Category: Life Skills

How golf prepares kids to overcome challenges 

Every golf parent has watched it happen. Your child lines up a putt, swings with confidence and misses. Maybe their shoulders drop. Maybe there’s a frustrated sigh. And in that moment, you might wonder: Is this good for them? 

At First Tee, we’d say yes. 

Golf is one of the few sports that puts a young person face-to-face with failure on almost every hole, and that’s exactly what makes it such a powerful teacher. When kids learn to navigate a missed shot, a bad round or a score that didn’t reflect their effort, they’re building something far more important than their game. They’re building resilience. 

The scorecard doesn’t lie, and golf’s honesty can be uncomfortable at first. But over time, it teaches kids to take ownership of their performance — a life skill that carries far beyond the course. 

At First Tee, our coaches create a safe space where that accountability feels empowering, not defeating. Young people learn that a bad shot isn’t a reflection of who they are. It’s information. It’s an opportunity to adjust, refocus and try again. 

What bouncing back looks like 

Resilience isn’t about pretending failure doesn’t hurt. It’s about developing the tools to move through it. At First Tee, we view failure as a “First Attempt In Learning,” recognizing there’s always a lesson to be gleaned when things don’t go right. 

In First Tee’s curriculum, participants work on skills like emotional regulation, positive self-talk and setting goals, which all come naturally on the course. When a young person learns to take a breath after a bad hole and approach the next tee box with a fresh mindset, they’re practicing exactly the kind of response that will serve them in a tough exam, a difficult friendship or a challenging moment at work someday. 

That kind of reflection doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because coaches are asking the right questions, creating space for young people to process their experiences and grow from them. 

“We’ve watched Blayze transition from reacting to challenges to strategically managing them,” said Landon and Holly Chapman, parents of First Tee – Indiana participant, Blayze Chapman. “By applying the STAR (Stop, Think, Anticipate, Respond) model, he’s replaced frustration with perseverance and judgment. Whether he’s navigating a double-bogey or a heavy academic week, he no longer lets a single moment define his day. He’s learned to ‘reset’ with a level of composure that most adults struggle to maintain, proving that his character is anchored in something much deeper than a scorecard.” 

The role parents play in the process 

Here’s something we hear from families all the time: The lessons don’t stay on the course. While First Tee programming is typically delivered in golf settings, the goal is for parents to see their children handling frustration differently at home, in school and in other activities Our aim is for participants to grow in patience and become more articulate about their feelings. 

Of course, parents play a big role in that. When your child comes home after a tough round, how you respond matters. Instead of jumping to fix the problem or minimize their frustration, try asking open-ended questions: What was the hardest part today? What would you do differently next time? What’s one thing you’re proud of, even if the score wasn’t what you hoped? 

These conversations reinforce what your child is learning at First Tee and help them internalize the idea that struggle is a normal, even necessary, part of growth. 

“Golf has given Blayze a quiet, internal confidence rooted in responsibility and integrity,” said the Chapmans. “Through First Tee, he’s developed the social dexterity to engage with mentors and the self-assurance to lead his peers.” 

To support First Tee and its efforts to teach life skills and values through golf, consider becoming a Donor Ambassador today! 

Izzy Kornmeyer shares the transformative power of golf 

Izzy Kornmeyer didn’t know how to hold a golf club when she started at First Tee – Indiana in 8th grade. Now, as a high school senior and varsity golfer, she can’t stop thinking about the game that has completely changed her life. 

“Golf has changed me for the better, and I am forever grateful for it,” she said. 

Izzy’s golf journey started with Sunday mornings watching her dad and grandpa head out to play. When she decided to try high school golf, her mom signed her up for First Tee, hoping the program would give her daughter the foundation she needed. 

That first tournament was humbling. After top-slicing her opening drive, Izzy shot 110. But instead of giving up, she leaned into the challenge. Several summer tournaments and countless practice sessions later, she returned to that same course and shot 83, proving what dedication and perseverance could accomplish. 

Now Izzy is preparing to play collegiate golf at St. Thomas University in Miami, where she’ll be a first-generation college student. 

Finding her voice 

The transformation wasn’t just about golf scores. Izzy arrived at First Tee as a quiet, uncertain beginner who felt out of her element. Over four years, she evolved into a confident mentor and leader who now helps launch new First Tee – Indiana initiatives through the Leaders In Training Program. 

Her leadership extends far beyond the golf course. Izzy serves on First Tee – Indiana’s Participant Advisory Council and was chosen as a Youth Deacon at Second Presbyterian Church.  

