Category: Blog

First Tee Seattle was able to introduce and teach nearly 1,000 youth in person at golf courses in 2020, which has been a huge accomplishment and highlight for our community. However, due to a cancelled spring session, smaller class sizes, and limited capacity, many more young people were not able to participate this year. So, in May, we set out to raise the funds and begin creating and distributing “Golf at Home” kits to kids in our community. To date, we have handed out more than 300 kits, and we have another 600 on the way to local schools.

 

Each kit includes a custom-sized golf club and a kit bag, assembled with both practice golf balls and a traditional golf ball, putting target, activity booklet, and accessories. Each of these items was creatively sourced at the lowest cost we could find, and then put together with our most valuable resource: human power. The community has rallied behind our efforts, donating hundreds of golf clubs, and helping us assemble and distribute the kits to kids throughout King and Snohomish County.

Among those inspired by the Golf at Home kits effort was 17-year-old Brandon Bui, a long-time participant at First Tee Seattle. Brandon joined the First Tee in 2014 at the age of 10, worked his way up to the “Eagle” level in the program, earned a spot on his high school varsity golf team, and now serves as a junior volunteer coach at First Tee Seattle. Little did we know, Brandon is also an aspiring computer science expert and whiz with a 3-D printer. He noticed that each Golf at Home kit included a putting target, which looked like something he might be able to replicate with his 3-D printer at home.

Brandon got to work designing a replica of the putting target, including even the little attached flagstick. It wasn’t easy at first, and took a couple of hours to make the first few. But with some ingenuity and perseverance, Brandon dedicated his workload (and many late nights) to creating 100 perfectly crafted putting cups for the project!

We caught up with Brandon as he delivered his amazing gift to First Tee.

Video Interview:

 

Q&A with Brandon:

 

1) How did you get introduced to golf?

Golf has always been a part of my life, I remember going to the driving range since I was young or driving the golf cart for my dad as he played.  After years of learning golf on my own I joined The First Tee in sixth grade.  I didn’t get really serious about golf until after I made my high school’s golf team my freshman year.  Ever since then golf has just been a big part of life.

2) What are your dreams for your future?

I plan on going to UW to study computer science and cyber security and maybe play club golf.  (I actually just turned my applications in today).  After college I plan to work at a big tech company and maybe start my own company.

3) Who is a role model of yours?

A big role model in my life would definitely be my dad.  He is always the one that teaches me right from wrong, makes sure I use please and thank you, and address everyone by sir and ma’am.  He’s also my golf buddy, whether it’s just a muni course like Jackson Park or a world class golf resort like Bandon, we always enjoy playing with each other…well, most of the time.

4) Favorite golf memory?

My favorite golf memory was when I found out I had made my high school’s varsity golf team my freshman year.  The two rounds of golf I played during tryouts felt like my worst rounds ever.  A few days after try-outs we had left for Oregon.  I was constantly checking my emails that day, refreshing every five minutes until I saw the email.  We were driving down the freeway somewhere between Seattle and Portland when I had gotten it.  I opened the email… and to my surprise, I had made the team.  I never felt such a sense of accomplishment before that.

 

Thank you Brandon.

You really are a Game Changer!

 

---

 

Golf is the best sport for having fun and learning crucial life skills.  Period.  That’s it.  That’s my article…What?  You want me to explain myself?  OK.  I will give it my best shot!!!

