Mike Quick Celebrity Raises Funds For John F. Byrne
Category: Blog
Participant Aaron Hall-King Overcomes Daily Challenges with Support of Mentors and Programs at First Tee — Metropolitan New York
USGA grant helps First Tee chapters keep programs running during the pandemic
“The school building may be closed, but the learning continues.”
Kira was the first to reach out when First Tee — Metropolitan New York announced online learning and tutoring. First Tee has become a comfort zone for Aaron, who has been diagnosed with ADHD and needs additional help with instructions. Aaron enrolled in First Tee Life Skills and Education programs in 2014 when he was in the second grade. Since that time, program director, Karen Les Pierre shares that his grades and organizational skills have improved dramatically. Karen didn’t miss a beat when First Tee’s campuses were closed due to the virus and immediately tutored Aaron utilizing FaceTime. “I love First Tee, because they have great programs for the kids,” says Aaron’s mom, Kira. “Aaron will take individual lessons in the fall. He has really matured with First Tee. If it wasn’t for [First Tee], I don’t know where we would be.” Aaron is one of many participants reached by the chapter’s virtual programs which were supported in part by a recent USGA grant . So far, they have delivered more than 200 hours of virtual tutoring this year. In addition, hundreds of hours are being spent online and, on the phone, helping participants navigate the college and high school application process through the Path to College program. They also offered Summer STEM online, a six-week program focused on the sciences, computer programming and literacy.
First Tee — Metropolitan New York is one of 51 First Tee chapters to receive a grant from the USGA towards their ongoing commitment to making the game more accessible and welcoming for juniors. In addition to the $200,000 that went to chapter grants, the association pledged $125,000 to help First Tee headquarters develop innovative digital tools that enable stronger connections between juniors, parents, chapters and coaches, bringing the USGA’s total investment to $325,000 for 2020.
“Year after year we are seeing the positive impact that First Tee and other junior programs are having in breaking down barriers and connecting communities through sports,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “It is vital for golf’s long-term health that we continue to create pathways for all juniors to participate.”
First Tee brings kids and teens to the game of golf and leverages it as a catalyst for personal growth through experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. Through chapters in 150 communities and more than 10,000 schools and 1,200 after-school partnerships, First Tee reaches kids ages 5-18 from all backgrounds.
Learn more about our character building programs and how you can get involved. The Power of the PURE Insurance Championship: First Tee Alumni Success Stories
For the last 17 years, the PURE Insurance Championship has welcomed teens from First Tee chapters nationwide to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course. Throughout the week the teens apply the life and leadership skills learned from First Tee programs during an event where they are paired with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs from the business world.
For many of the teens who are selected for the tournament, the experience opens their eyes to the possibilities in golf and beyond as they are contemplating post-secondary education and careers, and in some cases, managing fears and emotions. This week, we take a look at several alumni who played in this tournament and how they’ve applied the lessons they learned from First Tee and this experience to reaching for their dreams.
Michelle Xie, First Tee — Silicon Valley
Played in 2013 with Kirk Triplett
Michelle recalls her participation in the PURE Insurance Championship as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She played and won the tournament in 2013 alongside Kirk Triplett. The two established an immediate connection, which led to coachable moments on how to manage the mental and physical demands of the game – both on and off the course.
Nothing compared to the exhilaration, nerves and pressure Michelle felt walking down the fairway with Triplett as their pro-junior team was in contention. Those moments of mentorship provided Michelle great perspective to deal with the rigorous schedule of being a student-athlete at Harvard University.
Michelle graduated from Harvard in 2019 with a degree in molecular and cellular biology. She played on the women’s golf team, receiving numerous accolades including being named the 2018 Ivy League Individual Champion and was voted as team captain her senior year.
Michelle recently moved back to the Silicon Valley to join REX Real Estate as a software engineer. Although she is not spending as much time at the golf course as she once did, Michelle still uses the many time management and problem-solving skills she learned from competitive golf and First Tee. Now that Michelle is back home, she has become a volunteer coach at the First Tee — Silicon Valley to mentor the next generation of participants.
