Blog – First Tee – Greater San Antonio

From shy camper to confident coach: Rebeka Filko’s First Tee journey

Thirty-six girls attended the 2026 First Tee Girls' Academy, with a welcome dinner at TPC Sawgrass.

When Rebeka Filko first stepped onto a First Tee – Sarasota/Manatee golf course, she was 6 years old, newly arrived from Slovakia and barely spoke a word of English. Her family was in town visiting from overseas, and her parents signed Rebeka and her sister up for Girls’ Golf Summer Camp.

Nine years later, Rebeka is one of her chapter’s most dedicated junior coaches, a varsity golf team captain and one of this year’s First Tee Girls’ Academy participants.

“I genuinely don’t think I would’ve achieved even half the things I have done if it wasn’t for First Tee,” she said.

Finding her voice

Now a high school sophomore, Rebeka describes herself as a reserved kid growing up — so quiet that many of her classmates didn’t even realize she spoke English. First Tee became the place where that started to change, she said.

“The coaches were always so open and bubbly, and they gave me the confidence to keep opening up,” Rebeka said. She decided she had two choices: stay quiet or push herself to connect with new people. She chose the latter, a decision she credits with reshaping far more than her golf game.

Rebeka began volunteering as a junior coach at age 12 and now does so nearly every Saturday morning, helping lead games, teach fundamentals and keep classes on track.

Leadership on and off the course

Rebeka’s drive to serve others extends well beyond the golf course. She was central to launching the girls’ golf team at her middle school, helping to recruit and mentor teammates who had never picked up a club before.

She now holds a leadership role in her school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter and volunteers with her church’s children’s ministry, where she says she’s learned what it really means to make someone feel seen.

She further honed her leadership skills at the First Tee Girls’ Academy, where female mentors led workshops on topics like networking, building confidence and advocating for yourself and others.

Rebeka aims to become a pediatric surgeon, a goal she’s already building toward with advanced coursework in math and science. She sees a direct line between that ambition and her years at First Tee.

“Because of First Tee, I found my voice,” she said. “It gave me the confidence to build friendships with people that are now some of the best people, I have become a coach and even taken on leadership positions that I would have never even thought about.”

Learn more about the First Tee Girls’ Academy and find a First Tee chapter near you.

Attendees at the First Tee Girls' Academy pose with speaker Katie Goepel of the PGA Tour.

First Tee Girls’ Academy helps teen girls build confidence and leadership through golf

36 girls from across the U.S. gather in Ponte Vedra Beach to connect with female executives from PGA Tour, Johnson & Johnson, CapTech and more

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 8, 2026) – Thirty-six teens have gathered in Ponte Vedra Beach for the five-day program designed to help girls build self-confidence, expand their networks and learn to advocate for themselves and others — on the golf course and beyond. The annual female empowerment event will feature a golf activity, volunteer project and interactive sessions with keynote speakers.

During the event, participants take part in a golf activity alongside adult female mentors in a variety of fields, engage in interactive workshops facilitated by leaders at the PGA Tour, Johnson & Johnson and CapTech and take part in a volunteer opportunity at the Delores Barr Weaver Therapeutic Equestrian Center.

“First Tee is proud to offer an event to teen girls across our network who are learning about themselves, leadership and making lifelong connections through the game,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “This event – in its ninth year – continues to be an important time for us to surround them with powerful female leaders and mentors who share their journeys and inspire these teens toward meaningful futures.”

The program reinforces First Tee’s commitment to empowering girls through its programs, which are offered through 150 chapters across the country. Most First Tee chapters provide dedicated programming for girls, intentionally inviting and engaging them in a variety of opportunities.

“The First Tee Girls’ Academy is a vital initiative that helps young women build confidence, strengthen their leadership skills, and create meaningful connections,” said Katie Goepel, PGA Tour Vice President of Executive & Business Operations and a keynote speaker at the event. “I am honored to be part of this program, particularly because I have benefited from the guidance and support of so many great leaders and mentors throughout my career. Having the opportunity to pay that forward and help inspire the next generation of leaders is a privilege.”

Participants were selected for the First Tee Girls’ Academy through a national application process based on essays, letters of recommendation and involvement in First Tee and other activities. It is one of a full slate of participant events, ranging from golf tournaments to leadership workshops. For more information, visit https://firsttee.org.

