Introducing Olivia Ivey: A Full-Circle Journey Back to First Tee – Sandhills!
We’re beyond excited to welcome Olivia Ivey to the First Tee – Sandhills team! A familiar face in our community, Olivia brings a unique mix of personal connection, professional skills, and passion for youth development. Let’s dive into her story, her goals for this role, and the energy she’s bringing to the program!
From Moore County Roots to Disney Magic and Beyond Born and raised right here in Moore County, Olivia’s journey comes full circle with her new role at First Tee – Sandhills. Her connection to our program runs deep—her dad was a coach for the chapter, and Olivia participated in First Tee programs throughout her elementary and middle school years. She credits those experiences with shaping her character and igniting her love for sports and mentorship.
After graduating from Belmont Abbey College in just three years, where she played on the soccer team and earned a degree in Marketing, Olivia ventured to Walt Disney World for a six-month internship. There, she gained invaluable experience in communication, creativity, and guest engagement. Now, she’s bringing that same energy and expertise to First Tee – Sandhills, eager to give back to the organization that played such a big role in her life.
Excitement for the Role: Inspiring the Next Generation Olivia’s enthusiasm for her role at First Tee is contagious! She’s thrilled to combine her marketing background with her passion for working with kids. Her mission is to inspire young people in the Sandhills area, just as she was inspired as a child. By building on the values she learned through First Tee, Olivia is determined to help children grow in confidence, character, and life skills, both on and off the golf course.
Active Living and a Passion for Sports When Olivia isn’t working, you’ll likely find her staying active. Growing up playing sports has given her a love for soccer, golf, hiking, paddleboarding, and running. This active lifestyle keeps her grounded and helps her connect with the kids in our programs, inspiring them to enjoy the benefits of physical activity and outdoor fun.
Advice for Working with Kids: Embrace Your Inner Child Olivia’s advice for anyone working with kids is simple yet powerful: “Channel your inner child and have silly moments. When you show you can have fun too, even as a coach, the kiddos always tend to love that and feel more comfortable.” Her playful energy and approachable nature are sure to make every child feel seen, valued, and supported.
Goals at First Tee: Expanding Impact and Building Connections In her new role, Olivia is excited to bring fresh ideas to First Tee’s marketing efforts while fostering meaningful connections within the community. Her goals include enhancing program visibility, engaging more families and participants, and highlighting the incredible stories of growth that happen every day at First Tee – Sandhills.
Join us in welcoming Olivia to the First Tee family! We can’t wait to see the positive impact she’ll make, and we know the kids (and the entire community) are going to love her energy and dedication. Let’s make this season unforgettable!
We are continuing on our Fall Participant Spotlight Series with Ruby from our Just Fore Girls program at Pinehurst No. 6. Ruby was submitted by Coach Kim!
Ruby, originally from the United Kingdom, joined the ‘Just 4 Girls’ program at Pinehurst No. 6 in the Fall of 2023. She loves coming back each season to reconnect with the friends she’s made in the program while also forming new friendships. Ruby brings a welcoming presence to each class and always encourages her peers and teammates. Her advice for others considering joining First Tee – Sandhills is, “Just go for it and don’t worry what other people think.” Ruby spends her time after class assisting her parents in taking care of her new baby sister, Nellie, and spending time with her older sister, Lana.
Let’s take a look at what Coach Kim had to say about our participant, Ruby.
”Ruby consistently brings a cheerful and cooperative spirit to class each week, brightening the environment for her peers and coaches alike. She is an attentive listener who actively absorbs feedback and instruction, demonstrating her commitment to learning and growth. Ruby skillfully puts what she learns into action, displaying confidence and a positive attitude in every session. When her coaches encourage her to set individual goals, she eagerly rises to the challenge, using these opportunities to push herself and achieve personal milestones. Her dedication and enthusiasm make her a valuable member of the group.”
Way to go, Ruby! We are so glad you joined us here at First Tee – Sandhills!
We are continuing on our Fall Participant Spotlight Series with Peter from our program at Pinewild Country Club. Peter was submitted by Coach John T.
Peter is the perfect example of showing sportsmanship on and off the golf course. With three older siblings and two younger siblings, Peter has much practice in teamwork and collaboration, and it shows at every class! Peter’s favorite part of First Tee is going on course and receiving advice and guidance from his coaches. He believes in always trying your best and supporting and encouraging your peers. Peter enjoys fishing and playing video games with his friends and brothers when he is not on the golf course!
