(Girls Golf Spring Play Day – Bring a Friend! Published 6/12/2026) Twenty-four participants — including some specially invited friends — came out on a sunny spring Saturday to create memories, build friendships, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with playing fun golf games. This season’s theme celebrated Best Animated Movie Friends, bringing beloved characters to life all across the course. Our FTSV participants also brought their friends to join them in the festivities.
The day kicked off with casual warm-up games including cornhole, giant Jenga, and bucket toss. A creative bow decoration station added an extra splash of personality to the festivities.
Games On the Course
Hole 1 – Animated Putting Maze
The girls were challenged to drive the ball through an intricate putting maze featuring fun animated bestie characters scattered throughout.
Hole 2 – Chipping Tic-Tac-Toe
Players chipped their ball into a Tic-Tac-Toe grid, going head-to-head against an opponent in a game that blended short-game skill with a classic battle of wits.
Hole 8 – Foot-Golf!
Clubs down — participants switched it up with a round of Foot-Golf, kicking it in a whole new direction and getting plenty of laughs along the way.
Hole 9 – Chipping Through Hoops To close out the course, the girls practiced chipping through hoops and into the sand — a skill-builder wrapped in just the right amount of challenge.
The Wrap-Up
To close out the day, everyone returned to the bow making station — which proved so popular the girls dove right back in for a second round of crafting. While the casual lawn games remained in full swing, participants enjoyed pizza together, celebrating a day well played.
Thank-You Coaches!
Thank you to our adult and junior coaching staff… Angelina, Christine, Dahlia, Julia, Julia V., Natalie, Sui, Vikrant, Tiffany, Varnika, and Gracie
Thank you to the Junior Council
The Girls Golf Junior Council Planning Committee, including Tiana, whose creativity and effort helped make the day a success.
Thank you Sponsors & Donors
A heartfelt thank-you to the Boulder Ridge Ladies Tournament, which raises money specifically to support Girls Golf events at First Tee – Silicon Valley.
Stay Connected
To learn more about FTSV’s Girls Golf program, contact Manny Gallardo at [email protected] or 408-508-4887.
(Junior & Coach Tournament — Spring 2026 Published 6/12/2026) On Saturday, May 30th, 12 participants from 2nd through 6th grade teed it up at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course for our Q2 Junior & Coach Scramble Tournament. Our young golfers came ready to compete, have fun, and put the skills they’ve been building all season to the test.
The tournament was played on holes 3 through 7 in a scramble format, pairing junior golfers with their coaches for a morning of teamwork and friendly competition. Scramble play is always a crowd favorite — it keeps the energy up, lets every player contribute, and gives coaches a front-row seat to watch their participants shine.
Results
1st Place Benjamin, Jacob, Allana, & Deklan — Score: 21
Course Contests
Closest to the Pin (Hole #7): Jameson — 43 ft
Long Drive (Hole #4): Leonardo took the top spot, with Isabel close behind as runner-up.
After a great morning on the course, players and parents gathered together for pizza and an awards ceremony — always a highlight of the day. Congratulations to all our participants for competing with great energy and sportsmanship!
A special thank you to Coaches Alex, Ben, Roni, and Mike for getting out on the course with our golfers and making the day possible. Your time and enthusiasm mean everything to our participants and families.
To learn more about FTSV’s tournaments, please contact Blake Jones – [email protected].
For information about these tournaments and more, visit our Opportunities page.
(Ameriprise Financial Tournament Benefits FTSV Published 6/11/2026) For the 3rd year, the Ameriprise Financial Associate & Client Tournament on June 9th at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club benefited FTSV. One-Hundred-Ten golfers raised $12,300 to help us provide financial aid to those in need and access to our youth development program. Our goal is to develop youth with the tools to succeed in life, to be people of high character and to be life-long golfers.
A special thank you to Chi Kim & Family, Gabe Wang and Kenneth Lee for hosting and for your partnership. Thank you for helping us mentor MORE kids!
To highlight the importance of these types of fundraising partnerships, FTSV’s Dahlia Suarez spoke at the pre-dinner reception.