First Tee congratulates Ambassador, alumnus Austin Smotherman on first PGA Tour victory

The former First Tee – Greater Sacramento participant won the Bank of Utah Championship at Black Desert Resort

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 7, 2026) – First Tee congratulates Austin Smotherman on his first PGA Tour victory at the Bank of Utah Championship, held October 1-4 at Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah. Smotherman finished 26-under, claiming the title by two strokes in his 100th career Tour start.

Smotherman’s road to the winner’s circle traces back to First Tee – Greater Sacramento, where he spent 10 years as a participant, beginning at age 7. The lessons in resilience and character he developed through the program have remained part of his approach to the game and to competition.

“[First Tee – Greater Sacramento] gave me everything, all the belief from such an early age, just that you’re going to be a good person, good human, and go use this game for a lot more than just cashing a check every week playing professionally,” Smotherman said in a post-tournament news conference.

Since signing on as First Tee’s inaugural Brand Ambassador in 2022, he’s led clinics, represented First Tee in interviews and displayed the nonprofit’s logo on his golf bag. This summer, Smotherman hosted a clinic for participants at the Game Changers Academy at the 3M Open, sharing his experience with the next generation of junior golfers.

“On behalf of everyone at First Tee, I extend my warmest congratulations to Austin for his victory at the Bank of Utah Championship,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “His story reflects exactly what First Tee strives to instill in young people. Over the last decade, he has demonstrated perseverance, patience and character on and off the course.”

Smotherman’s win secures him a two-year PGA Tour exemption and moves him to No. 51 in the FedExCup Fall Standings.

First Tee Ambassadors include Smotherman, professional golfer Alex Smalley, First Tee – Miami alumna and actor Kathryn Newton and actor Michael Pena.

What fall tryouts teach us about resilience

October means fall sports tryouts are wrapping up in gyms, fields and golf courses across the country — and for every roster that gets posted, there are kids who didn’t hear their name called. For parents, that moment can stir up lots of feelings. It can also provide a valuable learning opportunity.

At First Tee, we see failure as a First Attempt In Learning. Even the very best golfers lost more than they win, and our coaches have seen plenty of missed putts and unlucky bounces. What we’ve learned is that how a child responds to disappointment matters more than the disappointment itself.

“Resilience isn’t something young people discover after a setback,” said Kristin Westberg, senior director of program evaluation. “It’s something we build into our curriculum with intention at First Tee, so they are prepared to approach these moments proactively rather than simply react to them.”

A teenage boy hits an iron during a golf tournament.

Let them feel it before you fix it. It’s tempting to jump straight to solutions like private lessons, extra practice or a pep talk. But it can be beneficial to give disappointment a few moments to exist. At First Tee, we call this “Growing through Challenge,” and it’s one of the key commitments are participants make to themselves. Kids who are allowed to feel frustration without a parent rushing to smooth it over tend to process it faster, not slower.

Reframe the setback before it becomes the story. In a child’s mind, “I didn’t make the team” can quickly translate into “I’m not good enough.” You can help interrupt that train of thought with questions like:

What went well in tryouts?

What can we work on for next time?

What other opportunities could this open?

Separate effort from outcome, out loud. A tryout result is one data point on one day. Help your child set some goals within their control. For example, there’s no guarantee they’ll make the golf team on their next try, but they can still feel proud if they meet their standards – whether that means hitting 200 balls per week in practice or committing to a consistent pre-shot routine.

Treat resilience as a skill. It might feel like some kids are naturally more positive or less competitive than others. But just because your child takes their sport seriously doesn’t mean they can’t learn to make the most of setbacks. Resilience isn’t a personality trait but a learned skill. Encouraging your child to take healthy risks, especially when success isn’t guaranteed, can show them it’s not only alright to fail or make mistakes, but it’s inevitable. You’re giving your child a gift by teaching them to cope with the resulting feelings when the stakes are low.

Tryout season ends. But the skill of bouncing back will always be useful.

First Tee teaches concepts like FAIL and other meaningful life skills through golf at more than 1,500 program locations across the country. Find a location near you or support our efforts by becoming a First Tee Ambassador.

