thawes – First Tee – Greater Philadelphia

Student Spotlight: Dylan Campion

In just four years with First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, Dylan has fully embraced every opportunity in front of him and become one of the most engaged and dedicated participants in the program. From participating in weekly classes at multiple locations to competing in tournaments and attending social events, his commitment speaks for itself.

Dylan’s drive to improve and challenge himself is what sets him apart. It’s what led to his selection as one of 12 participants, out of more than 500 teens, for the Leadership Series at the PGA TOUR Superstore. Throughout the program, he stood out for his preparation, confidence, and ability to connect with others, leaving a lasting impression on both First Tee staff and program partners.

That same presence carried onto an even bigger stage…

When the Truist Championship came to Philadelphia last May, Dylan was selected as a standard bearer. With his experience as a caddie, his natural composure, and the way he represents the values of First Tee both on and off the course, he was an easy choice. Throughout the event, he carried himself with professionalism and pride, representing First Tee — Greater Philadelphia at the highest level.

His impact doesn’t stop within our program.

Dylan was also named one of just six recipients of the 2025 Philadelphia Junior Tour Diversity Scholarship, an honor that provides access to tournament play, mentorship, and continued development. Through this opportunity, he has continued to demonstrate what it means to compete with integrity and purpose.

This year, Dylan’s character was recognized on an even broader stage when he received the Good Citizen Award from Founding Forward and The Union League of Philadelphia — an honor that reflects his commitment to leadership, service, and making a positive impact in his community.

Ask any coach or staff member what stands out most about Dylan, and you won’t hear about his tournament results first. You’ll hear about his character.

He’s consistently described as polite, respectful, and thoughtful — someone who takes the time to say thank you, follow up, and treat others with genuine appreciation. He shows up with a positive attitude that lifts those around him. It’s these qualities that define who he is far beyond a scorecard.

Dylan understands being part of First Tee is about more than golf. It’s about becoming a leader, building confidence, and developing skills that last a lifetime. In every interaction, Dylan exemplifies exactly what that looks like.

National Volunteer Month: Steve Amoriello

April is National Volunteer Month—a time to recognize the individuals who give their time, energy, and passion to strengthen our community. At First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, our volunteers play a vital role in shaping the experiences of the young people we serve, both on and off the golf course.

Behind every lesson, every tournament, and every moment of growth is a team of dedicated volunteers helping bring our mission to life. Coach Steve Amoriello is a perfect example of what this commitment looks like in action.

Celebrating Volunteer Coach Steve

Since Spring 2025, Steve has been a dedicated volunteer coach with First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, first at Honeybrook Golf Club and now at The Golf Zone Family Fun Center. Week after week, he shows up ready to make a difference—bringing energy, preparation, and a genuine passion for helping our participants grow.

While he’s built meaningful connections across all age groups, Steve has made a particularly strong impact on our older participants—those working hard to improve their skills and earn spots on their high school golf teams. Through his coaching, they’re not only developing their game, but also building confidence, resilience, and a belief in what they can achieve.

Steve’s commitment extends beyond weekly classes. During our Constellation Classic Tournament Series event at Kennett Square Golf & Country Club, he was out on the course on a hot July day making sure participants had water and snacks, assisting with rulings, and helping keep pace of play moving smoothly. It’s this willingness to step in wherever needed that makes volunteers like Steve so essential to the experience we provide.

Leading by Example

As a member of our Advisory Board, Steve’s impact goes even further. He not only brings valuable perspective and a strong connection to our mission, but also chooses to experience it firsthand—working directly with participants and seeing the difference our programs make in their lives.

Recently, Steve took that commitment one step further by applying for a service grant through his company, Cencora, with the goal of bringing additional resources to support our programs.

A Lasting Impact

Volunteers like Steve help make everything we do possible. Their time, energy, and belief in our mission allow us to create meaningful opportunities for young people across our community. This National Volunteer Month, we’re grateful to celebrate Steve and all of the volunteers who help us build Game Changers every day.

Get Involved

Interested in making an impact like Steve? Join our incredible community of volunteers and help us create more opportunities for the next generation.

Learn more about volunteering with First Tee — Greater Philadelphia

Honoring Legends, Investing in the Next Generation: Links at the Linc

Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 9, 2026 for Links at the Linc — an unforgettable evening celebrating the power of mentorship, opportunity, and community while honoring Philadelphia Eagles legends Mike Quick and Merrill Reese.

