From walking scoring to standard bearer to parking and transportation, Jolie Venable has volunteered in just about every role at Korn Ferry Tour events – including the Simmons Bank Open, the Visit Knoxville Open and the Korn Ferry Tour Championship.
The First Tee – Tennessee alumna and Ace graduate got involved with the Tour through her First Tee chapter and made the most of the opportunity. “I’ve really enjoyed all the different jobs I’ve done at tournaments,” she said.
Jolie began participating in First Tee when she was 9 and said it was the coaches who kept her engaged with the program, “They’re very enthusiastic, caring and passionate about getting kids into golf, especially girls who don’t necessarily feel like they have a place in the sport.”
Jolie stuck with First Tee as she got older, eventually joining the Ace Program, its capstone program for high schoolers. Ace is designed to help teens game-plan for the future by encouraging them to explore their passions on and off the golf course. Ace participants complete four projects focused on education, career preparation, golf and community service.
The community service piece was Jolie’s favorite part, she said. Not only did she volunteer at tournaments, but she jumped into new opportunities when her family moved to Panama City, Florida, about three years ago.
Jolie asked around about a local First Tee chapter after the move but learned there was no programming in the area after Hurricane Michael devastated the region in 2018. But she happened to be volunteering at a golf event with veterans last year when she overheard a fateful conversation.
“We were at Bay Point Golf Course, and I overheard Tommy Cooley come in and mention First Tee. I popped my head in and asked the manager about the conversation, and it turns out Tommy was trying to get First Tee started there,” Jolie said. “I got in contact with Tommy, who had brought Nature Walk Golf Course on board, and he offered me a position.”
Now a First Tee alumna, Jolie is lead coach at First Tee – Gulf Coast’s Panama City program location. She recruits new coaches and teaches kids. “I just love seeing the kids light up when they see something new,” she said.
In addition to her work, Jolie is studying physical therapy. “Around fourth grade, I was diagnosed with hearing loss in my right ear, and I got really interested in the medical field. I really love helping people, and this will give me an opportunity to work with other athletes,” she explained. She’s also launching a nonprofit that will provide hearing devices for families who can’t afford them.
First Tee – Gulf Coast now serves kids from South Alabama through Panama City. “Golf has given so much to me, and I am delighted the same opportunities will be provided to future generations in Bay County,” Cooley said.
Embarking on a transformative journey, one of our very own, Riley Burns, has been accepted into the esteemed Moore County Leadership Institute (MCLI) – a program designed to cultivate and empower local business professionals into influential leaders within Moore County.
Riley grew up in Northeastern CT in a quaint little town called Brooklyn. He lived there from the day he was born until 2019 when he then moved to North Carolina to be closer to his wife’s parents while experiences new opportunities. “First Tee was a happy accident, I was in between jobs at the time and my wife worked for one of the board members who suggested I volunteer because I enjoy both golf and working with kids.” said Riley.
From his first interview, Riley was in love with the program at First Tee. “As I continued to learn what it was that First Tee stood for, I became completely bought in. Getting into the MCLI is a huge milestone in my continued journey for personal growth. As I continue to develop into my role as the Program Operations Coordinator at First Tee – Sandhills, one of my top goals for 2024 is to further improve my skills as a leader. The MCLI was brought to my attention as a potential avenue for growth and after doing some research, I quickly began the process of applying. I am most looking forward to the opportunity to meet and talk to leaders within the community to cultivate firstly what my leadership style is going to be and then to develop into it.” Riley stated.
Riley’s acceptance into the MCLI is not just a personal achievement but a commitment to the community. The program’s comprehensive training equips individuals with knowledge and understanding, fostering the development of key leaders. Graduates emerge not only more knowledgeable but also better prepared to make crucial decisions that impact their organizations, the community, and themselves.
Throughout the MCLI program, participants, including Riley, undergo a transformative journey focusing on various aspects of leadership. The curriculum goes beyond traditional concepts, diving into self-awareness, empathy, vision, passion, balance, volunteerism, and community leadership. These essential qualities not only enhance professional capabilities but also contribute to the broader development of the community.
We look forward to seeing what Riley accomplishes throughout his time with MCLI, and we will be reporting back here to share the updates with you all!
Many people set New Year’s resolutions in January. The process requires them to consider aspects of their lives or themselves they’d like to change. While self-reflection can be a healthy process, it might add stress for teens, who already experience a growing number of external pressures.
