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Looking Back on the First Tee Leadership Summit

This August, we held our first ever First Tee Leadership Summit in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana. This event took place for two weeks, bringing together 20 teens each week from across the country to develop leadership skills through dynamic outdoor and team-building activities. Through collaborative workshops, First Tee’s core competencies of building character, self-confidence and resilience played a huge part of the experience, to explore the concepts of relationship building, positive risk taking, and character evaluation. We recently caught up with participant Benjamin Parris from First Tee – Denver to hear how this year’s event impacted him.

Benjamin Parris, First Tee – Denver

In Denver, I often hear the amazing experiences fellow participants have when they return from First Tee national events. Until the first week of August 2021, I had never experienced one for myself and I was not quite sure what to expect when I was selected for The First Tee Leadership Summit in Partnership with the PGA TOUR Superstore at Mr. Arthur M. Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana. As soon as I arrived at the airport, I knew it would be a special week as I was immediately greeted by fellow participants and alumni chaperones. When we arrived at West Creek, even more participants were eager to greet us and introduce themselves. I knew I had formed relationships almost immediately, and those only got better as the week went on. At the summit, we got to participate in activities such as horseback riding, archery, white water rafting, and other spectacular outdoor experiences. Also, during our days, we had the opportunities to listen to guest speakers like Dick Sullivan (CEO of the PGA TOUR Superstore), Ralph Stokes (the PGA TOUR Superstore’s Director of Partnership Marketing and former University of Alabama running back), Joe Shepard (a PGA TOUR Superstore Regional Manager), Stacie Monks (a PGA TOUR Superstore District Manager), and our keynote speaker Michael Vick (former NFL quarterback). We learned lessons in values, teamwork, skill sets, representation, and more. Each day at the summit had a different theme. Our themes were: “relationships are the foundation for leadership,” “positive risk taking,” and “my character is me.” While our speakers were able to give us insightful words and stories on these themes, we learned just as much from our outdoor experiences as we did from our speakers. On Tuesday, we focused on relationships and how trust is the foundation of every successful relationship. After hearing from Dick Sullivan and Michael Vick, six participants, including myself, departed for the ropes course while everyone else elected to horseback ride. When we arrived, we immediately had to build a relationship as we picked partners to ascend on a partner climb up a 30-foot wooden ladder. My partner Sam Gibbs from the First Tee of Fort Worth deserves a quick shoutout for putting her trust in me all week from the second we became partners at the ropes course. On Wednesday, we worked on taking positive risks. My first risk of the day was waking up at 6:30 after a late night to go on a sunrise hike. Let me tell you, the views in Montana were spectacular, it was very much worth the risk of not sleeping in. Later that day I took another risk by going on a 3-hour horseback excursion, by far the longest I had ever been near another animal, besides my dog at home. My biggest takeaway from learning about positive risks were to approach people who think differently than you so you can challenge your own thinking and to seek out your own mentorships. On Thursday, our final full day at the summit, we did a lot of self-reflection while thinking about how to own our characters. Stacie Monks began the day after another gorgeous sunrise hike. She posed the following question to all the participants. “What type of leader do you want to be?” She went onto discuss how to create a culture when you are leading others and how to empower them. Later that morning we had perhaps the hardest task of the entire summit, but also to me the most impactful. We were asked to complete this phrase. “This is what I believe about myself as a leader…” This wasn’t a simple sentence to complete, and to really answer the question, it required more than just a few sentences. To complete the thought, I had to reflect upon all the things I had been through that week at West Creek. I had to think about climbing with a partner, taking leaps of faith, the inspiration I had received from our speakers and workshops, and what I had learned from all the people around me. Later that evening, we sat around the fire pit as we listened and shared all 18 of us has discovered about ourselves as leaders. My favorite part of the leadership summit was the comradery all of the participants formed. I got the opportunity to make 17 new friends, who over the course of the week felt like family. I know that I’ll be keeping in touch with them for years and years to come and can’t wait until I can see them again. For me, the week made me feel like a true member of the greater First Tee family. I had never met a fellow participant from outside of Colorado, but now I feel like I’m connected to the First Tee everywhere I go. I can’t wait to stay involved with the program as I go to college and beyond. I want to thank the First Tee, PGA TOUR Superstore and West Creek Ranch staff one final time for giving me what was truly a life changing experience. The programming was phenomenal, and the experiences were irreplicable. I came back home truly knowing what type of leader I am and how I can continue to grow as a leader. I can’t wait to apply what I learned in Montana to our local programs in Denver as well as other extracurriculars I participate in. I feel honored that I was a part of the inaugural summit.

