emontano, Author at First Tee

Braden of First Tee –Naples/Collier to Compete in First Tee’s National Championship

Palo Alto, California, and Naples, Florida- (July 3, 2023) – Braden Miller of First Tee – Naples/Collier will compete this week in the First Tee National Championship at Stanford University Golf Course, July 2-6, 2023. The 54-hole event brings together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level.

The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. Braden has been part of the First Tee – Naples/Collier for more than 8 years. He is a staple in our programs including having participated in our Elementary & Middle School golf programs as well as our Life Skills programming. Branden has served as a Jr. assistant coach during our summer camps. Miller is a leader on the Baron Collier High School Golf team and placed T5 in the 2022 Florida Boys High School Golf State Tournament.

“We are extremely proud of Braden being selected to participate in this year’s First Tee’s National Championship at Stanford University Golf Course. He is an amazing young man who has earned this opportunity through his work on and off the golf course.” Said Derek Clemmensen Director of Programs for First Tee – Naples/Collier. “Braden is a great Jr. Assistant Coach and example for our younger participants to look up to. We are excited to follow him this week as he competes.”

This year’s tournament brings an exciting new opportunity. Two boys and two girls will be awarded spots in the PGA TOUR’s new Pathways to Progression program.

Additionally, the winner of each division will be awarded the Tattersall Cup and will earn an exemption, if eligible, into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee held at Pebble Beach Golf Links September 16-24, 2023.

Miller will compete against top players from across the country. Seven players in the field are ranked on the American Junior Golf Association or Junior Golf Scoreboard Top 250, including the winner of last year’s PURE Insurance Championship. During the week, participants will hear from a panel of coaches with advice on how to advance their game and navigate the collegiate recruiting process.

First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college campuses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience. The Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

View the full list of selected participants here.

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrated its 25^th anniversary and has reached millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.

About First Tee – Naples/CollierThe First Tee – Naples/Collier exists to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum, we create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids carry to everything they do. The First Tee – Naples/Collier is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 2007. We reach 1,000 kids ages 7 – 18 years of age each year in Collier County. Visit their web site: www.firstteenaplescollier.org for additional information.

2023 First Tee – Naples/Collier Middle School Golf Championship

On Saturday May 13^th, 2023 First Tee – Naples/Collier held its Middle School Golf Championship match at Moorings Golf & Country Club. First Tee youth from ten middle schools across Collier County took part in a 9-hole match to end the season. Individuals and teams walked away with hardware for their scores.

In the Gold division, the Pine Ridge and Pine Panthers teams took home 1^st and 2^nd place, respectively. The top performing girls were Hayden N. shooting a 34, Kamryn F. shooting 35 and Erin E. shooting 36. The top boys were Cash W. shooting 29, Jaxson H. shooting 30, and Chase S shooting 31.

In the Silver division Gulfview took home 1^st place and team Collier took home 2^nd. The top girls were Makayla C. with a 36, Natalie S. with a 37, and Avery A. with a 42. The top boys were Kaden L. with a 28, Joe C. with a 37, and Jackson M. with a 38.

The First Tee – Naples/Collier Middle School Golf program has been a part of the junior golf scene for more than 10 years allowing Collier County Middle School students to complete in 6 week team golf program that helps them develop their on-course golf skills, reinforces the First Tee life skills, and helps prepare them to play high school golf or compete in junior golf tournaments.

First Tee – Naples/Collier is a chapter of an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. On golf courses, in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools; the First Tee – Naples/Collier has helped shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by teaching values like integrity, respect and perseverance. Through our programs, young people discover how skills essential to success on a golf course can also help them flourish in life. To learn more, visit http://www.firstteenaplescollier.org/.

FIRST TEE – NAPLES/COLLIER AWARDS $85,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS

Naples, Florida – May 22, 2023: The First Tee – Naples/Collier has selected two outstanding candidates, Julian Alonso and Payton Balliet, to receive its 2023 – 2024 four-year college scholarships. The two scholarships are $10,000/participant and are renewable on an annual basis for up to four (4) academic years based on the renewal criteria set forth by the Scholarship Committee. Julian and Payton have distinguished themselves as dedicated and committed leaders in First Tee through their involvement in First Tee Life Skills programming, character development, academic excellence, community service, and participation in extra-curricular activities.

“Our Scholarship Committee is extremely proud to award our 2023 – 2024 college scholarships to Julian and Payton” said Cindy Darland, Executive Director. “We know they will represent our First Tee chapter well and lead the next generation with the values instilled upon them through the First Tee.”

“Receiving the First Tee Naples/Collier College Scholarship is the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
said Julian Alonso. The support given to me by First Tee means so much to me, my family and my education.

This generous scholarship will help me pursue my dreams and continue my journey towards success. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future.”

“The First Tee Scholarship means so much to me as it will help me keep my main focus on my studies and college golf without having to worry as much about the ever-rising costs of college,” said Payton. “This scholarship is a true blessing!”