Kristin Westberg is director of curriculum and education at First Tee, and she acknowledges that adolescence can be a tough time for kids and parents. “The reality is that teenage years are filled with change: physical changes and hormonal shifts, changing relationships with family and friends, as well as social challenges at school,” she said.
Perhaps given the filtered content that’s so common on social media – where teens spend an average of more than three hours per day – there’s also evidence to show many teens try to minimize the challenges they’re facing. Seventy percent of teens say they can’t stop worrying when something goes wrong, with 67% of teens saying they try to prevent others from finding out about the problem.
“Combine this with new responsibilities and expectations that come with growing older as well as peer pressure, all of this can affect a teenager’s confidence,” Westberg said. But there are ways parents can help.
Adolescence can be an uncertain time
Westberg said teens are typically trying to resolve three big questions:
Who Am I?
How do I feel about myself?
Will I be ok in my future?
Those questions can be a lot for anyone to tackle, but especially for high schoolers, who may also be coping with increasing levels of anxiety, academic pressure and stress. That’s why it’s important for parents to focus on the process instead of the outcome and make room for failure as a first attempt in learning, Westberg said.
While every parent wants their teen to succeed, sometimes the journey is equally or more important to their overall development. “Learning to demonstrate responsibility, honesty and resilience will help your teen apply those behaviors in the future, and they’ll be more likely to try new things and less likely to shy away from challenges,” Westberg said.
Parents can also bolster their teens’ self-esteem by providing reassurance, even if everything doesn’t go right. “Be a safe space for your teen to process their thoughts and discuss challenges,” Westberg said. “Remind them of what they have achieved and what they are capable of. Sometimes they just need to know that you believe in them, no matter the outcome.”
Don’t give up on getting through to your teen
Sometimes it may feel like your teen is shutting you out or doesn’t value your opinion, but it’s important to remember that parents are crucial when it comes to providing support at a time when their teen might be experiencing lots of changes, Westberg said.
“It’s easy to want to solve all of your teen’s problems or tell them what they should do,” she said. “Afterall, parents were teens themselves once and have learned a lot along the way. It can be frustrating to feel shut out, but real connection with your teen starts with listening.”
It might come as a surprise, but research shows that most teens think highly of their parents and want to spend time with them, so keep trying to connect.
A study published last year by researchers at the University of Texas shows adolescents who volunteer in their communities are less likely to experience anxiety or behavioral issues and more likely to be very healthy.
Those are just a few reasons you may want to talk to your child or teen about giving back in 2024.
“Engaging in service has been linked to increased overall happiness and higher self-esteem, but I think having a greater perspective and empathy towards others are the most intrinsic benefits,” said Robbie Lowman, who oversees the First Tee College Scholarship Program and has worked in financial aid for more than a decade.
It’s no secret that volunteer work can bolster a college admissions or scholarship application.
“Service can demonstrate an applicant’s ability to take initiative, organize events and lead projects while showing signs of growth, resilience and adaptability,” Lowman said. But Lowman warned community service isn’t just a box to check on college applications. “It is a meaningful aspect of a student’s personal and academic journey. It reflects their values, character and commitment to making a positive difference in the world.”
Encourage your child to find a project they’re passionate about
There are many ways for kids and teens to get involved in their communities depending on their passions and interests. Nancy Rivera is a Scholar from First Tee – Silicon Valley and student at Middlebury College in Vermont. While in high school, she saw that Latinx members of her community needed support, so she started a Latinx club at her school, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, hosted food drives and even worked with a district councilmember to host college admissions classes for DREAM Act students and families.
“When we received her First Tee College Scholarship Program application, her community service record showed us that she is willing to collaborate with others, make sacrifices to strengthen her community and is not afraid to follow her values into important projects,” Lowman said.
Rivera wants to be the voice for Latinx families who have limited representation. With her community service accomplishments, that goal doesn’t sound far out of reach.
Giving back to the community has so many benefits that Lowman and his team prioritize it during annual professional development events for First Tee Scholars. For example, the group has hosted a beach cleanup and packed school supplies for students at a Title I school. The projects promote teamwork and collaboration, Lowman explained.
Helping your child identify their personal values
There are many ways to serve others, but community service typically has the greatest impact when it connects back to your personal values. As you discuss volunteering with your child, consider starting with these questions:
What in life is important to you?
