Category: Type

Participant Spotlight: Meet Leonardo Villegas Luiz

Meet Leonardo Villegas Luiz, an 8th grade student at Ohlone Middle School in San Jose. He has been in our program since 2018 and is an active participant advancing to the Birdie level. Additionally, he has participated in our STEM classes, Golf Play classes, and in our seasonal tournaments. Most recently he has represented our chapter during a $15,000 check presentation at the PGA TOUR Superstore. Leonardo’s passion for the sport and for the program is unquestioned. He has a competitive spirt that helps him succeed. Last summer he won a national First Tee contest that required him to submit an essay and drawing about the impact First Tee has had on his life. His award was free tickets for he and his family to attend the US Open at Pebble Beach, a place he loves ever since he attended his first FTSV field trip to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Leonardo says, “the First Tee has changed my life. I used to be really shy and had low self-confidence. After joining I became more respectful, outgoing and responsible. My love of golf has only grown bigger because of the First Tee.” Leonardo, with the help of his brother and mother attends every First Tee – Silicon Valley season. The classes are better when he is involved as his enthusiasm and drive has a positive effect on his peers and coaches. We are grateful to have Leonardo as a participant in our program! Go Leonardo! If you are interested in joining Leonardo and taking a FTSV class? Please visit our Youth Classes Page. Our Winter season will begin December 1st and registration will begin November 4th at 10am.

Borina Sutikto Received PURE Insurance Scholarship

First Tee of Silicon Valley participant and coach, Borina Sutikto received a $1,000 college scholarship from First Tee trustees, Ed and Lisa Vaughan. Borina applied to play in the PURE Insurance First Tee Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, but the event was cancelled due to COVID. Accepted participants normally play the world-famous Pebble Beach golf links alongside a Senior PGA Tour in a nationally televised tournament. Borina’s strong golf resume – 2019 JGANC player of the year – made her a top prospect for the cancelled tournament. Ed and Lisa Vaughan made generous scholarships available to rising senior applicants. Borina will be able to redeem the college scholarship for the school of her choice. She is in the process of applying to schools now and plans on playing golf competitively in college. Congratulations, Borina!

Coach Spotlight: Meet John Spadafore

John Spadafore joined our program as a participant in 2011. He grew through the program and completed Ace (our highest level) in 2014. Since then he graduated from CSU Monterey Bay and majored in Accounting. John was one of the first two alumni that we ever hired and is a pioneer for future FTSV alumni looking to make the jump from participant to instructor. He has grown to be an instructor who leads by example and facilitates class engagement.  As John states, “FTSV has taught me Life Skills that I used to help me get into college. With the Ace classes I was able to learn about different colleges and career paths which led me to go into accounting. As a coach, FTSV continues to impact me through constant exposure to the Life Skills. I get to see players achieve their goals for golf, school, and careers. This helps me with my personal goals in my life and to continue to persevere through my own obstacles.” John carries himself with humility and confidence. According to Program Director Chris Moreno-Hunt, “John has been an instructor for five years. We trust Coach John to carry out our First Tee mission because he has the experience and because he embodies the Core Values that we espouse. He pays attention to detail and is affable which makes him a great coach and great person to have representing your program.” We are fortunate to have him be an integral part of our chapter for the last 10 years. He has successfully laid the foundation for future alumni to make the transition to become First Tee instructor. If you would to learn more about joining our coaching team, click here to get started.

Classic Golf Tournament September 21st

There is still time to join in the fun at the First Tee of Silicon Valley’s inaugural Classic 2-Person Best Ball tournament on Monday, September 21st. Our fundraiser will take place at our class location golf course, Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto. Thank you to our generous Presenting Sponsor, SAGA Foundation, and Contributing Sponsors: IBM, Inc., BOLData Technology, Inc. & Western Digital, Hallagan Huston Family Foundation, Wade Financial Services, CourseCo Inc., Pinnacle Bank, and Maris Consulting Group for helping us expand our impact on the Mid-Peninsula as we develop the lives of young people. Classic Timeline & Activities*
  • 7:30am Registration and Range Opens
  • 8am – 1pm Assigned Tee Times (Net & Gross Flights)
  • Closest to the Pin & Audi Palo Alto Hole-in-One Contests Plus Raffle
  • Boxed Lunches at start or turn and beverage stations on course
  • Post Round Beverage and Boxed Appetizers
*We are working closely with Baylands Golf Links to ensure the tournament will comply with all local government and safety Covid-19 regulations. Carts will be provided as requested, but the course is a very walkable experience. Register Online – Invite your friends and colleagues for a great day of golf and camaraderie! Please Contact Judy Dixon Deaton for Sponsorships Opportunities or other information (408) 508-4881 or [email protected] All proceeds benefit the First Tee – Silicon Valley a 501c3 non-profit.