November 25, 2020: Amendments to Safety Response to COVID – 19

November 25, 2020 First Tee – Sandhills: Amendments to Safety Response to COVID – 19  In light of the most recent Executive Order amendments on November 25, 2020 announcement by Governor Roy Cooper; as well as follow up amendments made by the Carolinas PGA an Back2Golf initiative – we are implementing additional precautions to fall in line with these executive orders, most specifically as it relates to facial coverings. Snippet from EO180: Where Face Coverings Are Required: (1) Individuals must wear face coverings if inside/indoors unless actively eating or drinking.  (2) Individuals five (5) years or older must wear face coverings in public outdoor setting if unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance.  Carolinas PGA & Back 2 Golf Update: Individuals are permitted to ride together in a golf cart if they live in the same household without a facial cloth covering. If people who do NOT live in the same household are sharing a cart a facial cloth covering is required. First Tee – Sandhills Face Coverings Procedure: Using the above amendments as our guidelines, the below protocols will be put in place as it relates to Face Coverings Procedures during our upcoming programs:
  • Check In & Check Out Staff person, Volunteer or Coach will continue to wear a Face Covering.
  • Staff, Volunteer and Coaches will continue to wear a face covering when required to be indoors unless eating or drinking.
  • Staff, Volunteer and Coaches will wear a face covering when providing pre-approved transportation to participants via a golf cart shuttle.
  • Staff, Volunteer and Coaches will wear a face covering when unable to maintain 6 feet of social distance outdoors. For example, one to one conversation, providing first aid or emotional support during a group activity.
Youth age five (5) and older are asked to bring a face covering to class for use when necessary in coordinating situations as those outlined above. Please know we are unable to enforce the use of face coverings with participants and simply ask you cover these guidelines with your kiddos in advance of class, determining your families’ expectations of their behavior and procedures.      

Round One with Michael Bradley

The day had arrived! We were up early to get ready for Round One of the Pure Insurance Championship. I have waited for this moment a very long time. While my dad has been my official chaperone all week, today he handed duties to my mom and she was able to enjoy player dining breakfast with me. Post breakfast, we took a shuttle over to Poppy Hills to warm up for our early tee time off the 10th Tee. I was extremely nervous. I feeling you truly can’t prepare for. Once I settled into the day, I was able to make a few pars and birdies. A good feeling of achievement after the emotional start to the day! Michael Bradley was extremely kind to me the whole round, he kept the conversation going and he really helped me feel more comfortable playing in this atmosphere. In addition, our amateurs were a lot of fun to play with and really lightened the whole mood of our group. Post round, I had the chance to ride back to Pebble Beach with Mr. Bradley. We had lunch together and headed to the practice area. He helped me for a bit at the practice facility, truly a kind gesture and special experience! Later, my dad came over to the practice facility as we prepared for what was going to be a very windy second day over at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Friday night our special event was a Jake Owen concert behind the 18th Green of Pebble Beach GL. That was a TON of fun! The food was awesome and it was really fun to hang out with all the friends I had made this week. Towards the end of the night, I ended up getting a guitar pick that Jake had used in the concert. What a cool souvenir!

