(Caddy Club Majors 2025 Winners – Published 08/05/2025) It’s a wrap on the FTSV 2025 Caddy Club Majors raising $80K for our Financial Aid Program to meet the needs of providing a nurturing environment for MORE kids! Over $16,000 in total “donated” prizes were awarded for all 4 Majors plus we crowned our Player of the Year – Kevin Bennett!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CADDY CLUB MAJORS 2025 WINNERS
“PLAYER OF THE YEAR” – Lowest Combined score for all 4 Majors
Kevin Bennett – The Olympic Club Golf Threesome, Caddies, Lunch & Drinks
BRITISH OPEN
Tied 1st Place with Identical Teams (spilt 1st & 2nd prize pool) James Shore & Tom Tate
3rd Place – Ray Robidoux
4th Place – Mike Marinchak
5th Place – Sal Guido
US OPEN
1st Place– Jason Suey
2nd Place – Dave Cook
3rd Place – Kassidy Moreno
4th Place – Jerry Hurtibese
5th Place – Lionel Yee
PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
1st Place – Bob Huston
2nd Place – Rick Hallagan
3rd Place – Doug Moffat
4th Place – Alex Allione
5th Place – John Madigan
MASTERS
1st Place – Mark Christierson
2nd Place – Dennis Billings
3rd Place – Helen Zieman
4th Place – Dan Faulkner
5th Place – DJ Wheeler
You can become a Caddy Club member NOW by making a minimum $30 monthly donation pledge for at least 12 months and you will be active for the 2026 Majors starting in April. Every $360 cumulative donation you make allows us to cover the registration fee and golf clubs for a low-income participant to attend 8 weeks of classes. Click Here to Join ANYTIME!
FTSV believes that ALL youth deserve the change to grow in a supportive environment with mentors guiding them. We are dedicated to building a youth development program that is accessible, diverse and as impactful as it is fun.
(The Moca Foundation $30K 2025 Grant for Gilroy Youth – Published 08/01/2025) The Moca Foundation provided $14K to support course sessions for Gilroy youth and $16K to support our School Program at Gilroy Title 1 Schools.
Moca Foundation Funds will underwrite financial aid at Gavilan
First Tee – Silicon delivers our youth development program at 3 locations throughout Silicon Valley with Gavilan College Golf Course serving South County youth. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship. The Moca Foundation grant will help underwrite financial aid which is available on a sliding scale and can reduce the fee to $20-$180 per session. Gilroy/Gavilan Course Program is growing and so is the need for Financial Aid. In 2024, FTSV had 19% of FTSV Gavilan participants receive financial aid. We will be able to increase financial aid this year thanks to Moca’s support.
Moca Foundation Funds will underwrite 5 Gilroy Title 1 Schools
We are also excited to announce that The Moca Foundation will be providing a financial aid grant to underwrite 5 Gilroy Title 1 Schools. The 3 Gilroy Schools: South Valley Middle School Solorsano Middle School, and Mt, Madonna High School that MOCA provided funding for last year are returning plus 2 new schools: Glen View Elementary School and Eliot Elementary School. Our goal is to transition/recruit low-income kids from our School Program to our Course Program at Gavilan Golf Course. The Moca Grant will underwrite golf and games equipment, training and a field trip to Gavilan for these 5 schools.
May van Scherrenburg, The Moca Foundation Associate Director shared…
“We are proud to support First Tee – Silicon Valley’s efforts of character and leadership development for Gilroy youth for our 3rd year. I have experienced first- hand with my son Drake participating for 6 years how they foster a culture of acceptance and provide mentorship. Golf provides a powerful vehicle to help kids build the strength of character and life skills that they can use both on and off the golf course.”
If you are interested in learning more about how you can support our programs or improvements, please contact Judy Dixon Deaton, Development Director [email protected] or 408-508-4881.
