The First Tee – Silicon Valley Mentor Junior Golf Tournament was a total blast! At Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course, younger FTSV participants paired up with the high school players, working together to do their best. Fun was had by all as the younger participants were able to experience competitive golf, some of them for the first time, while the older participants helped lead by example on the golf course.
A Collaborative Experience
During the Mentor/Junior Golf Tournament, we provide an opportunity for our youngest participants to learn from some of the older ones. They played together in a Shamble format, where everyone hit their drive, the team picked the best one, and they played their own balls from there. It was a very collaborative experience, and the best part was how people were able to make new friends and learn from one another.
Showing Respect
One of the biggest life skills demonstrated during the event was how to show respect. Starting from the first interaction, participants were introducing themselves, shaking hands and making everyone feel seen and comfortable as the round began. Golf etiquette was on full display, with divots and ball marks being repaired, and teammates encouraging and complimenting each other as the day went on. Showing respect for one another is a big part of First Tee – Silicon Valley, and during the Mentor/Junior tournament, it became clear how much our participants really live the values taught. All in all, everyone had fun, and bonds were built between our young participants and our returners.
Every year, First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) holds a Chapter Championship where participants of all ages can play in a fun, supportive and competitive environment. On Saturday, August 19th, 40 participants gathered to play at Rancho del Pueblo and demonstrate their First Tee life skills and golf skills. We want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who attended, parents, kids and volunteers alike. Thank you for making it such a huge success and we hope to have everyone back next year!
The players were sorted by their ages in a net stroke play event. There was a closest to the pin contest as well as a long drive, and even a raffle! All of our participants did very well, and most importantly, showed phenomenal sportsmanship and respect for themselves, others, and the course. Some players had never competed in a golf tournament before, and members of their group helped support them, assisting with rules, score keeping, and generally being positive and kind. It was a competitive event, but even in competition, the most important thing is everyone having fun and looking out for one another.
While score is absolutely not the most important thing, it is good to celebrate the winners of this event to recognize all of the effort they have been putting in working to develop their golf skills.
7th – 8th Grade: Nathan Lopez and Findlay Rich (33)
9th– 12th Grade: Kristen Tang (32)
After the event, everyone was treated to pizza while we awarded medals and prizes. All in all, participants, volunteers, and staff alike had a really fun time, and we hope that everyone will return for next year’s Chapter Championship. Thank you again to all and to Rancho del Pueblo for having us. Remember, if you stick with it and put in the effort over time, you’ll continue to impress yourself!
If you’d like to learn more about the opportunities we have for our participants, click here!
On Saturday, August 19th, First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) held our Fall Pre-Season Girls Golf Play Day at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The theme of the event was Summer Playday.
19 ofFTSV’s youth participants had a Summer-time blast playing golf, enjoying games and socializing with new friends. This event provided an opportunity for the girls to develop their respect for themselves and others, find their own voice, identify their talents, and inspire them to live active and healthy lifestyles. On the course, the girls engaged with each other and worked as a team in summer themed golf games. They played seashell scramble, coconut bowling, and hula hoop hop. They gained new friends, shared their summer memories, and bonded over common interests.
“This group had so much energy and were very conversational” – Coach Li An.
The event concluded with brunch, building a coral reef, and a game of giant Jenga. We hope this experience of building new friends and playing golf together was memorable for our girls, and that they take the lessons learned to help them as they grow into amazing women in our society. Special thanks to Coach Gracie, Karen, Roni, Li An, and Natalie for hosting our event.
We are always thrilled to have our Girls Golf event, and want to say thank you to all the participants for making it such a success. Everyone made sure to create an inclusive, supportive and respectful atmosphere where all felt comfortable to learn and try new things. If you are interested in making a positive difference and mentoring youth for First Tee – Silicon Valley & Girls Golf, please visit: firstteesiliconvalley.org/about/volunteer/
Join us for the next Girls Golf Event
FTSV participants are welcome in join. Learn more about our next Girls Golf event on November 11th, 2023 may contact Manny Gallardo at [email protected] or call (408) 508-4887. We will release our next event flyer around mid-October. Stay tuned!
On Saturday, August 12th, First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) hosted an Appreciation Day event at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The event was a celebration of our FTSV families, participants and coaches, and an opportunity to express our sincere gratitude for them. We had over 140 people in attendance. Thank you so much to all that came out, and thank you for being a part of First Tee – Silicon Valley.
There were many fun games setup. On the putting green, we setup our Mission ImPuttable game, which are really challenging and fun putting holes where you can play against your friends. We had the driving range open for people to hit and clubs for people to borrow. There was also a tug of war, a sack race, and cornhole, and winners of any of our games could claim prizes from our prize tent. Near the end of our event, we provided pizza, dessert, and highlighted our CEO & President George Maxe for his 15-year anniversary with FTSV!