First Tee – Greater San Antonio Participants Selected for 2026 Innovators Forum

First Tee – Greater San Antonio is proud to announce that Israel “Izzy” Garcia and Leo Uresti have been selected to participate in the 2026 First Tee Innovators Forum, a leadership experience that brings together teen participants from across the First Tee network to develop meaningful service projects and create positive change in their communities.

The Innovators Forum will take place Nov. 15–19 in Amelia Island, Florida, bringing together 32 First Tee participants ages 14–18 who have demonstrated leadership, a commitment to service and a desire to make a difference in their communities.

The five-day experience is designed to equip and empower young leaders with the tools to turn their ideas into action. Through interactive workshops, small group sessions, mentorship from industry leaders and team-building activities, participants will collaborate with their peers to identify challenges in their communities and develop service projects focused on areas such as education, health, human rights and environmental sustainability.

For Izzy, being selected for the Innovators Forum is another opportunity to build on the growth and experiences he has had through First Tee while continuing to pursue his dream of becoming a professional golfer.

“Being selected means a lot to me and my journey because First Tee has offered me so many opportunities to grow as a person and chase my dream of becoming a professional golfer,” said Israel “Izzy” Garcia. “I’m excited for the opportunity to meet my peers, share ideas and learn other ways to make a positive impact in our communities.”

Leo is also looking forward to connecting with other young leaders and learning from the different perspectives they bring to the forum.

“I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this forum and have the chance to meet new people and exchange new ideas,” said Leo Uresti.

Following the forum, Izzy and Leo will have six months to implement their service projects in their communities. Participants will receive continued support through two virtual check-ins and mentorship, with final project reports due in May 2027.

The Innovators Forum provides First Tee participants with an opportunity to develop leadership skills that extend beyond the golf course while connecting with a network of peers who share their passion for service and positive change.

First Tee – Greater San Antonio is proud to have Izzy and Leo represent the chapter at this year’s forum and looks forward to seeing the ideas they bring back to San Antonio.

How First Tee – Greater Pasadena found support after the Eaton Fire

First Tee - Greater Pasadena hosted community events for families impacted by wildfires

When the Eaton Fire swept through Altadena in January 2025, it left a lasting mark on the First Tee – Greater Pasadena community.

More than a year later, recovery is still underway. Some families have had no choice but to sell their homes and relocate. Local estimates suggest some homes in the area will not be rebuilt until 2028, and Altadena Golf Course remains unusable. As First Tee – Greater Pasadena program director Mark Fritz put it, “the community still has need for us as a chapter to provide our services and resources to families.”

Facing the loss of a program site and roughly $30,000 in equipment and supplies stored at Altadena Golf Course, the chapter moved quickly. Programming was paused for just two weeks before relocating to other local courses and parks less affected by the fire, including Brookside Golf Club and Eaton Canyon Golf Course, which returned to full operation by summer 2025. In total, the chapter relocated 70 percent of its programming and added three new sites, expanding its reach in the process.

Community coming together

Support from The Toro Company’s Growing the Game Through Access & Inclusion Grant played a direct role in that response, helping the chapter replace lost equipment and keep programs running for the families who needed them most. “This grant and funding from other golf organizations and supporters allowed us to not miss a beat,” Fritz said.

First Tee - Pasadena provided backpacks of gear to families impacted by wildfires

With support from The Toro Company, the chapter also used existing community touchpoints to reach displaced families. Through backpack giveaway events at the Rose Bowl and National Night Out, First Tee – Greater Pasadena has connected with families affected by the Eaton Fire and those attending Title I schools, promoting its program to more than 3,000 families this summer alone.

Nearby First Tee chapters across Southern California also stepped in to help: First Tee – Los Angeles offered programming space, while First Tee chapters in Orange County, Coachella Valley, San Diego and the Inland Empire organized club drives to help replace equipment for kids who lost gear in the fire. Local country clubs hosted donation days where members brought in used clubs, and Roger Dunn Golf Shops cut them down to fit young players. East West Bank funded a clinic and lunch for families who lost their homes, with more than 100 people attending the free event.

“This event demonstrated a very strong community collaboration involving the First Tee network and chapter supporters,” said First Tee – Greater Pasadena master executive director Bob Baderian.

