Category: Blog

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.” 

Carter Bonas wants everyone to feel like they belong on the course 

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. 

“It’s been super awesome,” Carter said. 

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.

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.

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.

View Full Story Here.

Coach Bonnie on sharing her love of golf: ‘Golf will make them better people’

It feels like fate played a role in bringing Bonnie Bunch Glover to golf 20 years ago. “I had a set of old clubs in my garage. Someone gave them to me, but I had no place to play and didn’t even know how,” she said. Then a colleague heard about the Lady Drivers, a group of Black women golfers in Jackson, Mississippi.  

Glover dusted off her hand-me-down clubs and attended a beginners clinic hosted by the group. “I was voted most likely to succeed at the clinic, and I’ve been hooked ever since,” she joked. 

For the last few years, Glover has been volunteering full-time with First Tee – Central Mississippi. 

“Sportsmanship is one of the things I enjoy teaching the kids,” she said. “Golf will make them better people later in life. They’re learning to share, patience – golf promotes a lot of things,” she said. 

With support from Morgan Stanley’s Eagles for Impact program, Glover attended a Level 2 Coach Training in New Orleans last year. “Getting that formal training just motivates you. You know you’re getting something solid to take forward,” she said. 

“Bonnie is eager to help our chapter in any way she can. She loves working in our girls’ classes, and she’s a great person to recruit new volunteers and coaches,” said Margo Coleman, executive director of First Tee – Central Mississippi. 

Morgan Stanley’s support will continue this year. For every eagle made during this month’s PLAYERS tournament, the firm will donate $5,000 to First Tee in support of the development and retention of diverse golf coaches, like Glover, to mentor the next generation of game changing leaders. 

As a self-taught golfer, Glover said she feels more comfortable passing along her skills after attending a First Tee coach training. “I just try to tell my kids that you don’t have to be the best. You just have to do the best you can, and it will pay off,” she said.  

“Coach Bonnie brings positive energy to each class. She is helpful to all of the students, taking the time to help them, no matter their level of golf,” Coleman said. 

In addition to coaching, Glover helps organize an equipment drive each spring in partnership with the Jackson Women’s Golf Association. The group has provided shoes, clubs and clothes to many young golfers in Mississippi.  

All her efforts aim to make golf more accessible to all kids, including those from diverse backgrounds, Glover said. “We need more minorities in the game of golf. Our kids need to see them,” she said. 

Research has shown that kids learn better when they identify with their teachers. That’s why First Tee believes it’s important for our coaches to represent the communities they serve. 

“We’re so grateful to Morgan Stanley for supporting this important initiative,” said First Tee CEO Greg McGlaughlin. “Coaches form the backbone of our organization, and we’re committed to bringing in and training coaches from diverse backgrounds because golf – especially with the life skills it teaches – is a game for everyone.” 

Women’s History Month: How Jayda Dookie is changing the game 

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.” 

Obando on following his dreams: ‘Not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end’

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. 

Coach Kelly on Building a Positive Self-Identity

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.”