(US AM TOUR 50/50 Raffle Benefits FTSV – Published 9/10/25) We’re incredibly grateful that the US AM TOUR and Tournament Director, Dan Cacho has, once again, conducted a 50/50 Raffle at each of their Northern California 2024-2025 tournaments raising $7,500 for FTSV. These funds will enable us to provide financial aid to low-income kids to have access to our youth development program. Our goal is to develop life-long golfers of all levels while teaching life skills.
Andrea Brenholz, FTSV Board Member and former US AM TOUR player said, “As both a former US AM TOUR player and a First Tee – Silicon Valley Board Director, I’m truly thankful for this generous gift. Your support strengthens our ability to positively impact young lives through the game of golf.”
What we like most about the US AM TOUR is that there is a flight for everyone. This encourages golfers of all levels to become part of a golf community that is steeped in passion for the game of golf while providing access to top golf courses.
Dan Cacho, the U.S. Am Tour’s Western Regional Director said, “That’s the ultimate mission for the tour is to try to give golfers a platform to improve their games and test themselves on the tournament level.”
The US AM TOUR is the largest and most trusted amateur golf tour in the country. There are six flights for each tournament, and each also has a respective senior flight, meaning there are 12 different winners at the 700 events across the United States. Members are eligible to play anywhere they wish, they do not have to play solely on their designated home tour. During the year there are 30 tournaments that are labeled as majors, which are 36-hole events. Points and performance rankings are accrued for each local tour and the top players in each division will qualify for the national championship, which this year is September 8-17 at Innisbrook Resort, home pf the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship.
(Rancho Reunion Scramble Tournament – Published 9/9/25) On Saturday, August 23rd, the energy was high, the swings were smooth at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course for our Rancho Reunion Scramble! This special tournament brought together our amazing FTSV participants and alumni for a day of fun, friendly competition and community connection.
A huge THANK YOU to all our alumni who joined us and truly exemplified the values of our First Tee life lessons. Your presence, and leadership lit up the course and gave our participants a firsthand look at the lasting impact of our program.
Our tournament played out across holes 3 through 7, and what a close competition it was!
Rancho Reunion Scramble Tournament Results
After an exciting round, there was a clear first place team that shot 25. However, two teams tied with a score of 28,forcing ascorecard playoff. The two teams tied for second were Team Thai (Alum), and Team Calvin (Alum). We turned to the hardest handicap hole to break the tie, and from there we crowned our winners!
1st Place – Josh (Alum), Aria, Cora, and Ashton with a score of 25
2nd Place – Calvin (Alum), Ayodeji, Nathaniel, and Mluleki with a score of 28
Long Drive – Aria – 130-yard drive!
Closest-to-the-Pin – Christine–14 feet from the pin!
Once again, thank you to all the participants, families, and alumniwho made this event so special. Your support and enthusiasm continue to drive the First Tee mission forward, and events like the Rancho Reunion remind us just how powerful our community truly is.
We can’t wait to see you at the next one! Also, thank you to Pizza Presidente for discounting the pizza for the event!
(FTSV Girls Golf Summer Play Day – Published 9/9/25) The FTSV Girls Golf Summer Play Day was filled with fun, teamwork, and water balloons on the green! Twenty (20) FTSV girls kicked off the morning with some essential range practice, where everyone had the chance to sharpen their skills and meet & greet with their coaches and our two FTSV Alumni before diving into the day’s activities. To lighten things up and set a positive tone, we engaged in some fun icebreakers, helping everyone get comfortable and excited for the day ahead.
Our first highlight was capturing a fantastic group picture to remember this special day. With energy all around, the girls were then divided into four groups and set off to tackle the uniquely themed golf holes.
Each hole on the 4-hole loop presented a summer-themed challenge. Hole one featured SpongeBob’s neighborhood where the participants had to navigate their ball through each house while avoiding obstacles. Another hole was creatively designed with water balloons as our golfers were tasked to pop them with chip shots! The goal was to make each hole engaging and different, ensuring that the day was full of surprises, twists, and turns.
After making their way through all four holes, the girls returned to the patio area to socialize, eat pizza, and receive a sportsmanship prize.
Congratulations to Sofia for being so inclusive, engaging, and positive throughout the event. She was awarded with a gift certificate to Los Lagos Golf Course.
Overall, FTSV Girls Golf Summer Play Day was a tremendous success.
Katelyn, an Alum and Coach, shared her thoughts on the event. “As a Coach, it was great seeing so many smiles out on the golf course. I wish I attended Girls Golf when I was younger. The activities were super engaging, which kept the energy high despite the heat.”
