Type Archives - Page 4 of 60 - First Tee

From Flip-Flops to Backpacks: Navigating the Summer-to-School Shift

(From Flip-Flops to Backpacks: Navigating the Summer-to-School Shift – Published 7/09/2026) As we ditch the long summer days of pools, camps, gaming, extended vacations, sleepovers, and late-night hangouts — and transition into bedtimes, homework, and shorter days — it’s important to help youth slide into the new routine with ease and confidence.

Here are some quick tips to help you make this transition a little easier.

Create a Routine
- Create a daily routine or personal calendar. Treat your routine as your best friend, when things get crazy, rely on your specific routine to give you control.
Stay Active
- Get out in nature. Our brain activity/electricity tend to be high with so much stimulation and stress. Going on walks, playing sports, and exercising are proven ways to reduce the brain electricity, which increase our functional capacity, help us stay in the present, and access more of our brain.
Enroll in Extracurriculars
- Extracurriculars are an important part of all kids’ routines throughout their school years. “Students who participate in extracurricular activities report higher levels of self-concept and self-worth (Claudette Christison – Blomfield & Barber, 2009).” Christison goes on to explain that “they also have opportunities to develop personal interests and discover their strengths and weaknesses (Claudette Christison – Fredricks & Eccles, 2008), which is especially important during the adolescent stage of self-exploration.”

Register for FALL FTSV Program

We can be an option that addresses all three tips.

Routine
- Pick a class, once a week for 8 weeks, same day, time, and location each week. Your class will help form a routine
- Learn about setting goals and routines in life and in golf
Active
- 98% of our students say their coaches kept them active and playing.
- Our philosophy is to learn by doing and asking. All of our classes have games for the students to play, where they tie in their life and golf skills
Extracurricular
- Our classes are fun opportunities to build relationships, confidence, teamwork, and learn a sport that one can play their whole lives.
- Our proven Life Skill curriculum connects well to school values and characteristics that lead to school success.

The First Tee – Silicon Valley FALL 2026 Classes begin September 8^th Registration for our Fall 2026 Classes opens Wednesday, August 12th at 11am. Register for an 8-week set of classes at one of our three locations:

Classes are open to all youth from 2nd to 12^th grade. Equipment Provided. Financial aid is available on a sliding scale and can reduce the fee to $20-$180.

If you’re interested in registering your child or want to ask a question, please fill out the inquiry form below. Learn more about First Tee – Silicon Valley’s youth programs. You may also email [email protected].

FTSV Participant Natalie Chen selected for the First Tee College Scholar Program – Attends First Pre-College Scholar Retreat

(FTSV Participant Natalie Chen selected for the First Tee College Scholar Program – Published 7/09/2026) First Tee Silicon Valley participant Natalie Chen has been selected by FT Headquarters to become a part of the 2026 College Scholar Program. Congratulations, Natalie!!! She is one of 22 selected participants from all First Tee chapters world-wide.

The First Tee College Scholarship Program provides valuable, life-changing opportunities for the youth of First Tee and helps them prepare for success in and after college.

This program awards participants who excel in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement. Thanks to generous donors, First Tee offers up to a $20,000 scholarship, mentoring throughout the college experience, professional development workshops, and assistance in securing internships and jobs.

Natalie always takes on and thrives in challenges. She began taking our classes in the 3^rd grade, coming from a family that wasn’t very familiar with golf. From the beginning, Natalie has felt right at home, saying “First Tee was very welcoming…[they] set the stepping stones for me to build the confidence to walk on to a golf course and know what to do.” After many seasons with FTSV, Natalie earned a spot on her school’s varsity golf team. On the team she even has friends who she met through FTSV, other people who she knows she can rely on, both on and off of the course.

Natalie also joined our Junior Council and led a few the Council’s subcommittees including our Girls Golf events and our Family Fest. She excelled in our Ace classes and took our Leadership Series with the PGA Tour Superstore. As a result of her performances and leadership, she was selected to attend the 2024 First Tee Leadership Summit.

