Category: News Releases

First Tee Greater Pasadena, Pasadena Mayor welcomes First Tee Korea

As Published on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 in Pasadena NOW

On Monday, Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and First Tee – Greater Pasadena welcomed a group of youth and adults from First Tee Korea.

First Tee – Greater Pasadena’s mission is to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges by seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum. It operates at the Brookside Golf Club.

The Greater Pasadena chapter is the only First Tee Chapter in the 150 Chapter network to have an International ‘Sister’ Chapter partnership. The visitors from Korea will be staying through Thursday and are experiencing a whirlwind of local activities.

They visited the Rose Bowl on Monday, hosted by the Rose Bowl Operating Company. On Tuesday, First Tee Korea and First Tee Greater Pasadena youth were to play a ‘fun’ nine-hole tournament at Altadena golf course, with dinner to follow. 

On Wednesday,  both Chapters were to attend the U. S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club, and Thursday First Tee Korea group was set to visit Universal Studios.

“Our Chapters have been ‘zooming’ over the past four years learning about each other’s cultures and talking about their First Tee experiences,” Master Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Pasadena Robert Baderian told Pasadena Now.  “This has been and continues to be a great partnership strengthening both Chapter’s ‘Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility’.”

For more about First Tee – Greater Pasadena, click here.

Atlanta Falcons’ Beadles, Lindstrom; Atlanta United’s Lagerwey headline First Tee’s inaugural Leadership Academy

Teens from across the U.S. will spend a week in PGA TOUR Superstore’s headquarters of Atlanta learning from Arthur M. Blank Family of businesses, civic and sports leader

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 19, 2023) – Youth development organization First Tee will host its inaugural Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore from June 19-23. The weeklong Atlanta event will bring together 48 teens from across the country who will learn about building and running a successful team.

First Tee uses golf as a vehicle through which to teach life skills and values. The nonprofit is collaborating with PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to host its inaugural Leadership Academy, which will feature workshops on cultivating authentic relationships, developing a winning culture and more. The Academy is taking place at various venues across the Atlanta area, including Atlanta Falcons Flowery Branch, Atlanta United Training Ground, Mercedes-Benz Stadium Georgia Institute of Technology, the Bobby Jones Golf Club and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Event highlights include:

  • Georgia Tech head women’s basketball coach Nell Fortner will share advice on achieving individual growth in a team setting during the opening keynote.
  • Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles will speak to participants before they explore the team’s Flowery Branch training facility.
  • Participants will hear from Atlanta United President/CEO Garth Lagerwey before attending a game to witness the team in action.
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium executive Don Rovak will discuss the importance of supporting your team.
  • PGA TOUR Superstore President Jill Spiegel will address the teens at historic Bobby Jones Golf Club.
  • Participants will visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights where Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom, the team’s 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year, will deliver the closing address.

Initially envisioned by PGA TOUR Superstore executive Ralph Stokes, who leads the brand’s diversity, partnerships and community efforts, the event’s curriculum was developed by First Tee and an independent youth development expert. Stokes recently became the first Black president of the Georgia State Golf Association and was among the first Black players on the University of Alabama football team, where he played under legendary coach Bear Bryant.

“From playing team sports, I learned that no matter how great an individual player is, you will not achieve success on your own. The team is no stronger than the weakest link,” Stokes said. “Golf is largely an individual sport, but we felt it was important to collaborate with First Tee on this event because these kids are part of families, communities, clubs and eventually workplaces where they need to function within a team.”

For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation have championed First Tee’s mission through charitable and in-kind donations across the country. In September 2020, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more kids across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of the Leadership Series, held locally at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country, and the Leadership Summit, which takes place in Emigrant, Montana. The new Leadership Academy in Atlanta is the latest installment in this exciting portfolio of events. 

“Thank you to PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for their ongoing support of First Tee,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “This new Leadership Academy will provide young people with an amazing and impactful experience.”  

The Leadership Academy is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to inspire and equip teens on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. 

To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring. 

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”) 
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.   

About PGA TOUR Superstore 
PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., a subsidiary of AMB Sports + Entertainment and is headquartered in metro-Atlanta. As the PGA TOUR’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com. 

Contacts:  
Megan Hart, First Tee 
[email protected]

Megan Mahoney, PGA TOUR Superstore 
[email protected] 

24 high school seniors selected for First Tee’s Scholar program, receiving mentorship, professional development and financial support 

Averaging nearly 10 years of First Tee participation, this year’s scholar class includes 3 first-generation students and 6 collegiate golfers 

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (June 5, 2023) – The First Tee College Scholarship Program welcomes 24 new members to its 2023 class, bringing the total number of First Tee Scholars to 70. Each one of these scholars has demonstrated character and work ethic both on the golf course and in the classroom, which will help them succeed at schools across the country, including Howard University, the University of Southern California, Georgetown University, the University of Pennsylvania and Brown University. 