Thank you to our FTSV team of Coaches – Gracie, Tiffany, Maya, Khaton, Dahlia, Alonzo, Natalie and Brooklyn! Without them, we would not have been able to make this Girls Golf event so memorable!
Special thanks to Ysabelle (Coach), Rachana (Alumni), Katelyn (Alumni), and Annie (Ace participant) for being amazing role models for our girls!
Our next Girls Golf will be November 15, 2025. For information about these tournaments and more, visit Our Opportunities page or contact Manny Gallardo – [email protected].
(FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament – Published 8/28/25) On Saturday, August 23rd, FTSV hosted our quarterly off-season tournaments at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Three different events were held that day for kids and teens of different ages and skill levels – (1) Girls Golf, (2) Kids & Alumni, and (3) Teens & Alumni.
FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament
The Teens & Alumni Tournament capped off the afternoon with 25 players teamed up with 7 FTSV Alumni for a fun scramble format. Each group of 3 participants was joined by 1 alum to lead their team and provide an example of what success looks like for life after FTSV junior golf.
Some of our Alumni are current coaches and volunteers, some are college golfers, and some are professionals, but all of them are successful individuals who carry the life skills and core values they learned from FTSV through their daily lives. It was great to see them all reminisce about their experiences in FTSV and catch up after years apart.
These tournaments are a great way for participants to put our life skill curriculum into practice. Golf tournaments are a unique setting for practicing life skills. The pressure of having just one chance to hit your shot, while your team is depending on you, and as you’re competing against others – all of it adds up to an environment where sportsmanship, integrity, and perseverance are crucial to success.
After the round, Alumni, participants, and their families all enjoyed a pizza lunch and awards ceremony. Shoutout to Pizza Presidente for lunch!
All of our participants should be proud of their performance. And a huge THANK YOU to our Alumni who showed their commitment to our organization by taking the time to play.
FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament Results
Closest-to-the-Pin (11-13 year old) – Chloe Hong, 19’11”
Closest-to-the-Pin (14-17 year old) – Nico Hernadez-Lopez, 12’8”
Longest Drive (11-13 year old) – Victor Kotlyar
Longest Drive (14-17 year old) – Leo Villegas-Luiz
3rd Place – Joshua Jang (Alum), Leo Villegas, Shreyash Avasarala, Adhya Malhotra
2nd Place – Calvin Kong (Alum), Erik Chavez, Chloe Hong, Amanda Chen
1st Place – Joey Jang (Almost Alum!), Bryanna Perez, Benjamin Hughes, Victor Kotlyar
(FTSV 25th Anniversary OPEN HOUSE – Published 08/20/25) This past weekend, First Tee – Silicon Valley celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a vibrant community-wide Open House at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in East San Jose. The event and festivities marked 25 years of positive impact through golf, mentorship, and character development. Families, alumni, and community members came together to acknowledge three 25-year milestones: First Tee – Silicon Valley serving 100,000 kids and teens, Founding Board Chair Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr.’s years of dedicated service, and Rancho del Pueblo opening as East San Jose’s community golf course.
Guests enjoyed free access to the golf course, driving range, and putting green, along with a tasty catered lunch, refreshing Kona Hawaiian shaved ice, festive music from Mariachi Estelar, and a lively performance by the Golden Turtle Lion Dancers. The Dryvebox simulator was onsite for FREE SWINGS. The day was filled with community spirit, family fun, and joyful celebration—perfectly reflecting FTSV’s mission to bring people together through golf and building the strength of character in our kids and teens that empowers them through a lifetime of challenges.
Special guests, who paid tribute to First Tee – Silicon Valley and Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course included:
Scott Siegfeid – CourseCo. Senior Operations Manager
Avi Yotam– Deputy Director SJ Parks Division
Peter Ortiz – SJ District 5 Councilmember
Ash Kalra – CA Assemblymember
Dave Cortese – CA State Senator
Robert Rivas – Speaker of the CA State Assembly
And Current San Jose Mayor – Matt Mahan and former San Jose Mayor – Ron Gonzales stopped by to Meet & Greet FTSV and the community.
First Tee – Silicon Valley Chairman of the Board and founder Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. had this to say about FTSV 25th Anniversary OPEN HOUSE…
“The support and joy extended by so many individuals at FTSV’s 25th Anniversary Celebration at Rancho del Pueblo was overwhelming. I feel nothing but sincere gratitude to the local and state elected officials that joined us and presented commendations in validation of the impact FTSV has had over 25 years.”
