Newsletter Archives - First Tee

Juan Hernandez Receives 2025 Dennis Kettmann Memorial Scholarship

(Juan Hernandez receives 2025 Dennis Kettmann Memorial Scholarship – Published 08/8/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley participant, Juan Hernandez, was recently awarded the 2025 Dennis Kettmann Memorial Scholarship. Each year golfers in the Dennis Kettmann Memorial Tournament raise funds to remember Dennis. Their generosity underwrites this special $5,000 college scholarship for a standout FTSV participant.

Dennis’s son and co-organizer of the Memorial Tournament, Matt Kettmann, learned the game from his father, Dennis, and knows that he must be smiling knowing that his memory is now helping FTSV’s young people pursue their college dreams.

David Henningsen, who is also a co-organizer shared, “It was so wonderful to have the recipient of the “Big D” scholarship play in our tournament and speak to the supporters about how FTSV has impacted him.”

Juan Hernandez receives 2025 Dennis Kettmann Memorial Scholarship

More About Juan Hernandez

Juan Hernandez first came to First Tee – Silicon Valley as a 6^th grader. He was exposed to our program by our long-time youth partner, Redwood City Pal Center. Each season the Pal Center transports up to 13 participants in their van and takes them to our Friday classes at Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto. As Juan aged into high school, he and his brother made the long trip to Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course every Saturday to continue his classes. He is a unifying and positive force in our class and we are grateful to have him with us each and every season. This fall he will be attending Sacramento State University where he plans to study Civil Engineering.

“Including others and being more outgoing are some of my biggest take aways from FTSV. I sometimes see people at school that are by themselves or don’t have many friends, and I invite them to hang out with me and my friends. First Tee has helped me to be a Go-To person for others and realize who my Go-To people are. I have different Go-To people for different situations, people like my brother, my friends, and my coaches.”

“For other kids starting out, I’d say keep going. It’s good to keep an open mind, in the end, it’s worth it. The program will help you a lot. It will help you set your vision and teach you important life skills that will help you right now and for the rest of your life. Don’t knock it until you try it!”

This scholarship will go a long way towards helping Juan pursue his educational goals and more. Thank you to the Dennis Kettman Memorial Golf Tournament, and congratulations to Juan!

Listen to Juan’s Speech at the 2025 FTSV OPEN tournament to learn more about his time in FTSV

Learn More about our opportunities

Interested in joining the program like Juan? Please click here
Interested in becoming a volunteer coach? Please click here
Interested in making a donation to help participants receive financial aid? Click here
Interested in our local, regional, and national opportunities? Click here

Coach Spotlight: Meet Katelyn Chan

(Coach Spotlight: Meet Katelyn Chan – Published 8/7/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) owes so much of our successful impact to our many wonderful coaches who are the backbone of FTSV’s programs. This month’s Coach Spotlight highlights Katelyn Chan, a FTSV alumni turned volunteer, and now paid coach, who always brings the care and enthusiasm needed to build relationships with our participants and help them build golf and life skills.

Katelyn started playing golf at age 5 and has been at it ever since. She took FTSV classes from age 7 to 16 and then started as a volunteer coach at age 15. “Once I was eligible to volunteer, I was really excited to just give back what First Tee gave me when I was a kid. All my coaches were awesome, it was such a positive environment to be in, so it seemed like so much fun to get involved as a coach.” Katelyn reflected.

It’s clear that while she was a participant, Katelyn took all our life skills to heart. Her stand-out participation led to her selection to attend the First Tee Leadership Summit, to receive the First Tee 2024 Make Your Mark Award, and to achieve her First Tee Ace Certification.

Katelyn coaches with respect and compassion, teaches participants how to persevere through difficulties with their golf swings, and always relates the life skill to a participant’s own life and interests. “When it comes to life skills, I try to have casual conversations and teach lessons naturally, just trying to relate to their life. Kids all have different ways of learning things and it’s fun to get to know different kids and how each of them best takes in our lessons. I love asking kids goofy questions and having fun with them – kids always have something to say and offer a different perspective.”

Katelyn is a great example of what it takes to build a positive environment in class. When a coach can create an environment of trust, safety, and positivity, participants are more likely to express themselves, have fun, and absorb and learn the day’s lesson effectively. It’s this active learning environment that we’re always striving for – Coach Katelyn experienced that as a participant and is now creating that as a coach.

