Category: Blog

First Tee highlights the benefits of PE and playing sports

When life gets busy with school or as it gets cold outside, it can be harder to find time for fitness and extracurriculars. However, a report from First Tee and The Harris Poll found that 95% of parents say their child’s activities are effective for creating opportunities to learn life skills and build character. First Tee believes in developing experiences that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail and better equipped for whatever comes their way next.  

First Tee is committed to creating and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all participants through year-round programming at 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,400 community centers nationwide. 

Here are a few benefits of PE programs and playing sports:

1. Improved physical fitness and health

First Tee is an activity-based program and during a class you might see students doing a wide range of activities, like playing tic-tac-toe putting or competing in a relay race. In addition to teaching golf and life skills, the First Tee curriculum is also designed to enhance players’ overall fitness. Each class begins with a set of warmups that improve motor skills through strength, flexibility and mobility, agility and coordination, balance and object control. As participants get older they will continue to improve their physical fitness through golf related activities, such as walking nine or 18 holes.   


2. Strengthened interpersonal skills and peer relationships

Physical education and sports can help build a young person’s confidence and social interactions. A report from First Tee and The Harris poll found that among parents whose child plays sports, 92% said their child’s activities had a positive impact on their social health. The First Tee curriculum incorporates life skills into golf programming including the concept A-L-R, which stands for Ask – Listen – Respond, to teach youth about the importance of a greeting and basic communication. Students build an appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated with the game throughout lessons that build off of each other. 

3. Improve student performance on and off the course 

First Tee values the personal development of the participant. As participants learn more about who they are and what they are capable of, they are encouraged to begin to look towards the future and plan their own paths. First Tee lessons like FAIL, or First Attempt In Learning, help participants to identify their path to success. When youth are taught to embrace failure as a good and crucial step on the path to learning, they can choose to fail forward and recognize the learning opportunity that exists and the power they have to turn any individual failure around, both on the course and in the classroom.  

Are you an advocate for the health of your children and your community? Learn more about bringing First Tee to your child’s elementary school. 

About the First Tee National School Program

Currently introduced to more than 11,000 elementary schools, the First Tee National School Program creates an environment where young people are introduced to the lifelong sport while learning the basic golf motor skills and the inherent values of the game.

New Employee Spotlight: Olivia Ivey

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!

Mentors make a difference: Scholar Nelia Leong shares tips for making a connection 

Young people have lots to navigate – not just school and career development, but they’re also building confidence, overcoming challenges and taking on their first leadership roles. These are all areas where a mentor can help. 

For many participants, First Tee coaches serve as early mentors, with parents seeing the benefits. According to research from First Tee and Harris Poll, parents turn to coaches to help teach their kids character, perseverance and leadership skills.  

Three-quarters of adults who were mentored in their youth say their mentor “contributed significantly to their success later in life.”  

With its many benefits, mentorship is an essential element of the First Tee College Scholarship Program which extends First Tee’s impact to alumni by providing support throughout their post-graduate career. In addition to receiving financial support and professional development opportunities, each First Tee Scholar is matched with an adult mentor to help support them during their college experience. 

“We’ve seen our Scholars buy into their mentorship connections and because of that, they have another layer of support to guide them through any obstacles and challenges they face in college,” said Robbie Lowman, who oversees the First Tee College Scholarship Program. “Our mentors help our Scholars become the best versions of themselves, which benefits them in the job market.” 

An alumna of First Tee – Upstate South Carolina, Scholar Nelia Leong is a junior at the University of Florida. As she prepares to apply to dental school, Nelia reflected on her connection with her mentor, Jennifer Weiler, senior vice president of network relations at First Tee.  

“The most important lesson I’ve learned from Jen is that it’s okay to ask for help,” Nelia. “In fact, it can lead to incredible opportunities.” 

Jen helped Nelia connect with a dentist in her network. Nelia has since been shadowing and assisting him for two years, and he’s writing a letter of recommendation for her dental school applications. 

“Jen’s mentorship has been one of the most important relationships in my life,” Nelia said. “We’ve built a strong, trusting bond where I feel comfortable sharing all aspects of my life, knowing she’ll listen and offer support.” 

Nelia said Jen was there for her during the stressful lead up to her Dental Admissions Test last year, and Jen was the first person she texted to celebrate after receiving an excellent score on the exam. 

While having a mentor on your side can be incredibly beneficial, it’s not always easy to build and maintain a relationship in a busy world. 

“I built a personal connection with my mentor by keeping her updated on both the big and small events in my life,” Nelia said. “She celebrates my successes and supports me through challenges.” 

