Category: 2021

First Tee – Silicon Valley hosted our Friends & Family tournament at Gavilan College Golf Course on February 27th. Twenty-two participants were paired with a family member making this our largest attendance to date. Our tournament was a great opportunity for our participants to become the experts and help their family understand the world of golf. “Playing with my dad this tournament was a great new experience.  It was something we hadn’t done in the past.  It was great because this time it was my turn to teach my dad something since it’s usually the other way around.  I would really like for this to turn into a family tradition.” – Nancy R. The annual FTSV Friends & Family tournament is a valuable event for our students to bond with their loved ones.  Our low-pressure tournaments are a great stepping stone for students to learn to use good judgment, set expectations, and express teamwork.  We hope our tournaments help our participants to build more confidence in engaging in conversation with others in a tournament setting. The event kicked off with a putting contest where participants earned raffle tickets. Congratulations to all of our participants for competing in our scramble/shamble format with courtesy, integrity, and great judgment!          

Meet Kevin Kiatsupaibul. He is a long-time active member of First Tee – Silicon Valley. He began our program when he was 7 years old and now at age 17 has taken all 4 Ace level (top level of our program) projects. Over the years, Kevin developed his interpersonal skills progressing from a shy participant to a volunteer coach. He is currently taking and excelling in the First Tee Leadership Series in partnership with the PGA TOUR Superstore. “First Tee – Silicon Valley has been a crucial factor in my development as a person, more than any one class at school could have ever provided,” says Kevin. “The goal ladder has always been one of the lessons I most value; it is the single greatest tool for tackling the big and small challenges that life may throw at me.” Kevin continues to set and achieve his short-term goals of finishing FTSV’s program, giving back to the program through coaching, playing on his high school golf team, and playing percussion in his school’s marching band. His long-term goal is to be a computer scientist and he plans on attending a 4-year college in the Fall of 2022. According to Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt, “Our staff and coaches have had the privilege to watch Kevin over the years as he advanced through the program. He is a motivated, smart, and humble young man who is showing what is possible when setting goals and hard work are combined. We are proud of Kevin and look forward to watching him achieve his future goals.” Keep up the great work Kevin! To learn more about our classes please visit our youth classes page or call 408-508-4880.

Over 200 participants will begin their in-person spring classes the week of March 16^th. The Spring classes are at full capacity given the COVID class capacity restrictions. FTSV participants will continue their journey towards personal growth with the help of our coaches and through the games and activities. Each week participants will experience a life core lesson and a golf fundamental in an engaging and supportive environment. Participants are encouraged to view mistakes as opportunities to learn. Resiliency skills, self-reflection, and self-management techniques are emphasized and encouraged. Golf can be a difficult sport that can test one’s patience, and as such, is a perfect metaphor for life. Adopting a growth mindset in our program is important because we want our participants to view their skills as skills that can be developed through hard work, strategies, and mentoring. Conversely, having a fixed mindset based on their first golf shot or first lesson can lead to feeling boxed into a label of talented or not talented. When students are in a fixed mindset, they can be afraid to take on challenges or risks that are necessary to get better. For example, if they are labeled “talented,” then there can be a fear of stepping out of their comfort zone for fear of losing that acclaim. If they are labeled “not talented,” then there can be a sense that they will always be untalented so why continue and try.  That is why from lesson 1 until they finish the program, we strive to use process-focused coaching and promote core lessons like perseverance, judgment, 4R’s, S.T.A.R, personal par to establish a growth mindset culture. We look forward to working with the over 200 participants this season and coaching skills that will be beneficial for a lifetime. To learn more about our classes please visit our youth classes page or call 408-508-4880.  