Izzy’s approach to leadership is guided by her faith and the values she’s developed through First Tee. She lives by Matthew 20:26: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” 

“I now understand that true leadership isn’t about being in control,” Izzy said. “It’s about being present, expressing kindness and prioritizing other people before yourself.” 

Whether she’s volunteering in the church nursery, creating encouraging TikTok content or being the first to help others at First Tee – Indiana, Izzy leads with kindness and compassion. 

Making an impact 

When she’s not competing, Izzy is often watching professional golf, practicing and or giving back to others. In 2024, she attended the First Tee Innovators Forum in Phoenix. During the event, participants plan service projects they execute in their communities. Izzy ultimately collected 700 full-sized hygiene products and $500 for the Julian Center, Indiana’s largest organization supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crises. 

Her journey from a nervous beginner who couldn’t grip a club to a confident leader who helps others find their own path proves what First Tee has always known: With the right support, young people can achieve remarkable growth. 

For Izzy, that growth has been about more than improving her golf game. It’s been about discovering her voice and leading with kindness – one shot, one challenge and one act of service at a time. 

From the First Tee to the Boardroom: Stories of Success- Sahara Washington

Some stories begin with a single swing. For Sahara Washington, that swing happened at age three, and it set the course for everything that followed.

At First Tee – Greater San Antonio, we envision a lifelong pathway for every child who walks through our doors. We believe that by nurturing a child’s potential from that very first swing to the boardroom, we are shaping generations of game changers who lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and create a lasting impact. Sahara’s story is proof that this vision is real.

The Beginning: More Than a Game

Sahara grew up in San Antonio, the daughter of two parents who met while serving in the Air Force. Athletics were always a priority in the Washington household. Both of her parents were high school athletes, and they were determined to find a sport that would shape their daughter’s character just as much as her skills. When her father picked up golf and started heading to the range, he brought Sahara along. What happened next surprised even him.

First Tee – Greater San Antonio didn’t normally accept participants under age four. But when staff saw Sahara swing, they made an exception. At three years old, she had something, and the program welcomed her in.

That first tee moment was more than an introduction to a sport. It was the beginning of a journey that would cultivate the character, confidence, and resilience she would carry with her for the rest of her life.

Elementary School: Building a Foundation

In those early years, First Tee wasn’t about competition. It was about community. Sahara remembers it as a place full of kids her age, caring coaches, and the kind of fun that makes a child want to come back every Saturday. The program provided clubs, instruction, and, just as importantly for a young military family, it was free.

“It just really felt like a community,” Sahara recalls. “I still have friends from those early years.”

Her parents enrolled her in local and national tournaments as she grew, and it became clear that Sahara had real talent. But more than winning, she was developing something deeper: a love for the game rooted in joy and belonging, and a growing sense of who she was.

Middle School: The Shift to Serious

By sixth grade, something had changed. Sahara had transferred to a private school where she was the only girl on the golf team, and she was beginning to separate herself in junior golf tournaments. She started working with a private coach. Her parents were investing in her future. And she started doing the math.

“I think I knew in sixth grade that it had switched,” she says. “I knew I could probably get recruited. I knew I could go D1.”

First Tee remained a cornerstone throughout. While her private coaching was intense and her father pushed her hard, First Tee felt different. It was a place of encouragement, not pressure, where coaches asked what could be improved rather than tearing her down. The life skills being woven into every session weren’t just lessons on a curriculum. They were becoming part of who Sahara was.

High School: Pressure, Purpose, and Pebble Beach

High school golf brought a new level of intensity. Recruiting scouts. Tournament pressure. The weight of being a young minority woman in a sport that didn’t always look like her. Some days, the mental game was harder than the physical one.

But First Tee gave her somewhere to exhale.

Sahara brought her high school teammates to Saturday sessions. She earned a spot at First Tee’s national opportunity at Pebble Beach at age 15. She volunteered with the Tiny Tigers program, giving back to the same classes that had shaped her. And through all of it, the life and leadership skills she had been building since age three, including sportsmanship, resilience, gratitude, and confidence, were becoming second nature.

“It really was an escape,” she says. “The First Tee was consistent. It was always a place where I could reinforce healthier habits and be around people who were lifting me up.”

This is what First Tee’s mission looks like in real life: not just teaching kids to play golf, but inspiring them to contribute positively to their teams, their communities, and eventually the world around them.

Her junior year, she won the state championship. Around the same time, she got a call from the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

College: A Full Scholarship and Five Years of Growth

Sahara had always known she wanted to go out West, somewhere warm, somewhere with resources, somewhere that felt right. She wasn’t even sure Hawaii had a university. But when their coaches flew to watch her compete in a Las Vegas tournament, one she won, she knew.

She flew to Honolulu. She committed on the spot.

