First Tee College Scholarship Program celebrates first graduating class 

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (May 14, 2024) – Four years ago, President George W. Bush had a big surprise for seven exemplary First Tee participants. First Tee’s honorary chair told the teens they were selected as inaugural members of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Now the organization is thrilled to celebrate their graduation. 

“Congratulations to the first graduating class of First Tee College Scholarship Program,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are very proud of your hard work and commitment, and we look forward to watching you move into the next stages of your journey. First Tee is proud to have played a role in your development.” 

“First Tee is family,” said Ricky Lam, a First Tee Scholar who is graduating from Harvard University and pursuing a career in insurance. “Ultimately First Tee is a place where you have such a strong support system to be able to pursue your passions, ask for help, expand your horizons and network so you can be the person you strive to be.” 

The First Tee College Scholarship Program is a need- and merit-based scholarship program through which Scholars receive financial support and access to a wide range of professional development opportunities. Each Scholar is paired with an adult mentor to ensure they are equipped with the tools they need to be successful in college and beyond. 

“The First Tee College Scholarship Program really helped me find connections, especially with my mentor,” said Malisone Chanthanpanya, now a graduate student and member of the golf team at Texas Wesleyan University. Mali is one of three Scholars who graduated early to bring the total number of graduated First Tee Scholars to 10. “She was a great resource who I could talk to about not just college and my career but about life. I got to meet a lot of people through the scholarship program.” 

The First Tee College Scholarship Program was launched in 2020, and it recognizes First Tee participants who have shown dedication to academics, community service and their First Tee chapters. It has since grown to include 70 Scholars, with the 2024 class slated to be announced next month.  

Meet the graduates: 

Luke Boldt 
First Tee – Coastal Carolina / East Carolina University 
He has accepted a position as a medical missionary for two years and plans to apply to medical school. 

Malisone Chanthanpanya 
First Tee – Fort Worth / Texas Wesleyan University 
She’s in graduate school and prepping for LPGA Q-school in the fall.  

Jessica Jiao 
First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Georgetown University  
She has accepted a position with BNP Paribas Bank in its equity capital markets department in New York. 

Ricky Lam 
First Tee–Tri-Valley / Harvard University 
He has accepted a position with Sompo as a commercial underwriter.  

Kelly Low 
First Tee – Fort Worth / University of Texas at Dallas 
She has accepted an offer with Amazon Web Services as an associate solutions architect in Austin. 

Nicole Monsalve 
First Tee – Miami / Duke University 
She has accepted a position with the NFL in its two-year rotation program in New York. 

Sara Rintoul  
First Tee – Central Florida / University of Florida 
She has accepted an offer at Proctor & Gamble as a brand manager in Boston. 

Remi Shendell 
First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Emory University 
She is graduating with a double-major in biology and political science. 

Borina Sutiko  
First Tee – Silicon Valley / Santa Clara University 
She hopes to attend Cal Berkely this fall to earn her master’s in information systems.  

Denise Wei 
First Tee – San Francisco / University of California, Irvine 
She has accepted an offer with PwC in its audit division. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Patrick Dean

Patrick Dean, raised in Columbus, GA in a military family, graduated from the University of Georgia. He spent 25 years in the U.S. Air Force in Special Operations and Joint Special Operations. Twelve of those years Patrick served at Fort Bragg. Patrick has been a resident of Southern Pines and the Sandhills for the last 20 years! A lifelong golfer, Patrick’s family experienced first-hand the support youth received through the game in our community, so when the came up, Patrick decided he wanted to give volunteering at First Tee a try for a season. And, today, Patrick is hooked! Six seasons in, he has rarely missed a class of our 5 & 6 yr old program at Campbell House Field. This spring he dipped his toes into supporting the 7 – 9 yr old program at Southern Pines Golf Club. Patrick looks forward to each season as youngsters are introduced to golf, its valuable lessons and the positive learning environment provided at First Tee – Sandhills!

“Working with First Tee – Sandhills is so rewarding. Seeing a five year old arrive for the first time, timidly walking to the table to get their name tag and then years later the experienced golfer excited and ready to go out and play the game. It is truly a privilege. It’s amazing to watch the kids gain confidence, accomplish a goal, and experience all the life lessons that golf has to offer. Then, to get to share smiles and laughter with one another along the way. Nothing is better,” said Patrick.

How to prepare for your family’s first First Tee class 

For kids and adults alike, trying new things is a great way to build self-confidence. But it can also be intimidating. While First Tee chapters aim to create welcoming environments, knowing more about what to expect may help your family feel more comfortable before its first class. 

