Author: thawes

Since its launch in 2018, the First Tee — Greater Philadelphia Caddie Academy has created meaningful pathways for young people to grow as leaders, build confidence, and access opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course.

Founded by CEO Bill Hyndman, the Caddie Academy was designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of caddying while equipping them with the life skills and professional experience needed to thrive both on and off the course.

For Hyndman, the program is deeply personal.

“Caddying as a young kid had a profound impact on my life. It taught me valuable lessons and life skills—both on and off the course—that I still carry with me today,” said Hyndman. “I started the Caddie Academy to give our First Tee students the opportunity to develop those same skills, with the added benefit of earning an income along the way. As a workforce development program, the Caddie Academy creates a win-win opportunity for everyone involved.”

The 2025 Caddie Academy season marked a defining year of growth and achievement.

Eighty-three First Tee participants caddied at 19 different golf clubs throughout the region, completing an impressive 1,288 loops and earning more than $130,000 in wages. Beyond the numbers, those experiences represented countless opportunities for students to develop relationships, strengthen workplace skills, and gain valuable real-world experience.

The year also brought a historic milestone for the program with its first-ever Platt Evans Scholar. Max May, a Caddie Academy participant, earned the prestigious scholarship and is currently attending Pennsylvania State University on a full scholarship.

Additional scholarship recognition followed, with two participants earning the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship:

• Caitlyn Plover, now attending Loyola University Maryland
• Sal Campagna, now attending Widener University

The momentum has continued into 2026.

This year, 65 new participants completed the Caddie Academy program through a combination of in-person training sessions and a Caddie Certification Day hosted at Walnut Lane Golf Club and John F. Byrne Golf Club. Following certification, participants were placed at clubs throughout the Philadelphia region and began applying their skills in real-world environments.

Every loop walked, every relationship built, and every challenge overcome helps shape the next generation of game changers.

Congratulations to all of our incredible caddies on the impact they continue to make both on and off the course.

First Tee — Greater Philadelphia proudly hosted the 11th Annual Mike Quick Celebrity Invitational on May 18, 2026, at Union League Golf Club at Torresdale. The event brought together 140 supporters for an unforgettable day centered around mentorship, community, and creating opportunities for young people.

We are incredibly grateful to Mike Quick, Philadelphia Eagles legend and longtime First Tee — Greater Philadelphia Board member, for his continued leadership and dedication in organizing this special event in support of our mission. Through his commitment, this event continues to help advance First Tee’s work of building character and empowering young people through the game of golf.

Celebrity participants included Jason Kelce, Merrill Reese, Brian Westbrook, Dickie Noles, Amy Fadool, Matt O’Donnell, John Clark, Seth Joyner, and many others who generously gave their time to support First Tee participants and our mission.

The day concluded with an evening program featuring remarks from Mike Quick and First Tee high school seniors Hank Charlton and Jake Ruppert. Jake recently had the opportunity to serve as a standard bearer during the 108th PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, walking inside the ropes with eventual champion Aaron Rai.

Experiences like the Mike Quick Celebrity Invitational help create life-changing opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course. Through mentorship, meaningful relationships, and access to experiences students may not otherwise have, First Tee — Greater Philadelphia continues to help young people build confidence and prepare for their futures.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of sponsors, supporters, volunteers, and participants, this year’s event raised more than $230,000 to support our mission of Building Game Changers—a powerful testament to the impact this community continues to make in the lives of young people throughout our region.

For five First Tee – Greater Philadelphia participants, the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club was more than just a major championship—it was an unforgettable opportunity to experience the game at its highest level.

Throughout championship week, Lewis Cantres, Jake Ruppert, Hank Charlton, Andi Jones, and Jon Dilliplane served as standard bearers, walking inside the ropes alongside the world’s best golfers while carrying the official score signs for their groups.

For these students, the experience represented far more than a front-row seat to one of golf’s biggest events. It was a reflection of years of hard work, dedication, and the life skills they have developed through First Tee.

At First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, we use golf as a platform to help young people build confidence, perseverance, integrity, leadership, and resilience. Opportunities like serving as a standard bearer at a major championship demonstrate what’s possible when young people are given the support, mentorship, and opportunities to grow.

One of those students was Andi Jones, a high school senior who has been involved with First Tee for 13 years as a participant, coach, and caddie. This fall, Andi will attend Howard University, continuing a journey shaped by years of growth through the game of golf.

For the past four years, Andi has caddied at Huntingdon Valley Country Club and was especially excited for the chance to see the world’s best players compete up close at Aronimink.

“First Tee has had a positive impact on my life due to the great opportunities that they have provided! I have been able to venture out into caddying, play tournaments, and grow both on and off the course. First Tee has allowed me to have experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Jake Ruppert, another high school senior, will attend Pennsylvania State University this fall as a Platt Evans Scholar—an incredible achievement that recognizes his dedication both academically and through caddying.

