Blog – Page 2 – First Tee – Greater San Antonio

From the golf course to college: Addison Seban’s journey with First Tee – Golden Isles

Growing up in the Golden Isles, Addison Seban began playing golf because it meant time with her grandfather.

“He would bring me out to the golf course with him, and those are some of my favorite memories,” she said. “I didn’t really know much about the game at first, but just being out there with him made me fall in love with it. He was always really patient with me and encouraged me to keep trying, even when I got frustrated.”

Those experiences lit a spark in Addison that she carried to First Tee – Golden Isles, where she would go on to develop her golf game and grow as a leader.

Candles, clubs and commitment

Along the way, Addison found a creative solution to a familiar challenge: She wanted to play more golf, but new clubs weren’t in the budget. She started making and selling candles. What began as a practical workaround became a passion.

Her favorite scents? Pine during the Christmas season for that classic, cozy feeling, and eucalyptus.

All her hard work on the course, in the classroom and in service to others as a First Tee junior coach recently led to a major milestone. She earned an Evans Scholarship, a prestigious honor for young caddies.

“Finding out I earned the Evans Scholarship was honestly such an exciting and emotional moment,” Addison said. “I felt really proud of myself, but also just so grateful for everyone who supported me along the way. It made me reflect on all the time and effort I’ve put into golf, school and volunteering, and it felt amazing to see that pay off.”

The lasting impact of First Tee

As she heads to college, Addison said she’ll continue to use the values she learned at First Tee – things like integrity, confidence and perseverance. “Those are things that apply to so much more than just golf. First Tee has taught me how to stay positive, work through challenges and carry myself with respect both on and off the course.”

Those aren’t just words for Addison. They’re the foundation of everything she’s built and everything she’s building toward.

As for what comes next, Addison has her sights set on a career in professional golf, not as a player but behind the scenes. She hopes to work with the PGA TOUR and be involved in tournament operations someday. “I think it would be really exciting to be part of organizing or running events and being around the sport at that level,” she said. “Golf has been such a big part of my life, so I’d love to stay connected to it and build a career around it.”

With the Evans Scholarship opening new doors and a lifetime of lessons from First Tee behind her, there’s every reason to believe she will.

First Tee – Greater San Antonio Participants Selected to Compete at First Tee National Championship

Two participants from First Tee – Greater San Antonio have earned a spot on the national stage.

Jack Polansky of Churchill High School and Jules Mahan of Pieper High School were selected to compete in the First Tee National Championship following a rigorous application and selection process that identifies the top First Tee players from across the country.

Polansky has been involved with First Tee for nearly 11 years and will continue his golf career at Berry College, where he plans to study environmental science. Mahan, a 10-year participant, will attend Murray State University on a golf scholarship and major in business management. This is the third year in a row that Jules has been selected to compete in the First Tee National Championship.

The First Tee National Championship is the organization’s premier competitive event, bringing together 48 of its top participants for a 54-hole stroke-play tournament. The field is split into two divisions with 24 boys and 24 girls competing at the Finley Golf Club on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In addition to competition, participants take part in educational sessions and discussions centered around personal growth, leadership, and opportunities within the golf industry. The event emphasizes First Tee’s core values of growing through challenge, pursuing goals, and using good judgment while competing at a high level.

Performance in the championship is also recognized nationally, with results submitted to organizations such as the American Junior Golf Association, Junior Golf Scoreboard, and World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Division winners will earn the Tattersall Cup and may receive an exemption into the PURE Insurance Championship.

Polansky and Mahan’s selection highlights their dedication to the game and places them among the top junior golfers representing First Tee programs nationwide.

11th Annual First Tee Invitational a Record-Setting Success for First Tee – Greater San Antonio

The 11th Annual First Tee Invitational presented by the Michael M. Peacock Foundation, and hosted by the Canyon Springs Senior Men’s Golf Association, was a record-setting success, raising more than $80,000 in support of First Tee – Greater San Antonio and its mission to empower youth through golf.

Held at Canyon Springs Golf Club as the 9th year serving as an Official Fiesta® event, the sold-out tournament welcomed 144 participants for a day centered on community, philanthropy, and impact. The event continues to be one of First Tee – Greater San Antonio’s signature fundraisers, and over the past eight years, the tournament has netted nearly $310,000 to support programs that help young people build character, confidence, and life skills through the game of golf.

This year’s event featured an exciting day on the course, along with a robust online auction and raffle that generated additional support through unique golf experiences, travel getaways, sports memorabilia, and premium packages. Popular auction items included rounds at premier golf destinations, resort stays, entertainment packages, and exclusive experiences, all contributing to the event’s fundraising success.

