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On Friday, April 28th, our Operations Manager attended the Junior League of San Jose’s Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. Earlier, in 2016, she nominated Coach Liam to be recognized by JLSJ as an outstanding volunteer. Liam was recognized and applauded by a room filled with nearly 450 guests including Assemblymember Ash Kalra, NBC Bay Area’s Laura Garcia-Cannon and Sam Brock (hosts of the event), representatives from various Bay Area organizations, and other distinguished guests. Liam received two certificates: Certificate of Appreciation from JLSJ and Recognition Certificate from County Supervisor Mike Wasserman. Throughout his time with The First Tee of Silicon Valley, he has volunteered in multiple classes through various locations as a junior coach, assisted many fundraisers and events as a junior volunteers, and represented our organization at events such as the Men’s County Championship at San Jose Country Club, Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-A and more. “The First Tee of Silicon Valley is very thankful and appreciative of the amount of hours (1,000+) Liam has given back to our program throughout three years. I am very grateful for his dedication to our program and mentoring the youth of his community. He is very enthusiastic, trustworthy, shows great characteristics of a true leader, and has a great personality. I’m sad to see him leave after the Summer season to pursue a career in PGA Management & Hospitality at UNLV, but I’m hopeful he will come back and continue to make a difference in the lives of not only the youth of Silicon Valley but communities, as well.” -Khristine Madayag, Operations Manager

Joe Bronson, friend of The First Tee of Silicon Valley, wrote Golf Chronicles: An Amateur’s Lifelong Dedication to the Game in 2016. Joe is passionate about the game of golf. All proceeds from the his book sales are given to organizations like The First Tee of Silicon Valley and others that support golf in the community. “If you’re a golfer, you’ll love this book for author Joseph Bronson’s passionate description of the game. He’s meticulous in his detailing of the philosophical nature of golf and his insights into major world competitions. His descriptions of the variety of courses he himself has played are entertaining and inspiring.” (www.josephbronson.com) Purchase a copy of Joe’s book on Amazon.com and support organizations like The First Tee of Silicon Valley. Joe recently visited our main program location, Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course, on Saturday, April 22nd. Such visits are an excellent way for supporters to learn more about The First Tee of Silicon Valley’s classes and coaching to build the character of San José’s deserving youth. As Joe said, “The First Tee of Silicon Valley is a significant asset of this community and one only needs to see the looks on the faces of the parents to understand how vital this program is to their child’s development.” View Joe’s full blog post from his recent visit Rancho del Pueblo among many others.

Don’t miss our Summer registration, which closes on Tuesday, May 30th. New participants can join a PLAYer Part 1 class at any of our various locations (The Golf Club at Moffett Field, Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course, or Gavilan College Golf Course). Visit our Youth Classes page to view our schedules. Returning participants in Par, Birdie, or Eagle, have the option to take our Golf Play class (non-certifying activity) during weekdays. Sessions are four classes for 2.5 hours playing at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Work on on course etiquette and technique to better a round of golf with family and friends or pass certification next season. Schedules are also available on our Youth Classes page. Youth Classes Page

Time is running out to join us as a Mentor for our 2017 Summer season. Our Open Enrollment ends on May 15th. Visit our volunteer page to learn more about what being a Mentor entails and the steps to complete the process. For questions about volunteering, contact Julie at [email protected] or (408) 508-4882. Volunteer webpage

It’s GRADUATION time. Take a look at our college-bound participants taking the leap into continued education. We have also received notification of The First Tee’s 2017 Participant Opportunities selections. Check out who will be representing our chapter at various opportunities. It is a bittersweet feeling for our participants who are graduating from high school during the 2017 Spring semester/quarter and moving on to the next chapter in their young lives. We would like to highlight some of the participants who are making this transition and congratulate them on their accomplishments. Jacob M. – Ace Certified Graduating from Ann Sobrato High School in San Jose Will attend Sonoma State University Pursuing a degree in Molecular Biology Plans to be an Orthodontist Joshua M. – Ace Certified Graduating from Ann Sobrato High School in San Jose Will attend California State University of Chico Undeclared major Undecided career Liam H. – Ace Certified Graduating from Leigh High School in San Jose Will attend University of Nevada in Las Vegas Pursuing a degree in PGA Management and Hospitality Plans to take on a career in the PGA Sabrina C. – Ace Certified Graduating from Gunn High School in Palo Alto Will attend Brown University Pursuing a degree in Applied Math – Economics Plans to take on a career in Business Dylan S. – Ace Graduating from Evergreen Valley High School in San Jose Will attend Evergreen Valley College Will work on his AA to transfer to State University Plans to be an English or History Teach (Middle or High School Level) Erica L. – Ace Graduating from Evergreen Valley High School in San Jose Will attend Yale University Pursuing a degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) Plans to be a Physician Gabrielle R. – Ace Graduating from Independence High School in San Jose Will attend Mission or Ohlone College Pursuing a degree in Web Development/Information Technology Plans to be a Web Developer/Database Administrator Davida S. – Eagle Graduating from Valley Christian High School in San Jose Will attend San Jose State University Pursuing a degree in Biological Studies Plans to take on a career in Education Juan H. – Eagle Graduating from Santa Teresa High School in San Jose Will attend San Jose State University Pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering Plans to be an Operations Engineer Hooray for our participants who have been selected for a 2017 Opportunity! John Deere Drive Your Future Academy – Varsha N. This all-girls event will focus on leadership development, remaining active in the game of golf, learning the value/impact of volunteerism, and recognizing the importance of teamwork. USGA “Learning Science Through Golf” Academy – Rhea A. At the inaugural USGA “Learning Science Through Golf” STEM Academy, teenagers will experience hands-on access to the USGA Research & Test Center, a facility that houses both specialized golf club and ball testing equipment. Participants will learn from highly educated and skilled individuals whose work is focused on understanding the game’s technology and new equipment’s potential effect upon the game. Perfect Sense Unified Challenge – Ishaan N. The Perfect Sense Unified Challenge is a Ryder Cup team event with junior golfers from The First Tee paired as teammates with wounded veterans and Special Olympics golfers from around the country. In addition to playing two rounds of golf at some of the top courses in the nation’s capital, golfers will also enjoy a welcome banquet, a career exploration day at Perfect Sense, and a tour of DC’s monuments and museums! Par-3 Championship – Ralph K. The First Tee Par-3 Championship is a 36-hole individual stroke play golf competition at The Kanawha Club in Richmond, Va. Participants also work on life skill development through dorm living, interaction with participants from around the country and guest speakers. By the end of the week they will have a better understanding of competitive golf rules and regulations and will be ready to act as leaders and role models for other participants at their local chapters.

