Author: gmaxe

On Saturday, August 3^rd, the African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) in partnership with the Antioch Baptist Church presented the block party at 6^th and Julian Street in San Jose.  The church celebrated 125 years this year. The event had bounce houses, face painting, community resources, food, a DJ and more.  Mayor Liccardo stopped by to tour the church and meet with the community members. The First Tee of Silicon Valley had a booth and games set up for attendees to try out golf. We had volunteers Trevor, Krisha, Twish and Linette on hand to show folks how to hold the clubs and play the games. They passed out a choice of TFTSV-branded fanny or back packs to the high score getters of the day. “Community events such as this are wonderful ways to introduce folks to the game of golf while supporting our community.” Said Julie Donnellan, Operations Coordinator.

Franklin Elementary became a TFTSV DRIVE partner in the Fall of 2018 and continued to deliver the DRIVE curriculum to their participants throughout the academic year. Franklin Elementary is located in east San Jose and is a Title 1 school meaning most of their participants are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Their afterschool program is delivered by Catholic Charities CORAL program, run by Paula Laura. The youth leader/coach at the school is Kyle Ouellette. Kyle had tried to introduce his students to golf by purchasing clubs with his own money, but the equipment he purchased had its limitations especially in a school setting. Still Kyle believed in golf and the value it could bring to his students. According to Kyle, “the majority of the students would have never been given the opportunity to be a part of this program, swing a golf club, set foot on a golf course, or even know what golf is. It was a personal achievement for me to be able to see the life skills and core values being brought to the children.” With each DRIVE lesson, Kyle delivered the Nine Core Values into the games every Friday. Over the months of running DRIVE, Kyle noticed his students were progressing, not just with their golf skills but with their behavior. He said, “Our students began to have in depth and passionate conversations about how they see and use the core values in their school setting. Even our students with behavior issues were speaking up and demonstrating our core values with one another.” The Core Values also helped establish a supportive and positive culture and community. “These kids go through major bullying and come from families that endure a lot of hardships. It is such a joy to see that this program has impacted them in such a positive way and became a safe space for them to learn and have fun,” he elaborated. DRIVE was a positive force for students, especially those that as Kyle said, were not comfortable coming to school. For those students “DRIVE was their motivation and something positive to look forwards to.” Not only did the students benefit from the program, but according to Kyle “the impact was also felt by the parents and teachers. They have expressed their appreciation in the positive change that they have seen in their kids.” At the conclusion of each DRIVE cycle, he rewarded the students by taking them on a field trip to our affiliated golf course, Rancho del Pueblo where TFTSV staff set up a typical TFTSV class for the students to enjoy. Over the seven months of DRIVE, Kyle saw an enormous turnaround with his DRIVE students and thanked TFTSV for the impact it had the children!” Over 100 of his students experienced DRIVE classes and after the field trip, several of the students signed up for our 8-lesson golf course session. The First Tee of Silicon Valley team thanks Kyle, Ms. Paula and Franklin team for their outstanding dedication to their youth. TFTSV and Franklin will continue to partner and bring DRIVE to more participants in 2019/2020!

The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and scholarship was presented to Nicholas Ngai at The First Tee of Silicon Valley 2019 Invitational Fundraiser on Sunday, July 21st at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Nicholas was selected based on his good character, academic achievement and life-skill level. In his speech to the Invitational attendees he stressed that his favorite core value was integrity which has shaped the young man he has become.  The purpose of the award is to provide a graduate the financial hope of attending college. It has been made possible by a very generous 9-year grant by PG&E several years ago. Thank you to all our Invitational supporters that help fund our programs: Altria, PhRMA, AERA, Noteware & Rosa Government Relations, Chevron, Borrego Health, SDGE, Sempra Energy, SAGA Foundation, Intuit, CDA, Niemela – Pappas & Associations, Anheuser Busch and Bill Powar. Nicholas has been a participant of The First Tee of Silicon Valley since 2011 and has completed all 4 projects at the Ace Level.  He is a graduate of Valley Christian High School and will attend UC Berkeley in the Fall to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.  Nicholas was a dedicated Administrative Volunteer, PwC Financial Literacy Attendee, and SAP Career Day Attendee. Joyce Taylor (1957–2010) was a woman known for her intelligence, warmth, and elegance. She graduated with honors (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Norman, OK, with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. Joyce became a highly successful and respected business woman and community leader with a long career in telecommunications. In 1997, she was promoted to Regional President, Bay Area, and then Senior Vice President, External Affairs-Northern California, AT&T, where she oversaw legislative, governmental and external affairs activities in Northern California. Joyce worked extensively with Bay Area business and community-based organizations. Her support of the Eagles at Rancho del Pueblo junior golf program was instrumental to its growth and success. In 2005, the program became The First Tee of Silicon Valley to develop the character of youth through golf throughout Santa Clara County. Joyce’s support helped to build a solid program that has reached over 66,000 youth from 2005 to 2019.