Let’s check out what Coach John had to say about our participant, Peter.
“This fall at Pinewild, Peter has consistently exemplified outstanding sportsmanship. He goes out of his way to support his peers, offering encouragement when they struggle with a golf skill or feel frustrated after a tough shot. Peter’s positive attitude and teamwork have been contagious, uplifting everyone around him. Each week, we emphasize the importance of sportsmanship in all aspects of life, from school to work and beyond, and Peter’s actions are a perfect reflection of this value. Well done, Peter—keep up the fantastic work!”
Way to go, Peter! We are so glad you joined us here at First Tee – Sandhills!
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Kelly spent majority of her adult life in greater Washington, D.C. There she invested forty years working in government relations and political advocacy at the federal level.
Kelly and her husband, Jack, have always enjoyed the game of golf. Throughout the years, they travelled to countless golf courses and tournaments all over the world, but nothing quite compared to the charming Village of Pinehurst. After three visits to the area, Kelly and Jack bought a condo on Lake Pinehurst where they made lifetime memories with family and friends for the next 17 years. Upon retirement, they could not imagine a more perfect place to settle than the Sandhills of North Carolina.
Once settled in their new house in Southern Pines, Kelly went straight to First Tee – Sandhills to see how she could get involved. Both Kelly and Jack had volunteered with First Tee – Greater Washington, DC and she wanted to continue working with the organization. Since 2013, she’s supported the chapter’s efforts in countless ways — from fundraising, event planning, gift procurement, and data processing; to volunteer recruitment and day-to-day office work. She’s continually inspired by working alongside Courtney and her team, who are passionate about the First Tee’s mission and dedicated to the young people they serve.
“I am always energized by being in the office with Courtney and her enthusiastic and dedicated young staff. They are all so dedicated to their craft, the mission of First Tee and, most of all, the youngsters they are serving. It is heartening to see such good work being done for so many young people in our community. They are truly building game changers! I am honored to be a small part of their efforts.”
Kelly – your support, enthusiasm, guidance and can do attitude ensure we are always working to accomplish our lofty goals here in the Sandhills. When we are tired, you lift us up; when we miss a target, you help us recalibrate for the next one. Thank you for being our person for the last 12 years. XOXO.
We are continuing on our Fall Participant Spotlight Series with Austin from our program at Seven Lakes Golf Club. Austin was submitted by Coach CJ for his respectful, polite attitude, eagerness to learn, and enthusiasm at every class!
Austin is a first time participant with First Tee – Sandhills this season, but is already making an impact on his coaches and fellow participants. Austin’s favorite activities at class include hitting his driver, making new friends, and broadening his knowledge about the game of golf! Austin has shared his love of golf with his little brother, and enjoys showing him the things he learns at class. Austin spends much of his spare time outside; riding bikes through the neighborhood with his friends, playing football, and running around with his dog, Bojangles.
Let’s take a look at what Coach CJ had to say about our participant, Austin.
“Austin L has caught my eye this season. His skills, along with his willingness to learn is exceptional. He is so attentive to the coaches and able to block out the background activities and focus on the skills training at hand. Austin not only engages in all activities with enthusiasm, he also volunteers to help the coaches after class gathering equipment and leaving our area in great shape for others. He shows a awesome respect for the course and equipment. I, personally, was so impressed with this little gentleman, that I wanted to recognize him as his personality, golf skills and knowledge base and class participation deserves a very bright spotlight, indeed.”
Way to go, Austin! We are so glad you joined us here at First Tee – Sandhills.
Steve Felice and his wife, Pat, hail from Upstate New York. After an impressive career as Senior Vice President for one of the largest global mining companies, Steve retired in 2022. To celebrate this new chapter, Steve and Pat embarked on a cross-country road trip. One of their stops was Pinehurst, where they volunteered for the U.S. Women’s Open Championship at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club.
During their three-week stay, Steve and Pat fell in love with the Sandhills area and made the big decision to relocate. Later that summer, they bought a home in Pinewild. Steve had a strong desire to stay involved in his community and expressed interest in volunteering with First Tee – Sandhills to his realtor, Jennifer Nguyen, who happened to serve on the Board of Directors for First Tee. Through that connection, Steve met with Courtney, and his volunteer journey with First Tee – Sandhills began just a few months later. Steve’s dedication and enthusiasm have made him an invaluable part of the First Tee team. He’s passionate about helping young golfers develop both their game and their character, and we’re so grateful to have him on board!