First Tee – Naples/Collier is also proud to announce a one-time scholarship award in the amount of $5,000 to Eliza Kodak for her outstanding accomplishments throughout her years in First Tee.

On behalf of First Tee – Naples/Collier, CONGRATULATIONS to the First Tee Class of 2023!

The First Tee – Naples/Collier exists to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum, we create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids carry to everything they do. The First Tee – Naples/Collier is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 2007. We reach 1,000 kids ages 7 – 18 years of age each year in Collier County. Visit their web site: www.firstteenaplescollier.org for additional information.

Ty Kaufman of First Tee –Naples/Collier to Compete in First Tee’s National Championship

Ty Kaufman attempting to hole-out from 153 yards

South Bend, Indiana and Naples, Florida – (June 24, 2022) – Ty Kaufman of First Tee – Naples/Collier will compete next week in the First Tee National Championship at the University of Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course, June 27 – July 1. The 54-hole event brings together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level.

The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. Ty Kaufman graduated from Palmetto Ridge High School this spring. He was the recipient of one the First Tee – Naples/Collier Scholarships and is attending Florida Gulf Coast University in the Fall. He will be working in the PGM (Professional Golf Management) program at FGCU. Ty has been part of the First Tee – Naples/Collier for more than 3 years as a participant and junior coach. Ty is competing in the 105^th Florida State Amateur Championship at The Bear’s Club & Lost Tree Club in Jupiter FL prior to traveling to South Bend.

“Congratulations to each of the participants in the field,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “We look forward to hosting them at Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course, a tremendous venue that provides our participants the opportunity to explore what their future may look like as they consider college and potential plans to pursue competitive golf beyond high school. A special thanks to our long-time Trustee Fred Tattersall for his commitment to our mission and for providing meaningful national opportunities like the First Tee National Championship.”

The winners of each girls’ and boys’ divisions will be awarded with the Tattersall Cup and will earn an exemption, if eligible, into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee held at Pebble Beach Golf Links September 20-25, 2022.

Kaufman will compete against top players from across the country. Four players in the field are ranked on the American Junior Golf Association and Junior Golf Scoreboard Top 250.

During the week, participants will have the opportunity to hear from PGA Head Golf Professional Steve Scott on what it means to be a game-changer and how his values intersected with his experience of finishing runner-up to Tiger Woods in the 1996 U.S. Amateur Championship.

Golf to Paradise – First Tee Champions Challenge

Naples, Florida (February 2022) – Julian Alonso and Ty Kaufman of The First Tee of Naples/Collier teamed together to win the 15th Golf to Paradise-First Tee Champions Challenge played from Friday through Sunday as part of the Chubb Classic presented by SERVPRO.

Alonso and Kaufman finished with a score of 96, two better than Caroline Gilreath and Slade Aliff of Roanoke Valley. Ava Heaton and Brant Dattilo of the Triangle were third with a score of 101.

“We are extremely proud of Ty and Julian representing our chapter during the Golf to Paradise event,” said Cindy Darland, the executive director of The First Tee of Naples/Collier.

Ten First Tee chapters were represented and played three different formats and three different courses. The two-person team played a scramble at The Moorings on Friday, a better-ball format at Royal Poinciana, and an alternate shot format on the Flamingo Course at Lely Resort.

The chapters did more than play golf. They participated in a clinic on Thursday with PGA Tour Champions players, took part in the “Keep Collier Beautiful Beach Clean Up” on Saturday morning, and also had a cruise on the Naples Princess.

Collier County tourism bureau and Premier Packaging sponsored the event.

“It was truly a pleasure to have all the chapters participate and we thank Chubb and (Collier County tourism) and Premier Packaging for sponsoring this event,” Darland said.

The other chapters were from Greater Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Indiana, Twin Cities, Chicago, and West Michigan.

The First Tee – Naples/Collier is a positive youth development program that offers opportunities to children ages 7 – 18 years of age to learn/apply its 9 Core Values and positive character traits through the game of golf. The First Tee – Naples/Collier is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 2007.

First Tee Awards Ace Certification to Naples Teen

Less than 1 percent of First Tee participants earn the national designation that recognizes teens for their commitment to personal growth and planning for their future

Naples, Florida (March 11^th) – Jack McElrath from First Tee —Naples/Collier has achieved Ace certification, the highest level of certification from First Tee. This certification is the culmination of 10 years in the program that enables youth to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges and personal growth.

McElrath began Ace program in 2019 after completing four previous program levels. The program’s final level emphasizes personal planning and reinforces skills such as self-management, goal setting, self-coaching, interpersonal communication, and resilience that were applied in earlier levels of the program. Using these skills, McElrath earned the Ace certification by completing four projects focused on community service, career exploration, educational opportunities and golf experience. Completing these projects help him build an important foundation for success in higher education and career planning. Once the projects were completed, a final report was submitted and reviewed by a national committee. This designation is the culmination of hours of volunteering, goal setting, preparation and practice.

