(US AM TOUR 50/50 Raffle Benefits FTSV – Published 9/10/25) We’re incredibly grateful that the US AM TOUR and Tournament Director, Dan Cacho has, once again, conducted a 50/50 Raffle at each of their Northern California 2024-2025 tournaments raising $7,500 for FTSV. These funds will enable us to provide financial aid to low-income kids to have access to our youth development program. Our goal is to develop life-long golfers of all levels while teaching life skills.
Andrea Brenholz, FTSV Board Member and former US AM TOUR player said, “As both a former US AM TOUR player and a First Tee – Silicon Valley Board Director, I’m truly thankful for this generous gift. Your support strengthens our ability to positively impact young lives through the game of golf.”
What we like most about the US AM TOUR is that there is a flight for everyone. This encourages golfers of all levels to become part of a golf community that is steeped in passion for the game of golf while providing access to top golf courses.
Dan Cacho, the U.S. Am Tour’s Western Regional Director said, “That’s the ultimate mission for the tour is to try to give golfers a platform to improve their games and test themselves on the tournament level.”
The US AM TOUR is the largest and most trusted amateur golf tour in the country. There are six flights for each tournament, and each also has a respective senior flight, meaning there are 12 different winners at the 700 events across the United States. Members are eligible to play anywhere they wish, they do not have to play solely on their designated home tour. During the year there are 30 tournaments that are labeled as majors, which are 36-hole events. Points and performance rankings are accrued for each local tour and the top players in each division will qualify for the national championship, which this year is September 8-17 at Innisbrook Resort, home pf the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship.
(PCA FTSV Training – Published 9/9/25) On September 6th, First Tee — Silicon Valley hosted two coach trainings led by Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) trainer, Peter Wood. This was the 3rd time that our two organizations came together to deliver a coach training. The first instance occurred in 2020 and was the pilot training/collaboration that led to a national partnership between First Tee and PCA.
PCA’s content, training, and resources are now shared nationwide, throughout First Tee ‘s network. Both First Tee – Silicon Valley and PCA share common coach philosophies centered around process-focused coaching, participant empowerment, and a positive and supportive team culture. The topic this time around was how to support positive athlete behavior through responsive coaching.
Successful coaching requires a balance between having high expectations for behavior and providing high support. When challenges present themselves in class it is imperative that a coach have empathy and understanding of where their athletes are coming from, while also having a clear behavioral prevention plan. Coaches should work WITH their athletes instead of being punitive, neglectful, or permissive when faced with behavioral challenges. To this point, we are grateful that PCA shared their resources and worked with our coaching team on behavioral prevention and intervention techniques. Additionally, they provided strategies for coaches to identify participant stressors and practice self-regulation. A great coach is a prepared coach who takes the time to understand their student. We are grateful PCA helped prepare our 19 paid instructors and over 50 returning volunteer coaches this past Saturday.
What PCA is saying about FTSV
Working with PCA has been a shining example of teamwork. “Chris and I work quite seamlessly together in putting together curriculum for FTSV coaches’ training,” says Senior PCA Trainer, Peter Wood. “That is a testament to the common visions and values that both PCA and FTSV share in our respective work. Much of that shared vision and set of values manifest itself in our focus on helping young kids develop into great older kids, and adults. We care a lot about the kids acquiring a good set of technical skills to be able to enjoy and play golf, but way more important than that is to help kids absorb invaluable life lessons in their athletic pursuit. This is the charge of youth serving organizations coaches around the country, and it’s a very cool thing when two large national organizations like PCA and First Tee join forces to try to make this all happen- a worthy pursuit if there ever was one.”
(Rancho Reunion Scramble Tournament – Published 9/9/25) On Saturday, August 23rd, the energy was high, the swings were smooth at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course for our Rancho Reunion Scramble! This special tournament brought together our amazing FTSV participants and alumni for a day of fun, friendly competition and community connection.