While the games were fun, the biggest success was people from throughout our FTSV community meeting each other and making connections. Because we have three different locations and many different days of class, often times families, coaches and volunteers are not easily able to meet and interact with others in the program. However, at Saturday’s event, FTSV families and coaches from throughout the South Bay had the opportunity to build relationships with each other. People were laughing, talking and having fun all while building connections to one another and helping to expand on the sense of community that we try to foster. We will be hosting more community and appreciation days at Rancho del Pueblo for all to attend and hope to have everyone come out. Until next time!
Please invite your friends, family or anyone else you think would enjoy or benefit from our program to join us! Registration for the Winter season opens on November 8th.
We have awesome volunteer opportunities for people looking to get involved, give back to their community, and continue to develop leadership and mentorship skills. Parents, families, teenage participants, and community members are what allow us to impact as many young people as we do, so please consider joining our team!
Over the weekend of June 19th, First Tee – Silicon Valley’s Camille Thai took first place at the 2023 California Junior Girls’ State Championship. By setting specific process goals throughout the weekend, Camille was able to focus herself only on the current shot, and play to the best of her ability.
Setting and Pursuing Goals
First Tee – Silicon Valley is an organization that teaches kids how to set and structure their goals in an effective way so that they can accomplish big things. By outlining their Process, Performance and Outcome Goals, our participants are able to stay motivated, stay confident, and, most importantly, actualize some of their biggest dreams. One of our teens, Camille Thai, was able to accomplish something really special, in part, due to her strong goal setting skills as well as her incredibly hard work.
The 2023 California Juniors Girls State Championship
Held at Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel. The week previous, Camille had participated in a different golf tournament where she was disappointed in her performance. Coming into the State Championship, she was determined and motivated to better play to her skill level. After playing her practice round, Camille didn’t have very high expectations for the weekend because the course was long and especially difficult.
After her first round, Camille finished stroke play at +2, not the result she was hoping for but still in contention. She decided then that her new outcome goal was to just make the cut, meaning she had to be within the top 16 players after two days. With this new goal set, Camille was able to focus and perform, finishing the second day of stroke play -1, putting her in first place. At this point, she was just really happy to have secured the medalist position.
The final two days of the tournament are a match play format. With the heat, and having to play potentially 36 holes in a day, two days in a row, the tournament became more of an endurance test. Camille made sure that her focus and goal was not on winning, but on just hitting good shots, and to always be thinking about the next one. When asked about what she was thinking, Camille said “I viewed it as two separate tournaments. Match play is really anyone’s game, so you need to focus on what you can control.”
As she played her matches and secured a solid lead, Camille never felt fully secure that she would achieve the ultimate victory. She continued to always be focused on the next shot, and after going bogey free, she was able to tie the final hole necessary to secure the win. The result served as a good reminder of just how much work she has put into her game, and it was quite the confidence booster.
Congratulations on the big win Camille!
Setting and using goals effectively play a large part in Camille’s ability to continue to improve and achieve what she wants. According to her, “It’s kind of ironic. Golf is result oriented, but to get the results you want, you need to focus on the process and short-term goals.” Camille says that when she plays good golf, she isn’t worried about where she will end up; she’s focused on the process, trying to shoot the best shot she can and then immediately moving on to the next shot. Taking this mentality into her everyday life helps her to break down stress and challenges, and approach goals step by step so that she can be her most productive.
Looking forward, Camille’s current goals are to get situated into her junior year as school starts up again, and figure out the new adventure of college applications and recruitment. In regards to golf, Camille’s goals are not score focused, instead they are more about how she feels on the course. She wants to continue to work on her mental game so that she can feel confident and secure over every shot, regardless of standing or situation.
First Tee – Silicon Valley is proud of Camille Thai for her accomplishments, but even more proud of how she has been able set and achieve her goals on and off the golf course.
Register for a class!
Register your kid or teen. Visit our Course Program Page HERE to learn more.
On Tuesday, August 4th, First Tee – Silicon Valley attended National Night Out in San José. We met other local community organizations and shared our program with community members, residents and community partners. It was a great opportunity for FTSV to continue to make connections in the neighborhood surrounding Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course. In addition to setting up an informational tent, we set up our golf station with fun chipping games facilitated by participants Nancy and Salma Rivera, while other staff members talked with parents, and signed up new participants!
