Middle School and will tell you that her school is named after the former pastor at her church. Rev. Jehiel Beman was pastor of the Cross Street African Methodist Episcopal Church, a co-founder of the Middletown Anti-Slavery Society, and a conductor on Middletown’s leg of the Underground Railroad.
Eric has introduced golf to his girls and his younger daughter is very enthused. Eric sees the majority of minority players at Keney Park G.C. and Goodwin Park G.C. and wants to make sure Savannah feels comfortable in her own experience, playing there and at other courses as well as attending First Tee – Connecticut lessons. As a coach, Eric is impressed with the First Tee’s active learning experiences with little idle time, learning patience, etiquette and respect waiting for their turn, dealing with disappointment and sometimes hearing “no”.
These days Eric plays in a golf league with 11 other African American friends and admits that heads turn as they arrive and make their way around the golf course. In his own words, they “have a blast and the beauty of being on a golf course in the morning, there is nothing like it. Golf brings people together and people are people, let’s treat everyone the same”. To Eric, playing golf is not that different of a journey than in other areas of life because “we are always representing our entire culture in these spaces where there is not a lot of representation”.
Had it not been for Eric’s father playing golf at Pratt & Whitney and forging his way through tours like the Ebony Golf Classic, Eric might never have been introduced to the game. We are extremely thankful for the journey that brought Eric Grant to us at First Tee – Connecticut and know that there are many more meaningful chapters of life ahead.
February 2024: PJ Cavaliere, a senior at Villanova, reflects on his fifteen-year transformative journey with First Tee – Connecticut. From learning valuable life skills as a young student in group lessons to honing leadership skills as a scholar in First Tee’s National Ace Program, PJ credits First Tee – Connecticut with his success and perspective on life.
PJ Cavaliere: An ACE Program Scholar Reflects on his First Tee – Connecticut Story
In the world of golf, achieving an “Ace” is a moment of triumph, a combination of skill, dedication and a touch of luck. For PJ Cavaliere, a 21-year-old senior at Villanova, his journey with First Tee – Connecticut has been an ace of its own kind, a transformative experience that goes beyond the greens.
PJ’s connection with First Tee spans an impressive 15 years, shaping his character and providing invaluable life lessons both on and off the golf course. Hailing from Marlborough, PJ’s involvement in First Tee began at the behest of his parents, who saw the potential for growth and development in their sons through early exposure to golf.
As he stands on the cusp of graduation from Villanova, PJ reflects on the profound impact First Tee – Connecticut has had on his life. “First Tee has been more than just a golf program; it’s been a guide to navigating life’s challenges,” PJ shares. “The values I’ve learned—respect, honesty and integrity—are not just for the golf course; they’re for life.”
PJ’s journey took an exciting turn when he became part of First Tee National’s Ace Capstone Program. Ace is designed for teens like PJ, offering a multi-layered approach that integrates skills and inner strengths developed through First Tee chapters. It serves as a game-plan for the future, guiding participants toward exploration, investment and the creation of a clear plan for what comes next.
“The Ace experience allowed me to delve deeper into life skills,” PJ notes. “It’s not just about golf; it’s about applying these skills to real-life scenarios. The program has been instrumental in shaping my perspective and preparing me for the challenges beyond college.”
The Ace program’s eligibility criteria, which included a minimum age of 14 or entering high school, a three-year commitment to First Tee – Connecticut and a readiness assessment by the chapter, highlight the dedication required. For PJ, meeting these criteria was a testament to his unwavering commitment to personal and skill development.
PJ will work at Travelers upon graduation and emphasizes the significance of the Ace program in honing essential life skills. “Teaching golf to others through volunteering and coaching has given me a deeper understanding of the game,” he says. “These skills are not just beneficial on the golf course but are directly applicable to life and my career.”