Safe Summer Classes – Fall Classes Start September 8th

Check out our upcoming season: FTSV Course Program

SEPTEMBER 2020 – First Tee – Silicon Valley held our summer in-person classes from July 5th through August 8th with 120 participants, 19 coaches and 19 volunteers. Our team worked hard to ensure our policies were in line with county’s safety procedures and all safety policies were followed with consistency. We created safety videos, signs, and adjusted our class procedures. Temperatures were taken, masks and gloves were worn, and coaches and participants maintained physical distance. As a result of everyone’s commitment to safety our summer classes took place with no reported cases of COVID-19! We are grateful to have delivered a fun, safe, and engaging program during these uncertain and difficult times. It took everyone to pull it off.

Each season we survey our participants. Those that completed the survey said, 96% had fun, 94% that they felt part of a group, and 87% said their life skills improved. Even though we had a condensed program our participants and coaches made the best of the situation, learned, and had fun.

We look forward to carrying this momentum into the Fall and offering our first full 8-week season during the COVID era beginning September 8th. Perseverance, as defined in our PLAYer book, is “to keep going no matter what.”

Program Director Chris Moreno-Hunt emphasized, “As long as we have the support of our participants, their families, and our donors we will continue to persevere and deliver programming to the best of our abilities. Our commitment to building character, providing safe and supportive mentoring, and delivering engaging physical activities will remain despite COVID-19.”

We are grateful for the 160 participants (and over 80 plus participants on the waiting list) for choosing to join us this season and choosing to persevere as well. Almost all of our classes filled within the first day of registration. On behalf of our team of coaches, volunteers, and staff we remain committed to serving our community and we thank everyone who is persevering with us.

We have a great team of coaches that make our program possible. To join our team and get involved as a volunteer coach, please visit our Volunteer page.

To learn more about our programs and future seasons please visit our Youth Classes page.

Participant Spotlight: Meet Joshua Jang

Meet Joshua Jang, a Freshman at Christopher High School (Gilroy).  He has been in our program since the Fall of 2016 and has been an active participant advancing to the Ace level, the highest in our program. In addition to our certifying program, Joshua often takes part in our seasonal opportunities.  He has been active in our seasonal tournaments as well as our previous Go Green events where he assisted in planting multiple trees at Gavilan Golf Course.  Recently, he has decided to take on the mentor role and has trained to be a volunteer coach for First Tee – Silicon Valley. “First Tee’s coaches, volunteers, and participants have really inspired me to want to give back to a community that has given me so much. The lessons I have learned through the program are so applicable to my own life, and really showed me how I can make the most of my youth.” Joshua spends his time golfing and mentoring his younger brothers, Joey and Jesse. He is positive, respectful, and proactive.  When in need of help, he takes initiative and reaches out to his coaches for advice. He had a recent conversation with one of his coaches about time management and shortly thereafter built out his Google Calendar that he uses daily for school, chores, and golf. He is ambitious and follows through on advice he is given. We are fortunate to have him as a participant, and we are excited for him to begin his journey mentoring other participants in our program.

Coach Spotlight: Meet Jack Bachofer

Jack Bachofer joined our volunteer coaching team as a volunteer in the Summer of 2018 and recently became an instructor (employee) in the Spring of 2020. He has been a credentialed middle school math teacher for 11 years and has over 18 years of teaching experience. Coach Jack has an ability to reach participants in a unique way. The experience he has gained as a middle school teacher helps him connect our core lessons and life skills through story-telling. Students are able to relate to his examples and connect the dots between school experiences and the First Tee core lessons. Jack gives his full effort to the students and to our program. Since he has been with us, he has committed himself to absorbing our coach resources and to combining our coach philosophy with his teaching tools. In Jack’s words, “FTSV encourages personal growth and responsibility in a FUN way among friends and caring coaches in a sport that can last a lifetime.” We are lucky to have him on our team as his passion for teaching mixed with his compassion for others makes him a positive role model for not just our participants but for our coaches as well. If you would to learn more about joining our coaching team, click here to get started.

Golf Course Video Guide

Golf is a game that builds character. It teaches patience and develops resiliency. It is a game that promotes respect and requires integrity. It is also a game where participants can develop interpersonal skills and enjoy each other’s company. Anyone can play, but visiting a golf course can be confusing.

