mhart – First Tee – Greater Kansas City

First Tee – Phoenix’s Ashley Shaw and First Tee – Tri-Valley’s Nakul Shrivastava claim 2026 First Tee National Championship

Shrivastava and First Tee – Central Florida’s Sadie Goodman earned exemptions into the 2026 PURE Insurance Championship

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (June 25, 2026) – First Tee has crowned two new national champions: Ashley Shaw of Litchfield Park, Arizona, and Nakul Shrivastava of San Ramon, California, won the girls’ and boys’ divisions respectively. The First Tee National Championship took place at the University of North Carolina’s Finley Golf Club, June 21-25, 2026.

The event brought together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped them build the confidence, perseverance and skills needed to play at the next level.

Shaw shot 68-67-65 to finish 10-under for the tournament. A rising high school senior, she’s committed to play collegiate golf at the University of Georgia. Currently 67th in the AJGA rankings, she made her LPGA Tour debut at the 2024 Cognizant Founders Cup after earning an exemption into the tournament. Shaw has been involved with First Tee – Phoenix for more than eight years and serves as a volunteer coach and ambassador.

“I’m so excited to be able to get the win,” Shaw said. “For me, staying patient and just knowing I could hit the shots and waiting for the putts to drop was the key, and I just let it happen and I was able to get quite a few birdies this week.”

Shrivastava shot 66-64-67 to finish 13-under for the tournament. He recorded nine birdies in the second round, including six on the back nine. Shrivastava began playing golf with First Tee – Tri-Valley when he was 6. Now a rising high school junior, he has multiple Top 10 AJGA finishes.

“I’m feeling pretty good, very excited that I got to win this, and it was a really good opportunity,” said Shrivastava. “No matter how nervous I got or doubted myself this week, I just remembered confidence is key, and I just persevered through that, and I played pretty well.”

Both winners were awarded the Tattersall Cup in honor of First Tee Trustee Fred Tattersall, who generously supports the event. Photos from the tournament are available here.

Based on their play, Shrivastava and Sadie Goodman of First Tee – Central Florida earned exemptions into the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that will take place at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course in September. The event pairs golf legends with First Tee juniors for a week of mentorship and competition. Goodman was 4th in the girls’ division, making her the top finisher who has not previously played the PURE Insurance Championship.

“Congratulations to Ashley and Nakul on their outstanding victories at the First Tee National Championship,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “These young people demonstrated exceptional golf skills, sportsmanship and resilience. Thanks to the University of North Carolina for hosting this year’s event and Fred Tattersall for making this event possible.”

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at college golf courses across the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from around the country. The field included 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. A full list of results is available here.

The championship is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities, which is designed to help teens grow while keeping them engaged with the program. In addition to competitive golf opportunities, First Tee headquarters offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event and a community service workshop.

First Tee’s top golf talent will be on display at its National Championship, hosted at University of North Carolina

In addition to the Tattersall Cup, the male and female winners could earn exemptions into the 2026 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (June 22, 2026) – National youth development organization First Tee will host its 2026 National Championship June 21-25, 2026, at the University of North Carolina’s Finley Golf Club.

Now in its sixth year, the First Tee National Championship brings together 48 of the organization’s top male and female players from across the country for a 54-hole stroke play event designed to provide participants with the opportunity to experience top collegiate golf courses while showcasing the skills and values they learned at their First Tee chapters.

The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. Twelve players in the field have already committed to college golf teams. Last year’s winners, Jordin Cowing of First Tee – Phoenix and Jacob Lewallen of First Tee – Greater Dallas, currently play at Austin Peay State University and Eastern Kentucky University respectively.

“We are proud to bring the First Tee National Championship to the Finley Golf Club, and congratulations to the young people who have earned their place here,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, First Tee. “We are grateful to the University of North Carolina for hosting our event and Fred Tattersall for his continued support of First Tee.”

In addition to presenting the Tattersall Cup to the top male and female competitors, First Tee could also award two exemptions into the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs professionals and junior players for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach Golf Links each September.

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at college campuses across the nation, giving participants the opportunity to network with peers from around the country and experience college life firsthand. Last year’s event was held at the University of Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course.

The championship is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities, which are designed to keep teens engaged with the program through competitive golf, leadership development and community service.

View the full list of selected participants here. Scoring will be available on Golf Genius.