PJ has been actively involved in giving back to the community through volunteering and coaching for First Tee – Connecticut. He finds fulfillment in sharing his knowledge and experiences with others, reinforcing the idea that the time commitment to First Tee – Connecticut is reasonable and the rewards are immeasurable.
Encouraging individuals of all ages to engage with First Tee – Connecticut, PJ highlights the program’s unique ability to blend golf, life skills and community engagement. “First Tee provides a holistic experience that goes beyond golf swings and putting,” he asserts. “It’s about building character, fostering a sense of community, and realizing the positive impact one can make.”
As PJ looks toward the future, he carries with him the resilience, integrity and leadership skills instilled by First Tee – Connecticut. His journey serves as a testament to the program’s ability to mold not just skilled golfers but empowered individuals ready to navigate the challenges of life beyond the green.
January 2024: Paige McKenna’s journey with First Tee – Connecticut is a compelling narrative of growth, leadership, and passion. Her story echoes the organization’s mission of instilling life skills through the game of golf, leaving an indelible mark on the Fairfield community and beyond. As Paige looks forward to inspiring the next generation, she embodies the spirit of First Tee – Connecticut: building not just skilled golfers, but resilient, confident, and compassionate individuals ready to make a positive impact on the world.
Paige McKenna: A Journey of Growth, Leadership, and Passion with First Tee – Connecticut
In the heart of vibrant Fairfield, Conn., one individual’s journey stands out as a testament to the transformative power of First Tee – Connecticut. Paige McKenna is a remarkable young woman whose story intertwines with the core values and impactful programs of First Tee.
Paige’s connection with First Tee began at the tender age of 7, a pivotal point where her journey in golf and life skills education took root. What started as a simple introduction to golf evolved into a profound love for the organization, shaped by the innovative and engaging coaching methods that made learning not only fun but also deeply impactful.
Reflecting on her early experiences, Paige shares, “First Tee wasn’t just about golf for me. It was about the interesting ways the coaches taught me, making every lesson an adventure. They weren’t just teaching me how to swing a club; they were instilling values that would shape who I am becoming.”
First Tee goes beyond conventional golf instruction; it’s a holistic approach to youth development, imparting essential life skills and leadership qualities. Paige emphasizes, “I’ve learned everything from how to be a leader to giving a firm, confident handshake. The coaches teach us about respect and many qualities that we can carry with us as we grow older.”
One of the defining moments in Paige’s journey was her participation in the First Tee Innovators Forum in Jacksonville, Fla. This unique experience allowed her to collaborate on a project aimed at engaging more girls in golf, showcasing the organization’s commitment to inclusivity. Paige reflects on this opportunity, saying, “Being part of the Innovators Forum was eye-opening. It taught me not to fear failure and ignited a passion for golf and helping people.”
First Tee, with its dedicated volunteers, creates an environment where learning extends beyond the golf course. Paige fondly recalls, “The volunteers make it fun. They bring so much energy and positivity to every session. It’s not just about golf; it’s about teaching us valuable life skills and leadership qualities that we can apply in any situation.”
Looking ahead, Paige envisions herself giving back to the community that has played a pivotal role in her development. She plans to volunteer in golf lessons specifically designed for girls, with a mission to inspire and empower them. “I want to share the joy of golf and the valuable lessons I’ve learned at First Tee with other girls. It’s about creating a space where they feel confident, supported and ready to take on any challenge.”
February is Black History Month, an important time to recognize the contributions and remember the hardships endured by generations of African Americans. Appreciating diversity and what makes us each unique remains an integral part of First Tee’s DNA year-round.
“When you bring together people with different perspectives and different experiences, the whole becomes stronger than the sum of its parts,” said Pepper Peete, whose career in golf began more than two decades ago when she established the men’s team at Edward Waters College, an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida. Peete now helps lead culture and inclusion efforts at First Tee headquarters.
Access for All
First Tee has always been committed to reaching kids from all backgrounds and making sure they feel included in our programming. At First Tee we commit to:
Appreciating what makes us different.
