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The importance of embracing differences and different experiences 

February is Black History Month, an important time to recognize the contributions and remember the hardships endured by generations of African Americans. Appreciating diversity and what makes us each unique remains an integral part of First Tee’s DNA year-round.  

“When you bring together people with different perspectives and different experiences, the whole becomes stronger than the sum of its parts,” said Pepper Peete, whose career in golf began more than two decades ago when she established the men’s team at Edward Waters College, an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida. Peete now helps lead culture and inclusion efforts at First Tee headquarters. 

Access for All 

First Tee has always been committed to reaching kids from all backgrounds and making sure they feel included in our programming. At First Tee we commit to: 

  • Appreciating what makes us different. 
  • Providing everyone ​with what they need ​to succeed, knowing that our needs and challenges may differ. 
  • Creating space that makes every individual feel like they belong and can see themselves reflected.​ 

Collaborating with others – including those who are different from you – is a Key Commitment at First Tee, and it means showing respect, kindness and care for everyone. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation or lived experience, we’re all unique.  

Here are some ways kids can get more comfortable learning about and from others. 

A-L-R is a tool for learning about others 

First Tee coaches introduce the concept of appreciating diversity by explaining that people differ in many ways and are similar in other ways, and we all have strengths and weaknesses. It is important for kids and teens to understand, accept and appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses, but it is equally important they do the same with others. 

Engaging others in conversation doesn’t always come naturally to children, but it can be one of the best ways to form meaningful connections across perceived barriers. A-L-R is a strategy we teach at First Tee. 

  • Ask questions: Invite your child to ask questions to discover more about a person’s background and past experiences, which might provide insight into who they are today and the commonalities they share. 
  • Listen to understand: Introduce active listening by encouraging your child to focus on what others are saying rather than thinking about what to say next. 
  • Reflect and respond: Invite your child to show how they were listening by responding with a thoughtful question or sharing your own thoughts or feelings on the topic at hand.  

Through this exercise, kids might learn they share common interests with someone who looks or sounds different to them. 

Don’t forget that in addition to learning about others, preteens are often grappling with and discovering their own identities. If your family positions diversity as an asset, your child might feel more comfortable being themself.  

Exposing your child to food, music or books from other cultures can help them see the commonalities we share and appreciate that our differences make the world a richer place. You can also discuss the diversity that exists within your own family or community to show that diversity is everywhere, including the golf space. 

“Golf has given me an opportunity to go places I never would have been able to go and meet people I never would have been able to meet,” said Peete, who was married to Calvin Peete, one of the most successful Black professional golfers in history. “I think golf can open up unexpected doors.” 

A lifelong golfer and mother to two daughters who played golf at HBCUs, Peete has seen the sport become more accessible, especially to women, and she believes the golf course is a perfect place to break down barriers. “You get to meet so many different people through golf,” Peete said. 

PGA Hope

This Spring we opened up our facility to the first PGA Hope (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) programming offered in Northwest Arkansas. This incredible outreach program introduces golf to Veterans and Active Duty Military to enhance their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

We are proud to be affiliated with this incredible program, and it has been our honor to have Veterans of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life coming out to see us at First Tee – NWA. As we have gotten to know the participants, we have one gentleman that drives two hours, one way, just to join this class. Several others had not heard of the program before, but upon looking into it, most facilities fill up so quickly they have waitlists. We hope this opportunity is something that will continue to grow in our area.

We had the chance to chat with a couple of the Veterans and what this program has meant to them.

Jim McDonner spent 26 years Active Duty with the Navy followed by 14 years of Civil Service. After beginning retirement he was looking into taking up golf and starting lessons. It had been ten years or more since he had swung a club and fortunate timing for him about the time he started to look for lessons he noticed the PGA Hope program coming to NWA in the VA Newsletter. He was able to get signed up and has enjoyed the weekly sessions immensely. His favorite part has been chatting with the PGA Professionals – he says they have been very easy to talk to, very helpful and informative, and he has really enjoyed learning the technique behind his swing. One of the coaches took a video of his swing and analyzed it, and Jim appreciated being able to take the critiques and work to improve based on the feedback he was given.