Throughout her time as a high school participant, Natalie took on the challenge of being a volunteer coach. During this time, she became one of our most trusted and tenured junior volunteer coaches and has now transitioned to a hired-staff coach. As her responsibilities grow, she grows as a leader. According to Natalie, “I love it so much. I really like teaching the little kids, they are like little brothers and sisters to me. First Tee has helped me build on my leadership in the program and at school, such as taking the lead and initiating conversations. I have learned how to manage a group of people, open up to others, and make space for everyone to share ideas and feel included.”

Natalie Chen attends the First Tee College Scholar Pre-College retreat

Natalie, reflects on the First Tee Scholars Pre-College Retreat:

“Between all the excitement of preparing for college, the Pre-College Retreat gave me a chance to reflect on the kind of person I want to be and the relationships I want to build when I arrive on campus. Throughout the week, we explored resilience, leadership, and networking through interactive sessions and speaker panels that encouraged vulnerable conversations. A few sessions especially stuck with me. Patric Young’s story was a powerful reminder that resilience starts with gratitude and the mindset to keep moving forward when life doesn’t go as planned. I also appreciated Carrie Zimmerman’s Networking 101 session, where we practiced entering and exiting professional conversations with confidence. The Mentor/Mentee Panel was another highlight, offering honest advice on how to build meaningful relationships with the mentors who will support us throughout our college journey.”

“One of my favorite parts of the retreat was our service project at Vicar’s Landing Retirement Community. We painted canvases for residents before spending time talking with them one-on-one!”

“More than anything, it was the people who made the week so memorable! It was such a privilege to spend the week with my fellow scholars who were not only incredibly accomplished, but also funny, thoughtful, and genuinely kind. Everyone brought a different perspective to the week, and I learned just as much from the conversations with them as I did from the sessions themselves. I left Florida with friendships that span across the country, and I’m very grateful to have found a community I’ll stay connected with for years to come!”

This Scholar Retreat is one of two every year for the duration of her time in College.

Natalie will be using the lessons from this retreat and the lessons learned while at FTSV at Stanford University in the Fall. Congratulations, Natalie! We are incredibly proud of you!

Applications for the First Tee College Scholarship Program are accepted once per year from seniors in high school who meet the minimum eligibility requirements. If you are interested in learning more about the College Scholarship Program or are interested in applying, please email Coach Manny at [email protected] and click here. Click here to watch the video of the College Scholar Program

Girls Golf Spring Play Day – Bring a Friend!

(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.

Learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities at firstteesiliconvalley.org/youth-programs/opportunities/.

Congrats, FTSV High School Grads!

(Congrats, FTSV High School Grads! Published 6/11/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley extends the warmest of congratulations to our Class of 2026 High School Graduates. We are so proud of their accomplishments and all the hard work these students have put into their journeys toward graduation. You earned this!

Many of our seniors have been in our program taking classes each year for the past 4–13 years. They have also served as junior volunteer coaches and taken part in our Junior Council. They have each played a significant role in building and shaping the supportive, inclusive community that future teens will continue to enjoy.

We are going to miss them — but we are so excited for what lies ahead!

At FTSV, we believe every kid and teen deserves the chance to build inner strength before the world demands it, to find the joy that comes with feeling confident in their own skin before the world makes it feel difficult, and to access experiences and spaces where leadership and personal growth happen. We strive to equip our participants with the tools to be people of high character — and this Class of 2026 is a shining example of exactly that.

Congratulations, seniors!