(Isabella Herrera Receives Inaugural Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award – Published 08/01/2025) In celebration of Victor’s 25th Anniversary, the Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award was created to recognize a Participant of Good Character, Academic Achievement & Demonstrated Leadership. The inaugural $5,000 scholarship was awarded to long-time FTSV participant Isabella Herrera at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2025 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 20th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Special thanks to PG&E and PhRMA for their early funding of the scholarship fund.
Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. is the Founding Chairman of First Tee – Silicon Valley
Leading the organization with unwavering dedication since 2000. As Chairman of the San Jose Sports Authority in the late ’90s, he helped launch the Eagles youth golf program at the new Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The program evolved into a First Tee chapter in 2005, expanded regionally in 2012, and became an independent nonprofit in 2014. Under Victor’s leadership, FTSV has grown into a top-tier chapter among more than 150 nationwide.
Victor leads with heart and purpose, fueled by his deep love for East San José, youth, and the game of golf as a tool for character development. His successful career in government relations with major corporations adds to his gravitas, while his warm presence and signature phrase — “keep a smile” — continue to uplift and inspire all around him.
Isabella remarks on why she believes she was selected for the award.
“When I was 14, I was encouraged to give back and become a coach. My coaches helped train me, gave me feedback, and encouraged me to lead sections of the class. I was trusted to connect with families in Spanish at community outreach events and share information about our program to families that had no experience with golf. Beyond coaching, my First Tee – Silicon Valley family has advocated for me to apply for national opportunities… which has resulted in me being accepted to the Game Changers Academy in Minneapolis, the Driver Future Academy in San Francisco, and the Leadership Summit in Montana.”
Isabella’s Accomplishments
FTSV Participant since 2013
Volunteer since September 2021
Selected by a National Panel to Attend: The First Tee Game Changers Academy, First Tee Leadership Summit, Drive Your Future Academy, First Tee College Scholar
VP California Junior Scholarship Federation – Honors Program
In additional to the Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. Leadership Award presentation
The Invitational included a gathering of Government Affairs professionals from various companies: PG&E, PhRMA, Chevron, Altria, SoCal Edison, Commerce Casino & Hotel, Noteware Government Relations, and Niemela Pappas & Associates. Organized by FTSV Board Chairman Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe, the Invitational includes several activities for sponsors – a Legislative Roundtable, dinners, and golf with colleagues. A special thanks to the following Government Elected Officials who were in attendance for portions of the event: CA Assembly Member Heath Flora, CA Assembly Member Greg Wallis, CA Assembly Member Ash Kalra, 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.
Thank you to all our 2025 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 25th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 100,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
(Ashely Pang Receives Joyce Taylor $5K Scholarship – Published 08/01/2025) The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and $5,000 College Scholarship was presented to long-time FTSV participant Ashley Pang at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2025 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 20th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Thank you to all our 2025 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 25th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 100,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.
Ashely was selected for her consistent academic excellence, her exemplary volunteer accomplishments, and for her 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. Ashely will be attending Pacific University this fall.
The scholarship was initiated by a very generous 9-year grant by PG&E several years ago and has since then been supported by other supporters and Joyce’s brother, Alan Taylor.
Ashely remarks on her takeaways from FTSV
“Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for what First Tee has given me—not just a deeper understanding of golf, but a clear sense of how I want to lead and be seen by others. Through lessons like identifying what it means to be in the stretch zone, and adopting a growth mindset through challenges, I’ve learned that leadership is about stepping up and embracing the challenges, even when the outcome is uncertain or so far away. I now carry a toolkit of confidence, compassion, and resilience–characteristics of myself that I hope to inspire and share with my surrounding community….my First Tee community will always be supporting me wherever I am.”