If you have an upcoming tournament and would like to make First Tee – Silicon Valley the beneficiary, please contact Development Director, Beth Williams [email protected].
View the 3rd Party Tournaments FTSV has participated in and benefited from CLICK HERE
Celebrating 130 Years, Ameriprise Financial putting clients first since 1894. Generations of clients have entrusted Ameriprise Financial with their futures. Reaching beyond standard financial and retirement plans to provide a personalized financial advice strategy that is right for you. Banking, investments or insurance, find out how Ameriprise compares to other financial services companies, CLICK HERE.
(Spring ShambleTournament Published 6/11/20260) On Saturday, May 30th, 24 FTSV participants teamed up with fellow FTSV participants to compete in our Spring Team Shamble Tournament.
The teams competed in a Shamble shot format, which challenged them to collaborate, communicate, and strategize together. Everyone hits their tee shot, they all play from the best tee shot and then their own ball until the hole is complete. It was great to watch the golfers bond and support one another throughout the tournament. We encourage our participants to play golf together as it can strengthen their relationships and make for lasting memories.
The event wrapped up with pizza and awards. It was wonderful to see our FTSV participants forming new friendships. Congratulations to all our participants for competing with respect, integrity, and sportsmanship.
Results
1st Place: Japman, Nico, Adebayo, Dylan – 1 Under
2nd Place: Brady, Asher, James, Aadi — Even Par
3rd Place: Adam, Maya, Arjun, Isa— Plus 1
Closest to the Pin (Hole #7):Damien, Yoli
Closest to the Pin (Hole#4):Adam
Please save the date for the next pre-season tournament on August 22nd. Click here to learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities.
(Thank You OPEN Sponsors & Players Published 6/11/2026) FTSV’s 14th Annual OPEN tournament on June 5th was a great day for all! The weather couldn’t have been better at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club for the 124 golfers including 10 top sponsors who came together for a great cause, raising a total of $104,000 after expenses. Proceeds benefit First Tee – Silicon Valley’s financial aid participants. We teach life skills and golf skills on-course, in-school, and after-school. Our programs are accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
For the first year, FTSV awarded one of our most important and longest standing college scholarships at the Open. The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award is given annually to provide college financial assistance to a teen participant who has consistently achieved academic excellence and exhibits exceptionally good character.
The 2026 Joyce Taylor Eagle Award was given to Alonso Jose.
FTSV Participant, Volunteer, and Junior Councilmember
Selected by national panel to attend Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis
FTSV Junior Coach of the Year 2025
District 2 Representative, Valley Water Youth Commission 2025-2026
Valley Water Adopt-A-Creek Junior Partner, Canoas Creek
Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction
Santa Clara County Office of Education Seal of Biliteracy
All of the individuals behind our Sponsorships deserve special recognition.
Special Hosting Check Presentation:
PGA TOUR Superstore – Cupertino (Kate Nielsen)
PGA TOUR Superstore – East Palo Alto (Brad Hanson)
Hosting Sponsors:
Gallagher Insurance (Mike Gallagher)
US Bank (Keith Kobata)
Contributing Sponsors:
Hallagan Huston Family Foundation (Ron & Ann Hallagan)
First Place – Score 54 Nick Robles, Aaron Beverly, Samantha Castillo, Jose Rojo
Second Place – Score 57 Ron Gonzales, Chris King, Manny Diaz, Steve Guerrero
Contest Winners
Closest to the Pin:
Lake #8 – Manny Chavez
Mountain #2 – Alexis Chu
PGATSS Putting Contest:
1) Phoenix Jarrell
2) Steve Morgan
3) Nick Robles
4) Kyle Krebs
Sunnyvale Toyota Car Hole-In-One – no winners but special thanks to Kevin Pang and the fine folks at Sunnyvale Toyota
Thank you to our Raffle Donors and Winners
San Jose Muni Golf Course – Jackson Burrill
Almaden Golf & Country Club – Chris Chang
Silver Creek Valley Country Club – Tom Tate
Callippee Preserve Golf Course – Al Yanez
Bayonet-Blackhorse with Ron Hallagan – Tony Briseno
Stanford Golf Course – Doug Moffat
Los Positas Golf Course – James Houlihan
Callaway Tri-Force Driver & Hyperlight Zero Stand Bag – Ian Bronson
90-Minute Bay Flight – Ron Fischang
Hellam’s Tobacco & Wine Shop: Wine & Cigar Pack with Glasses – Mike Lorion
(2) Tickets to 49ers vs. Titans Aug. 13th – Randy Hahn (Re-donated THANK YOU!)
