Blog Archives - Page 12 of 14 - First Tee

I Believed in Myself

12 year old Jay Sakagami arrived early on Sunday for the Fall Week 9 Championship at Jefferson Park. He checked in, warmed up on the driving range, rolled a few on the putting green, and after announcements and a review of the rules and format, Jay teed off at 8:30am. Conditions were chilly and damp on the Par-3 course, and some of the tees were set further back than usual, which typically makes scoring more difficult. And with 33 golfers on the course, anything can happen. But Jay stuck to his game plan and focused on one shot at a time. Teeing off on the 1st hole, which was actually Jay’s 5th of the day (given the “shotgun” format, where all groups start at the same time, but on different holes) Jay hooked a ball to the left, and over toward the 2nd tee box. When Jay arrived to find and play his ball, Coach Evan Johnsen took that opportunity to remind Jay and his playing partners of the importance of yelling “FORE” when a ball is hit toward others on the course, and thanked them for doing so. While always an important topic to discuss with young golfers, Coach Evan was a little apprehensive that the errant shot and conversation may have derailed Jay’s focus. What Evan didn’t know was just how well Jay was playing, and also that it would take a lot more than that to interfere with his determination on this particular day. In fact, not only was Jay not distracted, but he went on to birdie the next two consecutive holes! As it turns out, those birdies were in addition to one other on Sunday morning, making for three total birdies and a round of 29… the first in Week 9 Championship history! Jay’s 29 won the division by four shots over another outstanding round of 31, by Brandon Bao, and also helped Jay capture 2nd place in the Personal Par awards (-16).

During the ceremony, Jay was presented his trophy and received a round of applause. He was also prompted by a call for a “speeeech!”. From the front of the room, Jay answered two questions: Jay, what was the secret today?

“I believed in myself.”

How much have you been practicing?

“A lot. Almost every day.”

Jay has been an outstanding member of The First Tee of Greater Seattle since 2014, when he joined a PLAYer 1 & 2 class at Crossroads Par-3 Golf Course in Bellevue. From there, he worked his way up in the program and plans to be at the Eagle level in 2020. Jay plays in the Week 9 Championship every season, competes in PGA Junior League Golf and was selected as his team’s all-star this summer, and plans to get involved as a junior volunteer coach next year.

In addition to his weekly classes with The First Tee of Greater Seattle, Jay has begun taking private swing lessons at Pacific Northwest Golf Academy in Issaquah. He attributes his success to the lessons he’s learned from all of these experiences, but most importantly from his dedication and belief in himself.

Here’s a Q&A with Jay, following Sunday’s record round:

What have you learned at The First Tee?

“I have learned many important things from the first tee. I feel like the coaches mainly teaches me and other players about respect, etiquette, sportsmanship, perseverance, and other things from the core value, which I believe is an important value to my life, too.”

What has been your favorite part of The First Tee?

“I love how there is a lot of cooperation and friendship involved in the first tee classes. Coaches are always kind and help people out. I also love how The First Tee teaches players not only about golf, but a variety of other life lessons and skills.”

Why do you love golf?

“I love golf, everything about it, which is why I choose to continue playing. But I mainly love the game because it’s a very calm and not a too active sport like football or soccer. I also love this sport because anyone can play, whether they’re young or not. “

What are your dreams and goals in golf?

“I would love to be able to play with my whole family, my brother, my mom and dad. However, I do have a bigger dream, to be able to become a player of the PGA tour.”

How has your family supported you in golf?

“My family has always supported me whether I played golf or not. They take me to the driving range for me to practice, gives me tips to keep myself positive, and I always appreciate it.”

How have lessons at Pacific Northwest Golf Academy helped you?

“I think this academy has helped and improved my golf game than any of my other classes I have tried to take apart from The First Tee. I have tried at least 5 other coaches and academy kind of things, and over all, Pacific Northwest Golf Academy, especially Coach Alex and Derek, seems to be the most supportive and helpful to me. I have improved so much in just a year, thanks to this academy and The First Tee.”

Throwback to 2017, when Jay was playing for the Jefferson Park “Putting Potatoes” in PGA Junior League Golf.

Congratulations, Jay. Thanks for inspiring us to believe in ourselves!

Words of Wisdom from Elvin Gladney & Impact of The First Tee Mentoring Program

Elvin Gladney has been an active participant with The First Tee of Greater Seattle since 2012 and is currently a full time student at South Seattle College studying Automotive Technology. Elvin has overcome challenges in his life including the loss of his father and diagnosis of high functioning Autism at age 4. Elvin faces these challenges and lives each day with an unwavering positive spirit and an infectious enthusiasm. His challenges in no way define the person that he is. Elvin is special not only because of his tremendous heart but for his wisdom well beyond his years. His involvement in The First Tee program has been especially impactful because it provided him with mentorship and a sense of community. “When I became involved in The First Tee, I learned it could change my mood into a joyful mood. Coaches helped me improve my golf game and swing and feel encouragement,” Elvin says. Faith is also a big part of Elvin’s life. His involvement in fellowship allowed him to feel “encouragement from people in other churches and religions. It taught me how to pray and forgive in life and build a foundation of strong faith and keep the people you love close.” Through The First Tee Mentoring Program Elvin was introduced to his mentor, Eli Winfrey. Eli has been a long time coach and mentor at The First Tee of Greater Seattle and considers his involvement with the chapter one of the highlights of his life. Winfrey served in the military for 10 years, hosts his own radio show, and is the Founder & President of TeamWinfrey, a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating and helping the homeless, underprivileged youth, and those on the Autism spectrum.