For nearly 30 years, Mike and Merrill have shared the broadcast booth as two of the most recognizable voices in Philadelphia sports. Mike Quick was inducted into the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame in 1995 in recognition of his outstanding career as a wide receiver, while Merrill Reese was inducted in 2016 for his legendary tenure as the team’s play-by-play announcer. In 2024, Merrill also received the Pro Football Hall of Fame Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award and, after 50 years behind the microphone, remains the longest-tenured announcer in the NFL.

Beyond their accomplishments in football, both Mike and Merrill have become deeply connected to the mission of First Tee — Greater Philadelphia and the young people we serve. Mike has dedicated 11 years of leadership as a member of our Board of Directors, while Merrill has remained a steadfast supporter of our work and a familiar presence at the Mike Quick Celebrity Invitational year after year.

The evening began inside the Eagles locker room and on the field at Lincoln Financial Field, where supporters, students, coaches, alumni, and community members gathered in one of Philadelphia’s most iconic venues. More importantly, it was an opportunity to come together around a shared belief: that every young person deserves access to opportunities that help them grow on and off the golf course.

Throughout the dinner program, students, alumni, and coaches shared powerful stories that reflected the lasting impact of First Tee — Greater Philadelphia. Alumni Devin spoke about how the program opened doors to opportunities he never imagined possible. Andi and her brother Rory shared how the game of golf, combined with the guidance of coaches and mentors, helped them build confidence, discipline, and resilience.

Alumna Maria reflected on how the program taught her to look inward, persevere through challenges, and continue growing as a person both on and off the course. Coach Tai spoke about the sense of family within First Tee and the comfort of knowing his daughter, Skylar, will always be surrounded by support, encouragement, and people who genuinely care about her success.

The evening’s fireside chat, led by Eagles Insider Dave Spadaro, brought the crowd to the edge of their seats as Mike and Merrill reflected on unforgettable Eagles moments, iconic calls, and the life experiences that have shaped them along the way. Yet some of the most impactful moments of the evening came when they spoke about the importance of investing in young people.

“What First Tee — Greater Philadelphia has done is take young people who would never have had the opportunity to play a game that was once so exclusive, and they’ve given them a treasure. Some of them are going to be really good, some may earn college scholarships, but most importantly, many of them are going to find purpose and passion that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”
— Merrill Reese

“It’s not necessarily about finding the next great golfer — it’s about building great people. That’s what you are supporting here tonight. I know what we are doing works because I see it in these kids every time I’m around them.”
— Mike Quick

Links at the Linc was a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together to invest in the next generation. Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended and supported the evening, we raised over $528,000. This funds more young people throughout Greater Philadelphia gaining access to safe spaces, caring mentors, educational opportunities, and experiences that help them build confidence, character, and a brighter future.

Thank you to our entire First Tee — Greater Philadelphia community for making this night so meaningful and memorable.

Be part of the excitement—explore our upcoming events:

Upcoming Events

Cultivating Careers in Golf: Our First Greenskeeper Pathway Cohort

We’re proud to introduce the inaugural cohort of the Greenskeeper Pathway Program—an agronomy initiative designed in partnership with The Union League (special thanks to Scott Bordner, Director of Agronomy) and the Super-Scratch Foundation. The program opens doors for students to explore careers in the golf industry, with a special focus on golf course management. Through hands-on placements at local golf clubs, participants put their new skills into practice while discovering the wide range of opportunities available in this field.

From the course to a career, the Greenskeeper Pathway Program is creating meaningful entry points for teens, ages 16 and older, into golf course maintenance. Students gain exposure to turf management, landscaping, equipment technology, and more—while developing valuable certifications and work experience.

This past summer, two students trained at RiverCrest Golf Club & Preserve in Phoenixville, PA, and one student trained at Union League Golf Club at Torresdale in Northeast Philadelphia. Guided by experienced superintendents, they built skills, earned certifications, and gained confidence through real-world practice.

At RiverCrest, Superintendent Tim Edwards hosted First Tee participants Tommy and Andrew. Both excelled in their training and were especially proud of mastering the art of mowing greens. As Tim shared, “We need to keep this program going, as programs like this are critical to the future of the golf agronomy industry.”

At Union League Torresdale, Superintendent Andrew Dooley mentored First Tee alum Daniel. His favorite part was learning from his Torresdale mentors—though he admitted that constant weeding was his least favorite task. Looking ahead, Daniel is eager to tackle ride-on mower operations next summer. Reflecting on the program, Andrew shared: “I think this program could be a tremendous staffing resource for many clubs during the summer months. More importantly, I hope some of these students will consider the turf industry as a long-term career.”

