Through golf, young people can find more than athletic skill. They can discover a pathway to personal growth, leadership development and lasting community impact.
For 17-year-old Finley Mentzel, First Tee has been an integral part of her leadership journey. The guidance and support Finley has experienced through First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky have been foundational in developing her character both on and off the course, she said.
This summer, Finley will attend First Tee’s Game Changers Academy. Now in its 25th year, the weeklong event brings together teens from across the country for meaningful discussions on self-awareness, inclusive leadership and community building – skills they will carry with them throughout their lives.
“This experience has inspired me to lead and make a difference on and off the course,” she said. “I’ve learned so much and want to create more positive change in my community,” Finley said.
Finley joined First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky at age 8 with her older brother Henry, who’s now a First Tee Scholar, and fraternal twin Tiernan, an attendee at the First Tee’s Game Changers Academy in 2024. Throughout her golf journey, Finley has received mentorship that she believes has shaped her into the athlete, student and friend she is.
“First Tee helped me by teaching me life skills in how to manage work, hard teachers and to set smaller goals to accomplish larger ones,” said Finley. “The First Tee lessons and coaches have helped me accomplish many things both big and small.”
Finley currently serves as a volunteer coach and participant advisor, known by her coaches and peers for her patience and ability to connect with participants of all skill levels.
Last fall, Finley attended the First Tee Innovator’s Forum in Phoenix, Arizona. Her experience resulted in a community service project that aims to connect chapter alumni with current participants. Her chapter is currently working to implement it.
Finley plans to pursue a career in the health care industry after college with hopes of someday working in a children’s hospital. She hopes to combine her passion for working with children with her desire to make an impact on her community.
Mayo Clinic supports First Tee’s Game Changers Academy, helping to prepare the next generation of leaders, including those in the health care industry like Finley.
Golf Channel announced the full field of teens which includes exceptional students, tournament winners and committed collegiate golfers
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (July 8, 2025) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions are proud to announce the 80 exceptional teens selected to compete in the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, to be held September 19–21 at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course.
The annual tournament is hosted by PURE Insurance and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and broadcast internationally on Golf Channel. It uniquely pairs First Tee participants with PGA TOUR Champions professionals and amateurs from the business world for a week of competition and mentorship. The teens, ages 15 to 18, represent 48 First Tee chapters nationwide and will compete for the male and female pro-junior titles.
Participants were chosen based on both their golf skills and personal growth through First Tee’s youth development programs. This year’s class boasts an average GPA of 3.89 and nearly seven years of involvement with First Tee.
“The PURE Insurance Championship is more than a golf tournament — it’s a celebration of the dedication, perseverance and character of First Tee juniors,” said Katie Krum, Chief Marketing Officer at PURE Insurance. “Having experienced firsthand the lasting impact of youth sports, I am proud to support such a worthy cause and thrilled to share that we have extended our title sponsorship commitment through 2029 and continue championing these inspiring young leaders.”
The 2025 junior field was announced live on Golf Channel, featuring an interview with Dylan Au, an alumnus of First Tee – Greater Seattle, who competed in the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship alongside Fred Couples. Au will begin pre-med classes at the University of Washington this fall.
In addition, Marley Pedrique of First Tee – Florida Gold Coast earned an exemption into the tournament by finishing third at the 2025 First Tee National Championship, held in June at the University of Notre Dame’s Warren Course.
“This moment represents years of hard work and dedication for these 80 teens,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “Thanks to our partners at PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel for supporting this event. It is a week filled with incredible golf, mentorship and invaluable life lessons.”
This year’s PGA TOUR Champions field will include legends such as David Duval, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and defending champion Paul Broadhurst. Clint Eastwood returns as chairman of the PURE Insurance Championship.
Tournament play begins Friday on both Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Following Saturday’s rounds, the top 24 juniors will advance to Sunday’s final round at Pebble Beach, where one male and one female First Tee participant will be crowned champions.
The junior field for 2025 PURE Insurance Championshipcan be viewed here.
Since 1999, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to First Tee, supporting youth development across the U.S. through the game of golf
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 20, 2025) – First Tee today announced a landmark $10 million grant from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which reaffirms PGA TOUR Superstore’s strong commitment to the youth development organization. The gift marks a milestone in the organizations’ ongoing relationship, which began more than 25 years ago with an investment in First Tee – Metro Atlanta. With the growing popularity of youth golf – 3.7 million juniors hit the links in 2024, according to the National Golf Foundation – this grant helps ensure that youth from all backgrounds have access to the sport and its inherent values.