Providing everyone with what they need to succeed, knowing that our needs and challenges may differ.
Creating space that makes every individual feel like they belong and can see themselves reflected.
Collaborating with others – including those who are different from you – is a Key Commitment at First Tee, and it means showing respect, kindness and care for everyone. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation or lived experience, we’re all unique.
Here are some ways kids can get more comfortable learning about and from others.
A-L-R is a tool for learning about others
First Tee coaches introduce the concept of appreciating diversity by explaining that people differ in many ways and are similar in other ways, and we all have strengths and weaknesses. It is important for kids and teens to understand, accept and appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses, but it is equally important they do the same with others.
Engaging others in conversation doesn’t always come naturally to children, but it can be one of the best ways to form meaningful connections across perceived barriers. A-L-R is a strategy we teach at First Tee.
Ask questions: Invite your child to ask questions to discover more about a person’s background and past experiences, which might provide insight into who they are today and the commonalities they share.
Listen to understand: Introduce active listening by encouraging your child to focus on what others are saying rather than thinking about what to say next.
Reflect and respond: Invite your child to show how they were listening by responding with a thoughtful question or sharing your own thoughts or feelings on the topic at hand.
Through this exercise, kids might learn they share common interests with someone who looks or sounds different to them.
Don’t forget that in addition to learning about others, preteens are often grappling with and discovering their own identities. If your family positions diversity as an asset, your child might feel more comfortable being themself.
Exposing your child to food, music or books from other cultures can help them see the commonalities we share and appreciate that our differences make the world a richer place. You can also discuss the diversity that exists within your own family or community to show that diversity is everywhere, including the golf space.
“Golf has given me an opportunity to go places I never would have been able to go and meet people I never would have been able to meet,” said Peete, who was married to Calvin Peete, one of the most successful Black professional golfers in history. “I think golf can open up unexpected doors.”
A lifelong golfer and mother to two daughters who played golf at HBCUs, Peete has seen the sport become more accessible, especially to women, and she believes the golf course is a perfect place to break down barriers. “You get to meet so many different people through golf,” Peete said.
Carter Bonas has already broken through in the business world, and he’s just 12. His love of golf helped inspire his company, Spectrum Golf.
The golf brand got its name because Carter is on the autism spectrum. The company was created to address an issue he faced, turning a challenge into an opportunity.
“Me and my mom were spending lots of money on clothes that were supposed to be comfortable but weren’t because I have skin sensitivity,” explained the First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant.
“I started Spectrum Golf because I wanted other people to be comfortable too.”
The brand sells golf attire and accessories, which have been displayed at the PGA Show in Orlando, an industry standard event. Carter has been interviewed by Golf Channel, Golf Digest and more about his company.
It’s impossible for Carter to choose a favorite memory from his time as a golfer. “They’re all super amazing,” Carter said.
He’s walked the course with Ernie Els at the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida, chipped with PGA Champions Tour player Alex Cejka and even met basketball star Steph Curry. Last year Curry was honored as Sports Illustrated’s Sports Person of the Year, while Carter was named Sports Kid of the Year.
Carter has big goals for his company, ultimately aiming to own a retail store and collaborate with other major brands. Playing on the PGA TOUR isn’t out of the question either, he said.
Carter loves the sport because he’s able to play on a team while still controlling the outcome of his round – whether good or bad. He also loves spending time in nature, he said.
Carter began playing golf after struggling to find another sport that fit.
During Autism Awareness Month, his message to others on the spectrum: “If you’re considering golf it takes lots of patience and practice, and you always need to stay positive,” he said.
Carter and his family have faced their own set of challenges when it comes to managing a new business. They had to table Spectrum Vitamin Water due to a manufacturing issue. “Carter only wants to sell products he loves,” said his mother, Dr. Thelma Tennie. But after finding a new producer, the vitamin water could be back on the market this year.