Kathleen Finley is another Veteran attending the program, and the only female in this cohort. This is not a new position for her – she was in the Air Force from 1979-1989 and was the 1st Female Diesel Mechanic in Little Rock. When she signed up for the program her golfing experience only included miniature golf, which she claimed she wasn’t all that great at. Lots of missed putts and overhit balls that had to be chased. She learned about PGA Hope coming to NWA through an article and thought it would be fun to give it a try. Her favorite part about the program has been getting together with the people each week, chatting and making friends. She said everyone she has met has been nice and helpful which makes showing up each week something she looks forward to and enjoys. She wasn’t sure what to expect when she came to the first session because she has problems with her shoulder and didn’t know how much that would limit her. She was so grateful to the coaches for helping her make the needed adjustments to allow her to still learn proper technique and participate.

For more information on PGA Hope and other locations where programming is offered, head to their website here: https://www.pgareach.org/services/military

Carter Bonas wants everyone to feel like they belong on the course 

Carter Bonas has already broken through in the business world, and he’s just 12. His love of golf helped inspire his company, Spectrum Golf. 

The golf brand got its name because Carter is on the autism spectrum. The company was created to address an issue he faced, turning a challenge into an opportunity. 

“Me and my mom were spending lots of money on clothes that were supposed to be comfortable but weren’t because I have skin sensitivity,” explained the First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant.  

“I started Spectrum Golf because I wanted other people to be comfortable too.” 

The brand sells golf attire and accessories, which have been displayed at the PGA Show in Orlando, an industry standard event. Carter has been interviewed by Golf Channel, Golf Digest and more about his company. 

It’s impossible for Carter to choose a favorite memory from his time as a golfer. “They’re all super amazing,” Carter said.  

He’s walked the course with Ernie Els at the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida, chipped with PGA Champions Tour player Alex Cejka and even met basketball star Steph Curry. Last year Curry was honored as Sports Illustrated’s Sports Person of the Year, while Carter was named Sports Kid of the Year. 

Carter has big goals for his company, ultimately aiming to own a retail store and collaborate with other major brands. Playing on the PGA TOUR isn’t out of the question either, he said. 

Carter loves the sport because he’s able to play on a team while still controlling the outcome of his round – whether good or bad. He also loves spending time in nature, he said. 

Carter began playing golf after struggling to find another sport that fit.  

During Autism Awareness Month, his message to others on the spectrum: “If you’re considering golf it takes lots of patience and practice, and you always need to stay positive,” he said. 

Carter and his family have faced their own set of challenges when it comes to managing a new business. They had to table Spectrum Vitamin Water due to a manufacturing issue. “Carter only wants to sell products he loves,” said his mother, Dr. Thelma Tennie. But after finding a new producer, the vitamin water could be back on the market this year. 

Seeing his mom – who owns a private therapy practice – helped inspire Carter to become an entrepreneur, he explained. And he’s also passionate about giving back. He recently launched a nonprofit, and he serves as a golf coach and motivational speaker for schools and events. 

Like First Tee, Carter is dedicated to growing the sport of golf and showing that anyone can play. Carter and his mom were drawn to First Tee’s values, and he’s been participating with the Florida Gold Coast chapter in Fort Lauderdale for about a year. 

“It’s been super awesome,” Carter said. 

The Power of One

When Morgan was born she suffered a brain injury during delivery due to a lack of oxygen. As a result Morgan was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. When she was 4 months old she began having seizures which were ultimately diagnosed as epilepsy. At that time the doctors said that she would not survive past the age of 10. They also said that she would never walk or talk and would have limited cognitive function that would prohibit her from ever attending school normally. She began intense physical, occupational and speech therapies at 6 months old and continued until she was 18. Morgan is now 25 years old.

Despite living with some physical limitations, she has defied all of the odds. She attended Bentonville High School and was part of the varsity cheer team. She has done volunteer work throughout the community, been an active member of several committees throughout Northwest Arkansas, including the Community Access Committee at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and also does public speaking engagements in order to teach others about cerebral palsy, tube feedings and living a “differently abled” life. Morgan has a heart for giving back and anyone who meets her instantly falls in love with her. She has a smile that is infectious and a passion for life that is unmatched. Her desire of wanting to do more in the community is how she initially connected with First Tee – NWA.