A look at Drew’s Practice Days

Wednesday was here! It was our first day of practice rounds at the Pure Insurance Championship. Jet lag had hit hard and I was up even earlier for the day to get started. Today’s round would be on Pebble Beach Golf Links and we were lucky enough to get a practice round with 2016 Champion, Paul Broadhurst. A really unique tie to the tournament is that all players – Professionals, Amateurs and Juniors – all eat meals together. So, we have the chance to meet and mingle with folks of all backgrounds from around the country. Today at breakfast, we had the chance to sit down and eat with Paul before heading out for pre-practice round warm ups. The minute I stepped on the practice facility and rolled my first few putts, I was blown away at the condition of the course. When we arrived at the first tee, I was admittedly nervous. I pushed my tee ball into the rough but managed to make a par. The front 9 was a total blur. I was still in shock I was playing at Pebble Beach Golf Links and had a million thoughts running through my head. As we made the turn, I was able to clear my head and settle in to playing golf. A funny moment, on the 18th Hole, my tee shot hit the trunk of the famous tree in the middle of the fairway! After dinner, we prepped for tonight’s main event – the Legends and Leaders Core Value Banquet. The dinner was amazing. I had the opportunity to meet more participants from the First Tee and build new relationships. A huge surprise for me – we received a $1,000 college scholarship! What a great event to participate in and hear from speakers across the country with impactful stories to tell. Thursday brought a new day and our last day of practice before the official tournament kicks off! We headed over to play Poppy Hills GC – today with two fellow First Tee participants. Poppy Hills is another amazing course with completely different shots from Pebble Beach the day before. If was fun to make a few birdies early in our practice round. As the day went on, the winds began to pick up, creating a new set of challenges as we navigated the course. After our round, we headed back over to Pebble Beach Golf Links to cheer on the First Tee participants playing in the Chevron Shoot Out. The wind was really ripping at Pebble Beach so it was a lot of fun to watch them play Hole 17! Post shoot out we went and spent some time with our host family before going to dinner at a really great local Italian restaurant called Cafe Fina. Between all the golf, walking, wind and events I was tired and made it an early bed time as Michael Bradley and I would be teeing off early on Poppy Hills tomorrow morning. Can’t wait to play with Mr. Bradley and see how our rounds unfold!  

BJ’s take on Day 2: A Walk to Remember

I woke up this morning filled with an anxious and restless mind. Why? After months of waiting, anticipating, preparing, I was going to play the beautiful Pebble Beach Golf Links! And, even better, Paul Broadhurst would be with us for our practice round! After breakfast we all headed over to the practice area, where I worked to get acclimated to the green speed and how they reacted to pitch shots. Trying to prepare myself in advance for what to expect on course.             As I strolled to the first tee, it truly felt like a DREAM. Knowing many greats have made that same walk…. what a feeling!!! Throughout the day, the views on Pebble Beach Golf Links were breathtaking. TV coverage is wonderful but you have to see it in person to truly appreciate the surroundings. Our practice round was one to remember. Having Mr. Broadhurst and his caddie, Siggy, in our pairing, was a massive help. They guided us in where to hit the ball, how the greens rolled, all the little nuances. There insight truly made me feel I was prepared to be here at the Pure Insurance Championship. Post round, we made a quick turnaround to get ready to this evening’s marquee event – Legends and Leaders. It’s a dinner reception for players, juniors, and the amateurs with a 9 Core Value Speaker series throughout the evening. While all the speakers shared impactful stories on their Core Value of relevance, Valentino Dixon‘s story about how he used art to pull himself out of his dark state, how it helped him get out of prison by raising awareness for his innocence… that my impactful moment of the evening! From my walk to remember on Pebble Beach Golf Links to meeting awesome people at Legends and Leaders – Wednesday at the Pure Insurance Championship was another experience of a lifetime!  

