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Coach Leroy Bates says golf made him a better person. Now he’s sharing his passion in L.A.

First Tee – Los Angeles coach Leroy Bates estimates he’s helped more than 1,000 kids earn college scholarships over the course of his decades long career.

He tries to instill values like integrity and responsibility in addition to golf skills. It’s why he connected so deeply with First Tee’s youth development style when he first encountered the organization 20 years ago.

Bates has helped at least 10 kids earn spots in the field of the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs golf legends with First Tee participants at Pebble Beach. He also attended First Tee’s Life Skills & Leadership Academy as a coach in 2019.

He was sad when First Tee – Los Angeles folded due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s thrilled the chapter relaunched and is now offering programming, he said

“Now students are coming back and it’s out with the old and in with the new,” he said.

Golf is thriving in Los Angeles, Bates said, especially with the eyes of the golf world on Los Angeles Country Club, site of the 2023 U.S. Open. But not all kids have equal access to the sport in a state where transportation can be difficult. Bates said almost half the kids he coaches today live with a single parent.

He knows that can be tough.

Bates’ golf journey began in Selma, Alabama, where his grandfather – a retired Army colonel – owned a small driving range. It’s where his mom sent him in the summer when she needed extra help, and it changed his life. Bates collected range balls and cut the grass before going on to play collegiate golf and then on mini tours.

He understands the opportunities golf can bring. He said he’s met new people and traveled the world thanks to the sport.

“Golf made me a better person,” he said. “I learned to respect the rules. I learned to get out and be healthy.”

First Tee – Los Angeles is currently offering programming at courses throughout the city including Chester Washington Golf Course, which was the home course of Charlie Sifford, the first Black man to earn a PGA TOUR card.

“Chester Washington is a gem. It makes you smile when you go on-site because there’s so much diversity. There’s so much happiness and joy on the course,” said Kathy Bihr, vice president of programs at First Tee – Los Angeles.

Last year, U.S. Open host organization, the United States Golf Association, supported 25 First Tee chapters in their efforts to make golf more accessible to kids from all backgrounds with donations totaling $325,000.

Learn more about becoming a First Tee coach.

National Caribbean American Heritage Month: Isabel Matos Finds Her Career Path Through First Tee

Isabel Matos is a First Tee – North Florida alumna, whose father was born and raised in Puerto Rico before moving to North Florida. It was he who introduced Isabel to First Tee when she was 8 years old. She started in classes and since has interned with the chapter, spoke at events and helped to coach while home from school.

Isabel participated in five national opportunities with First Tee while in high school including the PURE Insurance Championship and Life Skills and Leadership (now Game Changers Academy). She said that her favorite memory from her time with First Tee was participating in PURE and playing at Pebble Beach with Vijay Singh as well as meeting participants from all over the First Tee network.

“I’ve made great friends within my chapter, but I’ve also made great friends all across the country from those national opportunities that I still talk to to this day,” said Isabel.

Isabel recently graduated from Southern Wesleyan University a year early with a degree in communications and media studies. She credits First Tee for helping her find her passion for communications and showing her that was what she wanted to do for her career.

“[First Tee] also taught me to step out of my comfort zone. When I started with First Tee, I was super shy, and I didn’t like talking to anyone and then a couple years later I was speaking in front of thousands of people for them,” she said.

“They made me realize what my goals in life are.”

At Southern Wesleyan, Isabel played golf for a year before suffering from an injury and fell in love with the area. She hopes to return to Greenville, South Carolina, to work in public relations. She said that living in South Carolina for school made her appreciate her Puerto Rican heritage as she was often the only Puerto Rican person around. Her family still visits Puerto Rico every year and she enjoys that it makes her different.

“I love that I am Puerto Rican…I think that it gives me a unique perspective on life,” said Isabel.

Isabel’s father, Idan Matos, is the chairman of the Board of Directors at First Tee – North Florida. He got involved with First Tee out of appreciation for everything they had done for Isabel. He joined the board to give back to the program.

National Caribbean American Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States every June. The intention is to celebrate the rich and diverse population that has been contributing to the well-being of American society since its founding.

Jewish American Heritage Month: Ethan Selvers shares his faith, love of golf

Ethan Selvers believes people should be proud of who they are. It’s what inspired him and a group of classmates to speak with their school’s administration and other classmates after anti-Semitic graffiti was found on campus at his high school last year.