*Andrew Dooley of Union League Torresdale (left) pictured with Daniel (right)*

“We were fortunate to have Daniel! I am sure not every student is as reliable, focused, and consistent; however it’s worth giving everyone a chance if they say they can meet the expectation.”

With the support of dedicated mentors and partners like the Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents and the Super-Scratch Foundation, the Greenskeeper Pathway Program is giving teens the chance to take their first steps toward a rewarding future in the turf industry.

Growing the Game: Our First Girls Drive, Chip & Putt

This year, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia proudly hosted our inaugural Girls Drive, Chip, and Putt event. Fifty young participants, ages 7–16 and divided into four age groups, rotated through each of the skill stations. The day was a vibrant celebration of our region’s growing Girls Golf community, bringing together First Tee participants from Chester County, PA, all the way to Burlington County, NJ. We were also thrilled to have eleven female coaches join forces to support and mentor the girls throughout the event.

A special thank-you goes to Skramble House of Golf for generously hosting us. Their facility with simulators, a putting green, chipping and pitching areas, a real sand bunker, and even mini golf, allowed us to run the entire event indoors, a major advantage for a November program!

We recognized the top three finishers in each age division: 7–9, 10–11, 12–13, and 14–16.

Drive, Chip and Putt (DCP) is a free, nationwide junior golf development competition designed to grow the game by focusing on three essential skills. We launched this Girls event to give participants a fun and meaningful practice opportunity—especially for those preparing to compete in the national DCP qualifiers. Finalists in the national competition earn the honor of competing at Augusta National during Masters week. More information on the national program can be found at https://www.drivechipandputt.com/about.

There were countless highlights from the day.

From Kristen Konieczki, Girls Golf Program Manager:
“Seeing a truly ladies-only event—including all the adult coaches and volunteers—was incredibly powerful. Our girls’ golf community was so well represented. During each awards presentation, I reminded the girls to look around and see the support surrounding them, including from one another. It can be hard to be a woman in golf, and they got to witness firsthand how many people are cheering them on.”

From Claudia Gangemi, Chester County Program Manager:
“After the event ended and I went back inside to tidy up, I noticed a father with his daughter and another girl playing in the simulator. He told me the two girls had just met that day and had already become fast friends. That moment truly captured the spirit of what we do: giving students the chance to connect, grow, and build new friendships through the game of golf.”

Celebrating 12 Years of Partnership with Women Golfers Give Back

For the past 12 years, Women Golfers Give Back (WGGB) has been a cherished partner of First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, helping grow the game of golf for girls across our community. We are deeply grateful for WGGB’s passion, commitment, and continued support in empowering young women—both on and off the course.

A Legacy of Giving Back

Founded in 2003 by a group of women golfers determined to make a difference, WGGB provides grants to programs that expand access to golf for girls who may not otherwise have the opportunity. These grants cover essential needs such as coaching, equipment, and course access—helping to break down barriers for girls in underserved communities.

Through these efforts, WGGB enriches lives by teaching golf skills, fostering friendships, and developing leadership and character. Together, we are opening doors to a sport that teaches lessons that last well beyond the course.

A New Chapter: The Players Program

In 2025, our partnership reached an exciting new milestone with the launch of the Players’ Program. This initiative is designed to give First Tee girls more opportunities for advanced instruction, on-course play, and mentorship—helping them refine their game while continuing to build confidence and leadership skills.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with First Tee – Greater Philadelphia to launch this new program for advanced young women players. For years, our collaboration has supported clinics that introduce girls to the game. Now we can take the next step—providing advanced instruction, on-course play, and leadership development. This program will not only strengthen their skills on the course but also empower them with confidence and leadership that will benefit them in every aspect of their lives.”
— Rachel Shearon, Executive Director, Women Golfers Give Back

The Impact on Girls in Philadelphia

“Our partnership with WGGB has been essential to growing our girls’ golf programs. Through the Players’ Program, advanced golfers receive high-level instruction, competition preparation, and guidance on building healthy habits from professional coaches. Thanks to WGGB, our girls have the support, community, and opportunities they need to grow — on and off the course.”
— Kristen Konieczki, First Tee — Greater Philadelphia Girls Golf Program Manager

Looking Ahead

Together, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia and Women Golfers Give Back are building brighter futures for girls—one swing at a time. With each year, our partnership grows stronger, ensuring more young women gain access not only to the game of golf but also to the values, confidence, and opportunities it brings.