According to Morgan, this is how she got started with First Tee – “One morning I woke up with this idea of helping my community and I was doing some research online. One afternoon my mom told me about this organization called First Tee – NWA and I love helping people in my community. I partnered with First Tee to do a Back to School drive and a Christmas Toy Drive.”

For the last two years, Morgan has partnered with us in our efforts to help out the underserved community with Back to School supplies in August. Using her infectious personality and connections she’s made through her father’s Insurance Agency, Morgan has helped us increase our impact in huge ways. We were so glad to have her join us at our Back to School event this past August to help us hand out lunchboxes and interact with the kids we serve.

Morgan has shown to be an incredible difference maker in our community – she has proven that hard work and determination is all it takes. She is the true definition of what it means to be “the power of one.”

Women’s History Month: How Jayda Dookie is changing the game 

Jayda Dookie didn’t quite know what she was getting into when her high school coach reached out about a caddying opportunity at Seminole Golf Club. 

Ranked the top course in Florida for the last 35 years by Golf Digest, the Club has a rich history of hosting the corporate elite along with a couple of high-profile events in the past. But Jayda was about to make her own history. When Jayda, a First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant, signed on as caddy, she was unaware that she would become the first female caddy in the history of the storied club. As a freshman, she was also the youngest caddy in the yard when she took the job four years ago. 

“A lot of the caddies were excited to see a girl come and do this job, not only because you have to engage with a lot of important people, but it’s also a physical job,” she explained. “I quicky had to get out my shell. I had to make sure my players were comfortable, and I definitely only succeeded because of the mentors I had in the caddy yard.” 

She said planning ahead is an important part of caddying at Seminole: “First we have to forecaddie. We must get to the ball before the players do to get all the numbers like distance from the hole, wind speed and direction. At Seminole, we really place an emphasis on pace of play, and the only way we’re able to do that is if our caddies are two steps ahead of our players,” she said. 

Jayda said it was intimidating to start her job at Seminole, but now she loves it because of the network she’s forged. 

“I have learned so much through the other caddies and members,” she said. “Many are prominent CEOs and business leaders, and it’s good for me to watch how business deals are negotiated the golf course.” 

That’s especially true since Jayda plans to have a career in international business – even though she’ll be sad to leave Seminole when she attends college in the fall. “I’m definitely going to miss it, but I know there’s an invitation extended for me to come back because they’ve become my second family now,” she said. 

Jayda credits First Tee’s John Deere Drive Your Future Academy with helping her select her future career path. She attended the event in San Francisco last summer. “It was amazing to see girls from all over the country gather to learn about business and leadership and play golf,” she said. “We didn’t know each other at first but by the end we all felt like family.” 

Jayda said First Tee has not only given her lots of impactful opportunities – including a recent behind-the-scenes visit to The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens – but also a supportive community. 

“I’m probably not going to remember all the stress and heartbreaks of different tournaments but I’m definitely going to remember the people and the family that has gathered around me thanks to golf.” 

Jayda was recently named Participant of the Year by First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. 

She credits the sport with teaching her discipline and giving her confidence and recommends golf for any girls who are looking for a new hobby. “I think they should definitely do it,” she said. “Golf is a sport you can play for life. Golf gives you a community and opportunities and people to lean on if you ever need help.” 

Obando on following his dreams: ‘Not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end’

Felipe Obando may now be studying at the Keiser University College of Golf. But it wasn’t always a given that the sport would play an important part in his life. 

Obando has long been a passionate artist, and in fifth grade, he won an art contest that not only awarded him tickets to The Honda Classic – and meet and greets with PGA TOUR players like Russel Henley – but also a lifetime membership to First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. 

It was the first time Obando was exposed to golf, and First Tee introduced him to the coaches who could become important mentors, he said.  

“I could go on all day long about the insane and incredible opportunities that have been given to me by the First Tee,” he said. But one thing stands out from his time in the organization: the values it instilled. 

“Responsibly, honesty, integrity … were all words we learned as kids going to the First Tee which helped pave the way for the rest of my life,” he said. 

During his time as a First Tee participant, Obando attended national events like the Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, he played at storied courses, including The Breakers and The Bears Club, and he volunteered to help younger kids learn the game. 

