Coach Emily ‘is a mentor and role model’

It’s no secret that First Tee considers its coaches to be the most important ingredient in its success. All trained and background checked, First Tee coaches connect with participants to ensure each one feels safe and celebrated for the qualities that make them unique.

One coach who exemplifies First Tee’s mission is Emily Ortmeier of First Tee – Southern Colorado, who has been with the chapter for five years. “Emily Ortmeier is more than a coach; she is a mentor and role model,” said First Tee – Southern Colorado board member Jeff Stedman.

A former collegiate golfer, Emily leads by example and inspires participants to do their best on and off the golf course, according to her colleagues at First Tee – Southern Colorado.

“When a participant fails, Coach Emily is always there to console and encourage them to persevere,” said chapter CEO Sandy Johnson. “She uses these moments as learning opportunities that greatly help to develop the character of each participant, reassuring them that we must fail in order to learn how to succeed and get right back to pursuing our goals.”

Eagles for Impact at THE PLAYERS® Championship

As the eyes of the golf world turn to TPC Sawgrass for THE PLAYERS Championship 2025, there’s an extra reason to root for low scores. For every eagle or double eagle carded by the pros during the tournament, Morgan Stanley will donate $5,000 to support First Tee’s coach training efforts.

Last year, Emily was one of 107 coaches to benefit from Morgan Stanley’s generosity. She attended a Level 4 training in Monterey, California, and has advanced to the point where she now leads Level 1 trainings for new coaches. She’s trained 20 coaches in her region.

First Tee – Southern Colorado colleagues agree that Emily’s passion for making golf accessible to all kids is evident in her work. She’s helped 21 new schools and community centers begin offering First Tee programming over the last two years.

In fact, Emily means so much to the community that she was recently recognized with Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest’s 40 Under 40 Award.

Coaches make the difference

According to research from First Tee and Harris Poll, 80% of parents believe there’s a shortage of high caliber coaches today. That’s why First Tee is committed to coach training and youth safety.

Nine out of 10 parents agree that coaches should help their child succeed both on and off the field, and parents view coaching as instrumental for teaching collaboration, resilience and leadership – all qualities that become even more important into adulthood.

Learn more about the importance of youth sports coaches.

Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month: Alex Yang reflects on the importance of community

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Alex Yang from First Tee – Coachella Valley shared his story of how the chapter has supported him through his diagnosis and treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“I joined First Tee about 3 years ago, right after the COVID-19 pandemic. I played soccer for nine years and never played golf before, but I wanted to try a new sport outside of my comfort zone. As soon as I joined the program, I immediately fell in love with it. Before joining First Tee, I assumed it was just about learning golf and nothing else. I had no idea about the incredible life lessons they taught or the value of them. As a beginner golfer, I was very nervous and anxious about my lack of golf knowledge and was unsure how I would fit in. However, the environment at First Tee – Coachella Valley was astonishing.

 It was a place where everybody was welcome, regardless of their background or skill level. All of the coaches and other participants were extremely supportive and encouraging to each other. As we learned about skills to use both on and off the course, it opened my eyes to how golf is more than just the sport. The lessons I learned through the core values and other curriculums helped me grow as a person and became a part of my identity.

As I continued with First Tee, I participated in many of their programs besides just their teen group classes such as the Divots and Diversity class, Evans Scholar Caddie Program, PGA TOUR Superstore Leadership Class, standard bearing at the American Express, giving speeches at First Tee events, and even being selected to go to the PGATSS Leadership Academy in Atlanta in 2023. Throughout all of these experiences, I was exposed to remarkable people as well as countless opportunities. This helped me to build my own self confidence and learn how to pursue the goals that I set for myself. As I expanded my horizons, I looked towards the many national opportunities that First Tee provides over the summer. Unfortunately, there were unexpected developments that prevented me from participating. 