“For an individual to achieve First Tee’s Ace certification is no small task. Jack joins a small group of First Tee participants, worldwide, that have demonstrated the dedication to the First Tee Life Skills programming as well as the determination to complete the four projects. Less than 1 percent of First Tee participants achieve Ace certification and Jack has joined this elite group. He has been part of the First Tee – Naples/Collier for over ten years and has involved in our Life Skills Programs, Elementary School Golf Leagues, Middle School Golf Leagues and our Junior Assistant Coach Program. We are extremely proud of his hard work and dedication to the First Tee. Congratulations on this great honor!” said Derek Clemmensen, Director of Programs, First Tee – Naples/Collier.

McElrath has been a participant at First Tee — Naples/Collier for 10 years and is a member of the Baron Collier high school golf team and team captain for the Academic World Quest Team at Baron Collier High School where he is a Junior. McElrath plans to continue to be involved with First Tee — Naples/Collier as Participant, Junior Assistant Coach and Volunteer.

“I have been a participant at First Tee / Naples Collier for over 10 years. By becoming ACE – certified, I have completed what I started a decade ago and yet this is not the end of my journey.
From the First Tee life skills experience and the ACE process, I have learned how to set and reach goals and to always persevere both on and off the golf course. I plan to stay involved with First Tee by volunteering as a junior coach and encouraging other participants to pursue ACE – certification.
The skills I have learned from First Tee have made me a better golfer, but more importantly a better person and for this I will always be grateful. “ said McElrath.

Jack was recognized at last week’s First Tee – Naples/Collier’s Leadership Series in partnership with PGA Tour Superstore. The First Tee Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore is an interactive five-week series designed to provide teens the opportunity to discover their personal values and emerging leadership strengths. Through the series, teens also begin to explore potential career fields based on those findings and frame out multi-year goals to guide them as they navigate future career opportunities.

Throughout the series, the teens met and heard from PGA TOUR Superstore associates and First Tee alumni from across the country who will share personal accounts of their career paths and experiences.

The Leadership Series – which was co-created between First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore – is being hosted in 27 communities across the country where there is a store and a First Tee chapter. PGA TOUR Superstore general managers facilitated the interactive sessions either virtually or in stores and chapters, with safe and socially distant protocols in place.

Once the participants complete the series, they will be eligible to apply for the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The Summit will be held this August at PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman Arthur M. Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana. Forty teens will be selected for the Summit where they’ll take part in interactive workshops and outdoor leadership trainings. The Summit will include First Tee’s core competencies of building character, self-confidence and resilience as a part of the experience, combined with a robust curriculum of leadership and professional development.

“At PGA TOUR Superstore, we are committed to giving back and being a positive influence in our communities,” said Dick Sullivan, President & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We truly believe in the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth. PGA TOUR Superstore is proud to have supported First Tee for more than a decade, working together to open the door to more kids, especially inviting those who are in underserved communities.”

In September, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more children across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of this new Leadership Series and Summit.

The Leadership Series and Summit is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and equip teens on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. These events often become life-changing experiences for participants to expand their horizons, meet new people, learn more about themselves and prepare for their futures.

First Tee is a youth development organization using golf as a catalyst for personal growth. First Tee —Naples/Collier reaches more than 1000 young people annually.

First Tee – Naples/Collier Awards $97,500 in College Scholarships

Naples, Florida – May 10, 2022: The First Tee – Naples/Collier has selected two outstanding candidates, Isabella Alvarez and Maggie Platten, as their 2022 four-year college scholarship recipients. These two scholarships are renewable on an annual basis for undergraduate studies for up to $10,000 each for four years. Isabella and Maggie have distinguished themselves as dedicated and committed leaders in First Tee through their involvement in First Tee Life Skills program, character development, academic excellence, community service and participation in extra-curricular activities.

“Our Scholarship Committee is extremely proud to award our 2022 college scholarships to Isabella and Maggie well as one-time Grants to six additional Seniors” said Cindy Darland, Executive Director. “We know they will represent our chapter well as they lead the next generation with the values instilled upon them through the First Tee.“

“Receiving the First Tee Scholarship is life changing. I will be the first in my family to attend college in America. This scholarship has opened doors that I had only dreams of” said Isabella Alvarez. “I can’t explain the relief that this has provided to my family and me. Thank you First Tee – Naples/Collier for this amazing opportunity.”

“Receiving the First Tee Scholarship is an absolute honor. I don’t think anyone in my family would have thought, after signing me up for a PLAYer class 6 years ago, that I would be heading to college with such an impactful scholarship” said Maggie Platten. “Through my years at the First Tee I learned what it truly meant to be a golfer, a good sport, and an overall good person. First Tee has been instrumental through my teenage years, and

I was surrounded by amazing coaches and volunteers through it all. This scholarship means the world to my family and to me!”

First Tee – Naples/Collier is also proud to announce one-time scholarship awards in the amount of:

$5,000 to Jack McElrath for becoming ACE Certified and $2,500 each to Kody Horton, Grace Humphrey, Willem Jaron, Ty Kaufman and Aelia Trainer.

On behalf of First Tee – Naples/Collier, CONTRATULATIONS to the First Tee Class of 2022!