Year Archives - First Tee - Silicon Valley

Annual Kids & Coaches Tournament

(Annual Kids & Coaches Tournament Published 3/05/26) This past Saturday, February 28th, FTSV hosted the “Kids & Coaches Tournament” to officially kick off our 2026 Spring season. With an outstanding turnout of 30 participants—15 players and 15 coaches, including four FTSV Board Members—the exciting event took place at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course.

From the first tee shot to the final putt, the course was filled with positive energy and enthusiasm. Players encouraged one another, and coaches offered high-fives and advice.

The competition concluded with some outstanding performances:

Team Results

🥇 1st Place: Christine, Aaron, Coach Suri
🥈 2nd Place: Mateo, Coach Josh
🥉 3rd Place: Riley, Coach Alexis

Congratulations to all our winners and participants for their hard work and dedication!

In addition to regular play, three on-course contests added to the excitement:

Hole 4: Long Drive Contest (Kids)
Hole 7: Closest-to-the-Pin Challenge (Kids)
Hole 5: Closest-to-the-Pin Challenge (Coaches), featuring a challenging shot over water

Course Contest Results

Closest to the Pin (Hole #5): Max VP
Closest to the Pin (Hole #7): Ikher
Longest Drive (Hole #4 – 12 and older): Aidan

The tournament wasn’t just about scores — it was an opportunity for growth, sportsmanship, and the comradery. The afternoon wrapped up with congratulatory handshakes, high-fives and fist-bumps. Participants and coaches were then treated to a pizza lunch.

Thank you to all the parents, families, and coaches for your unwavering support of the program. Your encouragement and dedication make events like this possible and help our young athletes continue to grow both on and off the course.

We’re already looking forward to the next tournament and another unforgettable day with our First Tee Silicon Valley family! Please save the date for the next pre-season tournament on May 30^th.

Click here to learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities.

Family Clinic at Rancho Del Pueblo

(Family Clinic at Rancho Del Pueblo – Published 2/24/26) Thanks to a generous NCGA REACH grant, FTSV provides affordable, semi-private lessons in addition to our normal classes to a sub-group of participants. The goal is to help more families have access to semi-private lessons and develop a love for the game.

FTSV launched a subsidized, semi-private lesson program in Summer 2024, helping break down the financial barrier that many families face when introducing their children or teens to the game of golf. Only participants who are active FTSV participants that receive financial aid, have participated in at least 2 seasons over the last 2 years, and are in the 3^rd grade or higher are eligible for this program. This spring will be our 8^th season offering these lessons.

To date, we’ve had 53 participants benefit from the FTSV Semi-Private Lesson program. On Saturday, February 21st we celebrated the participants who took the lessons in 2025 by hosting a Family Clinic at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Participants and members of their families came out and received golf instruction and played games on the driving range and practice green. Participants were excited to show their families what they’ve been learning and were eager to watch their family try out some swings.

More than just a day around the practice area, the Family Clinic offered families…

A chance to build bonds together, have friendly competition, and hopefully become inspired to play golf together as a family in the future. At the end of the clinic, we emailed the families a “how-to” guide on playing golf to help them understand golf jargon and with resources to take up the game as a family. This guide included everything from making tee times, to a list of courses, available discounts, and the basics of course etiquette. We also sent them a link to the Youth on Course card, which offers kids and teens discounts on hundreds of golf courses across California.

We hope the families will continue to support their child’s time in FTSV and in golf.

With this kind of encouragement, and the improvements found through private lessons, participants will develop the confidence and ability to improve as golfers, compete on school teams and in tournaments, and pursue opportunities on and off the course. By supporting our community in this way, we believe golf can be a game that families can share together for many years to come.

Thank you to Coach Felix and Coach Rob for teaching the semi-private lessons over the past 2 years. Thank you to the over 30 participants and family members who joined us at the Family Clinic and continue to be long-standing and engaged members of our organization!

To learn more about FTSV’s Financial Aid program and the Semi-Private Lessons, please contact [email protected], or call 408-508-4884.

FTSV Coach Spotlight: Kathy Hausler

(FTSV Coach Spotlight: Kathy Hausler – Published 2/6/26) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) owes so much of our success to our many wonderful Coaches who are the backbone of our life skill and golf skill programs. This month’s Spotlight highlights one of our standout coaches, Kathy Hausler. Kathy began coaching with us in 2022 and has amassed over 260 volunteer hours. She coaches most of our (4) 8-week seasons year in and year out. Most importantly, she leads by example and positively connects with, and cares for our participants.