On August 3^rd, 2019, TFTSV attended the Jr. Giants Award Day, coordinated by Police Activities League of Redwood City. Over 200 students attended the event, bringing together youth enrichment organizations with the Redwood City PAL community and honoring the outstanding achievements of PAL students. PAL invited TFTSV to set up golf games and a registration table for participants and families at the Jr. Giants. The goal was to allow participants an opportunity to try golf and register for the upcoming Fall Session. Each Friday beginning September 6^th, PAL will be providing van transportation for students to attend the Fall TFTSV 8-class session at Baylands Golf Links. For some, Friday’s class will be their first ever time on a golf course. For our returning participants this will be their second or third session with TFTSV. If you also are interested in joining our upcoming 8-class session in September, please visit our Youth Classes page. Our 8-class program is open to all and has affordable scholarships starting as low as $20. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer coach and giving back, it is not too late. Please visit our Volunteer page.

Silicon Valley is a global leader, in large part, through the genius and hard work of its scientists, engineers and innovators. However, comparatively fewer under-served students pursue expertise in the fields of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) because they have not had positive exposure. Due to a high demand for these jobs and shortage of a skilled workforce for these disciplines, TFTSV believes it is important to expand our curriculum to provide opportunities and encourage TFTSV youth engagement in STEM. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum uses golf activities as a way for our participants to explore how STEM connects to and impacts our Nine Golf Fundamentals. STEM classes are set to a problem-solving framework which fosters critical thinking and a deeper understanding of golf while inspiring STEM careers.

• Participants experience hands-on activities that foster learning of practical STEM concepts valuable for golf, life, and career choices
• Classes are taught by specialized instructors in a structured approach for problem solving that follows “IDEA” steps
• 1:8 teacher to student ratio in ensure the curriculum is delivered with a high level of retention
• Offered to Par, Birdie and Eagle Class Levels (3rd – 12th grades) during all 4 seasons

Cesar is a 10th grade student at TFTSV. His father Dominic called Coach Matt and said, “I took Cesar to hit some golf balls yesterday evening and he had a very difficult time using his irons to hit the balls on the range. He was very upset and feels that he is not improving. I am on disability from a stroke so we don’t have a lot of money for extra lessons. Is there anything you can do to help him improve his game?” Coach Matt advised Dominic to enroll Cesar in TFTSV Birdie STEM Skills Advancement Class for 8 weeks in the Summer and apply for financial assistance ($20 – $40 for 12 hours of instruction). He explained that he has seen improvement with other students that have taken the class because it has given them a different perspective for improving their golf techniques and on course strategies. After taking the STEM class, Cesar’s father exclaimed, “Cesar’s game has greatly improved, I used to be able to beat him but now he beat me by 10 strokes on 9 holes!” Registration for the September STEM Skills Advancement Class as well as Golf Play and Golf Practice is open now through August 27.  Contact us if you would like to sponsor or underwrite our STEM Classes.

