With graduation in the books, many kids and teens are looking ahead to the future. But we asked First Tee alumni to look back and consider the advice they’d share with their 18-year-old self.
David Singh First Tee – Tampa Bay Recently earned his Master in Healthcare Administration at the University of Pittsburgh
“Life is not always gonna stick to the script you’ve got in your head. Sometimes, it’ll throw you curveballs you never saw coming. Roll with the punches, stay flexible, and remember, there’s always a silver lining in every setback. Keep your chin up, ’cause even when things don’t go as planned, there’s still a world of amazing possibilities out there waiting for you.”
Savannah Mansueti First Tee – Florida Gold Coast Manager of operations at First Tee – Florida Gold Coast
“If I could advise my 18-year-old self, I’d emphasize embracing failure as a key part of learning and growth, seeing setbacks as opportunities to refine skills. I’d also stress the importance of building strong relationships with family, friends, mentors and colleagues for support and guidance. Lastly, I’d recommend prioritizing financial literacy early on, mastering budgeting, saving and investing for long-term stability and success.”
Haili Moore First Tee – Greater Dallas Student at Texas Christian University and entry-level staff accountant
“Do not allow yourself to settle in relationships, careers, friendships, education, etc. You are worth what you allow to infiltrate your time, peace and space. The thing is though, is that you are worth more than you’ll ever know.”
Jamie Rush First Tee – Pittsburgh Methodist University marketing student with a concentration in professional golf management
“My advice would be to live in the moment. We are always wishing for the next big moment and forget to treasure the times that we are currently in. I’m still trying to learn this lesson today. Enjoy every aspect of the here and now, slow down and don’t wish your life away.”
Spencer McIntosh First Tee – Tampa Bay Director of business intelligence and analytics at First Tee
“I would encourage my 18-year-old self to be continuously educating yourself whether that be reading more books, taking additional courses or seeking mentorship. I’d also recommend that he build a strong network and surround himself with supportive and knowledgeable people so you can apply those lessons to his passions. Then finally, I’d tell him to pay those gifts forward to the next generation of game changers!”
Srishti Dhurandhar First Tee – Metropolitan New York Business and technology management student and collegiate golfer at NYU
“Some advice for my younger self would be to be less afraid to ask for help and make mistakes. I learned the most when things didn’t go according to plan and wish I had spent less time worrying about doing everything perfectly because everything will work out in the end as long as you surround yourself with people you can lean on. “
First Tee returns to Clemson University this year for its 4th annual National Championship. This year’s field includes 24 boys and 24 girls from First Tee chapters across the country to experience what golf looks like at the next level.
In addition to showcasing their skills and perseverance on the course, players will also attend a golf careers panel and a keynote address from First Tee alumnus Gavin Parker.
This year’s tournament will be streamed on Gamecast, and you can follow scoring on Golf Genius.
Before we head to Clemson, we caught up with our past winners to see what they’re up to.
Ashton Harper First Tee — Roanoke Valley
Ashton won the inaugural First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and is now a member of the golf team at Virginia Tech, where he is majoring in business. Ashton said his experience with First Tee taught him valuable lessons in perseverance. “Golf is not a game of perfect, and there will always be ups and downs when playing this game, but they are magnified in tournaments due to the high stakes. I was able to use perseverance to fight these ups and downs,” he said.
Ashton aims to become an All-ACC player by the end of his tenure at Virginia Tech before going on to play professionally.
Symran Shah First Tee — Greater Dallas
Like Ashton, Symran won the First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and now plays golf at Virginia Tech. She studies business and plans to have a career in healthcare administration.
Hannah Lydic First Tee — Delaware
Hannah won the 2022 First Tee National Championship held at Notre Dame and is now a member of the golf team at the University of Richmond, majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Her experience in the First Tee National Championship taught her patience and perseverance in both herself and her game, she said.
