Category: Uncategorized

The Impact Of Having A Good Mentor

Having someone that you can look up to and go to for support is one the most important things a kid can have. Mentors give youth (and even adults) the confidence they need to confront challenges and come up with their own solutions. They provide a safe place for kids and teens to be themselves and have fun, while also learning valuable life skills.  

A great mentor has many traits— they can be a role model, cheerleader, policy enforcer, advocate, and friend to the students they work with. First Tee mentors have a sincere desire to be involved with their students, and treat them with respect. They practice active listening skills and empathy, while also seeking solutions and opportunities for those they work with. 

We celebrate each of our coaches, and recognize them for the unique role they play in young lives. In fact, research shows that First Tee participants think of their coaches as more than just teachers and counselors, but real mentors who have made a positive difference in their lives. 

Here are four ways a mentor impacts their mentees that were inspired and created by what our junior golfers have to say about their coaches:

1. Mentors show that you can never stop learning

They are always growing and showcasing that to their mentees who can feel inspired by how they adapt to life’s challenges.

“I constantly heard that sport emulates life, and life emulates sports. I didn’t understand this concept until I started the First Tee program. Through this sport, I learned accountability and responsibility for my actions and how to respond to adversity.  These lessons have affected my thinking about the impact I have on those around me and how important it is for me to strive to be my best self.”  – Quincy Crawford, participant, 2021 Scholar

2. Mentors help inspire students to be game-changers

Not just for themselves, but in their everyday lives and especially with their peers.

“Having an amazing mentor through the First Tee who I have developed a strong relationship with has inspired me to help others find mentors that can help them through their education and career.” – Remi Shendell, participant, First Tee Scholar

3. Mentors teach the importance of active listening

Not only do they offer support, but they show how valuable it can be to listen to someone in both good and bad times.

“Coach Mary Beth McGirr has been a major influence in my life, helping me with golf and with learning critical life skills that will aid me throughout my life. She took me under her wing and has been a shining example for me to follow. Additionally, as a woman, she has been an amazing mentor and example of a strong, confident female for me to look up to and admire. Coach Mary Beth has been one of my biggest fans and encourages me to do my best. She takes time to talk about my golf, life, family and personal struggles. She has been an excellent example of a strong leader and businesswoman who consistently gives back to the game and the community.” –  Alyssa Caraballo, The First Tee of Roanoke Valley

4. Mentors guide students to lead by example

It’s easy to tell someone what to do, but more impactful to give students the tools and examples they need to come to their own solutions.

“Coach Donnie Caldwell, PGA has given me great advice with my golf but more importantly, in my life. He has told me ‘make choices today that you’ll be proud of tomorrow.’ I used to just make choices that seemed the easiest or most convenient. But now I take time to think about those big decisions and how my choices may also affect others. Without him and his advice, I don’t know where I would be with my life, and that’s scary. He has made me a better person and he has shown me how to make the most of my life.” – Braxton Caldwell, First Tee of Pine Mountain

As you can see, the impact of a great mentor is one of our strongest tools in life. Our mentors work to guarantee students that there is someone who cares about them and who will assure them they are not alone in dealing with challenges. Offered at more than 1,200 locations, our program was developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and is delivered by trained coaches, or as our participants say— mentors! 

Check with your local chapter about how you can become a mentor to a junior golfer in your community.

Quick 9: Denise W

Mentoring

Denise W, First Tee – San Francisco 

1. Why is mentorship important?

It’s easy to get lost and overwhelmed, especially since we now live in an extremely fast-paced world where expectations for us are very high, so having a mentor to guide us through our development process is definitely reassuring.

2. What makes someone a good mentor?

Listening and being able to communicate effectively are qualities that make someone a good mentor. With such qualities, a mentor will be able to offer constructive feedback which will aid in a mentee’s future development.

3. Who has been an impactful mentor to you?

My mom has definitely been the most impactful mentor for me.

4. What have you learned from her/him?

From my mom, I learned that no matter what the circumstances are, hard work pays off. My mom immigrated to the U.S. in hopes to find better future prospects for the family and despite not knowing any English, she still continued to work hard in the U.S. to achieve her goals. In the end, all of her hard work and efforts paid off because she was able to provide the basic necessities for our family and grant my siblings and I access to a higher education.