Looking ahead

First Tee – Greater Pasadena is now planning to extend its reach further into the community it serves. In 2026, the chapter will launch a golf program with the Pasadena Unified School District, piloting at San Rafael Elementary with fifth graders. The program will culminate in a golf clinic at Brookside and a tour of the Rose Bowl. The chapter plans to bring the model to two to three additional PUSD elementary schools in 2026.

None of this recovery happened in isolation. From The Toro Company’s grant support to donated time, space and equipment from nearby chapters, businesses and community organizations across Southern California, First Tee – Greater Pasadena’s response to the Eaton Fire reflects what the chapter’s leaders describe as the strength of the First Tee community. As the Altadena community continues its long rebuild, that network of support remains in place.

Winners of Greater Pasadena's Chapter Cup pose at Brookside Golf Course

Naomi Raymundo of First Tee – Monterey County and Charlie Haney of First Tee – Manhattan win pro-junior titles at 2026 PURE Insurance Championship

Raymundo and Haney were paired with pros Stewart Cink and Rory Sabbatini respectively

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2026) – After a week of exciting competition and personal growth, Naomi Raymundo of Salinas, California, and Charlie Haney of Manhattan, Kansas, are the junior winners of the 2026 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, an official PGA Tour Champions event, which concluded Sunday at Pebble Beach.

Both junior winners came from behind to claim victory. Raymundo and Cink recorded a final round 64 to finish 18-under for the tournament. They won the pro-junior girls’ title in a scorecard playoff. Haney and Sabbatini fired a final round 59 to finish 22-under, taking the pro-junior boys’ trophy by one stroke.

For nearly 25 years, the PURE Insurance Championship has provided First Tee participants with the unique opportunity to showcase the golf and life skills they’ve gained through the program. Held at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, the tournament pairs 80 standout teens with PGA Tour Champions players and amateurs from the business community. The annual event was broadcast internationally on Golf Channel.

“The 80 First Tee juniors who competed this week demonstrated perseverance, character and exceptional talent on the course,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We congratulate Naomi and Charlie on their outstanding victory. We are sincerely grateful to PURE Insurance, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, PGA Tour Champions, Golf Channel and all of our generous partners for helping make this an unforgettable experience for our participants.”

Raymundo is a 17-year-old high school senior with a 3.91 GPA, and the only girl on her high school golf team. She is active in her community, recording more than 400 service hours in 2025. She is a junior coach for Special Olympics and First Tee – Monterey County, where she has been involved for 10 years. Raymundo is the second Monterey County participant to claim the pro-junior girls’ title in the last three years, after Nicole Iniakov and Ernie Els teamed up for victory in 2024.

Raymundo said she was “on the edge of my seat” while waiting for the final groups to finish. “There were so many thoughts going through my head: Pebble Beach, PURE Insurance,” she said. “This tournament is something I’ve wanted to do for so many years.”

First Tee – Monterey County participants cheered her on Sunday, following the final group up the fairway. “It shows how much of a family we are,” she said. “It shows how much of a connection we have, just how much we support each other at First Tee – Monterey County.”

Haney is a 16-year-old high school junior with an impressive golf resume. Currently No. 32 in the AJGA rankings, he is committed to play collegiate golf at Ole Miss. Haney competed at the Drive, Chip & Putt finals at Augusta in 2023. Haney has a special tie to PGA Tour Champions, having spent time with Manhattan resident Jim Colbert before he passed earlier this year.

“I got to play two amazing golf courses, and this was the best week,” Haney said. “I got to spend time with my dad and all the First Tee participants. I had such a great time with them and met some amazing people.”

Haney has been playing golf for 12 years. “That’s how I grew up through the game was First Tee,” he said. “In summer I’d be up there day until night, and that’s just where I remember being younger and having so much fun. I think that’s why First Tee is so important to me. I’ve had so much fun and learned so many things.”

During the week, First Tee’s partners PURE Insurance and Chevron celebrated their commitment to First Tee’s mission and raised additional funds to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program through special events. The program pairs select First Tee alumni with a mentor and provides professional development workshops and financial assistance throughout their college experience.

This week, leaders from PURE Insurance surprised Nyah Roccamonte-Clark of First Tee – Metropolitan New York with an invitation to become the newest member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program.

First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

To access photos from the event, visit here. For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com. To learn more about First Tee and see the full field list, visit FirstTee.org.