How to watch your child play golf without adding pressure

Tournament season is here, and if your child is competing in junior golf this summer, you’re probably already thinking about how to show up for them.

Your presence matters. Research consistently shows that parental support is one of the biggest factors in whether a young athlete has a positive sports experience. But there’s a version of support that helps kids thrive, and a version that can add weight to an already pressurized moment. The difference isn’t always obvious, especially when you love your kid and want them to succeed.

Kids are remarkably perceptive. They notice the furrowed brow or slumped shoulders after a missed putt. They feel the silence in the car ride home. What they might not understand, however, is that you’re feeling disappointed for them – not disappointed in them.

Your child wants to know that you care. But during competition, that awareness can work against them. When kids sense that a parent’s mood is tied to their performance, they start playing for the wrong audience. Instead of focusing on the shot in front of them, they’re managing your reaction, and that’s an enormous cognitive and emotional load for a young person to carry.

What helpful presence actually looks like

The good news is that being a supportive presence doesn’t require you to suppress your emotions. It just requires a small shift in focus.

Before the round, keep it simple. Remind your child that you’re proud of them for competing, full stop.

During the round, resist the urge to coach from the gallery. Even well-intentioned tips mid-round can disrupt a young golfer’s concentration and signal that you’re focused on outcomes rather than effort. Let them play and problem-solve.

While athletes can learn from mistakes, avoid offering critiques right after a round when emotions are raw. Instead, try leading with curiosity. Prompt reflection with questions like:

How did you feel?

How were the conditions?

What was the best moment of your round?

What did you learn today from your round?

Let the hard moments do their job

Competitive golf is full of adversity … missed putts, bad bounces, tough weather. These moments feel painful in the short term, but they’re also exactly where some of the most important development happens.

At First Tee, FAIL stands for First Attempt In Learning. The idea is that setbacks aren’t signs of failure but part of the process. When kids are allowed to sit with a hard moment, reflect on it and try again, they build something no coaching tip can give them: genuine resilience.

Your role in those moments isn’t to fix the feeling or explain away the disappointment. It’s to stay calm, stay present and let your child know that your love isn’t contingent on the scorecard.

What junior golfers often need most from their parents is the freedom to compete, take risks, make mistakes and figure things out in real time.

Find a First Tee chapter near you to learn about competitive golf opportunities.

How to balance structured activities and unstructured time this summer

A guide for parents navigating the summer schedule

Summer arrives with the best intentions. You want your child to grow, make memories and maybe even get a head start on something meaningful. So you sign them up — camp here, lessons there, a program or two to keep things moving. Before long, the calendar is full and summer feels a lot like the school year with warmer weather.

Sound familiar?

Finding the right balance between structured activities and free time is one of the most common challenges parents face when summer rolls around. There’s no perfect formula, but there is a lot of research that can help.

The case for structure

Structured activities give kids something school schedules naturally provide: routine, accountability and a sense of purpose. When children commit to a team, program or class, they practice showing up even when they don’t feel like it. They learn to follow through. They build relationships with coaches and mentors who see them differently than their parents do, and that outside perspective can be incredibly powerful.

Programs like First Tee give kids a structured environment where they’re not just learning a sport but developing the habits and character traits that carry into every other area of their lives.

Why unstructured time matters just as much

Here’s what the research consistently shows: Kids need boredom. Not as a punishment, but as a gift.

When children have unstructured time — time without a screen, schedule or adult directing the action — they’re forced to use their imaginations, negotiate with peers, solve problems on their own and discover what they enjoy. This kind of self-directed play is where creativity lives.

Child development experts note that free play is essential to healthy cognitive and emotional development. When every hour is scheduled, kids miss out on the chance to just be – a surprisingly important skill.

Finding the balance that works for your family

To keep kids engaged in youth sports, Project Play advocates that organized instruction, structured play and unstructured play should work in tandem. While First Tee lessons provide the first two components, a family golf outing or on-course round with friends can help nurture your child’s love for the game.

There’s no universal ratio of structured to unstructured time that works for every child or every family. But here are a few questions to help you find yours:

Is your child energized or drained after their activities? The right structured program should challenge your child, but it shouldn’t leave them depleted every day. If they’re consistently exhausted or resistant, it may be worth reassessing the schedule.