“The work with First Tee has been a fantastic experience and exactly what I was looking for. The First Tee team and my fellow volunteers, mentors and coaches are wonderful, caring people who live the values and mission of First Tee. Over the past two years supporting First Tee, the picture that comes to mind when I reflect on my time is simply the smiles on the faces of the kiddos — when they show up and when the go home after the sessions!”
Earlier this year, Coach Riley was accepted into the Moore County Leadership Institute (MCLI) and we promised a monthly recap of each of his new experiences. If you aren’t caught up, click here to learn about this adventure!
This month, Riley and the MCLI team got to explore all things FirstHealth. After getting to tour the new Cancer Center of FirstHealth, and learning all about the ins and outs of how things run and work, Riley was eager to share his findings when returning back to First Tee – Sandhills. Take a moment to hear what they learned and discovered while visiting and learning all about FirstHealth.
“We began our day by meeting with the CEO and COO of FirstHealth, where I discovered some intriguing facts about the organization that I hadn’t known before. FirstHealth operates independently and is a not-for-profit organization, meaning that all revenue is reinvested directly into patient care. I was particularly moved by learning about their Foundation, which exists solely to provide financial assistance to those struggling with medical bills.They also shared details about the new Cancer Center in Moore County, which represents a significant advancement by bringing all aspects of treatment and rehabilitation together under one roof, rather than being spread across different buildings. The conversation also highlighted FirstHealth’s expansion plans, not just in Moore County but across all the counties they serve. Key projects include an upgraded energy supply building in Moore, which is critical for their expansion efforts, as they’ve already reached full capacity, and a new Women and Children’s building. Interestingly, FirstHealth is the only provider of women’s services in the region. The COO also discussed several safety improvements he’s implemented to enhance hospital security. Every day, department heads across the network participate in a Safety Huddle, where they review a comprehensive report from the previous day to track near misses and implement changes proactively to prevent any harmful incidents.”
“Following that, they introduced their Tele-Health program, which was developed post-COVID to reduce the need for in-person contact. This program allows patients to consult with doctors over the phone, from simply discussing symptoms to enabling daily check-ins for patients who have been discharged but still require monitoring. A significant advantage of this system for FirstHealth is that one provider can manage all at-home observations each day, even if the patients are spread across different locations. This approach, coupled with a notable reduction in 30-day readmissions—which hospitals cannot charge for—has resulted in substantial cost savings for the organization. Next, we toured the new Cancer Center, where each floor is dedicated to a specific aspect of cancer treatment. The passion and care of the employees were immediately evident, and the environment felt far from a typical hospital setting. With vibrant colors and a welcoming atmosphere, the center stood out as a place of hope. However, one sobering statistic caught my attention: they see approximately 260 patients daily.”
“We concluded our day at the Pinehurst Medical Clinic, focusing on the evolving landscape of behavioral health and the rise in mental health challenges post-COVID. Since the pandemic, there has been a marked increase in extreme social anxiety, depression, and a decline in reading skills among younger age groups. We also learned about the surge in distress among high school seniors and college freshmen, many of whom felt their lives had been derailed by the pandemic.”
“Several insights stood out to me. First, the startling realization that around 80% of our daily thoughts are negative—a figure that, on reflection, seems accurate. Additionally, it was intriguing to note the higher number of female patients seeking mental health support compared to males. The discussion brought up interesting perspectives on why this might be, with some suggesting that societal norms discourage men from seeking help, while others felt that men tend to address issues superficially, whereas women engage more deeply. Overall, the experience was eye-opening, shedding light on the profound impact these issues have on our community.”
Riley’s next journey through MCLI will be September 18th.
Addison Bidoli, a rising 10th Grader at Jack Britt HS in Fayetteville and a First Tee – Sandhills participant, was selected as one of 72 teens nationwide to attend the Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis this past month. The seventy-two teens from across the country attended the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow Jr. where the teens participated in important conversations on topics like inclusivity and community building facilitated by RISE, a national leader championing social justice in sports.
Here is Addison’s Recap from the experience:
Day 1 Recap
I arrived Tuesday, July 9th. In the airport, I met an amazing group of people who I stayed close with the entire trip. We settled into the dorms, and started to get ready for the welcome reception. Before the reception, I met my roommate who was very sweet and we instantly got along! Between these events I began to meet the other participants and tried to get to know everyone I could.