“Elvin is a very talented and fun individual to be around,” Winfrey says. “We talked about his dreams and goals, his golf game, and our friendship. I enjoyed watching his golf game improve. When we would work on projects in our mentor class, he always presented great ideas, his energy was outstanding, and his smile was second to none. Our bond has grown since then as we always chat via text, email, and Facebook. Over the holidays I surprised him with some Nike golf shirts which when presented, we both got very emotional. This is what The First Tee of Seattle creates and I’m very grateful to them for that.” In Elvin’s words… “I think I don’t have the connection to socialize with people and can be really quiet. It’s hard to socialize with other people. Eli was a friendly person who has a happy heart and healthy soul and he doesn’t get himself upset or mad. I like it. He has a joyful mood and he gave me golf gifts I never would have had – when I talk with my mentor Eli I feel like he has great common sense about how I handle different challenges while I am on the autism spectrum – Getting to know Eli was awesome because he took me to The Home Course in DuPont and he had me on his radio show in summer of 2018 – that made me feel happy that I am going to be famous! He makes me feel confident and comfortable and that I am not alone in what I struggle with.” Last year things changed and while dealing with personal challenges Eli made the difficult decision “to step away from the mentoring program at The First Tee of Seattle for quite a bit of time. In doing so, I sat down with Elvin to explain to him what I was going through and that as we all continue to grow as people. There comes a point when the mentee takes the baton from the mentor and becomes the leader. As we grow, we must move forward with the knowledge that we’ve been taught and apply that to the next group of people who are looking for mentors and role models” says Winfrey. Elvin has done just that and has become a leader and mentor in The First Tee Mentoring community. When asked what advice he has for folks dealing with challenges Elvin had this to say and let it be a lesson to us all! “Don’t get yourself into a pickle – overly stressed and hesitated with conflicts. Be comfortable using CARE,” a First Tee Eagle level lesson for dealing with challenges. “Prepare for new challenges and in dealing with challenges, sometimes it gets easier but some can be difficult. How to resolve conflicts is part of The First Tee Eagle book. When we deal with conflicts we have to Communicate, Actively listen, Review options, and End with a win-win. We want to learn about people’s different races and cultures and we want to interact with people and make them feel comfortable and welcome and use the CARE method to resolve conflicts. Dealing with a lot of conflicts can be hard but when you resolve them you have to make things better for everyone and end with a win-win. That’s what I gave to Eli – put CARE into your heart and no matter how hard it is, try to make things easier.” Elvin joined us as the keynote speaker at our Microsoft Charity Scramble fundraising event on October 7th 2019 and you can see catch his speech HERE! Thank you Elvin for being a part of our community and continuing to lift others up with your tremendous spirit and huge heart!

Elvin leading his team to victory in the Mentoring Rowing Relay

The State of Golf in Seattle

The First Tee of Greater Seattle teaches golf and life skills to 1,500 local youth on Seattle’s municipal golf courses each year, and more than 2,000 county-wide. Without the four Seattle facilities (Jefferson Park, Jackson Park, West Seattle GC and Interbay), that kind of impact is not possible. And it’s not just the youth who are playing these golf courses. It’s YOU, as well! With growing pressures from housing affordability and urban land use, city officials are in the process of assessing the value of the approximately 500 acres of park property designated for golf. There is no current plan or proposal to re-purpose any of the four golf properties, but if they determine that these public assets could be put to better use, we may see something emerge in the near future. Our goal is to help our elected officials understand the inherent and irreplaceable value of these golf courses… and you can help! What are your best memories from the City of Seattle municipal golf courses, including Jefferson Park, Jackson Park, West Seattle, and Interbay? Share your stories with us and your local leaders…

Post on social media (tag #SeattleGolf) Send us an email Contact the City Council Tell your friends!

Sincerely, The First Tee of Greater Seattle

“A Bold New Vision for Seattle’s Golf Future” August 19, 2019

Read Article

“The Battle of Seattle” August 19, 2019

Read Article

“Cliff Avril and Jason Puckett welcome on Dan Wartelle, The First Tee of Greater Seattle’s Executive Director, and Bill Schickler, Premier Golf’s President, to discuss the meaning and impact of municipal golf in Seattle” July 23, 2019

Listen to Podcast

“Seattle considering what to do with 4 public golf courses and 528 acres of green space they cover” June 6, 2019

READ ARTICLE

“What’s the Future of Golf in Seattle?” April 18. 2019

READ ARTICLE

“Strategic Business Plan for the Future of City of Seattle Owned Municipal Golf Courses” March 20, 2019

READ THE FULL REPORT

Read the stories below, and add your own!

Is Golf a Sport?

Foreward Lucia Morelli is 12 years old, and has been a member of The First Tee since 2013 when she joined a Girls’ Golf class at Jefferson Park. Along with her weekly classes, she plays PGA Junior League Golf, serves as a volunteer, is a member of the Junior Advisory Board, and is an avid golfer. Lucia wrote this essay for her 7th grade English class and agreed to have it published here. It has not been edited or revised from its original version.