Join us on Saturday, May 13th at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course for our first ever (and FREE) Healthy Habits Community Day — a family resource fair promoting healthy, active lifestyles for young people. No registration required. Free to all and open to the public. Healthy snacks provided AND the first 300 attendees will receive a FREE pair of fun sunglasses! Bring your bicycles to be tuned up by our friends from Shifty USA. Book a FREE tee time between 1pm-4pm by calling 408-347-0990 (Rancho del Pueblo Pro Shop) and mentioning Healthy Habits.

The First Tee of Silicon Valley believes positive youth development happens through a meaningful, quality relationship between the coach and participant. Therefore, we are always looking for high quality volunteers to serve as mentors and administrative assistants. Volunteers with knowledge and experience in teaching, coaching, mentoring or playing golf are ideal as mentors. Volunteers with office and technical experience are ideal as administrative assistants. Our Pre-Summer Volunteer Open Enrollment Period begins April 15th. Visit our Volunteer Page to learn more about becoming a Mentor and our seven on boarding steps, which must be completed by May 15th to begin volunteer in our Summer season. For more information, contact Julie Donnellan at [email protected] or (408) 508-4882.

The 2017 Open is getting closer. Don’t miss out on our Early Bird Registration, which ends Sunday, April 30th. Visit firstteesiliconvalley.org/open to register yourself and your foursome today. Sponsorships are still available for the June 23rd event at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club. Hole Sponsors ($500) and Table Sponsors ($250) spots are a great way to give back and support our program. For questions about sponsorships, please contact George Maxe at [email protected]

Now that March Madness is over, we wanted to reflect on a highlight that included The First Tee of Silicon Valley’s own, Kaitlyn V. You may have seen videos or hear interviews/commentary on Kaitlyn’s experience during the Elite Eight game at SAP Center during the Gonzaga versus Xavier game. Late in the 4th quarter, Kaitlyn was doing her job as a ball kid in mopping the floor after a free throw. As Xavier made their way down the court, a Gonzaga player stole the ball and began his fast break. Much to his surprise, Kaitlyn was still mopping the floor but quickly got out of the way to not disrupt the play. Commentators, such as former Golden State Warrior and Sacramento King Chris Webber, commended Kaitlyn on her swift actions to get out of the way. Instantly, she became a social media superstar, hence creating her nickname ‘Mop Girl’. After the game, she was interviewed by SBNation (read article here). Instant fame! Though Gonzaga did not win this year’s National Championship, during the 2017 March Madness highlights, Kaitlyn was shown as one of the top moments of this year’s tournament. View her in the ‘One Shining Moment’ YoutTube video at 1:55 mark. Kaitlyn has been a participant with The First Tee of Silicon Valley since 2015. She currently is in the Birdie level taking classes with Coach Armando. Great job, Kaitlyn, for being a great sport and representing the city of San Jose and The First Tee of Silicon Valley with great poise and character.

  Ralph Kho, from The First Tee of Silicon Valley has been selected to attend The First Tee National Par-3 Championship held at The Kanawha Club in Richmond, Va., June 13–18. Kho is one of 32 teen participants—16 boys and 16 girls—from The First Tee chapter network selected to play in the 36-hole individual stroke play competition. At the conclusion of the 36 holes a male and female Par-3 Champion will be determined. Furthermore, Kho will represent the West Coast in an 18-hole Territory Cup event that will be played in a modified team based format. The territory with the highest point’s value will be the winner and awarded the Territory Cup after the final round. In addition to the golf experience, a life skills a component will be incorporated in the event to further the character and leadership education that is introduced at the chapter. The teens will experience dorm living during their stay on campus at the University of Richmond. Congrats, Ralph!

We are halfway through our Spring season, which means it’s time for new participants to register for the Summer. Check out our 2017 Summer schedules online through our Youth Programs – Youth Classes page. Registration opened yesterday (April 12th) for participants who have never taken a class with us. Returning participants can begin planning their Summer by checking out the schedule but will need to hold off until May 10th to register for a class. Take part in our Golf Play classes, which are intended for participants who are not grade eligible to move on to the next level or are missing the external scorecard requirement. This class takes place at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course on the Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for Par, Birdie, and Eagle levels. Our South County Golf Play (Gavilan College Golf Course) is on Saturday afternoons for Par and above participant.

We are excited to announce that EY will repeat as the presenting sponsor at our 2017 Open at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club on Friday June 23rd. Join us for a fun and festive afternoon in support of The First Tee of Silicon Valley. Proceeds enable us to provide financial assistance to 30% of our class participants. EY has been a longtime partner and sponsor of our organization through sponsorships and volunteers including Board Directors, Board Ambassadors, and Coaches. Thank you, EY, for being the presenting sponsor to our Open for the second year in a row. We look forward to another great event! REGISTER