How do you know that something is important to you?
What does it show about your values when you say one thing but do another?
If your child values academic success, they could volunteer as a tutor. Or if health and wellness is important to them, perhaps they could coach younger kids in sports. Once you’ve helped your child determine their personal values, that’s a good starting point for getting involved.
If your teen is a First Tee participant, we encourage you to learn more about Innovators Forum a national opportunity focused on giving back. During the annual event, which will take place in Phoenix this November, a team of expert facilitators helps each participant develop a community service project to implement at home.
Addison, a 9th Grader at Jack Britt HS in Fayetteville, was selected as one of 28 teens nationwide to attend the First Tee Innovators Forum in Jacksonville, Florida this November.
This was Addison’s first National Participant Opportunity selection.
The forum equips and empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focused on education, health, human rights, or environmental sustainability. Addison learned from industry leaders through interactive workshops and small group breakout sessions with fellow teens who share a similar desire for learning and generating changes in their communities. Upon return home, she will utilize a timeline, strategic goals and a budget to develop and execute a community service project.
Day 1 Recap
On Thursday, I said goodbye to my parents at the airport and boarded my plane to Jacksonville, Florida. My nervousness of flying alone for the first time was overshadowed by my excitement for the weekend.
When I arrived in Florida, there was a chaperone waiting to take me and a couple other participants to the hotel. I was able to meet and mingle with the other teens while we waited for everyone to arrive. I was a little hesitant at first, but everyone was so nice and welcoming.
Shortly after, we made our way over to the PGA Tour Headquarters where Billy Horschel spoke about his experience creating a non-profit organization. A surprise guest stopped by halfway through. Her name was Susan King and she was the CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida. She, too, spoke about her experiences as an industry leader. Both speakers allowed us to ask questions and gave many great pieces of information and advice.
Our final activity for the evening was a comedy show. We got to see three comedians perform. Instead of just telling jokes, they were very interactive with the crowd and included us often. There were many laughs and it was a great way to end the long day.
We headed back to the hotel for an Italian dinner and talked about the schedule for the rest of the weekend. The hotel had a patio area with a fire pit, so after dinner, we all headed out there to hang out and talk. It was probably my favorite part of the day. I was able to get to know the other teens better and hear their experiences with First Tee. I was surprised how similar some of our experiences were even though we all came from different chapters around the country.
Although we were all having a great time, everyone was pretty tired and decided to head to bed early to prepare for the long day tomorrow. I couldn’t wait to see what was in store for the next day.
Day 2 Recap
The day is Friday, and let me tell you, it turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly amazing days. Starting bright and early and heading to the beach to catch the sunrise, I knew the day was going to be something special.
After seeing the sunrise, we headed to Panera for breakfast. There’s just something about bagels and coffee that sets the tone for a great day. After breakfast, we returned to the PGA Tour HQ, where we were treated to a talk by a First Tee alumni, Hannah Rens. She shared her journey from volunteering to her current projects in aerospace engineering (WOW)! Hearing about her accomplishments and the obstacles she faced was beyond inspiring.
But the inspiration didn’t stop there.
Dr. Ted France joined us, offering us great advice and insights. He talked about our ongoing projects and emphasized the power of teamwork. It was amazing to hear from someone so accomplished and passionate.
After a quick break, we hopped on a bus to St. Augustine. The highlight of the afternoon was a catamaran ride, complete with unlimited snacks and drinks.The view was breathtaking, and Kyanna Tamborini shared her captivating journey in marine biology.
When we got back at the TPC Sawgrass media center shortly after, the day took a creative turn. We split into groups and crafted steps to being a leader, turning them into our own poems. It was a unique approach, and I loved how it allowed us to express our thoughts in a creative way. Being able to mingle amongst ourselves and meet new people, we also made a ton of new friends along the way. We even talked about possibly visiting one another in different states in the future! One of the best parts about this experience was getting to make new friends from all different age ranges throughout the different high schools involved.
As the sun began to set, we started planning and brainstorming for our projects. It felt like we were on the brink of something incredible, we all were excited about our ideas.
The day concluded with dinner at the TPC Sawgrass clubhouse. Dining in that fancy restaurant was the perfect ending to a great day.
Today was more than just a Friday; it was a chapter in my First Tee journey that I’ll carry with me forever in the years to come!