Thank you to our Live Auction Donors & Supporters:
1) Eden Rift Vineyards ATV Tour & Tasting for 8 (donated by Christian Pillsbury and Michelle Wei) – Nick Gates
2) 49ers 2-Game Package Plus Tailgate Parking x 2 – Steve Guerrero & Keith Kobata
3) Spectacular Golf for 8 at CordeValle Golf Club x 2 – Julie Boncher & Blake Bridges
4) An Evening with San Jose Sharks with Randy Hahn & Signed Team Jersey – Ron Hallagan
5) Special 49ers (4) Club Level Seats + (4) Field Passes – Javier Garcia
6) 5-Night Stay for FOUR in Hawaii x2 – Julie Boncher & Nick Gates
Thank you to our MC & Auctioneer Randy Hahn – Emmy Award winning Sharks television broadcaster
Thank you to Board of Directors and Ambassadors who participated or helped with sponsors: Victor Arrañaga, Max von Poelnitz, Shawn Fox, Steve Guerrero, Andrea Brenholz, Don DeLorenzo, Ron Hallagan, Doug Moffat, Jason Luehrs, Bau-Lin Yueh and Alex Worbel.
Thank you to our Tournament Coordinators: Development Director Beth Williams & Marketing-Event Coordinator Nicole Woodson.
Thank you to our Staff: President & CEO George Maxe, Program Director Chris Moreno-Hunt, Operations Coordinator Julie Donnellan, Program Coordinators Manny Gallardo, Sean Finnerty, Tanner Riley, Blake Jones, Nancy Rivera
Thank you to our Volunteers: Michael Freday, Sahara Huchim, Zoe Huchim, Vian Tran, Jennifer Barrientos, Jerry Moore, Ellie Kong, Isabel Suizo, Nick Suizo, Japman Kahlon, Roni Castro and Tony Aiello.
Thank you to Cinnabar Hills Golf Club: Tournament Director Nick Starr, General Manager Adam Schiro, and Food & Beverage and Grounds Staff.
Proceeds from the Open will help us impact the lives of youth by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. We believe that all kids deserve the chance to grow in a supportive environment with mentors guiding them. We are dedicated to growing our program so it is accessible to MORE kids.
Please contact our Development Director, Beth Williams 408-508-4881 – [email protected] to discuss sponsorship or underwriting opportunities for next year’s Open on Friday, May 14, 2027.
(FTSV and ARUSD team up for Parent University Published 5/21/2026) On Saturday, May 16th, 2026, Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) and First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) once again teamed up to bring the 8th annual Parent University to Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The event, which has consistently been a successful community event, was no different this year with over 500 students and their families coming out for a day of fun, food and games at the golf course.
At the practice facility and on several holes throughout the course, FTSV set up a taste of what our programs offer, with fun golf games and activities all with a specific life skill to focus on. Each station was had ARUSD students and their families trying out different golf shots to fun, colorful, and engaging targets. Many of the families were trying out golf for the very first time. Each group rotated through the stations before gathering for lunch, music, and a raffle in the afternoon.
The focus of Parent University has always been on gathering the community and bringing valuable resources to the families of Alum Rock. ARUSD’s Student Services Department helped organize fantastic experiences for attendees, including several info booths, a great raffle, food, and even the ARUSD Mariachi. Before the games began, the California Senator of District 15, Dave Cortese provided encouraging remarks to kick-off the event.
Each year, FTSV is proud to partner with ARUSD and come together to serve and benefit the residents of our community. “FTSV was so pleased to play host once again at ARUSD’s Parent University at Rancho. The event was a huge success giving so many students and families the opportunity to experience golf and FTSV’s life skills curriculum. Rancho is FTSV’s home program location and East San Jose’s community golf course, so utilizing it in such a way is a perfect pairing for ARUSD and FTSV.” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO.