At the reception after dinner, I sat with 3 other girls who I got to know, one of the coaches, and NFL hall of fame-r John Randle. We then had a few individuals go up and speak at a panel where we learned from people with different experiences and careers about inclusive leadership. We got to experience different perspectives and ultimately learned the importance of being an inclusive leader in the workplace.
Day 2 Recap
The next day we woke up and ate breakfast at the cafeteria on campus, and then left for Highland National Golf Course to play some icebreaker golf activities. My group started off at the chipping station. The intent of the game was to help build our confidence and I really enjoyed it! Our next station was full swing. We were asked to aim for a target out on the range and each target was paired with a unique question that I answered and discussed with my partner. It was exciting to learn more about the other participants and their past experiences. The last activity we attended was putting which was my favorite station of the day. We rotated around the green where we had to complete a different task at each hole.
We then ate a delicious pasta lunch and went back out to the course to play a few holes. I was partnered with three participants I had not had a chance to mingle with yet. I was able to make three new friends while growing my confidence!
After our morning golf activities, we went back to campus for our first lecture! It was with the RISE program. This had to be my favorite workshop of the whole trip! Our instructor was very engaging and easy to listen to. At the workshop, we were assigned to write 10 things that describe our identity. We rotated around the room and read our list to another participant, who then ripped off a word from the list that shouldn’t define us. We continued moving around the room and deleting words from our list until only one word was left.
I really enjoyed getting to listen and learn about the other participants and myself as well. The opportunity provided a fresh perspective to how you view yourself and what defines you.
After the workshop, we ate dinner at the cafeteria then started one of my favorite activities, the scavenger hunt. We had a list of items to find around campus, such as finding a building with a prime number or finding a map and taking a picture of our group in front of it looking lost. I loved getting to explore the campus like a student alongside an amazing group of people! Everyone was so kind and fun and we all got along so well. Our chaperone was awesome and added an exciting energy to the group.
Our day was coming to an end, and we made our way back to our sleeping arrangements. We stayed up for a while talking about everything we had done and learned throughout the day, and then said our goodnights to one another. After all the excitement, we were all tired and fell right asleep!
Day 3 Recap
After a good nights rest, we kicked off the morning at the golf course. We were split into groups of five and sent out on course to play a few holes. I was able to meet two new people and continue growing friendships with two other individuals I had already spent time with.
We then rotated around another set of golf activity stations focused on target awareness. I learned to block out the things I can’t control and put more effort into focusing on the end goal.
After an exciting morning of golf, we were surprised with an ice cream break! It was by the far the best ice cream I’ve ever had and one of the best parts of the day.
Later that day, we took a short bus ride over to TopGolf and met with one of the directors of the company. She spoke to us about being an inclusive leader and gave us advice and pointers. I walked away with a new found perspective on being an effective, inclusive leader and how to be open and responsive to others ideas and opinions and how to adapt to their needs in a leadership role.
Another guest speaker, Victoria Arlen, spoke to us about her life and corporate experiences. We were able to interact and ask questions about her experiences. She is an amazing women and a perfect example of what it means to persevere.
After listening to the guest speakers, we were split into groups again and played TopGolf games, in addition to eating some wonderful snacks. It was a fun, relaxing way to end the day!
Day 4 Recap
To round out our last day at Game Changers Academy, we participated in another RISE workshop. We used the SMART acronym to create a theoretical community service project. Each group shared their ideas and received feedback and suggestions on how to bring the service project to fruition. The objective of the workshop was to equip us with the tools to create achievable goals in our personal life.
We then went to a workshop hosted by AWS. Members of the company shared AWS mission statement and values and how they incorporate each one to create an inclusive work environment. We were split into groups and tasked with creating a theoretical leader based on one of AWS values and how that value could be presented by the leader in a workplace. This activity really tied in everything we had learned thus far at the academy and how we could apply it in our daily lives and as leaders in our community.
After a hearty lunch, we headed over to Theodore Wirth Golf Course to play an 18 hole scramble. I was paired with a positive, encouraging group that created a fun, competitive environment. This 18 hole scramble was the most fun I have ever had golfing competitively. The experience was really eye opening. I am usually stuck in a negative mindset and worry more about my performance than having fun. I was able to focus on my golf game with a positive attitude and actually have fun and enjoy my time on the course. This was my favorite part of the entire trip and the best way to round out our time in Minneapolis!