The University of Hawaii offered her a full athletic scholarship, a life-changing opportunity made possible by years of dedication, discipline, and the kind of character that coaches notice. She went on to play golf at Hawaii for four years, then transferred to a Division II school in Texas for a fifth year while earning her MBA with a focus in international business.

In college, First Tee came with her. Sahara connected with the First Tee chapter in Hawaii and got her teammates involved in volunteering. The values she had carried from San Antonio showed up on the course in entirely new ways, including during 36-hole days in pouring rain, when she was cold, exhausted, and had to dig deep just to finish.

“I’d reflect back on those values,” she says. “I’ve done this before. I’m prepared for this. Trust the training.”

That is resilience. That is what First Tee builds, not just for the golf course, but for every storm life brings.

After the Final Round: A Career Built on Character

Sahara graduated and came home to San Antonio, stepping almost immediately into a professional role. Today she works as a Senior Analyst in supply chain and procurement for CBRE, serving the USAA account. She recently completed her second master’s degree in data science, a testament to the same drive and love of growth that has defined her since she first picked up a club.

She has volunteered with Meals on Wheels. She has mentored others. And she has come full circle in the most meaningful way possible: Sahara Washington now serves on the Board of Directors for First Tee – Greater San Antonio.

The same organization that welcomed a three-year-old who wasn’t quite old enough to join. The same coaches who lifted her up when the game felt heavy. The same Saturday community that helped her become who she is.

“I would not be as successful without the First Tee,” she says. “It guided me through tough times. It made me a better person.”

The Lesson Behind the Legacy

“First Tee to the Boardroom” is more than a phrase. It is a promise that every child who walks through our doors is stepping onto a pathway that extends far beyond the golf course. A pathway built on character, confidence, and resilience. On life skills and leadership. On the belief that how you carry yourself matters just as much as how you play the game.

Sahara Washington is proof that this pathway is real. And she is not the exception. She is the vision, one game changer among many, shaped by a community that believed in her from the very first swing.

Sahara Washington is a board member of First Tee – Greater San Antonio and a Senior Analyst at CBRE. She holds an MBA and an MS in Data Science, and has been a part of the First Tee family for over two decades.

Building confidence and perseverance: A journey from First Tee to cybersecurity

As a participant in First Tee – Delaware, Grace Lombardi said she learned not only the fundamentals of golf but also some of life’s most valuable lessons. Confidence and perseverance are values that have helped Grace overcome obstacles and carve a path into the world of cybersecurity, an industry where women are still a minority.

“Confidence empowered me to take on challenges, whether it was mastering complex security concepts, earning certifications or speaking up in technical discussions,” she said. “At the same time, perseverance kept me moving forward despite obstacles, from overcoming imposter syndrome to pushing through rigorous training and setbacks.”

Grace recently began working in AWS Professional Services, supporting national security as a cloud engineering consultant. In this role, she works with clients in the federal government, helping them leverage AWS solutions to enhance their operations.

Grace said she’s proud to work for an organization that’s a major supporter of First Tee. AWS joined First Tee as a Trustee in 2021. With a dedicated team, AWS supports participants through STEM programming, employee volunteerism and alumni support. In 2024, AWS invited a select First Tee alumni to AWS re:Invent, the world’s largest annual cloud computing conference.

At re:Invent, Grace was able to attend several workshops. “I highly encourage any First Tee alumni to attend re:Invent if they get the chance,” she said. “While it’s a tech conference, the wealth of knowledge, networking opportunities and exposure to innovation make it valuable for professionals in any field.”

Forging a path in cybersecurity

Golf isn’t easy, and resilience is a trait Grace picked up during her seven years as a First Tee participant.

She said it’s important for her to stay involved with the organization because she wants to give back to the next generation. “First Tee gave me the opportunity to have so many amazing experiences across the country, and I learned so much while meeting incredible people,” she said.

Grace always knew she wanted a career that would challenge her. When she was a high school sophomore, she got an invitation that would change her life. A friend asked her to tag along to a cybersecurity conference because he didn’t want to go alone. She participated in a digital capture-the-flag competition, and the rest is history.

“I had no idea what I was doing, but I had an absolute blast and learned so much from the other attendees,” she said. She was struck by how much people seemed to enjoy their work in cybersecurity, and a new career path was on her radar.

Grace enrolled in coding classes at a local community college, before attending Rochester Institute of Technology as an undergrad and graduate student. She spent more than two years working for federal agencies before joining AWS.

“Looking back, what started as an unexpected experience at a conference in high school turned into a fulfilling career built on curiosity, problem solving and a drive to make a real impact,” she said. She felt the same type of excitement at re:Invent. “It opened the door to incredible opportunities, deepened my technical knowledge and ultimately paved the way for my career at AWS,” she said.

