New Ambassador – Meet Bau-Lin Yueh

(New Ambassador – Meet Bau-Lin Yueh Published 4/29/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to welcome our newest Board Ambassador – Bau-Lin Yueh. We asked Bau-Lin a few questions to get to know him.

How would you describe your career?

“I’ve been in the financial services industry for over 20 years, with deep roots in mortgage banking. Transitioning into holistic financial services, I now focus on helping individuals and families with retirement planning, estate planning, and wealth accumulation. My specialty lies in creating tax-free distribution strategies to ensure long-term financial security. One example of this is leveraging our Hybrid Long-term Care to protect your assets and generate tax-free income.”

“Beyond my professional work,” Bau-Lin continued, “I am deeply committed to community service and education, particularly in supporting youth development. My goal is to leverage my professional background and personal passions to make a meaningful impact on the organizations I serve.”

Why FTSV?

“What truly drew me to First Tee – Silicon Valley is the organization’s unique approach to character development through the game of golf. I have always believed that the values learned on the course like integrity, perseverance, responsibility and respect are essential life skills for young people. My experience volunteering in an after-school math programs like Singapore Math solidified my desire to support educational and developmental initiatives for youth. FTSV provides the perfect intersection of my interest in the game and my commitment to helping the next generation build a strong foundation for their future.”

As an FTSV Board Ambassador, what are your goals?

“As a new Ambassador, I am most looking forward to engaging with the community and helping to expand the reach of FTSV’s mission. I am excited to participate in events like the upcoming OPEN and to assist with welcoming golfers and registration. Being part of the OPEN allows me to contribute to the organization’s goals and secure the resources needed to sustain these vital programs. I also look forward to collaborating with the Board of Directors and other Ambassadors to share our collective passion for youth development.”

“Yes, I have been fortunate enough to have mentors throughout my life and professional career who have guided me. Their influence taught me that success isn’t just about individual effort, but about the guidance and wisdom shared by those who came before us. This firsthand knowledge of the profound impact a dedicated mentor can have on personal and professional growth is exactly why I am so eager to support the character-building work that happens at First Tee.”

Volunteer your time and talent as a board member, like Bau-Lin Yueh.

Coaching, Cultivating Donors, Event or Campaign Fundraising, Representing FTSV at outside events or working on special projects with the CEO. Get Started – Join Us!

National Volunteer Week THANK YOU!

Thank You, Volunteers – First Tee Silicon Valley

First Tee – Silicon Valley

Thank you, volunteers

Your time and heart make our mission possible

To every volunteer who has shown up, given their time, and poured their heart into our young people — thank you. Words can hardly capture the depth of our gratitude.

The hours you dedicate and the care you bring help shape the lives of the next generation, on and off the golf course. Because of you, our kids are learning more than a sport — they’re building character, confidence, and a foundation for life.

9,510

Volunteer hours contributed

215

Total volunteers

These numbers tell a story of generosity, commitment, and community — and you are the heart of it all.

With deep gratitude, The Board and Staff at FTSV

(Published 4/20/26) National Volunteer Week, celebrated annually in April, serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that selfless service has on communities across the country and around the world. Founded in 1974 in the United States, it is a time dedicated to recognizing and honoring the millions of individuals who generously give their time, talents, and energy to causes greater than themselves. The week holds deep significance not only because it shines a spotlight on the tireless work of volunteers, but also because it actively inspires others to get involved, cultivating a culture of civic engagement and compassion. Volunteering strengthens the social fabric of communities, fills critical gaps in services that governments and organizations alone cannot meet, and fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among people of diverse backgrounds. Ultimately, National Volunteer Week is a celebration of humanity at its most generous.

(Paragraph written with help from Claude AI)

FSTV Trainings for Adult & Junior Coaches

(FSTV Trainings for Adult & Junior Coaches Published 4/2/2026) Each off-season, FTSV hosts a training for our Instructors (paid) and Volunteer Coaches. These trainings take place the weekend before each season begins and offer both new and returning coaches and volunteers alike the opportunity to expand their coaching techniques and grow as leaders within FTSV. Our instructor training usually takes place in the morning, and our volunteer training occurs in the afternoon.

However, this past season we tried a new approach, one where we combined the instructors with the adult volunteers in one training session on Saturday, March 14^th. The goal was to have our coaches meet each other and build new connections. We are fortunate to have over 230 coaches, but when they sign up for a class, they are together with their same small cohort for the 8-week season and often do not get to meet many of our other coaches. This training brought close to 60 of our adult coaches together and created opportunities for them to learn from each other.

The first section of the training highlighted our volunteer coach of the year, Alex Wrobel.

The second section focused on developing conversational skills and how to be effective listeners. The third section focused on how to seamlessly integrate our life skills into activities. The last section was a lunch where everyone spent time connecting.