Why FTSV is important to her

“Organizations like FTSV are really important to communities,” says Kathy. “The life skills we teach at FTSV help to support what the kids learn at home and at school. The golf experience allows the kids to learn something new or practice what they already know. And, helping them be successful and enjoy the sport can give them more confidence in other sports and interests.”

What she has gained through coaching

“I have appreciated the opportunity to coach, and I think it’s helped me improve my teaching and overall communication skills.”

What her fellow coaches have said about Kathy

“Kathy is an incredible coach. She brings flexibility towards and genuine care for our participants. She is always prepared and makes proper adjustments to the activities to meet each kid’s skill level and engagement. We are so lucky to have her!” – First Tee 2024 Coach of the Year, Manny Gallardo

“Coach Kathy was one of the first coaches I got to learn from when I started with First Tee – Silicon Valley,” says FTSV Program Coordinator, Tanner Riley. “Learning alongside her was invaluable; she has a gift for seamlessly connecting life skills with golf skills in a way that truly sticks with our participants.”

In addition to coaching with us, Kathy coached softball and basketball, volunteered at the Sunnyvale library, at Meals on Wheels, and was a teachers aid.

Thank you, Kathy, for your life-long commitment to giving back to others and making this world a better place!

If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved with FTSV, click here for our Board page and click here for our Volunteer page. Join people like Kathy who want to make a difference in the lives of youth in our community!

FTSV Summer Season SAVE THE DATE

(FTSV Summer Season SAVE THE DATE – Published 2/5/2026) Summer is just around the corner. Our Summer Class Registration opens April 1st. Mark your calendars and get ready for a season filled with growth, movement, and connection. Learning doesn’t take a break when school lets out, and summer offers a unique opportunity to build new skills, reinforce positive habits, and continue developing confidence in a fun, supportive environment.

In addition to our golf skill curriculum, participants learn important socialization and team-building skills while they build friendships. Summer is more than just staying busy—it’s about continuing to learn, grow, and belong all summer long.

Save the Date – Registration for our summer season opens on Wednesday, April at 1st and closes on, May 28^th at 11:59pm.

The 8-week summer season begins the week of June 9^th and ends August 8^th. We will have no classes the week of June 30^th through July 4^th.

The 4-day summer camps will begin on June 16^th.

Types of Summer Programming – Will be having two types of programs

(7) 4-Day Camps

3.5-hours per day for 4 straight days (Tues-Fri) – 11am-2:30pm
11am-12:30pm – learn life and golf skills in practice area
1-2:30pm – learn life and golf skills on golf course
Camps are grouped by grade groups
Camp 1 – 6/16-6/19 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course
Camp 2 – 6/23-6/26 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course
Camp 3 – 7/7-7/10 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course
Camp 4 – 7/14-7/17 – Spring Valley Golf Course
Camp 5 – 7/21-7/24 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course
Camp 6 – 7/28-7/31 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course
Camp 7 – 8/4-8/7 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course

8-Week Classes

1.5-hour per day, same location and time each week for the 8-weeks
Classes offerings – Tues through Fri – 4:30-6pm and Sat 9am-3:30pm
Locations – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course (San Jose), Gavilan College Golf Course (Gilroy), Baylands Golf Links (Palo Alto)

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

Exact 8-week classes and 4-day camp schedules will be released in late February.

Financial Assistance Offered. No one is turned away. Need financial assistance to register? Please apply for financial aid when registering. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

We encourage youth 2^nd grade and above to join our program and ask that you help spread the word. For more information VISIT THE YOUTH PROGRAMS PAGE.

See you at the course!

Become a Volunteer Coach—Make an Impact That Lasts

(Become a Volunteer Coach—Make an Impact That Lasts – Published 2/5/2026) We are actively recruiting Volunteer Coaches to join First Tee – Silicon Valley for our Spring and Summer 2026 season. We’d love to have you on the course with us.

The spring season runs from March 17^th to May 9^th and the summer season runs from June 9th through August 8th, with a break from June 30 – July 4 for the Fourth of July holiday week. On-boarding is already underway and must be completed by the end of February for the spring, and by mid-May for the summer, so now is the time to take the first step.

Start Your Journey Now!

As an FTSV Volunteer Coach, you’ll work alongside a team of supportive coaches to deliver our structured life and golf skills curriculum to youth ages 7–17. No prior coaching experience is required—we provide all the training. What matters most is your willingness to mentor, encourage, and model the values that help young people grow both on and off the course.

