The importance of embracing differences and different experiences 

February is Black History Month, an important time to recognize the contributions and remember the hardships endured by generations of African Americans. Appreciating diversity and what makes us each unique remains an integral part of First Tee’s DNA year-round.  

“When you bring together people with different perspectives and different experiences, the whole becomes stronger than the sum of its parts,” said Pepper Peete, whose career in golf began more than two decades ago when she established the men’s team at Edward Waters College, an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida. Peete now helps lead culture and inclusion efforts at First Tee headquarters. 

Access for All 

First Tee has always been committed to reaching kids from all backgrounds and making sure they feel included in our programming. At First Tee we commit to: 

  • Appreciating what makes us different. 
  • Providing everyone ​with what they need ​to succeed, knowing that our needs and challenges may differ. 
  • Creating space that makes every individual feel like they belong and can see themselves reflected.​ 

Collaborating with others – including those who are different from you – is a Key Commitment at First Tee, and it means showing respect, kindness and care for everyone. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation or lived experience, we’re all unique.  

Here are some ways kids can get more comfortable learning about and from others. 

A-L-R is a tool for learning about others 

First Tee coaches introduce the concept of appreciating diversity by explaining that people differ in many ways and are similar in other ways, and we all have strengths and weaknesses. It is important for kids and teens to understand, accept and appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses, but it is equally important they do the same with others. 

Engaging others in conversation doesn’t always come naturally to children, but it can be one of the best ways to form meaningful connections across perceived barriers. A-L-R is a strategy we teach at First Tee. 

  • Ask questions: Invite your child to ask questions to discover more about a person’s background and past experiences, which might provide insight into who they are today and the commonalities they share. 
  • Listen to understand: Introduce active listening by encouraging your child to focus on what others are saying rather than thinking about what to say next. 
  • Reflect and respond: Invite your child to show how they were listening by responding with a thoughtful question or sharing your own thoughts or feelings on the topic at hand.  

Through this exercise, kids might learn they share common interests with someone who looks or sounds different to them. 

Don’t forget that in addition to learning about others, preteens are often grappling with and discovering their own identities. If your family positions diversity as an asset, your child might feel more comfortable being themself.  

Exposing your child to food, music or books from other cultures can help them see the commonalities we share and appreciate that our differences make the world a richer place. You can also discuss the diversity that exists within your own family or community to show that diversity is everywhere, including the golf space. 

“Golf has given me an opportunity to go places I never would have been able to go and meet people I never would have been able to meet,” said Peete, who was married to Calvin Peete, one of the most successful Black professional golfers in history. “I think golf can open up unexpected doors.” 

A lifelong golfer and mother to two daughters who played golf at HBCUs, Peete has seen the sport become more accessible, especially to women, and she believes the golf course is a perfect place to break down barriers. “You get to meet so many different people through golf,” Peete said. 

Positive Impact – Kassy Spitz Shares her Experience from the Game Changers Academy

Long-time First Tee – Western New York participant and now Junior Coach, Kassy Spitz attended the First Tee Game Changers Academy. Kassy Spitz was selected out of dozens of applicants from across the country to represent First Tee – Western New York to attend this National Opportunity from July 18-22 in Philadelphia, PA. The First Tee Game Changers Academy is the ultimate tribute to Joe Louis Barrow Jr., a fearless champion of change and former CEO of First Tee. Being a game changer has been integrated into the First Tee mission and Kassy states her thoughts on what exactly a game changer is. She said, “a game changer is someone who is open minded and works hard to diversify and better their community for the people around them.”

The Game Changer Leadership Academy consisted of workshops around diversity and inclusion, team building activities like zip lining, the opportunity to meet other First Tee participants across the country, and the chance to play golf and enjoy the facilities at the historic Merion Golf Club. To help facilitate engaging and interactive workshops at this academy, First Tee invited its industry partner, RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice. Kassy participated in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity and inclusion.