Jake has been involved with First Tee for six years and has spent the last five years caddying through our program at Union League Golf Club at Torresdale. During championship week, he was particularly interested in observing how the world’s best players handle the pressure and challenges of competing on golf’s biggest stage.

We are incredibly proud of Lewis, Jake, Hank, Andi, and Jon for representing First Tee – Greater Philadelphia on one of golf’s biggest stages. Their journeys reflect the mission of our organization and the impact that mentors, coaches, and opportunities can have on young people.

As the world watched the PGA Championship unfold at Aronimink, these outstanding students were experiencing lessons that extend far beyond golf—lessons in leadership, professionalism, perseverance, and what is possible when hard work meets opportunity.

They weren’t just carrying scores. They were proudly carrying the values of First Tee alongside the game’s greatest players.

The week of the 2026 PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club began with more than championship preparations and world-class golf — it began with opportunity.

Thanks to the leadership of the PGA of America, 50 participants from First Tee – Greater Philadelphia took part in a special Career Exploration Day designed to introduce young people to the wide range of career opportunities available throughout the golf industry.

For our participants, the experience was about much more than watching the world’s best golfers compete. It was an opportunity to explore future career pathways and see firsthand how the skills they are developing through First Tee — confidence, communication, leadership, perseverance, and teamwork — can translate into meaningful opportunities beyond the golf course.

Throughout the day, students rotated through a series of interactive sessions led by professionals working behind the scenes at one of golf’s biggest championships.

The day concluded beside the grandstand overlooking the iconic 18th green, where Jackie Endsley, 2026 PGA Championship Director, and Tyler Curtis, 2026 PGA Championship Operations Manager, shared what it takes to stage a major championship. Students learned about event operations, logistics, project management, teamwork, and leadership on one of golf’s biggest stages.

For many participants, Career Exploration Day expanded their understanding of what a future in golf can look like. While some aspire to compete at a high level, others left inspired by careers in technology, engineering, communications, hospitality, event management, operations, and business.

Experiences like Career Exploration Day demonstrate that golf can be a gateway to so much more than the game itself. Through First Tee, young people are building the skills, confidence, and relationships that help prepare them for success in school, careers, and life.

We are incredibly grateful to the PGA of America, Aronimink Golf Club, and every presenter who invested their time and expertise in our participants. By providing opportunities like these, they are helping young people envision what’s possible and discover new pathways for their future.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Four First Tee — Greater Philadelphia participants traveled to Naples, Florida for the Golf to Paradise Challenge. This experience went far beyond golf. It was a week of stepping outside their comfort zones, building confidence, and forming connections that will last a lifetime.

2026 Participants

Stepping Outside Their Comfort Zones

From the very beginning, the experience challenged participants to grow in new ways.

Whether is was traveling independently or introducing themselves to peers from other First Tee chapters, each student embraced the opportunity and pushed beyond what felt familiar.

“I learned how to fly without my parents and share a space with a stranger—who is now a friend”

“One thing I gained was connecting with other First Tee participants who share the same connection with golf.”

For Program Manager Kristen, who chaperoned the trip, these moments stood out the most:

“My favorite part of the Naples Golf to Paradise Challenge was watching the First Tee students step out of their confort zones. It was incredible to see them meet peers from other chapters, find the courage to approach and interact with PGA professionals, and play on professional golf courses in front of active spectators.”

A Week Unlike Any Other

Throughout the week, participants were immersed in experiences many only dream about.

They trained with PGA professional Brett Quigley during a private clinic, competed in a multi-skill challenge, and played on world-class courses at Tiburón Golf Club—including rounds on both the Black and Gold courses during an active PGA Champions Tour event.

“My most memorable part was playing on such an amazing course while a pro tournament was happening. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Beyond the course, the opportunities were just as impactful.

Participants shared meals alongside PGA legends, met professionals like K.J. Choi, and even walked inside the ropes as honorary observers during the final round—seeing the game from a completely new perspective.

Learning Through Experience

Each activity throughout the week reinforced lessons that extend far beyond golf.

“First Tee has prepared me by teaching life lessons and values that translate both on the course and in real life.”

“I know how to socialize with people better and bond over the program.”

The competition itself came down to the wire, but Savannah and Jon were ultimately named winners!

Experiences like the Golf to Paradise Challenge are a powerful reminder of what First Tee is all about.

It’s not just about playing the game—it’s about building confidence, creating connections, and preparing young people for whatever comes next.

From Philadelphia to Naples, these four participants represented our chapter with pride. And in return, they gained something even greater: a broader perspective, stronger self-confidence, and memories that will stay with them for years to come.

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.

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.”

“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.

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.

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.”

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 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.

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