Rayshon Payton, First Tee — Metropolitan Oklahoma City
Played in 2005 with Gil Morgan
An alumus from First Tee — Metropolitan Oklahoma City, Rayshon remembers watching the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach on TV in 2000. From that point on, he dreamed of playing on the course one day himself. This dream became a reality in 2005 when he was selected for the PURE Insurance Championship, paired with PGA TOUR Champions player Gil Morgan. They found themselves in the final pairing on Sunday at Pebble Beach where Rayshon ended up holing out from the 12th bunker on national television.
Rayshon has continued to pursue his dreams off the course. He interned at The White House, working in the office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs where he had the opportunity to work with Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. Today, he is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, College of Law, and is currently the Legislative Director for Representative Kendra Horn.
Sara Scarlett, First Tee — Greater Sacramento
Played in 2011 with Jerry Pate
Being selected for the PURE Insurance Championship is a goal for many First Tee participants. That was definitely the case for alumna Sara Scarlett.
She joined First Tee around the same time that she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Sara’s confidence was low, and she was struggling to balance her medical needs with the desire to have an active and social childhood. First Tee became her sanctuary – a place where she learned the life skills and core values that would ultimately shape her into a confident teenager who always looked on the “bright side.”
In 2011, she played in the PURE Insurance Championship with Jerry Pate. Some of Sara’s favorite memories include chipping in on the 10th hole at Pebble Beach and the motivational talks with her partner. Sara went on to play on the women’s golf team at University of Texas, graduating in 2017.
Sara now works for Chevron on the Corporate Affairs team where she works with the local community and nonprofits on Chevron-supported initiatives. Sara says she is lucky to have been taught the value of diversity at a young age from First Tee.
Taryn Yee, First Tee — Greater Sacramento
Played in 2009 with Jim Thorpe
For alumna Taryn Yee, playing in the PURE Insurance Championship was the first major goal she set for herself and accomplished on her own merit. Yee claims that she felt like a star when she first arrived at the 2009 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Taryn played with Jim Thorpe, and she says the biggest takeaway was how confident she was at the end of the tournament. The PURE Insurance Championship and the lessons she learned there have provided her self-confidence that she carried with her through college and now into her successful career.
Taryn was a student-athlete at University of California, Irvine. As a freshman, she was selected to attend the PwC Executive Forum at THE PLAYERS Championship as an alumni opportunity with First Tee. At the event, she met PwC executives, spoke with clients and was introduced to the business industry and public accounting. This experience led to a new goal for Taryn, which was to graduate with an accounting degree and become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She accomplished that goal, which ultimately led her to career opportunities at PwC, The Gap, and her current position as a financial analyst at Facebook headquarters.
Through setting goals and perseverance, Taryn has been able to stay positive and work through challenges to achieve her goals.
“I have the confidence that I can accomplish anything. There is no such thing as an intangible goal!”
Justin Potwora, First Tee — Greater Portland
Played in 2017 with Bernhard Langer
It wasn’t too long ago that alumnus Justin Potwora was holding up the PURE Insurance Championship trophy with his partner, Bernhard Langer. Meeting First Tee participants from across the country and hearing about their experiences and perspectives left a lasting impact on Justin.
Currently, Justin is entering his senior year at Southern Methodist University where he is majoring in finance. He was recently promoted to Portfolio Manager with Boulevard Investment Group and is also the Philanthropy Chair for his fraternity which raised more than $50,000 for Huntsman Cancer Foundation. His goal is to eventually work for a private equity firm and continue to be a leader in his community. Justin credits First Tee with teaching him how to act professionally, selflessly and never compromise his character and values in whatever he sets out to accomplish.
John Louie, First Tee — Monterey County
Played in 2009 with Donnie Hammond
Played in 2010 with Bobby Clampett
John joined First Tee — Monterey County not long after its inception in September 2004. John attended Salinas High School, but had visions of achieving more. One day he told his father that by using “Goal Setting,” a life skill he had learned at First Tee, he had set a goal to attend Stevenson High School. John applied himself and with his parents’ support, John became a Stevenson “Pirate.”
