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The First Tee Coachella Valley is a stepping stone used by many young kids that aspire to be great in the game of golf, including Braden Bernaldo.

He’s been with the local chapter of the First Tee since he was four and says that it’s much more than just a youth development organization.

“All of the volunteers and coaches that I’ve met throughout the years, I’ve built such a strong relationship with them. And it was hard for me to leave that,” says Braden for what’s kept him there for so long.

He also says, “They made me feel at home because they really got to know each individual student personally, and they were supportive and they wanted you to do your best even when you didn’t have the best days. They worked with you one on one to work out those problems and to see how you could get better. So they were very interactive with us and were very personable.”

The former Palm Desert High student was among only 40 First Tee Participants to be tapped nationwide to attend the second-annual First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore in West Creek Ranch,  Montana.

And he had one way to describe it, “life changing, simply put.”

These talented group of young stars were together less than a week — but he says it’ll be a week he’ll never forget.

“An enclosed week with the other participants and all the other guest speakers that were there. I just felt like we were in our own bubble,” says Braden.

He went on to say, “It was very nice to open up to one another and kind of truly identify who we are as people and learn how to build authentic relationships. It’s a life changing experience that we will hold on to for the rest of our lives.”

All the while, Braden is no stranger to the limelight or being handpicked in a crowded sea of talent across the country.

Just last summer, he punched his way into the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. That’s just one of the many milestones he’s hit throughout his short, but nothing short of success,  junior career.

Braden is entering his freshman year two time zones over in Sioux City, Iowa at Morningside University,home of the Mustangs.  He’s studying business right now and says, “the goal for me mainly after college would be to build my own company. Again, I don’t know what specifically yet. I’m sure it’s gonna have something to do with golf, but that’s the main goal.”

And when asked about who stands out to him on tour right now, the young standout says, “Will Zalatoris. I think he is a very he’s an underdog on tour right now this season. He had been coming up so close, especially in majors. But he’s just been playing really consistently and I really admire that.”

Talialaina Letoi

As we all know, the Coachella Valley is a major golf hub for fans, the professionals, and even some aspiring stars — many who started with the First Tee Coachella Valle.y

Among them, includes 18-year-old Maleyna ‘Beast Mode’ Gregorio, who has been with the First Tee since the age of four.

“I think something that’s so amazing about the First Tee is that they truly help and guide you throughout your golf journey and the journey of life,” says Maleyna.

The First Tee is a nonprofit designed to help young golfers build their strength of character through the game, and Maleyna has been a clear standout.

Recently, Maleyna was one of only 40 First Tee Participants selected across the country to attend the second-annual First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore in West Creek Ranch,  Montana.

She says, the summit taught her and others there a lot.

While there, these young golfers would take part in dynamic outdoor and team-building activities.

“Those activities really made me get closer to the people who did attend that leadership summit. And we had some amazing keynote speakers that I’ll be taking quotes from them like success is a constant road under construction,” Maleyna said while describing her experience. Among the keynote speakers included Josh Stewart and even NFL standout Michael Vick, who spoke on the power of decision-making.

One of the many takeaways Maleyna took away, included his comments on not losing one’s self to their sport saying, “He gave us some great advice on how to not tie your identity as an athlete to also a human being, which I think is very important for me moving forward into playing collegiate golf.”

But all in all, Maleyna says the values and experiences with the First Tee — both on and off the course — are unmatched.

“So when you look at First Tee, it’s not only just about the game of golf, it’s about truly building upon who one is as a person and the people in First Tee Coachella Valley are so passionate about what they do and they’re going to help your child grow whether that’s in the game of golf or not,” Maleyna went on to say, “But the core values and the life lessons they teach you is something that will correlate with your child for the rest of their life.”

Maleyna is headed to UC Riverside this Fall where she’ll play on the Women’s Golf Team. And when it comes to what she wants to do after college, Maleyna says she wants to try to go try out for Q-school with her sights set on the LPGA Tour. However, she says, “regardless if that works out or not, I hope to still be in the golf industry and help work on continuing women’s rights equality in the game sports.”

Talialaina Letoi

First Tee Coachella Valley members Braden Bernaldo, 17, and Maleyna Gregorio, 18, were exclusively selected among 40 teenage First Tee chapter members nationwide to attend the second-annual First Tee Leadership Summit. 