FTSV is about teaching life skills and positive character through golf. We bring this same philosophy to our coaches. Our quarterly trainings are based on the four main building blocks of First Tee chapters nationwide (Empowering Youth, Mastery Driven, Activity Based, and Continuous Learning) taking a deep dive into each building block. The goal is to give coaches practice with specific coaching techniques that we learn from partner organizations like Positive Coaching Alliance and the Search Institute as well as from other outside research-based sources.

“We are fortunate to have so many great people coaching our youth,” says FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “We hope that trainings like this one provide everyone with feeling like they are a part of something meaningful and big.”

FTSV coaches are the backbone of our program. They are the mentors that guide our participants and help them feel welcomed. We want them to always be learning and feel empowered to help others, which is why we ask our coaches to attend all 4 coach trainings each year. From everyone in the FTSV office, thank you very much to all our amazing coaches!

FSTV Junior Volunteer Coach Training

On March 14^th, FTSV hosted a Junior Volunteer coach training at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The goal was to tailor the training for our high school volunteers by tying in the curriculum from our Ace – Give Back class.

We had over 135 junior volunteers in 2025. Most of them were/are FTSV participants who looked up to their junior coach when they were younger. Now that they are in high school, they are excited that it is their turn to give back and inspire the younger generation.

The training gave coaches various tools to be successful in leading our participants. We focused on professionalism as it relates to body language, tone, and engagement. Then we covered how to go above and beyond in their coach planning and preparation. Lastly, we explored the differences between mentoring and friendship.

“Coaching is about giving back, but it is also a great tool for personal development. We are thrilled to have so many junior coaches on this journey. We could not do what we do without our large team of junior coaches. We hope that coaching is giving them a skill set that will assist them in their future careers.” – FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt.

From everyone in the FTSV office, thank you very much to all our amazing coaches!

To find out more about how to be a FTSV Coach, please click here. Please tell a friend, colleague, or family member that we are looking for positive and dedicated coaches.

Mentor Spotlight: Meet Coach Blake

(Mentor Spotlight: Meet Coach Blake Published 4/2/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to welcome Coach Blake to our team as our newest Program Coordinator. Blake will be coaching at Baylands Golf Links during the week and at Rancho del Pueblo on Saturdays.

Blake graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Public Relations. He has extensive leadership experience in people management and customer service across different industries and is a certified NRPGI Golf Instructor. “I wanted to work for an organization that makes a difference to the younger generation,” says Blake. “I see FTSV as an opportunity to be a positive role model and mentor. Helping kids build confidence and discover their potential is something I find rewarding every day.”

Blake grew up in junior golf programs and played competitive high school golf. As a result, he believes in the importance of programs like FTSV. Since he began working with us in March, he has fully embraced our commitment to life skills and has demonstrated strong leadership skills for our participants and other coaches.

“Coaching with FTSV has given me a new purpose for being a role model to the kids outside of just the game of golf,” says Blake. “I am finding ways to use the life skills in my life everyday as well. It goes to show you ways of living by the motto of ‘practicing what you preach.’”

When asked what FTSV means to him, Blake said, “FTSV means acceptance of who you are as an individual and being in a family-oriented environment. Everyone is welcomed with open arms and no judgment.”

Other than sports, Blake enjoys music, attending live events, and collecting shoes.

Welcome Blake! We are excited to have you on our team!

If you are interested in becoming more involved with FTSV, please visit our website.

FTSV Junior Coach Appreciation Game Night

(FTSV Junior Coach Appreciation Game Night Published 3/16/26) On Saturday, March 7^th FTSV celebrated the commitment of our Junior Volunteer Coaches by bringing them together for an evening of games, food, fun and prizes. Games included a long putt, target chipping, musical chairs, Banana Grams, giant Jenga, giant connect four, and Geoguessr. We are fortunate to have had over 134 Junior Volunteer Coaches in 2025. For many of our Junior Coaches they were, or are, current FTSV participants, who looked up to their own Junior Coaches when they were younger. We couldn’t do what we do without them!

This was the second year FTSV entrusted the planning of the Junior Coach Appreciation event to our Junior Council committee.

Our Junior Council consists of 18-25 high school FTSV participants who meet 3 times each season. They break into 3-4 sub-committees focused on everything from fundraising, marketing, AI app building, and event/tournament coordination. This year was the first year FTSV appointed a Junior Council Sub-Committee Chair and event coordinator. Julia V, who has been a standout participant and Junior Coach for FTSV, took on this role and did an outstanding job.

Julia said…

“Serving as a Chair of the Junior Sub-Council Committee for FTSV by leading the “Junior Appreciation Event” was an incredible hands-on experience. Being trusted to guide my committee in planning an event entirely run by juniors showed me the power of collaboration and leadership. I’m especially grateful for my committee members, whose dedication made the event possible. Creating an event by Junior Coaches, for Junior Coaches made it feel truly like our own engaging celebration. As I pursue college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo majoring in Experience and Event Management, I’ll carry forward FTSV’s “Learn by Doing” mindset that made this opportunity so impactful.”