“Grace’s story illustrates the powerful impact of relationships like AWS and First Tee in shaping future leaders,” said Ebony Taylor, head of global executive customer engagement at AWS Professional Services. “Her journey from learning golf fundamentals to becoming a cloud engineering consultant demonstrates how confidence and perseverance can drive success in technology fields.”

“At AWS, we value individuals who aren’t afraid to dive deep into new challenges and continuously learn. We’re proud to support organizations like First Tee that help develop well-rounded professionals who can make meaningful contributions to critical fields like cybersecurity, and we’re happy to create pathways for more talented individuals like Grace to thrive in technology careers,” Taylor said.

Learn more about the First Tee Alumni Network, which provides professional development and social opportunities across the country.

Coach Emily ‘is a mentor and role model’

It’s no secret that First Tee considers its coaches to be the most important ingredient in its success. All trained and background checked, First Tee coaches connect with participants to ensure each one feels safe and celebrated for the qualities that make them unique.

One coach who exemplifies First Tee’s mission is Emily Ortmeier of First Tee – Southern Colorado, who has been with the chapter for five years. “Emily Ortmeier is more than a coach; she is a mentor and role model,” said First Tee – Southern Colorado board member Jeff Stedman.

A former collegiate golfer, Emily leads by example and inspires participants to do their best on and off the golf course, according to her colleagues at First Tee – Southern Colorado.

“When a participant fails, Coach Emily is always there to console and encourage them to persevere,” said chapter CEO Sandy Johnson. “She uses these moments as learning opportunities that greatly help to develop the character of each participant, reassuring them that we must fail in order to learn how to succeed and get right back to pursuing our goals.”

Eagles for Impact at THE PLAYERS® Championship

As the eyes of the golf world turn to TPC Sawgrass for THE PLAYERS Championship 2025, there’s an extra reason to root for low scores. For every eagle or double eagle carded by the pros during the tournament, Morgan Stanley will donate $5,000 to support First Tee’s coach training efforts.

Last year, Emily was one of 107 coaches to benefit from Morgan Stanley’s generosity. She attended a Level 4 training in Monterey, California, and has advanced to the point where she now leads Level 1 trainings for new coaches. She’s trained 20 coaches in her region.

First Tee – Southern Colorado colleagues agree that Emily’s passion for making golf accessible to all kids is evident in her work. She’s helped 21 new schools and community centers begin offering First Tee programming over the last two years.

In fact, Emily means so much to the community that she was recently recognized with Southern Colorado Business Forum & Digest’s 40 Under 40 Award.

Coaches make the difference

According to research from First Tee and Harris Poll, 80% of parents believe there’s a shortage of high caliber coaches today. That’s why First Tee is committed to coach training and youth safety.

Nine out of 10 parents agree that coaches should help their child succeed both on and off the field, and parents view coaching as instrumental for teaching collaboration, resilience and leadership – all qualities that become even more important into adulthood.

Learn more about the importance of youth sports coaches.

A Letter From Our CEO – Carrie Kimbell

As the calendar flipped to 2025, it marks the 25th Anniversary of First Tee – Greater San Antonio’s (FTGSA) impact in the community and five years since joining the organization. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the organization’s growth and impact as well as look to the future.

In 2000, First Tee – Greater San Antonio hosted its first programming class with 25 participants. Since inception, FTGSA has served over 400,000 youth through our life skills programming, and the community and school outreach programs. Our mission is to build character, confidence, and resiliency through the inherent values of the game of golf. Our vision is to provide low or no-cost life skills programming for all young people, especially those who may not have access or the opportunity to experience this great game.

Since 2020, FTGSA’s impact in the community has grown over 28 times through our various program offerings.

  • Life skills participation has grown by 85% and program locations throughout San Antonio increased by 61%. True to our mission, life skills programming remains subsidized by 60% for all participants, ensuring that no child is turned away due to financial need, and all necessary equipment is provided.
  • Our Community Program partners with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and school field trips, grew from just 40 students in 2020 to over 1,100 in 2024. These programs are provided at no cost to the students.
  • Our School Program, which was halted by COVID, was resurrected and now more than 21,000 students at 62 SAISD elementary and middle schools are taught First Tee Life Skills programming during their PE classes.
  • Through outreach and intentional programming, FTGSA has seen an increase in the number of girls and minority participants, which reflects a more diverse group engaging in the sport. Nearly 89% of our participants are diverse and 37% of our participants are female. According to the National Golf Foundation (2023) 25% of the junior golf population are non-Caucasian, showcasing our commitment to expanding access and inclusivity.