FTSV built a video designed to help people navigate a golf course and understand the different parts of the facility and how to use them. We want to do our part to help all families and individuals feel comfortable and welcomed at a golf course, and we hope this video helps clarify and simplify.

FTSV is committed to breaking down barriers. We understand that golf has its own vocabulary and can be expensive. In response, we are producing videos like the golf course video above, offering financial assistance for our program, and extending discounts on purchasing golf clubs. Additionally, we are providing enrolled participants a discount card to practice on their own, and offering a Youth On Course membership through our website that makes playing golf more accessible and affordable.

For more information on our classes and financial aid please visit our Youth Classes Page, club purchasing please contact [email protected], or Discount (Youth on Course) card please visit our Youth Opportunities Page.

Same Mission, New Look for Us!

https://vimeo.com/453762615

 

Same Mission, New Look for First Tee — Silicon Valley

Our youth development organization is revitalizing the brand to better serve kids in the world they live in today

First Tee — Silicon Valley is a youth development organization empowering kids to build their strength of character through the game of golf, is updating our brand to better serve kids and address the growing pressures they face.

The brand evolution includes a new logo to be unveiled on September 1st, 2020; which is a metaphor for the growth guidance at the heart of First Tee. The changes include removing “The” from the organization’s name, updated colors and patterns, and a refreshed brand story. First Tee will release a new PSA on Sept. 4, which brings to life the new brand and reignites interest in its mission.

First Tee — Silicon Valley is part of a network of 150 chapters and is undergoing a brand refresh for the first time in the organization’s 23-year history. The brand evolution is grounded in research and insights from key stakeholders and is an updated reflection of First Tee’s promise to help empower kids to build their strength of character.

“First Tee — Silicon Valley has always been about helping kids navigate challenges, and to grow stronger as they move through them,” said CEO & President George Maxe. “We still believe the game of golf is the perfect platform for personal growth. We are excited to bring forward a powerful mission and a modern look and feel to everything we do.”

Since 2005, First Tee — Silicon Valley has been creating experiences that build character to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges and continuous personal growth. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee — Silicon Valley creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at Rancho del Pueblo, Baylands Golf Links and Gavilan College golf courses and through community outreach at 20 schools and youth organizations.

USGA Awards Grant to First Tee – Silicon Valley for Local Youth Development Programs

USGA grant is part of a nationwide initiative to provide greater access to golf for youth The United States Golf Association (USGA) has awarded a $2,500 grant to First Tee – Silicon Valley  to further their efforts of introducing young people to game of golf and experiences that empower them to build their strength of character. The grant is one of 51 being awarded nationwide to chapters located in or around USGA Championships and Allied Golf Associations as part of the organization’s strategy to leave a positive impact on its local host communities. Since 1997, the USGA has invested more than $26 million in grants to First Tee to provide greater access to golf for juniors and cultivate a life-long passion for the game. The commitment to expanding participation is part of the USGA’s mission to champion and advance the game. “Year after year we are seeing the positive impact that First Tee and other junior programs are having in breaking down barriers and connecting communities through sports,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “It is vital for golf’s long-term health that we continue to create pathways for all juniors to participate.” First Tee brings kids and teens to the game of golf and leverages it as a catalyst for personal growth through experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. With USGA’s support, First Tee – Silicon Valley reaches more than 14,000 young people annually at 3 program locations, with support from 100 volunteers. First Tee impacts young people through character education and life skills programs at in-school and after-school programs. George Maxe, CEO & President expressed his appreciation, “Our chapter was faced with additional Covid-19 expenses to cover the cost of PPE items that were necessary to resume our class operations. The USGA grant made it possible for us to purchase health and safety supplies.’ Dealing with Challenges’ and ‘Playing with Perseverance’ are two of The First Tee’s 27 core lessons that are very relevant during this time of sheltering-in-place. It is noteworthy that what we teach the young people in our program applies well beyond golf to other parts of life including how we as individuals, families, organizations, and communities make the best of a public health crisis.” The funding is part of the USGA’s annual $70 million investment back into the game fueled by revenues generated by the U.S. Open. For more information about the First Tee – Silicon Valley, visit firstteesiliconvalley.org. Visit  firsttee.org to see the full list of USGA grant recipients. About the USGA The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, is home to the Association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts. To learn more, visit usga.org.       USGA Media Contact Danny Vohden USGA Communications 908-326-1217 [email protected] First Tee Media Contact Sara Henika First Tee 904-881-7398 [email protected]