Is Golf a Sport?

by Lucia Morelli

Did you know the definition of a sport is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment? The definition of sport can be found in many different dictionaries, and according to this definition, golf fits 100 percent. Golf has been played for centuries based off the Scottish game of hitting pebbles with sticks. Golf has been played longer than the popular sports; like football, soccer, and basketball. The reason these sports are popular are because they are tests of brutal strength. Golf, although not requiring brutal strength, is a sport. Golf is a legitimate sport because it is highly competitive, requires mental capacity, and demands physical extortion and muscle use. A big part of any sport, especially golf, is being competitive. Golf is seen as just a game, but golfers are highly competitive. In any sport you just have to play one day, but in golf a tournament may be up to four days that you have to play. One piece to show how competitive golfers are is they get injured often. For instance, in “2008, when Tiger Woods won the U.S. Open despite playing with his left knee missing an ACL and two stress fractures in his left tibia.” (Harmer). This shows that golfers will stop at nothing to win. Golfers, like other sport players, have to deal with injuries. Some athletes sit out and rest, but golfers only have certain chances for tournaments. Golf also is an individual sport, no one else can ensure the win. Independent sports also require the ability to count on yourself and no one else. I, too, have dealt with injuries in golf; I hurt my wrist and was in brace for two month and I still played in four competitions. Golfers have “no quit”, that is why the competitiveness of golfers show that golf is a sport. One of the most essential part of any sport is the mental game. Mental game is almost as important as being physically strong. In football and soccer, the mental part is knowing the play, but in golf, it is knowing how to do the shot, doing what lays ahead, and blocking out what others have done. Famous golfer, Jack Nicklaus, once said, “You can win tournaments when you’re mechanical, but golf is a game of emotion and adjustment. If you’re not aware of what’s happening to your mind and your body when you’re playing, you’ll never be able to be the very best you can be.”(Evers). This quote is showing if you are the slightest bit off, you will not be able to play your best game. In golf, you have to be so precise because, if you miss the ball slightly, it will throw off your whole shot. In other sports, if you miss slightly you have someone to help, but not in golf. Golf is not only a physical sport but it is also a sport of the mind, and without that aspect you would not be able to play. The mental part of golf shows that it is a sport. Some people will say that golf is not a sport because, “An hour of golf without a cart or caddie burns, on average, 360 calories. By comparison, an hour of basketball burns 727 calories, soccer over 900.” (Is Golf a Sport?). This has some fact behind, it but not all. Basketball and soccer are both anaerobic sports, but you do not play the whole game. Basketball and soccer games are on average 90 to 150 minutes, compared to golf which is on average 270 minutes. Also, a round of 9 holes when you carry your bag, burns, “721 calories burned for nine holes.” If you do the math, that would be about 1500 calories in a round of 18 holes. Not only that, but an hour of golf is a better workout then gymnastics. Golfing without a cart burns an average of 360 calories per hour, compared to about 345 calories doing gymnastics. Golf also requires high muscle coordination because, “The golf swing uses at least 17 muscle groups in the coordinated movement of the hands, wrists, arms, abdomen, and legs.” (Is Golf a Sport?). When it is compared to basketball which uses only about 4 different muscles. In golf you have to build up strength in lots of different muscles but in other sports there only a few you have to build up. The amount of physical extortion and muscle uses shows that golf really is a sport. Golf is a sport because it has been accredited by the International Olympic Committee. This shows that world knows that golf is a sport, that high level athletes want to represent their country with this sport. For a sport to be recognized by the Olympics, “a sport must be widely practiced by men in at least 75 countries and on four continents and by women in no fewer than 40 countries and on three continents.” (Britannica). This shows that golf is widely played across the world, and the International Olympic Committee sees golf as a sport that can, and should, be played in the Olympics. Since golf passes the player rule and the other credentials, it shows that if the Olympics sees it as a sport, then golf is definitely a legitimate sport. To be a sport, a sport must include physical extortion, skill, entertain, and be somewhat competitive. Golf is a sport because it fits the definition. Golf is competitive, has a mental part and requires physical extortion. Not only does it fit this definition found in many dictionaries, but golf is in the Olympics. To be in the Olympics the sport has to be recognized and fits the credentials. Golf fits the credentials of the Olympics which shows that golf is a sport. If you still do not believe that golf is a sport, I will leave you with this. In soccer you kick a ball into a goal, and pretty much anyone can do that. In golf, you have to select the right club, and accurately hit the ball using a coordinated swing. Soccer is using your legs where golf is full body. Yet soccer is considered more a sport than golf. You try swinging a club and hit the ball perfectly. It may make you rethink, because golf is 100 percent a sport.

Works Cited “A History of Golf since 1497.” GolfEurope.com, www.golfeurope.com/almanac/history/history1.htm. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “How Are Sports Chosen for the Olympics?” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/story/how-are-sports-chosen-for-the-olympics. Evers, Derek. “Golf Quotes: 18 Great Mental Tips.” Golf Digest, Golf Digest, 29 Oct. 2015, www.golfdigest.com/gallery/golf-mental-quotes#14. Harmer, Alfie Potts. “Top 10 Reasons Golf Is NOT A Sport.” TheSportster, TheSportster, 8 Sept. 2015, www.thesportster.com/entertainment/top-10-reasons-golf-is-not-a-sport/. Pennington, Bill. “A Little Scientific Research for All Those 19th-Hole Debates.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 1 Aug. 2010, onpar.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/01/a-little-scientific-research-for-all-those-19th-hole-debates/. “Sport | Definition of Sport in English by Oxford Dictionaries.” Oxford Dictionaries | English, Oxford Dictionaries, en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/sport. “ProCon.org.” Is Golf a Sport?, golf.procon.org/.