The class of 2023 – comprised of 14 young women and 10 young men – was selected from a competitive national pool of First Tee teens. This diverse group of Scholars represents 21 First Tee chapters across 18 states. The Scholars’ future aspirations range from becoming doctors and lawyers to studying economics, biometric engineering, computer science, professional golf management and journalism. Six plan to play collegiate golf.  

The First Tee College Scholarship Program aims to support alumni after high school graduation by pairing each Scholar with a trained adult mentor to provide guidance throughout their college careers and beyond. Each Scholar will also participate in professional development workshops and receive up to $5,000 per year towards tuition and expenses. 

First Tee re-launched its Scholar program in 2020 to further serve some of its most engaged participants after high school graduation. Texas Wesleyan University’s Malisone Chanthapanya recently became the first First Tee Scholar to graduate from college this May. She earned her degree in finance. 

“Welcome to our new class of Scholars and congratulations on being selected,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The decision to embark on higher education is an important one and I am proud that First Tee can continue to support alumni through the process. Thank you to our partners who support the program and our mentors who provide year-round guidance.”  

Participants across First Tee’s network submitted applications to be a part of the latest Scholar class. Following an online application process, finalists were selected by a committee for one-on-one interviews. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, volunteerism and other criteria.  

First Tee College Scholarship Class of 2023:  

  • Average years with First Tee: 9.6 
  • 3 first-generation college students 
  • 71% ethnically diverse 

2023 Collegiate Golfers:  

  • Jeremiah Brown, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia: Catholic University 
  • Mariane Johnson, First Tee – Gulf Coast: Palm Beach Atlantic University 
  • Kyzar Joshi, First Tee – Massachusetts: Hamilton College 
  • Falyn Lackey, First Tee – Southeastern New Mexico: Western New Mexico State University 
  • Colin Vineberg, First Tee – Greater Baltimore: Dickinson College 
  • Marlo Zamora, First Tee – Greater San Antonio: Trinity University 

The 2023 Scholar class includes: 

Daryn Dickens, First Tee – Greater Washington, DC  
Howard University; Major: History  
Daryn will be following in the footsteps of her mother, father and brother by attending Howard University where she will study history in preparation for law school. 

BJ Little, First Tee – Metro Atlanta  
Georgetown University; Major: Political Science  
BJ was the president of the Student Government Association, a member of the Black Student Union and started the golf team at his high school. 

Maria Ramos, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia  
University of Pennsylvania; Major: Engineering  
Maria is a first-generation college student that plans to study engineering; she has already been honored for her work with AI for creating a program that analyzes social media sentiments to predict stock market trends. 

Visit firsttee.org/college-scholarship to learn more about the program. Learn more about the 2023 Scholar class and download their headshots here. 

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About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”) 
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.   

Media Contact:  
Megan Hart, First Tee  
[email protected] 

First Tee – Greater Pasadena presented with donation from social media golf influencer Manolo

For the past few months, First Tee – Greater Pasadena has been highly anticipating the first major golf tournament held in Augusta, Georgia thanks to social media superstar Manolo who is hugely popular on Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube, and Facebook with his highly entertaining golf instruction videos. Manolo selected First Tee – Greater Pasadena and all their youth participants to be the sole beneficiary of a fundraising campaign raffling a golf getaway and celebrity meet and greet at this year’s opening major golf tournament. With all the incredible support from his more than one million social media followers, Manolo and Alltroo presented the youth of First Tee – Greater Pasadena with a check for $48,562.70.

Manolo greeted First Tee – Greater Pasadena’s participants with the massive donation at golf class held at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena on Tuesday. Upon arrival, Manolo spent time taking photos with the kids, signing autographs and of course, sharing words of wisdom and inspiration. Along with this donation, Manolo has also previously provided our kids with brand new golf apparel to wear. First Tee – Greater Pasadena and all their youth members want to say thank you so much to Manolo! This generous act will allow us to do impactful work in the Greater Pasadena community.

First Tee – Greater Pasadena has provided positive youth development since 2006. Their mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build
character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. You can show your support to Manolo and visit all the Manolo Teaches Golf pages on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok.