“We spoke about intolerance with everyone in the class. I shared my family’s unique background, and everyone shared theirs as well. It created a very open dialogue that I think definitely helped prevent future issues from developing,” he explained.

Ethan volunteers with sixth and seventh graders every Wednesday at his synagogue as they prepare for their bar and bat mitzvahs. “I help teach them prayers and also help them learn about Jewish traditions in a way that makes learning fun,” he said.

In addition to his commitment to his faith, Ethan is a dedicated golfer. He fell in love with the sport after his dad started taking him to the driving range. Now 15, he’s been golfing for over half his life, and he’s been involved with First Tee – Metropolitan New York for all of that time.

With his positive attitude and passion for the sport, and with the assistance of his First Tee coaches Peter Aloisio and Bill Castner, Ethan secured a caddy position at historic Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey, which will host the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship next month. He also volunteers to coach younger players through the First Tee. “I just love golf and hope to help those kids love it as much as I do,” he said.

Last summer Ethan was selected to attend two First Tee national participant opportunities: the Game Changers Academy honoring Joe Louis Barrow Jr. and the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore.

The Game Changers Academy brought together 72 First Tee participants in Philadelphia. “We sat down and discussed really important topics like equality versus equity, diversity and inclusion. Meeting so many different kids from all over the country was eye opening,” Ethan said. He made the most of the opportunity and was named one of the event’s Most Outstanding Participants.

The Leadership Summit took place in Montana, where his surroundings were picturesque, Ethan said. “At one of the first meetings we learned: ‘Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable because being uncomfortable leads to change,’” he said, which are words he has tried to live by. Besides learning leadership skills, Ethan also said that: “The whole trip was phenomenal. We were able to listen to Michael Vick discuss his life experiences, we participated in many incredible activities, and the whole experience really exemplified how working in a group is a great way to foster change.”

In addition to Ethan’s involvement at First Tee and his synagogue, he’s also a captain of the junior varsity Ultimate Frisbee team at his high school. He is also a dedicated student and loves math and science, which he plans to study at college.

Learn more about First Tee’s participant opportunities.

First Tee Scholar Malisone Chanthapanya becomes first graduate of program

First Tee has always been a big part of her life, said Malisone Chanthapanya, who has been involved with the program since she was just 5. Now she’s graduating from Texas Wesleyan University, but the First Tee – Fort Worth alumna said she still has deep roots in the organization.

“First Tee is why I started golf,” she said. “I have a lot of friendships from First Tee, and the relationships I built there keep me connected to the organization.” Mali still volunteers as a coach at First Tee – Fort Worth and occasionally plays golf at chapter events.

Mali received her bachelor’s degree in finance on May 13. Of course, it was an exciting day for her family and friends, who celebrated with a big party. But it was also a milestone for First Tee as Mali became the initial First Tee Scholar to complete her undergraduate education.

The First Tee Scholars program provides mentorship, professional development opportunities and up to $20,000 in financial support for exceptional First Tee alumni during their college journeys.

“All of the Scholars are pretty close. I really like my mentor and the speakers they’ve brought in to talk to us. It’s been interesting to hear from people from all different backgrounds and jobs and experiences,” Mali said.

As First Tee is preparing to announce its 2023 scholar class, her advice to the group: “I think it’s important to be flexible and to manage your time well. The workload is really different than high school, especially being away from home for the first time.”

Mali completed her degree in just two years. She’s always been ahead of the curve: She was the youngest participant from First Tee – Fort Worth ever to earn her ACE certification, the highest achievement First Tee offers.

Mali won’t be leaving Fort Worth after graduation. She’s a member of the Texas Wesleyan golf team and still has two years of eligibility remaining. She’ll continue to play for the team as a grad student.

“Honestly sometimes I complain about missing school or balancing golf and schoolwork, but playing with the team has been my favorite part of my college experience. I’m able to travel and do what I love, meet new people and play new golf courses,” she said.

Mali was named to the All-Conference team as a sophomore. Playing at nationals during freshman year is her favorite collegiate golf memory so far. Her team finished eighth. “I really enjoyed spending time with them throughout the year, so that was just a fun end to the season,” she said.

In graduate school, Mali plans to focus on data analytics and supply chain management.

Learn more about the First Tee Scholars program

Coach Joe: ‘This program has taught me to become a better coach and father’

Joseph Goh, or Coach Joe as many know him from First Tee – Greater Dallas, has been a coach for more than 17 years. He sat on the board of directors for the Greater Dallas chapter until focusing his time as a volunteer coach, where he made it his goal to recruit other volunteers.