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Participant Spotlight Elizabeth Nguyen

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Ace Level Participant Selected To Attend

The First Tee Leadership Summit in Dallas, Texas

 

Elizabeth Nguyen spoke to group of 800 during Thursday’s Full Network Meeting

 

Pinehurst, NC (March 15, 2015) – Elizabeth Nguyen from The First Tee of the Sandhills was selected from candidates across the 175 chapters of The First Tee Network to attend The First Tee Outstanding Participant & Leadership Summit, March 11-15 in Dallas. The summit was an interactive and educational event in which participants were given the opportunity to develop and hone skills to become leaders in their chapters, schools and communities.

Among the dignitaries scheduled to address the 28 teenagers at the summit were President George Bush and World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam.

Educational workshops during the summit covered a variety of topics including college, the importance of community service and volunteerism, financial literacy, social media and more presented by experts in these fields. During the workshops, Lizzy will develop plans for leading a meaningful service project in our community as a way to apply the skills and concepts learned at the four-day summit. Lizzy’s service project goal is to successful engage teen girls into the game of golf for a lifetime while also growing the overall female base in The First Tee of the Sandhills.

Lizzy, a sophomore at Pinecrest High school was one of twenty eight participants selected to attend the weeklong summit where she was also asked to speak during the lunch session on Thursday. For five minutes Lizzy controlled a room of 800 Directors, Board Members, Coaches and advocates speaking on ‘The impact The First Tee has had on her life and how the lessons learned from The First Tee have transferred to her life off the golf course’. She did a fabulous job delivering her story and speaking from the heart. It was a powerful message, indeed.

Nguyen was one of 28 participants selected to attend the summit based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation.  The First Tee Outstanding Participant & Leadership Summit took place in conjunction with The First Tee Network Meeting, a biennial educational event for chapter leaders from around the country and select international locations.

Watch Lizzie’s Leadership Summit presentation

Pictures from the Leadership Summit

THE FIRST TEE THANKFUL YEAR ROUND

A mere 22 days ago my house was recovering from a fun filled evening of trick or treating and candy eating, a Halloween celebration that spread across two weekends with school carnivals, church wide trunk or treats and door knocking. Yet, in just 33 days we will celebrate Christmas. A holiday that also has spread across a multi week time period as we look to celebrate with classmates, co-workers and family members near and far. Sandwiched between October 31 and December 25 is Thanksgiving, falling on the fourth Thursday in November since 1940. As our children begin to get older, the history of this holiday – the true meaning, has become of interest to me. Today, it feels to me that the media and day to day demands have recycled Thanksgiving as a time to encourage individuals to express general gratitude through the celebration of food and spending money while kicking off the Holiday gift giving. Instead of standing alone as a significant day that deserves its own place on the calendar without the commotion of other activities in the works. Through research I found that the ‘reason’ for the Thanksgiving celebration, which for a few hundred years did not take place on the same day, varied. The 1623 celebration marked the end of a long drought and a celebration of successful crop growing. During the American Revolution, Continental Congress designated multiple days of Thanksgiving a year. In 1789, George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation by the national government of the United States, calling Americans to express gratitude for the happy conclusion to the country’s war of independence. Then, at the height of the Civil War, in 1863, Abraham Lincoln made a proclamation entreating all Americans to ask God to ‘commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife’ and to ‘heal the wounds of the nation.’ Lincoln was the first to schedule Thanksgiving for a set date, selecting the final Thursday in November. During the Great Depression, Franklin Roosevelt moved the holiday up one week in an attempt to spur retail sales. A decision that was met with passionate opposition, but has stuck since 1940. Reflecting on my findings has allowed me to embrace the true reason, in my eyes, for Thanksgiving even more this year. It is uplifting to see that over time Thanksgiving was celebrated with diversity. A diverse group of individuals coming together to share in celebration and enjoy the available crop. A diverse number of reasons to celebrate each year and to reflect on previous celebrations. Stirring up history makes my heart swell for all I have to be thankful for this year, both personally and professionally. Our staff and board at The First Tee of the Sandhills has strived to ensure we are showing thanks ‘every step of the way’ as we have treaded through a year of change and success both on and off the course. We are bursting with thanks for the opportunity to have retained relationships with volunteers, participants, community leaders and businesses while also making inroads in the execution of new plans, new faces in our volunteer line up, new participants in our curriculum programs and new partnerships with businesses and individual supporters. We are thankful that so many share in our passion for the mission and vision of The First Tee of the Sandhills. To ensure that a diverse group of young people across the Sandhills are being provided the opportunity to develop and grow through mentorship and character education, giving them the exposure needed to become better citizens tomorrow and helping to make a lasting impact in our communities – all while enjoying the game of golf! Thursday gives us an opportunity to reflect on a year of gratitude, but in actuality, we are thankful each and every day.