Ashely’s Accomplishments
FTSV Participant since 2012 & Volunteer since 2021 Selected by a National Panel to Attend:
The First Tee Leadership Academy in Atlanta
Drive Your Future Academy in San Francisco
High School Golf Team Captain 2021-2024
President’s Volunteer Service Golf Award for 2024
Co-President of her High School’s German Club
1 of 2 Participants at her High School awarded Social Studies Excellence Award
Magna Cum Laude
Speech: Ashely Pang Received Joyce Taylor $5K Scholarship
In additional to the Joyce Taylor Award presentation…
The Invitational included a gathering of Government Affairs professionals from various companies: PG&E, PhRMA, Chevron, Altria, SoCal Edison, Commerce Casino & Hotel, Noteware Government Relations, and Niemela Pappas & Associates. Organized by FTSV Board Chairman Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe, the Invitational includes several activities for sponsors – a Legislative Roundtable, dinners, and golf with colleagues. A special thanks to the following Government Elected Officials who were in attendance for portions of the event: CA Assembly Member Heath Flora, CA Assembly Member Greg Wallis, CA Assembly Member Ash Kalra, 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.
The 2025 KRTY.COM Writers Cup benefits First Tee – Silicon Valley. Join some of Nashville’s country music songwriters on October 1st at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club for a day of golf, guitars and giving back!
LAST YEAR: “We are very proud to be able to produce this event for the benefit of First Tee – Silicon Valley” said Nate Deaton, KRTY.com General Manager. “We are lucky to have 6 amazing songwriters with us this year, Trent Tomlinson, Luke Dick, Ray Fulcher, Casey Brown, Tyler Reeve, and of course, Cole Taylor. One night at the end of last year, I mentioned to Cole Taylor that I had an idea to do a Charity Golf Event with Songwriters. He looked at me and said, we could call it the Writers Cup! And here we are.”
Jacobs has been the Contract Operator for the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA) plant in Gilroy since 1984. Under a long-term service agreement, Jacobs maintains the integrity of the wastewater system. It is the goal of SCRWA to protect public health and the environment and ensure economic vitality of the Gilroy-Morgan Hill region. The plant operator’s objective is to provide the best quality recycled water at a superior value to the residents.
This plant has won numerous awards, including Plant of the Year Award for several years in a row, while many of their employees have also won individual awards, winning Laboratory Person of the Year numerous times, with the most recent in 2022.
Community involvement is an extension of the Jacobs’ and the SCRWA culture. They care about their surrounding communities. This is why Jacobs’ felt compelled to sponsor the 5th Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament, benefiting First Tee – Silicon Valley.
As of September 12th, FOURSOMES and INDIVIDUAL player registrations are SOLD OUT. But please consider a sponsorship.
Fund the Kids Sponsorship Levels
$1,500 – HOST SPONSORS: Signage at registration, lunch area, and beverage stations. Recognition on website, on socials, program and 1-Foursome. Sponsor may be on-site with giveaways and/or info.
$1,000 – CONTEST SPONSORS: Signage at the (3) contest holes (closest to the pin, longest drive & putting), website, recognition on socials, program and 4-lunch invites. Sponsor may be on-site with giveaways and/or info.
$500 – SUPPORTING SPONSORS: Signage at (2) Tee boxes, website, recognition on socials, program and 2-lunch invites.
$300 – HOLE SPONSORS: Signage at (1) tee box, recognition on social and program.
CONGRATULATIONS to Caddy Club Majors – US OPEN WINNERS:
Tiered Fantasy Pool – Best 4 out of 6 players’ 72-hole scores in relation to Par
1st Place – BOGIE71 – Jason Suey 13 2nd Place – COOKERDOG – Dave Cook 13
3rd Place – KASSIDYMO – Kassidy Moreno 13 (Top 3 had same team of 4 so next tie-breaker is 5th player)
4th Place – WRITER1812 – Jerry Hurtibese 14
5th Place – KIWIKREW-1 – Lionel Yee 16
(5-way 5th place tie-breaker is lowest team 4th round score)
Season Standings competing for Player of the Year!