On July 31st, The First Tee of Silicon Valley competed in the 2019 TFT NorCal Regional Cup at Poppy Ridge Golf Course. Joining Silicon Valley were The First Tee of Monterey County, Contra Costa, Tri-Valley, Sacramento, Central Valley, San Francisco, and San Joaquin. Each team brought 6 players to compete and represent their chapter in an aggregate team competition. Representing The First Tee of Silicon Valley were Dylan Chang, Gracie Lacy, Isaac Chang, Mitchell Fong, and Rachana Ajjarapu. “I’m proud of the way you conducted yourselves and how you demonstrated the core values that we all try to exhibit every day.  While the course and conditions were challenging, your perseverance and integrity were on point and I enjoyed sharing the day with you all. I am a strong believer of the “we help make better people” in our chapter.  While golf is fun and important, the real goal is to help equip each of you with the tools to meet the challenges in the path of life.  Your parents who support your golf and are the origin of your personal values deserve a heartfelt thank you from yourselves and from me, so please take a moment to put everything in perspective and thank them for being there for you.” said Jeffy Chang, Ambassador and Volunteer coach.

The Big “D” Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Andres Herrera on July 19, 2019 at the annual Big “D” Memorial Golf Tournament at DeLaveaga Golf Course in Santa Cruz.  The golfers attended to remember Dennis Big “D” Kettmann and their generosity provided the proceeds to underwrite a special scholarship for a The First Tee of Silicon Valley chosen participant. Andres has been a participant of The First Tee of Silicon Valley since 2013 and is currently at the Ace level.  He is attending Santa Teresa High School and will be a Junior in the Fall.  Andres’ excellent life skills made him the top candidate for the award.  This scholarship will provide the financial means for Andres to attend college to study Sports Management. Andres gave a speech to the 120+ people in attendance for dinner at the Big D Memorial Tournament.  He shared how The First Tee of Silicon Valley’s core value Perseverance has helped him overcome challenges in golf and life. He discussed how TFTSV provided opportunities and lessons for him to become more outgoing and confident. TFTSV Ace class helped him plan for college and career. Dennis’s son and co-organizer of the Memorial Tournament, Matt Kettmann, learned the game from Dennis and knows that he must be smiling wherever he is knowing that his memory is now helping young people with The First Tee of Silicon Valley fall in love with golf too.

The First Tee of Silicon Valley was pleased to continue our 10+ year partnership with San Jose Country Club and be the beneficiary of the 93rd Ernie Pieper Santa Clara County Championship held on June 1^st and 2nd at San Jose Country Club. The donation is designated for a Student Athlete Award to help a highly competitive TFTSV Junior golfer pay for competitions as a means to ultimately play collegiate-golf. The TFTSV is pleased to announce that Borina Sutikto will be the recipient of this year’s $1,000 Student Athlete Award. She is in the 10th grade at Connecting Waters Charter School with a 4.0 GPA and +2.0 USGA Golf Handicap Index. Borinia started with TFTSV at age 8 in January 2012 and is currently in the ACE level program and volunteering as a Junior Coach. When asked if attending college and playing collegiate golf is something she would like to do, Borina shared how learning about The First Tee Core Value: Perseverance has impacted her growth and goal setting. She said, “Attending college and playing collegiate golf has been my dream since I started my golf lessons with The First Tee of Silicon Valley.” Please join us in congratulating the 93rd Ernie Pieper Santa Clara County Championship champions! Championship Division – Kevin Velo,  San Jose State  -11 Senior Division – Corey West, Green Hills CC  +3 Super Senior – Ron Johnson, Diablo CC  +9 Participants and volunteers from The First Tee of Silicon Valley greeted and cheered on the competitors while helping with live scoring of the event and were standard bearers for final rounds.