Starting in October of 2023, I noticed some signs that something was out of the ordinary. I experienced extreme fatigue, which caused me to fall asleep in almost every single one of my classes each day, even with eight to nine hours of sleep a day. I had just assumed that schoolwork and my activities were taking a toll on me. In December and January, I got sick very easily and multiple times in a short period of time. Starting in February, I developed a cough that I believed was a seasonal cold. As the coughing got worse, I took three trips to urgent cares, which only provided antibiotics and inhalers as they believed it was just bronchitis or a common cold. My mother requested a chest X-ray each time but was turned down all three times. As the condition worsened, I started to have difficulty breathing. This was when my mother rushed me to the ER on March 1, 2024.

The doctors there immediately noticed my right lung sounded diminished and ordered a chest X-ray. They were surprised that none of the urgent care doctors offered an X-ray to us. The results from the X-ray showed that my right lung collapsed due to excessive amounts of fluid. They immediately took me to the procedure room and drained two liters of fluid. I was then admitted to the hospital for further monitoring of my condition, which at the time they assumed was pneumonia. The doctors scheduled a surgery to drain the rest of the fluid as well as install a chest tube. The night before the surgery, the doctors changed the preliminary scan from an X-ray to a CT scan. With this scan, they found a 12 cm mediastinal mass on top of my heart which was blocking my airways. During the surgery they installed a chest tube and took a biopsy of the mass. A few days later, the results came back which showed that it was positive for blood cancer.

I began chemotherapy treatment to start eliminating the mass. We stayed in the Loma Linda area for six weeks before finally returning home. Once we returned home, we spent the rest of our time going back and forth to the clinic with occasional hospitalizations. I was never aware of the severe side effects that come with chemotherapy and how scary they can be.

As my doctor went over my treatment plan, she recommended that I take a year off of school because of the countless side effects and intensive treatment. However, I did not want to postpone my education and fall behind in my goal of becoming an engineer. I finished my 10th grade year through the online Home and Hospital program. Throughout the summer, I continued my education by completing an online class through my local community college as well as homework for the next year. Although things were extremely tough and painful, I did not want to give up and pushed myself to reach my goals. 

Although treatment has not concluded yet, I cannot wait to return to First Tee and continue my journey with them. First Tee – Coachella Valley has continuously reached out to me and checked up on my condition. They try to help me in any way that they can, even starting a lemonade stand to raise funds for my treatments. Without the immense support that I received from coaches and fellow participants, it would’ve been a much harder journey. I had never realized how much support from loved ones and a strong community could make such an impact. It gave me the strength to push through the hardest times of my life. 

Going through all of this, I have learned the importance of having a strong and supportive community with people to help you. This is truly one of the most precious gifts that you could ever have. First Tee has created a community unlike any other, and I am honored to be a part of it. Once I am able to, I hope to return the kindness and hope that I have been given back to my community and help others who are going through their own struggles. I am so thankful for everything I learned and have received from First Tee.”

Because of First Tee – Alumnae feature on Grace Kehoe 

1. Where are you today and how’d you get there? 

I am currently in my last semester of my undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University double majoring in Business Administration concentrating in Marketing and Foreign Languages and Literature concentrating in Mandarin. 

I was a Tournament Services Management intern for the 2022 Presidents Cup held at Quail Hollow Club. In 2023, I attended the Middlebury College Language School participating in an intensive language immersion program adhering to the Language Pledge, with emphasis on Chinese literature and culture. 

I hope to one day use my language proficiency to promote collaboration between the US and China while encouraging strategic stakeholder relationships and analyzing emerging markets.


2. How had First Tee positively impacted your life? 

First Tee offered a space for me to find community and mentorship. Because of First Tee, I have developed the confidence to trust my ability in navigating life. 

I have been encouraged to set goals and work towards them, always knowing I could turn to my mentors for guidance. One of these goals was to become the first participant of the First Tee of Greater Charlotte chapter to become ACE Certified. I have had the opportunity to travel to many incredible places across the US and meet wonderful people across different First Tee chapters. 