Lowest combined score for all 4 Majors
1st Place – KBENNETT4 – Kevin Bennett -16
2nd Place – BOBNEXTCHAPTER – Bob Timberlake -14
3rd Place – DJARMAN – Dan. Jarman -13
It’s not too late to join the Caddy Club Majors fun competition as a way to support our Financial Aid Program and meet the needs of providing a nurturing environment for the young people in our community. It kicked off with the Masters on April 13th, followed by PGA Championship May 18th and US Open June 15th and concludes with Open Championship July 17-20.
When you join as a perpetual, recurring donor you will be signed up for the remaining 2025 Major and next year too. Individuals who commit to a $30+ monthly gift will immediately be invited to participate in our virtual Caddy Club Majors Fantasy Golf Competition. It is easy and fun! $16,000 in total donated prizes for all 4 Majors!
Every $360cumulative donation you make allows us to cover the registration fee and golf clubs for a low-income participant to attend 8 weeks of classes.
FTSV believes that ALL youth deserve the change to grow in a supportive environment with mentors guiding them. We are dedicated to building a youth development program that is accessible, diverse and as impactful as it is fun.
(Joshua Joo and Vikrant Bhende Selected to First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore) Joshua Joo and Vikrant Bhende from First Tee – Silicon Valley are 2 of 40 participants selected to the First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The Summit is designed for teens to explore leadership concepts including (1) building authentic relationships by developing awareness, (2) growing through challenge via positive risk taking, and (3) developing positive self-identity through dynamic outdoor and team-building activities. Set in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana, each teen is challenged to build on their current strengths and values in an intimate setting which provides community building, inspiration and connection with their peers, adult mentors, and the outdoors. Activity-based workshops are facilitated by leaders from PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters, West Creek Ranch, and First Tee Headquarters. Both our participants were selected based on their performance in the First Tee Leadership Series at the PGA TOUR Superstore in Cupertino.
Meet our Leadership Summit Participants!
Meet Joshua Joo
Joshua Joo has been a participant in our program for more than 3 years now, and every season he continues to push himself above and beyond, impressing coaches and making a positive impact on the people around him. In class, Joshua speaks up in the life skill discussions, bringing his own perspective to the conversation and engaging his teammates. As a junior coach, he is working hard to make sure kids have fun and make friends, all while asking for feedback so he can continue to improve his leadership skills. He recently received the Presidential Service award for number of hours volunteered.
Meet Vikrant Bhende
Vikrant Bhende loves giving back to his community so much that he spends his entire Saturday at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course volunteering with FTSV. He is a friendly, smiling face at our check in table, welcoming in parents and participants, guiding kids to their classes and creating a professional and welcoming atmosphere. Everyone’s day goes more smoothly when Vikrant is there! He is organized and makes sure everyone working with him maintains that same organization. He is taking our Ace classes where he is a natural leader and elevates the engagement in our classes.
(Edwin Sanchez, Vian Tran and Marissa Wei Selected to First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore) Edwin, Vian and Marissa from First Tee – Silicon Valley are 3 of 48 participants selected from across the country to the First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore. The Leadership Academy is set in Atlanta Georgia and provides selected teens insight on how successful teams perform. The curriculum explores leadership concepts focusing on (1) building a successful team by recognizing values and identifying strengths/weaknesses, (2) leading a team by developing authentic relationships and empowering others, (3) supporting the team by developing awareness and acting with humility, and (4) assessing based on comprehending and identifying the team’s need and supporting through innovation and advocacy. The academy provides an opportunity for teens to explore team dynamics that enhance their future performance as they collaborate with peers and adult mentors. Activity- based workshops are facilitated by leaders from the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes Benz Stadium, and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
UPDATE: Edwin Sanchez, Vian Tran and Marissa Wei attended the First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore
Marissa, Vian and Edwin all had a fantastic time at the Leadership Academy in Atlanta. All three participants left the event having learned something important about what it takes to be a leader, and they made friends and memories along the way. Here is what they had to say about their experience:
Edwin
For Edwin, his favorite part of the week was connecting with participants from across the country. “Being around people who have the same values as you really helps build strong friendships. Everyone there was interested in learning how to become a better leader, and how to work with others to become a strong team.”