5. How did/does your mentor help encourage you?

My mom always tells me, “Don’t be afraid of failure. Just go for it!” These are words that I will always remember because they encourage me to try new things, even if I don’t necessarily succeed. It’s a way of telling me that failure is a learning experience and if I fail, I can keep trying.

6. Have you grown as a result of your mentor?

Yes, I have grown as a result of my mom. Her guidance has helped me become more disciplined and more open to new experiences and opportunities. Without her, I don’t think I would be the person I am today.

7. What would it mean to you to become a mentor? Or Do you serve as a mentor at your chapter or any other capacity?

For me, being a mentor is very meaningful and fulfilling because not only am I able to help others, I am also able to develop myself further as a leader.

8. Do you have any advice on how to choose the best mentor in your life?

Find someone who cares about you and is willing to take the time out of their busy day to listen to your needs and help you.

9. What has First Tee taught you about mentorship?

First Tee has taught me that both the mentor and mentee are learners. Both rely on each other as a resource for new perspectives and knowledge. It’s not a one way relationship where only the mentor is helping the mentee.

Quick 9: Ricky L.

Mentoring

Ricky L., First Tee – Tri Valley

1. Why is mentorship important?

Mentorship is important because it allows a chain of knowledge and wisdom from years of experience from mentors to be passed down to mentees, unlocking their potential. Mentorship gives underprivileged students guidance to take control of their own life.

2. What makes someone a good mentor?

A great mentor is someone who has as much common ground with the mentee as possible, such as similar circumstances, college, passions, and career trajectory. More importantly, a great mentor actively listens to the mentee, providing insightful feedback, advice, or opportunities in return.

3. Who has been an impactful mentor to you?

The mentor I have been paired with from the First Tee Scholarship, Jim Smith from Morgan Stanley, has been an amazing mentor, a key guide through all my academic, career, and spiritual difficulties.

4. What have you learned from her/him?

Through our monthly discussions together over the past year, Mr. Smith has given me an abundance of wisdom from his years of experience in becoming a Senior Wealth Portfolio Manager. Also, his advice has helped me get past my choice paralysis in deciding career pathways and majors in college.

5. How did/does your mentor help encourage you?

When I hear about Mr. Smith’s stories of his journey in finding, developing, and maintaining both a loyal client basis and talented team through ups and downs, I am inspired. Additionally, Mr. Smith provides so many life tools, advice, and books/video recommendations to help me stay on a healthy path and achieve career goals.

6. Have you grown as a result of your mentor?

Because of Mr. Smith, I have learned to prioritize my different goals and face my reality with a clear mind. Although remaining open to life, I truly want to serve the world, my community, and my family while also pursuing my passions in computer science, finance, and fitness.

7. What would it mean to you to become a mentor? Or Do you serve as a mentor at your chapter or any other capacity?

Being a mentor to someone is a true honor to me because I can impact someone’s life so personally. I am in Harvard’s Chinese Student Association, and as a sophomore, I am a mentor to freshmen paired with me. Although it can be worrying wondering if you are providing value to your mentees, remember that simply listening and sharing your experience can help them out.

8. Do you have any advice on how to choose the best mentor in your life?

Be open to all mentors, even if they may not align with you in certain aspects such as passions, hobbies, career path, or academic major. Hearing a different perspective may change your mind and open new pathways that you may have not considered. Listen to what your mentor truly has to say and keep asking questions.

9. What has First Tee taught you about mentorship?

First Tee has taught me that mentorship comes from a genuine care to better the world and your community, and that most often, mentees become mentors to future generations. Mentorship keeps the spirit of the First Tee alive as older students come back to volunteer their time to help their chapters.

Looking Back on the First Tee Leadership Summit

This August, we held our first ever First Tee Leadership Summit in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana. This event took place for two weeks, bringing together 20 teens each week from across the country to develop leadership skills through dynamic outdoor and team-building activities. Through collaborative workshops, First Tee’s core competencies of building character, self-confidence and resilience played a huge part of the experience, to explore the concepts of relationship building, positive risk taking, and character evaluation. We recently caught up with participant Benjamin Parris from First Tee – Denver to hear how this year’s event impacted him.

