Category: Uncategorized

2023 Roadrunner Cup

First Tee- Orange County has been invited to participate in the inaugural Roadrunner Cup next month! The tournament, hosted by the First Tee – Coachella Valley Chapter, will be held at Tahquitz Creek Golf Course in Palm Springs, CA on Saturday, May 27th.

The Roadrunner Cup is open to any participant 7 to 18 years old (at the time of the event- May 27th) who has been active as a participant in AT LEAST one full session or camp in 2022 or 2023.  

First Tee – Orange County will join 4 other local First Tees (San Diego, Coachella Valley, Inland Empire and Pasadena) for this fantastic competition. Each chapter will bring 16 players to represent the chapter in the tournament. Players will be divided into different divisions based on their age/gender (ages 7-11 & ages 12+).

In order to determine our 16 participants, FTOC will be holding an open tryout to anyone interested in attempting to qualify for the event at:

Dad Miller Golf Course
Sunday, May 7th @ 
10:00am-12:00pm

During the tryouts, players will hit balls on the driving range, chip in the short game area, and putt on the putting green. At each station, participants will get a score with the top 4 total scores in each division (Boys & Girls) gaining an automatic invite to the Chapter Cup!

Register Here

More details on the Roadrunner Cup will be provided to those who qualify, but 7-11 year-olds can expect to play 9 holes beginning at 2pm with a cost of $50 while 12-18 year-olds will play 18 holes beginning at 12pm with a cost of $75.

Want to be a spectator?

Please note that spectators WILL be allowed to watch the participants at the Roadrunner Cup with golf carts available for rent for $25. Also, there is a local Drive, Chip, & Putt Qualifier being held the following day for/at the same golf course for those interested in making a weekend out of it!

Click here for Drive, Chip & Putt Information

Carter Bonas wants everyone to feel like they belong on the course 

Carter Bonas has already broken through in the business world, and he’s just 12. His love of golf helped inspire his company, Spectrum Golf. 

The golf brand got its name because Carter is on the autism spectrum. The company was created to address an issue he faced, turning a challenge into an opportunity. 

“Me and my mom were spending lots of money on clothes that were supposed to be comfortable but weren’t because I have skin sensitivity,” explained the First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant.  

“I started Spectrum Golf because I wanted other people to be comfortable too.” 

The brand sells golf attire and accessories, which have been displayed at the PGA Show in Orlando, an industry standard event. Carter has been interviewed by Golf Channel, Golf Digest and more about his company. 

It’s impossible for Carter to choose a favorite memory from his time as a golfer. “They’re all super amazing,” Carter said.  

He’s walked the course with Ernie Els at the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida, chipped with PGA Champions Tour player Alex Cejka and even met basketball star Steph Curry. Last year Curry was honored as Sports Illustrated’s Sports Person of the Year, while Carter was named Sports Kid of the Year. 

Carter has big goals for his company, ultimately aiming to own a retail store and collaborate with other major brands. Playing on the PGA TOUR isn’t out of the question either, he said. 

Carter loves the sport because he’s able to play on a team while still controlling the outcome of his round – whether good or bad. He also loves spending time in nature, he said. 

Carter began playing golf after struggling to find another sport that fit.  

During Autism Awareness Month, his message to others on the spectrum: “If you’re considering golf it takes lots of patience and practice, and you always need to stay positive,” he said. 

Carter and his family have faced their own set of challenges when it comes to managing a new business. They had to table Spectrum Vitamin Water due to a manufacturing issue. “Carter only wants to sell products he loves,” said his mother, Dr. Thelma Tennie. But after finding a new producer, the vitamin water could be back on the market this year. 

Seeing his mom – who owns a private therapy practice – helped inspire Carter to become an entrepreneur, he explained. And he’s also passionate about giving back. He recently launched a nonprofit, and he serves as a golf coach and motivational speaker for schools and events. 

Like First Tee, Carter is dedicated to growing the sport of golf and showing that anyone can play. Carter and his mom were drawn to First Tee’s values, and he’s been participating with the Florida Gold Coast chapter in Fort Lauderdale for about a year. 

“It’s been super awesome,” Carter said. 

Wine Women & Shoes Fundraiser Benefiting First Tee – Orange County

First Tee Orange County Invites You to Kick Up Your Heels and Raise a Glass at Wine Women & Shoes Fundraiser

Newport Beach, CA – March 3, 2023

Set aside your slippers and dust off your stilettos — First Tee Orange County (FTOC) will host its inaugural Wine Women & Shoes (WW&S) event at the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach, CA on Thursday, May 11 from 6-10 PM.