Pasadena Certified Farmers Market and First Tee – Greater Pasadena Team Up for Inaugural Toy Drive

From article published on Sunday, November29, 2022 in PasadenaNow:

For the quickly approaching holiday season, First Tee – Greater Pasadena, Pasadena Certified Farmers Market and Wounded Warrior Project will team up to ensure that each child from our Wounded Warrior Project golf clinic will receive a token of joy in the form of a toy. Between now and December 15, 2022 we urge our community and its members to bring a new, unwrapped toy to our toy drive events or toy drop-off locations. 

You will be able to donate a new, unwrapped toy to the following locations or events: Between Dec. 3- Dec. 15 at the Pasadena Certified Farmers Market at Victory Park (Saturdays) and Villa Park (Tuesdays); Wounded Warrior Project Golf Clinic at Brookside Golf Club on Saturday, December 3rd; or at Brookside Golf Club Pro Shop, 1133 Rosemont Ave.  during normal business hours until Dec. 15.

For five years now, Wounded Warrior Project and First Tee – Greater Pasadena have partnered and began with family fun golf clinics. These events hosted by First Tee – Greater Pasadena at Brookside Golf Club comprise of introductory golf clinics teaching putting, chipping, and full-swing instruction for Warriors and their families. Along with the group golf instruction, Warriors are invited into First Tee’s storage areas and outfitted with golf equipment, supplies and apparel that any new golfer would need to get started. In addition to these golf clinics, Warriors have had the opportunity to participate in our Annual Golf Invitational. This year, four members of our community have stepped up and sponsored a foursome of Wounded Warriors Project members to play in our annual Invitational Golf Tournament on Nov. 1. Thank you to Jeff Moscaret, John Sinner, Gretchen Sterling, and Bill Stewart for the indelible impression you have made and your gift to our military veterans and their families. 

The clinic on December 3rd will be a special one for both programs. The date marks the first time the focus turns to each Wounded Warrior Project youth.  Your support is so greatly appreciated! 

To learn more about how to get involved with First Tee – Greater Pasadena, Pasadena Certified Farmers Market and Wounded Warrior Project’s Holiday Toy Drive, contact Executive Director, Bob Baderian at: [email protected].

County Supervisor Kathryn Barger Visits First Tee – Greater Pasadena Prior to Their Biggest Event of the Year

From article published on Sunday, October 6, 2022 in PasadenaNow:

As a show of full-fledged support for the 2022 First Tee – Greater Pasadena Golf Invitational, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger made a heart-felt appearance to meet with youth participants and executive leadership. The meeting took place at the site of the annual November event, Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena, CA, adjacent to the world-renown Rose Bowl Stadium.

The annual event is the program’s largest fundraising event of the year that supports First Tee – Greater Pasadena’s mission of enabling kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. Its primary members aged 5-18 experience activity-based learning that seamlessly integrate the game of golf with a life skills curriculum that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.

In addition, as a community service organization, First Tee – Greater Pasadena partners with programs including Wounded Warrior Project, Latina Golfers Association, as well as other recreational youth programs such as Pasadena PAL, the Boys and Girls Club, and Pasadena’s Parks and Recreation. These partnerships have flourished over the years with many of these groups experiencing the game of golf for the first time and introduced to our program curriculum.

Each year, First Tee – Greater Pasadena’s golf invitational provides an opportunity for its generous donors to give back to their community through sponsorships, purchased foursomes, and large-scale auction items for our golf tournament participants to bid on.

In partnership with Supervisor Barger, who is committed to advocating for recreational and after-school programs that serve local communities, programs like our can sustain success in making an impact in the community. As a result, for more than 16 years, First Tee – Greater Pasadena has served thousands of members from cities and communities in our San Gabriel Valley service area. Thank you, Supervisor Barger, for your dedication to your communities, its members, and the programs that support them.

The 2022 First Tee – Greater Pasadena Golf Invitational will take place on November 1, 2022 at Brookside Golf Club’s C.W. Koiner – Course #1.
To learn more about how to get involved with First Tee – Greater Pasadena’s community programs, contact First Tee – Greater Pasadena Executive Director, Bob Baderian at: [email protected].

October proclaimed as First Tee – Greater Pasadena Month by Mayor

From article published on Sunday, October 2, 2022 in PasadenaNow:

The month of October has been recognized as First Tee-Greater Pasadena Month by the Pasadena City Council in a proclamation signed by Mayor Victor Gordo on behalf of the city’s Councilmembers. 

First Tee-Greater Pasadena is a local organization helping kids and teens learn life lessons — through the game of golf. 

