ANNUAL REVIEW 2019
REFLECTING ON 2019 is an honor to serve as chairman of the First Tee Board as I remain deeply committed to the long-term success of this organization and the young people we serve. I am proud of the accomplishments in 2019 to strengthen, evolve and position First Tee for a bright future. While COVID-19 has brought unforeseen circumstances thus far in 2020, we are dedicated to ensuring the organization manages through the current conditions and emerges ready to continue its transformational impact on young people. The values that are so core to First Tee are more important than ever, and we want to ensure young people are supported not only through this challenge, but those that are sure to come throughout their lifetime. As we look to the future, there are several important initiatives underway, including an investment in technology to better reach and connect with First Tee’s audiences and an exciting refresh of First Tee’s brand and curriculum after 22 years. I am pleased First Tee is better positioned to lean on PGA TOUR’s global influence and reach with our new 501(c)3 structure, PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation, which will help to build First Tee awareness around the world. Thank you for all you do to lift up, cheer on and support this important organization. First Tee wouldn’t be where it is today without the passion of thousands of caring adults just like you. You are making a difference. IT IN 2019 we focused our efforts on several key initiatives, including an independent evaluation of our curriculum that leveraged stakeholder research and feedback, with a goal to ensure we remain relevant and maximize our impact on young people. We also rolled out First Tee’s Safe Sport Policy, which has elevated prevention, training and reporting of child safety to the highest priority across the organization. We welcomed two new domestic chapters to the network, West Texas and North Coast (CA), as well as two international chapters, Morocco (Africa) and Australia, which were announced in conjunction with the 2019 Presidents Cup. Throughout the year we also made significant progress on the evolution of the 22-year-old First Tee brand with the goal to carry forward the core foundational equity as we begin to roll it out over the coming year. While 2020 will prove to be an historic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I am proud of the innovation, agility and creativity of our team and the network. We continue to put kids and their families first, building confidence despite new challenges, and helping young people build the inner strength to persevere through whatever comes their way. My goal is to ensure we emerge from this crisis better positioned than ever to empower today’s young people for the future. Thank you for your continued support of our mission. Jay Monahan Chairman, Board of Governors Commissioner, PGA TOUR Gregory T. McLaughlin Chief Executive Officer First Tee
Our Network’s Impact In 2019 OUR REACH 156,772 382,329 3,131,901 3,671,002 Youth through chapters Youth through clinics/events Youth through schools/after school programs Total youth impacted LIFE SKILLS EXPERIENCE Caucasian 48% Latino/Hispanic 21% African-American 14% Asian 8% Multi-Racial 7% Native American Pacific Islander >1% >1% 62% Male 38% Female 25% Teens Gender and Ethnicity of Chapter Participants
OUR PARTNERSHIPS 150 Chapters 1,607 First Tee DRIVE, After School Locations 10,160 National School Program, Number of Schools College Scholarships 1,650 2,090 $96M (9% Over 2018) Coaches Trained Teachers and Youth Leaders Trained Chapter Network Revenue $12,235,950 HQ + Chapters Since Inception
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES More than 20,000 adults come together to support kids and teens each year. Our chapters – and especially coaches – are the heart of the organization and the stewards of our experience. We work to ensure they feel supported, connected to the greater mission and inspired to bring it to life in new ways in their communities each day. First Tee experiences are fun, caring, safe, accepting and growth-oriented. Many chapters are working to expand their footprint and ways to connect with kids and teens through learning centers, including Austin, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham (First Tee of the Triangle), Seattle and Toledo (First Tee of Lake Erie). We cheer ALL of our chapters on, and are proud of their commitment to First Tee’s impact each year. From the dedication and passion the coaches, volunteers and chapter staff bring, to the rigor in training and deploying the curriculum, to the experts who help shape it, First Tee is a true family and safe harbor for the next generation.