A huge THANK YOU to all our alumni who joined us and truly exemplified the values of our First Tee life lessons. Your presence, and leadership lit up the course and gave our participants a firsthand look at the lasting impact of our program.
Our tournament played out across holes 3 through 7, and what a close competition it was!
Rancho Reunion Scramble Tournament Results
After an exciting round, there was a clear first place team that shot 25. However, two teams tied with a score of 28,forcing ascorecard playoff. The two teams tied for second were Team Thai (Alum), and Team Calvin (Alum). We turned to the hardest handicap hole to break the tie, and from there we crowned our winners!
1st Place – Josh (Alum), Aria, Cora, and Ashton with a score of 25
2nd Place – Calvin (Alum), Ayodeji, Nathaniel, and Mluleki with a score of 28
Long Drive – Aria – 130-yard drive!
Closest-to-the-Pin – Christine–14 feet from the pin!
Once again, thank you to all the participants, families, and alumniwho made this event so special. Your support and enthusiasm continue to drive the First Tee mission forward, and events like the Rancho Reunion remind us just how powerful our community truly is.
We can’t wait to see you at the next one! Also, thank you to Pizza Presidente for discounting the pizza for the event!
(First Tee Leadership Summit – In partnership with PGA Tour Superstore – Published 9/8/25) This past August, FTSV participants Joshua Joo and Vikrant Bhende attended the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, held in Emigrant, Montana. First Tee golfers from chapters across the country were selected to attend this unique and rewarding event. Participants engaged in team building activities and challenged themselves by exploring positive risk taking. Over the course of the week, these participants were encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, learn about themselves and what it takes to be an effective leader, all while creating long lasting relationships and memories.
Both Joshua and Vikrant had a wonderful time. Throughout each week, both participants took part in outdoor group activities such as a ropes course, horseback riding, white-water rafting, and, of course, playing golf. In the classroom, participants were guided through different self-reflective activities and heard from several inspirational speakers. Both Joshua and Vikrant felt that they grew as people while there.
From the great food, the beautiful views and the thought-provoking speakers, Vikrant had a memorable and impactful time.
For him, hearing the unique perspectives and personal stories from the speakers was the best part. “The stories I heard from the chaperones and speakers were very surprising and interesting, mostly deep stories about their personal development. We spent a lot of time learning from the experiences of other people and how those experiences shape one’s leadership. It was really eye-opening”
“Going forward, I feel like I have a new perspective on being a leader. My leadership style currently is more about telling, but I can see it changing. I learned all about different ways to lead, including by example and from behind, among others.” Vikrant left Montana feeling more confident in his abilities to support a team and will bring that perspective back home to FTSV.
For Joshua, experiencing team dynamics was the most impactful aspect of the week.
He took part in activities that tested his capacity for teamwork. “The most impactful events were the team-based challenges and the speeches. The tent pole challenge was an opportunity for me to grow as a leader…and taught us to trust ourselves and work as one. An effective leader should allow the team to bond closely and move them as a group with one plan.”
“I enjoyed building strong relationships with other students from around the nation. Coming from a place where competition for academics is very fierce, I have struggled with forming close bonds with others. For me, being honest and open with peers was a challenge. However, the Summit redefined what it meant to me to be a friend or mentor to others. I discovered that even if you are not blood related, you could still be family with another individual. This event provided me with an opportunity to meet people in an open-minded and vulnerable state, where we could discuss our inner thoughts without judgment. Additionally, everyone at the event was extremely encouraging and respectful, which made it easier to form closer bonds with people.”
Both FTSV participant’s had experiences that will stick with them for years, and have returned home with new perspectives, ideas, and attitudes. Thank you to the PGA TOUR Superstore and First Tee HQ for putting on this event! There are many National Opportunities each year with some coming up soon. If you’d like to be considered to apply, please reach out directly to Coach Phoenix ([email protected]).
(FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament – Published 8/28/25) On Saturday, August 23rd, FTSV hosted our quarterly off-season tournaments at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Three different events were held that day for kids and teens of different ages and skill levels – (1) Girls Golf, (2) Kids & Alumni, and (3) Teens & Alumni.
FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament
The Teens & Alumni Tournament capped off the afternoon with 25 players teamed up with 7 FTSV Alumni for a fun scramble format. Each group of 3 participants was joined by 1 alum to lead their team and provide an example of what success looks like for life after FTSV junior golf.
Some of our Alumni are current coaches and volunteers, some are college golfers, and some are professionals, but all of them are successful individuals who carry the life skills and core values they learned from FTSV through their daily lives. It was great to see them all reminisce about their experiences in FTSV and catch up after years apart.
These tournaments are a great way for participants to put our life skill curriculum into practice. Golf tournaments are a unique setting for practicing life skills. The pressure of having just one chance to hit your shot, while your team is depending on you, and as you’re competing against others – all of it adds up to an environment where sportsmanship, integrity, and perseverance are crucial to success.
After the round, Alumni, participants, and their families all enjoyed a pizza lunch and awards ceremony. Shoutout to Pizza Presidente for lunch!
All of our participants should be proud of their performance. And a huge THANK YOU to our Alumni who showed their commitment to our organization by taking the time to play.
FTSV – Teens & Alumni Tournament Results
Closest-to-the-Pin (11-13 year old) – Chloe Hong, 19’11”
Closest-to-the-Pin (14-17 year old) – Nico Hernadez-Lopez, 12’8”
Longest Drive (11-13 year old) – Victor Kotlyar
Longest Drive (14-17 year old) – Leo Villegas-Luiz
3rd Place – Joshua Jang (Alum), Leo Villegas, Shreyash Avasarala, Adhya Malhotra
2nd Place – Calvin Kong (Alum), Erik Chavez, Chloe Hong, Amanda Chen
1st Place – Joey Jang (Almost Alum!), Bryanna Perez, Benjamin Hughes, Victor Kotlyar
(ARUSD School Outreach Program Training – Published 08/21/25) On Friday, August 15th, 2025, FTSV welcomed over 30 after-school program leaders from all 15 schools in the Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) to Boys & Girls Club Smythe Clubhouse for a district-wide training event. Trainings such as this help prepare schools to deliver our School Program curriculum at their facilities.
Each year, schools across the region partner with FTSV for the upcoming academic year to deliver a version of our program and curriculum to their students. Many of the participating schools reside in East San Jose. These partnerships are vital to achieving our mission of serving our community, especially those in low-income areas and Title I schools. Our School Partners are equipped with the equipment, curriculum, and training needed to coach our core life and golf skills to their students, using adaptive lesson plans that make golf fun and accessible to kids no matter their age or skill level.
FTSV is proud to share that for the first time, all 15 schools in the Alum Rock Union School District have partnered with us for the upcoming 2025/26 school year!
“We are thrilled that ARUSD is all-in with FTSV’s School Partner program for all 15 of their schools,” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO. “We want to thank Lupe Ruvalcaba, the Coordinator, Expanded Learning at ARUSD and her team, for their collaboration and belief in this partnership. Our team is excited to work together with ARUSD to enrich the lives of all ARUSD students.”
This show of force by ARUSD is a testament to the commitment they have to their students and families. “Our goal will always be to create a safe, supportive space where students can thrive. Working with FTSV allows us to offer our students meaningful experiences that teach life skills through the game of golf, while building confidence and fostering a strong sense of belonging,” said Lupe Ruvalcaba, Coordinator, Expanded Learning at ARUSD. The School Program lessons provide their students with a safe space to learn and grow as people, using the game of golf and all of its teachable moments as the driver of that growth.