Lauryn Nguyen’s Big Drive for The First Tee

Like many young golfers, Lauryn Nguyen works hard on her game. She has aspirations to play collegiate golf and she dreams of one day representing Team USA in the Olympics and the LPGA Solheim Cup as a professional golfer. This past year, Lauryn took great strides toward those goals, but she also prioritized something else that is important to her: supporting and inspiring the next generation of young golfers. This is the story of her big drive for The First Tee!

Lauryn travels locally and nationally to compete in tournaments, and yet finds a way to balance her golf commitment with the demands of school. Along with a +2.5 handicap, she also carries a 3.95 GPA. While many of her peers sleep in, Lauryn gets up at 6:30am each day to study before heading off to school. When she gets home, 2-3 hours of homework await after dinner. While demanding, her routine helps ensure her success in school and on the golf course.

Lauryn received her first set of clubs on her 5^th birthday. She participated in classes at The First Tee at Jefferson Park when she was in kindergarten. She quickly picked up the game and started playing lots of golf with her family and hasn’t looked back. Growing up within the Seattle golf community, Lauryn looked up to Marianne Li, a superstar golfer from Newport High School, who was selected to play in The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach and would go on to play at the University of California, Berkeley. She was also inspired by Sarah Rhee, who went on to play at the University of Washington and was a member of the Huskies’ 2016 NCAA Championship team. Inspired by watching Marianne and Sarah, Lauryn wanted to be “just like them” one day. In that pursuit, she has become quite an exceptional person as well.

Now a sophomore at West Seattle High School, Lauryn is considered one of the best female golfers in the state, and certainly on her way to achieving her golf dreams. In 2017, she became one of the youngest WJGA State Champions, at just 14 years old. In 2018, Lauryn anchored the WJGA Girls’ Junior Americas Cup team, earning the MVP award as she helped the team win a 3^rd place medal, the first medal finish in almost 18 years for Team Washington! She also holds the ladies course record at West Seattle Golf Course, posting a 5-under par at the 2018 High School Metro League Championships.

What makes her even more exceptional, however, is Lauryn’s motivation to give back to the next generation of young golfers. You may even have seen Lauryn at Jefferson Park, where she’s often coaching with the Girls’ Golf program. Or you may have met her at the Ladies on the Links event at Broadmoor Golf Club, where she impressed the field with her big smile and even bigger drives. There are dozens of young golfers in Seattle who look up to Lauryn as a mentor and a role model, and it’s not because of her trophy collection. Along with her busy school and golf schedule, Lauryn has found time to volunteer with weekly classes and special events at The First Tee, forming a relationship with many young female golfers, and encouraging them to follow their dreams on and off the golf course.

Golf and school accomplishments aside, Lauryn’s most impressive achievement in the past year is, without a doubt, the fundraising effort she took on to raise money for other young golfers through the AJGA Leadership Links. With pledges toward each of her 97 birdies made during tournament play in 2018, Lauryn competed in 12 tournaments. With donation matching from the USGA and the Microsoft Employee Giving Program, Lauryn raised a total of $14,938! The First Tee of Greater Seattle was her primary beneficiary, receiving $7,625. Lauryn also contributed $4,812 to the AJGA Ace Grant (supporting tournament golfers with financial assistance for tournament entry fees) and $2,500 to the Jack Nicklaus Children’s Health Foundation.

Lauryn is passionate about giving back to her community because she appreciates the sacrifices her family makes to allow her the privilege to golf at such a competitive level. She understands that not every kid has access to golf. As a refugee, escaping Vietnam on a fishing raft, her mother was raised in public housing where none of the kids in her neighborhood knew the difference between a driver and putter, let alone be afforded the opportunity to pick up the game.

Lauryn chose The First Tee as her primary beneficiary because The First Tee introduces the game of golf and teaches valuable life skills to all kids, regardless of their financial status. Lauryn’s donation ensures that nearly 40 young golfers will have the opportunity to participate with The First Tee on full scholarship this year!

Thank you, Lauryn, for your inspiration and stewardship. You are a superstar both on and off the course!

Q&A with Lauryn

Why is philanthropy (giving back) important to you?

I know that there are so many things that have helped shape me to be the person that I am. Giving back is a way to show my appreciation to all those people who helped raised me in all aspects of my life.

What is your favorite class in school?

Forensic Science, which I am taking as an elective (I am already taking Honors Chemistry as my science requirement).

Why is The First Tee special?

I remember the days that I used to be in First Tee in Kindergarten, being really excited on days when I had a class. First Tee not only taught me golf skills but also the etiquette that goes along with the game.

What professional golfer(s) do you most look up to?

I really look up to Gerina Piller, I remember when my family and I went to the Solheim Cup and I wanted to get all the signatures of all the Team USA players. I was SHOCKED by how rude and arrogant some of the players were. I watched a little girl cry because one of the pros wouldn’t stop to acknowledge the fans after her round. But, Gerina was really friendly. She took the time to talk with everyone, she thanked all of us for coming out to support Team USA and she signed everyone’s stuff. I really loved how humble she was despite her fame. I want to carry myself like Gerina when I’m a pro golfer.