Day 3 Recap
My Saturday morning kicked off with a visit from two amazing professionals, Crystal Harris and Morgan Wiesner, from the CapTech company. Their energy was fantastic, and they shared insights on problem-solving and unleashing creativity. As a little bonus, they handed out small gifts that added an extra dose of excitement to our day. Then we had an activity focused on brainstorming ideas to enhance teen retention within the First Tee.
Following the brainstorming, was some delicious Mexican food. Nothing like a good meal to fuel the mind!
In the afternoon, Dr. Ted returned, and together, we brainstormed our very own ‘Go-To Team.’ It was fun to witness the mix of talents and ideas coming together. We then translated our brainstormed ideas into a poster, outlining our plan and a timeline for execution. After the intense planning session, we were treated to a stroll around the breathtaking clubhouse. The view was nothing short of amazing.
The evening kicked off with a hearty BBQ dinner, where we made our way to the beach, where a bonfire and s’mores awaited. After the fire, we were back at the hotel, facing a pivotal decision. The chaperones threw out the idea of an all-nighter, and, well, who were we to turn down an opportunity for more memories? We hung out in the common room, playing games, talking, and laughing. I can confidently say it was worth every yawn for the fun times we all shared this week.
As I finally hit the pillow, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the experiences of the day. The First Tee Innovators Forum had become more than just an event; it was a memory that will stay with me forever. The experience and knowledge I gained has made me excited to start my service project immediately! My hopes are to provide feminine products to teens who can’t afford or have no access to obtain them through a feminine product drive. First Tee has given me more than I ever expected and I am honored to serve my community in return. Thank you First Tee for the incredible opportunity, lifelong friendships and the invaluable knowledge. I am anxiously awaiting to apply for the opportunities in 2024!
Brunswick is a beautiful place on Georgia’s historic coastal plain, but it’s not a big city. In a small community like Brunswick, it’s pretty easy to stay informed, said Jim Ruger, a coach at First Tee – Golden Isles.
“About a month ago in the local newspaper, I saw a photo of a high school girl. I knew her from participating in our chapter through the Boys & Girls Club”, he said. “She had no golf experience, but made a sincere effort at golf and to learn the First Tee’s core values. The caption to the photo stated she earned a partial scholarship and plans to attend Mercer University and become an OBGYN.”
It’s stories like that – “and she’s not the only one that comes to mind,” Ruger said – along with the dedicated staff at First Tee – Golden Isles that have kept him engaged with the organization for a decade.
Ruger’s dad got him into golf when he was just a kid, and his passion for the sport grew when he moved from Cincinnati in 1998 to work as a legal instructor at Glynco, a federal law enforcement training facility in southeast Georgia, an area also known for its spectacular golf courses. First Tee – Golden Isles presents after school and weekend programs at many of these golf courses.
In fact, the eyes of the golf world will be on nearby Sea Island this week for The RSM Classic, a PGA TOUR event. During this week’s tournament, First Tee – Golden Isles will be operating the Youth Zone, featuring putting, inflatables and an autograph area.
Back in 2013, when First Tee – Golden Isles was just launching, the tournament played an important role in bringing Ruger into First Tee’s fold. The RSM’s organizer, the Davis Love Foundation, reached out to tournament volunteers to see if they might be interested in getting involved with a new First Tee chapter.
Ruger had just retired and wanted to volunteer with kids. He’s since gone on to attend Level 1 coach training and more recently Level 2 coach training in Augusta. “It was really great to spend three days with coaches from other chapters to learn and share ideas,” he said.
For Ruger, the best moments as a coach often come when he’s working with a participant on a particular aspect of their game, and he starts to see them demonstrating the values they’ve learned at First Tee. And he enjoys the enthusiasm they bring to any type of competition, he said.
“Each summer, our chapter presents programs at several Boys & Girls Clubs around the county where we’ll set up nets, targets and putting greens in the gym and give them golf instruction,” he said. “At the end of the summer, each club sends four kids to a local golf club for Drive, Chip and Putt competition. They really seem to enjoy that,” he said.
“Our more experienced golfers play on a team we sponsor in the PGA Jr. League. In addition, our chapter partners with local school districts in middle school golf leagues. This gives our kids the opportunity to advance from beginner to more experienced golfers. Most rewarding, several of our participants who are now in high school volunteer coaching our youngest golfers.”