An irresistible blend of fashion and compassion, WW&S events are all about putting the “fun” in fundraising. They give women the opportunity to get glamorous with their girlfriends while enjoying incredible varietals from top women winemakers––all for a good cause.

First Tee Orange County’s sip-sational event will feature a signature Shoe Trend fashion show by event sponsor Neiman Marcus Fashion Island, live and silent auctions featuring desirable travel, gift baskets and small leather goods, a Key to the Closet raffle and Wall of Wine. Women-owned wineries such as A Tribute to Grace, Hirsch Vineyards and Peay Vineyards will provide wine tasting, while charming Shoe Guys™ ­serving up this season’s must-haves on silver platters roam the crowd.  Sponsors include Argaux, Brighton Collectibles, Calida Properties LLC, City National Bank, Greet and Stroll community publications and Shulman, Bastian, Friedman & Bui LLC.

“We are excited to bring this event to Orange County and highlight our character-building youth development program for such a dynamic group of philanthropically-minded women, sponsors and donors of all ages,” said Wendy Cullen, FTOC’s Chief Executive Officer.  “In addition to shopping a nine-vendor Marketplace while sipping wine, guests will enjoy dinner and a program featuring one of our long-term teenage participants and First Tee Scholars. She will share how FTOC helps build her confidence, assists in goal-setting and applies other important skills needed for her to succeed in education, an after-school job and life.”

Ticket sales opened up on March 1. General Admission tickets are $200 and VIP $250.  Girlfriend Tables are also available with enhanced benefits.  All net proceeds benefit FTOC and its new “Teens on Greens” program, which is just one of the programs offered to kids age 4-18 in 11 program locations across Orange County.  The Anaheim-based non-profit organization has served over 26,000 Orange County youth and partnered with numerous other Orange County youth organizations since its founding almost 10 years ago.   

For more information or to volunteer for the event, please call or e-mail Lisa Getson, Event Chairman, at 714-803-1156 or [email protected]. 

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets

Women’s History Month: How Jayda Dookie is changing the game 

Jayda Dookie didn’t quite know what she was getting into when her high school coach reached out about a caddying opportunity at Seminole Golf Club. 

Ranked the top course in Florida for the last 35 years by Golf Digest, the Club has a rich history of hosting the corporate elite along with a couple of high-profile events in the past. But Jayda was about to make her own history. When Jayda, a First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant, signed on as caddy, she was unaware that she would become the first female caddy in the history of the storied club. As a freshman, she was also the youngest caddy in the yard when she took the job four years ago. 

“A lot of the caddies were excited to see a girl come and do this job, not only because you have to engage with a lot of important people, but it’s also a physical job,” she explained. “I quicky had to get out my shell. I had to make sure my players were comfortable, and I definitely only succeeded because of the mentors I had in the caddy yard.” 

She said planning ahead is an important part of caddying at Seminole: “First we have to forecaddie. We must get to the ball before the players do to get all the numbers like distance from the hole, wind speed and direction. At Seminole, we really place an emphasis on pace of play, and the only way we’re able to do that is if our caddies are two steps ahead of our players,” she said. 

Jayda said it was intimidating to start her job at Seminole, but now she loves it because of the network she’s forged. 

“I have learned so much through the other caddies and members,” she said. “Many are prominent CEOs and business leaders, and it’s good for me to watch how business deals are negotiated the golf course.” 

That’s especially true since Jayda plans to have a career in international business – even though she’ll be sad to leave Seminole when she attends college in the fall. “I’m definitely going to miss it, but I know there’s an invitation extended for me to come back because they’ve become my second family now,” she said. 

Jayda credits First Tee’s John Deere Drive Your Future Academy with helping her select her future career path. She attended the event in San Francisco last summer. “It was amazing to see girls from all over the country gather to learn about business and leadership and play golf,” she said. “We didn’t know each other at first but by the end we all felt like family.” 

Jayda said First Tee has not only given her lots of impactful opportunities – including a recent behind-the-scenes visit to The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens – but also a supportive community. 

“I’m probably not going to remember all the stress and heartbreaks of different tournaments but I’m definitely going to remember the people and the family that has gathered around me thanks to golf.” 

Jayda was recently named Participant of the Year by First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. 

She credits the sport with teaching her discipline and giving her confidence and recommends golf for any girls who are looking for a new hobby. “I think they should definitely do it,” she said. “Golf is a sport you can play for life. Golf gives you a community and opportunities and people to lean on if you ever need help.” 

Alumni Spotlight

Getting to know Jessica Hasselbeck, Alumni First Tee – Orange County

Jessica started with the First Tee of Orange County in 2014 when she was 10 years old. She fell in love with the game of golf through the FTOC program where she made life long friends and mentors. She started Junior Coaching in 2016 and continued to junior coach until graduating in 2022 from High School. In 2016 Jessica completed her Girl Scout Silver award for the benefit of FTOC. Through this project, she improved the safety at Islands Golf center (where First Tee was located at the time).