In addition to texting, Nelia and Jen connect by Google Meet at least once per month. They especially relish opportunities to meet in person. 

Jen says she has enjoyed being Nelia’s mentor throughout her college journey. “It has been fun to connect with Nelia virtually, on the golf course and at First Tee scholar events. She is such an impressive young woman and has an incredible future ahead of her.” She added, “I am so proud to have been a very small part of her success in college.”  

Nelia’s tips for cultivating a strong mentor-mentee relationship: 

  • Try to connect at least once a month, and don’t be afraid to reach out about the small things. 
  • Share your struggles and your wins. 
  • Ask for help when you need it.  

November Participant Spotlight: Meet Ruby!

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!

November Participant Spotlight: Meet Peter!

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!

Volunteer Spotlight: Kelly Hardy

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.

October Participant Spotlight: Meet Austin!

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.

Bullying Prevention Month: Identifying and addressing bullying 

Three of four parents worry about their child being bullied. Parents know bullying is a problem, but they might not always know how to recognize its signs or how to address it. 

“October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to focus and raise awareness on bullying,” said Kristin Westberg, senior director of curriculum and education at First Tee and author of several books on bullying. 

What is bullying?  

Bullying is defined as repeated aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. Sometimes it can be difficult for parents to differentiate between bullying and bad behavior. Don’t discount your child’s feelings if they’re embarrassed or their feelings are hurt; however, these outcomes might not be the result of bullying. 

“For an action to be considered bullying, the behavior must be unwanted by the person experiencing the bullying and intentional on the part of the person who is bullying,” Westberg explained. “There needs to be a power imbalance, making it difficult for the victim to defend themself, and the action must be repeated.” 

Bullies intend to intimidate, harm or control their victim, and their actions can take the following forms:  

  • Physical violence 
  • Name calling, making threats or taunting 
  • Spreading rumors or intentionally ruining someone’s reputation 
  • Cyberbullying online or by text 

How to prevent bullying 

Westberg suggests communicating these messages to your kids to help them understand the potential impact of bullying. 

  • “Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected here.” Reinforce that everyone has the right to be treated with kindness and respect.  
  • “Your words and actions matter. Choose to be kind.” Help your kids understand the power of their behavior and encourage them to think before acting or speaking.  
  • “Everyone has something unique to offer. Let’s celebrate our differences and work together.” Promote inclusivity and appreciation for diversity, helping to prevent bullying that stems from misunderstandings or judgment.  
  • “Let’s build a community where everyone can be themselves and feel accepted for who they are.” Build a supportive and accepting community where everyone feels valued and safe.  
  • “Being a leader means standing up for others and doing the right thing, even when it’s hard.” Be a positive role model for your child. 

Build your child’s confidence 

Low self-esteem may make kids both more susceptible to being bullied and to bullying. A simple way parents can help their child build confidence is by listening to them and supporting their interests. 

Encourage your child to try new things in a safe environment to help them learn what they’re capable of and that failure is a natural part of growth. 

Many parents believe extracurriculars, including youth sports, can help kids feel more confident. First Tee and Harris Poll collaborated on research that shows that 90% of parents agree that youth sports coaches could impact their child’s ability to respect others. 

You can access additional resources on bullying at stopbullying.gov. 

September Participant Spotlight: Liam P.

We are kicking off our Fall Participant Spotlight Series with Liam from our program at Bayonet at Puppy Creek! Liam was submitted by Coach Sarah for his outstanding sportsmanship, eagerness to learn and a cheerful, friendly demeanor!

Liam joined First Tee – Sandhills in the Spring of 2024 with hopes to learn more about golf while making new friends. For those interested in trying First Tee, Liam would say the program is really fun and to always take the lessons learned at class seriously as they will help your golf game and life beyond the golf course. Liam has twin siblings that he enjoys spending time with along with his three dogs and two cats that he recused. Liam also enjoys reading, playing soccer and helping his mom at their trampoline park!

“Liam is always excited to be in class. He shows up with a smile on his face every day, going out of his way to communicate and make new friends! During the activities he is eager to ask for help and is always supportive and encouraging to his fellow participants whether he is on their team or the opposing team,” said Coach Sarah Sontowski.

Way to go, Liam!

Iniakov, Ferguson win pro-junior titles at 2024 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach

With an ace on Pebble Beach’s iconic No. 17 Sunday, Iniakov capped off a week of competition and mentorship at the 21st edition of the PURE Insurance Championship.

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2024) – After a week of exciting competition and personal growth, Nicole Iniakov and Daniel Ferguson are the junior winners of the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded Sunday at Pebble Beach.