Edwin also learned about the importance of sharing power and encouraging others to step up as leaders. “Letting others be the leader and sharing that power is a great choice. Other folks get a chance to show their personal strengths and contribute a new perspective, and it’s good to let yourself follow instead of lead sometimes.”
Besides the team-building and life skill work, Edwin’s favorite part of the experience was the zip-line course and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Vian
The Leadership Academy helps participants to find their own personal leadership styles, as well as to improve their skills in communication and teamwork. For Vian, the communication workshops stood out to her. “We went to the Alanta United FC for a team communication activity. One person was able to look at an image then had to pass on that information through the rest of the team so that the final person could try to recreate it. The activity was challenging and active, and we had to communicate clearly with one another to achieve our goal. I loved that game!”
Vian’s biggest takeaway was about stepping outside of her comfort zone. When she first got to the Academy, Vian actively pushed herself to communicate and work with new people. “It was different than school and group projects. Coming out of my comfort zone here was a big thing for me. I first started by talking with a chaperone, and when that went well, I started talking with new people, even those from outside of my group. It was amazing! The people were so nice.”
Vian plans to keep this up going forward and will continue to push herself to form new connections and continue to build her community.
Marissa
During the Leadership Academy, every day had a different theme, and this aspect really stood out to Marissa. “I had so much fun; it was amazing! Each day was something different, including Building a Team, Supporting a Team and Assessing a Team. All the different activities helped us to practice these different components of leadership.” By spending the time diving deep into these different important aspects of teamwork, Marissa feels like she better understands how all parts work together.
During the time spent at the Atlanta Falcons and the Atlanta United stadiums, Marissa learned about how professional teams practice leadership and teamwork within a sports setting. “The biggest take away for me was the importance of setting core values for the team. It keeps everyone on the same page, people can bring their ideas together, and it helps everyone work towards a common goal.”
Great work FTSV participants for taking full advantage of this awesome opportunity, and representing our chapter so well!
We are very proud of you, Edwin, Vian and Marissa!
Meet our First Tee Leadership Academy Participants!
Meet Edwin Sanchez
Edwin has been an engaged participant for roughly 6 years. He spends most of his Saturdays at Rancho del Pueblo, taking classes and giving back as a junior volunteer coach. When he is not coaching and helping us he is organizing monthly neighborhood clean-up. Working with Beautify SJ, Edwin and other community members spend 3 hours every month cleaning and giving back to the neighborhood. When asked about the project, he said “I’ve been doing this for almost 8 months. It fills me with pride to help my community, the place I grew up. FTSV has helped me a lot with my time management and I use that skill regularly, especially on projects such as this one.”
Edwin is also a part of the San Jose Youth Commission, representing District 3. The Youth Commission is a group of young people committed to serving their community through legislation, service projects, and activism. Within this role, Edwin runs a Youth Advisory Committee, working directly with other teens from his district to provide input on policy and programs that impact the city.
Meet Vian Tran
Vian Tran is a long-time participant, a junior volunteer coach, and a member of our Junior Council. She is on her Evergreen high school golf team.
Vian is someone who always raises her hand to volunteer whenever something needs to get done, helping with a smile on her face. According to Coach Tanner, “Vian consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every participant feels truly seen, heard, and valued. From the very beginning, I had the privilege of coaching alongside her during her first season, and it’s been incredible to witness her growth. She has blossomed into a confident and compassionate leader not only uplifting our participants but also serving as a mentor and role model for junior volunteers.”
Away from FTSV she volunteers at a San Jose mobile park home supporting and coordinating events.
Meet Marissa Wei
Marissa started with FTSV when she was 6 years old and is now in her 10th year as a participant! During our classes, Marissa is engaged, dedicated and confident. She stands out as a participant with how well she embodies the Life Skills. She has been involved in our ACE classes, completing both the Education and Volunteer course work on her way to full ACE certification. Marissa is an exceptionally kind person and volunteer coach, making sure that the younger participants feel included and have fun. Coach Elias coaches with Marissa regularly, and had this to say, “It is great coaching with Coach Marissa. She is accountable and willing to learn, someone that takes feedback well and always striving to improve outside of her comfort zone.”