Lauryn’s golf accomplishments

1st – 2017 WJGA State Championship (Girls 14 to 18-year-old division)
2nd – 2018 WJGA State Championship (Girls 14 to 18-year-old division)
Course Record Holder (10/11/2018): 5 under par (67), WIAA Metro League Golf Championships at West Seattle Golf Course, 5,600 yards (70.6/120)
2017 & 2018 USGA Girls Junior Championship participant
2018 Girls’ Junior PGA Championship participant
MVP – 2018 WJGA Girls Junior America Cup Team (First time the WJGA time won a medal in 18 years! 3^rd Place Team finish, 5^th/72 Place Individual Finish)

Video interview with lauryn

Lauryn will continue her fundraising efforts for the 2019 season. She’ll keep making birdies, and you can make your pledge to keep the support coming for The First Tee of Greater Seattle here: bit.ly/LaurynNguyen

GREG MCLAUGHLIN NAMED WORLD GOLF FOUNDATION CEO & PRESIDENT OF THE FIRST TEE

Written by Austin Williams, The First Tee

Newly consolidated role to bring together direction and leadership of World Golf Foundation, The First Tee, World Golf Hall of Fame; Miller Brady named PGA TOUR Champions President as McLaughlin’s successor ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida, and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida (November 28, 2018) – The World Golf Foundation Board of Directors announced today that Greg McLaughlin will assume the combined roles and responsibilities of World Golf Foundation Chief Executive Officer & President of The First Tee. McLaughlin most recently served as President of PGA TOUR Champions, since January 2015; prior to his role at the TOUR, he was CEO of the Tiger Woods Foundation for 14 years. McLaughlin will strategically direct the World Golf Foundation, The First Tee and World Golf Hall of Fame, expanding the reach, impact and global prominence of each and ensuring financial performance and sustainability. McLaughlin will serve as a leader among the world’s top golf organizations, and a key ambassador and spokesperson for the game of golf. “We are thrilled to welcome Greg to this incredibly important new role,” said Jay Monahan, World Golf Foundation Chairman and PGA TOUR Commissioner. “I’m not sure we could have asked for a more qualified, passionate leader, considering his deep level of experience and executive leadership success within the golf world and beyond. Given the scope of this newly consolidated role – to further the World Golf Foundation’s mission and build upon the vision of The First Tee – his proven ability to build relationships at the highest level of the sports, business and not-for-profit communities is unique and will be invaluable. This restructure represents an exciting evolution for the World Golf Foundation, and Greg is the perfect person to take the mantle.” World Golf Foundation Board Member and LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan added, “Greg will be a perfect fit in this new role. He is an authentic, proven leader who delivers on so many important attributes – he’s experienced, passionate and a visionary. Specifically, I think Greg will instantly connect with The First Tee chapters, donors and participants. With Greg at the helm, and given his ability to build lasting partnerships, this will be an exciting time for The First Tee and the World Golf Foundation.” “As a member of the greater golf community for more than 30 years, I have always been proud of what the collective efforts of our sport have done and continue to do to inspire communities and change lives, especially for young people who can learn and grow through the values of golf,” said McLaughlin. “This is an exciting time in the evolution of the World Golf Foundation and, specifically, The First Tee, and I am humbled by and excited for the opportunity to lead our industry’s efforts to increase participation and global awareness of golf as a sport that is welcoming to all.” McLaughlin joined the PGA TOUR in 2014, initially as Senior Vice President of the TOUR’s Championship Management division; he was promoted to PGA TOUR Champions President in 2015 and Executive Vice President of the PGA TOUR in 2018. McLaughlin has been instrumental in the success of PGA TOUR Champions, overseeing a record-setting 20-year marketing partnership with Charles Schwab & Co., the implementation of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs and the addition of several new title sponsors and markets. Prior to joining the Tiger Woods Foundation in 2000, McLaughlin was the Vice President of Tournaments at the (now-named) Genesis Open, Honda Classic and BMW Championship. McLaughlin graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Economics. He also received his Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law. Ten-year World Golf Foundation CEO Steve Mona will assist McLaughlin with the transition, as Executive Director of WE ARE GOLF and Senior Advisor, before retiring later next year. In addition, 25-year golf industry veteran, Jack Peter, who has made significant contributions including overseeing the design, build out and operation of PGA TOUR Entertainment and most recently, helping to bring the World Golf Hall of Fame to global prominence in his role as President, will retire from his position at the end of the year. “I’d like to thank Jack for his incredible leadership through the years, specifically his success in raising the profile of the of the World Golf Hall of Fame Museum,” added Monahan. Brodie Waters, World Golf Hall of Fame Vice President of Business Affairs, will lead the Hall of Fame structure, funding and operations with McLaughlin’s oversight, and will also oversee PR/communications activities for the World Golf Foundation. Miller Brady, a 19-year veteran of the PGA TOUR, will succeed McLaughlin to lead PGA TOUR Champions. Brady steps into the role after most recently working under McLaughlin as Senior Vice President & Chief of Operations, where his responsibilities have included direct oversight of tournament business affairs, operations, competitions and player relations as well as scheduling. In previous roles at the TOUR, Brady gained valuable experience within the Corporate Marketing department and as Special Assistant to the Commissioner (Tim Finchem) during the development of the FedExCup. Brady began working in the sports industry in 1996 with Advantage International (now Octagon), overseeing BMW’s grassroots golf program and eventually Bank of America’s PGA TOUR Sponsorship of the West Coast Swing. He is from Atlanta and is a graduate of Georgia Southern University. About the World Golf Foundation The mission of the World Golf Foundation is to unite the golf industry in support of initiatives that enhance the growth of and provide access to the game of golf worldwide, while preserving golf’s traditional values and passing them on to others. In support of that mission, World Golf Foundation focuses on a variety of initiatives to grow and celebrate the game of golf around the world. Through The First Tee, the World Golf Foundation focuses on positively impacting the lives of young people. Under the banner of the World Golf Hall of Fame, it recognizes and celebrates golf’s greatest players and contributors and serves as an inspiration to golfers and fans worldwide. The World Golf Foundation’s GOLF 20/20 initiative pursues programs to ensure golf’s continued growth and vitality. All World Golf Foundation initiatives work together to support the growth of the game among youth, women and minorities, while also fostering diversity within the golf industry. The World Golf Foundation also supports the golf industry in a variety of other roles, including acting as a centralized vehicle for communicating the industry’s initiatives to the media, providing a forum for golf’s organizations to collaborate on initiatives of mutual importance and commissioning and disseminating to golf’s stakeholders research on key aspects of the game. About The First Tee The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a youth development organization whose mission is 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. With its home office at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida, The First Tee reaches young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to deliver programs in all 50 United States. In 2016, The First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 5.3 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Johnson & Johnson is The First Tee’s Legacy Partner and Southern Company is its Education Patron. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair. The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501c3. About PGA TOUR Champions PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 35 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. In 2019, the PGA TOUR Champions schedule will include 27 tournaments across the United States, Japan, England and Canada, with purses totaling nearly $58 million. The Charles Schwab Cup, which includes the Regular Season and the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, is used to determine the season-long champion. All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Internationally, telecasts air in excess of 190 countries and territories, reaching more than 330 million potential households. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, Facebook, Twitter (@ChampionsTour) and Instagram (@pgatourchampions).