I played in the 2018 Pure Insurance Championship and attended many life skills and golf development academies. 


3. What advice would you share to participants in the program now? 

Embrace every opportunity big or small. 

Picking between my favorite memories at First Tee is impossible because walking down the fairways of immaculate and acclaimed courses around the world holds just as much weight as those walking down the fairway of Dr. Charles L. Sifford with the friends I made in my chapter. I would also say to give back to your chapter and community as much as you can. Volunteering within your chapter and neighboring chapters is a valuable experience that helps develop leadership and organizational skills. You only have so much time in your life to be a part of First Tee as a participant, make sure to embrace the connections that will last beyond that time. To this day I go to my mentors for guidance and advice as it remains helpful as life goes on

A Great Day for a PNC-Sponsored Golf Clinic

Sunday morning, October 25, 2022 was a bright, beautiful day for golf at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Potomac, Maryland. The fairways were quiet and serene at that time of day. Over at the club’s practice facility, however, it was a different story where a very special golf event was taking place.
Forty-two young golfers were showing off their skills, getting their golf swings analyzed, and hitting a lot of golf balls during a free youth golf clinic sponsored by PNC Bank that was part of the inaugural Howard-USF Intercollegiate golf tournament. The event was hosted by Jermaine Johnson, PNC regional president for Greater Washington and Howard University golf coach Sam Puryear.
Participating youth came from three Washington-area organizations: First Tee of Greater Washington, DC; First Tee – Greater Baltimore; and the Prince George’s County, Maryland Parks and Recreation Junior Golf program.
First Tee is a youth development organization for boys and girls ages seven to 18 who are interested in playing and learning the game of golf. It enables 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.
Johnson has a special regard for the First Tee program. He began volunteering with the program 20 years ago after having been introduced to the game of golf by his uncle.
“My uncle taught me that learning about golf is a way to learn about life,” he said.
While addressing those who gathered at the event, Johnson had a message for the parents: “Parents, this all starts with you. It’s your investment in the children that will help them get started on the right path. I encourage you to stick with this program and encourage your kids to give it all they’ve got.”
The golf coaches from each team also participated in the event by answering many questions from parents, offering sage advice to both parents and kids, and providing individual instruction to the young golfers.
Coach Puryear pointed out to the youth that the college players had all been in their shoes.
“The students on these golf teams are from all over the world. They all worked hard and were very good students. They’ve proven that dreams can come true if you are willing to put in the time and listen to those around you,” he said.
“The youth clinic was a very special day for Sam and me,” said Jack Kennedy, tournament co-host and head men’s golf coach at the University of San Francisco. “That’s what this is all about, growing the game and it starts with the kids at a young age. Not only did we have an incredible turnout with the kids and their parents, but what people don’t know is that we told all the teams it was optional to show up. All nine teams, 54 players, were there and supporting the clinic.”

The director of First Tee – Greater Baltimore, March Klein, said “the event was outstanding and provided our kids with a very memorable learning experience.”
In addition to Johnson, seven PNC bankers volunteered to coach the youth during the clinic: Sarah Deihle (Corporate Banking); Andre Jaundoo (Commercial Banking); K.C. Koch (PNC Private Bank); Mike Matteson (Commercial Banking); Dave Smith (Commercial Banking); Marc Tohir (Commercial Banking); and Rishi Vyas (PNC Private Bank).
The men’s college teams who participated in the clinic and in the tournament— which was held on Monday, Sept. 26 and Tuesday, Sept. 27— included teams from national, local and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs):
Howard University – Washington, D.C.
University of San Francisco – San Francisco
Georgetown University – Washington, D.C.
George Washington University – Washington, D.C.
University of Maryland – College Park, Md.
Alabama State University – Montgomery, Ala.
Alabama A&M – Huntsville, Ala.
Virginia Commonwealth University – Richmond, Va.
Towson State University – Towson, Md.
Host team University of San Francisco won the tournament after rounds of 275-286-305. Gregory Odom Jr. from Howard University placed first individually, finishing with a final score of 213 (+3). Howard had three players place in the top five.
The tournament will move to San Francisco in 2023 and return to Potomac in 2024.