National Night Out (NN0) is a “national community-building campaign” designed to promote and facilitate community partnerships and safety by bringing people together. In the spirit of collaboration, which is one of FTSV’s six life skills, NNO encourages neighborhoods to host block parties, festivals and cookouts, with the purpose of building relationships and bringing down barriers within a neighborhood. This particular event was held in Emma Prusch Farm Park in District 5 of San José. Our affiliate golf course, Rancho del Pueblo, is located in the heart of District 5, and many of the schools that we partner with and deliver program to are also located in District 5, which made the event even more special.
What we are saying about the event
Victor Manrique, Operations Coordinator, was happy to have attended this event and feels like it has potential to lead to partnerships with other community organizations. He says “As someone who has never attended an event at Emma Prusch Farm, it was truly amazing seeing neighbors come together and enjoy what the community had to offer. It makes me more excited to start building more relationships with the local community and its resources.” FTSV is thankful to have been invited, and we plan to return again in the future. We look forward to connecting with families, and forming more partnerships within the local community.
Have First Tee – Silicon Valley attend your next Community Event
Contact Victor Manrique – [email protected] – if you are interested in having FTSV attend a community event.
First Tee Silicon – Valley participant Salma Rivera was recently awarded the 2023 Dennis Kettman 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 FTSV chosen 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 her.”
Meet Salma
Salma joined our program in 2018 and has been an incredible addition ever since. In her classes, she goes out of her way to build a tight knit, inclusive environment for her fellow participants by taking the time to get to know people. She is a great conversationalist who displays her care and consideration for others through thoughtful questions and responses. Salma is also a dedicated and invaluable volunteer, offering up her time to assist with all kinds of FTSV projects and events, and generally being a person who we feel lucky to have in the program.
Salma played in the Memorial Tournament and gave her speech at its conclusion. In her speech she said, “The First Tee curriculum focuses on building a positive self-identity by embracing your unique qualities and always striving to improve. Thanks to First Tee and my coaches, I have been able to push myself to do much more than I thought possible, and they have pushed me to my stretch zone. My coaches taught me that even though it might be scary, I should always pursue opportunities and take on challenges, which is something that keeps me going.”
Salma went on to share about the impact financial aid has had on her and her family. She said “Both my sister and I are recipients of the financial aid program and we have had a great experience thanks to it. Us along with others I know, have been able to stay in the program, and have been granted local and national opportunities thanks to the financial aid program. I was able to go on my first plane ride to the Game Changers Academy in Philadelphia thanks to First Tee as well as earn this scholarship in order to be able to continue my education in college and be something greater in life. Other participants like my sister were able to join multiple academies in different states and got multiple scholarships because of the opportunities First Tee opened and she was able to get into one of the top ten colleges in the country.” The Dennis Kettman Memorial Scholarship has made a huge impact on Salma, as well as all the other previous recipients.
Salma has set “Outcome Goals” for herself of finishing high school strong and being accepted into college, and this scholarship has made that goal that much more reachable. She is grateful to be selected and said, “Thank you to the people of the DK tournament. Without the scholarship, a lot of us would not have the opportunity to go to college and succeed, and lot of us wouldn’t continue our education, so I am very thankful for the award. Thank you!”
Thank you to the Dennis Kettman Memorial Golf Tournament, and congratulations to Salma Rivera!
Interested in joining the program like Salma? Please click here
Each summer, First Tee participants play in the First Tee NorCal Championship, bringing together chapter kids and teens from all over Northern California. On Monday, July 31st, First Tee – Silicon Valley participants played at the Del Rio Country Club in Modesto alongside and against participants from First Tee chapters including San Francisco, Monterey, Central Valley, Contra Costa, Greater Sacramento, San Joaquin, Tri Valley and Fresno.
This is a fun, unique opportunity for our participants to meet kids from different chapters, make friends, play golf in a fun, competitive tournament, and enjoy an experience different from their normal FTSV classes. Special thanks to our First Tee – Silicon Valley participants Joey, Natalie, Dylan, Tristian, Raashika, and Shivika for coming out to play!
Join Us!
First Tee – Silicon Valley offers many different participant opportunities, including other tournaments, scholarships, leadership academies, and much more.
Great news! FTSV has a new agreement for expanded access at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course for our character building programs for the next 25 years. Our plans are well underway to increase the number of classes that each individual participant can take and to double the total number of kids and teens in our program.
The City of San Jose leased Rancho, Los Lagos, and San Jose Muni to CourseCo for up to 25 years this past April 2023. FTSV is grateful to City Council and CourseCo for sharing the vision to transform Rancho into more of a “community (golf) center.”
“FTSV built our program at Rancho over the last 21 years and we are thrilled to have a new long-term agreement. It is a strong indication that CourseCo is serious about significantly increasing the community’s benefit of Rancho.” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO. “We are excited to have CourseCo as a partner as we make Rancho an even more welcoming place for kids, teens, and San Jose residents, especially those who live on the Eastside.”