Originally from Singapore, Joe started his journey as a coach through First Tee – Singapore and moved to the United States after his technology company was bought out by a company in Dallas. Eventually, he and his wife planted themselves in Texas and started their own family.

“First Tee is more than a golf instruction program; we teach life skills. This program has taught me to become a better coach and father because of it,” he said.

He enrolled his two children in the program and the rest became history.

His two kids participated in First Tee throughout high school. His oldest, Jonathan, attended the University of California, Los Angeles and graduated in 2021 with a major in electrical engineering. He currently works at Amazon Robotics in Boston as a hardware development engineer.

His youngest daughter, Joni, is attending the University of Texas in Austin and will graduate in May 2023 with her degree in architecture engineering. She is currently an intern at The Boring Company and will be working with Southland Holdings as a business development associate.

“I want to emphasize that the First Tee program has built a foundation for its participants, including my own kids,” said Joe.

He makes it his mission to positively impact and equally empower First Tee participants with the skills and opportunities they need to be successful.

“As a volunteer coach at First Tee, I could change the trajectory of a child’s life,” he said. “No other organization gives me the opportunity to impact another’s life and add value to them like First Tee would.”

Joe, like many other First Tee coaches, is just one of many unique stories that make First Tee’s impact so profound. If one person can make a difference, a difference can be made upon a multitude of generations.

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A small idea that led to a mission to Save Our Salmon

Austin Picinich, an 18-year-old participant at First Tee – Greater Seattle, is using his passion for art to paint Save Our Salmon Murals in Seattle, Washington. Today may be Earth Day – but for Austin, every day is Earth Day.

Here is Austin, in his own words:

Living in the Pacific Northwest, nature surrounds me. I enjoy nature outdoors on the golf course and I am currently in my 11th year with First Tee – Greater Seattle.

Off the course, I’m an avid artist.

In 2021, I was selected to attend the Innovators Forum – a leadership summit of 28 teens from First Tee chapters across the country. I spent the week in San Jose, California learning about innovation, leadership, and sustainability. Each of us First Tee students were tasked with developing our own innovative service projects to implement in our communities.

When I learned that Juanita Creek – the salmon-spawning stream less than a minute from my home in Kirkland, WA – had only three salmon return to spawn, I had identified the focus for my Innovators Forum project. But, as a high-schooler, I couldn’t envision how to make a difference; it initially felt like “too big of a problem to solve”.

First Tee encouraged me to think outside the box. I narrowed down the problem: Juanita Creek is hidden in a culvert, and a missing link is neighbors not knowing how to care for the stream. I decided to use my knack for art and passion for the environment to educate my community about Juanita Creek and its salmon.

I found the perfect “canvas” to bring my public art project to life – a 112-foot blank wall along Juanita Creek. I named my project the “Save Our Salmon” (SOS) Mural.

This wasn’t my first mural – in fact, First Tee gave me my first public art experience back in 2019. I painted a mural in the clubhouse of Crossroads Par 3 Golf Course, the course where I started golfing at First Tee – Greater Seattle.

My goal wasn’t just to create a mural that’s nice to look at – but a mural that teaches and inspires my community to protect salmon. I hosted a Community Paint Day leading 170 volunteer painters, ages 4 to 74, to “paint-by-number” the 112-foot blank wall – transforming it into vibrant public art, while teaching attendees how to become better stewards of Juanita Creek.

The Seattle Times summed up my project as, “it takes a village to paint a mural. Sometimes it takes a teen to bring a town together”.

First Tee inspired my confidence as a leader. I stepped up from an artist who enjoyed nature while golfing, to a leader actively protecting nature. I developed confidence in my leadership while a First Tee staff coach at Crossroads.

Since the first mural, I’ve painted two more SOS Murals along McAleer Creek. In total, I’ve led 370 painters and 1,000 event attendees painting 300 feet of “art-ivism” walls.

I tapped into another skill from First Tee: marketing. I’m now currently the Director of Marketing & Communications for First Tee – Greater Seattle’s Junior Advisory Board (JAB) where I create flyers and graphics for JAB.

I create SOS merchandise sold in a dozen local shops. So far, I’ve raised $23,541 with 100% of proceeds supporting stream restoration – an impact that continues long after the paint dries.

In 2023, I’ll be leading five new SOS Murals – with seven new streams each benefitting with a mural – and a projected 4,000 attendees.