FTGSA success is made possible by the generous support of donors who believe in our mission. Our revenues have almost doubled in the last five years, enabling our programs to expand 28 times. Our dedicated team and nationally trained coaches, now numbering 36 (up from 14 in 2020), deliver over 120 life skills sessions annually, building character and resilience on and off the course. Volunteers, including over 80 individuals and First Tee junior coaches, are the backbone of our organization, creating a safe and fun learning environment. Guided by our board of directors’ leadership and expertise, we continue to grow and adapt. Their leadership, engagement, and passion have helped transform our organization.

There’s no better way to celebrate our 25th year anniversary than our 30-year lease extension. Planning is currently underway to create a Master Plan, including practice facility upgrades, building renovations, and enhanced program offerings. As a proud member of Brackenridge Park, these enhancements will provide an even better experience for our participants and the community.

This year, we celebrate our legacy while looking forward to an exciting future. With the continued support of our incredible team, donors, coaches, volunteers, parents, and participants, we will strengthen the character of our community through golf and make a lasting impact in the lives of youth and their families.

Cheers,

Carrie J. Kimbell

Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month: Alex Yang reflects on the importance of community

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Alex Yang from First Tee – Coachella Valley shared his story of how the chapter has supported him through his diagnosis and treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“I joined First Tee about 3 years ago, right after the COVID-19 pandemic. I played soccer for nine years and never played golf before, but I wanted to try a new sport outside of my comfort zone. As soon as I joined the program, I immediately fell in love with it. Before joining First Tee, I assumed it was just about learning golf and nothing else. I had no idea about the incredible life lessons they taught or the value of them. As a beginner golfer, I was very nervous and anxious about my lack of golf knowledge and was unsure how I would fit in. However, the environment at First Tee – Coachella Valley was astonishing.

 It was a place where everybody was welcome, regardless of their background or skill level. All of the coaches and other participants were extremely supportive and encouraging to each other. As we learned about skills to use both on and off the course, it opened my eyes to how golf is more than just the sport. The lessons I learned through the core values and other curriculums helped me grow as a person and became a part of my identity.

As I continued with First Tee, I participated in many of their programs besides just their teen group classes such as the Divots and Diversity class, Evans Scholar Caddie Program, PGA TOUR Superstore Leadership Class, standard bearing at the American Express, giving speeches at First Tee events, and even being selected to go to the PGATSS Leadership Academy in Atlanta in 2023. Throughout all of these experiences, I was exposed to remarkable people as well as countless opportunities. This helped me to build my own self confidence and learn how to pursue the goals that I set for myself. As I expanded my horizons, I looked towards the many national opportunities that First Tee provides over the summer. Unfortunately, there were unexpected developments that prevented me from participating. 

Starting in October of 2023, I noticed some signs that something was out of the ordinary. I experienced extreme fatigue, which caused me to fall asleep in almost every single one of my classes each day, even with eight to nine hours of sleep a day. I had just assumed that schoolwork and my activities were taking a toll on me. In December and January, I got sick very easily and multiple times in a short period of time. Starting in February, I developed a cough that I believed was a seasonal cold. As the coughing got worse, I took three trips to urgent cares, which only provided antibiotics and inhalers as they believed it was just bronchitis or a common cold. My mother requested a chest X-ray each time but was turned down all three times. As the condition worsened, I started to have difficulty breathing. This was when my mother rushed me to the ER on March 1, 2024.

The doctors there immediately noticed my right lung sounded diminished and ordered a chest X-ray. They were surprised that none of the urgent care doctors offered an X-ray to us. The results from the X-ray showed that my right lung collapsed due to excessive amounts of fluid. They immediately took me to the procedure room and drained two liters of fluid. I was then admitted to the hospital for further monitoring of my condition, which at the time they assumed was pneumonia. The doctors scheduled a surgery to drain the rest of the fluid as well as install a chest tube. The night before the surgery, the doctors changed the preliminary scan from an X-ray to a CT scan. With this scan, they found a 12 cm mediastinal mass on top of my heart which was blocking my airways. During the surgery they installed a chest tube and took a biopsy of the mass. A few days later, the results came back which showed that it was positive for blood cancer.

I began chemotherapy treatment to start eliminating the mass. We stayed in the Loma Linda area for six weeks before finally returning home. Once we returned home, we spent the rest of our time going back and forth to the clinic with occasional hospitalizations. I was never aware of the severe side effects that come with chemotherapy and how scary they can be.