Celebrating Our 2025 Thomas M. Hyndman Golf Scholarship Recipient

Each year, the Thomas M. Hyndman Golf Scholarship supports a First Tee — Greater Philadelphia participant with the passion and determination to grow as a competitive golfer. This playing scholarship provides dedicated coaching and mentorship from a PGA professional— an opportunity that not only strengthens a young person’s game, but deepens their confidence, resilience, and character along the way.

This year we’re proud to recognize Lucas Helms, an active member of First Tee. At 15, Lucas has been a participant for 3 years, participating in programs at John F. Byrne Golf Club and Topgolf – Northeast Philadelphia.

Growing the Game, and Growing as a Person

As part of the scholarship, Lucas trained with Bill Sautter, PGA Professional at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, whose thoughtful, patient teaching style made a meaningful impact both on and off the course.

In his own words:

“It was such an honor to receive this scholarship in Mr. Hyndman’s name and to keep growing my golf game at a higher level. Working with Bill Sautter, PGA Professional at the Philadelphia Cricket Club has been an amazing experience. He’s incredibly patient and thoughtful, and his focus on learning, reflection, and mindset really stuck with me.

Bill taught me to think ahead, read the course, and let go of mistakes. I used to get caught up in bad shots, but he always reminded me that you can’t change the past—each shot is a new opportunity. That mindset helped me strengthen both my mental game and my technical skills.

Beyond golf, Bill’s lessons helped me grow as a person. I’ve become more positive and patient, not just on the course or hockey rink, but in everyday life. Whether I’m helping teammates, listening to coaches, or talking with teachers, I try to carry that same attitude. I’ve learned that golf is more than just a sport—it’s a reflection of life and character.”

Honoring a Legacy of Opportunity

The Thomas M. Hyndman Golf Scholarship continues to uphold Mr. Hyndman’s vision of providing young people with meaningful opportunities to pursue competitive golf while developing life skills that will serve them far beyond the sport.

We are grateful to the Hyndman family for making this experience possible— and proud of Lucas for embracing every lesson with enthusiasm, humility, and heart.

Congratulations, Lucas! Your hard work shows what it truly means to be a Game Changer.

To learn more about First Tee — Greater Philadelphia’s participant scholarships, visit the link below:

Participant Scholarships

Carter— Living a Life of Leadership, Confidence, and Character

Carter still remembers the first time he stepped into a First Tee class. He was 10 years old, a little nervous, and trying something completely new. Golf felt unfamiliar, but what intimidated him most wasn’t the sport. It was the confidence everyone else seemed to have.

His coach introduced himself, then asked Carter to do the same. That simple moment changed everything.

“The coach had us introduce ourselves. He told me to look him in the eye when I speak, have confidence, and a firm handshake,” Carter shared. “Here I am today, looking a group of strangers in the eye because First Tee taught me confidence.”

That new-found confidence quickly revealed what First Tee has always been about: Building Game Changers.

“I soon realized First Tee is so much more than just learning the game of golf. First Tee is about learning values such as honesty, respect, patience, and perseverance. Qualities that I will use every day, not just on the course.”

Growing Through the Game

Golf offered Carter a new way to approach challenges. Every round tested patience, resilience, and focus. Every mistake became a learning moment.

“You’re not going to play your best every day, but through First Tee, I’ve learned that every round, whether you played well or poorly, gives you an opportunity to grow. The game teaches you patience, focus, and how to keep your emotions in check.”

These lessons didn’t stay on the course. They helped shape his mindset in school, friendships, and life.

“It reminds you that progress isn’t instantaneous. The most important thing you can do is respond to the things that did not go as planned.”

Opportunities That Inspire Leadership

Recently, Carter traveled to Florida along with two other First Tee — Greater Philadelphia participants, for a national First Tee leadership experience— the Innovators Forum. There, he worked with participants from across the country on ways youth can improve their communities.

“We created service projects for our community, along with meeting other First Tee participants from all over America. With the help of each other, we grew our ideas to help create a plan to make a true impact.”

Carter’s project focused on bringing health and wellness to his school through a student-led club.

“It was a great experience that taught me how young people can come together to make a true difference.”

Opening Doors for the Future

From earning a scholarship that allows him to attend private school, to connecting with corporate and golf leaders, First Tee has helped expand Carter’s world.

“I’m incredibly thankful. That opportunity has introduced me to a new environment that constantly pushes me to do better and be better where I can continue to grow.”