“It’s such a blessing to be able to represent the Coachella Valley,” said Bernaldo. “The First Tee has helped me have a direction in life and be respectful and use my nine core values.”

“Its played a huge role. Not only just the chapter, but also the people that work in the chapter and who donate,” said Gregorio.

Both participated in a five week leadership series prior to this honor. They will spend an entire week strengthening their leadership skills and grow characters strengths.

Gregorio says she is excited about this opportunity but also has bigger aspirations in mind.

“I want to make a difference in the future of continuing to further female equality and I think golf is one where we need a little bit of work on,” said Gregorio. “We are headed in the right direction but there is always more improvement.” 

This First Tee Leadership Summit will be held at West Creek Ranch in Montana from Aug. 1-5th.

Bailey Arredondo

Bailey Arredondo is a Sports Anchor/Reporter for KESQ News Channel 3. He joined the Desert’s News Leader in January 2022 here.

Like many other junior golfers heading to the college ranks, Maleyna Gregorio dreams of a future on the LPGA Tour. But she also has plans should a playing career not happen.

“Of course the goal is to go to the LPGA Tour and try out for Q-school, but there is always a Plan B,” said Gregorio, the 18-year-old from Indio who will play golf at Division 1 UC Riverside this fall. “Regardless if I get LPGA status or not, I want to be 100 percent in the game of golf. I’m very passionate about equality when it comes to female pay. I think that is something I want to work toward, getting females more opportunities and for an equal amount of pay.”

It’s that kind of commitment to golf that in part helped Gregorio earn a $20,000 scholarship from the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Gregorio, who turned 18 last Saturday and has been a member of the First Tee of the Coachella Valley since she was just 4, is one of 25 First Tee scholars across the country to earn the scholarship.

“She’s amazing. She has on her golf bag ‘Maleyna Gregorio, Beastmode,” said Teal Guion, the executive director of the First Tee of the Coachella Valley in Palm Desert. “That’s like the best way to explain her. She is the most focused. If she wants to get something done, it’s going to get done. I think with her scholarship application, it was submitted on day one.”

The scholarship from the national First Tee was in part because of Gregorio’s long history with the local chapter of the First Tee, and her own story of staying with the game despite obstacles. Gregorio had to explain those challenges in her applications, which she said took her 10 hours to complete.

“It’s kind of like my life journey with the game, a lot of it was obstacles that I have endured, and I have endured quite a few of them as a golfer and just as a regular human being,” Gregorio said. “I think that is something that kind of set me apart from other people applying. Volunteering a lot and really prioritizing my academics and things like that set up to get the scholarship now.”

Part of that journey was having to leave the game for a while because of an apparent allergy to the sun, Guion said.

“Really during the pandemic, she said you know what, I’m going to figure this out,” Guion said of Gregorio. “So she would sit outside for like 10 minutes and then she would go back in. Then she would sit outside for 15 minutes and go back in. So she built her stamina up and with medicines and things like that, she was able to go out and start practicing and playing again.”

More time to practice, play

The COVID-19 pandemic presented another challenge, since Gregorio and her parents decided she would leave Shadow Hills High School after her sophomore year to be home schooled. While not playing high school golf, Gregorio did play tournaments like the SCPGA Junior Tour and the Valley Junior Golf Tour. Home schooling gave her more time to practice and travel to tournaments, she said, and that led to UC Riverside and head coach Mary Ritchie.

“Tournament results got me conversation starters with the coach, and she signed me back in March,” Gregorio said.

Applying for the First Tee scholarship was at the urging of Guion, Gregorio said.

“Coach Teal has kind of given me amazing opportunities and she said that I should apply for it,” Guion said. “She’s kind of like a second mom to me, so I did what she told me to do and now here we are.”

Gregorio says her experiences at the First Tee from the time she first hit a tennis ball with an oversized plastic club have been important in her path to college golf and beyond.

“So many things. It’s truly one of the main factors that has contributed to who I am today,” she said. “It taught me values and skills and communication that will travel to my personal, my educational and my professional life journey and I think that a lot of kids can learn that.”

The First Tee scholarship is one of about 12 scholarships that Gregorio has earned, with a plan that she may be able to graduate from UC Riverside debt free. After years of volunteering at the First Tee of the Coachella Valley, Gregorio started as a paid employee this week – “my first real job,” she laughed – as a coach for summer camps. She can work throughout the summer before going to UC Riverside in September as a sophomore. She has already completed a year of college credits at College of the Desert while putting together a 4.56 grade-point average in high school.