DRIVING FORWARD Each year brings new opportunities to support the network and evolve what we do to ensure we are maximizing our mission. Here are some highlights from 2019: CHAPTERS: We provided support through quarterly briefings, in-person visits, five regional staff and board training conferences; national promotion supported by year-round localized templates and toolkits; and added two domestic chapters (West Texas and North Coast, CA) and two international (Morocco, Africa and Australia) to the network. CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENTS: The Bridgespan Group, a leading social impact advisor to nonprofits, completed a six-month review of our longstanding programs and with stakeholder input, plotted a detailed path for future growth and continued impact. PUTTING SAFETY FIRST: We increased resources and investment to advance our culture of safety, including prevention measures of centralized background checks and mandatory online training developed by the U.S. Center for SafeSport. FIRST TEE COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: We kicked off a robust national program that will provide alumni with financial assistance, professional development workshops and substantial mentoring throughout their college experience. The first class will be named in 2020. BRAND EVOLUTION: Significant progress was made on an evolution of our 22-year-old First Tee brand with the goal of ensuring connection with today’s kids and families, while carrying forward the core foundational equity that has been built over time. The rollout will begin in 2020.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP EVENTS Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy 96 teens engaged in valuable leadership discussions exploring diversity and leveraging platforms to drive change in their local communities. Participants also experienced Boise State University’s outdoor team building program which is committed to enhancing leadership development and cohesiveness among the teens through adventure-based learning. John Deere Drive Your Future Academy First Tee’s all-girls national event provided 24 talented teens the opportunity to experience activity-based workshops, roundtable discussions and play golf at the iconic TPC Harding Park. The week included a volunteer opportunity at the Pomeroy Recreation & Rehabilitation Center and a female executive panel discussion at Facebook headquarters. The academy brought the girls together to learn what ‘drives’ them to becoming impactful leaders in their communities. Coca-Cola America’s Future First Tee rising seniors networked with executives during a career exploration experience at CocaCola headquarters. A young professionals panel discussion provided insight into their college experience, the importance of internships, and how their journey led them to Coca-Cola. The teens also received VIP access to the TOUR Championship and a campus visit to Georgia Tech. Life Skills & Leadership Academy
John Deere Drive Your Future Academy 2019 Participant Events Wells Fargo Succeeding Together Contest April 29-May 5 Charlotte, NC Perfect Sense Unified Challenge June 23-27 Washington, D.C. John Deere Drive Your Future Academy June 24-28 San Francisco, CA John Deere Power for Good Scholarship Contest July 7-11 Silvis, IL Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy July 24-30 Boise, ID Coca-Cola America’s Future August 21-24 Atlanta, GA PURE Insurance Championship September 24-30 Pebble Beach, CA
MEGHNA Mazumdar First Tee of Connecticut
‘‘ ‘‘ “I saw the creation of the [varsity girls golf] team as a great way to advocate for equality in the world of sports.” – Meghna MAKING HER MARK When Meghna Mazumdar was named First Tee’s Outstanding Participant of the Year in 2017, we knew she was well on her way to making her mark in the world. The eight young people selected as finalists for the national award come from across our 150 chapters, and all exemplify the strength of character that First Tee seeks to build through its programs. Now a high school junior who has been involved in First Tee of Connecticut since she was seven, Meghna has amassed an impressive resume, including winning a First Tee essay contest that resulted in her playing with Rory McIlroy in the 2016 Wells Fargo Championship Pro-Am, and becoming personal pen pals with Warren Buffet. In her freshman year at South Windsor High, Meghna wanted to play on the varsity golf team but her school only offered a team for boys. So Meghna set out to start a girls’ team where those interested in golf, like herself, could learn, grow and compete within the sport. Channeling her goal-setting skills honed through First Tee, Meghna successfully raised $30,000 to support three years of initial funding. Since then the school district officially added varsity girls golf to their lineup. Next up, Meghna is considering ways she can help bring First Tee’s National School Program to her town’s four elementary schools as her senior capstone project. Thank you, Meghna, for being such a strong advocate of First Tee and for making such a lasting impact on your community! You go, girl!