Young golfers take on big fundraising effort

We’re always thankful for our terrific coaches and volunteers, but two young participants went above and beyond to show their appreciation this holiday season, and completely knocked our socks off! Brianna Nguyen (12) and Kylie Nguyen (13) have enjoyed their many years playing with The First Tee of Greater Seattle, and the chance to build lasting relationships with a host of caring adult mentors. They wanted to find a way to express their thanks, but not just to the coaches they’ve met… they wanted to thank ALL of the adults impacting youth at The First Tee of Greater Seattle, which is nearly 100 people! So they got to work…

Since winters can be cold in Seattle, their goal was to provide a nice, warm beverage for all the coaches and volunteers, so they set out to raise enough to give each person a $5 gift card. That way, they could purchase any warm beverage of their choice! In order to raise all that money, they sold the golf clothes they had outgrown and shared the story with friends and family, who were happy to support the cause.

Not only did they raise the $500 they needed for the gift cards, they also reached out to local golf clubs and instructors to procure some special gifts for the coaches they know best at The First Tee. In all, Brianna and Kylie raised over $1,000 in value. But the thoughtfulness, gratitude, and perseverance that went into this endeavor is priceless, and we’ll remember it forever.

We are so proud of Brianna and Kylie, humbled by their amazing gesture, thrilled to share with our coaches and volunteers, and grateful to have the chance to connect adults and youth in such a meaningful way. Thank you for the inspiration, Brianna and Kylie. Happy holiday season!

Brandon Teeny wins Junior Golf-a-Thon

How many holes can you play in one day? Brandon Teeny pushes the limit and inspires everyone around him. Tonight we witnessed the magic of sports front and center when The First Tee of Greater Seattle hosted its third annual Junior Golf-a-Thon at the Jefferson Park Par 3 Golf Course. Throughout the event, our young participants were challenged to find out how many holes of golf they could play in one day. They took on fundraising responsibilities for the event, collecting pledges and procuring monetary donations in support of the chapter. From 9:00am to 11:59pm on July 18, an AMAZING young man named Brandon Teeny played 181 holes of golf. Brandon Teeny isn’t your average teenager. He lives with a developmental disorder called cerebral palsy, which affects his balance and motor skills. This, however, in no way, shape, or form defines him as a person or an athlete. Rather, Brandon is known for his talents, his character, and his vibrant personality. Brandon has been involved with our chapter for over 8 years, where he has seen and experienced so much. While I haven’t known Brandon long, I have been fortunate to get to know him this year through our mentoring program. True to form, not only did Brandon accomplish an incredible milestone and eclipse Golf-a-Thon records, but he did so with class. He cited “playing today with so many random people” as the highlight of the day. Brandon played the course in order and waited patiently, especially when playing with younger participants. Yet, he still remained a man on a mission. I asked Brandon around 10pm how many birdies he had on the day of the 120-some holes he had played at the time. He replied, “It would be 1 but it hit the flagstick, so technically it’s a 2 shot penalty.” I admired his honesty – It was sincere and genuine. He took pride in acting with integrity, which is an admirable quality, particularly for such a young individual. Brandon proved that he is wise and mature well beyond his years. Brandon is an amazing human being. He inspires me and so many others, and we are lucky that he has remained part of The First Tee of Greater Seattle. Cheers to you, Brandon. Here’s to your perseverance, and congratulations on an incredible milestone!

Boeing Classic comes to town again in 2018!