“First Tee welcomes all ages and skill level of golfers to classes,” said Lexie Milford, senior director of programs technology at First Tee. “Families should feel comfortable arriving to any First Tee location knowing their participant will be met by trained and caring adult coaches that are ready to lead them through a variety of fun activities.” 

In addition to learning golf, First Tee’s curriculum is built around teaching kids to: 

  • Pursue goals. 
  • Grow through challenges. 
  • Collaborate with others. 
  • Build a positive self-identity. 
  • Use good judgment. 

First Tee coaches aim to create fun and colorful, hands-on experiences for kids, Milford said. Here is what parents and kids should know. 

First Tee emphasizes safety and inclusivity 

As a youth development organization, First Tee believes experiences are our greatest teacher and that they should be both fun and meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail and better equipped for whatever comes their way. 

Just like trying a new sport can be scary for kids, deciding to entrust your child to a coach or organization can also be a significant decision for parents. As part of First Tee’s commitment to safety, all employees, coaches and volunteers must complete a background check before working with kids. Plus, all employees, coaches, volunteers and board members are required to complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport training program. 

Additionally, while golf can have a reputation as an expensive and exclusive sport, First Tee aims to make it accessible to all families. Contact your local chapter if your child is interested in golf, but finances are a concern. First Tee also provides equipment and requires no special uniforms or shoes. For their first class, your child should wear something comfortable that makes them feel confident and allows them to move.  

Talking to your child about trying new things 

First Tee chapters cater to all kids, whether they are serious golfers, beginners and just play for fun. Even though you’ll find participants of all varying levels at First Tee, many kids are nervous during their first class. But it might be helpful to remind them that every golfer was a beginner once. 

Listening to their concerns and celebrating small successes can go a long way. “In my house, we love a good challenge and make a big deal for my kids when they make it through a new activity or experience, regardless of the outcome,” Milford said. 

With a curriculum that integrates life skills and character education, First Tee is about more than golf – which isn’t an easy sport, even for great players. Helping your child set small goals throughout their golf journey can be a good strategy to help them build confidence and teach them to enjoy a lifelong sport. 

March 2024 Participant Spotlight

James started First Tee when he was 7 years old, alongside two of his brothers. James’ favorite part of class is going to the driving range because he gets to hit the ball really far! James also enjoys playing with his three lizards, four snakes, all his cats, and his five brothers. Beyond First Tee, James also participates in Cub Scouts, where he has been a member since the age of five. He also enjoys creating art masterpieces and building things, like derby cars.

“Jamie consistently and accurately answers questions at every class. He is also considerate and coconscious in his decision making. At class, two weeks ago, when taking a restroom break, he jumped ahead of everyone and held the door until all participants had come inside. He then waited patiently for his turn. Jamie is a wonderful student and a friend to all,” said Coach Lisa Harvey.

First Tee – Upstate South Carolina alumna Anna Morgan prepares to tee it up at Augusta 

Playing Augusta National is a dream for many golfers.  

“There are so many things that make the experience special,” Anna Morgan said. “The history that surrounds it and the Masters stories, it’s just exciting to be out there playing the same golf course.” 

Anna is an alumna of First Tee – Upstate South Carolina and a collegiate golfer at Furman University. She’s preparing to play in her third Augusta National Women’s Amateur, which begins Wednesday, April 3.  

“Up until 2019, they only had The Masters, and so to now have the ANWA and be able to say I’ve played tournament golf at Augusta, it’s just so cool to be part of that history,” she said. 

It’s almost a hometown tournament for Anna, who grew up a couple hours from Augusta in Spartanburg, South Carolina.  

Anna has had a storied career at Furman, where she was named 2023 SoCon Female Athlete of the Year. Last month she won the Purdue Puerto Rico Classic. “There have just been so many amazing moments,” she said. “I started playing golf because I thought it was fun, and I’ve been able to keep having fun with my coaches and teammates at Furman.” 

Anna honed that mentality at First Tee, where she still remembers playing golf baseball and other games. “I just have such great memories and made such great friends,” she said. “Especially during rough days on the golf course, I try to remember to always have fun. You need to enjoy it first and foremost.”  

She said First Tee helped her build confidence too. 

Anna’s dad got her into golf when she was young, but she played lots of different sports and actually focused on baseball until she was encouraged to switch to softball when she got older. 

Her advice to young golfers: “I definitely wasn’t the best golfer starting out. You don’t have to be the best player in your town or even the best on your team to have a future in golf,” she said. 