Arthur M. Blank, owner and chairman of the Blank Family of Businesses and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, joined First Tee as a National Trustee in 2011. Since then, support from Blank’s PGA TOUR Superstore and family foundation has helped fuel the growth of First Tee’s character-building programs across the country, which now reach more than 3 million youth annually on golf courses, schools and community centers. The new grant will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen First Tee’s curriculum for teenage participants.
“Junior golf is the fastest-growing segment of the sport, and that’s no coincidence. It’s a testament to the power of First Tee, which has made the game more accessible and enjoyable for young people, helping them experience golf in new and fun ways,” said Arthur Blank, owner and chairman, Blank Family of Businesses. “The innovative and engaging experiences that First Tee provides help kids build self-confidence and inner strength, qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. We’re proud of our deep partnership with the First Tee and are committed to the purposeful impact sports can have in developing and supporting youth.”
“We are grateful to Mr. Blank and his family of businesses for their continued support of First Tee,” said Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair of First Tee Board of Governors. “Arthur’s vision and commitment reflect a deep understanding that investing in First Tee is truly an investment in the future. Through this transformative gift, Arthur is helping open doors for young people nationwide – empowering them to grow as golfers and as people.”
The new grant extends programming established by a $9.5 million grant in 2020 and will support First Tee’s efforts to keep teens engaged with the organization, where they have access to safe spaces, educational opportunities and positive role models during a traditionally challenging time in adolescence. The grant will be deployed in several ways:
Chapter grants: First Tee Chapters in PGA TOUR Superstore markets will receive grants to support youth to develop life and golf skills. To date, grants have impacted 50 First Tee chapters across the country, a number that will grow as PGA TOUR Superstore’s footprint continues to expand.
Leadership Series: PGA TOUR Superstore general managers across the country lead a five-week, in-store leadership series in partnership with First Tee designed to help teens uncover their strengths and personal values and explore potential career opportunities. The program was offered at 44 PGA TOUR Superstore locations in 2024 and plans to expand to 70 by 2029.
Leadership Summit: Each summer since 2021, Arthur Blank’s West Creek Ranch in Emigrant, Montana, has welcomed 40 First Tee teens for an unforgettable experience where they grow as leaders by taking on new challenges – like whitewater rafting, ropes courses and horseback riding – and learn about the power of building authentic relationships.
“This incredible partnership with the Blank Family of Businesses reflects our shared commitment to using golf as a vehicle for positive youth development,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We are grateful to Arthur Blank, who has been a longtime, committed supporter of First Tee. This transformative investment will allow us to introduce more youth to golf, keep them engaged with First Tee and teach them essential life skills like leadership and teamwork.”
This week the Blank Family of Businesses welcomed 48 First Tee teens from across the country to Atlanta where they learned about what it takes to lead a successful organization. The weeklong program included visits to PGA TOUR Superstore headquarters, the Atlanta United training ground, the Atlanta Falcons practice facility and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, where the new grant will be officially celebrated this afternoon with a check presentation and remarks from the foundation’s president, Fay Twersky, and managing director, Youth Development, Daniel Shoy, Jr., PGA TOUR Superstore’s vice president, Partnerships & Community Relations Ralph Stokes and First Tee’s senior director, Philanthropy Amanda Zedrick.
First Tee’s evidence-based program combines golf instruction with a life skills curriculum, reaching youth ages 7-18 at golf courses, schools and community centers across the globe. The organization impacts more than 3 million young people annually.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has contributed more than $25 million to First Tee to date. In 2022, First Tee presented Arthur Blank with its Founders Award, for his generous support of the organization.
Representing 22 unique First Tee Chapters, this year’s Scholar class includes 6 first-generation college students and 5 collegiate golfers.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (June 6, 2025) – The First Tee College Scholarship Program welcomes 27 recent high school graduates. Each of these Scholars was selected from a competitive national pool of First Tee teens and completed a rigorous application and interview process. In its sixth year, the program now boasts 121 current or former members, including 21 college graduates.
The 16 young women and 11 young men in this new Scholar class demonstrate a commitment to excellence both on and off the golf course, with the class averaging nearly 10 years in First Tee and an SAT score of 1450.
“I want to congratulate these 27 remarkable First Tee participants and welcome them to the First Tee College Scholarship Program,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to the donors and mentors who make this life-changing program possible. Since it launched in 2020, it has been rewarding to see our Scholars further develop in their respective fields and grow as students, golfers and people.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program takes a multifaceted approach to supporting alumni after high school graduation. In addition to providing financial support, each Scholar is paired with a trained adult mentor to help guide them through higher education and beyond. Each of the new Scholars will also attend a pre-college retreat at First Tee Headquarters in July to meet their fellow class as well as an annual professional development conference in the winter that all active First Tee Scholars attend. Each Scholar also receives assistance with summer internship and employment placement after graduation.