Seeing his mom – who owns a private therapy practice – helped inspire Carter to become an entrepreneur, he explained. And he’s also passionate about giving back. He recently launched a nonprofit, and he serves as a golf coach and motivational speaker for schools and events.
Like First Tee, Carter is dedicated to growing the sport of golf and showing that anyone can play. Carter and his mom were drawn to First Tee’s values, and he’s been participating with the Florida Gold Coast chapter in Fort Lauderdale for about a year.
Jayda Dookie didn’t quite know what she was getting into when her high school coach reached out about a caddying opportunity at Seminole Golf Club.
Ranked the top course in Florida for the last 35 years by Golf Digest, the Club has a rich history of hosting the corporate elite along with a couple of high-profile events in the past. But Jayda was about to make her own history. When Jayda, a First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant, signed on as caddy, she was unaware that she would become the first female caddy in the history of the storied club. As a freshman, she was also the youngest caddy in the yard when she took the job four years ago.
“A lot of the caddies were excited to see a girl come and do this job, not only because you have to engage with a lot of important people, but it’s also a physical job,” she explained. “I quicky had to get out my shell. I had to make sure my players were comfortable, and I definitely only succeeded because of the mentors I had in the caddy yard.”
She said planning ahead is an important part of caddying at Seminole: “First we have to forecaddie. We must get to the ball before the players do to get all the numbers like distance from the hole, wind speed and direction. At Seminole, we really place an emphasis on pace of play, and the only way we’re able to do that is if our caddies are two steps ahead of our players,” she said.
Jayda said it was intimidating to start her job at Seminole, but now she loves it because of the network she’s forged.
“I have learned so much through the other caddies and members,” she said. “Many are prominent CEOs and business leaders, and it’s good for me to watch how business deals are negotiated the golf course.”
That’s especially true since Jayda plans to have a career in international business – even though she’ll be sad to leave Seminole when she attends college in the fall. “I’m definitely going to miss it, but I know there’s an invitation extended for me to come back because they’ve become my second family now,” she said.
Jayda credits First Tee’s John Deere Drive Your Future Academy with helping her select her future career path. She attended the event in San Francisco last summer. “It was amazing to see girls from all over the country gather to learn about business and leadership and play golf,” she said. “We didn’t know each other at first but by the end we all felt like family.”
Jayda said First Tee has not only given her lots of impactful opportunities – including a recent behind-the-scenes visit to The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens – but also a supportive community.
“I’m probably not going to remember all the stress and heartbreaks of different tournaments but I’m definitely going to remember the people and the family that has gathered around me thanks to golf.”
Jayda was recently named Participant of the Year by First Tee – Florida Gold Coast.
She credits the sport with teaching her discipline and giving her confidence and recommends golf for any girls who are looking for a new hobby. “I think they should definitely do it,” she said. “Golf is a sport you can play for life. Golf gives you a community and opportunities and people to lean on if you ever need help.”
Felipe Obando may now be studying at the Keiser University College of Golf. But it wasn’t always a given that the sport would play an important part in his life.
Obando has long been a passionate artist, and in fifth grade, he won an art contest that not only awarded him tickets to The Honda Classic – and meet and greets with PGA TOUR players like Russel Henley – but also a lifetime membership to First Tee – Florida Gold Coast.
It was the first time Obando was exposed to golf, and First Tee introduced him to the coaches who could become important mentors, he said.
“I could go on all day long about the insane and incredible opportunities that have been given to me by the First Tee,” he said. But one thing stands out from his time in the organization: the values it instilled.
“Responsibly, honesty, integrity … were all words we learned as kids going to the First Tee which helped pave the way for the rest of my life,” he said.
During his time as a First Tee participant, Obando attended national events like the Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, he played at storied courses, including The Breakers and The Bears Club, and he volunteered to help younger kids learn the game.
Obando was so passionate about the sport that he teamed up with seven other First Tee participants to create the First Tee – Palm Beaches Teen Golf Association, which has evolved into a thriving organization.