When college starts in September, Gregorio is planning on a double major of business and communications.

“She is going to try to go to Q-school after school, but then she wants to go see if that works out. She wants to do marketing for the PGA and the LPGA tour and try to grow women’s golf,” Guion said.

Gregorio is already keenly aware of where women’s golf is and where she would like it to go.

“Just (Sunday), the biggest paycheck that the females got, $1.8 million (for first place at the U.S. Women’s Open),” Gregorio said. “I think we are headed in the right direction, but I think there is a little more work we can do.”

Larry Bohannan

Palm Springs Desert Sun

“Agradecimiento!”

That’s the word that Karla Garcia says again and again when describing her journey to First Tee. Garcia, now 19 and a first-generation college student, is pursuing a golf management degree at College of the Desert and hopes to join the golf team next semester. Ironically, the Spanish word “agradecimiento” (gratitude) is how she feels toward her local First Tee chapter and how it helped her learn to speak English.

After moving to Coachella Valley from Mayrit, Mexico at the age of 11 and without knowing a single word of English, Garcia, needed to learn the language fast. Her stepdad suggested First Tee Coachella Valley as an afterschool activity to help her hear and speak more English with both adults and kids.

“Even though I didn’t understand what the coaches were saying at first, everyone was so warm and welcoming, and I was able to enjoy being outside and playing golf,” Garcia recalls.

“I was very shy at first, but with everyone being so nice, I became more outgoing and got better at English each day!”

Garcia continued to attend First Tee Coachella Valley for the next several years, practicing her golf skills while slowly breaking out of her shell and feeling more comfortable with her English. Before she knew it, Garcia was spending all her free time at the chapter, practicing golf and English each day and even offering her time as a volunteer coach to the younger groups.

“My coaches were always so supportive and went above and beyond to help me and I’m so grateful. I want to be able to do the same for others since First Tee has given me so much,” Garcia gushed as she reminisced on some of her early memories with the program.

Volunteer coaching led to a full-time coaching offer in March 2021, where Garcia accepted the Lead Instructor role at First Tee Coachella Valley.

And as part of her new leadership role, Garcia has helped to develop the chapter’s first English as a Second Language (ESL) class, which will be launching in early spring. Garcia plans to bring her younger cousin to the ESL class and help coach him as he and his parents are still learning the language.

“I didn’t know any English, but I stuck with the program and learned! I think kids [like my cousin] will feel more comfortable with a mentor or coach who has been through what they are going through as participants,” said Garcia.

Agradecimiento is more than just a word to Karla Garcia, it’s her inspiration for the future. Her gratitude continues to help shape her plans following graduation.

“I hope to become a program executive at the First Tee so I can help provide playing opportunities and teach life skills to kids who typically wouldn’t have access,” Garcia explained. “I want to continue creating that same warm and safe place that I was so grateful for growing up.”

Garcia should have no shortage of opportunities to continue to work toward her goal. As First Tee celebrates their 25th anniversary this year, the youth development organization has grown to more than 145 chapters and 1,300 program locations across the country, using golf to empower kids and teach lessons about life.

To join in the 25th anniversary celebration or to find a First Tee chapter near you, visit FirstTee.org.

January 21, 2022
By Cara Canington ,  PGATOUR.COM

A group at The American Express that was having maybe more fun than we were, was the First Tee of the Coachella Valley.

All throughout the tournament the First Tee youth members were everywhere to be seen. Getting the opportunity to group up with the pros and be walking scorers for each of their rounds.

That’s a better seat than nearly everyone else on the grounds, and something First Tee Executive Director Teal Guion says is priceless.

“It’s amazing to be able to have the opportunity to be behind the ropes for our kids, to be able to walk with golf professionals to see their dedication and that level of expertise,” said Guion. “Even just watching their pre-shot routines and warming up, taking their practice swings and what they are doing to get that ball in the hole.”

A wonderful experience for young, local, aspiring golfers themselves to get a first-hand look at professional golf.

“It’s been one of the most memorable weeks of my life I would say,” said First Tee member Maleyna Gregorio. “Getting to walk with Jason Day and Justin Rose was a core memory and it’s all thanks to the first tee of the Coachella Valley for making it all possible for these kids. So I have to give it all to this wonderful organization.”