John competed on the golf team for Stevenson and represented First tee — Monterey County in the 2009 and 2010 tournaments at Pebble Beach.
John was accepted to Middlebury College in Vermont, playing on the men’s golf team for three years. He was tempted to stay on the East Coast and work in finance in New York City like many of his fellow Panthers. However, his heart was in Salinas and the agricultural town where he grew up. He was offered a position with Tanimura & Antle, one of the top agricultural companies in Salinas.
He has since worked his way up the company and now leads one of the firm’s recent acquisitions, PlantTape. John serves on the Board Committee for Taylor Farms Center For Learning. Last year, he was nominated as a member of the Board of Directors of First Tee — Monterey County, where he continues to give back by mentoring teens in the program.
Though this year’s event will be played without our First Tee participants, this tournament has remained committed to recognizing our participants, their hard work and aspirations. We are grateful to PURE Insurance, Pebble Beach and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation for investing in their futures through First Tee. Learn more about how we provide access to the game and new opportunities through our character-building programs.
Michelle Xie, First Tee — Silicon Valley
Played in 2013 with Kirk Triplett
Michelle recalls her participation in the PURE Insurance Championship as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She played and won the tournament in 2013 alongside Kirk Triplett. The two established an immediate connection, which led to coachable moments on how to manage the mental and physical demands of the game – both on and off the course.
Nothing compared to the exhilaration, nerves and pressure Michelle felt walking down the fairway with Triplett as their pro-junior team was in contention. Those moments of mentorship provided Michelle great perspective to deal with the rigorous schedule of being a student-athlete at Harvard University.
Michelle graduated from Harvard in 2019 with a degree in molecular and cellular biology. She played on the women’s golf team, receiving numerous accolades including being named the 2018 Ivy League Individual Champion and was voted as team captain her senior year.
Michelle recently moved back to the Silicon Valley to join REX Real Estate as a software engineer. Although she is not spending as much time at the golf course as she once did, Michelle still uses the many time management and problem-solving skills she learned from competitive golf and First Tee. Now that Michelle is back home, she has become a volunteer coach at the First Tee — Silicon Valley to mentor the next generation of participants.
Rayshon Payton, First Tee — Metropolitan Oklahoma City
Played in 2005 with Gil Morgan
An alumus from First Tee — Metropolitan Oklahoma City, Rayshon remembers watching the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach on TV in 2000. From that point on, he dreamed of playing on the course one day himself. This dream became a reality in 2005 when he was selected for the PURE Insurance Championship, paired with PGA TOUR Champions player Gil Morgan. They found themselves in the final pairing on Sunday at Pebble Beach where Rayshon ended up holing out from the 12th bunker on national television.
Rayshon has continued to pursue his dreams off the course. He interned at The White House, working in the office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs where he had the opportunity to work with Former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. Today, he is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, College of Law, and is currently the Legislative Director for Representative Kendra Horn.
Sara Scarlett, First Tee — Greater Sacramento
Played in 2011 with Jerry Pate
Being selected for the PURE Insurance Championship is a goal for many First Tee participants. That was definitely the case for alumna Sara Scarlett.
She joined First Tee around the same time that she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Sara’s confidence was low, and she was struggling to balance her medical needs with the desire to have an active and social childhood. First Tee became her sanctuary – a place where she learned the life skills and core values that would ultimately shape her into a confident teenager who always looked on the “bright side.”
In 2011, she played in the PURE Insurance Championship with Jerry Pate. Some of Sara’s favorite memories include chipping in on the 10th hole at Pebble Beach and the motivational talks with her partner. Sara went on to play on the women’s golf team at University of Texas, graduating in 2017.
Sara now works for Chevron on the Corporate Affairs team where she works with the local community and nonprofits on Chevron-supported initiatives. Sara says she is lucky to have been taught the value of diversity at a young age from First Tee.
