It was a beautiful day to host our 2019 Championship at Walnut Lane Golf Club. With 45 participants coming to play, it was a great way to end our Major Tournament Series.
18 Hole Championship
Our Boys Division came down to a single stroke with Julian Cuirlino (76), inching out Lenny Gipson (77). Joseph Holahan and Jeremiah Brown both Tied for 3rd with rounds of 80.
Our Girls Division was won by Dakota Baker with a score of 85 followed by her sister Phoenix Baker who finished in 2nd place.
9 Hole Championship
Our 9 hole division was a tight-knit contest with scores in the low 40’s. Max Menna with 5 pars on his day fired the tournament-best, with a score of 38, and won the competition by 5 strokes.
Coming in second with a score of 43 was Gabby Magno who played a steady round!
Dennis Losset came in 3rd with a round of 45.
Everyone that came out to play demonstrated their 9 core values to the fullest. Concluding the round, participants anxiously awaited to see who became this years TFTGP Champion. Thank you to all that came out to participate, especially the parents for dedicating a beautiful Sunday afternoon to be at Walnut Lane Golf Club. Congratulations once again to Julian Cuirlino and Max Menna for bringing home the 2019 TFT Greater Philadelphia Championship Title.
USGA Awards Grant to First Tee of Greater Philadelphia for Local Youth Development Programs USGA grant is part of a nationwide initiative to support communities in and around USGA Championships and Allied Golf AssociationsPhiladelphia, PA (8/12/19) – USGA has awarded a $5,000 grant to First Tee of Greater Philadelphia to further their efforts of introducing life skills and the game of golf to young people. The grant is one of 25 being awarded nationwide to chapters located in or around USGA Championships and Allied Golf Associations as part of the organization’s strategy to leave a positive impact on its local host communities.The grants are a continuation of the support the USGA has provided First Tee for more than 20 years, and one of a series of initiatives in which the organizations have collaborated on in 2019.The announcement was made at the USGA’s U.S. Amateur Championship in Pinehurst, North Carolina.“I’m proud to see our First Tee grant funding directly benefit those communities that welcome us throughout the year and embrace the spirit of what a USGA championship represents,” USGA CEO Mike Davis added. “We are committed to leaving our host communities in a better place than when we found them, and I’m excited to see the long-term impact these grants will have on welcoming more junior golfers to the game, and to inspire them to play it for a lifetime.”The USGA has supported the First Tee since its inception in 1997, providing more than $26 million in grants to the organization. Their commitment to bringing more young people to the game was highlighted this past June during the 119th U.S. Open Championship, where the two organizations debuted the Junior Experience Featuring First Tee. The on-site interactive experience connected youth attending with the excitement and values associated with golf and First Tee programs offered throughout the country.
My name is Ashley Murphy and I had the pleasure of interning for The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia during the summer of 2019. During my time here, I got a taste of all aspects of the organization including fundraising, event planning, business operations, and coaching. Before starting this position, I knew about The First Tee and their mission, but I did not realize how significant its impact was on the participating children and the surrounding community. One of my duties here was coaching for Kids on the Hill, in which we teach the game of golf to the kids of the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia. It is special to get kids involved with the game of golf, especially when they do not have many other opportunities to play. In addition to teaching the children golf skills, I experienced what it takes to fundraise and put on events for this organization. I sent thank you letters to donors and emailed local businessmen and women about possibly participating in upcoming events in support of The First Tee. In addition to this, I saw the business operations side of the organization from many different viewpoints. I attended my first ever board meeting, where the Board of Directors discussed both the past and future of the organization. Plus, I sat in on an advisory board meeting, where partnering businessmen and women working at local companies suggested ideas and helped to plan for upcoming events. Throughout college, I have learned the importance of networking and building relationships, and this meeting definitely emphasized this. Connecting to the corporate world is essential for the stability and growth of a non-profit, and it is fascinating to see these connections take place. In addition to the board and advisory meetings, I saw how the organization operates from the viewpoint of staff members. Attending the staff meeting provided me with insight on things that were going well and potential improvements to be made within the organization. The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia has a small number of full-time employees, which allowed me to have a closer look into the different responsibilities necessary to successfully run the non-profit every day. During my last week as an intern here, I attended the special event called Tee Time: Girls Golf and Fashion Show. This intrigued me because the game of golf is typically considered to be a male-dominated sport. It is essential for young women to experience the game of golf, as well as the life skills and opportunities involved. Not only did many of The First Tee female students play 9 holes, but they modeled Lilly Pulitzer outfits in a fashion show. This was a great way for the girls to build confidence, which is one of the core values this organization focuses on. Overall, I am very thankful for all the opportunities I have received, as well as the connections made here at The First Tee. I vividly noticed the positive impact this organization has on the children and the community. I encourage more kids, parents, companies, and individuals to get involved. Thank you to the team members and students of The First Tee for a great experience!