I started playing golf at age 15 in sunny San Diego, where I played 2 years of junior golf. From there I moved to Claremont McKenna College where I was the team captain all four years, league individual champion two years and first team all-league four years. Later in life I would become the CFO of Cobra golf in 1979 and most recently have been the assistant coach for Holy Names Academy. The very fabric of the game of golf teaches golfers about themselves and about life. To help guide players on their lifelong journey, The First Tee uses its Nine Core Values to highlight what those lessons can be. Here are a few short stories that exemplify life learning through our beloved game. A couple of seasons ago, I was hanging around with some coaches at the end of a dual golf match between high school teams. A player on my team came up to the coaches at the end of the round and asked for a ruling. During the round, a player from the other team had hit her ball under a tree. To hit the next shot, the opposing player had a teammate hold a branch back so she had room to take a full swing at the ball (unfortunately, this is against the rules). My team member (the player asking for the ruling) had the foresight to announce to her opponent (the player hitting the ball) that she would ask for a ruling upon completion of play. Note: the player hitting the shot did not have a clue about the rule, and there was no intent to gain an advantage. The girl asking for the ruling was a First Tee participant!!! She used courtesy in announcing her intent to ask for a ruling. She was confident in her handling of the situation and used good judgment. She showed respect to her opponent and demonstrated sportsmanship. And, she was correct in her knowledge of the rule. Key point: the player in the story was prepared. More importantly: the skills she exhibited are those she will use for all aspects of her life going forward. To all of the current First Tee participants please, do not overlook the power of the Nine Core Values and the impact they have on your current and future life. Many years ago, I was playing in the finals of a match play tournament. I was 2 up after 23 of 36 holes in the match. My drive was down the middle and my opponent’s drive was in the right rough. When we came together at the green he announced that his ball had moved when he addressed it. As a result of the penalty stroke I won the hole and eventually the match. I will never forget the integrity, honesty and sportsmanship it took for him to announce a penalty on himself. As I got to know him better in following years, I learned that he ran his business in that same highly principled and honest manner. Key point: do you think there is a connection between how a person acts on the golf course and in real life?  Yes!!! One more story. During qualifying for the USGA Junior Amateur, I stood on the 18^th tee and thought I was out of contention. I hooked my tee shot out of bounds and ended up taking a triple bogey. Turns out, if I had made a par, I would have been one of the qualifiers. I was distraught and devastated. In walking to the parking lot after the trophy ceremony, where a number of my fellow competitors greeted and consoled me (I wasn’t the only one who almost qualified). Everyone of those players that consoled me demonstrated Respect, Courtesy, and Sportsmanship. The nice gestures made me feel good at a time where I was really down. Key point: After this, I learned perseverance. I continued to work on my game and ended up having some good tournaments later on. I never again stopped trying my best before a round was over. Golf, good or bad, is about learning how to plan your way around the course. The First Tee is about learning to golf and learning how to plan your way through life, incorporating the Nine Core Values into your actions along the way. At my seemingly ancient age of almost 68, I would like to say to all First Tee Participants, please take the Nine Core Values to heart and incorporate them all into your actions – starting right now. Before you know it you will be 68 and writing articles telling people how to lead their lives…

                   

We asked Coach Chris Villasenor to share his relationship with Honesty, and honestly, we felt like you’d want to take a look! One of the Nine Core Values of the First Tee is Honesty. We often frame this around our behavior on the course: are we counting the right number of strokes, are we following the rules, do we have the proper number of clubs in our bag.  However, Honesty stretches far beyond this into other aspects of golf as well as life. When we’re practicing golf to improve, can you be honest with yourself as to your strengths and weaknesses? Many players will simply play to their strengths on the practice tee but an honest player can look at their game objectively then decide to focus on the things that will help them improve the most. In fact, whether it’s golf, music, Fortnite, or school (you can put these in any order you’d like) being honest about your shortcomings and addressing them in some way can improve your overall performance as well as your enjoyment. Honesty, let’s be honest, is sometimes the harder road but like anything, it takes practice. In many cases, we cannot choose our outcomes but if you come to them via Honesty, you can always hold your head up. There are going to be people in the world who tell you, “that band you like is no good,” or “that movie you like is terrible” or “why are you friends with that person?” The honest response is that you don’t have to defend these kinds of choices. Finding your passion is a true form of Honesty and I encourage you to be honest with your parents, teachers, and friends… but most importantly with yourself!  

                     

Dealing With Challenges by Coach Val Patrick

I consider myself an upbeat, confident, patient and positive person, and I am the “glass is half full” personality.  What I have learned over the years about challenges is that they come to us and through us – through many streams and in many ways.

Growing up for example, at age 15 my dad was diagnosed with cancer.  He was out of work for over a year.  That presented many challenges for a family of seven people to figure out how we were going to survive.  Where would we get food if dad wasn’t able to work?  How would my mom take care of all of us if my dad did not survive?