Kassy’s experience was impactful and allowed her to engage in conversations that empowered her to become a better individual, ultimately helping to make a positive impact right here Western New York. Kassy is enlightened to apply what she has learned from this academy, “I can use this new perspective to help encourage the younger generation to be accepting, help work towards change, and fight for equality for those who are struggling or oppressed”. 

At the conclusion of the Game Changer Academy, Kassy was awarded the Outstanding Participant Award. This award was given out to one person in each of the four groups who represented and stood out in the RISE discussions and showed First Tee core values on and off the course. Kassy made an impression, was actively engaged, and left the Game Changer Academy with new friends she plans to stay in touch with. She describes her experience as, “…important for me to attend because it allowed me to meet so many new people and experience so many walks of life. Being able to understand more lifestyles outside of my own allowed me to expand my perspective.”

The Game Changer Academy is one of several First Tee National Opportunities hosted throughout the year. First Tee is an international youth-development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. All First Tee programs seamlessly integrate the game of golf with a life-skills curriculum to create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. The mission enables First Tee to build game changers using the game of golf as the platform. 

2023 First Tee – WNY PGA Jr. League Season Recap

First Tee – Western New York successfully finished the Spring PGA Jr League season on June 17. This is the first year First Tee – Western New York PGA Jr League offered teams in both Rochester and Buffalo and it was a great experience for all 51 players. Buffalo had three teams that competed in tri-matches at Bob O Links, Elma Meadows and Brighton Park golf courses while Rochester hosted two teams alternating between the golf courses at Genesee Valley and Churchville Golf Course. 

PGA Jr League is part of the PGA Reach Youth Pillar that aims to connect junior golfers – new and experienced – together in a fun, on-course playing environment through friendly team competition. Each team of 9 – 12 participants plays each match in pairs, which includes two players playing together representing their team. The pairs play an alternate shot scramble that enables the pairs to demonstrate teamwork, collaboration and decision making while showing good sportsmanship to others. Each team member receives a jersey like they would on a soccer or basketball team, which creates team unity throughout the match. Players loved the jerseys and many even wore them when they attended the PGA Championship at Oak Hill. 

First Tee Coaches walk with each group to help facilitate the life skills that are taught during First Tee classes. Additionally, parent volunteers are great advocates to support the players. During each match, players are expected to maintain adequate pace of play while following the rules of golf and etiquette. First Tee Coaches and Parent Volunteers help guide the players, ultimately fostering a positive and autonomous on course learning experience for all of the youth involved. One parent commented, “I was very impressed with how much the kids were able to discuss as a team and make choices with little to no intervention needed from a Coach.”

Thanks to the continued support and partnership of the Western New York PGA (WNYPGA), First Tee – Western New York is able to offer PGA Jr League at an affordable rate. The partnership continues to strengthen between to two organizations to ensure more youth are being exposed to the game of golf and its inherent life values, while having the increased opportunities of playing on the golf course. Through these efforts, First Tee – Western New York and WNYPGA continue to work together to grow the game and build game changers. 

Impact of Coach and Volunteer Mentors on Youth Mental Wellbeing

In Western New York and across the country, there has been a decline in youth mental-wellbeing in recent years. Community organizations such as First Tee – Western New York (FTWNY) offer imperative programming that can help improve youth mental wellbeing. Through a curriculum that engages physical, social and emotional learning, participants get a well-rounded learning experience. The integrated curriculum of life skills and golf skills is certainly important to help with growth and learning, but it’s also about who is teaching the youth. FTWNY Lead Coaches and Volunteer Mentors all have a common passion of inspiring future generations to help them grow and become successful as people while also learning about the game of golf. Coach and Volunteer Mentors are trained in youth-development that follows a continuous learning pathway so they can show up for the young people. They are enabling kids and teens to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges.

The Collaborative Center for Social Innovation released a report in May 2023 titled, “Ideating Programs to Support Teen Mental Wellbeing: Insights from Focus Groups in WNY.” The focus groups were centered around effective programs and initiatives in Western New York – with a close emphasis on Erie County – that fosters and enhances mental wellbeing among youth, specifically teens. According to the report, “overwhelmingly, responses from teens, parents/caregivers emphasized the importance of supportive relationships and an accepting, non-judgmental environment.” Supportive relationships can be prevalent between child and parent, student and teacher, and even athlete and coach. FTWNY uses golf as the catalyst to connect life skills with golf skills and is taught by caring coaches whose main priority is positive youth development.