In addition to preparing for Augusta – where Anna says your short game is critical – she’s about to graduate with a double major in communications studies and political science. Anna is aiming to qualify for the Curtis Cup before establishing herself on a professional tour. 

Learn more about playing with First Tee. 

Encourage your child to warmup before exercise this spring 

For many families, the return of spring means outdoor sports are back in play.  

Whether your children play golf or participate in other physical activities, it’s important to keep them safe. Did you know a third of childhood injuries occur during sports?  

One of the best ways to make sure your child is prepared to play this spring is by encouraging them to warm up before exercise. 

“At First Tee we utilize warmups in a couple different ways,” said Ali Miller, senior manager of programs training at First Tee. “If it has been a little while since your child has been active in sports or they are new to sports in general, warmups are a great way to get their body used to being active. Warmups also allow our coaches to build a foundation of movement that helps facilitate better golf technique using exercises and movements that your child may be more used to such as throwing or kicking a ball.” 

All First Tee classes start with a warmup, and coaches aim to make them fun, so kids feel excited about the rest of the lesson, Miller said. Not only is warming up healthy before exercise, but it’s also a great way to instill in kids the importance of preparing for a task.  

Miller recommends warmups that combine a few different exercises to focus on different skills and muscles. For example, she’ll combine skiers for balance and agility with lunges for strength and flexibility. 

“Lastly, I always have kids do some kind of throwing, kicking or hitting motion, which covers object control. All these actions mimic golf skills and help me see what kids are capable of movement wise,” Miller said.  

“I also usually organize these exercises into some kind of circuit or obstacle course to keep things fun and keep kids moving for the whole warmup.” 

When it comes to other tips to prepare for spring sports, Miller said kids are generally resilient, but it never hurts to take your child to the doctor for a physical, especially if they’ve been more sedentary over winter.  

“Our coaches place safety as a number one priority but parents can help by making sure kids are wearing golf or athletic shoes and clothing that is easy to move around in,” she said. “As always if your child has any allergies or physical limitations let your local First Tee staff know so they can make sure everything is in order and they’re set up for success.” 

Learn about First Tee programs in your area. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Joe Derosa

Born and raised in The Five Towns area of Long Island, Joe Derosa completed his bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate of advanced study degrees in education and administration at the State University of New York at New Paltz and State University at Albany. From there, he embarked on a 35-year career as a teacher, administrator, and baseball coach in the Arlington Central School district and Dutchess Community College near Poughkeepsie, NY.

Following retirement from teaching and coaching in 2005, Mr. Derosa relocated to Boca Raton, FL, where they assisted family with a new business venture and returned to coaching youth baseball. This eventually led to coaching opportunities with the Federation of Italian Baseball, where they spent six years teaching and coaching in Italy. In 2011, he returned to New York and volunteered as an assistant coach for the New Paltz baseball team until 2013.

Derosa’s journey eventually led to Pinehurst, NC where he learned about the First Tee Program in 2018. And, lucky for us, it was an instant fit! Derosa quickly became involved, volunteering under different coaches and embracing its curriculum focused on life skills through golf.

He first served as a volunteer under the leadership of coach Jim Curley at Pinewild CC, then added the program at Seven Lakes under
coach Bill Baker. From time to time, Joe filled in at Legacy Golf Links and Knollwood Fairways. Derosa embraced the curriculum built around “The Nine Core Values,” using golf as a platform to integrate and convey Life Skills to all participants.

When asked to reflect on any extra special moments at First Tee – Sandhills, Mr. Derosa said, “every session provides unique memories and teachable moments, however there is one that stands out above the rest. My first volunteer assignment was a clinic at Pinehurst No. 6. The lead coach assigned me to work at the chipping and pitching activity. Now, I am a mid-handicap player and this is the weakest part of the game… My hands turn to stone as I get anxious over sending the ball flying across the green or chunking the shot.”

He continued that as part of his ice breaker to encourage the kids to not be hard on themselves he shared this story, “as I was conveying my anxiety to the kiddos by saying I get nervous about hitting a bad shot in front of my playing partners, this one young girl stepped up to me and said she had a solution to my problem.” She stated, “the next time I am faced with that situation, tell the other golfers in my group to turn around and not look while I’m chipping! Precious advice.”

After sharing this sweet story from 2018, Mr. Derosa was quick to provide a kind review of our Chapter’s team. He shared, “The administrative and teaching staff from the Sandhills branch provide an outstanding foundation for delivering a comprehensive curriculum. They encourage sensitive observation, timely intervention, and multi-disciplinary teamwork. The on-site coaches and fellow volunteers engage in positive interaction to mold, shape, and refine their approach that makes it motivating and fun for all involved. Who would not want to be a part of that environment?”