FTSV is proud of the entire Junior Council Appreciation Committee and their hard work to make this a fun night for all our Junior Coaches. Before the close of the evening, the staff honored one Junior Coach with Junior Volunteer Coach of the Year. This year Alonso J was chosen for his leadership, going above and beyond in all of his duties and classes, and most importantly being a person of high character. Congratulations, Alonso, Julia, our Junior Council and all our junior volunteer coaches. You all make our First Tee chapter so impactful.

If you would like to be a volunteer Junior Coach, visit OUR VOLUNTEER PAGE. If you are a teen and would like to participant in the Junior Council, contact [email protected]. Any high school FTSV participant can join the Junior Council.

Annual Kids & Coaches Tournament

(Annual Kids & Coaches Tournament Published 3/05/26) This past Saturday, February 28th, FTSV hosted the “Kids & Coaches Tournament” to officially kick off our 2026 Spring season. With an outstanding turnout of 30 participants—15 players and 15 coaches, including four FTSV Board Members—the exciting event took place at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course.

From the first tee shot to the final putt, the course was filled with positive energy and enthusiasm. Players encouraged one another, and coaches offered high-fives and advice.

The competition concluded with some outstanding performances:

Team Results

🥇 1st Place: Christine, Aaron, Coach Suri
🥈 2nd Place: Mateo, Coach Josh
🥉 3rd Place: Riley, Coach Alexis

Congratulations to all our winners and participants for their hard work and dedication!

In addition to regular play, three on-course contests added to the excitement:

Hole 4: Long Drive Contest (Kids)
Hole 7: Closest-to-the-Pin Challenge (Kids)
Hole 5: Closest-to-the-Pin Challenge (Coaches), featuring a challenging shot over water

Course Contest Results

Closest to the Pin (Hole #5): Max VP
Closest to the Pin (Hole #7): Ikher
Longest Drive (Hole #4 – 12 and older): Aidan

The tournament wasn’t just about scores — it was an opportunity for growth, sportsmanship, and the comradery. The afternoon wrapped up with congratulatory handshakes, high-fives and fist-bumps. Participants and coaches were then treated to a pizza lunch.

Thank you to all the parents, families, and coaches for your unwavering support of the program. Your encouragement and dedication make events like this possible and help our young athletes continue to grow both on and off the course.

We’re already looking forward to the next tournament and another unforgettable day with our First Tee Silicon Valley family! Please save the date for the next pre-season tournament on May 30^th.

Click here to learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities.

Family Clinic at Rancho Del Pueblo

(Family Clinic at Rancho Del Pueblo – Published 2/24/26) Thanks to a generous NCGA REACH grant, FTSV provides affordable, semi-private lessons in addition to our normal classes to a sub-group of participants. The goal is to help more families have access to semi-private lessons and develop a love for the game.

FTSV launched a subsidized, semi-private lesson program in Summer 2024, helping break down the financial barrier that many families face when introducing their children or teens to the game of golf. Only participants who are active FTSV participants that receive financial aid, have participated in at least 2 seasons over the last 2 years, and are in the 3^rd grade or higher are eligible for this program. This spring will be our 8^th season offering these lessons.

To date, we’ve had 53 participants benefit from the FTSV Semi-Private Lesson program. On Saturday, February 21st we celebrated the participants who took the lessons in 2025 by hosting a Family Clinic at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Participants and members of their families came out and received golf instruction and played games on the driving range and practice green. Participants were excited to show their families what they’ve been learning and were eager to watch their family try out some swings.

More than just a day around the practice area, the Family Clinic offered families…

A chance to build bonds together, have friendly competition, and hopefully become inspired to play golf together as a family in the future. At the end of the clinic, we emailed the families a “how-to” guide on playing golf to help them understand golf jargon and with resources to take up the game as a family. This guide included everything from making tee times, to a list of courses, available discounts, and the basics of course etiquette. We also sent them a link to the Youth on Course card, which offers kids and teens discounts on hundreds of golf courses across California.

We hope the families will continue to support their child’s time in FTSV and in golf.

With this kind of encouragement, and the improvements found through private lessons, participants will develop the confidence and ability to improve as golfers, compete on school teams and in tournaments, and pursue opportunities on and off the course. By supporting our community in this way, we believe golf can be a game that families can share together for many years to come.

Thank you to Coach Felix and Coach Rob for teaching the semi-private lessons over the past 2 years. Thank you to the over 30 participants and family members who joined us at the Family Clinic and continue to be long-standing and engaged members of our organization!

To learn more about FTSV’s Financial Aid program and the Semi-Private Lessons, please contact [email protected], or call 408-508-4884.