As a Spider, she’s won awards for golf and academics. “What’s cool about the game of golf is that if you play calm and treat your playing partners with kindness, you will ultimately have a better experience on the course which will allow you to play at a higher level,” she said. Because of her experience with First Tee coaches, she fell in love with golf and now has the goal to become a collegiate golf coach.
Hunter Swanson First Tee — Green Valley Ranch
Hunter won the First Tee National Championship at Notre Dame in 2022 and is now a business student and member of the golf team at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Hunter lost to Ashton in a playoff at the 2021 First Tee National Championship, which inspired him to have the perseverance to come back and win at Notre Dame and taught him how to be more comfortable in high stress situations, he said.
As a college golfer, Hunter said the most important lesson he learned from First Tee is confidence. “I find I play more relaxed and have a better game when I practice enough to believe in my abilities,” he said. Since winning the First Tee National Championship, Hunter has made the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, been a Pac-12 Men’s Golfer of the Week and the Nevada State Amateur runner up.
MeganMeng First Tee — Greater Trenton
Megan won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and is preparing to begin her college golf career at Northwestern, where she’ll study economics. Her experience playing in the First Tee National Championship challenged her to be hardworking and patient. She said she continues to use other First Tee lessons. “I find that it is important to always apply respect, sportsmanship and courtesy to those you are playing with,” said Megan, who also won the 2022 PURE Insurance Championship.
Recently, Megan was a member of Team USA at the 2023 Junior Solheim Cup and a 2023 Rolex Scholastic Junior All-American. She’s currently in the Top 10 of the AJGA Rankings and plans to pursue professional golf.
Cooper Groshart First Tee — Central Coast
Cooper won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and now attends California State East Bay, as a business administration major and a member of the golf team. Confidence is a First Tee lesson that Cooper keeps with him today while playing competitive golf. His experience in the First Tee National Championship was inspiring, as he saw so many people from different places share the same drive to compete and succeed in golf, he said.
Cooper played in the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur in Charleston. As a freshman, he competed in 12 tournaments with his college team and has been on the dean’s list both semesters. He said his goal is to continue to improve as a player and a person.
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.
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.
February is Black History Month, an important time to recognize the contributions and remember the hardships endured by generations of African Americans. Appreciating diversity and what makes us each unique remains an integral part of First Tee’s DNA year-round.
“When you bring together people with different perspectives and different experiences, the whole becomes stronger than the sum of its parts,” said Pepper Peete, whose career in golf began more than two decades ago when she established the men’s team at Edward Waters College, an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida. Peete now helps lead culture and inclusion efforts at First Tee headquarters.
Access for All
First Tee has always been committed to reaching kids from all backgrounds and making sure they feel included in our programming. At First Tee we commit to:
Appreciating what makes us different.
Providing everyone with what they need to succeed, knowing that our needs and challenges may differ.
Creating space that makes every individual feel like they belong and can see themselves reflected.
Collaborating with others – including those who are different from you – is a Key Commitment at First Tee, and it means showing respect, kindness and care for everyone. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation or lived experience, we’re all unique.
Here are some ways kids can get more comfortable learning about and from others.
A-L-R is a tool for learning about others
First Tee coaches introduce the concept of appreciating diversity by explaining that people differ in many ways and are similar in other ways, and we all have strengths and weaknesses. It is important for kids and teens to understand, accept and appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses, but it is equally important they do the same with others.
Engaging others in conversation doesn’t always come naturally to children, but it can be one of the best ways to form meaningful connections across perceived barriers. A-L-R is a strategy we teach at First Tee.
Ask questions: Invite your child to ask questions to discover more about a person’s background and past experiences, which might provide insight into who they are today and the commonalities they share.
Listen to understand: Introduce active listening by encouraging your child to focus on what others are saying rather than thinking about what to say next.
Reflect and respond: Invite your child to show how they were listening by responding with a thoughtful question or sharing your own thoughts or feelings on the topic at hand.
Through this exercise, kids might learn they share common interests with someone who looks or sounds different to them.