Your impact goes far beyond golf. Our coaches help participants build character, confidence, and a process-focused mindset that prepares them for challenges in school, relationships, and life.

Volunteering with FTSV also benefits you. Throughout the season, coaches:

Develop leadership, communication, and mentoring skills
Learn research-backed coaching strategies
Receive feedback and support from experienced staff
Participate in a dedicated pre-season coach training
Become part of a fun and caring coach community

You’ll never coach alone. Every class includes multiple coaches, and collaboration is central to our culture—just as it is in the lessons we teach our participants. We believe in learning together, supporting one another, and continually growing as a team.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, grow personally, and be part of a positive, mission-driven community, this is your invitation.

👉 Visit our volunteer page to apply today.

We can’t wait to welcome you—and see you on the course. 🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️

FTSV Spring Season – Register on February 11th

(FTSV Spring Season – Register on February 11th – Published 2/5/2026) Registration for our spring season opens here on Wednesday, February 11^th at 11am.

Registration Extended to March 9th at 11:59pm!

The 8-week spring season begins the week of March 17th and ends May 9^th. Register on February 11^th and take part in engaging and fun life 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 spring 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. If financial assistance is needed, one may request it within the online registration process, or reach out to us.

Setting and 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, growing through challenges, making good choices, building a positive self-identity, and setting goals.

For example, participants learn that goal setting is about creating a repeatable system that includes making and tracking smaller steps in the pursuit of something big. Whether they’re aiming for a personal best on the course or working toward a goal at school or at home, they learn how preparation, reflection, and perseverance lead to progress.

Here’s what one participant had to say about learning goal setting through First Tee:

“Setting goals is like laying out a path to improve and achieve anything you want. When I set a goal, I can easily visualize my progress. It boosts my mental well-being and helps me move forward. Through my time with First Tee, I feel like I’ve not only gotten better at golf but also grown as a person. I’ve learned how to set short-term and long-term goals as steps to achieve my final goal along with my coaches and friends.” – Nico Hernandez

Mark your calendar for February 11th to make sure you secure your spot!

Download the Schedule

We encourage youth 2^nd grade and above to join our program and ask that you help spread the word. For more information visit the YOUTH PROGRAMS – COURSE PROGRAM page.

See you at the course!

National Mentor Month – Be a Coach… Be a Mentor

(National Mentor Month – Be a Coach… Be a Mentor Published 01/16/2026) January is National Mentor Month with #ThankYouMentorDay on January 21^st. Mentorship underlies everything we do here at First Tee – Silicon Valley. For the past 25 years, our coaches have been making a difference in the lives of kids and teens, helping them integrate life skills into their lives and be amazing people.

Thank you to the incredible mentors who are the FTSV family! This past year we had 215 volunteer mentor coaches delivering over 9,500 hours of their time. Your hard work, care and dedication are what make all the difference!

This past year, we’ve featured some of our outstanding mentors and coaches. Here is what they are saying about why they chose to mentor youth.

Meet Austin

Austin graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo majoring in Sports Management from the Department of Recreation Parks, and Tourism industry. He has previous experience as a Program Coordinator and Youth Soccer League Director. Austin says, “I’m determined to build communities and influence the culture within them in order to create positive and unforgettable experiences that help people be their best.”

Sports have played a big role in Austin’s life and he fully believes in the power that sports has to make a positive difference. “There are so many role models in sports. Sports are full of metaphors for life, full of adversity and triumph. You have to learn how to be humble and respectful of others when you succeed, and how to shake things off and learn when things get hard. It’s a great place to practice one’s individual development, while also working with others either in competition or on a team.”

Meet Ysabelle

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 – Silicon Valley, 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.”

Meet Sean

Sean graduated from California State University of Fresno where he majored in Communication and played on the football team. When he graduated, he became an NCAA Football Recruiting Lead and Weight Strength Coach, where he led fitness and weight training for over 150 athletes and where his joy for coaching developed. “I enjoy coaching because it allows me to see others succeed, foster deep connections, and help others grow and unlock their potential.”

Now he is excited to be part of “a unique opportunity to learn from participants, gain new perspectives on the human experience, and make a profound difference in people’s lives. This is a mission-driven career that offers the satisfaction of helping others and gaining new skills in the process.” Sean believes the most valuable lesson he can teach kids & teens in the program is “to love and respect yourself. Life is not coming at you; it comes from you.”

If you are interested in joining our coaching staff, working as a mentor and making a difference in your community, visit our VOLUNTEER PAGE to learn more. No golf experience necessary. Everyone has life experience! Hope to see you out on the course.

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