“Every year since the inception of our chapter, October has been, traditionally, the month to hold our annual invitational golf tournament,” Robert Baderian, Executive Director of First Tee-Greater Pasadena, said.

“This has also been a month that we have a number of programs that are offered in the community. So having this acknowledgment in October not only continues to add support to our major fundraising event of the year, which is the annual invitational golf tournament, but demonstrates the fantastic partnership that we have and support from the Pasadena City Council, as well as the Rose Bowl Operating Company.”

The proclamation was signed on Sept. 19 and recognized the organization’s 16 years of service. First Tee-Greater Pasadena has been providing a wide range of services, facilities and programs for over 215,000 youth and their families in the last 16 years.

Background

First Tee-Greater Pasadena operates from the Brookside Golf Club, a 36-hole municipal golf facility located close to the world-famous Rose Bowl. 

Aside from Brookside Golf Club, which occupies approximately 200 acres of land, the organization also operates programming at other locations, such as the Alhambra Golf Course, Altadena Golf Course, Arroyo Seco Golf Course, Eaton Canyon Golf Course and Marshall Canyon Golf Course. 

Its programs are directed towards youth ages 5 to 17, with a specific target for 5th through 8th graders.

Baderian said First Tee-Greater Pasadena is guided by nine core values that First Tee promotes among young golfers: respect, courtesy, responsibility, honesty, sportsmanship, confidence, judgment, perseverance, and integrity. 

Aside from golf course-based programming, the organization has also integrated its First Tee School Program into physical education classes in schools across the country and operates a Community Program in partnership with youth centers like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs.

“First Tee not only promotes and instructs and provides individuals the opportunity to learn a sport – in this case, the game of golf – but it really incorporates having young men and women become very involved in enhancing their life skills through working with each other,” he said.

Over the past 16 years, about 150,000 youths have completed First Tee-Greater Pasadena’s various programs that are adjusted to the individual learner’s age and skill level. 

Typically, the programs are offered in sessions that last up to eight weeks, with four sessions every year. Starters can be around five or six years old and begin with the Target program – an Introduction to the First Tee program. After this, the young golfer goes through a PLAYer program, which requires a minimum age of 7, Par at 9 years old minimum, Birdie at 11, Eagle at 13, and Ace, where the minimum age required is 14 or entering 9th grade.

Annual Invitational Golf Tournament

This year, First Tee-Greater Pasadena will hold its Annual Invitational Golf Tournament and Reception, the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser, on Nov. 1. Held at Brookside in partnership with the Rose Bowl Operating Company, the event offers various sponsorship opportunities for individuals and organizations desiring to support their programs for young golfers. 

It also serves to connect First Tee-Greater Pasadena with other community organizations that help provide life skills programming to Pasadena area youth and their families.

Baderian said the organization works closely with many organizations, such as Optimist Youth Homes, the Leroy Haynes Center for boys and girls, Special Olympics of Southern California, Villa Esperanza, Latina Girls Golf Association, Pasadena NAACP, and the City of Pasadena Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, where First Tee programs are offered during the summer at various local parks through the department’s daytime after-school programs.

“So again, our goal is, we are continuing to work with these various organizations to provide individuals the opportunity to participate in the First Tee curriculum,” he said.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the Annual Golf Invitational Tournament, visit www.firstteegreaterpasadena.org/invitational-tournament-2022. 

Four Teens Earn Selection into the First Tee College Scholarship Program

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL.  (September 12, 2022) – First Tee participants from Minnesota, Massachusetts, San Francisco and Orange County, Calif. have each been awarded scholarships and selection in to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. The teens were selected following their participation in the First Tee Leadership Series and Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore based on their intentional and innovative commitment to personal growth and development as leaders throughout the course of the program.

First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore congratulate:

  • Gabriella Mercado from First Tee – Orange County:  Gabriella is a 16-year-old high school junior from Placentia, Calif. She’s been involved with First Tee for seven years. She holds a 4.0 GPA and has aspirations of playing college golf and then becoming a sports lawyer.  Gabriella enjoys community service and in her first two years of high school accumulated more than 225 hours.
  • Jaylyn Remolona from First Tee – San Francisco: Jaylynis a 15-year-old high school junior from San Francisco.  Jaylyn attends Mercy High School in Burlingame has been involved with First Tee for seven years. She holds a 3.65 and outside of school her two hobbies are golf and singing.  
  • Kyzar Joshi from First Tee — Massachusetts: Kyzar is 17-year-old high school senior at Ashland High School in Ashland, Mass.He has been involved with First Tee for more than 10 years. He holds a 4.12 GPA and his career aspirations include playing college golf and majoring in finance or economics in college.  Kyzar serves as his class treasurer, and helped lead the Ashland High School golf team to the state section tournament. Kyzar is in the process of completing the ACE level of the First Tee Curriculum.
  • Saloni Somia from First Tee – Minnesota:  Saloni, from Plymouth, Minn.,is a17-year-old high school senior at Minnetonka High School. She has been involved with First Tee for four years. She holds a 4.0 GPA and serves as the President of her school’s National Honor Society, Captain of the Minnetonka Girls Golf Team, Founder and President of Everyone Eats (an organization that provides homeless youth allergy friendly foods) and co-founded a teen-led YouTube channel that gives good allergy advice to teens.