Don’t forget that in addition to learning about others, preteens are often grappling with and discovering their own identities. If your family positions diversity as an asset, your child might feel more comfortable being themself.
Exposing your child to food, music or books from other cultures can help them see the commonalities we share and appreciate that our differences make the world a richer place. You can also discuss the diversity that exists within your own family or community to show that diversity is everywhere, including the golf space.
“Golf has given me an opportunity to go places I never would have been able to go and meet people I never would have been able to meet,” said Peete, who was married to Calvin Peete, one of the most successful Black professional golfers in history. “I think golf can open up unexpected doors.”
A lifelong golfer and mother to two daughters who played golf at HBCUs, Peete has seen the sport become more accessible, especially to women, and she believes the golf course is a perfect place to break down barriers. “You get to meet so many different people through golf,” Peete 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!
We’re thrilled to introduce the newest addition to our team, Molly Jaimes, who brings a wealth of passion and dedication to her role here at First Tee – Sandhills. As we get to know her better, let’s dive into Molly’s professional journey, her excitement for her role, and her aspirations for making a positive impact!
Professional Background: A Journey from San Diego to Fundraising at First Tee
Molly’s roots trace back to the Northern part of San Diego, where her journey in the world of nonprofits began. Even as a teenager, she devoted her time to volunteering, setting the stage for a future driven by the desire to make a difference. Her academic path led her to Boise State, where she studied public health. It was during her time volunteering in Boise that Molly discovered her calling – a career in philanthropy. Inspired by the impact she could make, she pursued this path with determination.
Excitement for the Role: Spreading First Tee’s Mission and Inspiring Others
When asked about what excites her the most about her role here at First Tee, Molly’s enthusiasm is contagious. She is eager to spread First Tee’s mission to those who may not be familiar with it and is passionate about inspiring individuals to give back. Molly’s goal is to expand our reach within the community, ensuring that more children in need can benefit from the programs First Tee has to offer.
Proud Achievements: Empowering Young Professionals at Big Brothers Big Sisters
Reflecting on her past, Molly takes pride in her involvement in developing the Young Professional Board at Big Brothers Big Sisters Non-Profit. Molly recognizes that our young professionals are the leaders of tomorrow, and their perspectives always matter.
Beyond Work: A Passion for Cooking and Sharing
Outside of work, Molly has a passion for cooking, with a special love for Italian cuisine. Her culinary adventures reflect her love language – providing and sharing with others. It’s a testament to her nurturing spirit that extends beyond the workplace.
Goals at First Tee: Building Relationships and Ensuring Future Success
Molly’s hope at First Tee – Sandhills is characterized by her commitment to forging connections with a variety of community partners. She aspires to further enrich and expand the programs offered by First Tee – Sandhills while fostering and strengthening relationships throughout the broader community. Molly is dedicated to reaching out to those who generously support us through donations and sponsorships, with the goal of nurturing and cultivating these connections, and forging new ones. Her vision encompasses the expansion of our donor base and corporate support, aiming to establish a diverse and sustainable revenue stream for First Tee – Sandhills, ensuring its longevity for years ahead.
Advice for Aspiring Non-Profit Professionals: Listen, Learn, and Live the Mission
When asked about advice for those starting their careers in a nonprofit workspace, Molly emphasizes the importance of listening to the children involved in the programs. Understanding their motivations provides valuable insights. Furthermore, she underscores the significance of living the mission every day, ensuring a genuine commitment to the cause.
We’re excited to have Molly on board, bringing her passion and experience to further our mission at First Tee – Sandhills. Join us in welcoming her to the team, and stay tuned for the incredible impact we know she’ll make!
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!
Carter Bonas has already broken through in the business world, and he’s just 12. His love of golf helped inspire his company, Spectrum Golf.
The golf brand got its name because Carter is on the autism spectrum. The company was created to address an issue he faced, turning a challenge into an opportunity.
“Me and my mom were spending lots of money on clothes that were supposed to be comfortable but weren’t because I have skin sensitivity,” explained the First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant.