The tournament’s continued growth would not be possible without the dedicated support of longtime partners. The Canyon Springs Senior Men’s Golf Association once again played a vital role in hosting and supporting the event, while presenting sponsor Michael M. Peacock Foundation helped drive another successful year. First Tee – Greater San Antonio also recognized the generosity of community partners Carrabba’s Italian Grill, which has donated food for six consecutive years, and Las Palapas, a supporter of the tournament for the past five years.

The success of the First Tee Invitational reflects a community committed to investing in the next generation. Every dollar raised supports First Tee – Greater San Antonio’s efforts to help young people grow through experiences that build resilience, leadership, and character.

As the tournament continues to grow, so does its impact, making this year’s record-setting event another memorable chapter in a tradition of golf and giving.

Here’s why mentorship matters for kids

First Tee coaches feel proud when a new player launches a drive or sinks a putt for the first time. But the true magic of our program happens off the course when a participant overcomes a tough obstacle at school or when an alumnus achieves a big goal.

Those moments highlight how much mentorship matters.

A landmark 30-year study by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America found that young adults with mentors earned 20% more than their peers. The same research determined that mentorship is one of the most cost-effective youth development interventions available.

Drawing on results from over 70 program evaluations, MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership has found that mentoring supports improved grades, test scores and educational attainment, while also improving classroom behavior and school attendance.

But accessible mentors aren’t always easy to find

For all of mentorship’s documented benefits, access to mentors isn’t equal — and the gap is widening.

A 2024 report by MENTOR found that today’s 18–21-year-olds are 9% less likely to have had a mentor growing up compared to the Millennial generation. More than one in three young adults say they grew up without the support of any mentor at all.

The research is clear that mentoring relationships promote a strong sense of belonging, an asset that’s essential for healthy youth development. For the young people who most need a caring adult in their corner, that connection is often unavailable. It’s a gap that programs like First Tee are uniquely equipped to fill.

More than a game

According to research from First Tee and The Harris Poll, 88% of parents with coached children say their child has become more likely to speak up for themselves in other areas of life since participating in coached sports. An even larger majority — 94% — believe sports help children grow their confidence and social skills.  

First Tee coaches teach participants how to introduce themselves to playing partners, and participants learn the A-L-R method for engaging in conversation:

A: Ask questions to learn about someone.
L: Listen to their response. Make sure you’re listening to understand rather than thinking of what to say next.
R: Reflect and respond thoughtfully with a follow up question or by sharing your own thoughts or feelings on the topic.

The impact of coaching lasts well into adulthood. Among parents who had coaches in their own youth, 67% say they wouldn’t be where they are today without those adults. They credit their coaches with teaching them to collaborate, lead and overcome challenges.

Most First Tee coaches are not golf professionals and that’s OK – not every First Tee participant aspires to play competitive golf, but we ask our coaches to lead by example as great listeners, cheerleaders and positive role models for the next generation.

Support First Tee’s efforts to provide quality mentors for our future leaders. Become a Donor Ambassador today.

How to help shy kids make friends through sports

Being shy can come with lots of overlooked benefits. Shy people tend to observe carefully before jumping in, which means they can notice details others miss. They’re often good listeners, empathetic and self-aware.

Still for parents of shy kids, it can be difficult to watch your child struggle to connect with their peers. You want them to experience the joy of friendship, but pushing too hard can backfire. Sports offer a unique environment where shy kids can build friendships at their own pace. In fact, our research with The Harris Poll shows that 94% of parents believe playing sports helps children build confidence and social skills.

Compared to many team sports, golf provides a more measured environment. There’s time between shots for conversation, opportunities to observe others before acting and a shared focus that takes the pressure off constant eye contact or quick responses. At First Tee, we’ve seen countless shy children blossom as they discover that the golf course is a safe space to practice being themselves.

But making friends doesn’t happen automatically. Even in the most welcoming environment, shy kids might benefit from a little coaching on how to connect.

Facilitating connections with A-L-R

At First Tee, we teach a simple framework that can transform how shy kids approach new friendships: Ask, Listen, Respond.

Ask questions: Encourage your child to become curious about others. Asking questions isn’t about filling awkward silence but about discovering who someone really is. Help your child understand that questions about a person’s background, experiences or interests can reveal commonalities they never expected.

Listen to understand: Many shy kids are already good listeners by nature, but in social situations, they may be preoccupied by worrying about how to respond. Introduce the concept of active listening: focusing genuinely on what the other person is saying because you’re interested, not because you’re preparing your reply.