Overall, this trip allowed me the opportunity to meet so many kind, amazing people and see and try new things in a fun, supportive environment. Plus, I got to stay on a college campus and get a feel for what college will be like, as I will be attending soon. I definitely walked away with the skills and knowledge to becoming an inclusive leader. I sharpened my creative skills in finding solutions to create equality, as every person is so different. I look forward to taking everything I learned from my experience and incorporating it into my upcoming school year and daily life. Thank you First Tee for instilling confidence in myself and actions! I am beyond grateful for the experience Game Changers Academy offered me and I can’t wait to share a positive impact with my community.
For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.
With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry.
The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada.
First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.
“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.”
Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community.
Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.”
Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience.
Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.
“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”
She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.
Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event.
For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.
With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry.
The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada.
First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.
“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.”
Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community.
Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.”
Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience.
Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.
“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”
She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.
Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event.
Teens from across the U.S. will learn about leadership from executives within the Arthur M. Blank family of businesses.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 17, 2024) – The First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore returns from June 17-22. The weeklong Atlanta event will bring together 48 teens from across the country who will learn about operating successful teams from executives within the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
The event is headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore, a 4-time WNBA, 2-time NCAA and 2-time Olympic champion, who off the court, has been a dedicated advocate of criminal justice reform. Participants will also hear from leaders like Atlanta United CEO Garth Lagerwey, Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman and CEO Dick Sullivan and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Chief of Staff Kelley Gulley.
It will feature workshops on communication, developing a winning culture and more. Attendees will get a taste of the college experience, with the Georgia Institute of Technology serving as its hub. The group will also visit sites across Atlanta, including the PGA TOUR Superstore Support Center, the Coda building, Atlanta United’s training facility, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
“Our participants learn valuable skills at the First Tee Leadership Academy and have made friendships they will carry with them well beyond their time in Atlanta,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore for supporting these truly life-changing events.”
PGA TOUR Superstore has been a partner of First Tee for more than a decade, providing financial support and in-kind donations. It provides chapter grants to promote teen retention and supports national events like the Leadership Academy, Leadership Summit and Leadership Series.
The First Tee Leadership Academy is one of ten national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and empower teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring.
With graduation in the books, many kids and teens are looking ahead to the future. But we asked First Tee alumni to look back and consider the advice they’d share with their 18-year-old self.
David Singh First Tee – Tampa Bay Recently earned his Master in Healthcare Administration at the University of Pittsburgh
“Life is not always gonna stick to the script you’ve got in your head. Sometimes, it’ll throw you curveballs you never saw coming. Roll with the punches, stay flexible, and remember, there’s always a silver lining in every setback. Keep your chin up, ’cause even when things don’t go as planned, there’s still a world of amazing possibilities out there waiting for you.”
Savannah Mansueti First Tee – Florida Gold Coast Manager of operations at First Tee – Florida Gold Coast
“If I could advise my 18-year-old self, I’d emphasize embracing failure as a key part of learning and growth, seeing setbacks as opportunities to refine skills. I’d also stress the importance of building strong relationships with family, friends, mentors and colleagues for support and guidance. Lastly, I’d recommend prioritizing financial literacy early on, mastering budgeting, saving and investing for long-term stability and success.”
Haili Moore First Tee – Greater Dallas Student at Texas Christian University and entry-level staff accountant
“Do not allow yourself to settle in relationships, careers, friendships, education, etc. You are worth what you allow to infiltrate your time, peace and space. The thing is though, is that you are worth more than you’ll ever know.”
Jamie Rush First Tee – Pittsburgh Methodist University marketing student with a concentration in professional golf management
“My advice would be to live in the moment. We are always wishing for the next big moment and forget to treasure the times that we are currently in. I’m still trying to learn this lesson today. Enjoy every aspect of the here and now, slow down and don’t wish your life away.”
Spencer McIntosh First Tee – Tampa Bay Director of business intelligence and analytics at First Tee
“I would encourage my 18-year-old self to be continuously educating yourself whether that be reading more books, taking additional courses or seeking mentorship. I’d also recommend that he build a strong network and surround himself with supportive and knowledgeable people so you can apply those lessons to his passions. Then finally, I’d tell him to pay those gifts forward to the next generation of game changers!”
Srishti Dhurandhar First Tee – Metropolitan New York Business and technology management student and collegiate golfer at NYU
“Some advice for my younger self would be to be less afraid to ask for help and make mistakes. I learned the most when things didn’t go according to plan and wish I had spent less time worrying about doing everything perfectly because everything will work out in the end as long as you surround yourself with people you can lean on. “
