Pasadena, CA – October 29, 2025 – Beneath a crisp autumn sky at Brookside Golf Club, more than 130 golfers from across Southern California came together on Tuesday, October 29th , to tee off in celebration of youth, inclusion, and the life-changing power of golf. The 2025 First Tee – Greater Pasadena Golf Invitational Presented by the Rose Bowl Stadium marked the 17th annual tournament, serving as both a cherished community tradition and a vital fundraiser supporting programs that teach confidence, character, and leadership through the game.
The event came at a meaningful moment for the organization, as First Tee – Greater Pasadena prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary in April 2026, two decades of transforming lives across the San Gabriel Valley through the values and lessons inherent in golf.
Brandon Fox, Senior Director of Golf for the Rose Bowl Stadium, shared, “Today is such a wonderful moment for the community to come out, show support, and raise awareness for First Tee – Greater Pasadena. This program was founded right here, and we’re incredibly proud that it continues to thrive after all these years. It’s more than just golf, it’s a life-coaching program that helps participants build integrity, confidence, and purpose. Organizations like First Tee provide opportunities that many kids, and even adults, might not otherwise have, and it’s inspiring to see how the lessons learned on the course shape lives far beyond it.”
This year alone, the chapter reached over 15,900 young people through outreach programs and welcomed more than 1,600 participants into its Life Skills Experience classes. Its footprint spans 11 sites, from Brookside and Eaton Canyon to Rancho Duarte and Arcadia Par 3, with programming extending into community spaces such as Robinson Park, Villa Parke, and Washington Park. The organization also provides special needs and adaptive golf programs in partnership with the Running
Waters Day Program, Wounded Warriors, and the Special Olympics, ensuring that the game is accessible to participants of all backgrounds and abilities.
Ernesto Espinoza added, “Growing up, I always wished there had been an organization like this to help me get into a sport like golf. It’s not just about learning the game, it’s about learning values like honesty and self-discipline. Golf is unique because you call penalties on yourself, and that teaches integrity, something young people need more than ever today. This is my third time coming to the tournament, and it’s such a great way to reconnect with people you might only see once or twice a year. It really brings the community together.”
In 2025, the chapter’s resilience shined brighter than ever. Following the Eaton Canyon Fire, which temporarily displaced classes and destroyed $30,000 in equipment, First Tee – Greater Pasadena restored full programming within a week, aided by over 100 donated junior club sets from national partners. That same spirit of unity and generosity carried through the tournament, where community members rallied around the mission to empower youth through every swing.
While the tournament concluded on the fairways of Brookside, the spirit of giving continues. Supporters can participate in the event’s online auction through Thursday, October 30th at 6:59 p.m.
In recognition of its ongoing service and impact, the City of Pasadena has officially proclaimed October as “First Tee – Greater Pasadena Month,” honoring the chapter’s dedication to youth development, inclusion, and community connection through golf.
As the organization approaches its 20th anniversary in 2026, the Invitational stands as a powerful reminder of how far First Tee – Greater Pasadena has come, and how many more lives it will continue to touch in the years ahead.
Media Contact:
Sierra Kemp
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