As my doctor went over my treatment plan, she recommended that I take a year off of school because of the countless side effects and intensive treatment. However, I did not want to postpone my education and fall behind in my goal of becoming an engineer. I finished my 10th grade year through the online Home and Hospital program. Throughout the summer, I continued my education by completing an online class through my local community college as well as homework for the next year. Although things were extremely tough and painful, I did not want to give up and pushed myself to reach my goals. 

Although treatment has not concluded yet, I cannot wait to return to First Tee and continue my journey with them. First Tee – Coachella Valley has continuously reached out to me and checked up on my condition. They try to help me in any way that they can, even starting a lemonade stand to raise funds for my treatments. Without the immense support that I received from coaches and fellow participants, it would’ve been a much harder journey. I had never realized how much support from loved ones and a strong community could make such an impact. It gave me the strength to push through the hardest times of my life. 

Going through all of this, I have learned the importance of having a strong and supportive community with people to help you. This is truly one of the most precious gifts that you could ever have. First Tee has created a community unlike any other, and I am honored to be a part of it. Once I am able to, I hope to return the kindness and hope that I have been given back to my community and help others who are going through their own struggles. I am so thankful for everything I learned and have received from First Tee.”

Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month: Alex Yang reflects on the importance of community

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Alex Yang from First Tee – Coachella Valley shared his story of how the chapter has supported him through his diagnosis and treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“I joined First Tee about 3 years ago, right after the COVID-19 pandemic. I played soccer for nine years and never played golf before, but I wanted to try a new sport outside of my comfort zone. As soon as I joined the program, I immediately fell in love with it. Before joining First Tee, I assumed it was just about learning golf and nothing else. I had no idea about the incredible life lessons they taught or the value of them. As a beginner golfer, I was very nervous and anxious about my lack of golf knowledge and was unsure how I would fit in. However, the environment at First Tee – Coachella Valley was astonishing.

 It was a place where everybody was welcome, regardless of their background or skill level. All of the coaches and other participants were extremely supportive and encouraging to each other. As we learned about skills to use both on and off the course, it opened my eyes to how golf is more than just the sport. The lessons I learned through the core values and other curriculums helped me grow as a person and became a part of my identity.

As I continued with First Tee, I participated in many of their programs besides just their teen group classes such as the Divots and Diversity class, Evans Scholar Caddie Program, PGA TOUR Superstore Leadership Class, standard bearing at the American Express, giving speeches at First Tee events, and even being selected to go to the PGATSS Leadership Academy in Atlanta in 2023. Throughout all of these experiences, I was exposed to remarkable people as well as countless opportunities. This helped me to build my own self confidence and learn how to pursue the goals that I set for myself. As I expanded my horizons, I looked towards the many national opportunities that First Tee provides over the summer. Unfortunately, there were unexpected developments that prevented me from participating. 

Starting in October of 2023, I noticed some signs that something was out of the ordinary. I experienced extreme fatigue, which caused me to fall asleep in almost every single one of my classes each day, even with eight to nine hours of sleep a day. I had just assumed that schoolwork and my activities were taking a toll on me. In December and January, I got sick very easily and multiple times in a short period of time. Starting in February, I developed a cough that I believed was a seasonal cold. As the coughing got worse, I took three trips to urgent cares, which only provided antibiotics and inhalers as they believed it was just bronchitis or a common cold. My mother requested a chest X-ray each time but was turned down all three times. As the condition worsened, I started to have difficulty breathing. This was when my mother rushed me to the ER on March 1, 2024.

The doctors there immediately noticed my right lung sounded diminished and ordered a chest X-ray. They were surprised that none of the urgent care doctors offered an X-ray to us. The results from the X-ray showed that my right lung collapsed due to excessive amounts of fluid. They immediately took me to the procedure room and drained two liters of fluid. I was then admitted to the hospital for further monitoring of my condition, which at the time they assumed was pneumonia. The doctors scheduled a surgery to drain the rest of the fluid as well as install a chest tube. The night before the surgery, the doctors changed the preliminary scan from an X-ray to a CT scan. With this scan, they found a 12 cm mediastinal mass on top of my heart which was blocking my airways. During the surgery they installed a chest tube and took a biopsy of the mass. A few days later, the results came back which showed that it was positive for blood cancer.

I began chemotherapy treatment to start eliminating the mass. We stayed in the Loma Linda area for six weeks before finally returning home. Once we returned home, we spent the rest of our time going back and forth to the clinic with occasional hospitalizations. I was never aware of the severe side effects that come with chemotherapy and how scary they can be.

As my doctor went over my treatment plan, she recommended that I take a year off of school because of the countless side effects and intensive treatment. However, I did not want to postpone my education and fall behind in my goal of becoming an engineer. I finished my 10th grade year through the online Home and Hospital program. Throughout the summer, I continued my education by completing an online class through my local community college as well as homework for the next year. Although things were extremely tough and painful, I did not want to give up and pushed myself to reach my goals. 