Throughout the school year, after-school program leaders from the Boys & Girls Club, Think Together, and YMCA will deliver up to 8 of our lesson plans to ARUSD students, teaching them about core values like Respect, Sportsmanship, Confidence, Integrity, Goal-Setting, and Perseverance, as well as golf skills that will help them develop a proper grip, stance, and swing.
And during their school year, these schools will also have the opportunity to plan a field trip to Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course, where students will be able to try golf using real clubs and balls on the driving range and practice green, with teaching and guidance from FTSV staff and coaches. Given its proximity, Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course is the hub of our programming in the Alum Rock and East San Jose area. We hope the field trips help show these students that this golf course is a great community space for them and their families to hang out and enjoy the game together.
Our School Partner program is vital to our success as an organization, so thank you to ARUSD and all the program leaders who attended our training at Boys & Girls Club Smythe. We’re excited for another great school year and we can’t wait to see you and your students at the golf course!
If you are interested in starting a School Program in your school, please click here and email [email protected]
(FTSV 25th Anniversary OPEN HOUSE – Published 08/20/25) This past weekend, First Tee – Silicon Valley celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a vibrant community-wide Open House at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in East San Jose. The event and festivities marked 25 years of positive impact through golf, mentorship, and character development. Families, alumni, and community members came together to acknowledge three 25-year milestones: First Tee – Silicon Valley serving 100,000 kids and teens, Founding Board Chair Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr.’s years of dedicated service, and Rancho del Pueblo opening as East San Jose’s community golf course.
Guests enjoyed free access to the golf course, driving range, and putting green, along with a tasty catered lunch, refreshing Kona Hawaiian shaved ice, festive music from Mariachi Estelar, and a lively performance by the Golden Turtle Lion Dancers. The Dryvebox simulator was onsite for FREE SWINGS. The day was filled with community spirit, family fun, and joyful celebration—perfectly reflecting FTSV’s mission to bring people together through golf and building the strength of character in our kids and teens that empowers them through a lifetime of challenges.
Special guests, who paid tribute to First Tee – Silicon Valley and Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course included:
Scott Siegfeid – CourseCo. Senior Operations Manager
Avi Yotam– Deputy Director SJ Parks Division
Peter Ortiz – SJ District 5 Councilmember
Ash Kalra – CA Assemblymember
Dave Cortese – CA State Senator
Robert Rivas – Speaker of the CA State Assembly
And Current San Jose Mayor – Matt Mahan and former San Jose Mayor – Ron Gonzales stopped by to Meet & Greet FTSV and the community.
First Tee – Silicon Valley Chairman of the Board and founder Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. had this to say about FTSV 25th Anniversary OPEN HOUSE…
“The support and joy extended by so many individuals at FTSV’s 25th Anniversary Celebration at Rancho del Pueblo was overwhelming. I feel nothing but sincere gratitude to the local and state elected officials that joined us and presented commendations in validation of the impact FTSV has had over 25 years.”
Victor Continues, “I loved seeing the original Eagles at Rancho del Pueblo instructors and feel forever grateful for all their contributions to our youth at the genesis of the FTSV program. Serving more than 100,000 kids and teens over these past 25 years is an achievement that would not be possible without the support of everyone in the FTSV family and Alum Rock and Eastside community.”
“FTSV’s 25th Anniversary event at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course was a wonderful celebration of our 25 years of youth development of over 100,000 kids and teens.” Said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO. “We are ever so grateful for the commendations and encouragements we received from so many elected leaders at the city, county and state levels. Over 1,000 caring adults have been mentors and staff for FTSV over the years. It was especially nice to honor all of their contributions including those who were part of Eagles at Rancho and First Tee – San Jose in the early years.”
George continues, “I strongly believe that caring about and for kids is the #1 reason why FTSV has grown bigger and stronger over 25 years. We want all kids to have access to our course and school program – to grow stronger in character as they grow bigger and to have brighter futures because of it. Like the kids, FTSV has also grown bigger and stronger over 25 years. Our future is bright too!”