You can practice this at home during dinner conversations or car rides. When your child shares something, model active listening by giving them your full attention, asking follow-up questions and reflecting back what you heard. Then gently encourage them to do the same when others are speaking.

Reflect and respond: The final piece is showing others that you were truly listening. Teach your child that responding doesn’t mean having the perfect comeback or the funniest joke. It means acknowledging what was shared and building on it.

A simple, “That sounds really cool. What was your favorite part?” or “I’ve felt that way too,” can be enough to keep a conversation flowing and signal genuine interest.

The beauty of First Tee is that it provides natural, repeated opportunities to practice these skills. As a parent, you can support this process by encouraging participation in group activities, celebrating small wins and being patient; some friendships develop quickly, while others take a full season to form.

Learning to ask thoughtful questions, listen actively and respond with authenticity can help prepare your child for success in school, future careers and all of life’s relationships. At First Tee, we’re committed to creating an environment where every child can discover their potential both on and off the course, because golf isn’t just about the game; it’s about the friendships formed, the confidence built and the life skills that last forever.

First Tee – Greater San Antonio Hosts Valero Texas Open Kid’s Golf Clinic Presented by PGA TOUR Superstore, Impacting 200+ Youth

First Tee – Greater San Antonio participants had a memorable week thanks to the Valero Texas Open and PGA TOUR Superstore.

First Tee – Greater San Antonio hosted the Valero Texas Open Kid’s Golf Clinic presented by PGA TOUR Superstore, welcoming more than 200 local kids and their families for an evening at the First Tee Learning Center.

The clinic began with the arrival of PGA TOUR professionals Nick Dunlap, S.H. Kim, and Alejandro Tosti, who landed by helicopter on the driving range. They spent time with participants answering questions, signing autographs, demonstrating trick shots, and offering golf tips. Each child received snacks, a T-shirt, and a Valero Texas Open goody bag as part of the experience.

The clinic was presented by PGA TOUR Superstore, which also presented a $15,000 check to First Tee – Greater San Antonio. The funding is part of a renewed partnership with the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which committed $10 million to First Tee chapters over the next five years.

Going into the weekend as part of Valero Texas Open week, First Tee participants and their families also received free admission to attend the final round of the tournament. Attendees were given event T-shirts and hats and had the opportunity to take a photo with now two-time Valero Texas Open champion J.J. Spaun.

First Tee participants ages 14 and older also had the opportunity to volunteer at the tournament practice facilities throughout the week, giving them an up-close look at PGA TOUR professionals and behind-the-scenes access to the event.

First Tee Goes for Gold in Olympic-Themed First Tee Games

First Tee – Greater San Antonio hosted its 2026 First Tee Games: Going for Gold at the First Tee Learning Center, featuring an Olympic themed drive day full of competition and fun. It followed a traditional drive, chip, and putt format with a First Tee twist, testing participants’ golf skills and life skills. It was a cold morning, but that did not stop our participants from showing up ready to compete, support each other, and have fun.

Congratulations to our winners in each age group:

14+ Division
Drive: Mykayla Dick
Chip: Makayla Harris
Putt: Mykayla Dick
Life Skills: Hunter Gates
Overall

Makayla Harris
Mykala Dick
Tyler Rangel

12–13 Division
Drive: Joel Gonzales Jr
Chip: Joel Gonzales Jr
Putt: Madilynn Perez
Life Skills: Andres Esparza
Overall

Madilynn Perez
Andres Esparza
Joel Gonzales Jr

10–11 Boys
Drive: Noah Gutierrez
Chip: Esteban Dimas Jr
Putt: Esteban Dimas Jr
Life Skills: Zachariah Enriquez
Overall

Esteban Dimas Jr
Lincoln Swinyard
Joshua Cutright

10–11 Girls
Drive: Gabriela Rendon
Chip: Gabriela Rendon
Putt: Gabriela Rendon
Overall

Gabriela Rendon
Loreley John
Mariella Corral

7–9 Boys
Drive: Apolo Rendon
Chip: Jordan Cisneros
Putt: Marshall Angus
Overall

Apolo Rendon
Santiago Martinez
Adlan Jyoti

7–9 Girls
Drive: Emilia Porraz
Chip: Adelina Munoz
Putt: Adelina Munoz
Life Skills: Adelina Munoz
Overall

Adelina Munoz
Emilia Porraz
Diana McLain

5–6 Division
Drive: Witten Green
Chip: Alexandra Greszler
Putt: Lu Villegas
Life Skills: Witten Green
Overall

Witten Green
Maxwell Miller
Ezekiel Padilla

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make it such a fun and memorable morning.