EVAN Koutsopetras First Tee of Metropolitan New York
‘‘ Through the years his focus and enthusiasm gained a significant amount of steam with the assistance of his go-to-team and this has been essential in building relationships with fellow participants, coaches and community leaders. – Anthony Rodriguez Senior Program Director, PGA First Tee of Metropolitian New York GRIT FOR THE GREATER GOOD Evan Koutsopetras, has been involved at First Tee of Metropolitan New York since he was seven. Like most teens, he’s grown significantly over the last eight years. Unlike most teens, he has had to overcome being told by many he’d never get where he is today. If you ask Evan, he’ll tell you his story is one of perseverance – a deep-rooted characteristic strengthened in him through his First Tee experience. Diagnosed with Autism at three, rejected by several private schools and told flat out he would not earn a high school diploma based on his diagnosis, Evan set out to prove he could perform both academically and athletically in a typical, public high school. Evan is now an honor roll student, the number one player on his high school golf team, took a trip to Pebble Beach to play alongside legends in the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee and volunteers regularly. He credits First Tee for helping him relate to others and being able to truly connect with his peers. He’s found a mentor in coach Anthony Rodriguez and has big plans for his future, where he will continue to meet each challenge head on. “I firmly believe that the life lessons I’ve learned in the First Tee have directly prepared me for the obstacles I’ve had to overcome as well as the challenges I expect to face in the future.” ‘‘
KRISTIN Nwadike First Tee of Metro Atlanta Alumna
‘‘ ‘‘ Kristin has always been really mature for her age, but to see her grow into the confident and compassionate leader that she is becoming is exciting. – Jenae Jenkins Program Director and Recognized Coach First Tee of Metro Atlanta FINDING PASSION & PURPOSE Introduced to First Tee of Metro Atlanta by her mom in 2011, Kristin was shy, easily intimidated and reluctant to step outside of her comfort zone. First Tee became instrumental in helping her find her voice, appreciate the different perspectives of those around her and ultimately, develop the leadership skills that continue to serve her well today. Longtime coach and mentor from her chapter Timothy Moone, encouraged Kristin to find what she loved to do and pursue it. She graduated high school with honors, and is now actively-involved at University of Georgia. She is a member of several volunteer organizations, mentors a local high school student and is double majoring in Biology and Accounting. Leveraging what she learned through First Tee and inspired by health challenges faced by her family, including her mother’s breast cancer, father’s diabetes and brother’s autism, Kristin wants to use her knowledge and voice to help others by finding cures to complex diagnoses. The First Tee experience is a powerful tool – the curriculum and our trained coaches – to encourage, inspire and empower young people each day. We are proud of alumni, like Kristin, who are well on their way to making the world a better place.
OWAIS Durrani First Tee of Greater Houston Alumnus
‘‘ ‘‘ I will always remember that shy kid who learned about life and confidence because of First Tee. – Owais When Owais Durrani slips on his white doctor’s coat, he stands ready to help treat whatever illness or injury walks through the emergency room doors at UT Health in San Antonio. Currently finishing up his residency, Owais has quickly learned his profession is one that demands a lot – selfconfidence, determination and resilience – characteristics he’s been building on since his time at First Tee of Greater Houston. “Life gets difficult and complex at times, but even the most challenging of circumstances boils down to a few basic principles – many of them included in First Tee’s values.” During his time at First Tee of Greater Houston, Owais developed an interest in social issues and says First Tee gave him the confidence to pursue opportunities that he once didn’t see possible for himself as a firstgeneration American. Owais received his dual-Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Political Science from the University of Texas. He took his passion up a notch by attending medical school. In his gap year, Owais interned at the White House under the Obama administration. He remained dedicated to learning about how to address health disparities, one of his life’s greatest passions. Confident in his foundation, Owais is excited about his future giving back to underserved communities. A FOUNDATION OF VALUES
‘‘ This community has been wounded; this program will help rebuild the community by reaching these kids. It goes way beyond kids learning to play golf, it’s making a better citizen. – Pam Tyler Executive Director First Tee of the Inland Empire EMPOWERING SCHOOLS & COMMUNITIES Over the last 20 years the community of San Bernardino, California has seen it all: from wildfires to a terrorist attack and a school shooting. The reality is more than 30% of the community is still living below the poverty line. Yet this community is showing the definition of resilience. Thanks to amazing partners like Southern Company, the entire San Bernardino City Unified School District – in partnership with the First Tee of the Inland Empire – has been training PE teachers to bring the First Tee National School Program to every school in the district. What this means is through fun, engaging and positive golf lessons in PE, the next generation is cheering each other on, respecting classmates and, well, having fun, right in the middle of their school day. While there are many complex aspects to strengthening a community, we believe building character and providing empowering experiences within the schools is part of the answer. “Most of my students have never seen or used a golf club before,” said Mr. Landers, Belvedere Elementary School PE teacher. “The skills we learn and practice can help us achieve and succeed in everyday life.” National School Program ‘‘