The Core Value Respect has always meant a lot to her because she feels that it encompasses all the other core values within itself. “Respect is broken up into three categories respect for yourself, respect for others, and respect of your surroundings. In order to truly respect yourself and others, it is important to demonstrate all 8 other core values. In interacting with others I feel that I have been able to use a lot of the life lessons that the First Tee has taught me in order to be a better person. I do not believe that I would be where I am today without the influence of the incredible mentors at the First Tee.”

Jessica is currently attending Auburn University majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

We’re very happy for Jessica and everything she has accomplished through and outside of First Tee – Orange County!

Obando on following his dreams: ‘Not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end’

Felipe Obando may now be studying at the Keiser University College of Golf. But it wasn’t always a given that the sport would play an important part in his life. 

Obando has long been a passionate artist, and in fifth grade, he won an art contest that not only awarded him tickets to The Honda Classic – and meet and greets with PGA TOUR players like Russel Henley – but also a lifetime membership to First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. 

It was the first time Obando was exposed to golf, and First Tee introduced him to the coaches who could become important mentors, he said.  

“I could go on all day long about the insane and incredible opportunities that have been given to me by the First Tee,” he said. But one thing stands out from his time in the organization: the values it instilled. 

“Responsibly, honesty, integrity … were all words we learned as kids going to the First Tee which helped pave the way for the rest of my life,” he said. 

During his time as a First Tee participant, Obando attended national events like the Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, he played at storied courses, including The Breakers and The Bears Club, and he volunteered to help younger kids learn the game. 

Obando was so passionate about the sport that he teamed up with seven other First Tee participants to create the First Tee – Palm Beaches Teen Golf Association, which has evolved into a thriving organization. 

Obando has had to overcome challenges to get where he is today. He was born with a malformed right hand and has developed a golf swing that compliments his disability.  

“Grabbing a cup, throwing a ball, flipping a coin. Those were all things I could do with my normal left hand. But what about a sport that involves your two hands gripping something? Golf was probably the most challenging sport I ever had to learn, and it took me lots of time and practice to be able to get good contact,” he said. 

“I would say the most important thing throughout this process was never giving up, even if it meant putting myself in uncomfortable situations. I always (and still do) finished holes even if I wasn’t playing my best and wanted to pick up,” he explained. “Overcoming challenges for me was difficult, and it still is to this day, but not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end.” 

Obando always knew he wanted to attend college, and now his goal has become a reality. He received a four-year scholarship to attend Keiser University College of Golf where’s he’s studying golf management.  

“When it comes to post graduation, all I know is that I want to be involved in the best industry there is, the golf industry, whether it’s a head pro at a club, a coach, working for a company and many more of the thousands of careers there are in the golf world,” he said. 

He recently received his WR4GD pass, which makes him eligible to compete in tournaments like the USGA’s second U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this summer. Obando said he’s excited for what the future holds. 

“I have been practicing hard, focusing on my classes, focusing on my game and staying healthy,” he said. 

Obando on following his dreams: ‘Not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end’

Felipe Obando may now be studying at the Keiser University College of Golf. But it wasn’t always a given that the sport would play an important part in his life. 

Obando has long been a passionate artist, and in fifth grade, he won an art contest that not only awarded him tickets to The Honda Classic – and meet and greets with PGA TOUR players like Russel Henley – but also a lifetime membership to First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. 

It was the first time Obando was exposed to golf, and First Tee introduced him to the coaches who could become important mentors, he said.  

“I could go on all day long about the insane and incredible opportunities that have been given to me by the First Tee,” he said. But one thing stands out from his time in the organization: the values it instilled. 

“Responsibly, honesty, integrity … were all words we learned as kids going to the First Tee which helped pave the way for the rest of my life,” he said. 

During his time as a First Tee participant, Obando attended national events like the Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, he played at storied courses, including The Breakers and The Bears Club, and he volunteered to help younger kids learn the game. 

Obando was so passionate about the sport that he teamed up with seven other First Tee participants to create the First Tee – Palm Beaches Teen Golf Association, which has evolved into a thriving organization. 

Obando has had to overcome challenges to get where he is today. He was born with a malformed right hand and has developed a golf swing that compliments his disability.  

“Grabbing a cup, throwing a ball, flipping a coin. Those were all things I could do with my normal left hand. But what about a sport that involves your two hands gripping something? Golf was probably the most challenging sport I ever had to learn, and it took me lots of time and practice to be able to get good contact,” he said. 