Participants across the First Tee Network submitted applications to be a part of the latest Scholar class. Following an online application process, finalists were selected by a committee for one-on-one interviews. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, community service and other criteria.
Natalie Cao is a collegiate golfer, First Tee Scholar and soon-to-be graduate from the University of Pennsylvania.
While she loved golf from three years old, she struggled with the independent nature of the sport until her parents enrolled her in First Tee when she was in fifth grade. Upon joining First Tee, she realized golf could be something more than just a competitive sport and was immediately drawn to the life skills curriculum. She quickly integrated herself into the community at First Tee – Greater Houston and began junior coaching while she was in middle school.
As a successful junior golfer, her eyes continued to be set on the future and finding where she could best pursue her goals as a golfer as well as her hopes of becoming a financial advisor. Soon she found the best of both worlds: the University of Pennsylvania, where she could play on the golf team as well as pursue a degree in economics.
Around this same time, Natalie applied and was accepted to the First Tee Scholarship Program. Throughout her time in the program, she was able to meet a network of hundreds of people across the country including other First Tee Scholars, First Tee leadership and her mentor, Valerie Wong Fountain.
The First Tee Scholarship Program assigns each member with a designated mentor during their freshman year to help them navigate their time in college and beyond. Natalie’s mentor, Valerie, is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley in the Firm’s New York City office. Like Natalie, Valerie also played collegiate golf at the University of Pennsylvania, and she is involved with First Tee as a board member of First Tee – Metropolitan New York. The relationship between the two quickly flourished after they met in person for the first time to play golf while Natalie was visiting New York City over the summer after her freshman year.
Natalie and Valerie engaged on topics ranging from career advice to leadership to negotiating offers. In addition, Valerie opened doors to opportunities at Morgan Stanley and provided additional networking experiences in the asset management industry. Throughout her time at the University of Pennsylvania, Natalie flourished academically and athletically. She completed two internships with Morgan Stanley as part of the Firm’s Early Insights program and competed with the UPenn women’s golf team contending for its first Women’s Ivy Championship in more than a decade. Each time she competed in the Ivy Championships, Valerie attended to cheer her on.
As her time in college comes to a close, Natalie hasn’t stopped looking towards the future. After her graduation at the end of May, she will move down to Miami to begin a two-year rotational program in commercial mortgage-backed securities with Rialto Capital, an investment management group. Although her time as a First Tee Scholar officially ends when she graduates college, she has already been in touch with First Tee – Miami to coach and mentor the next generation of First Tee participants.
Want to learn more about the First Tee College Scholarship Program and how you can get involved? Visit here.
The renowned CBS Sports voice will help further First Tee’s mission ofempowering youth through golf
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL (May 23, 2025) – First Tee, a youth development organization that enables kids to build character through the game of golf, announced that acclaimed CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz will serve as its new Honorary Chair. The news comes as the youth development organization celebrates First Tee Week nationwide, a campaign to recognize coaches and their impact on participants and their communities.
Nantz, whose distinguished broadcasting career spans more than four decades, becomes the third Honorary Chair in First Tee’s history, following President George W. Bush (2011-2024) and President George H.W. Bush (1997-2010). As Honorary Chair, Nantz will help promote First Tee’s purpose and expand its reach to empower even more young people.
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how golf builds character, resilience and integrity – the very qualities First Tee instills in young people,” said Jim Nantz. “I am honored to serve as Honorary Chair and support an organization that uses this remarkable game to help kids develop the strength of character they will carry with them throughout their lives.”
President George W. Bush expressed confidence in his successor: “For the past 13 years, it has been my privilege to support First Tee’s mission to develop young people of character. Jim Nantz brings passion, integrity and a deep love for golf to this role. His voice has narrated historic moments in the sport, and now that same voice will help inspire a new generation. My father would be proud that our friend is following in our footsteps, and I look forward to seeing First Tee’s continued impact under Jim’s leadership.”
Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair of First Tee Board of Governors, added: “For 40 years Jim Nantz has provided the soundtrack for the game of golf, captivating fans at home as he illustrates the drama of winning on the PGA TOUR. As much as Jim’s voice is synonymous with the biggest moments in golf, his true legacy will be the countless fans he has introduced to our sport through his love for the game and respect for its values. It’s these attributes that make him the ideal Honorary Chair for First Tee.”
Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO, also welcomed Nantz to this significant role: “Jim Nantz is not only one of golf’s most recognizable voices – he is someone who truly embodies the values we teach. His passion for the game, commitment to excellence and inspiring presence make him the perfect Honorary Chair to help us continue building game changers across the country.”