Tea Time for Girls Golf Tournament and Fashion show was a wonderful event and we thank The Union League Golf Club at Torresdale for hosting it. This event helped raise critical resources for our Girls Golf Program and we cannot thank all our attendees enough for their support. Special Thanks to Lilly Pulitizer for providing the beautiful fashions for our girls and giving them a truly unique experience. Enjoy the highlights of the event below! We hope to see you all next year!
By TFT Philly Participant, Jeremiah Brown
When Coach Rebecca asked if I would like to attend The First Tee of Coastal Carolina’s Carolina Leadership Academy, I was eager to spend a week at a golf facility with my friends. I knew it would be an amazing experience and a fun trip. It was a personal challenge, considering it was to be technology-free and with a lot of people I didn’t know. This trip was my first week away from home, and in another state. This was a learning experience to help me practice and grow in confidence.
While we were there, I learned more about the 9 core values, communication, and effort. The confidence I learned from the academy has significantly helped me in my first year of high school. It showed me respect with the point system, and the activities we did with one another. I learned responsibility when we were at the boardwalk, beach, and aquarium. This trip gave me the freedom to exercise the values and represent The First Tee.
This trip strongly impacted my life. This adventure has equipped me with values to be successful in high school. I am currently a freshman starter on the varsity golf team, and I can apply these abilities to my game and life. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and adventure.
Our students arrived at 5 AM to be on PHL17 with Kelsey Fabian and talk about life lessons on and off the course. Thanks to everyone for waking up so early! Check out the article below and some cool videos of the LIVE shoot!
Our Walnut Lane Team finished with a 2-2-1 record. Our FDR Team finished with a 2-3 Record. Made a lot of progress with this team throughout the season as they progressed very well.
Our 13u League combines with “All Star’s” for the postseason Play. Depending on what place we finish in, that will determine how many we get to choose.
The section qualifier will be held August 13th at Penn Oaks Golf Club
Our 17u Team has been playing there Play Day’s at various locations. They are really enjoying the atmosphere and the courses they get to play!
17u Championship is August 5th @ West Chester Golf and Country Club
TFTGP hosted 8 TFT Chapter teams from the Northeast and South Carolina Sunday to Tuesday. The TFT Philly Invitational started with a life skills assessment (used in final day scoring), an alternate shot and scramble practice round, fun in the dunk tank, a skills challenge, a water balloon toss, and a cook-out! With TFTGP having 3 teams representing them, on Monday the 41 students played a Stableford format at Cobbs Creek Golf Club Olde Course, and the fun continued with a night at Dave and Busters! Tuesday, the crew got a tour of our FDR facility and the Nova Care Center, The Philadelphia Eagles practice facility. Shout out to Mike Quick, Dave Spadaro, and special guest practicing on the field, Malcolm Jenkins!
During the tour, Dave Spadaro spoke about ownership and how important it is to wake up excited about what the day will bring, how to be your best, and how to create a winning team for yourself. All the teams represented what The First Tee is incredibly well, and we were extremely excited to present the trophy to TFT Aiken. They had 1 perfect life skills assessment score and their golf shined through. Shout out to TFT Philly Team 1 for coming in second by 2 points!