“I started Spectrum Golf because I wanted other people to be comfortable too.”
The brand sells golf attire and accessories, which have been displayed at the PGA Show in Orlando, an industry standard event. Carter has been interviewed by Golf Channel, Golf Digest and more about his company.
It’s impossible for Carter to choose a favorite memory from his time as a golfer. “They’re all super amazing,” Carter said.
He’s walked the course with Ernie Els at the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida, chipped with PGA Champions Tour player Alex Cejka and even met basketball star Steph Curry. Last year Curry was honored as Sports Illustrated’s Sports Person of the Year, while Carter was named Sports Kid of the Year.
Carter has big goals for his company, ultimately aiming to own a retail store and collaborate with other major brands. Playing on the PGA TOUR isn’t out of the question either, he said.
Carter loves the sport because he’s able to play on a team while still controlling the outcome of his round – whether good or bad. He also loves spending time in nature, he said.
Carter began playing golf after struggling to find another sport that fit.
During Autism Awareness Month, his message to others on the spectrum: “If you’re considering golf it takes lots of patience and practice, and you always need to stay positive,” he said.
Carter and his family have faced their own set of challenges when it comes to managing a new business. They had to table Spectrum Vitamin Water due to a manufacturing issue. “Carter only wants to sell products he loves,” said his mother, Dr. Thelma Tennie. But after finding a new producer, the vitamin water could be back on the market this year.
Seeing his mom – who owns a private therapy practice – helped inspire Carter to become an entrepreneur, he explained. And he’s also passionate about giving back. He recently launched a nonprofit, and he serves as a golf coach and motivational speaker for schools and events.
Like First Tee, Carter is dedicated to growing the sport of golf and showing that anyone can play. Carter and his mom were drawn to First Tee’s values, and he’s been participating with the Florida Gold Coast chapter in Fort Lauderdale for about a year.
Jayda Dookie didn’t quite know what she was getting into when her high school coach reached out about a caddying opportunity at Seminole Golf Club.
Ranked the top course in Florida for the last 35 years by Golf Digest, the Club has a rich history of hosting the corporate elite along with a couple of high-profile events in the past. But Jayda was about to make her own history. When Jayda, a First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant, signed on as caddy, she was unaware that she would become the first female caddy in the history of the storied club. As a freshman, she was also the youngest caddy in the yard when she took the job four years ago.
“A lot of the caddies were excited to see a girl come and do this job, not only because you have to engage with a lot of important people, but it’s also a physical job,” she explained. “I quicky had to get out my shell. I had to make sure my players were comfortable, and I definitely only succeeded because of the mentors I had in the caddy yard.”
She said planning ahead is an important part of caddying at Seminole: “First we have to forecaddie. We must get to the ball before the players do to get all the numbers like distance from the hole, wind speed and direction. At Seminole, we really place an emphasis on pace of play, and the only way we’re able to do that is if our caddies are two steps ahead of our players,” she said.
Jayda said it was intimidating to start her job at Seminole, but now she loves it because of the network she’s forged.
“I have learned so much through the other caddies and members,” she said. “Many are prominent CEOs and business leaders, and it’s good for me to watch how business deals are negotiated the golf course.”
That’s especially true since Jayda plans to have a career in international business – even though she’ll be sad to leave Seminole when she attends college in the fall. “I’m definitely going to miss it, but I know there’s an invitation extended for me to come back because they’ve become my second family now,” she said.
Jayda credits First Tee’s John Deere Drive Your Future Academy with helping her select her future career path. She attended the event in San Francisco last summer. “It was amazing to see girls from all over the country gather to learn about business and leadership and play golf,” she said. “We didn’t know each other at first but by the end we all felt like family.”
Jayda said First Tee has not only given her lots of impactful opportunities – including a recent behind-the-scenes visit to The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens – but also a supportive community.