As Honorary Chair, Nantz will help raise awareness of First Tee’s impact, support fundraising initiatives, and champion the organization’s mission to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges, both on and off the course.
First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. First Tee serves more than 3.1 million kids annually.
Debuting during First Tee Week, the national “Dear Coach” PSA underscores the lifelong impact of youth sports coaches and calls on communities to celebrate their role in shaping the next generation.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (May 21, 2025) – As part of its inaugural First Tee Week celebration, leading youth development organization First Tee has announced a powerful new public service campaign titled “Dear Coach.” The campaign honors the thousands of First Tee coaches across the country who use the game of golf to help kids and teens build character, confidence and resilience.
Airing nationwide on digital and social platforms, the PSA features heartfelt messages from kids that showcase the deep and lasting impact of coaches, who are often described by parents as the “unsung heroes” of youth development. Additionally, First Tee participants and alumni will be sharing their personal stories through social media and First Tee’s website.
“A great coach does not just teach the game of golf but also the incredible life lessons and values that are inherent to the sport, including believing in yourself, acting with integrity, building resilience and playing with sportsmanship,” said Jane Fader, senior vice president of marketing and communications at First Tee. “This PSA reflects the gratitude we hear every day from kids, parents and alumni about the coaches who helped them believe in themselves.”
Shot with real participants and coaches from First Tee – Metropolitan New York, the PSA is a centerpiece of First Tee Week, a national awareness campaign running May 19–25, designed to celebrate First Tee coaches and inspire communities to get involved in youth character development through sports.
In addition to the PSA, First Tee Week includes:
Community activations and coach appreciation events at First Tee chapters across the country
An alumni event at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge, featuring a panel discussion on the impact of coaches
Corporate partner engagement, spreading awareness across leading sports and media platforms
First Tee coaches undergo a robust training program grounded in positive youth development research and now serve kids at 150 chapters across the globe.
During First Tee Week, we celebrate the coaches who make First Tee a safe and special place for kids to learn golf and life skills.
As vice president of programs, Ryan Graff meets First Tee coaches from across the globe. He knows they’re the beating heart of First Tee but finds they don’t always take credit for their incredible impact.
According to research from First Tee and The Harris Poll, parents believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and show resilience in the face of challenges (88%).
Ryan shared his perspective on the power of coaches after attending a coach training in Denver:
As I travel and meet with the amazing people who volunteer and work at First Tee chapters, our conversation leads to me asking, “So what do you do at your chapter?” A common response is, “Oh I am just a coach.” While I rarely correct people on the role they serve – because what do I know? – in these cases, I have to respond with, “You are not JUST a coach … you are a COACH.”
So many thoughts fire off in my brain: Do you know the power you have in the lives of participants? Do you understand the impact of your engagement and interactions with these kids and teens? Do you realize they are watching and listening to how you carry yourself?
When observing a First Tee class, it may look like play, fun and learning a lifelong sport. But there is serious work going on underneath the game.
There are decisions being made on which club to select or shot to play (using good judgment)
Participants are selecting targets (pursuing goals)
They’re learning to navigate obstacles on the course (growing through challenge)
They’re having moments of success and connecting their actions to outcomes (building positive self-identity)
They’re learning how to cooperate and show respect to others in their class (collaborating with others)
At best, a golfer left to their own devices has a 50/50 chance for these skills to transfer and apply to their life off the course. But with a trained coach guiding them through the process, this will increase those odds to 80% or higher. While I am not a gambling man, I like those odds.
The word “coach” is derived from an old English term for a horse-drawn carriage. Coaches took important people where they wanted to go. It’s no different today; kids and teens are important people and coaches assist them to get where they want to go in life.
I get it: As coaches, we often do not see the fruits of our labor. Sometimes, we never know the impact we had. But you are not JUST a coach; you are playing a critical role in the development of a human being – the development of their character, their moral compass, and assisting to shape their values.
Coaches are role models, and the actions they display imprint and affect how kids and teens show up in this world, carry themselves, and interact with others.
So, let’s drop the JUST. Being a coach is the highest honor and position one can have in the life of a kid or teen. Coaches leave lasting lessons and shape the character of participants lives, long into the future. If you are a coach, be proud and know you are making an impact on your participants. Future generations depend on you!
Interested in getting involved?
You don’t have to be a great golfer to become an impactful First Tee coach. We train all of our coaches to deliver our proven curriculum.
Thank you once again to Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC for the sponsorship of the tournament and to the generous donors and volunteers to make this world class tournament happen.