I am the oldest of 5, and I had plans to go to college and play on a college [golf] team.  No one in my family had gone to college – I was the first. Would I be able to go if my mom needed me?  Golf was everything to me – literally.  I found myself clinging to my clubs for comfort knowing my dad taught me how to play.  What would I do without him?

That was a HUGE challenge and decision facing me, so my dad and I talked a lot.  He said he wanted me to go to college and not worry about what was going to happen at home.  This was as important for him as it was for me.  He is the one that put a club in my hand when I was 8 years old.  He wanted to see me play college golf.

Fast forward to High School graduation, soon it would be time for me to leave for college in Miami Florida, a LONG way from home!  Dad and I agreed I would go in August.  He said this is “YOUR TIME.”

“YOU” have worked so hard for this opportunity, and he was right.  Now I had a choice: go or stay home.  I wanted to continue to make him proud.  And so, it was – I left for Florida driving my car with a friend (because the trip would be too much for him).  Saying goodbye was awful. “What if…what if?” kept going through my head.  He said “it’s okay – you go play like you know it. Show the other girls on the team that Michigan has good golfers too!  Not all good golfers come from Florida!”  We laughed and he gave me a big hug.  I got in the car (packed with everything it could hold) and while backing out of the driveway, my mom and dad waving, I hoped this would be the scene when I came home for Winter Break – that he would still be around.

It was close to Thanksgiving and mom called “Val, can you come home?” I said “yes.” She said “good, I think your dad needs to see you.”

Back then, flying was a big deal for a kid.  I flew from Miami to Detroit, my uncle picked me up and we drove 75 miles to our home in Jackson.

Dad had a million questions and was short on energy. I told him how the college team was doing and how the coach was outstanding.  He was happy, that meant everything.

Dealing with challenges: they do not care how old we are, how smart we are, what we are wearing, or who we know.  Challenges are opportunities that help us reach deeper within ourselves to bridge relationships or circumstances that are far out of our control.  I have learned it is important to have the patience to understand the situation (no matter what it looks like) and negotiate the ‘what-if’ scenarios with other people that may be involved, or at times with your own inner voice.  Challenges will always be a way of life, just like what we are all facing now with the monster of all challenges – mitigation of spreading a virus – and it feels like everything has stopped and that time is the force in control, not us.

Stay positive, live positive and face challenges with an open heart and mind.  This is my experience: be patient.  I practice patience.  Breathing exercises and meditation are amazing tools for the heart and mind. When a person has patience – you can overcome challenges.

Patience is a wonderful gift from the universe.

 

 

 

 

“This is by far my favorite picture. To be standing beside one of the two remaining (living) founders of the LPGA, is such an honor. It’s because of Shirley Spork’s passion, confidence, and perseverance girls and women around the world can be a part of the game of golf!”  

Coach Ben Bergner has been a rock star with The First Tee of Greater Seattle since 2013! Get to know him as he shares how he got his start in the game of golf, his insight, experience and advice for young players!

“I really like golf and I like to have fun with whatever I am doing,” Coach Ben says. “I have been hitting golf balls since I was 2 and have been playing competitively since I was 8, and it is really just about enjoying yourself.  That’s all golf is about.”