Last year Marissa was selected to represent our chapter in the Game Changer Academy in Minnesota.
(FTSV’s Participants Selected for Game Changers Academy) Li An Panfil and Nicolas Hernandez Lopez from First Tee — Silicon Valley have been selected to attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. in Philadelphia, July 8-12, 2025. They are 2 of 72 teens from the First Tee network who have been selected for the five-day learning and empowerment academy and will participate in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity, empathy and inclusion. RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice and working to improve race relations, will facilitate engaging and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches. The experience is designed to enlighten, inspire, encourage, and position the teens to be advocates for justice and social change in their current and future communities.
Meet FTSV’s Participants for the Game Changers Academy
Meet Li An Panfil
Li An has been a highly engaged participant with First Tee – Silicon Valley since 2013. She has participated in every class offered at FTSV including our four ACE seminar classes (Career, Education, Give Back, and Golf). Li An also volunteers regularly, giving almost 300 hours of her time back to FTSV. Between coaching Girls Golf, coaching our Life Skill program, and leading a subcommittee in our FTSV Junior Council, Li An is constantly going above and beyond and distinguishing herself as a respected leader.
After the event, Li An had this to say:
“During the week, we attended different leadership workshops and learned a lot about leadership and teamwork. On the final day, John Randle from the Vikings spoke with us about his own experiences in the NFL. He said that even if you’re not in a specific leadership position, you still have the responsibility to do what you can, and that you don’t need a designated title to be a good leader. This really resonated with me.”
Meet Nicolas Hernandez Lopez
Nicolas has been involved with FTSV for the past 10 years as a participant, a volunteer coach, and a Junior Council member. He is consistently pushing himself to become more involved and find ways to continue to give back. As a coach, Nico is patient and kind, making class fun and exciting for the young participants. As a participant, Nico engages deeply with the life skill discussions/activities and goes out of his way to make sure other participants are included. Additionally, he has been part of a group that helped plan community events for our chapter. He is going to be a wonderful representative of our chapter at the Game Changers Academy!
Nicolas ended up having a great time at the event...
“It was so much fun meeting new people and experiencing different perspectives. I was able to talk and collaborate with other kids about what they do in their chapters, and to hear about different ways to persevere through challenges.”
“The biggest takeaway for me were the experiences, the moments with my new friends and the conversations I had with mentors and speakers. It opened my eyes to different possibilities and taught me how to overcome different challenges. We really came together as a unit. For example, one kid forgot his golf clubs, so we lent him some. Another kid was homesick, and we comforted him. We built a lot of comradery and togetherness in a very short amount of time. It was really something special.”
The event was held at the University of Minnesota, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. The Academy honors First Tee’s former CEO, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., who led the organization from 2000 until his retirement in 2017.
(FTSV Participant Accepted for the 2025 First Tee National Championship!) First Tee – Silicon Valley participant Brian Yu was selected to compete in the fifth annual First Tee National Championship held at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana on June 22nd to 26th. The First Tee National Championship brings together First Tee’s elite players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped them build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level. The winners of each male and female division will be awarded with the Tattersall Cup named after First Tee Trustee, Fred Tattersall. Each winner will earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
First Tee National Championship is a 54-hole stroke-play event at the Warren Golf Course featuring a Girls and Boys division for high school participants. The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who are selected based on their golf skill, competitive golf experience and handicap. Last year, FTSV participant Norah Yang took first place in the Girls division, bringing back the National title for our chapter (click here to learn more about last year’s tournament).
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Brian will be unable to attend this event. It was an honor to have him selected, and we wish him luck in future tournaments.