Do they have time to be bored? Boredom is uncomfortable at first. Kids will tell you there’s nothing to do. Give it 20 minutes. Often, that’s when the best stuff happens — the backyard fort, the invented game, the book they finally picked up.

Are they driving any of it? Summer is a natural time to let kids have more say in how they spend their time. If kids have a say in which activities they want to continue or try and when they want downtime, it builds the kind of autonomy that develops into good decision-making over time.

Is there room for spontaneity? If your childcare needs allow, leave some white space in the calendar. The best summer memories often happen unplanned.

The goal isn’t to maximize your child’s summer. It’s to give them a summer that helps them grow in skill, character and their sense of self.

That means some structure, some commitment, some challenge, and yes, some long afternoons with nowhere to be and nothing to do.

Learn more about First Tee programming near you.

First Tee announces 23 new Scholars selected for academic excellence, leadership and service

In addition to financial support, First Tee Scholars receive mentorship and professional development opportunities

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (June 2, 2026) – Youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce its incoming class of Scholars, welcoming 23 exceptional young leaders into the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Selected from chapters across the country, the incoming Scholars represent the organization’s highest ideals, demonstrating outstanding commitment to academics, community service and the values they developed through years of First Tee participation.

Young men and women from 20 First Tee chapters comprise this year’s Scholar class, including three collegiate golfers and four first-generation college students. They will arrive at universities across the country this fall, studying subjects including engineering, sports management, business, biology and more. On average, incoming Scholars have spent an average of 9.3 years with First Tee and boast a weighted GPA of 4.3.

“The exceptional participants who make up this year’s Scholar class represent the very best of what First Tee stands for: a relentless commitment to excellence in the classroom, in their communities and to their character,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The First Tee College Scholarship Program exists to ensure that these exceptional young leaders have the resources they need to reach their full potential, and we are grateful to the donors and corporate partners who make this program possible.”

New Scholars will be invited to attend a Pre-College Retreat in Ponte Vedra Beach this summer, where they will meet their peers, network with professionals and attend workshops to help them prepare for their first semester of college.

Launched in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program provides selected alumni with financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities designed to help them succeed in college and beyond. Scholars participate in workshops, gain access to an expansive professional network, and receive ongoing guidance as they navigate their college journeys.

Candidates are selected based on academic achievement, dedication to service and commitment to their First Tee chapter and community. The program reflects First Tee’s broader mission of using golf to teach young people life skills that develop character, extending well beyond the course.

In April, leaders from Chevron, a supporter of the First Tee College Scholarship program, surprised Carlie Matengula (left) and Aarya Shewale (center) with invitations to the program during The Chevron Championship.

The full list of incoming First Tee College Scholars is below.

Name	Chapter	University	Major
Riley Albright	Central Ohio	Ohio State University	Sports Management
Natalie Chen	Silicon Valley	Stanford University	Business
Noelle Gagnon	New Hampshire	Connecticut College	International Relations
Lilyanna Hathaway	Colorado Rocky Mountains	Colorado Mesa University	Marketing
Justin Hsieh	Raritan Valley	Rutgers University	Aerospace Engineering
Nick Huang	Greater Seattle	Northwestern University	Electrical Engineering
Riley Jamison	Tennessee	Palm Beach Atlantic University	Communications
Joshua Ju	Tennessee	Vanderbilt University	Pre-Medicine
Carlie Matengula	Greater Austin	Howard University	Political Science
Jasmine McGhee	Greater Chicago	Cornell University	Psychology
Colby Palacio	Raritan Valley	Rutgers University	Accounting
Ishani Patel	Metropolitan Oklahoma City	University of Oklahoma	Biomedical Engineering
Kailyn Peterson	Idaho	Boise State University	Nursing
Jack Polansky	Greater San Antonio	Berry College	Environmental Science
Lula Rivera	Greater Wilmington	North Carolina State University	Engineering
Alexis Roth	Greater Charlotte	University of South Carolina	Sports Management
Isabella Russo	Florida Gold Coast	University of Central Florida	Engineering
Aarya Shewale	Greater Houston	Texas A&M University	Aerospace Engineering
Sydney Socha	Toledo	University of North Florida	Business
Anabella Van Cotthem	San Diego	University of California, Irvine	Biology
Weston Wakefield	Central Arkansas	Southern Nazarene University	Kinesiology
Ashton Washington	Tampa Bay	Florida A&M University	Finance
Bailey Webb	Colorado Rocky Mountains	Ohio State University	International Business

Since its inception, 120 First Tee Scholars have benefited from this comprehensive support system. The First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of individual supporters and corporate partners. Learn more about supporting First Tee.