Bailey Arredondo

Bailey Arredondo is a Sports Anchor/Reporter for KESQ News Channel 3. He joined the Desert’s News Leader in January 2022 here.

• First Tee graduate Maleyna Gregorio is set to attend the University of California Riverside. (Courtesy of First Tee)

Twenty-five high school graduates have been selected to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. This is the largest class to date and a significant milestone as the youth development organization celebrates 25 years of helping young people build their strength of character through golf. The Scholars Class of 2022 includes aspiring physicians, computer scientists and lawyers, all of whom will be attending stand-out colleges and universities, including Harvard University, New York University and Columbia University.
 
Selected from a national pool of First Tee teens, the diverse group of Scholars – 15 young women and 10 young men – are from both urban and rural communities across the United States. Nine of the Scholars will play on their college’s golf team; several are heading into STEM, business, and medical fields; and many already have impressive plans for careers that will support underrepresented and underserved populations.
 
“I offer congratulations and a warm welcome to our Class of 2022 First Tee Scholars,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “With the support of our donors, we’re able to provide this ongoing support as they matriculate through college and prepare for future careers. These outstanding young leaders have bright futures ahead, and we believe the skills and values developed through First Tee will empower them throughout their collegiate journey and beyond.”
 
First Tee College Scholarship Program extends its impact to alumni by providing support throughout their post-graduate careers. Each of the Scholars is paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout their college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in-person throughout the year, and up to $5,000 per year toward tuition.
 
The program, which re-launched in 2020, is an evolution from the First Tee Scholars Program established in 2003. The program began after participant Steven Outlaw gave a moving speech in 2001 at the age of 16 and was provided an impromptu scholarship from a generous donor. Two years later, Outlaw graduated high school and was part of the inaugural First Tee Scholars Class.  Since 2003, First Tee headquarters and its chapter network have awarded more than $15 million in college scholarships to alumni.
 
Applications for the Class of 2022 were received from participants across the First Tee network. Following an online application process, finalists were selected by a committee for one-on-one interviews. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, volunteerism, and other criteria.
 
First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible by donors and corporate partners who stand behind the program and First Tee’s mission, including 3M, A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Astros Golf Foundation, Brendan and Shay Cavanagh, Charles Schwab, Chevron Corporation, David and Geri Epstein Private Foundation, Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund, Edward and Lisa Vaughan, Jon Clay, Nelson and Michele Carbonell Family Foundation, Paul and Ruth Flowers, Peter A. Bonanni Scholarship Fund, PURE Insurance, Timothy W. Finchem Scholarship Fund, TruGreen, USSGA Memorial Fund, and Zotec Foundation.
 
First Tee College Scholarship Class of 2022:
Average GPA: 4.1 on a 4.0 scale
Average SAT score: 1,470 out of 1,600
Average ACT score: 31 out of 36
 
Breonna Boyd, First Tee — Tennessee 
University of Michigan; Major: Business Administration
Breonna plans to start a nonprofit that will provide natural hair care products to African American girls who need them.
 
Nicholas Canales, First Tee — Greater Houston
University of Nebraska; Major: Political Science and History
Nicholas is a first-generation college student and will play on the men’s golf team.
 
Antonio DelCastillo, First Tee — Orange County
University of Alabama; Major: Pre-Med
Pursuing a career as either a neuro-orthopedic surgeon or anesthesiologist.
 
Srishti Dhurandhar, First Tee — Metropolitan New York
New York University; Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Srishti will play on the women’s golf team under the leadership of her former First Tee coach and NYU head coach, Katie Rudolph.
 
Vivian D’Orazi, First Tee — Metropolitan New York                                 
York College of Pennsylvania; Major: Marketing; Minor: Hospitality Management 
Vivian will play on the women’s golf team and aspires to work in the golf industry post-graduation.
 
Dylan Ebs, First Tee — Greater Austin
George Washington University; Major: Journalism
Dylan plans to pursue his goal of becoming a political reporter in Washington, D.C.
 
Esther Etherington, First Tee — Indiana
Franklin College; Major: Elementary Education
Esther will play on the women’s golf team and plans to later receive a Master’s degree in Special Education.
 
Maleyna Gregorio, First Tee — Coachella Valley
University of California Riverside; Major: Business
Maleyna will play on the women’s golf team and aspires to work in the golf industry.  
 
Raiyan Johnson, First Tee — Savannah
Georgia Institute of Technology; Major: Astrophysics 
Raiyan will pursue her goal to become an astrophysicist and ultimately an astronaut.
 