View photos from the event: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9qnoftytlnkdejl2ga387/AH3qDM2Ze9O6E7xLor8nw3o?rlkey=4vqpivhjpbhjnde9na226yjwq&st=v7wzf3vv&dl=0

If you missed this event, you can join us for the First Tee Gobble Games this November!

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!

First Tee – San Antonio Participant Hosts Blood Drive at Learning Center

Tim, a dedicated teen participant of First Tee – Greater San Antonio and the First Tee National Innovators Forum, turned inspiration into action by hosting a life-changing blood drive in partnership with the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center.

Through the First Tee Innovators Forum, teens are empowered to develop service projects that create meaningful change in their communities. Inspired by a fellow participant who had organized a successful blood drive, Tim shifted his original project idea and chose to focus on saving lives. As Tim shared, “Knowing my efforts in putting this blood drive together can help save lives really helped inspire me in my choice of my project.”

The blood drive also marked an important milestone for First Tee – Greater San Antonio, serving as the organization’s first blood drive since December 28, 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 goal. Each whole blood donation includes red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, and can save up to three lives, supporting trauma patients, cancer treatments, mothers and newborns, and more. In total, the drive has the potential to impact up to 60 lives.

A key partner in the effort, South Texas Blood & Tissue Center is a nonprofit community blood center that provides blood, plasma, platelets, and other lifesaving components to more than 100 hospitals across 48 South Texas counties. For more than 50 years, the organization has evolved to meet patient and hospital needs with a mission centered on saving and enhancing lives. Tim’s project directly contributed to that mission.

Tim credits First Tee – Greater San Antonio for helping bring the project to life. “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.”

Beyond the numbers, the blood drive reflects the leadership, empathy, and service at the heart of First Tee. Through one teen’s vision and the support of an engaged community, this project became more than a blood drive. It became a powerful example of young people creating real impact.

Reflecting on the experience, Tim shared, “Meeting people from across the country from different First Tees was so fun. The Innovators Forum was my highlight of 2025, and I cannot wait to represent First Tee – Greater San Antonio again.”

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.

Support First Tee with The Wash Tub Fundraiser

The Wash Tub is proud to support the First Tee Invitational hosted by the Canyon Springs Senior Men’s Golf Association with a special fundraiser benefiting First Tee.

Supporters can purchase a $25 Wash Tub gift card for just $20, and $10 from every card sold will go directly to First Tee programs that help teach young people life skills and the game of golf.

In addition to supporting First Tee, buyers will receive a 20% discount that can be used toward a Wash Tub membership (save $80 on a membership renewal), car washes, detailing services, or merchandise.

To participate, complete the order form at the link below:
https://forms.1tub.co/workflow/ef3c1d66-98ba-44b2-83d2-5ccc889d9f03?autoSize=true&size=mobile

It’s a simple way to support First Tee while saving on your next visit to The Wash Tub.

First Tee Hosts Spring Break Parent-Junior Tournament at Riverside Golf Course

First Tee – Greater San Antonio brought families together for two days of golf during its annual Parent-Junior Tournament held March 9-10 at Riverside Golf Course. The event gave participants the opportunity to team up with a parent or guardian and compete alongside other First Tee families in a fun and supportive environment.

The tournament featured four age divisions, allowing participants to compete with others in similar age groups. Younger participants played a 9-hole round, while the older divisions took on the full 18-hole course. The format created a great balance of friendly competition and family bonding, with parents and children working together throughout their rounds. Events like the Parent-Junior Tournament help strengthen the connection between participants and their families while giving them the chance to experience the game together.

At the end of the tournament, teams in each division were recognized for their performance.

Tournament Winners

Age 7-9:
Junior: Wesley Griffin
Parent: Will Griffin

Age 10-11:
Junior: Isaac Garcia
Parent: Raul Garcia

Age 12-13:
Junior: Kaleb Christ
Parent: Tim Christ

Age 14+:
Junior: Israel Garcia
Parent: Raul Garcia

First Tee – Greater San Antonio would like to thank all the families who participated and helped make the tournament a memorable experience. The chapter also extends its appreciation to Riverside Golf Course for hosting the event and supporting opportunities for young people to grow through the game of golf.

To view photos from this event, click HERE.

If you missed out for this tournament, keep an eye out for our Thanksgiving Break Parent-Junior event coming up November 23-24. We look forward to seeing even more families join us for this fun and meaningful experience!