Inside the ropes and behind the scenes: How First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is highlighting opportunities in golf

For most golf fans, the PGA Championship is something you watch from the gallery or on television. For four young people from First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, it’s where they’ll go to work.

Lewis Cantres, Jake Ruppert, Hank Charlton and Andi Jones will serve as standard bearers at this year’s PGA Championship, walking inside the ropes alongside the world’s best golfers. It’s the kind of experience that doesn’t just make for a great story. For participants who are beginning to think seriously about their futures, it’s a glimpse at what a career in golf can actually look like.

That glimpse is something First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is intentionally creating.

The week before the tournament, dozens of participants attended the PGA’s Career Exploration Day, an event designed for young people who are curious about the golf industry, whether that’s merchandise and marketing, technology, engineering or tournament operations.

Participants rotated through stations covering each of those areas, getting a firsthand look at what it takes to pull off one of professional golf’s major championships. They’ll also receive a ticket to attend a practice round the following week, so the learning doesn’t end when the event does.

Learning the craft

First Tee – Greater Philadelphia’s 2026 Caddie Academy graduated 67 new caddies this year, including seven girls, and several have already taken their skills onto real courses, including 14-year-old Sydney Schafer, who completed her first loop at Philly Cricket Club.

“The Caddie Academy was an incredible experience for me. The trainings taught me all the rules I needed to know, along with respect for the players and the course,” Sydney said. “The training helped me realize the responsibility I need to take on for a job, caddying and beyond. The Caddie Academy has really set me up for success and prepared me for my future.”

For these participants, caddying is more than a job. It’s professional experience in the golf industry, made possible through the training and connections of First Tee – Greater Philadelphia.

In 2025, the chapter launched a new initiative in partnership with other local organizations: a greenskeeper training program designed to prepare students for careers in golf course management.

The program reflects the chapter’s broader belief that the golf industry needs people who understand how to build and maintain the game from the ground up and that those people should reflect the diversity of the communities First Tee serves.

Making sure the door is actually open

To make First Tee’s golf and life skills programming more accessible, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia’s Access 2 Golf initiative provides transportation and meals to participants from partner organizations in specific zip codes from which getting to a golf course is a genuine challenge.

In 2025, Access 2 Golf reached 21 partner organizations and 545 students, 88% of whom came from diverse backgrounds.

From the standard bearer assignments at a major championship to the students caddying their first loops, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia is building something more than a youth golf program. It’s building a pipeline, one that connects young people to real opportunities in an industry that has historically been hard to break into.

This spring, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia participants will walk through the gates of the PGA Championship not as fans, but as future professionals exploring what’s possible.

From the golf course to college: Addison Seban’s journey with First Tee – Golden Isles

Growing up in the Golden Isles, Addison Seban began playing golf because it meant time with her grandfather.

“He would bring me out to the golf course with him, and those are some of my favorite memories,” she said. “I didn’t really know much about the game at first, but just being out there with him made me fall in love with it. He was always really patient with me and encouraged me to keep trying, even when I got frustrated.”

Those experiences lit a spark in Addison that she carried to First Tee – Golden Isles, where she would go on to develop her golf game and grow as a leader.

Candles, clubs and commitment

Along the way, Addison found a creative solution to a familiar challenge: She wanted to play more golf, but new clubs weren’t in the budget. She started making and selling candles. What began as a practical workaround became a passion.

Her favorite scents? Pine during the Christmas season for that classic, cozy feeling, and eucalyptus.

All her hard work on the course, in the classroom and in service to others as a First Tee junior coach recently led to a major milestone. She earned an Evans Scholarship, a prestigious honor for young caddies.

“Finding out I earned the Evans Scholarship was honestly such an exciting and emotional moment,” Addison said. “I felt really proud of myself, but also just so grateful for everyone who supported me along the way. It made me reflect on all the time and effort I’ve put into golf, school and volunteering, and it felt amazing to see that pay off.”

The lasting impact of First Tee

As she heads to college, Addison said she’ll continue to use the values she learned at First Tee – things like integrity, confidence and perseverance. “Those are things that apply to so much more than just golf. First Tee has taught me how to stay positive, work through challenges and carry myself with respect both on and off the course.”