As First Tee Scholars, the teens will receive support throughout their post-graduate careers. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. In addition, each scholar is paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the college experience, including virtual and in person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in person throughout the year.

“We are very proud of these four deserving teens from across the country,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “They each showed dedication and impressive character traits throughout the Leadership Series and Summit.  They are leaders in their schools, at home and at their First Tee chapters. Through the First Tee College Scholarship Program, we will continue to support them in their personal and professional development and empower them to hone their leadership skills as they pursue their careers. We’re thankful for partners like PGA TOUR Superstore who support these game changing initiatives.”

The four teens were selected from the more than 250 participants who attended the Leadership Series and Summit.  Boasting an average GPA of 3.9 the teens meet the College Scholarship Program eligibility requirements which are based on academic performance, length and involvement in First Tee programs, financial need and commitment to volunteerism.

First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible by donors and corporate partners who stand behind the program and First Tee’s mission. For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman Arthur M. Blank have championed First Tee’s mission through charitable and in-kind donations across the country. In September 2020, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of the Leadership Series and Summit.

“We are committed to being a positive influence in our communities and truly believe in the positive impact sports has in developing and supporting youth,” said Dick Sullivan, President & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We are proud to partner with the First Tee to empower young people with values-based leadership skills that will help them succeed throughout the course of their life. Congratulations Gabriella, Jaylyn, Kyzar and Saloni.”

Photos and broll of the Scholars is available here.

PGA TOUR Professional Austin Smotherman Joins First Tee as an Official Ambassador

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL., (July 12, 2022) – PGA TOUR professional and First Tee alumnus Austin Smotherman has been named an official ambassador of First Tee. A Loomis, Calif. native, Smotherman participated in the Greater Sacramento chapter from age seven until 18 and developed his golf game and character during his time in the program. As an ambassador, Smotherman will showcase his involvement with the youth development organization and the impact it has on his life to help inspire the next generation.

Smotherman is debuting the First Tee logo on his bag this week during the Barracuda Championship in support of the program and its mission to empower kids and teens to build their strength of character through golf. As an ambassador, he will also give his time to meet with participants, donors, and chapter leadership to inspire more support of its mission and participation of the program.

“I’m honored to take on this role as First Tee Ambassador,” said Smotherman. “Looking back at my time as a participant, I really value the balance of developing my character while I was also developing my golf swing. Those experiences and the skills I acquired helped shape who I am as a person and now as a professional athlete. They still guide me today as I navigate the ups and downs of this game that I love.”

“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, congratulations to Austin Smotherman on today’s announcement regarding his new role as official ambassador of First Tee,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Competing on the PGA TOUR requires hard work and perseverance and his story and the character strengths he developed during his time in First Tee will help inspire many kids and teens as they explore the many opportunities golf can provide. Austin paying it forward is another example of what makes the PGA TOUR – and our members  – so special.”

During his time in First Tee, Smotherman progressed through the program, transitioning from a participant to a junior coach and mentor to the younger kids. In 2009 and 2010 he played in the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee and in 2011 he earned First Tee – Greater Sacramento’s Core Value Award.

In 2016, he graduated from Southern Methodist University where he played on the men’s golf team. After competing for two seasons on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica (2017 –2018) he transitioned to the Korn Ferry Tour (2019-2021) until he earned his PGA TOUR card in August 2021. Smotherman is the third First Tee alum, following Scott Langley (retired) and Cameron Champ, to achieve this milestone.

“We are proud to welcome Austin as our First Tee ambassador,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This is a special moment as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and the lasting impact we are having on youth and alumni across the country as they pursue their careers and passions, both on and off the golf course.  His commitment to giving back and dedication to living out his values is an inspiration and will impact many lives.”

Launching in 1997, First Tee is celebrating 25 years of enabling kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations.

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)  

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.  

Contacts:
Sara Henika
[email protected]
(904)881-7398