Interim Superintendent Sandra Garcia had this to say about the event.
“FTSV provides students and families in East San Jose with programming that builds self-confidence, resilience, and character. Their partnership with Alum Rock – with Parent University and in-school programs – contributes to building stronger student academic outcomes and life skills in and out of the classroom. We are thankful for the partnership and commitment of FTSV in making Parent University Family Golf Day a reality for our families.”
A big thank you also goes out to the 40+ FTSV coaches who helped at each of the stations!
Interested in having your school or youth development program partner with First Tee – Silicon Valley? Please contact our Program Coordinator, Tanner Riley at (408) 508-4885, [email protected], or visit our outreach page.
(6th Annual Fund the Kids – Presented by Jacobs Published 5/19/2026) Join Jacobs – South County Regional Wastewater Authority for the 6th Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament, benefiting First Tee – Silicon Valley on Saturday, September 26th, 2026 at Gilroy Golf Course.
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 6th Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament, benefiting First Tee – Silicon Valley.
$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.
(Adult-Junior Tournament Published 3/05/26) On Saturday, February 28th, 18 FTSV participants teamed up with adult mentors to compete in our annual 9-hole Adult-Junior Tournament. Many participants paired up with their parents while others joined forces with other family members and relatives. A heartfelt thank you to all the adults who played alongside their participants.
The teams competed in a 2-person alternate shot format, which challenged them to collaborate, communicate, and strategize together. It was great to watch the golfers bond and support one another throughout the tournament. We encourage families to play golf together as it can strengthen their relationships and make for lasting memories.
Long time FTSV participants Brent and Ryan (Father and Son), shared about their experience playing together. “It was a pleasure playing alongside each other in the alternate shot tournament. We had a great time navigating the course together. While Ryan’s golf game is already impressive, spending time with him in tournaments like this really makes the day special. We love The First Tee of Silicon Valley program,” said Brent.
The event wrapped up with families gathering for pizza and awards. It was wonderful to see families connecting, and our FTSV participants forming new friendships. Congratulations to all our participants for competing with respect, integrity, and sportsmanship.
Results
First Place: Luke L. / Rodolfo L. 27
Second Place: Asher A. / Austin A. 35
Third Place: Gwen B. / Stehen M. 39
Long Drive: Adam R. / Robert R. (Almost drove the green)
Closest To the Pin: Audi S. / Ravin S. 12.2 FT
Please save the date for the next pre-season tournament on May 30th. Click here to learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities.
(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:
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 30th.
Click here to learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities.
( Girls Golf Sanrio Play Day Published 3/05/26) 15 Participants came out on a warm Saturday morning February 28th and created memories, built friendships, and enjoyed the camaraderie that comes with playing golf. Our Girls Golf events are designed to create a safe space for participants to be themselves and develop friendships with others. We hold 4 Girls Golf events throughout the year. This season’s theme featured the colorful characters of Sanrio.
On the first hole, participants hit from the tee-box until they made it to the green. Then they had to navigate through the Sanrio Maze. Each section was a “town” owned by a different character, ending at the Hello Kitty hole at the end.
Next, they were faced with a creative chipping challenge. Each participant had to chip towards a different Hello Kitty cut-out and if they hit the apples out of her hand, they won a fun prize.
On the back portion of the game course, players spun the wheel which determined how they would hit the ball. The wheel had hitting styles based on each Sanrio character, for example, “Gudetama” meant you had to hit very lazy-like.
On the last hole, participants had some fun bunker practice. Each player took turns trying to hit the ball out of the sand over the Sanrio cut-outs.
To end the day, all Girls Golf participants and coaches were treated with pizza and fun rainbow black scratch paper to draw their favorite Sanrio characters.
Special thanks to the Junior Council Girls Golf planning committee and coaches: Natalie, Jennifer, Vian, Varnika, Dahlia, Julia and Vikrant.
To learn more about FTSV’s Girls Golf, please contact Manny Gallardo – [email protected] or 408-508-4887. Please save the date for the next Girls Golf on May 30th. Click here to learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities.