Meet Brian Yu
Brian started with FTSV back in 2017. He attended classes regularly, building his love for the game alongside an incredibly strong work ethic. In middle school, Brian took a break from FTSV while beginning to hone in his tournament golf skills and truly developing himself as a strong player. Now, he is back, working hard as a junior coach and a member of the First Tee junior council, giving back to the same program he first started with. Just recently, Brian shot a -4 66 at the Stanford Golf Course to qualify for the 2025 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. Congratulations Brian and good luck!
(Li An and Isabella selected for First Tee Scholarship) First Tee Silicon Valley participants Li An Panfil and Isabella Herrera have been selected by FT Headquarters to become a part of the 2025 College Scholar Program. Congratulations!!!
The First Tee College Scholarship Program…
Providing valuable, life-changing opportunities for the youth of First Tee. Helping them prepare for success is at the core of our mission. We believe in encouraging youth to pursue their dreams and further their education.
This program awards participants who excel in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement. Thanks to generous donors, First Tee is proud to offer up to a $20,000 scholarship, mentoring throughout the college experience, professional development workshops and assistance in securing internships and jobs through the First Tee College Scholarship Program.
Applications are accepted once per year from seniors in high school who meet the minimum eligibility requirements.
If you are interested in learning more about the College Scholarship Program or are interested in applying, please email Coach Phoenix at [email protected]
Meet Isabella Herrera
Isabella has been a standout participant with FTSV for the past 13 years. With over 300 hours of volunteer service, not only is she a wonderful addition to any class she is in, but Isabella is also constantly looking for ways to give back and support her community. As a participant, Isabella has taken every kind of class FTSV offers and continues to come every Saturday for the high school classes. She comes to class with a positive and inclusive attitude, bringing up those around her while pushing herself to grow in both golf and with the life skill curriculum.
Isabella began volunteering with FTSV back in June of 2021 and has been a consistent coach ever since. In addition to coaching, she assists us as an admin volunteer, which includes preparing class bins and materials, and communicating with parents about class announcements and policies. She also is an outreach volunteer and assists our staff in school community outreach where she connects with Spanish speaking families, translates, and helps them sign up for our program. As a result of her many contributions, she recently received the Presidential Service Volunteer Gold Award.
Her dedication and contributions resulted in her representing our chapter in the Drive Your Future Female Empowerment Academy as well as the Leadership Summit in Montana. Outside of First Tee, Isabella is on the Youth on Course (YOC) Leadership Council, and in the YOC DRIVE Club (Diversity Respect, Inclusion, Voice Equity). Both roles include increasing diversity into the game of golf, something Isabella is very passionate about.
Isabella will be attending USC next Fall. Congratulations Isabella!
Meet Li An Panfil
Li An was selected for this program because of her stand-out participation during the First Tee Leadership Summit, her academic excellence, her community service, as well as her long track record of hard work and success within First Tee – Silicon Valley. The leadership summit is one of the National Opportunities available to our participants who go above and beyond, and it provides workshops and learning experiences aimed around developing leadership skills. Li An was at home as a leader here, rising to the occasion as a top performer, attracting the attention of facilitators and eventually being selected for the scholarship. We are so proud to have Li An representing us on a national scale.
As a junior volunteer coach, Li An has been one of our most influential coaches. She has been coaching since 2021, and is trusted to lead her groups. She also is one of the lead coaches in our Girls Golf Program. Her attitude and kindness shine through the work she does, as she passes on the life skills First Tee has taught her down to the next generation. Not only does she work to help bring up others, Li An also gets personal fulfillment out of coaching. When asked, she said “[the participants] put me in a good mood. Seeing people I know and them remembering things about me, and people showing that they care brings me up. It’s a big community feeling, showing that I am making a big impact, spreading knowledge and helping people to improve and be their best self.”
LiAn is planning on attending UCLA in the Fall. In the future, she wants to pursue a career in healthcare, a field where her perseverance, positive attitude and innate care for others will definitely play a role. Congratulations again Li An!