Save Our Salmon Through Art is now nationally-awarded – I won the Barron Prize for Young Heroes, and SOS was named one of the top 15 international projects making communities and the environment a better place.

It all started as my idea at the First Tee Innovators Forum, with support from experience I gained from First Tee opportunities in leadership, marketing, and murals.

Derrick Ow on how he overcame an obstacle to achieve his dream

Without First Tee, I would still be the shy kid from Salinas, CA with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Devoid of lessons learned through First Tee programs, I would simply not be writing this letter yet alone be talking.

When you suffer sixteen seizures at two years old and have doctors tell your parents that you will never talk or never succeed in a mainstream class in school, I guess you can say I learned perseverance early in my life.  

My parents enrolled me into numerous special education classes, occupational and physical therapy to regain my small muscle skills. However, with those classes came constant bullying of racial slurs and derogatory labels.  Looking for appropriate programs that would help my social and physical development, my parents enrolled me into First Tee – Monterey County in 2005.

You can say that my local chapter and I have grown up together, so I consider myself part of the foundation and groundwork of our chapter. The coaches were always inclusive and willing to help guide my growth as a young adult on and off the golf course.

Despite the respect and acceptance into a sport that has given me so much, I still had a secret that I needed to tell. I did not share my disability with my First Tee coaches until 2014 when I talked to our Executive Director, Nick Nelson.

I was applying for the Outstanding Participant Summit, and I needed a recommendation letter from him. When he read my essay for the application he said to me,” Derrick, I had no idea you had Autism.”

Hearing that from someone I respect and look up to be a huge weight lifted off of my shoulders. This was the first time in my life that I felt loved by people who truly care for me, the sport of golf provided me an inclusive and safe environment where I was allowed to grow and develop as a golfer but most importantly a future citizen. 

Building on this newfound confidence I was able to share my disability with my best friends at school and others outside my family. 

In addition to life skills and core values I learned the importance of networking. I was honored to participate in five national First Tee events, where I met fellow First Tee members like me from all around the country. I keep in touch with most of the participants I have met along the way and cherish their friendship and support.   

What so many people consider to be a rich man’s sport is a sport that has given me a once in a lifetime opportunity. First Tee taught me life and golf skills – how to speak at public events to coaching an anti-bullying station during summer camp.

Most of these small accomplishments seem impossible to achieve with a disability like mine, but all you have to do is persevere through all the learning experiences I had to endure, working hard and never ever giving up. That is the impact First Tee has given me. 

Coach Jignesh leading the next generation

It started with his passion for the sport.

Coach Jignesh, from First Tee – Raritan Valley, found a love for the game of golf and only wanted to get better. He focused a lot of his time on playing in tournaments and excelling in his skills to be a better player.

When it came time to grow his family, he knew that he wanted to share his love for the game with his kids and once they were of age, he got them involved with First Tee.

“First Tee builds mental health and strength for the kids so after many years of experience with the chapter, I too wanted to get involved to give back to the community and be a part of building game changers,” said Coach Jignesh.

Since his kids have been involved with First Tee, they have been excelling in their golf game and together as a family, they build memories over their shared passion. Over time, Coach Jignesh would see change in how his kids became focused in school, in their golf game and instilling daily the character building blocks into their lives.

“First Tee brings so many life values for the kids including mentorship and safety,” said Coach Jignesh.

“I saw a big change in my son’s behavior and how when he goes out and plays, he brings those values to the tournaments.”

Coach Jignesh started as a coach in 2020 and has gone through First Tee’s Coach Level 2 training, now a senior coach. Eventually, he will take his skills and passion to soon become a master level coach.

As for his kids, they continue to stay involved in the chapter while his son has recently begun to volunteer himself as a way to give back to what has been given to him.

“First Tee is more like an education itself, knowing there’s safety in the program and values that you can learn such as being able to define what confidence is. Here, the kids get to learn, be smart and have fun – all at the same time.”

Isabella Curtis found a new passion at First Tee summer camp

First Tee – Central Arkansas participant Isabella Curtis understands the importance of setting goals. The 14-year-old does it every year for school and sports. She aims to shoot even par in a golf tournament this year. Ultimately, she’d like to play college golf, she said.

Curtis, who also plays volleyball, has only been golfing for a few years. She took part in a First Tee summer camp after an older girl from her church recommended the program. “I really had no interest or experience in golf, but I thought, ‘This could be fun,’” Curtis said.

She loves the challenges that golf presents, she said. “I like anything with competition. We did a drive, chip and putt competition at the end, and it was fun,” Curtis said.