The 25th Anniversary Open House was more than a day of golf and entertainment—it was a testament to the lasting impact First Tee – Silicon Valley has made over the past quarter century on the community. Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this milestone event a true reflection of FTSV’s mission: building game changers through the game of golf.
(Juan Hernandez receives 2025 Dennis Kettmann Memorial Scholarship – Published 08/8/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley participant, Juan Hernandez, was recently awarded the 2025 Dennis Kettmann 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 standout FTSV 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 him.”
More About Juan Hernandez
Juan Hernandez first came to First Tee – Silicon Valley as a 6th grader. He was exposed to our program by our long-time youth partner, Redwood City Pal Center. Each season the Pal Center transports up to 13 participants in their van and takes them to our Friday classes at Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto. As Juan aged into high school, he and his brother made the long trip to Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course every Saturday to continue his classes. He is a unifying and positive force in our class and we are grateful to have him with us each and every season. This fall he will be attending Sacramento State University where he plans to study Civil Engineering.
“Including others and being more outgoing are some of my biggest take aways from FTSV. I sometimes see people at school that are by themselves or don’t have many friends, and I invite them to hang out with me and my friends. First Tee has helped me to be a Go-To person for others and realize who my Go-To people are. I have different Go-To people for different situations, people like my brother, my friends, and my coaches.”
“For other kids starting out, I’d say keep going. It’s good to keep an open mind, in the end, it’s worth it. The program will help you a lot. It will help you set your vision and teach you important life skills that will help you right now and for the rest of your life. Don’t knock it until you try it!”
This scholarship will go a long way towards helping Juan pursue his educational goals and more. Thank you to the Dennis Kettman Memorial Golf Tournament, and congratulations to Juan!
Listen to Juan’s Speech at the 2025 FTSV OPEN tournament to learn more about his time in FTSV
Learn More about our opportunities
Interested in joining the program like Juan? Please click here
Interested in becoming a volunteer coach? Please click here
Interested in making a donation to help participants receive financial aid? Click here
Interested in our local, regional, and national opportunities? Click here
(FTSV Life & Golf Skills Camp at Spring Valley Golf Course – Published 08/07/25) During a beautiful summer week in the hills above Milpitas, First Tee – Silicon Valley welcomed 18 junior to Spring Valley Golf Course for a 3-day golf camp. They learned and experienced six of FTSV’s core life skills and golf cues through fun games and activities on the driving range, putting green, and chipping green.
The camp was comprised 2 groups — (1) 2nd to 4th graders and (2) 5th to 6th graders. Our coaches had a ton of fun introducing our curriculum to these players, many of whom were brand-new to golf! Spring Valley proved to be the perfect setting for these young golfers with its brand-new practice facility, friendly staff, and nice views. At one point the kids enjoyed free entertainment during their snack and water break by a herd of goats roaming the hillsides right next to the course.
It’s always a privilege to help new golfers start their journey in the game we love. We hope the participants take the life lessons and practice using them at home with their family and friends.
We thank the staff at Spring Valley for welcoming us into their course and we hope all the participants return to practice on their own and join us in future sessions.
If you are interested in signing up your kids/teens for our youth development program, click here. While the Camp at Spring Valley was a limited-edition summer event, our typical program runs year-round with 8-week seasons starting each Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Weekday and weekend options are available. Our Fall 2025 season starts September 9th and registration opens here on August 13th.
(FTSV Participants Play in the NorCal Chapter Championship – Published 8/7/25) Each summer, First Tee participants from NorCal chapters play in the First Tee NorCal Championship. This is a tournament for all 10 of the Northern California First Tee chapters, bringing kids and teens together to compete, make friends and have fun. On Monday, July 28th, First Tee – Silicon Valley participants played at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco alongside and against participants from San Francisco, Monterey, Central Valley, Contra Costa, Greater Sacramento, San Joaquin, Tri-Valley and Fresno. Thank you so much for hosting First Tee San Francisco!