Up to $32,000 in scholarships will be awarded to participants whose projects generate the greatest impact
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – (Nov. 9, 2023) – Twenty-eight exemplary teens from across the U.S. will attend the First Tee Innovators Forum in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home of the PGA TOUR, from Nov. 9-12. Each student will spend four days conceptualizing an original community service project with guidance from First Tee and its partners. Participants will then implement the projects when they return home, with the opportunity to earn a share of up to $32,000 to support future educational pursuits.
During the event, participants will hear from seven-time PGA TOUR winner Billy Horschel, who has demonstrated his commitment to growing diversity in golf and supporting his neighbors in northeast Florida through his own philanthropic endeavors. The teens will participate in interactive workshops and small breakout sessions covering a variety of topics including education, healthcare advocacy and programming.
They will also learn about sustainability on an eco-cruise through the estuaries of nearby St. Augustine with support from TruGreen and receive counsel on their projects from technology consulting firm CapTech, both First Tee Trustees.
Parts of the event will take place at PGA TOUR Global Home and TPC Sawgrass. The purpose of the event is to encourage participants to become innovators in their respective communities, culminating with each teen presenting the plans for their project.
“Our participants have produced creative and impactful community service projects since this event launched – addressing issues like food insecurity and environmental sustainability – and we look forward to seeing what this group of impressive teens will uncover throughout the event week,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Thank you to Doug MacKenzie for making this event possible, and for our partners CapTech and TruGreen for participating in the experience.”
The 28 teens attending the forum were selected based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation.
First Tee is a youth development organization teaching life skills and helping kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The First Tee Innovators Forum is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward high school graduation.
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 celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of kids and teens 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.
Mikaylah was born and raised in East Lansing, Michigan. She attended Siena Heights University where she graduated with a degree in Marketing and Graphic Design. Mikaylah had visited Pinehurst on multiple occasions and fell in love with the small town with a big attitude. The beautiful scenery and multitudes of golf courses were an added bonus. In October, she took the leap and moved across the country to Southern Pines where she was introduced to First Tee – Sandhills. She joined the team as a Marketing and Communications Intern and Assistant Coach! Mikaylah looks forward to using her expertise in photography and videography along with her experience in graphic design to enhance the organization’s marketing and social media!
“Being able to work with kids in the community and help them broaden their horizons through the game of golf is extremely motivating and exciting. Just in the short time I’ve been here, it has been beyond rewarding to watch the coaches and I am overjoyed to be apart of this amazing organization!”
Mark, a native of Wisconsin, has always shared a passion for golf, having picked up the game at age 10! He stayed in-state for college, receiving a BBA in Finance, and later an MBA from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Mark spent most of his career in Finance and later at ManpowerGroup. A member of the USGA Executive Committee from 2021 – 2019, where he chaired the Rules of Golf and Amateur Status committees. His passion as a Rules Official has allowed him to officiate over 30 majors, the Walker Cup, and numerous U.S. Amateur Championships. Thanks to encouragement from a friend, Mark and late wife, Wendy, took a trip in the late 80s to CCNC. They fell in love with the area, purchased land in 2000 and become full time residents in 2016. Mark is a member of the Board of Directors at CCNC but sought out First Tee as an opportunity to expand his love of golf among the young people in our community. To further his support and commitment, Mark was unanimously voted Board President in for the 2022 – 2023 term. He has made an impact that will be remember for years to come!
” I have always thought First Tee was a great organization. The seamless way it ties together golf skills and education for the youth was extremely important to me. I joined the Board of Directors in hopes that my connections in the golf and business industries would be of service to the mission and successful future of the organization. I look forward to seeing where First Tee – Sandhills will go in the years to come!”
How has the Scholar program positively impacted you since being selected for this year’s class?
The Scholar program has been an extension of my experience with the First Tee: I feel very supported. During our First Tee Scholars Pre-College Retreat, I learned advice from experts on how to acclimate and make an impact on campus.
Besides bonding with the other Scholars who would be embarking on a similar adventure, I was surprised with college branded attire. Sporting my WashU shirt made me excited to begin school!
Before I moved into my dorm, the Scholars program connected me with a mentor who works in St Louis. (I talk with her monthly and she assisted me with research for my Management 100 class case competition.)
I can’t wait to reunite with other Scholars at the Winter Workshop!