Those aren’t just words for Addison. They’re the foundation of everything she’s built and everything she’s building toward.

As for what comes next, Addison has her sights set on a career in professional golf, not as a player but behind the scenes. She hopes to work with the PGA TOUR and be involved in tournament operations someday. “I think it would be really exciting to be part of organizing or running events and being around the sport at that level,” she said. “Golf has been such a big part of my life, so I’d love to stay connected to it and build a career around it.”

With the Evans Scholarship opening new doors and a lifetime of lessons from First Tee behind her, there’s every reason to believe she will.

Here’s why mentorship matters for kids

First Tee coaches feel proud when a new player launches a drive or sinks a putt for the first time. But the true magic of our program happens off the course when a participant overcomes a tough obstacle at school or when an alumnus achieves a big goal.

Those moments highlight how much mentorship matters.

A landmark 30-year study by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America found that young adults with mentors earned 20% more than their peers. The same research determined that mentorship is one of the most cost-effective youth development interventions available.

Drawing on results from over 70 program evaluations, MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership has found that mentoring supports improved grades, test scores and educational attainment, while also improving classroom behavior and school attendance.

But accessible mentors aren’t always easy to find

For all of mentorship’s documented benefits, access to mentors isn’t equal — and the gap is widening.

A 2024 report by MENTOR found that today’s 18–21-year-olds are 9% less likely to have had a mentor growing up compared to the Millennial generation. More than one in three young adults say they grew up without the support of any mentor at all.

The research is clear that mentoring relationships promote a strong sense of belonging, an asset that’s essential for healthy youth development. For the young people who most need a caring adult in their corner, that connection is often unavailable. It’s a gap that programs like First Tee are uniquely equipped to fill.

More than a game

According to research from First Tee and The Harris Poll, 88% of parents with coached children say their child has become more likely to speak up for themselves in other areas of life since participating in coached sports. An even larger majority — 94% — believe sports help children grow their confidence and social skills.  

First Tee coaches teach participants how to introduce themselves to playing partners, and participants learn the A-L-R method for engaging in conversation:

A: Ask questions to learn about someone.
L: Listen to their response. Make sure you’re listening to understand rather than thinking of what to say next.
R: Reflect and respond thoughtfully with a follow up question or by sharing your own thoughts or feelings on the topic.

The impact of coaching lasts well into adulthood. Among parents who had coaches in their own youth, 67% say they wouldn’t be where they are today without those adults. They credit their coaches with teaching them to collaborate, lead and overcome challenges.

Most First Tee coaches are not golf professionals and that’s OK – not every First Tee participant aspires to play competitive golf, but we ask our coaches to lead by example as great listeners, cheerleaders and positive role models for the next generation.

Support First Tee’s efforts to provide quality mentors for our future leaders. Become a Donor Ambassador today.

How to help shy kids make friends through sports

Being shy can come with lots of overlooked benefits. Shy people tend to observe carefully before jumping in, which means they can notice details others miss. They’re often good listeners, empathetic and self-aware.

Still for parents of shy kids, it can be difficult to watch your child struggle to connect with their peers. You want them to experience the joy of friendship, but pushing too hard can backfire. Sports offer a unique environment where shy kids can build friendships at their own pace. In fact, our research with The Harris Poll shows that 94% of parents believe playing sports helps children build confidence and social skills.

Compared to many team sports, golf provides a more measured environment. There’s time between shots for conversation, opportunities to observe others before acting and a shared focus that takes the pressure off constant eye contact or quick responses. At First Tee, we’ve seen countless shy children blossom as they discover that the golf course is a safe space to practice being themselves.

But making friends doesn’t happen automatically. Even in the most welcoming environment, shy kids might benefit from a little coaching on how to connect.

Facilitating connections with A-L-R

At First Tee, we teach a simple framework that can transform how shy kids approach new friendships: Ask, Listen, Respond.

Ask questions: Encourage your child to become curious about others. Asking questions isn’t about filling awkward silence but about discovering who someone really is. Help your child understand that questions about a person’s background, experiences or interests can reveal commonalities they never expected.

Listen to understand: Many shy kids are already good listeners by nature, but in social situations, they may be preoccupied by worrying about how to respond. Introduce the concept of active listening: focusing genuinely on what the other person is saying because you’re interested, not because you’re preparing your reply.