Her advice for new golfers: “Just have fun and don’t take a bad shot too seriously because the most important shot in golf is the next one.”

Curtis’ golf career has taken off quickly. She’s been named the South Central PGA Player of the Year for her age group and won dozens of tournaments.

“It’s kind of like the beginning of a book,” said her father, Jonathan Curtis. “The story at the beginning is so important, and we’re so grateful for the staff and volunteers at First Tee who make a really complex game one that’s fun for kids.”

Curtis competed at the Notah Begay III Girls Golf National Championship in Louisiana last year, and she said she’s looking forward to seeing where else golf takes her – even if the sport wasn’t always on her radar.

“It has been a joy to watch Isabella grow not only into a competitive golfer but more importantly into a very impressive young lady,” said First Tee – Central Arkansas Executive Director Monica Blake. “Isabella first came to our chapter through our summer golf camps which provide the space to explore the game of golf while creating opportunities for personal growth. We take pride in knowing that First Tee is the place where Isabella developed her love and passion for the game.”

In addition to sports, Curtis also likes reading and volunteering with her church, where her dad is the pastor.

Find a First Tee summer program near you.

Two Recent Graduates Caddying At BMW Championship Are The Latest Recipient Of The Evans Scholarship

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (WJZ) — The BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club is more than just a stop on the PGA Tour. It is also helping some local caddies take the next step in their academic career.

All of the proceeds from the tournament go to benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides full college tuition and housing for caddies across the country.

“It pretty much means I have the chance to go to college which has been a dream of mine,” said Varada Maulkhan, one of the latest recipients of the Evans Scholarship who recently graduated from Catonsville High School.

Maulkhan was awarded the scholarship after caddying dozens of rounds at the Baltimore Country Club and at Caves Valley.

Only about 300 caddies across the country are selected for the program based on their academics, financial need and caddy record.

Maulkhan is caddying at the BMW Championship for 14-time PGA Tour winner, Justin Thomas.

“To be a part of it, it’s a lifetime opportunity for me. I am so happy I get to be part,” she said.
Dulaney High School graduate Rebecca Lannon was also awarded the scholarship.

“I didn’t know what would happen when I applied. I just kind of applied, hoped it would work out and then it did and it’s super cool,” said Lannon.

Both caddies will attend the University of Maryland, College Park in the fall, a new university partner for the Evans Scholar Foundation.

“These two young ladies will be the first Evans Scholars in our history, which is 90 plus years, to be at the University of Maryland and we’re very hopeful that there will be 40 to 50 students there in the very near future,” said John Kaczkowski, President and CEO of Western Golf Association and Evans Scholars Foundation.

You can learn more about the Evans Scholars Foundation by visiting the Western Golf Association Evans Scholars Foundation website.

Read the 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.

Two Baltimore County High Schoolers Compete with Pro Golfers on PGA TOUR

COCKEYSVILLE, Md.

Golf stars at just 16 years old, two Baltimore County teens competed this past month alongside the pros, making their big PGA tour debut.

A shot at the big leagues, St. Paul’s School students Sydnee Gaines and Colin Vineberg nailed it. The two competed in the Pure Insurance Championship, which aired on the Golf Channel in September. It was a stop along the PGA Tour, pairing senior pros with junior golfers.

“I won the whole thing,” Vineberg said.

Vineburg took home the trophy alongside teammate, six-time champion, Rocco Mediate.

“I’ve watched him for the past 10 years now,” Vineberg said. “There was a lot of pressure there, but Rocco helped me. It helped a lot.”

Gaines, who played alongside former-No. 1 pro Tom Lehman, had a bit of a different start.

“I got a call from Arizona and I was wondering, I was just like, ‘I don’t know anyone from Arizona, so I probably shouldn’t pick up.’ So, I declined his call and he ended up meeting me at Spyglass and saying, ‘I was trying to get in contact but you didn’t pick up,'” Gaines said.

Besides going pro, Gaines said she’s also considering medical school with hopes of becoming a neurologist.

Gaines and Vineberg were two of 82 youth picked to play in the competition. The opportunity to play comes from the First Tee Foundation. Both have been a part of it, golfing together for over a decade while volunteering to teach others. Now it’s staying on par with what’s ahead — potentially going pro.

“That’s still an option. I definitely want to play in college,” Vineberg said.

“This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, it was just great being out there,” Gaines said.

Some big goals, they definitely have got the drive.

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