What motivates you? “Honestly, I enjoy sharing the game of golf with people, and it’s not always just golf. You learn how to problem solve. Golf is a series of challenges that there is never one answer for, and you always need to think critically. You are always given a different situation and you need to make the best of what you got. What motivates me is that there are always people trying to figure that out and that we are there to help them.” What is your best advice for young players? “Aside from the fact that with every shot you hit, you need to hit the center of the club or as close to it as you can, you have to believe you can hit the shot you are trying to hit. “Frustration comes easily from the ‘golf is hard’ standpoint, but a lot of it is expectations. Players tend to have expectations that aren’t always realistic. Even the pros miss the majority of putts from 10 feet!” Which First Tee lesson or activity is your favorite? “It’s not an actual First Tee lesson, but competition should be fun! I believe in encouraging fun competition to test your skills with different activities and games. Much of life is a competition and we need to have ways to practice that are fun! “One activity that works really well is the Swish Hoop Race – how it works is you set up hoops and hitting stations in an open area – hoops/targets can be modified to accommodate different skill levels. “The goal is to fly a ball into each target hoop – closing that target for the team – and to ‘close out’ the round by closing out all targets, scoring an overall point. After a team hits a ball in a hoop, they must announce their current score. With two hoops, you can just announce ‘first.’ With 3 or more hoops, it works best to use different color hoops and have teams announce loudly the colors they have successfully landed in, e.g. ‘purple and red’ with green hoop remaining. Players within a team alternate a single shot at a time. After each round – rotate groups to new hitting stations.” Favorite golf joke? “I don’t have a favorite golf joke but I do often use ‘FORE’ as a forewarning say if somebody would inadvertently meander outside of the safety zone.” Favorite club in the bag? “I am an equal opportunity clubist! It is a mindset – whatever club I need to hit is the right club!” What hobbies do you have outside of golf? “I honestly like golfing a lot. I have a 3-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback named Cacao that keeps me busy. I also like playing guitar and have been playing for around 20 years. I enjoy BBQing, smoking foods, going to the beach, and I am up for playing any just about any sport at any time. I keep enough stuff in my trunk so that if anyone ever wants to play a sport, I got it!”

Favorite food? “My mom’s jambalaya! Grilled shrimp, chicken, Portuguese sausage, rice, tomatoes, Creole seasoning – spicy, smoky and just amazing! “I also love sushi and teriyaki – we have such good teriyaki here!” Getting back to your journey through golf, who was it that taught you to play? “My dad. He introduced me to the game. He would take us to the driving range and would drill holes out of wooden clubs to make them lighter. He taught me to play until I was 8 – he wanted me to learn from other people so that I would not get frustrated with him. Even to this day he will watch instructional videos and share with me along with tips on how to incorporate them into my game. We play once or twice a week. He knows my game and has seen it evolve. A special moment was when I shot 64 at Jefferson in February and he said it was the best golf he has seen me play and that was special considering the many rounds we’ve played together.” What is a special memory that you have from teaching the game and its values? “I learned how fearless some participants can become. I remember an Eagle class that I was coaching at Riverbend and would take them out to play on the course. When pairing them up I would ask who wants to play against me and every single time, young Eagle player Cole Reynolds said ‘ME!’ It’s rewarding to see how hard the kids work and their desire to come and prove it. Cole coming to class eager to test himself reminded me of myself and how I used to have the skill to beat my dad but could not prove it when playing against him. It reminded me of me and it is special to see that. I beat my dad for the first time when I was 19 or 20 and that includes A LOT of golf.”

  What advice would you give to the aspiring golfer? “Forgive yourself. “If you want to play golf and enjoy it for the long-term, you need to learn to forgive yourself. I don’t consider myself a hot head, but we are all going to hit bad shots and have bad shots multiple times within a round – golf is not a game of perfect. Arnold Palmer used to give himself 7 steps to be emotional and then emotionally done with a shot. 7 steps and it is over – the only shot that matters is the next one.”

For teenagers, caddying is one of the best opportunities to apply yourself, learn, and even earn an income. And for a select few, it can actually lead to a full college scholarship through the Western Golf Association. But it takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. We are proud to announce that Ace member Thomas Hwang has earned his way to being awarded the Evans Scholarship and will be attending the University of Washington as a freshman in 2020 on a full tuition scholarship!