Victor Continues, “I loved seeing the original Eagles at Rancho del Pueblo instructors and feel forever grateful for all their contributions to our youth at the genesis of the FTSV program. Serving more than 100,000 kids and teens over these past 25 years is an achievement that would not be possible without the support of everyone in the FTSV family and Alum Rock and Eastside community.”
“FTSV’s 25th Anniversary event at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course was a wonderful celebration of our 25 years of youth development of over 100,000 kids and teens.” Said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO. “We are ever so grateful for the commendations and encouragements we received from so many elected leaders at the city, county and state levels. Over 1,000 caring adults have been mentors and staff for FTSV over the years. It was especially nice to honor all of their contributions including those who were part of Eagles at Rancho and First Tee – San Jose in the early years.”
George continues, “I strongly believe that caring about and for kids is the #1 reason why FTSV has grown bigger and stronger over 25 years. We want all kids to have access to our course and school program – to grow stronger in character as they grow bigger and to have brighter futures because of it. Like the kids, FTSV has also grown bigger and stronger over 25 years. Our future is bright too!”
The 25th Anniversary Open House was more than a day of golf and entertainment—it was a testament to the lasting impact First Tee – Silicon Valley has made over the past quarter century on the community. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this milestone event a true reflection of FTSV’s mission: building game changers through the game of golf.
(FTSV Participants Play in the NorCal Chapter Championship – Published 8/7/25) Each summer, First Tee participants from NorCal chapters play in the First Tee NorCal Championship. This is a tournament for all 10 of the Northern California First Tee chapters, bringing kids and teens together to compete, make friends and have fun. On Monday, July 28th, First Tee – Silicon Valley participants played at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco alongside and against participants from San Francisco, Monterey, Central Valley, Contra Costa, Greater Sacramento, San Joaquin, Tri-Valley and Fresno. Thank you so much for hosting First Tee San Francisco!
The tournament was a ton of fun for all participants involved.
Harding Park was in beautiful shape, and FTSF did a fantastic job hosting and organizing this event. Above everything else, the sportsmanship and respect for one another displayed by the participants made the atmosphere feel welcoming, encouraging and supportive. Congratulations to First Tee – Central Valley for the win!
This is a fun, unique opportunity for our participants to meet teens from different chapters, make friends, play golf in a competitive tournament, and enjoy an experience different from their normal FTSV classes. Special thanks to our First Tee – Silicon Valley participants Nicolas, Vikrant, Caroline, Adam, Sharleen, and Joshua for coming out to play and representing FTSV so well!
Join Us!
First Tee – Silicon Valley offers many different participant opportunities, including other tournaments, scholarships, leadership academies, and much more.
(Isabella Herrera Receives Inaugural Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award – Published 08/01/2025) In celebration of Victor’s 25th Anniversary, the Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award was created to recognize a Participant of Good Character, Academic Achievement & Demonstrated Leadership. The inaugural $5,000 scholarship was awarded to long-time FTSV participant Isabella Herrera at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2025 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 20th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Special thanks to PG&E and PhRMA for their early funding of the scholarship fund.
Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. is the Founding Chairman of First Tee – Silicon Valley
Leading the organization with unwavering dedication since 2000. As Chairman of the San Jose Sports Authority in the late ’90s, he helped launch the Eagles youth golf program at the new Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The program evolved into a First Tee chapter in 2005, expanded regionally in 2012, and became an independent nonprofit in 2014. Under Victor’s leadership, FTSV has grown into a top-tier chapter among more than 150 nationwide.
Victor leads with heart and purpose, fueled by his deep love for East San José, youth, and the game of golf as a tool for character development. His successful career in government relations with major corporations adds to his gravitas, while his warm presence and signature phrase — “keep a smile” — continue to uplift and inspire all around him.
Isabella remarks on why she believes she was selected for the award.
“When I was 14, I was encouraged to give back and become a coach. My coaches helped train me, gave me feedback, and encouraged me to lead sections of the class. I was trusted to connect with families in Spanish at community outreach events and share information about our program to families that had no experience with golf. Beyond coaching, my First Tee – Silicon Valley family has advocated for me to apply for national opportunities… which has resulted in me being accepted to the Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis, the Driver Future Academy in San Francisco, and the Leadership Summit in Montana.”