“I’m probably not going to remember all the stress and heartbreaks of different tournaments but I’m definitely going to remember the people and the family that has gathered around me thanks to golf.”
Jayda was recently named Participant of the Year by First Tee – Florida Gold Coast.
She credits the sport with teaching her discipline and giving her confidence and recommends golf for any girls who are looking for a new hobby. “I think they should definitely do it,” she said. “Golf is a sport you can play for life. Golf gives you a community and opportunities and people to lean on if you ever need help.”
Felipe Obando may now be studying at the Keiser University College of Golf. But it wasn’t always a given that the sport would play an important part in his life.
Obando has long been a passionate artist, and in fifth grade, he won an art contest that not only awarded him tickets to The Honda Classic – and meet and greets with PGA TOUR players like Russel Henley – but also a lifetime membership to First Tee – Florida Gold Coast.
It was the first time Obando was exposed to golf, and First Tee introduced him to the coaches who could become important mentors, he said.
“I could go on all day long about the insane and incredible opportunities that have been given to me by the First Tee,” he said. But one thing stands out from his time in the organization: the values it instilled.
“Responsibly, honesty, integrity … were all words we learned as kids going to the First Tee which helped pave the way for the rest of my life,” he said.
During his time as a First Tee participant, Obando attended national events like the Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, he played at storied courses, including The Breakers and The Bears Club, and he volunteered to help younger kids learn the game.
Obando was so passionate about the sport that he teamed up with seven other First Tee participants to create the First Tee – Palm Beaches Teen Golf Association, which has evolved into a thriving organization.
Obando has had to overcome challenges to get where he is today. He was born with a malformed right hand and has developed a golf swing that compliments his disability.
“Grabbing a cup, throwing a ball, flipping a coin. Those were all things I could do with my normal left hand. But what about a sport that involves your two hands gripping something? Golf was probably the most challenging sport I ever had to learn, and it took me lots of time and practice to be able to get good contact,” he said.
“I would say the most important thing throughout this process was never giving up, even if it meant putting myself in uncomfortable situations. I always (and still do) finished holes even if I wasn’t playing my best and wanted to pick up,” he explained. “Overcoming challenges for me was difficult, and it still is to this day, but not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end.”
Obando always knew he wanted to attend college, and now his goal has become a reality. He received a four-year scholarship to attend Keiser University College of Golf where’s he’s studying golf management.
“When it comes to post graduation, all I know is that I want to be involved in the best industry there is, the golf industry, whether it’s a head pro at a club, a coach, working for a company and many more of the thousands of careers there are in the golf world,” he said.
He recently received his WR4GD pass, which makes him eligible to compete in tournaments like the USGA’s second U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this summer. Obando said he’s excited for what the future holds.
“I have been practicing hard, focusing on my classes, focusing on my game and staying healthy,” he said.
Louis Kelly, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia alumni and now coach, has been with the chapter for longer than he can remember. Coach Kelly started when he was just 13 years old, graduating through the program in 2010.
Growing up with the First Tee – Greater Philadelphia chapter, Coach Kelly had been so positively impacted as a participant that he thought the only thing he could do was give back by returning to be a coach at the chapter in 2017.
“I love First Tee and I’ve been around it a long time now. Coaching my kids and being with influential people outside in the business world makes me reflect that I just love being able to bring a smile to people’s faces,” said Coach Kelly.
Coach Kelly focuses primarily on the in-school curriculum, along with coaching golf lessons for the participants to help them make their high school golf team. From there, Coach Kelly wishes to see his kids in the program graduate and go on to college where they can play for collegiate teams.
In addition to the curriculum and golf lessons, coaches like Coach Kelly serve as a mentor for the community, helping to support participants along their educational and golf journey. Coach Kelly focuses on building a positive self-identity as a core characteristic in life.
“The mind believes in whatever you say about yourself, so we need to make it a good one,” said Coach Kelly.
“We need community, and as you know, First Tee has allowed young people to come in a safe space and be around positive coaches and other young people to build healthy habits and life skills.”