chasing the dream

Three years ago, Thomas began the pursuit of a college scholarship through caddying, and he never looked back. He knew that if he kept his grades up, stayed involved with volunteer and service opportunities, and made caddying a regular part of his routine, he would have a decent chance of being selected. With his dream in his sights, he created a goal ladder and got to work. Caddying jobs are not easy to come by, however, but fortunately Thomas made a great impression with the membership at Glendale Country Club in Bellevue, where a few members have been committed to supporting the youth caddie program. Early in the morning on weekends, while many of his peers were still fast asleep, Thomas would beat the sunrise to the golf course and be ready for the first rounds of the day. Golfers recognized his work ethic and potential, and Thomas was able to complete more than 60 total caddying rounds in just over two years. “It is no small accomplishment, and I’m glad to see that Thomas stuck with it. He’s a very deserving young man.” A former Evans Scholar himself, Craig knows what it takes to qualify, and he also knows the opportunity that it can provide. He has long advocated for and supported youth caddying opportunities in our area, as both a founding member of the First Tee of Greater Seattle Board of Directors, member of Sahalee Country Club, and an active Director for the Western Golf Association. At Glendale Country Club, where Thomas completed all of his rounds, caddying was not always available for teenagers. But in 2017, member and former caddie Dan Hay decided it was time to launch. He worked with Head Professional Kenney Boyd and Assistant Golf Professional Jack Kelly to propose his plan, and contacted First Tee of Greater Seattle with the goal of recruiting the best candidates. To this day, Mr. Hay continues to support each and every caddie individually, and Jack ensures that those opportunities are made available to them. From the beginning they both recognized Thomas’s drive and work ethic. “We teed the ball up, and Thomas hit it right down the middle,” says Dan Hay. “It’s been a pleasure having him caddie for me on many Saturday mornings, and I am proud to see him now going on to college. His future is bright.”

Thomas after his selection meeting, with uncle (left) and First Tee Program Director Evan Johnsen (right).

What is the Evans Scholarship?

The Chick Evans Scholarship for caddies was started by legendary amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. He learned the game as a caddie, won the 1910 Western Open and gained worldwide fame in 1916, when he became the first to win the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Open in the same year. Evans insisted on preserving his amateur status, and any money he received from golf was put toward caddie scholarships. The first two Evans Scholars enrolled at Northwestern University in 1930. Since then, more than 10,800 men and women have graduated from college as Evans Scholars, and 985 are currently in school. The Western Golf Association, founded in 1899, has supported the Evans Scholarship since its inception. The Chick Evans Scholarship for caddies is a grant that covers full tuition and housing in an Evans Scholarship House and may be renewed for up to four years.

Who is eligible for an Evans scholarship?

To be eligible to apply for a Chick Evans Scholarship for caddies, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Strong caddie record: applicants must have caddied, regularly and successfully, for a minimum of two years and are expected to caddie at their sponsoring club the year they apply for the Scholarship.
2. Excellent academics: Applicants must have completed their junior year of high school with above a B average in college preparatory courses and are required to take the ACT and/or SAT.
3. Demonstrated financial need: Applicants must clearly have a need for financial assistance.
4. Outstanding character: Applicants must be outstanding in character, integrity and leadership. (via WGA Evans Scholarship Foundation)

 

Thomas’s story, in his own words:

Hi everyone! I’m Thomas Hwang, a First Tee of Greater Seattle participant as well as a Chick Evans Scholar. This experience/adventure of being both a participant and a scholar started back in my summer vacation, where I was transitioning from being a 5^th grade elementary school student to a 6^th grade middle school student.  During this time, I wanted to try every activity/sport to figure out what I liked best.  At one point, I was swimming, playing basketball, playing soccer, and playing the violin all at the same time! One day, my mom asked if I wanted to learn how to play golf. At first, I didn’t want to because I only heard of the stereotypes in golf.  It’s boring, slow-paced, and only old people want to play golf. But, with enough convincing from my mom, I went to my first summer class with the First Tee. At the first class, the coaches were all so nice and welcoming. We introduced ourselves and then we went on the driving range. The moment I made my first swing and hit the ball, I was hooked. I never felt anything more exciting and thrilling than swinging the club, so I hit ball after ball until I ran out of balls to hit. From that day on, I went to each class, with the mindset of trying to learn as much as I can to reach the highest class level: Ace.  Along with learning golf, we learned life skills as well.  For instance, we learned an acronym called STAR to help make decisions both on and off the golf course.  STAR stands for Stop, Think, Anticipate, and Respond.  On the course, it helps you get out of tough situations, like when you’re in the trees or in the deep rough. Off the course, it helps you learn life skills, like how to talk to people or deal with obstacles in life. After a couple of years, I finally made it to Ace. While I was in Ace, Glendale Country Club was thinking about starting a caddying program that would be eligible for the Chick Evans Scholarship. Glendale contacted the Program Director, Evan Johnsen, to see if any juniors were interested in this opportunity.  Mr. Johnsen then contacted me, and I officially became a caddy at Glendale.  At first, caddying was a little difficult.  I knew the etiquettes of playing golf, which helped tremendously, yet I wasn’t quite sure about caddying etiquette.  Not to mention carrying a golf bag in the Pacific Northwest weather can be wet, to say the least. But over time, I learned how to caddy properly and picked up tricks here and there (always have a rain jacket in the bag).  After about 2 years of caddying, I applied to the Evans Scholarship and I got it! Looking back, the First Tee has given me things I wouldn’t have even dreamed of. I made close friends that I still talk to today, I learned valuable life skills that isn’t taught anywhere else, I learned how to play golf, and I got a scholarship that is/will change my life.  I am very thankful for both the First Tee and the Chick Evans Scholarship for the wonderful opportunities and experiences it has given me, and I want to thank you all for reading my experience/adventure with the First Tee and the Evans Scholarship!