Taryn Yee, First Tee — Greater Sacramento
Played in 2009 with Jim Thorpe
For alumna Taryn Yee, playing in the PURE Insurance Championship was the first major goal she set for herself and accomplished on her own merit. Yee claims that she felt like a star when she first arrived at the 2009 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. Taryn played with Jim Thorpe, and she says the biggest takeaway was how confident she was at the end of the tournament. The PURE Insurance Championship and the lessons she learned there have provided her self-confidence that she carried with her through college and now into her successful career.
Taryn was a student-athlete at University of California, Irvine. As a freshman, she was selected to attend the PwC Executive Forum at THE PLAYERS Championship as an alumni opportunity with First Tee. At the event, she met PwC executives, spoke with clients and was introduced to the business industry and public accounting. This experience led to a new goal for Taryn, which was to graduate with an accounting degree and become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She accomplished that goal, which ultimately led her to career opportunities at PwC, The Gap, and her current position as a financial analyst at Facebook headquarters.
Through setting goals and perseverance, Taryn has been able to stay positive and work through challenges to achieve her goals.
“I have the confidence that I can accomplish anything. There is no such thing as an intangible goal!”
Justin Potwora, First Tee — Greater Portland
Played in 2017 with Bernhard Langer
It wasn’t too long ago that alumnus Justin Potwora was holding up the PURE Insurance Championship trophy with his partner, Bernhard Langer. Meeting First Tee participants from across the country and hearing about their experiences and perspectives left a lasting impact on Justin.
Currently, Justin is entering his senior year at Southern Methodist University where he is majoring in finance. He was recently promoted to Portfolio Manager with Boulevard Investment Group and is also the Philanthropy Chair for his fraternity which raised more than $50,000 for Huntsman Cancer Foundation. His goal is to eventually work for a private equity firm and continue to be a leader in his community. Justin credits First Tee with teaching him how to act professionally, selflessly and never compromise his character and values in whatever he sets out to accomplish.
John Louie, First Tee — Monterey County
Played in 2009 with Donnie Hammond
Played in 2010 with Bobby Clampett
John joined First Tee — Monterey County not long after its inception in September 2004. John attended Salinas High School, but had visions of achieving more. One day he told his father that by using “Goal Setting,” a life skill he had learned at First Tee, he had set a goal to attend Stevenson High School. John applied himself and with his parents’ support, John became a Stevenson “Pirate.”
John competed on the golf team for Stevenson and represented First tee — Monterey County in the 2009 and 2010 tournaments at Pebble Beach.
John was accepted to Middlebury College in Vermont, playing on the men’s golf team for three years. He was tempted to stay on the East Coast and work in finance in New York City like many of his fellow Panthers. However, his heart was in Salinas and the agricultural town where he grew up. He was offered a position with Tanimura & Antle, one of the top agricultural companies in Salinas.
He has since worked his way up the company and now leads one of the firm’s recent acquisitions, PlantTape. John serves on the Board Committee for Taylor Farms Center For Learning. Last year, he was nominated as a member of the Board of Directors of First Tee — Monterey County, where he continues to give back by mentoring teens in the program.
Though this year’s event will be played without our First Tee participants, this tournament has remained committed to recognizing our participants, their hard work and aspirations. We are grateful to PURE Insurance, Pebble Beach and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation for investing in their futures through First Tee. Learn more about how we provide access to the game and new opportunities through our character-building programs.
Drive For The Future: John F. Byrne Golf Club
First Tee of Greater Philadelphia manages the John F Byrne Golf Club to provide affordable access to golf and life skills education for the kids in northeast Philadelphia. First Tee saved the course from permanently closing for good so that kids and the community can be best served. Having a facility where students and golfers have access 364 days a year is paramount to enhance learning, skills, and recreational resources for people of all backgrounds.
We are excited to announce our plans for the future including a renovated clubhouse with an indoor classroom and simulator designed by Kimmel Bogrette Architecture + Site, and a First Tee Practice area designed by Ernie Els Design Team. Through generous support from donors, these plans will become a reality. John F. Byrne Golf Club will be a true asset for kids and all public golf.