After nearly 15 years, relationship between Boeing Classic and The First Tee is still going strong

By Aaron Lommers

Special to The First Tee

There are not many better ways to get kids interested in sports than giving them role models to look up to that provide a positive example both in and out of the realm of competition. When the Boeing Classic, a PGA Champion’s Tour event, started at The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge in 2005, they immediately formed a relationship with The First Tee of Greater Seattle that has allowed young golfers an opportunity to meet and learn from the pros. In addition, a fund-raising event held the Monday after the tournament concludes has helped The First Tee to raise nearly $1.5 million since the tournament began. “It’s a hugely generous gift that the Boeing Classic gave to youth golf, and our community. Former The First Tee executive director Heidi Wills said. “Since (the beginning), the Boeing Classic has truly embraced The First Tee of Greater Seattle, not just by gifting the golf course the day after the final round…but in addition to that, the Boeing Classic offered The First Tee the opportunity to bring youth from the program up to the course and get to have a clinic with one of the pros from the tour.” This year’s events surrounding the tournament and the tournament itself will be held August 20-26. The youth clinic is held the Tuesday prior to the tournament at Snoqualmie Ridge and is led by one or two of the tour professionals. In the past, golfers such as Peter Jacobsen, Tom Kite and Fred Couples have led the clinic. For the kids, the clinic, which usually includes about 200 children, is often the highlight of the week and when The First Tee surveys its members at the end of the year, is often mentioned as one of the most memorable events of the year. “I think that professional golfers can be someone for kids to look up to,” The First Tee program director Evan Johnsen said. “Being able to see them first-hand, how they play and how they conduct themselves and hopefully how much fun they’re having, does make a difference for kids. If they play golf and never get to see that, I don’t know if they have quite as much to reach for or an idea of how they set their own goals and dreams. So, I think it’s crucial for kids to be able to have that exposure to professional golfers.” There are various other events throughout the week, including family day, which is held the Saturday during the tournament. Kids get a chance to watch the tournament as well as participate in several hands-on activities on that day. After the tournament concludes on Sunday, the Boeing Classic has gifted the course to The First Tee for their annual Swing for Kids fundraiser. “We want to provide as many opportunities for kids and fans as we can throughout the week,” Johnsen said. “Because it’s the only golf tournament that occurs in our area annually, and since 2005, it’s the best venue for kids to go watch professional golf and experience some of the fun events that go with a big tournament like that. “By the end of the week, kids and families from the program are pretty jazzed about golf, and about playing and watching more golf,” Johnsen added. “It’s nice to see that momentum.” While the partnership provides a clear benefit for The First Tee, the Boeing Classic is also providing young golfers an opportunity to continue to grow the game and dream big. “It’s a huge Champion’s Tour event with some of the best golfers in the world, but they were once kids and learning how to play golf at a very young age,” said Swing for Kids event director Shelby Lanting. “For the Boeing Classic to be able to support The First Tee is kind of a full-circle experience. “The generosity of the Boeing Classic has been so much appreciated by The First Tee,” Lanting added. “I think it’s given the kids in the program something to aspire to.”

The RGV Tour Give Big Campaign

Koenig Breaks Ground with RGV Tour across the Country

Fundraising to Support The First Tee of Greater Seattle

By Aaron Lommers

Special to The First Tee of Greater Seattle

We’ve all thought about it. What if I just quit my job and dedicated my time to something I’m really passionate about? Though most of us have thought about it, few actually follow through. Seattle’s Patrick Koenig is actually living the dream. In late 2017, Koenig decided to quit his job as a Global Account Executive for West Unified Communications Services to embark on a journey around the United States playing golf and raising money for the First Tee of Greater Seattle. The RGV tour as it’s called (Recreational Golf Vehicle), kicked off with a send off at Jefferson Park Golf Course on January 27, followed by a round of golf at the site of the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay in University Place near Tacoma. That round was the first of many Koenig would play at around 300 different courses across the country before the tour concludes back in Seattle in January of 2019. Koenig spoke via phone after playing Dancing Rapids in Philadelphia, Mississippi in late April. Mississippi was the 11^th state Koenig had played golf and is about three-and-a-half months into the 12- month trip. “It’s been a lot of fun,” Koenig said. “This was kind of the idea that I envisioned when I started this tour, and it’s pretty exciting that it came to life.”

Since leaving, Koenig said there has only been about five days where he has not played a round of golf, but he’s made up for that by playing 36 holes about 10 times to average just over a round played each day. For Koenig, the trip is about more than just playing golf. It is about raising money to get youth involved in a sport that has been so important for him throughout his life. “I tried to think of the places that have helped me and I said, ‘Man, golf is the thing that has done the most for me, almost without even realizing it,’” Koenig said. “It used to be in life and in golf, I was a little hotheaded, and at times it would get the better of me. It wasn’t good. You quickly kind of realize in golf that doesn’t fly at all, if you want to play well or be fun to play with. “It would’ve been better if I had been in The First Tee, because I would’ve learned some of these things that kind of took me a while to learn,” Koenig added. “That’s why I decided to do it. These kids will have an opportunity to get exposed to the game and get teaching – stuff that I didn’t have at a much younger age. They can benefit from the same things that golf has given me. That’s exactly why I wanted to do this.” Koenig set a goal of raising $10,000 for The First Tee of Greater Seattle and is well on his way, raising nearly half that amount already. He hopes to raise more than the original goal but said he won’t set a new mark until the original mark is achieved. Just how big would a $10,000 donation to First Tee be? It costs around $500 to put a child through the program for one year. If he hits his goal that means at least 20 kids will be able to go through the program. “What Patrick is doing for us, obviously it helps financially with donations that will come in,” First Tee program director Evan Johnsen said. “But even more than that, just kind of inspiring the next generation of golfers, that’s a huge part of it.”