Lea Han, First Tee — Greater Sacramento
Harvard University; Major: History
Lea plans to become either an immigration or civil rights lawyer and pursue her passion for social justice.
 
Zara Karim, First Tee — Greater Washington, D.C.
George Washington University; Major: Computer Science
Graduating with 4.5 GPA, Zara aspires to become a computer scientist or software engineer.
 
Nelia Leong, First Tee — Upstate South Carolina
University of Florida; Major: Public Health
Nelia will be pursuing the pre-dentistry track with plans to use her degree to have her own pediatric dentistry practice.
 
Myles Manor, First Tee — Greater Washington, D.C.
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; Major: Chemistry
Myles has a desire to bring interest and awareness to STEM careers in his community.
 
Abigale Morris, First Tee — Phoenix
Biola University; Major: Cinematography
Abigale will play on the women’s golf team. She aspires to own a film company that provides film and media for nonprofits.
 
Hannah Newell, First Tee — Greater Houston
LeTourneau University; Major: Chemical Engineering
Hannah will play on the women’s golf team while working toward her goal of building a career in chemical engineering.
 
Sabrina Poole, First Tee — Greater Seattle
St. Martin’s University; Major: Psychology
Sabrina will play on the women’s golf team. Her future aspirations include helping high school and college student-athletes with mental and psychological struggles or crises as a clinical psychologist.
 
Nancy Rivera, First Tee — Silicon Valley
Middleburg College Vermont; Major: Pre-Med 
Nancy wants to be the voice for Latinx families who have had limited representation in the medical field. She plans on becoming an OB-GYN.
 
Ahmad Raoul, First Tee — Greater Chicago
Winston-Salem State University; Major: Computer Science
While playing on the men’s golf team and majoring in computer science, Ahmad plans to leverage his STEM knowledge to further his passion for golf and improve his golf performance.
 
Daniel Sears, First Tee — Massachusetts                                                        
Franciscan University of Steubenville; Major: Philosophy and Finance
Daniel plans on a career in either real estate or law. 
 
Connor Shooks, First Tee — Benton Harbor
Loyola University Chicago; Major: Sports Management
Connor aspires to either be an athletic trainer or physical therapist.
 
Kenneth Treece, First Tee — Pine Mountain
University of Alabama; Major: Aerospace Engineering and Political Science
Obtaining a 35 out of 36 on the ACT, Kenneth has plans to become a public defense attorney.
 
Alexa Vela, First Tee — Greater Houston
Rice University; Major: Psychology and Pre-Law
Alexa aspires to become a lawyer to grant the underrepresented the opportunity to recognize their constitutional rights and the powers granted to them by their government.
 
Jaylon Wilson, First Tee — Metro Atlanta
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; Major: Finance
With plans to become a financial advisor, Jaylon aspires to serve the African American community through providing financial literacy, specifically to athletes and musicians.
 
Iris Xue, First Tee — Greater Washington, D.C.
Columbia University; Major: Computer Science and Engineering
Iris hopes to one day build artificial intelligence models that tackle healthcare challenges, such as disease modeling and disease prevention.
 
Jacob Zakaria, First Tee — Central Coast
University of California Berkeley; Major: Biology
Inspired by his father’s family being raised in a war-struck refugee camp in Lebanon without access to healthcare, Jacob plans on becoming a medical doctor.

On Sunday, kids of all ages got the opportunity to swing into action at the American Express.

The First Tee of the Coachella Valley held a kid’s golf clinic. “We get to see a lot of talented kids, we get to see a lot of kids who have never swung a golf club before. Honestly, as a professional, a golf professional, it’s the best job in the world,” said First Tee Program Coordinator Kyle Winn.

It was the first time on the green for some children, while others put their skills to test. There were three small courses and even a mini driving range for the kids to practice their swings.

First Tee said the clinic wasn’t only about learning how to golf, but to also help kids develop life skills. 

“A great job getting kids involved and learning there’s a lot of fun to it  and it’s not just hard. There’s a lot of fun behind it. It’s teamwork, it’s strategy, it’s figuring out that it’s just one hole and you can move on. One hole doesn’t mean everything,” said parent Michelle Cossota.

If you’re interested in signing your child up with First Tee, click here.