Sponsor Thank You Message 2015

THANK YOU for being one of our ROCK STARS in 2015! Your support allows us to operate programs, offer scholarships to youngsters, provide continued education to coaches and staff, ensure program quality is unmatched and so much more. You’re helping cement, grow and expand our programs while putting new, innovative plans in place during the year ahead. THANK YOU to each and every individual, business and foundation that contributed to our efforts in 2015! From the Board of Directors and staff, our sincere thanks for your support in 2015 and continued support in 2016 and beyond!

Enter to Win a Charleston Golf Vacation!

Enter to Win a Charleston Golf Vacation!

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Looking for a Quick Fall Getaway? Or a Weekend Guys Trip?

Enter to Win a Trip to Wild Dunes – Charleston’s Island Resort!

*Trip redeemable from September 11 to December 31, 2016*

On the tip of Isle of Palms, a barrier island off South Carolina, Wild Dunes Resort is a 1,600 acre, award winning, oceanfront oasis, 30 minutes from the charm and grace of historic Charleston.

At the heart of the resort, the Four Diamond Boardwalk Inn sits a mere 150 yards from the ocean, features a designated quiet pool and easy access to the popular The Grand Pavilion and Boardwalk. Also on property is the highly acclaimed Coastal Provisions, an upscale coastal restaurant in a casual atmosphere serving creative and fresh seafood creations

Designed by Tom Fazio and perennially ranked among the world’s best, the Links Course at Wild Dunes, offers rolling fairways framed by moss-bearded live oaks and rustling palms. Noteworthy for massive humpbacked sand dunes and finishing holes along the Atlantic Ocean, the Links recalls golf’s ancient Scottish heritage.

Also a Fazio design, the Harbor Course is a challenging test of shot making skills and strategic thinking. Water comes into play on nearly every hole as fairways skirt saltwater marshes, lagoons and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Our raffle winner will enjoy a two (2) night stay in a run of house Guestroom at the Boardwalk Inn Hotel, a round of golf for four (4) on the Harbor Golf Course, and a round of golf for four (4) on the Links Golf Course at Wild Dunes Resort.

 RAFFLE TICKETS ARE $25 per TICKET

ONLY 100 TICKETS WILL BE SOLD!

WINNER TO BE DRAWN FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

 

Want to increase your chances of winning? Simply increase the quantity of raffle tickets from your check out cart in PayPal!

 Good Luck & THANK YOU for Supporting The First Tee of the Sandhills!

 
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You’ve Been Challenged!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SPONSOR A CLASS PROGRAM I’m Ready to Accept the Challenge! What’s next? Step 1: Contact Executive Director, Courtney Stiles (910.255.3035 or [email protected]) Step 2: Formally Accept the Sponsor a Class Challenge Step 3: Determine who you want to challenge next Step 4: Set a time to tape your video + challenge the next group! THANK YOU to our Sponsor a Class partners! Midland CC & Knollwood Village Donovan & Laura Bachtell Jennifer Nguyen, Realtor – Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Pinehurst Realty Group Pinehurst South Realty – Joy Donat First Bank Back