We agree, Joe. And, THANK YOU Coach Derosa for your commitment to Building Game Changers.


March at MCLI: All Things Emergency Services

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!

In this month’s MCLI update, Riley and the MCLI team explored County Services, delving into the intricacies of Emergency Response within our county. Riley was able to learn all about our county’s Emergency Response teams and just how intricate their work is. “One fascinating discovery was the role of property tax in funding these services. Much like a subscription, residents contribute a percentage of their property tax to County Services, granting them access to free ambulance services. This funding mechanism also ensures that Emergency Services can regularly update their equipment and vehicles, ensuring nothing becomes outdated and hindering their ability to assist those in need.”

During this visit, Riley also learned about the vital role of Tele-Communicators in dispatching resources throughout the county. Despite having only 3-4 Tele-Communicators available at any given time, an automated dispatch system efficiently determines the nature of emergencies and sends the nearest unit to the scene. However, one significant challenge faced by these professionals is the misuse of 911 as a directory service (411), which delays the response time for genuine emergencies. Surprisingly, the average working lifespan of a Tele-Communicator is only 18-36 months before they seek employment elsewhere.

Following the visit to County Services, Riley and the MCLI team proceeded to Union Pines to explore their Career and Technical Education (CTE) offerings. Union Pines provides a diverse array of classes aimed at preparing students for immediate employment upon high school graduation. From agriculture to culinary arts, automotive, carpentry, nursing, and robotics, the school offers a wide range of vocational options.

Of particular interest was Riley’s conversation with the automotive teacher, who highlighted the potential for students to secure employment at shops or dealerships after completing the program’s four steps. They discussed the challenges faced by today’s youth in a technology-driven world, where face-to-face communication skills may be overshadowed by online interactions. Riley noted the dichotomy of students’ struggles to retain knowledge alongside their adeptness at finding answers online.

Next stop in the MCLI program will be in April 17th to explore community services within our county.


First Tee Scholar Alexa Vela is building community through golf

My name is Alexa Vela, a student at Rice University studying business and sport management. 

I am also a proud First Tee alumni and Scholar who has been fortunate enough to grow up playing the game of golf, and as a result have been taught a variety of fundamental lessons and values such as patience, confidence and integrity whether on or off the course. 

All of which have been instilled within me by First Tee and have been fundamental in shaping me into the leader that I am today; dedicated to establishing an environment where everyone feels welcomed. 

This devotion to creating inclusive spaces is the result of the community and friendships that I have been granted through First Tee. 

As a First Tee participant and now alumni and Scholar, I am certain that my accomplishments and ability to effectively serve my community and college campus is the result of the program’s ability to grant me a renewed sense of confidence as well as allow me to discover the power of my voice.

Through the years, I recognized the importance of using this voice as a means to embrace my authenticity and create a space that encouraged others to embrace theirs. 

Such a realization is what not only led me into my current academic areas of interests, sport management and business, with the intent to unite my love for growing the game of golf with my curiosity on how the game can take active strides in becoming more inclusive and accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, but is what recently empowered me to revamp the Club Golf Team here at Rice University. 

Growing golf in Houston has been especially important to me, considering that it is where I learned to love the game, but also where I was able to witness firsthand the impact that having access to the game of golf can have in the lives of many. Whether it be the ability to develop and foster community or be granted a space where you can enjoy yourself in nature, I recognized that very need here on Rice’s campus. 

After a year of researching the process and correct steps to take in order to make this dream a reality, the club team was established in January of this year! 

The team essentially provides all Rice students the opportunity to play golf, whether it be recreationally or competitively by participating in tournaments where students have an opportunity to represent Rice as a team, regardless of previous exposure or experience with the game. 

My vision for the team is to create community on the golf course by allowing all students to have the opportunity to participate in practices or tournaments without having to incur a huge financial undertaking. 

In addition to this, the club golf team’s presence on campus provides an outlet for females at Rice to play golf competitively considering the school does not currently have a women’s golf team. 

With our first golf tournament as a team in the books, I am excited to see the future of Club Golf here at Rice and the impact it will create here on campus. 

Find your local First Tee chapter.

Help your child make the most of Spring Break 

Just as time off has been shown to improve work performance in adults, Spring Break provides a great opportunity for kids to decompress amid a busy school year. It’s also an opportunity for parents to empower their kids to use good judgment, a focus of the First Tee curriculum. 