All proceeds benefit First Tee – Roanoke Valley and we are so grateful for all of the support!
Maria Ramos tried her hand at several sports before fate intervened. Her grandfather was a talented golfer and caddie. Though they never met, his legacy helped shape the path she walks today. With his memory in mind, Maria’s mom encouraged her to try golf.
Watching tournaments on TV, Maria noticed there weren’t many players who looked like her. Still, the presence of trailblazing players like Lorena Ochoa and Maria Fassi helped her envision a place for herself in the sport. “One day, we went to First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, and there was this overwhelming sense of kindness and care for students,” Maria said.
She quickly discovered that First Tee offered more than golf instruction. One lesson that left a lasting impression is the importance of using good judgment, Maria said. On the course, this means evaluating your shot from every angle, making a decision and executing with confidence, Maria explained. Off the course, it’s the mindset Maria brings to solving computer algorithms — thinking critically and acting with clarity.
College, community and continued growth
Maria now studies artificial intelligence at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s a member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program, which provides financial support, professional development opportunities and mentorship to standout First Tee alumni.
The program has helped Maria sharpen her networking skills, and she’s built strong bonds with her fellow Scholars, she said. “Now, as an adult I represent the future of First Tee,” she said. “I have no doubt we will all be friends for the rest of our lives and maintain involvement.”
Maria’s commitment to making a difference was recently rewarded by First Tee Trustee, Accenture. Maria teamed up with classmates to win Accenture’s 2025 Innovation Challenge an opportunity she learned about through Accenture’s partnership with First Tee. During the competition, Maria and her teammates consulted for the Special Olympics, integrating technology and social impact.
“Partnering with the Special Olympics for this year’s Accenture Innovation Challenge was a delight,” said Christy Sovereign, senior managing director at Accenture and president and CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “Being able to witness how the next generation of leaders applied technology and teamwork to make a real difference in the lives of athletes and their communities was truly inspiring. Congrats to Maria and team for launching their Impact Passport program that empowers individuals with IDD to build social connections, track progress and engage with Special Olympics communities.”
Maria also explored her passion for making a difference through technology while studying abroad in Costa Rica. “I saw that some rural farmers had engineered amazing technologies that would likely never make it to market,” she said. “With my engineering background, eventually I hope to work in impact investing, focusing on technologies made by or for marginalized communities.”
Maria has big plans for this summer as a USGA Pathways Intern, which means she’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 U.S. Open.
The First Tee Alumni Network is your resource for job listings, networking and access to First Tee alumni meetups. Learn more.
The game of golf is more than just a sport; it’s a powerful vehicle for personal growth, leadership and community. For Meredith Speer, First Tee has been an integral part of her journey, not just to become a skilled golfer but to pursue a career in the industry. Her story highlights the transformative impact of First Tee programs, which have helped shape her path on and off the golf course.
Meredith joined First Tee – Greater El Paso at 6, and when her family later moved to Cedar Park, Texas, she became involved with First Tee – Greater Austin. Female leaders at both chapters became mentors for Meredith, who soon realized she wanted golf to be a big part of her life.
“Kristi Albers started my love for the game by taking me under her wing and giving me lessons after every Saturday class,” Meredith said. “And Jennifer MacCurrach has been a mentor in so many aspects of my life – in and outside of golf.”
Meredith is currently enrolled in the PGA Golf Management Program at Sam Houston State University, where she was recently elected president of the PGM Student Association. This summer she’ll intern at Southern Hills Country Club, which has hosted three U.S. Opens and five PGA Championships.
“At this internship, I will be working in the golf performance center learning all about giving lessons and club fittings,” she said. “Along with that, I will get more experience working outside services and inside the golf shop getting more experience with merchandising.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program is shaping future leaders
Meredith is a member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. As a Scholar, she receives access to professional development opportunities, a dedicated mentor and financial support.
“The First Tee Scholarship Program has supported me in so many ways academically and socially,” she explained. “It’s given me the confidence I need to pursue a career in golf, and I’ve had the opportunity to hear from women who are already in the industry. Their stories have inspired me and assured me that success is possible.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program is supported by generous partners like Chevron, which hosted a group of First Tee alumni at The Chevron Championship in Woodlands, Texas, last week. Meredith attended the event and networked with a variety of golf industry professionals.
“The alumni meetup at The Chevron Championship was one of the most amazing experiences,” Meredith said. “Getting to meet up with my fellow First Tee friends and watch the amazing LPGA golfers only solidified my choice of working in this industry.”
The First Tee Alumni Network helps connect past participants, providing networking opportunities, social events and job listings. Join now.