Caring Coaches Make a Difference

Ron Langhorne, or simply known as Coach Ron, has been with FTWNY for 18 months as Lead Coach. As someone who loves the game of golf, Coach Ron is able to give back to his community as a First Tee Level II Lead Coach. What exactly does it mean though, to be a Lead Coach and to create meaningful relationships with young people? It means to encourage, to support, and to allow young people to be themselves. Coach Ron learned at a young age to never give up. Ron reflects on how his golf experience taught him perserverance and how he wants to pass that life-lesson along to more kids and teens, “Some of my most memorable birdies came from some of the worst tee shots. Having the ability to believe in oneself in spite of the situation is invaluable.” Coach Ron’s students know that he believes in them and he helps them discover how they can believe in themselves. “Coaching these young kids has definitely changed me for the better. It brought me to the realization that some of them look up to me, and I have the opportunity to raise the bar, believe in them, and watch them raise the bar even further. Making a difference in others’ lives is just awesome” he added. Making a difference is achievable because of the trustworthy relationship between coach and athlete that is centered around youth empowerment.

Within the Collaborative Center for Social Innovation report community leaders focused on creating safe and inclusive environments, being supportive role models, and facilitating connections and support for teens.

FTWNY enables the opportunity for positive coach-athlete to develop because of the safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that classes are designed and set up for. Coach Cathi Ullenbruch started out with First Tee about 7 years ago. After retiring from a 30 year career in the education sector, Coach Cathi knew she wanted to continue working with young people and states, “being involved with First Tee involves two things that are important to me – golf and teaching life and social skills to kids”. Coach Cathi has been involved in a Volunteer and Lead Coach role and helps with many of First Tee’s Girls in Sports programs. Coach Cathi shares that she’s most pleased with “…seeing girls come to First Tee and meet other girls, developing friendships and golf partners.” Watching girls have this opportunity today makes Cathi excited because when she was 10 years old, there were not a lot of opportunities for girls to play golf nor does she remember seeing many female golfers in general. Fostering a learning environment that is inclusive of everyone allows for connection and mentorship relationships that can help increase self-esteem, ultimately improving mental wellbeing.

While the importance of positive mindset and a sense of fulfillment is also recognized across the board with all three groups emphasizing social emotional growth, teens view this more as a result of a new experience.

What is the difference between a Coach and a Volunteer? Their impact is the same! 

Like coaching, volunteering has been an important asset in allowing FTWNY participants to achieve success. A common impact that both coaching and volunteering has is giving back to the community. A great way for anyone to give back to the community is volunteering with FTWNY. Debra Ketchum is a volunteer who’s goal is to get each participant to understand the importance of the core values and how to apply them in their everyday life.

Deb started volunteering in the summer of 2021 and FTWNY has made an impact and inspired her to watch, listen, and learn. Deb says, “using these three skills gives you knowledge which facilitates understanding on how to prepare for coaching. The program safety training was an incredible awakening to “real life” outside of my circle. It was an education in and of itself.” Golf within itself is a challenging sport. Both Deb and Cathi see the satisfaction of seeing the kids improve with their golf skills and utilizing the core values. Deb utilizes the core value of honesty when she volunteers with FTWNY. She says, “Honesty is almost magical. I believe it paves the way to the additional core values: respect, integrity, accountability, sportsmanship, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment”.  Whether you want to become a coach or volunteer, the impact that is made on the participants is the same. Coaches and Volunteers help build positive coach-athlete relationships that can help improve youth mental wellbeing as kids feel they’re supported and encouraged.

First Tee – WNY Coaches and Volunteers strive to inspire the next generation to become the best version of themselves. If you’re interested in becoming a coach or volunteer, please fill out an interest application form today!

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. 

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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.” 

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.”

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.