Forrest Richardson Remembers Grant Spaeth

Forrest Richardson (pictured far-right above) is the architect for the Baylands Golf Links renovation and a good friend of TFTSV. Here’s one of his memories of Grant Spaeth, who was one of TFTSV’s original Board Directors and a former USGA President. Grant was a gentleman, and also fun to be with. About 25 years ago he was consulting with a Japanese owner who had acquired Scottsdale Country Club (now known as Starfire). The owner, Mr. Oto, had arrived from Japan via Los Angeles and came late to the course. He apparently did not get any sleep on the flights. I had never met Mr. Oto, who stood all of 4-ft., 10-in. Mr. Oto spoke no English, at least that I could tell. Grant, being kind and wanting me to get to know Mr. Oto, suggested that I take Mr. Oto in my golf cart. This is where it got funny. Every so often Mr. Oto would exclaim something, point, etc.  I would stop and Grant — bless him — would do his best to translate. All to no avail. It was hopeless, yet we continued on. At one hole we got out and I pointed to a bunker and made a gesture across my throat — as if we were going to kill it. Mr. Oto was very pleased at this and nodded that, he too, liked getting rid of the bunker. So off we went. Then it happened. I swung to the left to meet up with a cart path and Mr. Oto — who had fallen fast asleep unbeknownst to me — started to fall out of the cart … while yelling some profanities in Japanese. Fortunately I caught Mr. Oto by the arm just as he was falling backwards over the short cart armrest. When we stopped, I could tell he literally had no clue where he was — or who I was. Grant was laughing his head off. Soon we were all laughing as Grant made his way to Mr. Oto, who by this time was wide awake. It took four more holes before Grant stopped laughing, but he never let Mr. Oto see him! Later, Grant gave me some sage advice — “Forrest, it’s never a good plan to kill the owner, especially before he pays the bill…remember that.”

Remembering Grant Spaeth

Golf lost a great friend recently with the passing of Grant Spaeth, who was one of TFTSV’s original Board Directors. He had strong ties to USGA, Stanford and public golf, including at Palo Alto Muni, which is now Baylands Golf Links.

Grant and I immediately clicked when I began as TFTSJ’s Executive Director in 2008. I think he felt sorry for me as a Cal Golden Bear! I will always remember his quick wit and grin as we would banter. I thought very highly of him and greatly appreciated his support and friendship.

Grant was instrumental in the early days of Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course and The First Tee of San Jose, our original name, as one of our Board Directors. USGA was very generous with funding for us in our early years. I’m certain that Grant’s affiliation as a past USGA President really helped. When we later expanded to Palo Alto Muni, Grant made sure that I understood the importance of changing our name to The First Tee of Silicon Valley as an umbrella name over all our program locations.

I received a call from Grant early one morning in 2009. “George, Please call me. I understand that Coach Willingham wants to get involved in TFTSJ, but you haven’t informed me.” I thought, “How on earth did I miss that? I’d certainly know if Coach Willingham had contacted me.” Nervously, I called Grant who then told me, “I will write a letter today. You will call Coach Willingham in three days.” When I called him I found out that he had just recently contacted our Program Manager, Molly, and was in the process of interviewing to become a Volunteer Coach, which he still is today. I enjoy this memory of Grant’s purposeful, direct approach to helping TFTSJ.

Forrest Richardson, the architect of Baylands Golf Links, recently asked me which hole is my favorite. “Oh, the ninth hole!,” I said without hesitation. I explained that I always think of Grant while walking up the ninth fairway having played a wonderful few holes there at twilight with him one time. The ninth hole also makes me think of one of my favorite authors and Stanford’s Wallace Stegner. As Grant and I walked and talked, I mentioned for some reason that I was reading Stegner’s “Crossing to Safety” to which Grant replied, “Oh, Wally! He was one of my dearest pals.” It was a great moment.

Grant walked into the Palo Alto Muni cafe for a meeting with me in late 2009/early 2010 with the voluminous USGA rules books under his wing. “Why are you of all people carrying those around?,” I asked. Grant quipped (with his quick wit and grin), “I’m studying to be a rules official at the upcoming 2010 US Open at Pebble Beach. Some son of a gun USGA President put a testing requirement in place when he was in charge!” Of course, he was speaking of himself. Too funny.

USGA and NCGA have very nice articles about Grant.

The banner photo (also below) includes Grant speaking at Rancho del Pueblo in 2001 where he presented a check to the Eagles at Rancho, the junior golf program that became TFTSJ in 2005, as well as Grant and me at the Grand Opening of Baylands Golf Links in 2018.

I am extremely grateful for his significant contributions to TFTSV.

George Maxe President & CEO, First Tee – Silicon Valley