You can practice this at home during dinner conversations or car rides. When your child shares something, model active listening by giving them your full attention, asking follow-up questions and reflecting back what you heard. Then gently encourage them to do the same when others are speaking.

Reflect and respond: The final piece is showing others that you were truly listening. Teach your child that responding doesn’t mean having the perfect comeback or the funniest joke. It means acknowledging what was shared and building on it.

A simple, “That sounds really cool. What was your favorite part?” or “I’ve felt that way too,” can be enough to keep a conversation flowing and signal genuine interest.

The beauty of First Tee is that it provides natural, repeated opportunities to practice these skills. As a parent, you can support this process by encouraging participation in group activities, celebrating small wins and being patient; some friendships develop quickly, while others take a full season to form.

Learning to ask thoughtful questions, listen actively and respond with authenticity can help prepare your child for success in school, future careers and all of life’s relationships. At First Tee, we’re committed to creating an environment where every child can discover their potential both on and off the course, because golf isn’t just about the game; it’s about the friendships formed, the confidence built and the life skills that last forever.

How golf prepares kids to overcome challenges

Every golf parent has watched it happen. Your child lines up a putt, swings with confidence and misses. Maybe their shoulders drop. Maybe there’s a frustrated sigh. And in that moment, you might wonder: Is this good for them?

At First Tee, we’d say yes.

Golf is one of the few sports that puts a young person face-to-face with failure on almost every hole, and that’s exactly what makes it such a powerful teacher. When kids learn to navigate a missed shot, a bad round or a score that didn’t reflect their effort, they’re building something far more important than their game. They’re building resilience.

The scorecard doesn’t lie, and golf’s honesty can be uncomfortable at first. But over time, it teaches kids to take ownership of their performance — a life skill that carries far beyond the course.

At First Tee, our coaches create a safe space where that accountability feels empowering, not defeating. Young people learn that a bad shot isn’t a reflection of who they are. It’s information. It’s an opportunity to adjust, refocus and try again.

What bouncing back looks like

Resilience isn’t about pretending failure doesn’t hurt. It’s about developing the tools to move through it. At First Tee, we view failure as a “First Attempt In Learning,” recognizing there’s always a lesson to be gleaned when things don’t go right.

In First Tee’s curriculum, participants work on skills like emotional regulation, positive self-talk and setting goals, which all come naturally on the course. When a young person learns to take a breath after a bad hole and approach the next tee box with a fresh mindset, they’re practicing exactly the kind of response that will serve them in a tough exam, a difficult friendship or a challenging moment at work someday.

That kind of reflection doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because coaches are asking the right questions, creating space for young people to process their experiences and grow from them.

“We’ve watched Blayze transition from reacting to challenges to strategically managing them,” said Landon and Holly Chapman, parents of First Tee – Indiana participant, Blayze Chapman. “By applying the STAR (Stop, Think, Anticipate, Respond) model, he’s replaced frustration with perseverance and judgment. Whether he’s navigating a double-bogey or a heavy academic week, he no longer lets a single moment define his day. He’s learned to ‘reset’ with a level of composure that most adults struggle to maintain, proving that his character is anchored in something much deeper than a scorecard.”

The role parents play in the process

Here’s something we hear from families all the time: The lessons don’t stay on the course. While First Tee programming is typically delivered in golf settings, the goal is for parents to see their children handling frustration differently at home, in school and in other activities Our aim is for participants to grow in patience and become more articulate about their feelings.

Of course, parents play a big role in that. When your child comes home after a tough round, how you respond matters. Instead of jumping to fix the problem or minimize their frustration, try asking open-ended questions: What was the hardest part today? What would you do differently next time? What’s one thing you’re proud of, even if the score wasn’t what you hoped?

These conversations reinforce what your child is learning at First Tee and help them internalize the idea that struggle is a normal, even necessary, part of growth.

“Golf has given Blayze a quiet, internal confidence rooted in responsibility and integrity,” said the Chapmans. “Through First Tee, he’s developed the social dexterity to engage with mentors and the self-assurance to lead his peers.”

To support First Tee and its efforts to teach life skills and values through golf, consider becoming a Donor Ambassador today!

Izzy Kornmeyer shares the transformative power of golf

Izzy Kornmeyer didn’t know how to hold a golf club when she started at First Tee – Indiana in 8th grade. Now, as a high school senior and varsity golfer, she can’t stop thinking about the game that has completely changed her life.