He also joined Caddie Academy and now enjoys caddying at some of the region’s top courses.

“Caddying has taught me the importance of skills like responsibility and courtesy, while also helping me build connections in golf. It has opened doors for me to caddy at amazing courses like Aronimink. I really enjoy meeting new people and learning from their life experiences.”

The Future Looks Bright

Carter doesn’t just want to play the game. He wants to pay forward every lesson he’s gained.

“I know I want to live a life of service to my community. I want to be a leader, and I am excited for my future. I plan on continuing to be involved in First Tee and hope to volunteer. I want to give back to this organization who has given me so much.”

He finished his speech with a message to the coaches, volunteers, and supporters who fuel our mission:

“You have allowed me and others to access experiences and lessons that will stick with us for our lives. I can say with confidence that this program has changed the trajectory of my life.”

Celebrating Our 2025 Caddies

We were proud to host our 2025 Caddie Banquet this past weekend, honoring the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of all First Tee students participating in this phenomenal workforce development program.

This season, 83 First Tee — Greater Philadelphia students caddied at 19 different clubs — including seven new additions: Merion, Pine Valley, Aronimink, Springhaven, Green Valley, Gulph Mills, and Union National. Our existing partners include Philadelphia Cricket, Whitemarsh, Commonwealth, Huntingdon Valley, Union League Torresdale, Rolling Green, Llanerch, Lookaway, Riverton, Cedarbrook, Chester Valley, and Overbrook.
Philadelphia Cricket led the way with 20 First Tee caddies this season. Looking ahead to 2026, we hope to welcome Philadelphia Country, Old York Road, St. David’s, and Waynesboro to our growing list of partner clubs.

Together, our caddies completed 1,288 loops and earned over $130,000 in wages this season.

Top male caddies: Hank Charlton (58 loops), Lewis Cantres (43), and Jake Ruppert (41).

Top female caddies: Caitlyn Plover (33 loops), Cara Plover (22), and Julianna Schmerling (19).

Eight young women participated this season, completing a total of 94 loops and earning approximately $9,400.

Our newest Caddie Academy cohort of 57 students completed 358 loops and earned $35,800. Leading the rookies were Christian Passio (27 loops) and Jocelyn Wallace (11 loops).

We are also proud to celebrate our scholarship recipients:

Max May became the first caddie to earn the Western Golf Association Evans Scholarship, attending Penn State on a full college caddie scholarship.
Caitlyn Plover and Sal Campagna received the J. Wood Platt Scholarship, which supports their college tuition at Loyola and Widener Universities.

Looking ahead to 2026, eight First Tee Caddie Academy students will apply for Evans and Platt scholarships. Evans Scholarship applicants include Hank Charlton, Jake Ruppert, Lewis Cantres, and Sean Allen — all of whom have completed more than 120 loops. Platt Scholarship applicants include Jake Smaron, John Diamond, Olivia Diamond, Billy McCalley, and Tyler Mariathason.

Congratulations to all our Game Changing caddies for their outstanding achievements on and off the course!

Learn More About Caddie Academy

Celebrating One Year of Growth at the Michael J. Brown Learning Center

One year ago, we officially opened the Michael J. Brown Learning Center at Walnut Lane Golf Club— and what a difference this year has made! Since the ribbon cutting, the new facility has become a hub of growth, opportunity, and community for hundreds of young golfers in Greater Philadelphia.

A Record Year of Participation

Participation at Walnut Lane has reached new heights. In 2025 alone, 981 students have already taken part in First Tee — Greater Philadelphia programs at the Michael J. Brown Learning Center— a 300-student increase over last year. With 91% of total program slots filled, it’s clear that families are eager to take advantage of everything the enhanced facility has to offer.

Expanding Access Through Winter Programming

Before the renovation, Walnut Lane’s winter programming was limited to a league that often had to be canceled due to weather. Between November and March, just 22 students participated. Thanks to the addition of two indoor simulators and a new putting green inside the Michael J. Brown Learning Center, First Tee was able to add 10 additional weeks of programming this year— hosting 272 students across two winter sessions.

Growth on the Course and Beyond

The impact extends beyond youth programming. Walnut Lane saw a jump in total rounds played and is on pace to surpass last years’ round count by more than 2,000 rounds. The enhanced facility has also boosted the club’s overall sustainability and vibrancy, with golf merchandise sales up 43% and food and beverage sales up 30% compared to the previous year.