Obando has had to overcome challenges to get where he is today. He was born with a malformed right hand and has developed a golf swing that compliments his disability.
“Grabbing a cup, throwing a ball, flipping a coin. Those were all things I could do with my normal left hand. But what about a sport that involves your two hands gripping something? Golf was probably the most challenging sport I ever had to learn, and it took me lots of time and practice to be able to get good contact,” he said.
“I would say the most important thing throughout this process was never giving up, even if it meant putting myself in uncomfortable situations. I always (and still do) finished holes even if I wasn’t playing my best and wanted to pick up,” he explained. “Overcoming challenges for me was difficult, and it still is to this day, but not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end.”
Obando always knew he wanted to attend college, and now his goal has become a reality. He received a four-year scholarship to attend Keiser University College of Golf where’s he’s studying golf management.
“When it comes to post graduation, all I know is that I want to be involved in the best industry there is, the golf industry, whether it’s a head pro at a club, a coach, working for a company and many more of the thousands of careers there are in the golf world,” he said.
He recently received his WR4GD pass, which makes him eligible to compete in tournaments like the USGA’s second U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this summer. Obando said he’s excited for what the future holds.
“I have been practicing hard, focusing on my classes, focusing on my game and staying healthy,” he said.
Louis Kelly, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia alumni and now coach, has been with the chapter for longer than he can remember. Coach Kelly started when he was just 13 years old, graduating through the program in 2010.
Growing up with the First Tee – Greater Philadelphia chapter, Coach Kelly had been so positively impacted as a participant that he thought the only thing he could do was give back by returning to be a coach at the chapter in 2017.
“I love First Tee and I’ve been around it a long time now. Coaching my kids and being with influential people outside in the business world makes me reflect that I just love being able to bring a smile to people’s faces,” said Coach Kelly.
Coach Kelly focuses primarily on the in-school curriculum, along with coaching golf lessons for the participants to help them make their high school golf team. From there, Coach Kelly wishes to see his kids in the program graduate and go on to college where they can play for collegiate teams.
In addition to the curriculum and golf lessons, coaches like Coach Kelly serve as a mentor for the community, helping to support participants along their educational and golf journey. Coach Kelly focuses on building a positive self-identity as a core characteristic in life.
“The mind believes in whatever you say about yourself, so we need to make it a good one,” said Coach Kelly.
“We need community, and as you know, First Tee has allowed young people to come in a safe space and be around positive coaches and other young people to build healthy habits and life skills.”
Jose Perez grew up in Salinas, California where his family loved watching different professional sports, but primarily soccer because of their Hispanic heritage. It wasn’t until Jose was 8 years old when he was first introduced to the sport of golf – and instantly he fell in love. “In other sports, you have to rely on other people. With golf, you only have to rely on yourself and that’s why I love the game,” said Jose.
Jose became a participant at First Tee – Monterey County after being introduced to the game, loving the programs he took part in. So much so, after graduating from the program, he became a First Tee coach in 2013. “Monterey County had a summer program which I applied to that summer. I took my first class and loved it. First Tee – Monterey County has helped me a lot in my career. The coaches I had gave their best at everything and gave me values and skills I could use in my life. The least I could do is give back,” said Jose.
While coaching at First Tee – Monterey County, Jose is also studying to get his degree in accounting. Once he completes his bachelor’s degree, he will apply to get his master’s degree and become a CPA. One day, Jose hopes to do accounting for businesses all over California and take over his dad’s pallet business.
“If there’s anything I could teach my participants, it’s to be patient, be positive and always be willing to ask for help.”
For over 25 years, we’ve used golf to teach lessons about life. We’ve spun the unexpected challenges on the fairway to coach kids about adversity in the everyday. It’s not just a game, its game-changing.
Our alumni are a reflection of that commitment we made to building game changers. Below are just a few of our exceptional alumni who are making a difference in the world because of the lessons learned at First Tee.
