Author: thawes

Alumni Spotlight: Joey’s Journey with First Tee

Joey Morganti was a First Tee – Greater Philadelphia participant from 2016-2020. Throughout his time in the program, he learned valuable life lessons and found memorable experiences that aided in his personal growth and grew his love for the game of golf. 

Joey’s introduction to First Tee was not just a chance encounter but a familial recommendation. His sister, Gabby, who at the time was a participant and volunteer herself, believed it would be a great way for Joey to delve into the world of golf and learn more about the game. Little did he know that his decision would shape not only his golf skills, but also his character and life path. 

Reflecting on his initial days, Joey admits to being a bit immature, uncertain about his aspirations within the realm of golf. However, First Tee helped guide him through a journey of self-discovery and lead him to new opportunities. 

As Joey progressed through the program, he began to appreciate the broader lessons presented by First Tee. It wasn’t just about mastering the game; it was about learning to navigate the ups and downs of life. Through the program, he discovered a wealth of opportunities that golf presented beyond the course. 

Joey credits the dedicated coaches and employees at First Tee for playing a pivotal role in preparing him for the next level. Their guidance, combined with their own experiences, served as a compass, directing him towards success. 

“Coach Sean, Coach Rocco, and my sister Gabby who is now a First Tee employee were all mentors for me,” Joey said. “They all taught me how to be a good golfer and a better person.” 

Representing First Tee – Greater Philadelphia at the First Tee Champions Challenge in Naples, Fl. alongside Lenny Gibson, and the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach in 2019 left a lasting mark on Joey. These experiences taught him the honor and responsibility that comes with representing something larger than oneself in the otherwise individualistic game of golf. 

As a current collegiate golfer at Temple University, Joey helped the team to victory at the Cornell Invitational in 2021 and recently won the Big 5 Championship after winning a playoff tiebreaker–  both accomplishments that speak to both his individual skill and his ability to contribute to a team. 

Joey’s immediate goals involve continued success with his team in the upcoming spring season. Looking ahead, he envisions remaining active in the golf community, participating in amateur events while pursuing other endeavors. 

“My experiences through First Tee have given me the tools to make the right decisions and then be confident enough to trust those decisions.”

Joey firmly believes that First Tee is relevant for today’s youth, providing a space outside of school where essential life lessons are seamlessly integrated with the game of golf. It’s not just about learning a sport, it’s about shaping character, fostering resilience, and building a strong foundation for a successful future.

20th Anniversary Leaders & Achievers Gala raises over $725,000 in support of youth development programs in the Greater Philadelphia area

Philadelphia, Pa. (December 8, 2023) – On November 30, 2023, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia hosted its 20th Anniversary Leaders & Achievers Gala at the National Constitution Center. The event raised over $725,000 to support the chapter’s programs, which provide First Tee’s Life Skills curriculum and golf instruction to youth throughout the Greater Philadelphia area.

Beasley Reece (right) chats with participants Nella (left) and Rory (middle).

Over 500 people attended the gala, including sponsors from Independence Blue Cross, Campaign Group, the Siegfried Family Foundation, and Scott Brickman. Special guests Tom Watson and Jerry Tarde spoke at the event, along with First Tee participants and alumni. Current First Tee participant, Jayden Goodson, and alumna Maria Ramos sat down with our event’s emcee, Beasley Reece for a discussion about their experience with First Tee.

Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Jerry Tarde (left), poses with Keynote Speaker, Tom Watson (right).

When asked about what advice they had for other young people and First Tee students, Maria shared “Take a risk. Lean into what’s uncomfortable, because that means you can grow from it.” Maria is now a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania studying Computer and Information Science. She was a First Tee participant for nine years, and was accepted into the First Tee Scholars Class of 2023. With the scholarship, she will receive mentorship, professional development opportunities, and financial support throughout her college career.

Alumna Maria Ramos speaks to gala attendees.

5th Annual Tea Time Girls Golf Tournament & Fashion Show Raises Over $30,000 to Support Young Women in Golf

2023 Fashion Show participants in their Lilly Pulitzer outfits

The 5th Annual Tea Time Girls Golf Tournament & Fashion Show was nothing short of a success. What a magical day we had at the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale. With 9-holes of golf in the morning followed by our luncheon and fashion show, yesterday was a dream.

Thanks to the support of our donors and attendees, we were able to raise over $30,000 to support our young women in golf and our mission of Building Game Changers.

Special thanks to the Union League for graciously hosting us for another incredible event, our Presenting Sponsor, PwC, our Luncheon Sponsor, Deane Brennan, and our Golf Cart Sponsors, Chris & Stephanie Thompson, Shanu & Mark Kurd, CHUBB, and Mullen Coughlin Law. We’d also like to thank Lilly Pulitzer for sponsoring our fashion show and making this a day to remember for everyone involved. We couldn’t have done it without all of you.

First Tee – Greater Philadelphia participants with event attendees on the course

Our perfect day began with 9-holes of golf and fun at the Union League Golf Club at Torresdale. First Tee – Greater Philadelphia participants were out on the course greeting our attendees during their round, and some even got to hit a few celebrity shots.

Once we finished up on the course, we headed inside for the luncheon where we heard from our wonderful guest speaker, Villanova Women’s Basketball Coach, Denise Dillon, joined by members of her team.

After lunch, we kicked off our fashion show and our models hit the runway rocking their Lilly Pulitzer to some Taylor Swift hits. Prior to the event, the 16 girls visited Lilly Pulitzer in King of Prussia and got to pick out their own outfits for the show.

Caitlyn Plover (left) pictured with sister, Cara (right), and Events Manager, Gabby Morganti (center).

The idea for this event can all be credited to a First Tee – Greater Philadelphia Girls Golf participant, Caitlyn Plover. She had the idea for this event when she was only about 7 years old, and now it’s a huge success every year.

Thank you to everyone who made yesterday so special, and we look forward to seeing you next year!