Although treatment has not concluded yet, I cannot wait to return to First Tee and continue my journey with them. First Tee – Coachella Valley has continuously reached out to me and checked up on my condition. They try to help me in any way that they can, even starting a lemonade stand to raise funds for my treatments. Without the immense support that I received from coaches and fellow participants, it would’ve been a much harder journey. I had never realized how much support from loved ones and a strong community could make such an impact. It gave me the strength to push through the hardest times of my life. 

Going through all of this, I have learned the importance of having a strong and supportive community with people to help you. This is truly one of the most precious gifts that you could ever have. First Tee has created a community unlike any other, and I am honored to be a part of it. Once I am able to, I hope to return the kindness and hope that I have been given back to my community and help others who are going through their own struggles. I am so thankful for everything I learned and have received from First Tee.”

Riley Yount Receives First Tee Career Achievement Award 2023

First Tee Career Achievement award is given to an individual who has demonstrated a significant and long-standing commitment to the First Tee Program. Recipients are recognized for their contributions and accomplishments on and off the course, awards & recognitions, as well as, their efforts to inspire and mentor young people.

Riley Yount is our 2023 Recipient. Riley has been involved with the First Tee for eleven years and is an Ace Participant. He is currently a senior at O’Connor High School with a GPA of 4.3, a member of the National Honors Society, and Spanish National Honors Society He is a four-time Varsity Letterman, captain of the golf team and been recognized as Golf All-District & Academic All District honors each of the last three years.

Giving back is a key pillar of First Tee, and Riley is proof of this. In each of the last five years, Riley has volunteered over 100 hours for First Tee Programs and events. He created a mentorship program with Youth on Course and TaylorMade Drive Club providing over 40 youth golfers multiple 9-hole on-course lessons in course management and etiquette. Riley was nominated in 2021 by KENS5 as one of 10 kids selected at “Champions for Change” for his commitment to improve diversity & representation in golf.

Riley’s impressive journey at First Tee is marked by many accomplishments and recognitions, as seen on the presentation, all culminating last year at Pebble Beach as well where he played in the Champions Tour PURE Insurance Championship Master Champion, Mike Weir.

2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023: Game Changer Shootout vs. Austin – 4 Years

2019 & 2023: First Tee National Tournament – New Orleans

2022: Awarded “Judgment” Award at Core Values Luncheon

2021: Inaugural First Tee National Participant Advisory Council

2022: Game Changers Academy honoring Joe Louis Barrow

2023: First Tee National PURE Insurance Championship – Pebble Beach Golf Links

Riley, your achievements in golf, academics, and community service speak volumes about your character and commitment. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to the First Tee, and congratulations on all your well-deserved successes. We are excited for the next chapter of your journey, confident that you will continue to make a positive impact wherever you go.

Please join me in congratulating Riley Yount, 2023 First Career Achievement Award Recipient. On behalf of the Kolitz Family Foundation, you will also be receiving a one-time scholarship in the amount of $2,500 towards your college tuition.

Jack Polansky is receiving the Game Changer of the Year Award for 2023

As a sophomore at Churchill High School and the top-ranked golfer on the team, Jack’s dedication to his sport and academics is evident. His 4.1 GPA reflects his commitment to excellence in his studies, while his position as an ACE participant in First Tee showcases his dedication to personal growth.

Jack’s leadership qualities shine through his actions. Despite managing multiple responsibilities including school, golf, and volunteering, he approaches each task with determination, passion, and purpose. In 2023, Jack volunteered over 150 hours not only in summer camps and programming sessions providing mentorship to the younger participants, but also picking range balls in the evenings at the First Tee Driving Range.  

Jack was accepted through an application process by First Tee National to attend the Game Changers Academy in Philadelphia, focused on self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. He attended the First Tee National Championship in New Orleans in December.  He has played locally in all four Game Changer Shootouts, a Ryder Cup Style Event vs. Austin.

He was recently accepted into the PALS (Peer Assistance Leadership Program) in High school which provides guidance and mentoring for peers and younger children to help develop their self-esteem, drug-awareness and social skills.

Your impact on your peers, community, and the sport of golf is truly commendable, and we look forward to your continued success in the future. Congratulations on winning the 2023 Game Changer of the Year Award. On behalf of the Kolitz Family Foundation, you will also be receiving a one-time scholarship in the amount of $2,500 towards your college tuition.

Because of First Tee – Alumnae feature on Grace Kehoe 

1. Where are you today and how’d you get there? 

I am currently in my last semester of my undergraduate studies at North Carolina State University double majoring in Business Administration concentrating in Marketing and Foreign Languages and Literature concentrating in Mandarin. 