Isabella’s Accomplishments
FTSV Participant since 2013
Volunteer since September 2021
Selected by a National Panel to Attend: The First Tee Game Changers Academy, First Tee Leadership Summit, Drive Your Future Academy, First Tee College Scholar
VP California Junior Scholarship Federation – Honors Program
In additional to the Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award presentation
The Invitational included a gathering of Government Affairs professionals from various companies: PG&E, PhRMA, Chevron, Altria, SoCal Edison, Commerce Casino & Hotel, Noteware Government Relations, and Niemela Pappas & Associates. Organized by FTSV Board Chairman Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe, the Invitational includes several activities for sponsors – a Legislative Roundtable, dinners, and golf with colleagues. A special thanks to the following Government Elected Officials who were in attendance for portions of the event: CA Assembly Member Heath Flora, CA Assembly Member Greg Wallis, CA Assembly Member Ash Kalra, and Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone.
First Tee – Silicon Valley Board of Directors, staff, and program participants, thank you for your commitment and support of our mission to develop the character of youth through the game of golf.
Thank you to all our 2025 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 25th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 100,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
(Ashely Pang Receives Joyce Taylor $5K Scholarship – Published 08/01/2025) The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and $5,000 College Scholarship was presented to long-time FTSV participant Ashley Pang at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2025 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 20th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Thank you to all our 2025 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 25th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 100,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
Ashely was selected for her consistent academic excellence, her exemplary volunteer accomplishments, and for her demonstration of First Tee character and life skills. The purpose of the award is to provide a high school student the financial hope of attending college. Ashely will be attending Pacific University this fall.
The scholarship was initiated by a very generous 9-year grant by PG&E several years ago and has since then been supported by other supporters and Joyce’s brother, Alan Taylor.
Ashely remarks on her takeaways from FTSV
“Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for what First Tee has given me—not just a deeper understanding of golf, but a clear sense of how I want to lead and be seen by others. Through lessons like identifying what it means to be in the stretch zone, and adopting a growth mindset through challenges, I’ve learned that leadership is about stepping up and embracing the challenges, even when the outcome is uncertain or so far away. I now carry a toolkit of confidence, compassion, and resilience–characteristics of myself that I hope to inspire and share with my surrounding community….my First Tee community will always be supporting me wherever I am.”
Ashely’s Accomplishments
FTSV Participant since 2012 & Volunteer since 2021 Selected by a National Panel to Attend:
The First Tee Leadership Academy in Atlanta
Drive Your Future Academy in San Francisco
High School Golf Team Captain 2021-2024
President’s Volunteer Service Golf Award for 2024
Co-President of her High School’s German Club
1 of 2 Participants at her High School awarded Social Studies Excellence Award
Magna Cum Laude
Speech: Ashely Pang Received Joyce Taylor $5K Scholarship
In additional to the Joyce Taylor Award presentation…
The Invitational included a gathering of Government Affairs professionals from various companies: PG&E, PhRMA, Chevron, Altria, SoCal Edison, Commerce Casino & Hotel, Noteware Government Relations, and Niemela Pappas & Associates. Organized by FTSV Board Chairman Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe, the Invitational includes several activities for sponsors – a Legislative Roundtable, dinners, and golf with colleagues. A special thanks to the following Government Elected Officials who were in attendance for portions of the event: CA Assembly Member Heath Flora, CA Assembly Member Greg Wallis, CA Assembly Member Ash Kalra, and Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone.
First Tee – Silicon Valley Board of Directors, staff, and program participants, thank you for your commitment and support of our mission to develop the character of youth through the game of golf.
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) 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 First Tee — 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 81,234 youth since 2005. The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award is given annually to provide financial assistance for college to a participant who has consistently achieved academic excellence and exhibits exceptionally good character.
The 2025 KRTY.COM Writers Cup benefits First Tee – Silicon Valley. Join some of Nashville’s country music songwriters on October 1st at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club for a day of golf, guitars and giving back!
Tournament is SOLD OUT! (as of 9/15/25)
Writers participating in this year’s KRTY.COM Writers Cup:
LAST YEAR: “We are very proud to be able to produce this event for the benefit of First Tee – Silicon Valley” said Nate Deaton, KRTY.com General Manager. “We are lucky to have 6 amazing songwriters with us this year, Trent Tomlinson, Luke Dick, Ray Fulcher, Casey Brown, Tyler Reeve, and of course, Cole Taylor. One night at the end of last year, I mentioned to Cole Taylor that I had an idea to do a Charity Golf Event with Songwriters. He looked at me and said, we could call it the Writers Cup! And here we are.”
Jacobs has been the Contract Operator for the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA) plant in Gilroy since 1984. Under a long-term service agreement, Jacobs maintains the integrity of the wastewater system. It is the goal of SCRWA to protect public health and the environment and ensure economic vitality of the Gilroy-Morgan Hill region. The plant operator’s objective is to provide the best quality recycled water at a superior value to the residents.