Be a Coach… Be a Mentor

While her background in golf and as a FTSV participant was helpful in becoming a coach, it’s not a requirement – FTSV is always looking for coaches who want to make an impact on the lives of kids, teens, and the community. “Don’t be intimidated, there’s a great team of coaches to guide you along the way. Just have fun talking to kids and having fun with the class. Being a coach really helped me feel more confident and develop conversation skills that I use in and outside class.” Click here for more information on joining FTSV as a volunteer coach.

FTSV Fall Season – Register on August 13th

(FTSV Fall Season – Register on August 13th – Published 8/7/25) Save the Date – Registration for our fall season opens here on Wednesday, August 13^th at 11am and closes on Thursday, August 28^th at 11:59pm.

The 8-week fall season begins the week of September 9^th and ends November 1^st. Register on August 13^th and take part in engaging and fun life skill and golf skill classes at either Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, or Gavilan College Golf Course in Gilroy.

Classes are broken down by grade groups, so feel free to invite a friend and take part in our fall classes together.

Financial aid is available. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

FTSV Fall Season – Pursuing Goals

Each week our participants experience one of our 6 Life Skills and 6 Golf Cues. Our life skills cover everything from showing respect, to collaborating with others, making good choices, building a positive self-identity, growing through challenges, and setting goals.

Repetition is encouraged in our program. Many of our high school participants have taken classes each of the past 5+ years. As participants get older and develop through our program, they are challenged to set and pursue goals. The longer they are in the program the more goal setting becomes part of their identity. Through our games and activities, we explore how to make short term goals, how to set reachable goals using our 3 guidelines, and how to categorize their short-term goals to assist them in tracking their progress. What’s important to us is that our participants learn those skills while having fun and making friends.

In 2025, we had a record number of registrations in the fall, so please mark your calendar for August 13th to make sure you secure your spot. Click here to see our 2025 fall class schedule.

We encourage youth 2^nd grade and above to join our program and ask that you help spread the word. Visit our Course Programs Page for detailed information.

Watch the Video to learn more from our participants, parents, and coaches… SEE YOU ON THE COURSE!

Sign-up to get more information about FTSV Fall Season – Register on August 13th

FALL 2025 Class Inquiry

(This is an INQUIRY FORM ONLY. This does not guarantee your kid’s place in our program for the Fall 2025 class season.)

Name(Required)

(Nombre)

First Last

Email(Required)

(Correo electrónico)

Preferred Language(Required)

(Idioma preferido)

English

Español (Spanish)

What grade will your kid(s) be entering Fall 2025

If multiple kids, select all that apply

2nd – 4th

5th – 6th

7th – 8th

9th – 12th

Let us know your level of interest in registering your kid in FTSV Classes this Fall

Somewhat Interested

Very Interested

Extremely Interested (Where do I sign?)

Do you have any questions?

How did you hear about First Tee – Silicon Valley?

The Moca Foundation $30K 2025 Grant for Gilroy Youth

(The Moca Foundation $30K 2025 Grant for Gilroy Youth – Published 08/01/2025) The Moca Foundation provided $14K to support course sessions for Gilroy youth and $16K to support our School Program at Gilroy Title 1 Schools.

Moca Foundation Funds will underwrite financial aid at Gavilan

First Tee – Silicon delivers our youth development program at 3 locations throughout Silicon Valley with Gavilan College Golf Course serving South County youth. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship. The Moca Foundation grant will help underwrite financial aid which is available on a sliding scale and can reduce the fee to $20-$180 per session. Gilroy/Gavilan Course Program is growing and so is the need for Financial Aid. In 2024, FTSV had 19% of FTSV Gavilan participants receive financial aid. We will be able to increase financial aid this year thanks to Moca’s support.

Moca Foundation Funds will underwrite 5 Gilroy Title 1 Schools

We are also excited to announce that The Moca Foundation will be providing a financial aid grant to underwrite 5 Gilroy Title 1 Schools. The 3 Gilroy Schools: South Valley Middle School Solorsano Middle School, and Mt, Madonna High School that MOCA provided funding for last year are returning plus 2 new schools: Glen View Elementary School and Eliot Elementary School. Our goal is to transition/recruit low-income kids from our School Program to our Course Program at Gavilan Golf Course. The Moca Grant will underwrite golf and games equipment, training and a field trip to Gavilan for these 5 schools.

May van Scherrenburg, The Moca Foundation Associate Director shared…

“We are proud to support First Tee – Silicon Valley’s efforts of character and leadership development for Gilroy youth for our 3^rd year. I have experienced first- hand with my son Drake participating for 6 years how they foster a culture of acceptance and provide mentorship. Golf provides a powerful vehicle to help kids build the strength of character and life skills that they can use both on and off the golf course.”