First Tee is Showing Up Stronger after 23 Years
For more than a year, we have been working on a revitalization of the First Tee brand to ensure we stay connected with today’s young people
For more than two decades, we’ve been helping kids and teens learn life skills and build core values using the game of golf as the vehicle. Now, it’s time for us to write our own growth story. In May 2019, we began a process of reflecting on who we are, what we’re capable of and how we can show up stronger for this generation of kids. This brand evolution is grounded in research and insights from key stakeholders and is an updated reflection of who First Tee is and our promise to help empower kids to build their strength of character. Since 1997, when First Tee was first launched in Central Park, Manhattan, NY, the intention was clear: leveraging one of the most engaging sports to enrich the lives of young people. It’s been a lot of hard work, but we are proud to now be serving many communities through our network of chapters, schools and community partnerships. It’s all about empowering kids. And we still think golf is the perfect platform in which to do it. “There is little doubt the world has changed significantly over the last 23 years,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “Today’s kids and teens are facing pressures that are different from previous generations, and it’s important that we look in the mirror to ensure we are approaching our work with as much relevance and awareness of today’s families as possible. I am proud of the team who has worked so hard to really understand our participants, alumni, parents, coaches, volunteers, chapters, donors and many more who pour their hearts into our mission each day in their communities. “This year has been challenging on many levels. We debated holding tight on this project, but in the end, our chapters were hungry for the ability to reinforce the incredible work they do through this brand refresh, so we decided to move forward now.” The brand evolution was led by Sub Rosa, a brand strategy and design practice, and included PGA TOUR creative, marketing and communications teams. The evolution includes refreshed brand purpose and story, as well as a new logo, which is a metaphor for the growth guidance at the heart of First Tee. The changes also include removing “The” from the organization’s name and updated colors and patterns. We will continue to build experiences that build character to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations.The Small World of Golf.
The Match
Jakari Harris embodies values and lessons from First Tee to help support fellow student athletes
This time of year, many college students are preparing to head to their school and prepare for the upcoming school year. But this year looks different, especially for many student-athletes like Jakari Harris. Due to the financial impact of COVID-19, some universities have made the difficult decision to cut programs from the athletic department. This can be devastating for students who are also losing their scholarships, which means they are now paying for their education.
First Tee – Metro Atlanta alum, Jakari Harris, is doing something about it. A graduate of Hampton University and a former member of the golf team, Jakari was disheartened to learn that the golf team’s funding had been cut upon her graduation. She and a few other teammates have since started a funding effort to help those who are affected.
“Because of First Tee, I was able to play collegiate golf and would like that opportunity to be available to athletes at Hampton again.”
Jakari’s act of service is directly rooted in the values she learned while a participant at First Tee – Metro Atlanta. We asked her a few questions about her experience, and this is what she had to say. After being exposed to the game of golf at a young age, my dad started looking for golf programs around our neighborhood. The first chapter I joined was First Tee – Atlanta, but I switched to First Tee – East Lake once I transferred to Charles R. Drew Charter School. The home course was right across from the school, so I could just walk over after classes and practice almost every day.
First Tee emphasizes the fact that participants not only learn golf skills, but also life skills. A lot of the values I hold near and dear to my heart are the very values that were taught in First Tee classes. My personal favorites were integrity and perseverance. Aside from life skills I learned, I also gained a family with First Tee. All of the coaches at my home chapter were extremely supportive to me on and off the course. They went above and beyond, and I consider many of them as my mentors.
First Tee camps always presented me with both new experiences and challenges. I soaked in all the instruction I could from every drill and practice session. Whenever I faced a challenge, I referred back to what I was taught earlier and tried to apply it. When I wasn’t successful, I could always ask one of the coaches for help. This is the same way I take on the new experiences and challenges in life. I take the experience for what it is and try to learn as much as I can. Then, I look at the challenges from every angle possible. Because of First Tee, I have no problem asking for help and learning from my mistakes.