“We’ll have people come in who haven’t seen the building in years, and they’re just in awe,” said Kyle Spaulding, Director of Golf at Walnut Lane Golf Club. “Having this level of facility for the public golfer has been really special. It’s created a place that feels alive year-round — for kids, families, and everyone in the community.”

Building Futures, Together

The Michael J. Brown Learning Center represents far more than a building— it’s an investment in the futures of Philadelphia’s youth. With nearly 1,000 students served this year and growing community participation, the Center continues to fulfill its mission as a place where young people build character, confidence, and lasting connections through the game of golf.

As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded that every swing, putt, and smiles at Walnut Lane represents the power of opportunity— and the importance of a community that believes in Building Game Changers.

2025 Tournament Series: A Season of Growth, Inclusion, and Impact

The 2025 First Tee — Greater Philadelphia Tournament Series marked a remarkable year of growth and excitement for our young golfers. With 279 participants ages 10-18, this season saw an extraordinary jump from 160 players in 2024— a clear reflection of our expanding reach and deepening impact across the region.

Growing the Game for All

One of the most inspiring highlights of this season was the surge in girls’ participation. In 2025, 110 girls competed in our tournaments—up from 65 in 2024—a testament to our ongoing commitment to creating more inclusive and equitable opportunities in youth golf.

From the first tee to the final putt, our girls showed incredible skill, confidence, and camaraderie, embodying the spirit of what First Tee represents— growth through the game.

A Season Spanning Top Courses

Throughout the season, we hosted 10 tournaments at a mix of public and private facilities across the region, including:

Walnut Lane Golf Club
John F. Byrne Golf Club
Ingleside Golf Club
Kennett Square Golf & Country Club
Philadelphia Cricket Club – St. Martins
Ramblewood Country Club

Each venue provided a unique experience for players to challenge themselves, learn course management, and demonstrate the values that define First Tee.

Competition for Every Level

Our tournament format was thoughtfully designed to meet players where they are. Youth ages 10-13 competed in 9-hole divisions to develop their competitive confidence, while ages 14-18 played in 18-hole events— preparing them for high school, regional, and even national competition.

This tiered approach allows every participant to grow their game at their own pace, building both skill and character along the way.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Beyond the tournament series, we also introduced golf’s youngest enthusiasts to the sport through our Drive, Chip & Putt competitions— designed to make gold accessible, fun, and engaging for kids just getting started. This year, we welcomed 40 boys and girls ages 7-9 at our Opening Day event, providing a supportive, high-energy environment for participants to showcase their growing skills while building friendships and confidence.

A Celebration of Sportsmanship and Spirit

The success of the 2025 Tournament Series is about more than just numbers—it’s about the enthusiasm, dedication, and sportsmanship our participants displayed at every event.

From our youngest Drive, Chip & Putt competitors to our experienced tournament players, each golfer showed what it means to be a Game Changer— growing in skill, integrity, and perseverance with every swing.

Lessons from Pebble Beach: Jake & Joey’s PURE Insurance Championship Reflection

For Jake and Joey, stepping onto the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links wasn’t just a dream come true— it was a moment that captured years of hard work, character growth, and everything they’ve learned through First Tee — Greater Philadelphia.

Lessons Beyond the Course

Both participants emphasized that the opportunity went far beyond golf. Communication, networking, and relationship-building were central takeaways from their experience. One reflected, “On this trip, I learned how to effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and professions.”

These lessons are exactly what First Tee aims to instill—skills that carry far beyond the course, and even have the potential to open doors.

Prepared to Shine

When asked how First Tee — Greater Philadelphia prepared them for this national stage, both participants highlighted the same foundation: communication, confidence, and character. “They’ve prepared me to talk and communicate with anyone,” Jake said.

“My involvement with First Tee prepared me for this trip by teaching me how to communicate effectively, listen attentively, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy the game of golf.”

Carrying the Experience Forward

For these young leaders, Pebble Beach isn’t the end of the story— it’s the start of a new chapter. Jake shared plans to bring these experiences into both the business and golf worlds, while Joey reflected, “I will carry this experience with my by continuing to connect with new people, because building relationships is important—people can learn from and support one another in meaningful ways.”

Before signing off, one participant offered heartfelt gratitude:

“Thank you to all the coaches and staff at First Tee – Greater Philadelphia for never giving up on me. You’ve taught me not only golf skills, but also life lessons that I will carry with me into the future.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Opportunities like this remind us what’s possible when young people are given the chance to grow through the game of golf. At First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, we’re proud to see our participants shine on national stages—and even more proud to watch them bring those lessons home to inspire others.