TFTSV has a new and improved storage area and outside classroom patio that was completed in May. The use of this additional area will help us to grow our program and serve more youth in the East San Jose area at our Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course class location. This is just one of many TFSV -facilitated donation that TFTSV would like to make to improve Rancho for everyone, not just our participants. The Rotary Club of San Jose Foundation awarded TFTSV a Community Grant of $5,144. to purchase a new storage shed for our class equipment and donated golf clubs.  The Foundation was founded in 1949 to support the charitable activities of the Rotary Club of San Jose, it has given more than $5,000,000 to many important local and international projects as well as direct grants to over 150 other community organizations. We feel very fortunate to have been selected and appreciate Rotary’s acknowledgement of the good things happening for San Jose youth at Rancho. Galante Brothers General Engineering, Inc., through the generosity of Jack Galante, donated $7,500 of in-kind services and asphalt to upgrade the service area south of the Rancho clubhouse that was rough terrain of gravel and dirt. The now beautiful resurfaced area is home to the new shed and an expanded gathering spot with bleachers which will make it easier to conduct pre- and post-class meetings with our participants. Galante Brothers is known for their beautification of youth sports facilities in the community and we truly appreciate their work.  

The First Tee of Silicon Valley (TFTSV) has strengthened our partnership with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County CORAL afterschool program by delivering our DRIVE curriculum to Anne Darling Elementary. Anne Darling Elementary joins the other Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County CORAL afterschool programs; Washington Elementary, Franklin Elementary, and Empire Gardens Elementary. Anne Darling’s staff began delivering the DRIVE program-which teaches our Nine Core Values and four golf fundamentals through golf activities- to their afterschool participants in early May. Anne Darling Elementary is a Title 1 public school located 5 minutes from our affiliated golf course, Rancho Del Pueblo in San Jose. Over 400 participants attend the school and close to 100 participants attend their afterschool program. The TFTSV DRIVE program includes 18 activity plans designed in a way that allows for indoor and outdoor set up to fit a variety of locations such as gymnasiums, basketball courts, baseball, football, and soccer fields.  Training, staff support and equipment is provided so anyone can deliver DRIVE regardless of their golf knowledge. To find out if DRIVE will be a good fit for your organization or school, contact our Program Manager, Chris Moreno-Hunt.

TFTSV’S Summer class registration is the highest ever topping 500! Here’s how we did it. On Saturday, May 11th, The First Tee of Silicon Valley hosted a free golf introduction class for students interested in trying out golf and learning about TFTSV classes. Students learned how to apply Perseverance through two of our golf games and worked on our Golf Fundamentals. TFTSV will host two additional golf introduction classes, one before each 9-week season.  Our next golf introduction class will take place on Saturday, August 10^th from 10am-12pm at Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course followed by Saturday, November 9^th. TFTSV also coordinates field trips at Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course for our current DRIVE schools where students experience their first on-golf course exposure and a typical TFTSV class. DCP Alum Rock, and Franklin Elementary recently completed their field trips while Cesar Chavez Elementary, and Washington Elementary will have their field trip later this month. TFTSV’s school program will reach >6,000 youth in 2019. Our golf introduction classes and field trips have been a highlight for our coaches. Each class or field trip we have seen the participants find joy and excitement. For some, the excitement comes from playing our games with their friends, to hitting a ball further than they thought they could, while for others the excitement comes from simply being in a new environment and trying something they originally did not think was open to them. One of our golf intro participants said to one of his coaches, “I have to be honest with you, I didn’t think I was going to like this sport or be any good, but I have to say, I’m actually pretty good at this!” Our response was “you never know what you will like or be good at unless you try it.” That is the point of our classes, try it out and see if it clicks. TFTSV’s Golf Intro Classes and Field Trips are part of our concerted effort to meet the high, growing demand for classes while showcasing Rancho as a community gathering place. For more information on our golf introduction classes or our school field trips please contact us at 408-508-4884.

On May 18^th, The First Tee of Silicon Valley hosted our Girls Golf Spring Play Day.  With 23 Girls Golf members, we enjoyed nine holes of team scramble golf.  With the theme being Nine Core Values, the girls were given a scavenger hunt scorecard where they would check off various acts of golf etiquette, a form of courtesy and respect.  These acts ranged from encouraging peers to raking random footprints in the sand. The day concluded with brunch and carnival games with a golf twist.  Thank you to all our female participants and volunteers for participating and playing fast, safe, and courteous! Girls Golf Play Days are beneficial events where our female participants enjoy an all-female environment.  Our participants experience a day of empowerment, healthy habits, and activities to promote positive self-esteem and friendship.