One of my First Tee mentors is Coach Brittny Lott, and I actually still keep in contact with her regularly. She actually does my hair from time to time. Her love for the Lord pushes me to develop a better relationship with God. She was very patient and encouraging when I first met her. Because of my competitiveness, I would sometimes be too hard on myself when I didn’t perform well during competition. She would give me encouraging words and talk me down.
I called her after one of my tournaments in college when I shot a terrible score. I just kept saying “I don’t know why I keep doing this. I know I can do better than this.” She brought up a very good point that will always be in the back of my mind. Things happen in golf that you can’t control. Even professionals have their off days. Instead of reacting to what I scored on the last hole, I can choose to not give up and do my very best from then on. If you can walk away knowing you did your best, that’s all you can ask for.
“My biggest takeaway from First Tee is that family doesn’t have to be blood.”
First Tee coaches have had one of the biggest impacts on my life. They care about each and every participant. Even when I would go to a First Tee camp where I didn’t know anyone, the coaches made me feel so welcome and at home. The relationships I have formed through this organization are priceless.
Looking forward, I eventually want to become a professor at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). After graduating in STEM from an HBCU, I know that there are very good students there who just need better resources. I was able to end up where I am because of resources I came across and relationships I developed. I am now in the Biomedical Engineering PhD program at Georgia Tech and Emory University.
First Tee taught me how to network and keep in contact with the people you meet. Sometimes it’s more about WHO you know than WHAT you know. The core values I learned will help me through grad school and beyond.
If you wish to help support Jakari and her fellow Hampton Golf Alumni in their efforts to off-set the lost scholarships and bring the golf program back, visit their GoFundMe page. “Act as if…” and achieve success in any part of your life
By June Ryan, Guest blogger
Last week, First Tee hosted the inaugural First Tee College Scholarship Pre-College Virtual retreat. Our scholarship winners participated in a two-day virtual event where they heard from various speakers on how to tackle the challenges they may face as they step into this next chapter of their life; One of those speakers was Rear Admiral June Ryan. June had a highly successful career in the Coast Guard, achieving many historical firsts for women including the first enlisted woman to rise to the rank of Rear Admiral. She was the first woman to serve as the Military Advisory to the Secretary of Homeland Security and only the third woman in our nation’s history to serve as the Military Aide to the President of the United States. During the pre-college retreat, Rear Admiral June Ryan spoke to the First Tee scholars about “Brain Training for success” and provided tips to retain positive thoughts and how to block out the negative. We loved her session so much that we invited her to share with our readers, some of her tips for success.
June’s Tips for Success
I travel around the country teaching and training more than 64 different success principles, helping individuals navigate from where they are to where they want to be. One of the most powerful principles is “Act as if…” In other words, act as if… you already have graduated from your favorite college. Act as if… you have already won the big tournament. Act as if… you have already landed your dream job. At the University of Houston, two college roommates understood the tremendous power of this success principle. One roommate was an aspiring sports announcer, majoring in Broadcasting. The other had his sights set on playing on the PGA TOUR. The two roommates “acted as if” they were both at the Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters Tournament. The golfer acted as if he just won. His broadcaster roommate acted as if he was the sports announcer selected to conduct the interview with the newly crowned champion in the historic Butler Cabin at Augusta National. Despite the self-doubt and feelings of “this would never happen” or “what are the chances” that may have crept into their psyche, these two roommates played out their improbable scene in vivid detail. They “acted as if” it was actually happening. Fast-forward 13 years later, the exact scene came to fruition. At the 1992 Masters, Fred Couples had just won his first Major Championship, and his college roommate, Jim Nantz, was there waiting in Butler Cabin to conduct the interview. Following the interview, the two men embraced, overcome by the realization that they had achieved their most outrageous goal together. History is filled with other individuals who also “acted as if” with unprecedented results. “Acting as if” is more than visualization. It’s putting into motion every possible muscle in your body and creating the neurological memories in your mind of what that achievement would be. Most importantly, “acting as if” is about creating the feeling you would have by achieving your goals. Couples and Nantz created the feeling by using just two chairs in a University of Houston dorm room. What are your most outrageous and audacious goals? How can you begin to “act as if”?Here are some suggestions:
Want to attend a certain college or university? Create an exact replica of the college diploma. Create the replica with as much vivid detail as possible. Include the name and crest of the university. Add your name and the degree you would be awarded. Complete the diploma with mock-up signatures of the College Dean and University President. Looking to win a tournament? Make a mock-up of the trophy out of cardboard, other craft art material, or print a picture of the trophy. Add your “engraved” name to the trophy along with any other details like your final score. For an added bonus, make a mock-up of the winning check you’d receive if it’s a professional tournament. What if your goal is to earn a million dollars? Why not create a million-dollar bill? Although there is no such thing in the U.S. Treasury as a million-dollar bill, make a mock-up as if one existed. Place your “million dollars” on a bathroom mirror or somewhere where you would see it every day. You can accomplish your most outrageous goals if you begin to put into daily practice this powerful success principle – “Act as if.”Boston Scott Golf Supports TFT Philly
Boston Scott has generously supported TFT Philly and our participants with some stylish golf shirts!