SEI Investments Company Cares day at FDR was a wonderful day for our kids. SEI arranged for the golf professionals from Aronimink Golf Club, Jeff Kiddie, and Cameron Small, to teach the students of Kids on the hill. Also a special thanks to a friend of the first tee, JR Delich!
Thanks so much to Steve Onofrio and Frank Byrd of SEI for organizing this great event and for making a difference for Kids on the hill and all our young people.
ABOUT SEI CARES
Our employee-led, global, philanthropic organization sponsors volunteer opportunities and awareness events. In 2017, SEI employees contributed 8,500 hours of service in volunteer activities.
Established in 2001, our SEI Cares Fund is an employee contribution fund that in 2017, donated $542,500 in grants to our partner organizations, including animal rights, community services, economically disadvantaged children and adults, environmental causes, and health services.
By Coach Anthony
Thanks to all who participated in today’s TFT Tournament at St. Martin’s. It was a great day on the course, and there were some great scores as well. St. Martin’s is a beautiful place and I am glad our participants got the chance to play there!
Thank you all for doing a great job representing TFT of Greater Philadelphia!
The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia has announced a $25,000 Platinum Sponsorship from the AMETEK Foundation, the charitable trust of AMETEK, Inc. headquartered in Berwyn, PA. The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, a youth development organization, introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. The organization currently serves over 20,000 youth participants at 17 golf facilities and 55 schools across the Delaware Valley. The organization relies on sponsorships and donors to help fund their programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. AMETEK’s sponsorship is part of its ongoing commitment to focus on its core values of ethics and integrity, respect for the individual, diversity, teamwork, social responsibility and sustainability – all of which are symbiotic with the First Tee. This sponsorship expands the reach of the AMETEK Foundation, which was created to enhance the positive contributions AMETEK colleagues make in their local communities around the world. “We are honored to support the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia and their efforts in serving our local youth through the great game of golf,” says Ron Oscher, AMETEK Chief Administrative Officer. “Our colleagues are driven to make a positive impact, and our partnership with the First Tee is an important way to help improve our Philadelphia community.”AMETEK’s grant will support the First Tee’s Outreach Program. In 2018, the First Tee conducted over 125 physical education class visits and field trips to one of their “green grass” facilities. Over 9,000 children within the Philadelphia school system were impacted by this important life-skills programming initiative. AMETEK’s grant will expand the reach of this program to an additional 3,600 children.“The First Tee is grateful for the generous partnership with AMETEK,” commented Bill Hyndman, Executive Director of The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia. “Their continued support will directly aid in our efforts to serve youth participants throughout our Greater Philadelphia footprint.”“Our vehicle is the game of golf, but our goal isn’t to teach kids to be phenomenal golfers,” Hyndman says. “We teach kids life skills: self-management, resiliency, goal-setting and interpersonal skills. We want to teach kids core values so they can be successful in life.”About The First Tee of Greater PhiladelphiaThe First Tee of Greater Philadelphia is an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. Through after school and in school programs, the First Tee helps shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance through the game of golf. And it’s making a difference. Good Golfers. Better People. Find out more at www.firstteephiladelphia.org.About AMETEKAMETEK is a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices with annual sales of approximately $5.0 billion. The AMETEK Growth Model integrates the Four Growth Strategies – Operational Excellence, New Product Development, Global and Market Expansion, and Strategic Acquisitions – with a disciplined focus on cash generation and capital deployment. AMETEK’s objective is double-digit percentage growth in earnings per share over the business cycle and a superior return on total capital. The common stock of AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500.
Support Our Participants at the 2025 Truist Championship!
Our students have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve as standard bearers at the 2025 Truist Championship, walking alongside professional golfers! You can help make this experience possible by sponsoring a participant.
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