(3rd Annual Participants vs Parents Tournament Published 11/26/25) The 3rd annual Participants vs Parents Tournament delivered everything we hoped for and more—a fun, spirited competition packed with energy, laughter, and just enough friendly rivalry to keep everyone on their toes. Despite stormy forecasts earlier in the week, the golf gods were clearly on our side, holding back the rain for a beautiful, competition-ready day at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course.
The morning kicked off with warmups on the driving range and putting green, where both kids and parents shared smiles and encouragement before stepping into competitive mode. With the Participants holding a 2–0 record over the Parents from the last two tournaments, there was anticipation, determination, and a whole lot of playful pressure.
A New Format for 2025
This year featured a new twist: Stableford scoring, with different point systems for Participants and Parents:
PARTICIPANTS
PARENTS
Eagle = 4
Eagle = 3
Birdie = 3
Birdie = 2
Par = 2
Par = 1
Bogey = 1
Bogey = 0
Double Bogey = 0
Double Bogey = -1
The format added strategy, suspense, and a fresh dynamic to every hole. The fun kicked in right from the start: closest to the pin on hole #2 & longest drive on hole #4. The excitement didn’t stop there—special challenge holes made sure everyone stayed on their game: hole #6: parents spun a wheel to determine a random club for their tee shot. Hole #8: kids could swap their tee shot with one parent’s or guardian’s—strategy at its finest.
This year’s competition brought out some outstanding individual performances from the winners:
Closest to the Pin
Parents:Matt
Participants:AJ
Longest Drive
Parents:Brent
Participants:Johnny
Though the Participants came in as two-time defending champs, the Parents arrived ready to rewrite the story. And rewrite it they did! With impressive teamwork, clutch shots, and maybe a little motivation from that -1 double-bogey penalty, the Parents secured a thrilling 11–8 upset victory—their first win in the tournament’s three-year history. The day wrapped up with an awards ceremony, slices of well-earned pizza, and plenty of smiles across all ages. As always, the real win was the community spirit on display. A huge thank-you goes out to all Participants, Parents, and families who make this annual event something truly special.
SAVE THE DATE
We’re already excited for next year’s showdown. Mark your calendars: November 14th, 2026!
(FTSV Girls Golf Play Day Published 11/26/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley hosted its Girls Golf Play Day on November 15th at Rancho Del Pueblo. Twenty of our participants enjoyed a fun, collaborative day enjoying a variety of activities. The theme of the day was Snoopy and the Peanuts team!
Working as a Team
Coach Gracie challenged the players to a team building activity where they needed to work together by chipping towards hoops without “waking” Snoopy and Woodstock from their winter nap. For the girls to complete their goal, they needed to be masters of collaboration, have open communication, and show confidence in their chipping skills.
The Dryvebox Experience
Thanks to the Dryvebox team, our girls were introduced to a high-tech simulator where they were able to hit full swings into a detailed screen and see their results based on their swing plane and club head speed. Our girls enjoyed the fun and goofy game modes while learning a bit about their swing mechanics.
Visiting Snoopy’s House
Our group of golfers took part in a fun maze on the putting green. The team was tasked with navigating through the hurdles of this puzzle to reach Snoopy’s house. This was a challenging endeavor for our participants. Many worked as a team to help identify and avoid the dead ends of the maze. A big thanks to Coach Khaton and Alonso for creating such an in-depth and elaborate puzzle to putt through!
Range Time with Coach Angelina
The final activity concluded with a mini golf clinic with one of our amazing coaches – Coach Angelina. Our participants were able to work with and ask questions of Angelina, a former junior tournament competitor. Each participant was given a short lesson that catered to their specific golf swing.
Pizza Time!
The day concluded with our participants enjoying pizza while playing Jenga and taking photos together. Our events are important as our youth experience a day of empowerment, collaboration, and goal setting while building positive self-esteem. Thank you to all of our Coaches and our ACE Junior Council for preparing the activities, managing the Girls Golf budget, and for creating an amazing and safe environment. Thank you to the Dryvebox team, and thank you to all our participants for attending and having an amazing time! We look forward to seeing you at our next Girl’s Golf event on February 28th.