Check out their story in the following Golf.com article!
This up-and-coming golf brand is perfect for father-son duos by EMILY HAAS
Stephen Hoffman and his son, Boston, picked up golf at the same time. Stephen had always been a baseball player, but got into golf later in life; Boston was just 2 years old when he first picked up a club. By the age of 6, Boston began taking lessons with Mike Thomas, Justin Thomas’ dad, and competing in national junior golf tournaments. There was just one problem — junior golf clothes were boring.
Boston had a closet full of polos, but none of them fit just right. Plus, the father-son, caddie-player duo loved to match on the course, so when Boston told his dad he wanted to dress like Justin Thomas, they had an idea — Boston Scott Golf. Stephen Hoffman, an analytical thinker with a computer science background, took a logical approach to shirt design. He and Boston discussed everything that was wrong with polo shirts — some are too slim, others too big, the sleeves are too long, there isn’t enough room in the armpit, the back ends up looking like a tail when untucked, the collar doesn’t stay up, etc. They ripped apart dozens of shirts, created their own patterns, secured a patent for their designs and, thanks to a connection from a former business endeavor, easily found a manufacturer.TFT Philly On Inside Golf!
Coach Rebecca and Executive Director, Bill Hyndman, are interviewed on Inside Golf TV about all the activities of TFT Philly!
Program Update
An Update From Bill Hyndman, V
First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, Executive Director
Dear Friends,
I hope that this message finds you, your family and loved ones healthy and safe. As our community works together to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we want to reach out to you, our valued donors and supporters, to provide an update on how the organization has adjusted so that our robust programming schedule continues in the online world we’re now operating in.
Following Governor Wolf’s stay at home orders, First Tee of Greater Philadelphia postponed all spring programming, activities and fundraising events. In addition, both Walnut Lane and John F. Byrne Golf Club’s suspended play. Even though we had over 300 participants registered for our Spring programs and thousands more slated to participate in our National School Program initiatives, we had to put everything on hold. We know our students were eager to get started, as were our coaches and volunteers! So, our dedicated staff worked incredibly hard to create engaging and innovative opportunities, with daily ‘virtual’ programming for all participants. Last week we had a total reach of almost 10,000.
Over the past few years, the Board of Directors and I have worked hard to build up our Cash Reserve fund as an ‘insurance policy’ for unforeseen circumstances. The current crisis is far worse financially than we could have ever imagined and has dramatically stalled our $1 million annual fundraising efforts. As a result, we have cut all budgeted expenses for the next 90 days by 60%. On the positive side, our cash reserve supplemented with help from the Cares Act legislation will help us continue operations until the environment normalizes.
We look forward to keeping you informed about how we are continuing to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices, through the game of golf. Your dedication makes it possible for us to positively influence young people within our community. We remain committed to serving our participants and their families throughout this unprecedented time. I sincerely thank you for making everything we do possible and for helping to make the world a better place.