Please save the dates for the First Tee – Silicon Valley fundraising events which are designed for our supporters, both individual and corporate. They are a great way for all individuals to learn more about us while having fun. They also provide a wonderful opportunity for corporations to sponsor our youth programs while entertaining customers. The money raised from these events and our private Invitational in July represent 55% of our fundraising budget which sustains our youth development program. Open

• at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club on Friday, June 11, 2021
• a golf tournament, lunch and dinner — our largest event of the year
• Registration opens Monday, March 10^th

Classic

• at Baylands Golf Links on Monday, September 20, 2021
• a golf tournament, lunch and dinner — serving the Mid-Peninsula
• Registration opens Monday, April 19th

Challenge Cup

• at Several Silicon Valley golf courses in late October 2021
• an inclusive and friendly challenge between golf clubs
• Registration opens Monday, July 26th

Top Golf

• at the new San Jose location in early December 2021
• a fun, social event for golfers and non-golfers
• Registration opens in early September

Please contact our Development Director, Judy Dixon Deaton at [email protected] or 408-508-4881, for more information about participating in our events or Sponsorships.

Meet coach Misa Church. Misa joined our program as an Instructor in 2020 and is a graduate of First Tee – Contra Costa, serving on their leadership council and as an alumni coach. Misa is currently studying at San Jose State University and played for their collegiate golf team in 2019. Misa is a wonderful addition to our team bringing experience, knowledge, care, and drive to the role. Misa is well versed in the First Tee curriculum and has an ability to seamlessly deliver the core lessons while building relationships and creating a welcoming environment for all. “We are fortunate and grateful to have Coach Misa on our program staff,” says Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “Misa has been able to adapt quickly to our team, has excelled in making learning fun and engaging, and has already made a big contribution to our coaching. In addition, our coaches and parents/guardians speak highly of Misa’s coaching and character.” “First Tee – Silicon Valley means to me that there is a safe space in this world where I get to teach important life skills to young players,” says Misa.  “Coaching with FTSV has given me the opportunity to strengthen my skills as a coach and learn how to navigate and create new relationships with each student and point them in the right direction to help them achieve their short and long-term goals. I am reminded every week of the inclusivity that FTSV has and am proud to be part of this organization.” Great work Misa! Interested in joining our coaching team, please visit our volunteer page or call 408-508-4880.

First Tee – Silicon Valley was the recipient of a generous $17,000 grant from CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation  (CYGF) to underwrite the 2021 cost of golf hats featuring our new logo for all new participants, volunteers, and instructors. All participants are provided hats with our First Tee – Silicon Valley logo at no charge to wear as part of their class uniform. This is a terrific way to reinforce the importance of proper etiquette, to build community, and to publicize our program. The non-profit CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation was founded in 2004. The foundation’s mission is to expand access to the sport of golf for children of all income levels by directly supporting successful youth golf programs throughout the Santa Clara County. The goal is to provide youth with the opportunity to learn the sport, receive lessons and equipment, practice, compete, and build positive life skills. The Foundation annually awards approximately $100,000 in grants to deserving programs. The foundation is funded through a $50,000 annual contribution from CordeValle Golf Club and raises an additional $50,000 per year through CordeValle’s public charity tournaments. CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation and First Tee – Silicon Valley are equally committed to expanding opportunities for youth of all income levels to have access to the sport of golf. Through the discipline and challenge of golf, youth in the Santa Clara County are provided a community with a safe environment and positive life alternatives that build confidence and character, ultimately helping them succeed in our community and in life. CordeValle has been the location for the annual FTSV Invitational since 2005.

Meet Sophie Thai. She is an Ace level (top level of our program) participant and has been in our program for over 9 years. She has progressed through our program and has excelled in using the life skills she learned through First Tee – Silicon Valley to benefit her school and community. Sophie is a national honors society member, a community service tutor, and a member of her student community leadership group. Her golf accomplishments are also impressive as she competes in regional, national, and international competitions. She is a 2-time Girls Golf Champion, has 3 top 3 finishes in the AJGA (the top national junior golf tour in the U.S) and is first team all-league in high school. “First Tee means a lot to me, especially since I’ve been participating in the program for such a long time,” says Sophie. “It has taught me so many important life lessons, such as learning how to step out of my comfort zone, while also emphasizing character on and off the course. The program has also encouraged me to give back to my community and make sure I prepare myself adequately for experiences in the future.” According to Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt, “Sophie is intrinsically motivated and humble. She is not afraid to push herself out of her comfort zone as evident with her volunteering to speak recently to our Board. She works hard in class, and is always open to feedback and taking the necessary steps to improve.” Keep up the great work Sophie and thank you for being in our program for 9 years! To learn more about our classes please visit our youth classes page or call 408-508-4880