I was a Tournament Services Management intern for the 2022 Presidents Cup held at Quail Hollow Club. In 2023, I attended the Middlebury College Language School participating in an intensive language immersion program adhering to the Language Pledge, with emphasis on Chinese literature and culture. 

I hope to one day use my language proficiency to promote collaboration between the US and China while encouraging strategic stakeholder relationships and analyzing emerging markets.


2. How had First Tee positively impacted your life? 

First Tee offered a space for me to find community and mentorship. Because of First Tee, I have developed the confidence to trust my ability in navigating life. 

I have been encouraged to set goals and work towards them, always knowing I could turn to my mentors for guidance. One of these goals was to become the first participant of the First Tee of Greater Charlotte chapter to become ACE Certified. I have had the opportunity to travel to many incredible places across the US and meet wonderful people across different First Tee chapters. 

I played in the 2018 Pure Insurance Championship and attended many life skills and golf development academies. 


3. What advice would you share to participants in the program now? 

Embrace every opportunity big or small. 

Picking between my favorite memories at First Tee is impossible because walking down the fairways of immaculate and acclaimed courses around the world holds just as much weight as those walking down the fairway of Dr. Charles L. Sifford with the friends I made in my chapter. I would also say to give back to your chapter and community as much as you can. Volunteering within your chapter and neighboring chapters is a valuable experience that helps develop leadership and organizational skills. You only have so much time in your life to be a part of First Tee as a participant, make sure to embrace the connections that will last beyond that time. To this day I go to my mentors for guidance and advice as it remains helpful as life goes on

Wes Helmer: First Tee – Greater San Antonio Ace Participant

Ace participant, Wes Helmer, was selected for three First Tee National opportunities. He speaks about his experience at the First Tee National Championship at Notre Dame and the PGA Superstore Leadership Summit in Montana.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Wes Helmer. I’m a First Tee – Greater San Antonio Ace participant that loves volunteering and working at the First Tee. I’ve been in the First Tee for a little over 8 years now. I got started with one of the summer camps when I was 9. I kept golf as a secondary sport to soccer until I was around 12 and that’s when I went to golf full time. I applied to three events (First Tee National Championship, PGA Superstore Leadership Summit, and the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach) and got accepted into all three.

What was the National Championship like?

It was golf-oriented, and I got to meet a lot of people from around the country and other First Tee chapters with the practice rounds and dinners and the actual rounds. There were around 120 applicants with 24 boys and 24 girls selected.

What did it take to get selected?

They looked at a lot of volunteering outside of golf. A lot of people who apply are good golfers but it’s about what you do off the course; Focusing on volunteer hours and what you do around your community.

What was your favorite part of the National Championship?

My favorite part was definitely the setting being Notre Dame. It was a beautiful campus, and there were a lot of historical things to see; Playing the Warren Golf Course was just a bonus.

What did you learn most from the championship?

I learned about staying in the moment because I had a 10 on the first day and a 9 on the second, so learning from my mistakes and figuring out how to regroup.

After playing in the championship, what was your key takeaway?

After the championship, I really focused on my wedges. Compared to everyone else, I needed to work on them. I also encourage anyone to apply to these national opportunities because they are special.

What was the Leadership Summit like?

The Summit is a camp where a lot of great and highly thought of mentors come together. They instill how they have gotten to where they are and use their leadership skills to instill them to the kids there. It was a lot of journaling and reflecting on the team activities that we did and how those activities and reflecting connect to the real world.

What did you expect?

I expected there were going to be a lot of fun activities, but I did not expect there to be so many team-oriented activities there were and how they would apply to my everyday life.

What was the most valuable thing you learned?

The most valuable thing I learned was through listening to Michael Vick that success comes at different times for people, and it takes hard work and dedication to get there. When you make a mistake, you find a way to improve that and not let it affect you.

Going forward what will you do differently?

I had written when we journaled that I was going to be more involved in my local chapter and try to find a way to possibly work at the PGA Superstore and give back in my free time.

What would you say to someone starting in the First Tee program?

Don’t worry about your golf game as far as results but focus on using those 9 core values in your everyday life because your golf game will eventually come together.

What is the most meaningful core value to you?

My most meaningful core value would be perseverance because I haven’t found success immediately in my life but focusing on being a good person on and off the golf course has helped develop that success even when I had failures.

What are you looking forward most to at the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach?

Once again I am looking forward to meeting more people from different chapters of the First Tee and taking in the full experience of Pebble Beach and Spyglass.

Stay tuned to hear all about Wes’ experience at the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.