Read full story here.

First Tee Greater Baltimore helping students succeed on and of the course

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — First Tee Greater Baltimore is empowering the city’s youth both on the golf course and in the classroom.

In Baltimore City you’ll find some golfers with the best drive are not even old enough to drive.

“First Tee of Greater Baltimore teaches kids nine core values and nine life skills through the game of golf,” said John Shmerler, Board Chairman for First Tee Greater Baltimore.

Shmerler and others with the program make sure the kids are teed up for success both on the course and in the classroom.

But Baltimore’s chapter is built differently.

“One of a handful that really operates and focuses on underserved kids in an inner city atmosphere,” said Shmerler.

“Access is always hard. Golf has traditionally been and continues to be more of a suburban sport and expensive,” said Shmerler.

But with courses nestled right in the city, a new van, volunteers and a dedicated group of staff and coaches the program is able to give the kids an opportunity to swing and succeed.

“I’ve seen this golf course change, I fell in love with it,” said Varada Maulkhan. “It’s one of my home courses.”

Maulkhan is a 2021 Evans Scholarship winner and plans to attend the University of Maryland in the fall.

She was introduced to the game of gold through First Tee Greater Baltimore.

The organization is changing the lives of young golfers long after they walk off the course.

“When kids stay in our First Tee program for more than three years we have a 100 percent graduation rate from high school, which, from neighborhoods that we’re serving is generally some of the underserved and inner city neighborhoods,” said Shmerler. “That’s much much higher than what they’re averaging now.”

While there are rules to the game of golf, John reminds the kids it’s not as exclusive as one may think.

“It’s a one person team, if you want to do it, you can do it, said Shmerler. “It can be as lonely or as social as you want to make it.”

Read the Full Story here.

Quick 9 on Goal Setting

By: Ricky Lam, First Tee scholar and alumnus

1. What is a goal?

A goal is one specific step that I will take to achieve my dreams.

2. Why do goals matter?

Goals matter because like the First Tee’s curriculum entailing goal ladders, without these specific steps, I will never progress objectively towards advancing my life and my impact on the world.

3. What goals do you have for the new year?

This year I will begin a strong personal investment portfolio; workout to be in the best shape for dancing, volleyball, and golf; achieve high grades at Harvard; intern over the summer in the nonprofit, finance, sports analytics, or psychology field; and continue being active in all my school clubs.

4. How can you prepare to reach your goals?

I can prepare to reach my goals by keeping a positive and healthy mindset daily, constantly excited and thrilled by the beauty of life.

5. Who can help you with your goals?

My mentors, whether it is professors, First Tee, or my peers, can all help me with my goals.

6. Who has been the biggest supporter of you achieving your goals?

The biggest supporter of me in achieving my dreams is my brother, Kyle Lam. He is also a First Tee scholarship recipient (Class of 2023), and he has been my role model in keeping me on track academically and career-wise. It is his vast spectrum of knowledge and his responsible, loving character that has helped me grow as an individual.

7. What do you do if you set a goal but don’t reach it?

If I don’t reach my goals, I will try not to torture myself for not living up to my expectations. Instead, I will tell myself, “Ricky, you are human.” Then, I will revitalize and reset myself for the very next moment, whether it is the next minute, hour, day, week, or month, to work again towards achieving my goals.

8. What goal were you most proud of accomplishing in 2020?

I am most proud of having a strong start to college, where I have learned more about mindfulness and Buddhism, started my personal finance journey, and developed beautiful and inspiring friendships.

9. What advice would you give to others about setting goals?

You’re human, so work steadily with a loving mindset, but it’s okay to take a break as well!