By Samantha Lomibao

Sixteen-year-old First Tee – Lake County (Hammond, Ind.) participant, Steven Outlaw, was notified during the 2001 First Tee Network Summit, the annual gathering of those within the First Tee network, that he was going to have to make his speech earlier than originally scheduled. The events to follow happened in a way that only fate decides.  

Steven describes it as “being in the right place at the right time.” Using one of the first skills instilled into First Tee participants, as well as taught within his own household, on how to properly introduce yourself to others, Steven walked right up to one of the other speakers of the evening, former president of Georgetown College, Dr. William Crouch, and shook his hand. Steven’s demeanor stood out to Dr. Crouch and gave him quite the idea.  

Following Steven’s speech, Dr. Crouch scrapped his own prepared comments and surprised Steven with a full scholarship to Georgetown College and news that he planned to provide a full scholarship to First Tee participants every year following. This full-ride scholarship would alleviate the financial burden of furthering Steven’s education. 

Bob Krause, former vice president of institutional advancement at Kansas State University, followed suit with Dr. Crouch’s pledge. The First Tee Scholars Program was born and set to begin by 2003 with the inaugural class of Scholars, many of whom Steven is still in touch with today.  

L to R: Christopher Hawkins, First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumnus and First Tee Scholar Class of 2003; Adam Ruegg, Troon Golf; Steven Outlaw, First Tee – Lake County alumnus and inaugural First Tee Scholar; Rod Jackson, First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumnus; Brandon White, current Program Director First Tee – Lake County. 

As the inaugural First Tee Scholar, Steven graduated from Georgetown College with a degree in political science. After college, he enrolled in the PGA, PGM Accelerated Program. After completing two levels of the program, he secured an internship with Troon Golf, a leading golf management company. He has since worked with Troon Golf for nearly 15 years, starting in Arizona and traveling overseas to work in the Middle East, and in Malaysia managing The Els Club Teluk Datai (rated #83 in the world by Golf Digest in 2016).   

More recently, Steven serves as the PGA Director of Golf at Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club, managed by Troon Golf.  Steven has been a PGA Class A Professional for more than 10 years and currently serves on the Southwest Section PGA Board of Directors and is very active with Troon’s D&I Council. Going forward, Steven aspires to ascend the ranks in the PGA of America, with a passion specifically around diversity, equity and inclusion and positive change within the game of golf. 

Though Steven had numerous amazing opportunities during his time as a First Tee participant, he now prides himself in exploring what he can do for First Tee as an adult. He works closely with First Tee – Lake County, often supplying the chapter with donations.  

“These opportunities would not have been possible without First Tee and the core values instilled in me such as perseverance and confidence. Much of what I learned during my time with First Tee I use now to strengthen and empower my team. I am forever grateful and honored to be part of such a great organization. I look forward to the future of First Tee and the path they will pave for the next generation.” 

Eleven years after Steven’s speech, the First Tee Scholars Program continues to thrive. It has since received a face-lift following Greg McLaughlin being named First Tee CEO in 2019.  

Relaunching officially in 2020, President George W. Bush, honorary First Tee chair, congratulated the first class of the revamped program. First Tee College Scholarship Program now extends its impact to alumni beyond financial support, providing personal and professional development throughout their post-graduate careers.  

Each of the Scholars is paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who helps encourage and guide them throughout the college experience, including virtual and in-person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in-person throughout the year, and up to $5,000 per year toward tuition.   

“First Tee aims to inspire and empower every young person in the program to set goals and begin pursuing them,” said McLaughlin. “The First Tee College Scholarship Program is intended to motivate young people to stay in the program and support alumni as they matriculate through the college.” 

In recognition of First Tee’s 25^th anniversary, the Class of 2022 includes 25 First Tee Scholars. This time, Steven Outlaw has turned the tables, joining as a mentor to one of the Scholars.   

“I was extremely fortunate to be surrounded by great professionals as I progressed through my time with the First Tee.  These individuals helped me grow not only in golf, but personally and professionally.  I consider myself lucky to be able to return the favor to the next generation!” 

We believe in helping youth succeed – on the golf course and in life. Learn more about our programs and how you can get involved. 

Did you know more than 80 percent of First Tee chapters offer programming specifically for girls?  

“Growing up playing golf, I never imagined being in the golf industry,” said Rebecca Caimano, assistant executive director at First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, who joined the chapter in 2011 to help grow its girls programming. “It was tough being the only female who played golf.” 

Now, Rebecca is among thousands of leaders/coaches who are involved in First Tee. 