This plant has won numerous awards, including Plant of the Year Award for several years in a row, while many of their employees have also won individual awards, winning Laboratory Person of the Year numerous times, with the most recent in 2022.
Community involvement is an extension of the Jacobs’ and the SCRWA culture. They care about their surrounding communities. This is why Jacobs’ felt compelled to sponsor the 5th Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament, benefiting First Tee – Silicon Valley.
As of September 12th, FOURSOMES and INDIVIDUAL player registrations are SOLD OUT. But please consider a sponsorship.
Fund the Kids Sponsorship Levels
$1,500 – HOST SPONSORS: Signage at registration, lunch area, and beverage stations. Recognition on website, on socials, program and 1-Foursome. Sponsor may be on-site with giveaways and/or info.
$1,000 – CONTEST SPONSORS: Signage at the (3) contest holes (closest to the pin, longest drive & putting), website, recognition on socials, program and 4-lunch invites. Sponsor may be on-site with giveaways and/or info.
$500 – SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Signage at (2) Tee boxes, website, recognition on socials, program and 2-lunch invites.
$300 – HOLE SPONSORS: Signage at (1) tee box, recognition on social and program.
Girls Golf: Cosmic Play Day – A day of fun and friendship on the golf course! We kicked off the morning with an ice breaker where everyone had a chance to introduce themselves and share what food they enjoy.
Our first highlight was capturing a fantastic group picture, an essential keepsake to remember this special day. Our players were divided into groups and set off to complete their mission of space exploration!
Each hole was presented with a new mission:
Hole 1, our participants navigated their ball through our asteroid field. They were tasked to make their putt without colliding into the asteroids.
Hole 2, our participants were on a rescue mission to send 10 astronauts onto a rocket ship. The goal was to chip 10 balls to our rocket ship target.
Hole 3, our participants explored planet to planet by hitting their golf balls to each target on the fairway before going for the green.
After a successful space mission, our participants were able to stop by our prize table to collect some well-earned rewards. Pizza awaited our astronauts as they were able to celebrate with their friends as well as their parents before going home for a deserved break! Thanks to PIZZA PRESIDENTE!
Coach Tiffany said “It was cool to see so many girls out there. They were so polite and worked together so well. Zia and Mia became fast friends from the start. I’m excited to help in future Girl’s Golf events!”
Special thanks to Coach Tiffany, Andrea, Li An, Varnika, and Ysabelle! Thank you for making this event so memorable for our participants!
Next Girls Golf Event will be August 23, 2025. For more information about these events, visit our Our Opportunities page or contact Manny Gallardo – [email protected].
(FTSV Team Stableford Tournament)On May 31st at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course, 22 players played in a Team Stableford format. This format focuses on earning points for your score. On each hole teams get 1 point for making triple bogey, and all the way up to 6 points for scoring an eagle.
While every seasonal tournament is played in a different, sometimes fun and wacky format, the Stableford format was a new to many FTSV participants. Participants can score lots of points on each hole so one bad hole won’t take you out of the game.
These tournaments are always a blast, and a great way to let participants refine their golf skills and their life skills. Teamwork, perseverance, and goal setting are all needed to excel in this format. Additionally, these tournaments give participants the opportunity to apply their weekly class lessons in a competitive environment without direct coaching.
Team Stableford Tournament
These 22 players, ages 11 to 17, teamed up to earn the best score possible, with two chances at individual awards along the way – a Closest to the Pin contest on hole 1 and a Long Drive contest on hole 4.
Stableford Tournament Winners
On hole 1, James took the age 11-13 individual prize with a beautiful shot hit to 6’9”. Great job, James!
On hole 4, Arjun hit the longest drive in the 11-13 age group, and Diego did so in the 14-17 age group. Great drives, guys!
Many teams scored well and earned plenty of Stableford points. Congratulations everyone!
Third Place: Ade, Arjun and Antonio – scored 28 points.
Second Place: Allen, Riley and Diego – scored 32 points.
First Place: James, Siwat, Asher, and Ella – scored 33 points.
After 9 holes on a hot day at Rancho, everyone deserved recognition for staying in the game and being great teammates to one another. Thank you to everyone who came out to play, and to all our staff and volunteers for helping run a successful event.
To the parents, your continued dedication, week after week, bringing your children to our events and classes means the world to us. And to our amazing participants, we are inspired by the growth you’ve already shown and are excited to watch you continue to thrive. We look forward to seeing each of you in our upcoming seasons!