“I would say the most important thing throughout this process was never giving up, even if it meant putting myself in uncomfortable situations. I always (and still do) finished holes even if I wasn’t playing my best and wanted to pick up,” he explained. “Overcoming challenges for me was difficult, and it still is to this day, but not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end.” 

Obando always knew he wanted to attend college, and now his goal has become a reality. He received a four-year scholarship to attend Keiser University College of Golf where’s he’s studying golf management.  

“When it comes to post graduation, all I know is that I want to be involved in the best industry there is, the golf industry, whether it’s a head pro at a club, a coach, working for a company and many more of the thousands of careers there are in the golf world,” he said. 

He recently received his WR4GD pass, which makes him eligible to compete in tournaments like the USGA’s second U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this summer. Obando said he’s excited for what the future holds. 

“I have been practicing hard, focusing on my classes, focusing on my game and staying healthy,” he said. 

Coach Kelly on Building a Positive Self-Identity

Louis Kelly, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia alumni and now coach, has been with the chapter for longer than he can remember. Coach Kelly started when he was just 13 years old, graduating through the program in 2010.

Growing up with the First Tee – Greater Philadelphia chapter, Coach Kelly had been so positively impacted as a participant that he thought the only thing he could do was give back by returning to be a coach at the chapter in 2017.

“I love First Tee and I’ve been around it a long time now. Coaching my kids and being with influential people outside in the business world makes me reflect that I just love being able to bring a smile to people’s faces,” said Coach Kelly.

Coach Kelly focuses primarily on the in-school curriculum, along with coaching golf lessons for the participants to help them make their high school golf team. From there, Coach Kelly wishes to see his kids in the program graduate and go on to college where they can play for collegiate teams.  

In addition to the curriculum and golf lessons, coaches like Coach Kelly serve as a mentor for the community, helping to support participants along their educational and golf journey. Coach Kelly focuses on building a positive self-identity as a core characteristic in life.

“The mind believes in whatever you say about yourself, so we need to make it a good one,” said Coach Kelly.

“We need community, and as you know, First Tee has allowed young people to come in a safe space and be around positive coaches and other young people to build healthy habits and life skills.”

Jose Perez Makes an Impact at First Tee – Monterey County

Jose Perez grew up in Salinas, California where his family loved watching different professional sports, but primarily soccer because of their Hispanic heritage. It wasn’t until Jose was 8 years old when he was first introduced to the sport of golf – and instantly he fell in love. “In other sports, you have to rely on other people. With golf, you only have to rely on yourself and that’s why I love the game,” said Jose.

Jose became a participant at First Tee – Monterey County after being introduced to the game, loving the programs he took part in. So much so, after graduating from the program, he became a First Tee coach in 2013. “Monterey County had a summer program which I applied to that summer. I took my first class and loved it. First Tee – Monterey County has helped me a lot in my career. The coaches I had gave their best at everything and gave me values and skills I could use in my life. The least I could do is give back,” said Jose.

While coaching at First Tee – Monterey County, Jose is also studying to get his degree in accounting. Once he completes his bachelor’s degree, he will apply to get his master’s degree and become a CPA. One day, Jose hopes to do accounting for businesses all over California and take over his dad’s pallet business.

“If there’s anything I could teach my participants, it’s to be patient, be positive and always be willing to ask for help.”

Meet Bennie!

This past summer, Bennie conducted a research project with the research question “Where are the best locations in Orange County, California, for First Tee — Orange County (FTOC) to conduct promotional activities in order to maximize new membership and new participation?” He collected zip code, land area, and segmented population data for Orange County and used fundamental mathematic modeling to lead to the conclusion that Willowick and Dad Miller are the best locations for FTOC to conduct promotional activities to attract new participants. Simple project but it shows his sense of belonging and eagerness to contribute to FTOC, whose wonderful youth development program has a deep influence in his life. 

Unrelated to golf… after 10 years of hard work, Bennie has recently obtained the DipABRSM (in piano performance) title. This is a diploma issued by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music to musicians worldwide for professional level of musicality through a rigorous examination and selection process (the multi-level review process took four months).

As a participant in First Tee – Orange County, Bennie was selected for a National First Tee Opportunity in 2021 where he spent a life-changing week in Montana learning how to grow as a leader.

Way to go Bennie! We’re very excited to see how you are building a positive self-identity. This is the year of you.

Game Changing Alumni

For over 25 years, we’ve used golf to teach lessons about life. We’ve spun the unexpected challenges on the fairway to coach kids about adversity in the everyday. It’s not just a game, its game-changing.

Our alumni are a reflection of that commitment we made to building game changers. Below are just a few of our exceptional alumni who are making a difference in the world because of the lessons learned at First Tee.