First Tee is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month, and over the years, it’s helped produce no shortage of game changers.
One example is Marcus Freeman from First Tee – Greater Charlotte. He says the organization has helped him grow as a golfer and person.
“Being a part of this community has helped me get through hard times. First Tee – Greater Charlotte was a safe place for me in 2020. During this time my grandfather was going through end stage pancreatic cancer and my family, like the world, was navigating COVID-19 and social distancing,” he says.
The support he received from First Tee inspired Freeman to pay it forward.
He completed more than 300 hours of volunteer work for First Tee in 2021. He collected more than 500 books for a First Tee book drive, and he’s a member of the chapter’s participant advisory council. Freeman has also volunteered for his swim team and tutored students in Japanese.
“An aspect of volunteer work that I enjoy is seeing the impact that giving to others can have,” he says.
Freeman is one of 28 First Tee participants from across the country who’ll attend Innovators Forum this November in Dallas. The workshop empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their community focused on education, health or sustainability. Eight participants will be awarded scholarships totaling $32,000 after the event.
A junior at Palisades High School, Freeman is an accomplished violinist, and he won a medal for performing Japanese poems in 2019. Freeman aspires to study sports science in college. “I enjoy learning more about physical fitness and how the body works,” he says. Freeman spends his free time researching training tips and injury recovery.
As he progresses as an athlete and student, Freeman says he’ll continue to use the lessons and qualities he’s learned at First Tee, including confidence.
“When I first joined the program, I was a little shy when meeting new coaches, parents and other players. I spent time observing the instructors and how they interacted with all the different people coming and going. I saw them shake hands, make eye contact, smile and speak confidently,” he says.
“I knew I wanted those skills as well. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and I started to apply what I observed to my own social skills. I practiced a strong handshake. I introduced myself to people I didn’t know, and I have met many interesting people, like professional golfer Davis Love III, all because I have improved in sharing my personality.”
Lots of kids aspire to become astronauts but few go on to build careers in space exploration. That hasn’t stopped Hannah Rens from chasing her dreams into orbit.
The 24-year-old is a systems engineer for Boeing Space and Launch, working on Boeing’s Starliner, a commercial crew and cargo vehicle that will be transporting NASA astronauts to the international space station.
“My ultimate career goal is to be chief engineer of a permanent human habitat on the moon,” says Rens, a former participant at First Tee – Siouxland and First Tee volunteer. “To achieve that goal, I need to develop advanced business skills, gain industry experience and further my engineering technical education.”
That’s why she’s attending the First Tee Alumni Summit presented by Gallagher this November in Dallas. The event provides an opportunity for selected alumni to advance their career by building new skills while reconnecting with fellow alumni and chapter leaders.
“I’m looking to learn more about working in a rapidly evolving industry, startups and founding your own business, and how to develop an effective personal brand,” she says.
Rens says her nine years in First Tee helped shape her future. “It provided me with a structured path to improving my golf game, peer and trusted mentors, and interpersonal and professional skills that have been essential in achieving my goals,” she says.
While in First Tee, she was selected to attend the Leaders and Entrepreneurs Forum at Disney World. “Getting to meet other students from across the U.S. while listening and working with successful business owners and entrepreneurs was unlike any other experience I had in high school,” she says. “The business principles and goals I learned have stayed with me.”
A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Rens began her career with internships focused on aircraft maintenance and repair. As Starliner prepares to expand its service to additional sites in Earth’s orbit, Rens works on vehicle life span and sustainment. Ultimately, Starliner will become one of the first spacecraft with turnaround times closer to traditional air traffic. Talk about a Game Changer.
Rens now serves as a mentor for high school and college students who want careers in the space industry, and she’s enrolled in an astronautical engineering master’s program at the University of Southern California focusing on human spaceflight.
Rens still golfs, and she’s a certified open water and dry suit SCUBA diver. Learn more about the accomplishments of First Tee alumni.