Thomas in a Birdie level class in 2015, at Willows Run Golf Complex.

Thomas in his Ace level class in 2019, at Aldarra Golf Club.

---

For more information:

Caddying

Evans Scholarship

In the summer of 2012, Austin Picinich attended his first class with The First Tee of Greater Seattle. He was just 7 years old, bright-eyed and eager to learn about the game of golf. Over the years, Austin applied himself and worked his way through the different levels of the program. Now age 14 and with “Eagle” status, Austin represents a small group of participants who are advanced their mastery of golf and life skills. Austin has made friends, impressed his coaches, competed in chapter tournaments like the Week 9 Championship, was selected as a PGA Junior League team captain and All-Star, and also serves as a volunteer junior coach for younger students.

Austin demonstrating his coaching skills at Willows Run Golf Complex in 2018.

Austin always volunteers to post the daily lesson on the class board. With that handwriting, no one objects!

Austin playing on and coaching his PGA Junior League team in 2016.

Austin is an ambitious young man, and has many talents. When he isn’t playing or teaching golf, his other true passion is art. He likes to create landscapes, people, wildlife… and occasionally golf scenes! This year, Austin decided to take on a new challenge, and one that would combine his passions for golf, art, and The First Tee program. To commemorate his love for the program, and to display for future generations to come, Austin set out to paint a mural at Crossroads Par-3 Golf Course, where he first learned to play. Painting a mural is no small task, and it took Austin several months and many hours of hard work to complete. On Friday, November 8th, Austin proudly hung his finished piece of work on the wall at Crossroads Par-3. And for decades and generations to come, families and young golfers will be inspired by his masterpiece.

Here is a brief Q&A with the artist, Austin Picinich:

What inspired you to create this mural?

I was inspired to create this mural because artwork is an excellent tool to brighten up an environment. Several years ago, a First Tee coach planted the seed of “Wouldn’t it be cool to paint a mural at Crossroads?” I loved the idea, but the project seemed really big at the time. As time went by the idea stuck in my head, and I just had to figure out how to make it work. While measuring the workspace, the idea came to me of painting the mural on a large sheet of plywood as opposed to the wall itself. This made the project seem more realistic that I could paint it at home instead of spending 50+ hours at the pro shop to paint. I have always loved to paint big, and I thought the bigger the better for this project.

How did you get interested in art?

I have been interested in art since a young age, and I began to paint when I was about seven years old. I have been inspired by many artists along the way, and love to attend art festivals and galleries. In my work I merge realism with my imagination and add my own twist of brighter colors that make the subject pop.

How are painting/art similar to golf?

Art and painting are similar to golf in many ways. Both art and golf involve visualizing the desired outcome and being creative of how to execute the plan. When I hit a shot into the lip of a bunker or under a tree, I must be creative of how I want to play the shot. This is similar to how creativity plays a big role in the planning of a painting.

What is your hope for the legacy of this mural? 

My hope for the legacy of this mural is that it will inspire other kids to tackle projects or goals they think too big to accomplish.

Austin lives in Kirkland, Washington and is currently a freshman at Juanita High School. He is pictured here with his dad, Greg, battalion Chief with the Kirkland Fire Department. Austin can usually be found in school, at the golf course, or creating new artwork. Check out Austin’s full gallery of art on his website: www.austinsart.net.

---

Thank you Austin for leaving a lasting impression on future generations!

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!

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!

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!

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/.    

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