“Golf has changed me for the better, and I am forever grateful for it,” she said.

Izzy’s golf journey started with Sunday mornings watching her dad and grandpa head out to play. When she decided to try high school golf, her mom signed her up for First Tee, hoping the program would give her daughter the foundation she needed.

That first tournament was humbling. After top-slicing her opening drive, Izzy shot 110. But instead of giving up, she leaned into the challenge. Several summer tournaments and countless practice sessions later, she returned to that same course and shot 83, proving what dedication and perseverance could accomplish.

Now Izzy is preparing to play collegiate golf at St. Thomas University in Miami, where she’ll be a first-generation college student.

Finding her voice

The transformation wasn’t just about golf scores. Izzy arrived at First Tee as a quiet, uncertain beginner who felt out of her element. Over four years, she evolved into a confident mentor and leader who now helps launch new First Tee – Indiana initiatives through the Leaders In Training Program.

Her leadership extends far beyond the golf course. Izzy serves on First Tee – Indiana’s Participant Advisory Council and was chosen as a Youth Deacon at Second Presbyterian Church.

Izzy’s approach to leadership is guided by her faith and the values she’s developed through First Tee. She lives by Matthew 20:26: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”

“I now understand that true leadership isn’t about being in control,” Izzy said. “It’s about being present, expressing kindness and prioritizing other people before yourself.”

Whether she’s volunteering in the church nursery, creating encouraging TikTok content or being the first to help others at First Tee – Indiana, Izzy leads with kindness and compassion.

Making an impact

When she’s not competing, Izzy is often watching professional golf, practicing and or giving back to others. In 2024, she attended the First Tee Innovators Forum in Phoenix. During the event, participants plan service projects they execute in their communities. Izzy ultimately collected 700 full-sized hygiene products and $500 for the Julian Center, Indiana’s largest organization supporting victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other crises.

Her journey from a nervous beginner who couldn’t grip a club to a confident leader who helps others find their own path proves what First Tee has always known: With the right support, young people can achieve remarkable growth.

For Izzy, that growth has been about more than improving her golf game. It’s been about discovering her voice and leading with kindness – one shot, one challenge and one act of service at a time.

From the golf course to the spotlight: First Tee participant Cienna Collado brings her passion to TGL

First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant Cienna Collado aspires to a career in entertainment, and she’s found a unique way to boost her resume that incorporates her love of golf.

Through her First Tee chapter, Cienna earned the opportunity to serve as a ball runner for TGL, professional golf’s newest innovation. Her responsibilities include handing players their golf balls, announcing club selections and retrieving balls after they’re hit. But it’s the unexpected moments that make the experience truly special.

“My most memorable moment was when I was working one of the L.A. matches and Shonda Rhimes was sitting behind me the whole time,” Cienna said. “I was absolutely freaking out because I love her show ‘Scandal.’ After the match I actually got to meet her and she was the sweetest person. It will definitely be a memory I remember for a long time.”

A First Tee journey rooted in values

Cienna’s path to TGL began with her family’s decision to join First Tee. When her private golf instructor joined the organization, her family was drawn to First Tee’s values and mission. “It has come to be one of the best decisions we have ever made,” she said.

Through the program, Cienna has learned lessons that extend far beyond the golf course. “First Tee has taught me the importance of integrity,” she explains. “Especially on the golf course, no one is there to hold you accountable except for yourself. Through golf I’ve learned how much the game is a reflection of life. No one is standing by me all the time to hold me accountable, I have to do that myself.”

Breaking barriers in entertainment

While golf plays a significant role in Cienna’s life, her true passion lies in TV and film production. She’s heavily involved in her school’s production academy, competing at district, state and national levels. In her own time, she creates vlogs, produces and directs content, acts, anchors, reports and even hosts a podcast.

Looking ahead, Cienna has a clear vision for her future: pursuing a career in the entertainment industry while using her platform to inspire the next generation of female golfers.

“There is a severe shortage of female golf representation for young girls to look up to,” she said. “Even if I don’t play on the LPGA Tour, golf is a part of me and my story. I plan to be in a position where I would get to share that story and make an impact on the younger generation of female golfers.”

From the SoFi Center to the golf course and behind the lens, Cienna is well on her way to creating the representation she wishes to see in the world.