Fall Registration opens on Wednesday, August 16th with more classes for more kids to participate. There are also coaching positions available for both paidand volunteer roles to join our team.
Stay tuned as we begin to make improvements to realize our exciting vision for Rancho that helps change the game for our community. Contact George Maxe at [email protected] or 408-288-2937 if you have any questions or would like to help with underwriting.
First Tee – Silicon Valley is always looking for people interested in transforming lives through youth development and giving kids and teens a brighter future. By becoming a coach or volunteer, you will contribute the development of core values and life skills in our students, helping to set them up for the future. Character is learned, cultivated and shaped by our mentors and experiences, which are our greatest teachers. This is an opportunity for you to be able to provide the same kind of positive experience to kids today.
Character development is something that takes place over time…
Starting with a participant’s first season and growing exponentially as time goes on. For our volunteers, during their first season with FTSV, they begin to build that foundation with the kids, building that trust, character and respect. As the seasons go on, the relationship deepens, and the growth becomes more and more evident as the life skills fully become realized. Every single positive experience delivered in our program has an impact on our kids, and over time, it really starts to become clear how much FTSV can help in the development of important life skills. Our students grow into compassionate, determined, motivated leaders, and go on to carry those skills with them into the rest of their lives.
Our coaches and volunteers play a CRUCIAL role in FTSV’s ability to succeed.
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on community members determined to make a difference to work with us, delivering the fun life skill curriculum to the kids. It is our goal to maintain a 4 to 1 student to instructor ratio, so every volunteer and coach makes it possible to grow and accomplish our goal. Not only will you be contributing to changing lives and growing character, but you will also continue to develop and hone your own mentorship and leadership skills, all while being a part of something bigger than yourself. If that sounds like a good fit for you, please visit our volunteer page where you can apply. Thank you for your support!
When you start, you start building a base for building character and building a supportive environment, and over time and over seasons, you see the big changes and long lasting difference FTSV can make.
Congratulations to the 2023 Caddy Club British Open winners and our 2023 “Player of the Year”!
CONGRATULATIONS to Caddy Club Majors British Open WINNERS:
1) Jason Suey – $2,500 VISA Gift Cards
2) Dave Kinser – La Rinconada Country Club
3) Jeff Upp – Stanford Golf Course
4) Jean Walker – Almaden Golf & Country Club
5) Lionel Lee – Cinnabar Hills Golf Club
Player of the Year!
Pat Alongi was crowned the season winner with the lowest combined score for all 4 Majors and was awarded golf and lunch at Olympic Club.
Join the Caddy Club
You can join the Caddy Club anytime as a way to support our Financial Aid Program to provide kids with affordable access to our life skills and golf skills guided by caring mentors. As a recurring (monthly) donor, you will be registered for the 2024 Caddy Club Majors and ready to play next year.
Become a Caddy Club member by making a minimum $20 monthly donation for at least 12 months. Click Here to Join!
Every $240 donation allows FTSV to offer financial aid to a low-income youth participant to attend an 8-week program.
Together, We’re Building Game Changers!
Our kids and teens are facing challenges unseen by previous generations. Many lack access to safe opportunities that foster a culture of acceptance and provide mentorship. They live in a world where social pressures are always on, calm and confidence are hard to access, and perseverance is a required superpower every day. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and $5,000 College Scholarship was presented to Jonathan Tessman at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2023 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 16th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Thank you to all our 2023 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 20th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 90,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
Jonathan was selected for his consistent academic excellence, his exemplary volunteer accomplishments, and for his 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. For Jonathan, the scholarship will help him with his acceptance to attend UC Berkeley to study Business.
The scholarship was initiated by a very generous 9-year grant by PG&E several years ago by founding FTSV Board Director, Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. and has since then been supported by her brother Alan Taylor.
In additional to the Joyce Taylor Award presentation, the Invitational included a gathering of Government Affairs professionals from various companies: HP, Inc., PG&E, NGR, Chevron, SoCal Gas, PhRMA, SDGE, SoCal Edison, Niemela Pappas & Assoc, Altria, Lancaster Toyota, and Intuit. Organized by FTSV Board Chairman Victor Arrañaga and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe, sponsors participated in a Legislative Roundtable, dinners, and golf with their colleagues. A special thanks to the following Government Elected Officials who were in attendance for portions of the event: CA Senator Dave Cortese, CA Senator Steven Bradford, CA Speaker Robert Rivas, CA Assembly Member Flora Heath, Silicon Valley Leadership CEO Ahmad Thomas, 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.
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.