Koenig posts frequently on social media and on his blog (www.pjkoenig.com/golf-blog). Through his posts, he has met several people all over the country interested in what he is doing and willing to play a round with him when he visits their state. One such player is Brent Christy, who lives in Wichita, Kansas. “The people have probably been the best part, because they’ve just been very generous,” Koenig said. “Once they understand what I’m doing, they are like, ‘Wow, that’s awesome.’ They kind of look at me like, ‘What? Man, this guy is weird.’ When I’m explaining it to them for the first time.” Koenig and Christy played three rounds at three different courses in or near Wichita and Christy hosted him for his stay. The two became friends and still communicate frequently throughout Koenig’s travels. “It’s incredible,” Christy said. “If I didn’t have a great wife and a little kiddo, that would be the dream trip for me to go on. That’s the best way I can try to describe it, it’s just a dream trip. Who doesn’t want to go and play all these awesome courses across the United States. It’s really just an incredible opportunity that he has.” Koenig doesn’t have any children, but he is married to a woman he calls, “the most understanding wife ever.” Though his idea may have sounded crazy to some, his wife supported his decision to travel the country raising money and has even joined him briefly along the way. “The short story is I’ve always supported her in what she wanted to do, so when I came up with this idea she was very happy to help support me and my dreams, as dumb as it is driving around the country in an RV,” Koenig said. One thing is certain, Koenig’s idea, which he bankrolled himself, is unique and not likely to be replicated any time soon. “What he’s doing is unlike anything that’s ever been done,” Johnsen said. “There is no other RGV tour that I’ve ever heard of. It’s pretty groundbreaking, actually. For all the efforts that people go through to be creative and do different things, the level of commitment that it takes to quit your job and set out on a solo journey for a full year, apart from your wife, family and everything you know… that is a legendary journey, and definitely a story that we continue to share with our participants, families, and fellow golfers. You never know when the next person will find their spark of interest to do something extraordinary, or where their journey will take them.”

Donate Today!

All contributions on behalf of the RGV Tour go directly to The First Tee of Greater Seattle and are 100% tax deductible.

About The First Tee

The First Tee of Greater Seattle was formed in 2001 through a collaboration between the Broadmoor Golf Club Foundation, The First Tee, the Board of Municipal Golf of Seattle and the City of Seattle. We became the 106th chapter of The First Tee on December 20, 2002. While our legal name is the Seattle Junior Golf Foundation, we do business as The First Tee of Greater Seattle. At The First Tee, kids and teens are learning to play golf along with life lessons and leadership skills. Experts in youth development, golf, and coaching came together to develop The First Tee Life Skills Curriculum. Through the curriculum, coaches seamlessly integrate golf and character building activities into each lesson. As a child progresses through The First Tee Life Skills Experience, the activities and life lessons become more involved, helping young people build character and become even more equipped to make good choices on and off the golf course. We serve more than 1,800 young people annually at 9 different facilities in King County. We also partner with more than 200 local elementary and middle schools to bring the game and its inherent core values to more than 100,000 students during the school day.

Follow Patrick’s journey on the RGV Tour!

Website and blog (pjkoenig.com)

Instagram (@pjkoenig)

Grips Fore Good

Through our Clubs for Kids program, and with the help of our Junior Advisory Board, our chapter resizes and regrips approximately 500 golf clubs per year for junior golfers.

But what happens to all of those discarded rubber grips?

They used to end up in a landfill…

…until we connected with Grips Fore Good!

Grips Fore Good collects large quantities of discarded rubber grips, grinds them up, and repurposes them into the base layer of driving range hitting mats, reducing all that waste and providing golfers with a fresh place to practice!

Additionally, GFG has designed a modular mat, which is more economical and can be replaced in pieces, rather than tossing the whole mat away when it’s worn out.

Founder of Grips Fore Good, Vito Desantis, was a PGA member with connections to the recycling industry, so it wasn’t long before he realized the amount of waste being generated by discarded rubber golf grips. Through his relationships in golf and manufacturing, he has found a way be successful and make a difference.

Ask your local golf course if they are buying their mats from Grips Fore Good. It’s good for golfers and the planet!

Local Participants Attend Network Summit in Orlando

The First tee Network meeting 2017

This biennial event brings together representatives from our network of 155 chapters for education, networking and guest speakers to help them implement best practices and deepen their impact in their communities. There were more than 900 representatives in attendance from The First Tee chapters as we celebrated our 20th Anniversary.

The First Tee Future Leaders and Achievers Summit

Two of our Eagle level participants were among just 28 from around the country selected to attend this month’s The First Tee Network Meeting in Orlando. They had a great week of education, explored ideas with others, and came back inspired and ready to dive into initiatives of their own for 2018! Kayla Tounalom started playing in the program at age 6 in the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf classes at Jefferson Park Golf Course. Now at age 14, Kayla will be developing a plan to grow the game for the next generation of girls by connecting all ages of female golfers with a fun, special event next year.

Isis Beauregard-Coaxum plays on the Garfield High School golf team and sees that many of her peers could enjoy and benefit from learning the game but have never tried it, so she is planning social gatherings to bring more teenagers to the course. Stay tuned for their progress on these exciting endeavors!

The First Tee Alumni Summit

We are so proud of our very own alumni Jessica Kent, who was one of just 12 young adults from around the country selected to attend this week’s The First Tee Network Meeting in Orlando! Jessica joined The First Tee of Greater Seattle in 2006 and received many local and national honors in her 7 years as a participant, and now she continues to make an impact on our community by giving back and inspiring those around her to reach their potential on and off the course. Combining her passion for golf and entrepreneurial spirit, Jessica also helped develop a team at the University of Washington to innovate and launch the GolfScope training aid.

Way to go, Jessica!

Category: Blog