The tournament was a ton of fun for all participants involved.
Harding Park was in beautiful shape, and FTSF did a fantastic job hosting and organizing this event. Above everything else, the sportsmanship and respect for one another displayed by the participants made the atmosphere feel welcoming, encouraging and supportive. Congratulations to First Tee – Central Valley for the win!
This is a fun, unique opportunity for our participants to meet teens from different chapters, make friends, play golf in a competitive tournament, and enjoy an experience different from their normal FTSV classes. Special thanks to our First Tee – Silicon Valley participants Nicolas, Vikrant, Caroline, Adam, Sharleen, and Joshua for coming out to play and representing FTSV so well!
Join Us!
First Tee – Silicon Valley offers many different participant opportunities, including other tournaments, scholarships, leadership academies, and much more.
(Coach Spotlight: Meet Katelyn Chan – Published 8/7/25) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) owes so much of our successful impact to our many wonderful coaches who are the backbone of FTSV’s programs. This month’s Coach Spotlight highlights Katelyn Chan, a FTSV alumni turned volunteer, and now paid coach, who always brings the care and enthusiasm needed to build relationships with our participants and help them build golf and life skills.
Katelyn started playing golf at age 5 and has been at it ever since. She took FTSV classes from age 7 to 16 and then started as a volunteer coach at age 15. “Once I was eligible to volunteer, I was really excited to just give back what First Tee gave me when I was a kid. All my coaches were awesome, it was such a positive environment to be in, so it seemed like so much fun to get involved as a coach.” Katelyn reflected.
Katelyn coaches with respect and compassion, teaches participants how to persevere through difficulties with their golf swings, and always relates the life skill to a participant’s own life and interests. “When it comes to life skills, I try to have casual conversations and teach lessons naturally, just trying to relate to their life. Kids all have different ways of learning things and it’s fun to get to know different kids and how each of them best takes in our lessons. I love asking kids goofy questions and having fun with them – kids always have something to say and offer a different perspective.”
Katelyn is a great example of what it takes to build a positive environment in class. When a coach can create an environment of trust, safety, and positivity, participants are more likely to express themselves, have fun, and absorb and learn the day’s lesson effectively. It’s this active learning environment that we’re always striving for – Coach Katelyn experienced that as a participant and is now creating that as a coach.
Be a Coach… Be a Mentor
While her background in golf and as a FTSV participant was helpful in becoming a coach, it’s not a requirement – FTSV is always looking for coaches who want to make an impact on the lives of kids, teens, and the community. “Don’t be intimidated, there’s a great team of coaches to guide you along the way. Just have fun talking to kids and having fun with the class. Being a coach really helped me feel more confident and develop conversation skills that I use in and outside class.” Click here for more information on joining FTSV as a volunteer coach.
(FTSV Fall Season – Register on August 13th – Published 8/7/25) Save the Date – Registration for our fall season opens here on Wednesday, August 13th at 11am and closes on Thursday, August 28th at 11:59pm.
The 8-week fall season begins the week of September 9th and ends November 1st. Register on August 13th and take part in engaging and fun life skill 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 fall 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.
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, making good choices, building a positive self-identity, growing through challenges, and setting goals.
Repetition is encouraged in our program. Many of our high school participants have taken classes each of the past 5+ years. As participants get older and develop through our program, they are challenged to set and pursue goals. The longer they are in the program the more goal setting becomes part of their identity. Through our games and activities, we explore how to make short term goals, how to set reachable goals using our 3 guidelines, and how to categorize their short-term goals to assist them in tracking their progress. What’s important to us is that our participants learn those skills while having fun and making friends.
In 2025, we had a record number of registrations in the fall, so please mark your calendar for August 13th to make sure you secure your spot. Click here to see our 2025 fall class schedule.