Elena Alegre – University of Oregon

Varnika Arun – NYU

Jennifer Barrientos – Saint Olaf

Vikrant Bhende – University of Indiana

Lucas Chen – Stanford University

Natalie Chen – Stanford University

Khaton Ho – De Anza College

Joey Jang – University of California San Diego

Alonso Jose – Fordham

Walton Li – Emory University

Diyaan Mehta – University of Michigan

Alexander Sanchez –

Evan Santoso – Carlton College

Kristin Tang – Gonzaga

Julia Villa – Cal Poly SLO

Marissa Wei – The Ohio State

Kayden Wong – University of San Francisco

Amaris Zarate –

Abigail Kim – Foothill College

Chloe Kim – UC San Diego

Kaya Hirano – UC Davis

Leon Han – Purdue

Seniors, we strongly encourage you to join our First Tee – Silicon Valley Alumni Club and the First Tee Alumni Network to stay connected with First Tee graduates around the country. To join or contact our Alumni Coordinator Nancy Rivera – [email protected]

2026 Summer of Opportunity!

(2026 Summer of Opportunity! Published 6/11/2026) Summer is here, and with it, another round of First Tee National Opportunities. Every year, First Tee – Silicon Valley participants who have been long-standing and highly-engaged are selected to apply for these unique, once in a lifetime experiences. FTSV has submitted their applications, and many participants have been selected to attend these opportunities and represent FTSV. Congratulations!

Qualifications to apply for Opportunities

Participants from First Tee chapters worldwide apply for one of the limited spots at these limited opportunities. To apply, our chapter looks for FTSV teens who have a minimum of 2 years with First Tee and have been highly-engaged in FTSV over the years (e.g., volunteer coach, participant at least 2 seasons per year each year, active in tournaments/Girls Golf, etc.). Applicants are selected to apply based on their fit with the opportunity, time spent in the program, amount of volunteer hours, engagement in FTSV extracurriculars, and other accomplishments. Once selected to apply, applicants must meet the requirements set forth by First Tee National, write several short essays, listing their accomplishments in and out of the classroom, and include letters of recommendation. FTSV staff works with each applicant and helps with essay support.

Great work to all participants who were able to submit applications this year!

So far, we have submitted 24 applications for 4 different National Opportunities. Please see below for our 8 selected FTSV participants.

First Tee College Scholar – Class of 2026

FTSV participant, Natalie Chen, was accepted into the College Scholar Program that provides a college scholarship, career mentorship and internship opportunities throughout their four years in college. Please click on the subtitle to read more about the program.

First Tee National Championship – Chapel Hill, NC June 21-25

Three FTSV teen participants were accepted to represent our chapter this year at the First Tee National Championship in North Carolina. Congrats and good luck to Alexis Chu, Annie Lu and Arden Xu. Please click on the subtitle to read more about the National Championship opportunity.

First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow,Jr July 8-12

Four FTSV participants were selected to attend the Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis this summer. Congratulations to Alonso Jose, Adam Rosas, Julia Villa and Varnika Arun. Please click on the subtitle to read more about the opportunity.

First Tee Leadership Summit West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, Montana August 10-14

One FTSV participant was selected to attend the Leadership Summit in Montana – Hosted by PGA Tour Superstore. Congratulations to Alexis Chu. Please click on the subtitle to read more about the opportunity.

We will post a recap story of all the national opportunities and hear from each participant. Stay tuned!

Applications are currently being completed for the Innovators Forum and the Drive Your Future Academy. Selections will be made in August and September, respectively. Selected participants for the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach will be announced in early July.

Interested in learning more about the national opportunities, please click here

Spring Shamble Tournament

(Spring Shamble Tournament 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

(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)

Panera Bread (Jeff Burrill)

Pinnacle Bank (Doug Moffat)

Bill Powar

Ajinomoto Group Ventures (Max von Poelnitz)

Guerrero Properties (Steve & Lisa Guerrero)

Luna Mexican Kitchen (John Lopez)

Want to see your FOURSOME photo? CLICK HERE

FTSV 14th Annual OPEN Scramble Tournament Winners

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. 13^th – 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

(FTSV and ARUSD team up for Parent University Published 5/21/2026) On Saturday, May 16^th, 2026, Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) and First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) once again teamed up to bring the 8^th 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

(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 26^th, 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.

(Read about last year’s tournament HERE)

6th Annual 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.

Natalie Chen attends the First Tee College Scholar Pre-College retreat

Thank You Sponsors!