Iniakov, representing First Tee – Monterey County and paired with Ernie Els, and Ferguson, representing First Tee – Greater Dallas and paired with Justin Leonard, claimed the girls’ and boys’ pro-junior titles, respectively. Iniakov and Els finished 23-under, while Ferguson and Leonard finished 19-under.

Els followed Iniakov’s ace on hole 17 with an eagle on hole 18 to finish with a 9-under 63 on Sunday. Ferguson made three birdies on the back nine Sunday, and Leonard also eagled hole 18 to give his team the lead on the pro-junior boys’ side. This is the second consecutive year that Leonard has teamed up with a First Tee – Greater Dallas participant to win this event. Leonard and Alyssa Stewart won the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship pro-junior girls’ title.

For more than two decades, the PURE Insurance Championship has brought First Tee participants to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, where they put into action the skills and values they developed at First Tee chapters across the country as they play alongside PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business world. The annual event was televised internationally on Golf Channel.

“The 80 young people who represented First Tee this week displayed perseverance, positive attitudes and impressive golf skills,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Congratulations to Nicole and Daniel on winning the tournament. Thank you to our partners, PURE Insurance, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, PGA TOUR Champions players, Golf Channel and all the sponsors, for making this a truly special week for First Tee.”

Iniakov is a high school senior with a 4.09 GPA, and she’s been playing golf for 10 years. She recorded more than 100 community service hours in 2023, volunteering with organizations like First Tee and Youth on Course. She organizes a golf tournament that raises money to help young golfers pay their tournament fees and has won multiple AJGA events.

“There are so many people that came out to support me: my friends, my family and other kids from First Tee – Monterey County,” Iniakov said. “I’m going to remember this moment until I’m 80. I’m so grateful for everyone that made this tournament happen.”

Ferguson is a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, who’s been playing golf for 11 years. He coaches junior players at First Tee – Greater Dallas and has committed to play golf next year at Dallas Baptist University.

“Just to be here is incredible but to win it just feels amazing,” Ferguson said. “This week has been better than I ever could have dreamed.”

During the week, First Tee partners PURE Insurance and Chevron celebrated their commitment to First Tee’s mission and raised additional funds to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program through special events. The program pairs select First Tee alumni with a mentor and provides professional development workshops and financial assistance throughout their college experience.

This week, leaders from PURE Insurance surprised Hannah Stouder of First Tee – Greater Sacramento with an invitation to become the newest member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Stouder will play collegiate golf next year at the University of Nevada, Reno. Stouder’s playing partner this week was the legendary Mark O’Meara, who was playing in his final professional tournament.

First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

To access photos from the event, visit here. For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com. To learn more about First Tee and see the full field list, visit TheFirstTee.org.

PURE Insurance Championship competitor makes positive change through ‘Hannah’s Care Closet’

At Father Keith B. Kenny Elementary School in Sacramento, there’s a resource for students who lack access to basic products like shampoo, detergent and soap. It’s called Hannah’s Care Closet, and it serves about 20 unhoused families. 

Hannah Stouder of First Tee – Greater Sacramento worked with a nonprofit called Growing Past Today to launch the endeavor, which has distributed more than $7,500 in hygiene items. 

“In November 2022, I had the opportunity to attend the First Tee Innovators Forum in Dallas, Texas,” Hannah said. “During the workshop, I learned how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference when it comes to helping others. After my memorable experience in Dallas, I wanted to bring positive change to my community.” 

Through Hannah’s Care Closet and other volunteer projects, she logged about 250 community service hours in 2023.  

Hannah has been involved with First Tee for more than half her life. In addition to being active in her chapter, she’s also participated in many of First Tee’s national participant opportunities, including the Participant Advisory Council. This year, Hannah is one of eight teens providing feedback to First Tee executives. 

In addition to being a leader off the course, Hannah is an exceptional golfer. Captain of the team at Christian Brothers High School, she holds the school’s low-round record of 67. 

She’ll tee it up this weekend at the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs First Tee juniors with legends of the game at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Hannah is paired with Mark O’Meara – The Prince of Pebble Beach – in his last professional tournament. 

On Thursday, Hannah got a special surprise. Leaders from PURE Insurance surprised her with an invitation to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. The program provides mentorship, professional development opportunities and financial support for select First Tee alumni. 

“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with, and support of this incredible organization,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “It’s particularly gratifying to know that we can impact the remarkable young men and women of First Tee, like Hannah, in such a powerful way.” 

Hannah earned her spot through her dedication to golf, school and her First Tee chapter. After graduation this spring, Hannah will play golf at the University of Nevada, Reno. 

The PURE Insurance Championship will be broadcast on Golf Channel. Learn more. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Steve Felice

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!”