First Tee camp turned into a lifelong passion for this PURE Insurance Championship junior

Nyah Roccamonte-Clark joined her first First Tee summer camp at 5.

Many First Tee participants work for years to earn a spot in the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs golf legends and business leaders with First Tee juniors for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

First Tee juniors are selected for the field based on their golf skills and their commitment to developing life skills through First Tee. One participant who excels in both areas is Nyah Roccamonte-Clark of First Tee – Metropolitan New York.

Nyah’s path to golf began at 5, when her grandparents, who worked at Plainfield West Nine in Edison, New Jersey, enrolled her in the course’s First Tee program so she could spend her summer there while her mother worked. That early exposure sparked a passion that has carried Nyah through every stage of First Tee, from participant to volunteer to junior coach, and now to an internship with the chapter, where she logs 15 to 20 hours per week mentoring younger players.

On the course, Nyah is the top player on her high school team, and she finished 15^th at the 2026 First Tee National Championship at the University of North Carolina’s Finley Golf Club. She’s committed to play collegiate golf at Monmouth University, a Division I school in West Long Branch, New Jersey.

Off the course, she completed 225 hours of community service last year, while participating in her school’s STEM Connections Club and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She credits First Tee coach Chris Jefferys with teaching her patience and self-trust, lessons she says have reshaped how she competes and carries herself both in golf and in life. She aspires to pursue a career in sports psychology.

On Thursday, PURE Insurance Championship executives surprised Nyah with an invitation to join the First Tee College Scholarship Program during an event at The Hay.

PURE Insurance has been the title sponsor of the PURE Insurance Championship since 2017 and is a dedicated partner of the First Tee College Scholarship Program.

“The First Tee juniors are what make this tournament so meaningful for all of us at PURE,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “Nyah is an exceptional young woman who stands out for her character, leadership and commitment to others. We’re excited to support her and watch as she continues to pursue her goals.”

Follow this week’s PURE Insurance Championship online and on Golf Channel.

Nyah Roccamonte-Clark and Martin Leitch of PURE Insurance pose for a photo during the PURE Insurance Championship

First Tee – Greater San Antonio Teens Selected for 2026 Innovators Forum

First Tee – Greater San Antonio is proud to announce that Israel “Izzy” Garcia and Leo Uresti have been selected to participate in the 2026 First Tee Innovators Forum, taking place November 15-19 in Amelia Island, Florida.

The First Tee Innovators Forum brings together passionate teens from across the First Tee chapter network who share a desire to learn, collaborate and make a positive impact. Through interactive workshops, small-group sessions and conversations with industry leaders, participants explore how innovation and problem-solving can be used to address real challenges in their communities.

Throughout the forum, teens will develop a meaningful community service project focused on education, health, human rights or environmental sustainability. Participants will learn from case studies featuring organizations such as CapTech and Constellation, then use those lessons to develop and pitch their own service project ideas.

The opportunity has already created meaningful impact for First Tee – Greater San Antonio. Last year, teen participant Tim Petter took what he learned through the Innovators Forum and turned inspiration into action by organizing a community blood drive in partnership with the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center.

Inspired by a fellow Innovators Forum participant who had organized a successful blood drive, Tim shifted his original project idea and chose to focus on saving lives.

“Knowing my efforts in putting this blood drive together can help save lives really helped inspire me in my choice of my project,” Tim said.

The blood drive marked an important milestone for First Tee – Greater San Antonio, serving as the organization’s first blood drive since December 2020. With 23 community members signed up to donate, the drive exceeded its goal of 18 units by collecting 20 whole blood donations, reaching 111% of its goal. Each whole blood donation can potentially help save up to three lives, meaning Tim’s project had the potential to impact as many as 60 people.

Tim credits First Tee – Greater San Antonio for helping him turn his idea into reality.

“I wouldn’t have a location if Ms. Carrie Kimbell hadn’t graciously let me host it at the First Tee. Coach Steve Lennon has been an amazing encourager, helping me with both minor and major details of the blood drive. The First Tee has helped me be more confident in myself and my skills. I wouldn’t be able to tackle this project without their support.”

The project demonstrated exactly what the Innovators Forum is designed to accomplish: giving teens the tools, support and confidence to identify a need in their community and create a plan to address it.