First Tee views golf as a metaphor for life. It’s not the score that counts, but what you learn along the way. The game is a perfect practice ground for learning skills that extend far beyond the course. Let’s face it, digging deep when things get tough is a natural part of our sport – and life – experiences. 

As we celebrate our 25^th anniversary (& Women’s Golf Day), First Tee is proud of the role we’re playing in helping more young girls embrace the sport and what they can learn through it. Thanks to many female coaches and leaders throughout our network – like Rebecca – we are a safe place where girls can come, be themselves and learn from coaches and role models on the course and in the business world.  

Also, thanks to organizations like USGA (a Founding Partner), LPGA-USGA Girls Golf and John Deere, sponsor of the Drive Your Future Academy, a national leadership development opportunity for female First Tee teens, we continue to intentionally offer opportunities for girls’ personal growth and development in many ways.  

Empowering girls for a brighter future 

While many First Tee alumnae have gone on to work in golf, others have excelled in different areas, including medicine, journalism and public affairs. And we think that’s great for them, and for the world around us. 

Studies have shown that women leaders are engaging and collaborative, yet it hasn’t always been easy for women to break into many top leadership roles. Golf can help. 

Ninety percent of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf, according to the PGA of America, and more than half of all businesspeople believe golf is a valuable networking tool. Women executives believe that a background in sport was helpful to career advancement because it prepared them to work better in teams, and behaviors and techniques can be applied to the corporate setting (Women’s Sports Foundation).   

First Tee teaches valuable life skills that can help girls as they become leaders. Through our personal growth and junior golf programs, we encourage girls to build self-confidence that they’ll carry with them into their future.  

“I originally stuck with it [golf] because I wanted to beat my brother,” Rebecca continued. “And now, here I am, using a sport that changed my life to change others.”  

Now, that’s girl power.  

Approximately 25% of First Tee’s coaches are women, and we’d love to increase that number! If you are interested or know of a passionate female leader in your life, please point her here to get involved: https://firsttee.org/get-involved/coach-volunteer/  

Experiences are our greatest teachers. They shape how we treat others, how we see the world around us, and how we view ourselves. How we view ourselves is also known as our self identity and is defined as the qualities and potential you possess. It can influence the choices you make, the attitude you have day-to-day, and ultimately, it becomes your inner voice. For youth especially, a positive self identity can have a massive impact on who they become as adults. There are many ways parents can help their kids develop a positive self identity, and at First Tee we pride ourselves in nurturing a positive self identity for youth. Here are three ways you can help your kids develop a positive self identity inspired by our core values. 

Live Your Values

Kids watch and learn from the adults in their lives every day. Studying their actions and responses, they develop their identity based on their guardians and the other mentors in their life. If you live according to the values you want your kids to have, then they are more likely to absorb that into their own independent lives. That being said, having a mentor is a great way to ensure this happens. At First Tee,youth learn from their coaches by:

• Treating others with respect and honesty 
• Experiencing the value of teamwork, not just by being told to act as a team but by witnessing their coach lead with teamwork. 
• Watching their coaches exercise positive self talk and kindness to others around them brings out the best in themselves and their self identity.  

Create a Culture of Acceptance

When there is no room for failure there is no room for growth. Fostering an environment that is not only safe for kids to fail but encourages them to try again, helps kids develop a strong sense of self. Acceptance also transcends just failure; it also means that every person, regardless of their background, is welcome. We work together to actively create a space of belonging for every kid— no matter what walk of life. Through example we encourage youth to accept their team members for who they are, treat each other with kindness, and create that culture of acceptance everywhere, so that when they reflect on themselves and their own identity they treat themselves with the same level of respect and positivity that they give others.

Empowerment Through Experiences

For kids, experiences shape their inner voice that gives them confidence and character. Not all experiences in life are easy, and when we empower youth to persevere and stay true to themselves, we bring out the best that’s inside of them. First Tee exists to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. As time goes on, that empowerment creates a strong sense of self, and encourages a positive self identity even in difficult situations. 

Though a positive self identity may seem like something only some people are born with, it is really something that can be cultivated through leading by example, an open culture of acceptance, and consistent empowerment through all experiences. What do you want your child’s inner voice to sound like when they grow up? Nurturing their self identity can make all the difference in that. We guide kids and teens to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action. If you are interested in getting your child involved with First Tee, you can learn more and sign up today!