Joyce Shelton, Regional Vice President for American Golf Corporation and Chief Financial Officer for American Golf Foundation, is one of the most impactful partners and board members First Tee – Orange County has had the privilege of working alongside. Joyce made Coyote Hills available as the venue for Fore the Ladies, our low-pressure, social golf event where women are invited to experience the game in a welcoming environment alongside our female participants.
With no intimidation and plenty of good company, Fore the Ladies brings the community together on the course while raising funds that go directly toward girls golf programming. Joyce also helped establish Coyote Hills as an official site location for LPGA Girls Golf, giving our participants a consistent, supportive environment to grow their skills and their love of the game. Her generosity extends well beyond the course. Joyce welcomed our LPGA Girls Golf participants into the Coyote Hills clubhouse kitchen for a hands-on pizza-making night — a fun, memorable evening that reminded our kids that belonging in this sport isn’t limited to the fairway. It was also a chance to introduce them to the business side of golf and the professional paths the industry offers beyond playing the game.
She has shown up in tangible ways for our programs as well.
Under her leadership, American Golf’s Orange County region came together to fundraise through the American Golf Foundation, ultimately presenting First Tee – Orange County with a $15,000 donation. Those funds went directly toward range balls and green fees for participant classes and tournaments, helping ensure cost is never a barrier for the young people we serve. As a board member, Joyce brings the kind of industry knowledge and connections that turn ideas into real opportunities. Her role overseeing American Golf’s Orange County region, combined with her position with the American Golf Foundation, gives First Tee – Orange County access to American Golf-operated locations like Coyote Hills, along with the resources and relationships that expand what’s possible for our participants. She understands the game from the inside out and cares deeply about who gets to be part of it. We’re grateful for every hour she’s invested, every door she’s opened, and every opportunity she’s helped create for the future game changers of Orange County.