If you are interested in learning more about how you can support our programs or improvements, please contact Judy Dixon Deaton, Development Director [email protected] or 408-508-4881.

Isabella Herrera Receives Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award

(Isabella Herrera Receives Inaugural Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award – Published 08/01/2025) In celebration of Victor’s 25^th 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
President’s Volunteer Service Award – Gold
Youth on Course Leadership Chair
National Honors Society – Notre Dame High School
LPGA Girls Golf E-Leader
She will be attending USC in the fall

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 Eagle Award

(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…

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.

Mentor Spotlight: Ysabelle Lam

(Mentor Spotlight: Ysabelle Lam – July 11, 2025) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) has positively impacted over 100,000 kids and teens throughout our 25-year history. That success is largely built on the passion, hard work, and commitment of our hundreds of volunteer mentors and paid staff. This month’s Mentor Spotlight is on a volunteer who’s been with us for 2 years, who always brings a positive attitude and goal of meeting kids where they are to help them get the most out of their FTSV experience.

Ysabelle Lam started with FTSV in 2023. She began working with our participants at Baylands Golf Links and coaches with us every season. In her classes she successfully bonds with students over shared interests like art, gaming, and travel. Ysabelle knows how to break the ice, an important step to building a positive, trusting relationship that allows our coaches to effectively deliver our life skills curriculum in a safe, fun environment.

“When I started at First Tee, I was still in my first year of learning golf. My personal golf journey was extremely frustrating at times, so it became a great way for me to grow my character as well. I love using golf to teach life skills, because if you can stay respectful, confident, and truly persevere through an off day in golf, it prepares you to face and conquer challenging times in any aspect of life.”

The best part about Coach Ysabelle’s coaching style is her ability to bring the life skill lessons to kids within friendly conversation – showing and engaging, rather than telling, participants what it means to be respectful, appreciate diversity, collaborate, and more. In this way, participants are internalizing how the life skills connect with their interests, or with whatever they are experiencing in their lives. As a result, the life skills become much more impactful and applicable.

“When I am coaching my number one priority is to ensure everyone is having fun (and also to be safe). I emphasize encouragement over criticism and try to help students stay confident, even when they’re struggling — whether we’re on the range or out on the course. What I enjoy most is watching their confidence grow throughout the season — not just in their golf game, but in themselves.”

Ysabelle is a perfect example that FTSV is a “life skills first” program, where golf is the vehicle to building character and becoming the best version of yourself. No matter your skill level, golf tests us in ways that bring out the best of our integrity, confidence, and work-ethic, making it the perfect life-long sport we can all enjoy with dedication. FTSV is always looking for volunteer mentors who are looking to make an impact on the lives of kids, teens, and the community. Coach Ysabelle says, “ If you’re considering joining FTSV as a volunteer, know that you don’t need to be a golf expert — you just need a passion for helping kids grow. The impact you can make simply by showing up and caring is huge.” For more information on joining FTSV as a volunteer coach.

KRTY.COM Writers Cup Benefits First Tee – Silicon Valley

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!

Writers participating in this year’s KRTY.COM Writers Cup:

Tyler Reeve, Cole Taylor, Trent Tomlinson, Luke Dick

KRTY.COM Writers Cup Timeline:

10:00am – Check In – Pick up Gift & Lunch
11:45am – Players in Carts
12:00pm – Scramble Shotgun Start
5:00pm – Cocktails & First Half Songwriters Show
5:45pm – Dinner, LIVE Auction & Raffle
7:00pm – Second Half Songwriters Show

KRTY.COM Writers Cup Tournament Pack will include:

$50 per player – Tournament pack will be available a few weeks before the tourney

One Mulligan
Closest to Hole (2)
DGDG Car Hole In One
Putting Contest at the snack bar turn
10 Raffle Tickets for chance to win exciting prizes
Benefits First Tee – Silicon Valley

To find out how to make FTSV a beneficiary of your upcoming fundraiser by visiting our Partner Page.

Read last year’s Recap: KRTY.COM Writers Cup Benefits First Tee – Silicon Valley

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.”

KRTY.COM Writers Cup Benefits First Tee – Silicon Valley golfers

KRTY.COM Writers Cup Benefits First Tee – Silicon Valley songwriters

Published: 07-11-2025

5th Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament in Gilroy

Join Jacobs – South County Regional Wastewater Authority for the 5th Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament, benefiting First Tee – Silicon Valley on Saturday, September 27^th, 2025 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 5th Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament, benefiting First Tee – Silicon Valley.

(Read about last year’s tournament HERE)

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.

PUBLISHED: 07-11-2025