For Izzy, being selected for this year’s forum represents another meaningful opportunity in his First Tee journey.

“Being selected means a lot to me and my journey because First Tee has offered me so many opportunities to grow as a person and chase my dream of becoming a professional golfer,” Izzy said. “I’m excited for the opportunity to meet my peers and to share ideas, and learn other ways to make a positive impact in our communities.”

Leo is equally excited to connect with fellow participants and learn from their experiences.

“I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this Forum, and have the chance to meet new people, and exchange new ideas,” Leo said.

The Innovators Forum focuses on two key commitments: collaborating with others and pursuing goals. Participants will strengthen their ability to communicate the purpose of their community service projects while developing problem-solving skills they can apply both academically and professionally.

The experience also gives teens the opportunity to learn directly from industry leaders and turn ideas into action. Past Innovators Forum projects have included environmental sustainability initiatives, mental health awareness campaigns and inclusive golf programs designed to reach underserved populations.

The impact can continue long after the forum concludes. Teens who develop and execute some of the most impactful projects have the opportunity to earn stipends to support their educational goals after high school. In 2024 alone, more than $25,000 in stipends were awarded to participants.

For Tim, the Innovators Forum became a defining experience of his 2025 First Tee journey.

“Meeting people from across the country from different First Tees was so fun. The Innovators Forum was my highlight of 2025.”

Now, Izzy and Leo will have the opportunity to build on that legacy as they represent First Tee – Greater San Antonio at the 2026 Innovators Forum in Amelia Island, Florida, November 15-19. Their selection is an opportunity to continue developing the leadership, collaboration and problem-solving skills that will serve them both on and off the course while exploring new ways to make a difference in their communities.

First Tee – Greater San Antonio is proud to see Izzy and Leo take this next step in their First Tee journeys and looks forward to seeing the ideas they bring to life.

How Logan Cassidy’s grandfather put him on the path to the PURE Insurance Championship

The box of scorecards Logan received from his grandfather, commemorating their time on the course

Every golfer has a story about how they fell in love with the game. For Logan Cassidy, a participant with First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, that story starts with his grandfather – and it lives on in a shoebox full of scorecards.

Last Christmas, Logan’s grandfather gave him an unexpected gift: a box containing every scorecard from the rounds the two had played together over the years. It wasn’t just a record of scores. Tucked alongside the numbers were his grandfather’s handwritten notes, marking the shots Logan hit that he thought were special.

“It was a really thoughtful gift with a lot of memories,” Logan said.

It’s fitting, because Logan’s grandfather is the reason he found First Tee. He was a close friend of First Tee – Greater Philadelphia’s board president and encouraged Logan to get involved when he was just 7. From there, Logan was hooked, both on the game and on the community of kids he found through the program.

“First Tee has introduced me to great people, who also love to play golf, be around the game and care about people,” said Logan, who aspires to play collegiate golf and study business.

Nearly a decade later, Logan is one of First Tee – Greater Philadelphia’s most active participants. A senior at Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, he splits his time between a rigorous course load, a competitive golf schedule and deep involvement at his chapter, where he works at John F. Byrne Golf Course and coaches younger players.

That combination of commitment and character caught the attention of his chapter, which nominated him for one of First Tee’s most prestigious opportunities: a spot in the 2026 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, September 18-20 at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

A scorecard from one of their golf outings, that notes not only their scores, but also a shot whereLogan birdied from the bunker

As he prepares to represent First Tee – Greater Philadelphia on a national stage, Logan carries with him the life skills and values the program has instilled over the last decade. Three holes-in-one, countless practice sessions in every kind of weather and a shoebox of scorecards later, the game that started with his grandfather is now taking Logan to the Pebble Beach.

The PURE Insurance Championship pairs First Tee juniors with PGA TOUR Champions legends and leaders from the business world for a week of competition and mentorship. The tournament is broadcast on Golf Channel.

Find a First Tee program near you.

Jack Polansky Completes First Tee ACE Program with a Perfect Score

First Tee – Greater San Antonio is proud to celebrate participant Jack Polansky for completing the First Tee ACE Program, the organization’s highest level of achievement, with a perfect score.