Benjamin Parris, First Tee – Denver

In Denver, I often hear the amazing experiences fellow participants have when they return from First Tee national events. Until the first week of August 2021, I had never experienced one for myself and I was not quite sure what to expect when I was selected for The First Tee Leadership Summit in Partnership with the PGA TOUR Superstore at Mr. Arthur M. Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana. As soon as I arrived at the airport, I knew it would be a special week as I was immediately greeted by fellow participants and alumni chaperones. When we arrived at West Creek, even more participants were eager to greet us and introduce themselves. I knew I had formed relationships almost immediately, and those only got better as the week went on. At the summit, we got to participate in activities such as horseback riding, archery, white water rafting, and other spectacular outdoor experiences. Also, during our days, we had the opportunities to listen to guest speakers like Dick Sullivan (CEO of the PGA TOUR Superstore), Ralph Stokes (the PGA TOUR Superstore’s Director of Partnership Marketing and former University of Alabama running back), Joe Shepard (a PGA TOUR Superstore Regional Manager), Stacie Monks (a PGA TOUR Superstore District Manager), and our keynote speaker Michael Vick (former NFL quarterback). We learned lessons in values, teamwork, skill sets, representation, and more. Each day at the summit had a different theme. Our themes were: “relationships are the foundation for leadership,” “positive risk taking,” and “my character is me.” While our speakers were able to give us insightful words and stories on these themes, we learned just as much from our outdoor experiences as we did from our speakers. On Tuesday, we focused on relationships and how trust is the foundation of every successful relationship. After hearing from Dick Sullivan and Michael Vick, six participants, including myself, departed for the ropes course while everyone else elected to horseback ride. When we arrived, we immediately had to build a relationship as we picked partners to ascend on a partner climb up a 30-foot wooden ladder. My partner Sam Gibbs from the First Tee of Fort Worth deserves a quick shoutout for putting her trust in me all week from the second we became partners at the ropes course. On Wednesday, we worked on taking positive risks. My first risk of the day was waking up at 6:30 after a late night to go on a sunrise hike. Let me tell you, the views in Montana were spectacular, it was very much worth the risk of not sleeping in. Later that day I took another risk by going on a 3-hour horseback excursion, by far the longest I had ever been near another animal, besides my dog at home. My biggest takeaway from learning about positive risks were to approach people who think differently than you so you can challenge your own thinking and to seek out your own mentorships. On Thursday, our final full day at the summit, we did a lot of self-reflection while thinking about how to own our characters. Stacie Monks began the day after another gorgeous sunrise hike. She posed the following question to all the participants. “What type of leader do you want to be?” She went onto discuss how to create a culture when you are leading others and how to empower them. Later that morning we had perhaps the hardest task of the entire summit, but also to me the most impactful. We were asked to complete this phrase. “This is what I believe about myself as a leader…” This wasn’t a simple sentence to complete, and to really answer the question, it required more than just a few sentences. To complete the thought, I had to reflect upon all the things I had been through that week at West Creek. I had to think about climbing with a partner, taking leaps of faith, the inspiration I had received from our speakers and workshops, and what I had learned from all the people around me. Later that evening, we sat around the fire pit as we listened and shared all 18 of us has discovered about ourselves as leaders. My favorite part of the leadership summit was the comradery all of the participants formed. I got the opportunity to make 17 new friends, who over the course of the week felt like family. I know that I’ll be keeping in touch with them for years and years to come and can’t wait until I can see them again. For me, the week made me feel like a true member of the greater First Tee family. I had never met a fellow participant from outside of Colorado, but now I feel like I’m connected to the First Tee everywhere I go. I can’t wait to stay involved with the program as I go to college and beyond. I want to thank the First Tee, PGA TOUR Superstore and West Creek Ranch staff one final time for giving me what was truly a life changing experience. The programming was phenomenal, and the experiences were irreplicable. I came back home truly knowing what type of leader I am and how I can continue to grow as a leader. I can’t wait to apply what I learned in Montana to our local programs in Denver as well as other extracurriculars I participate in. I feel honored that I was a part of the inaugural summit.

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 11th 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)