FOUNDING PARTNERS FURTHERING OUR MISSION Education Patron Proud Media Partner Trustees of First Tee include individuals, corporations and foundations that pledge $1M or more to our mission. By applying their resources to First Tee’s work, Trustees are furthering our efforts to provide strategic direction, curriculum enhancements, ongoing research, continuing education and training for chapter leaders, and certification and training for coaches across the country. We are grateful to the more than 130 First Tee Trustees. Corporate Support TRUSTEES AT&T Chevron Deere & Company Dick’s Sporting Goods Exelon Corporation First Data Humana Foundation Mastercard International Morell Studios NBC Sports Group Pebble Beach Company PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP TaylorMade Golf Company The Coca-Cola Company The Golf Digest Companies The Hertz Corporation The Kohler Company The Toro Company Valero Energy Corporation Wells Fargo & Co. Wyndham Worldwide Corporation PARTNERS 2ndSwing Air Force One Golf American Golf Tournament Contributions PGA TOUR THE PLAYERS Championship THE TOUR Championship World Golf ChampionshipsDell Technolgies Match Play Championship World Golf ChampionshipsMexico Champ Charity World Golf ChampionshipsGrants PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE Chapter Recipients Central Florida Coastal Carolinas Denver Fort Worth Greater Austin Greater Chicago FedEx Cup St. Jude Invitational World Golf ChampionshipsHSBC Championship The Memorial Tournament CJ Cup Tournament PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach Greater Dallas Greater Houston Green Valley Ranch Indiana Massachusetts Metro Atlanta Metropolitan New York Naples/Collier KORN FERRY TOUR Albertson’s Boise Open BMW Charity Pro-Am Tournament Chitimacha Louisiana Open Greater Wichita Open Lecom Health Tournament Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship Tournament North Florida Phoenix San Francisco Sarasota/Manatee Silicon Valley The Coachella Valley The Lowcountry The Palm Beaches The Twin Cities Pinnacle Bank Championship Rex Hospital Open TPC Colorado Championship Utah Championship Tournament WinCo Foods Portland Open Budget Golf Callaway Golf Company & Callaway Golf Foundation Cause Inspired Media Century Bancshares Century Golf CharityMania ClubCorp ClubUp DreamJobbing ExpandaBrand, Inc. FedEx GreenLinks Kinona Logicalgolf Paradies Lagardère Prize Possessions Pukka SCL Consulting SCNS Sports Foods ShortGolf St. Andrews Products, Co. The Coaching Educator Tempercraft Xact Xpressions Three Rivers Park Disctrict Tucson Utah USGA PLAYERS FOR LIFE Grant Recipients Aiken Central Coast Central Valley
Coastal Carolinas Connecticut Contra Costa Fresno Greater Charleston Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Greater Philadelphia Greater Portland Greater Richmond Greater Sacramento Greater Washington, DC Green Valley Ranch Lake Erie Metropolitan New York Monterey County San Francisco San Joaquin Silicon Valley South Dakota Sandhills The Triangle The Tri-Valley TORO GROW THE GAME Chapter Recipients Aiken Central Mississippi Coastal Carolinas Eastern Michigan Fort Worth Greater Charleston Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Greater Miami Valley Greater Pasadena Greater Portland Green Valley Ranch Lake Erie New Hampshire North Florida Omaha Phoenix Roanoke Valley San Juan County, NM South Central Wisconsin South Dakota South Puget Sound The Coachella Valley The Sandhills The Triad The Triangle The Twin Cities The Upstate The Virginia Peninsula Three Rivers Park District Western New York TORO EQUIPMENT DONATION Chapter Recipients Greater Tyler St. Petersburg Troup County Legacy Society is First Tee’s planned giving fund that ensures we can continue to empower kids and teens through our mission. Thank you to our Legacy Society supporters. Board of Governors Jay Monahan, Chairman Timothy Finchem, Vice Chairman Arthur Blank Ross Buchmueller Marty Evans First Tee Staff Greg McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Weiler, SVP, Network Relations Guy Garbarino, Chief Advancement Officer Jane Fader, VP, Comm. and Marketing Christine Adda Tony Arias Shauna Bezilla Michael Blackwell Dan Brady Christian Brogdon Michael Chavez Jasmin Cunningham Dianne Dixon Susan Donohoe Marian Eichholz Juan Escobar Emily Furderer Tasha Griffis Sara Henika Cheree Hicks Angela Ivey Julie Jansa Blanton Jones Kim Kruger Andrea Lamach Tom Lawrence Sandy Loberstein Brandon Luna Matt Magnani Rachel Maruno Andrew Masterson Lexie Milford Rob Neal Pepper Peete Tony Powell Luke Previte Janet Swaim Savannah Tomlinson Stacie Wagner Cathy Wagner Austin Williams Ryan Wilson Brittany Wynne Andrew Yeast Amanda Zedrick Dan Fireman Peter Foss John Harris Rick R. Holley Allison Keller Robert E. Long, Jr. John McCoy Jon Nudi Jon Orszag Ron Price Jin Roy Ryu Ben C. Sutton, Jr. Ray Taccolini Fred T. Tattersall Heidi Ueberroth Rick Waddell Ken Whitney Chris Womack
Mission To impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf.
FIRST TEE 425 South Legacy Trail St. Augustine, FL 32092 firsttee.org
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