Jack’s accomplishment represents more than three years of dedication, hard work, reflection and personal growth. Throughout the ACE Program, participants complete a series of projects and requirements designed to help them develop important life skills and prepare for success both on and off the golf course.

“I am so proud of myself for completing my ACE project!” Jack said. “This was a goal that I set for myself when I first started in the First Tee program and represents over three years worth of work. I learned a lot about myself through all the different projects, reflections and requirements.”

Jack said one of the most meaningful parts of his ACE journey was the relationships he developed along the way.

“My favorite part of working on the ACE project was developing relationships with my ACE mentors, Gabby Rangel-Moreno and Maija Tanberg,” he said. “They really helped me become the best version of myself these past three years, and I know we will be in each other’s lives for a long time.”

Throughout all four of his ACE projects, Jack demonstrated the determination and attention to detail that ultimately helped him achieve a perfect score.

“Throughout his ACE Project, he faced challenges across all four projects, but his attention to detail and perseverance never wavered,” said Maija Tanberg. “He worked hard to make sure everything was just right before submitting, and that dedication paid off with a PERFECT score! What an incredible accomplishment!”

Tanberg added that Jack’s determination and commitment have been evident throughout his time with First Tee – Greater San Antonio.

“We are so proud of Jack here at First Tee – Greater San Antonio, and anyone who knows Jack knows just how awesome and determined he is,” she said. “We know he will do amazing things during his first year of college and in all the years to come!”

In recognition of his accomplishment, First Tee – Greater San Antonio awarded Jack a $3,000 scholarship check for completing the ACE Program.

“I would also like to thank First Tee – Greater San Antonio for the generous scholarship money for completing my ACE project!” Jack said. “First Tee really set me up for success in college and in life.”

Congratulations to Jack on this incredible accomplishment and on completing the First Tee ACE Program with a perfect score. We are proud to have been part of his journey and look forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in college and beyond.

Talking to your child about new teachers, classrooms and nerves

New school year, new teachers, new classrooms, new seat assignments, maybe even a new school altogether. For a lot of kids, all that “new” adds up to one familiar feeling: nerves.

As parents, it’s tempting to smooth things over with a quick, “You’ll be fine!” But some of the most valuable conversations happen when we slow down and make space for nervousness instead of rushing past it.

Honesty and respect are two of the lessons First Tee coaches aim to instill on the golf course, and they can be really valuable when it comes to addressing nerves heading into a new school year.

Encourage honest conversations

On the course, coaches encourage kids to be honest about their score, even when nobody’s watching and even when the number is not what they hoped for. That same kind of honesty is useful at the kitchen table in August.

Asking open-ended questions that inspire thoughtfulness can help kids better understand and process their feelings about a new school year. Try questions like:

“What’s one change you’re looking forward to about the new school year?”
“What’s one thing that feels a little uncertain right now?”

Honesty goes both ways in these conversations. Kids pick up when parents are anxious too — about carpool logistics, new schedules, a PTA role. Naming your own small uncertainties shows that nerves are normal and nothing to hide.

One important thing for parents to remember is that change is part of growing up, not a problem to fix. Show respect for your child’s feelings with phrases like:

“It’s normal that this doesn’t feel easy yet. Most things don’t feel easy on the first try.”
“You don’t have to have this figured out by Friday. Give it a few weeks.”
“Feeling a little nervous doesn’t mean something is wrong. It just means it’s new.”

That kind of language takes the pressure off kids to perform confidence they don’t feel and gives them permission to grow into the new situation the same way they grow into a new golf skill: with repetition, not perfection.

It’s important to teach kids that no one gets everything right. At First Tee, we view failure as the First Attempt In Learning. Mistakes happen and help us improve next time.

The bigger picture

Here are some questions to try in the car or at dinner as your child settles into their new routine:

“What’s something your new teacher does differently than last year?”
“Who did you sit with today and what did you learn about them?”
“What’s one thing you handled today that felt a little hard?”
“How can I help you get ready for tomorrow?”

The goal is not to eliminate their nerves but to help them build a habit of being honest about their feelings, a skill that will serve them into adulthood.

Building a positive self-identity provides kids with confidence to navigate challenges, setbacks and social pressures throughout life. When children learn to see themselves as capable, valued and worthy of respect, they’re more likely to form healthy relationships and take on new opportunities.

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