First Tee – Silicon Valley participants, Nancy and Salma Rivera, were recently selected for the Gen Z Council for Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion. The Council, made up of more than 90 young leaders across the country, was formed by a coalition of junior golf organizations including First Tee, LPGA Foundation, National High School Golf Association, PGA Junior League and Youth on Course (YOC). As selected participants of the Gen Z Council, Nancy and Salma will help foster a community of diverse young leaders from across the country by sharing their experiences and perspectives on the current state of golf, what they hope the future of the game looks like and offering solutions for the current social and economic issues surrounding the sport. They have both been in our program, excelling for 4 years and are currently Eagle level participants. In addition to advancing in our program they are founders and members of their high school’s Latinx Club organizing food drives and participating in community events. “Our goal for the club included being part of a group that promoted diversity, a group that gives people like us a voice, and also is rooted in community development and enhancement,” says Nancy. “So far we have worked together to organize food drives every week, and supported different causes such as Black Lives Matter, and different organizations that help our environment.” “At its core, I would argue that golf is the most inclusive sport we can play, but there have been policies and practices at every level of the industry that led to it being predominantly white and male,” says Michael Lowe, Vice President of Programs for Youth on Course and a First Tee –  Silicon Valley Coach. “The Gen Z Council will play a significant role in changing this and I’m so excited to work by Nancy and Salma’s side and follow their lead. Thanks to all of the individuals and organizations who are committed to empowering young people and progressing towards equitable decision making between youth and adults.” We are supportive and proud of Nancy and Salma’s commitment to making golf a more inclusive and equal space. They will make a strong addition to the council.

SAN JOSE, CA (February 8, 2021) − First Tee — Silicon Valley, a youth development organization that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, has launched a first-of-its-kind leadership series this week with support from PGA TOUR Superstore. Seven Ace-level participants from First Tee — Silicon Valley are benefiting from the experience. The First Tee Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore is an interactive five-week series designed to provide teens the opportunity to discover their personal values and emerging leadership strengths. Through the series, teens also begin to explore potential career fields based on those findings and frame out multi-year goals to guide them as they navigate future career opportunities. “We are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore, especially East Palo Alto General Manager, Sandy Davison, for providing opportunities for our teens that guide them to discover their strengths and translate that in to their interest and career choices.” said George Maxe, President & CEO of First Tee – Silicon Valley. Throughout the series, the teens will also meet and hear from PGA TOUR Superstore associates and First Tee alumni from across the country who will share personal accounts of their career paths and experiences. The Leadership Series – which was co-created between First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore – is being hosted in 27 communities across the country where there is a store and a First Tee chapter. PGA TOUR Superstore general managers will facilitate the interactive sessions between Feb. 8 and March 15 either virtually or in stores and chapters, with safe and socially distant protocols in place. Once the participants complete the series, they will be eligible to apply for the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The Summit will be held this August at PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman Arthur M.  Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Montana. Forty teens will be selected for the Summit where they’ll take part in interactive workshops and outdoor leadership trainings. The Summit will include First Tee’s core competencies of building character, self-confidence and resilience as a part of the experience, combined with a robust curriculum of leadership and professional development. “At PGA TOUR Superstore, we are committed to giving back and being a positive influence in our communities,” said Dick Sullivan, President & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We truly believe in the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth. PGA TOUR Superstore is proud to have supported First Tee for more than a decade, working together to open the door to more kids, especially inviting those who are in underserved communities.” In September, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more children across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of this new Leadership Series and Summit. The Leadership Series and Summit is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and equip teens on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. These events often become life-changing experiences for participants to expand their horizons, meet new people, learn more about themselves and prepare for their futures. For more information on First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org. About First Tee — Silicon Valley First Tee — Silicon Valley, a youth development organization, is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the United States and in select international locations. Our mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf at in-school and after-school programs. Learn more at www.firstteesiliconvalley.org. About PGA TOUR Superstore PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., a subsidiary of AMB Sports + Entertainment and is headquartered in metro-Atlanta. As the PGA TOUR’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com.