If someone had never heard about First Tee, what would you tell them?
Because I grew up with the First Tee, it’s a part of my identity.
From First Tee, I learned life lessons and golf rules, experienced once-in-a-lifetime golf moments, received unparalleled support, and received advice from accomplished golfers.
Since I am the first in my family to play golf, I relied upon my First Tee coach and the Birdie Yardage Book to teach me golf rules. I had to learn them because when I was 10, I was called on for a false rule and accepted a one-stroke penalty. (After mastering the rules, I never lost a stroke due to my ignorance.)
More importantly, I learned to make friends older than me after hearing the “meeting and greeting” lesson. Because I was the only 5th grader to qualify for my middle school club golf team, I was hesitant at first to speak with my older (and taller) teammates.
As I asked open ended questions, listened, and responded to their answers, it became easier to ask. Before the end of the season, these older golfers became my friends, and we still keep in touch (They even coined a nickname for me: “Ma man.”)
If it weren’t for First Tee, I would have missed out on my best life memories. With my coach’s encouragement, I applied for the national First Tee opportunity to play at Pebble Beach Golf Links as an eighth grader.
First Tee also arranged for me to meet Jack Nicklaus – my role model ever since I wrote my fourth-grade book report on him.
I have been amazed by the unwavering support I’ve received from First Tee over the years. When the Ohio High School Athletic Association initially rejected my waiver request to play at the PURE Insurance Championship, my executive director advocated for me at the hearing. She also answered my questions for my 4-H research project and served as one of my college application recommenders. All of my First Tee coaches have been my greatest cheerleaders.
Role models like them have inspired me to give back and help promote the game of golf. I volunteered as a golf coach for three First Tee summer camps and one winter session. Last summer I convinced my high school golf team co-captains to co-host “Pay It Forward” golf clinics to raise money to fund students to attend First Tee summer camps. This spring I posted my golf drill tips on social media as a virtual fundraiser.
I’m grateful to the First Tee for nurturing me over the years and will continue to support it long after I graduate high school.
About First Tee College Scholarship Program
At First Tee, we believe that helping young people build strength of character is fundamental to success in life. Our active learning experiences are all about ensuring young people build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience, so when they face new challenges they are equipped to overcome them.
Going beyond our core programs, the enhanced First Tee College Scholarship Program is designed to provide further support, life skill development and mentorship of our alumni through their journey. Higher education continues to be a critical factor in unlocking opportunities for young people to thrive, and First Tee is committed to their success.
First Tee College Scholarship Program supports selected alumni throughout their college career. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. The program also provides professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. One of the key factors of the program is pairing Scholars with a dedicated adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the four years.
The program is open to graduating high school seniors planning to attend college the following year. Applicants must be active members of First Tee chapters and will be considered based on financial need, academic performance, chapter involvement, volunteerism and other criteria.
Seven year old, Nova enjoys being involved in many activities and sports, including swimming, horseback riding, tennis, and most recently, golf. Nova joined our program for the first this season and has grown immensely since the beginning of classes. Her knowledge of the First Tee curriculum could rival any coaches’. She always participates in conversations, respects her coaches and fellow teammates, and encourages all participants! Nova is a friend to all and brings exciting, fun energy to every class. In her spare time, Nova enjoys writing stories, reading and playing with her sister, Vega and two cats.
“Nova shows up to every class with a smile on her face. She puts 100% into everything she tries and never gives up. Regardless of who she is partnered with, she is encouraging and offers suggestions and tips to help her teammate be successful. She has been an absolute joy to have in class! I am excited to see her continue to grow in our program and represent First Tee in the community,” said Coach Jacie Newman
With a father in the golf course maintenance industry, Bob grew up on the golf courses of West Virginia in more ways than one. After graduating from Marshall University, Bob followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the grounds team at Pinehurst Resort & CC in 1982, recently celebrating 40 years! Making the Pinehurst community home, Bob and his wife Kathy have given back feverishly through organizations such as Meals on Wheels, YoungLife, Moore Buddies and their church… just to name a few! Sandhills Board President, Mark Reinemann, introduced Bob to First Tee in 2017. Quickly realizing the organizations values and mission aligned with his family’s, Bob was proud to get involved.
“To be effective on the Board of Directors, you must first share the values and mission of the organization by “wearing the brand and waving the banner” throughout the community. This is something I try to do every day.”