“Whether you have a vacation planned or are staying home this spring break, there are plenty of opportunities for your child to make thoughtful decisions,” said Lexie Milford, senior director of programs technology and support at First Tee and mother to two boys. “For example, if you’re traveling, empower your kiddo to help pack the snacks. What choices are healthy? What is best for a car ride? What needs to be kept cold?” 

Ask your child to walk you through their decision-making process and follow up later to see if they’ll do anything different next time. You might have your child weigh in on different topics as they get older because using good judgment gets easier with practice. 

When it comes to making the most of Spring Break, it can also be beneficial to help your child set a few short-term goals, which can have a positive impact on their self-confidence. “Start with things they can control and take ownership around, like chores, reading or screen time,” Milford said. 

Maybe your child wants to clock a specific number of community service hours during Spring Break or complete a certain number of lessons on the First Tee app, for example. 

Of course, spring breaks can look different depending on your child’s age, interests and your own work obligations.  

“As a working parent, it’s hard to balance kids being home while work continues on,” acknowledged Milford. “Relying on your kid to entertain themselves – and being comfortable with however they choose to do that so long as it’s safe – can be unnerving sometimes. But taking the week to let your kid be a kid, make some of their own choices, and just enjoy the freedom of play can be an amazing experience for them to unwind from stresses of school.” 

Many First Tee chapters offer spring break programming. Learn more opportunities to enroll.  

Volunteer Spotlight: Derek Klootwyk

Hailing from Miami, Florida, Derek’s journey spans from excelling in high school baseball and football to volunteering at Shea Stadium in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks.

Witnessing the military buildup in the Middle East while working as a stockbroker, he felt a profound calling to enlist in the U.S. Army, dedicating over 18 years to Special Operations in some of the world’s most dangerous regions.

Amidst the chaos, a newfound passion for golf emerged just three years ago, leading to a commitment of playing three times a week. Beyond personal enjoyment, he extended his love for the game by volunteering as a coach for First Tee – Sandhills and a girls’ high school team over the past year and a half, contributing to the growth of young golf enthusiasts. Derek’s profound love for the game of golf transcends personal boundaries into acts of community service and inspiration.

“My favorite moment while coaching at First Tee – Sandhills had to have been while working a goal post drill on the range. One of the players was having difficulty making good contact, let alone getting it through the goal posts we had set up. But, with some extra encouragement from the other players, he was able to knock it through. The smile on his face and the loud cheering and emotion from his friends, is a moment I will never forget.”

Look for Derek this Spring at First Tee – Sandhills Programs at Gates Four Golf & CC and Stryker Golf Course.

Thanks Coach Derek for your commitment to Building Game Changers.

Coach Enya Alaan loves how First Tee focuses ‘on the whole person’

Eyna Alaan’s favorite part of coaching at First Tee – Greater Pasadena is collaborating with her colleagues to make classes fun for kids.

“I love working with the other coaches to create games,” she said. Eyna has been coaching since 2015, and in that time, she’s gotten to see participants grow and evolve. “It’s just been amazing to see these kids progress. It’s like I’ve been there from the beginning,” she said.

Eyna herself was fresh out of high school when she began coaching at First Tee – Greater Pasadena. She was playing golf at Glendale Community College where her coach was involved with the First Tee chapter and told her about the program.

“When I was growing up, I went to golf academy where it felt like golf was everything,” she said. “If you weren’t one of the best players, you fell by the weigh side. When I started teaching at First Tee and I was learning about the curriculum, I just thought it was great that it focused on the whole person – not just their golf skills.”

Eyna has advanced to First Tee’s Level 3 coach training, which she attended last year in Portland. “A lot of people say patience is the key to coaching, but I think empathy is really important. Kids at different ages are in different places. They may not be able to grasp certain concepts yet, but you still need to be able to connect with them.”

Eyna was born in the Philippines and moved to Southern California when she was 5. Her dad encouraged her to play golf, a sport he took up to bond with his older brothers. 

Eyna’s sister attended Morehead State University on a golf scholarship and is working toward her LPGA certification. “It just really tickles my dad,” she said. “He always brags to my family. He’s so proud to have daughters that work in golf.”

Being a young female coach sometimes helps Eyna connect with participants. “There are sometimes those classes with one or two girls, and immediately they’re a little intimidated,” she said. “In high school, I had to play on boys’ team, and I didn’t have any female teammates until I was a senior and my sister joined the team as a freshman. I understand how they’re feeling, and I want to help them build confidence.”

Learn more about coaching with First Tee.