Obando was so passionate about the sport that he teamed up with seven other First Tee participants to create the First Tee – Palm Beaches Teen Golf Association, which has evolved into a thriving organization. 

Obando has had to overcome challenges to get where he is today. He was born with a malformed right hand and has developed a golf swing that compliments his disability.  

“Grabbing a cup, throwing a ball, flipping a coin. Those were all things I could do with my normal left hand. But what about a sport that involves your two hands gripping something? Golf was probably the most challenging sport I ever had to learn, and it took me lots of time and practice to be able to get good contact,” he said. 

“I would say the most important thing throughout this process was never giving up, even if it meant putting myself in uncomfortable situations. I always (and still do) finished holes even if I wasn’t playing my best and wanted to pick up,” he explained. “Overcoming challenges for me was difficult, and it still is to this day, but not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end.” 

Obando always knew he wanted to attend college, and now his goal has become a reality. He received a four-year scholarship to attend Keiser University College of Golf where’s he’s studying golf management.  

“When it comes to post graduation, all I know is that I want to be involved in the best industry there is, the golf industry, whether it’s a head pro at a club, a coach, working for a company and many more of the thousands of careers there are in the golf world,” he said. 

He recently received his WR4GD pass, which makes him eligible to compete in tournaments like the USGA’s second U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this summer. Obando said he’s excited for what the future holds. 

“I have been practicing hard, focusing on my classes, focusing on my game and staying healthy,” he said. 

Obando on following his dreams: ‘Not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end’

Felipe Obando may now be studying at the Keiser University College of Golf. But it wasn’t always a given that the sport would play an important part in his life. 

Obando has long been a passionate artist, and in fifth grade, he won an art contest that not only awarded him tickets to The Honda Classic – and meet and greets with PGA TOUR players like Russel Henley – but also a lifetime membership to First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. 

It was the first time Obando was exposed to golf, and First Tee introduced him to the coaches who could become important mentors, he said.  

“I could go on all day long about the insane and incredible opportunities that have been given to me by the First Tee,” he said. But one thing stands out from his time in the organization: the values it instilled. 

“Responsibly, honesty, integrity … were all words we learned as kids going to the First Tee which helped pave the way for the rest of my life,” he said. 

During his time as a First Tee participant, Obando attended national events like the Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, he played at storied courses, including The Breakers and The Bears Club, and he volunteered to help younger kids learn the game. 

Obando was so passionate about the sport that he teamed up with seven other First Tee participants to create the First Tee – Palm Beaches Teen Golf Association, which has evolved into a thriving organization. 

Obando has had to overcome challenges to get where he is today. He was born with a malformed right hand and has developed a golf swing that compliments his disability.  

“Grabbing a cup, throwing a ball, flipping a coin. Those were all things I could do with my normal left hand. But what about a sport that involves your two hands gripping something? Golf was probably the most challenging sport I ever had to learn, and it took me lots of time and practice to be able to get good contact,” he said. 

“I would say the most important thing throughout this process was never giving up, even if it meant putting myself in uncomfortable situations. I always (and still do) finished holes even if I wasn’t playing my best and wanted to pick up,” he explained. “Overcoming challenges for me was difficult, and it still is to this day, but not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end.” 

Obando always knew he wanted to attend college, and now his goal has become a reality. He received a four-year scholarship to attend Keiser University College of Golf where’s he’s studying golf management.  

“When it comes to post graduation, all I know is that I want to be involved in the best industry there is, the golf industry, whether it’s a head pro at a club, a coach, working for a company and many more of the thousands of careers there are in the golf world,” he said. 

He recently received his WR4GD pass, which makes him eligible to compete in tournaments like the USGA’s second U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this summer. Obando said he’s excited for what the future holds. 

“I have been practicing hard, focusing on my classes, focusing on my game and staying healthy,” he said. 

Coach Kelly on Building a Positive Self-Identity

Louis Kelly, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia alumni and now coach, has been with the chapter for longer than he can remember. Coach Kelly started when he was just 13 years old, graduating through the program in 2010.

Growing up with the First Tee – Greater Philadelphia chapter, Coach Kelly had been so positively impacted as a participant that he thought the only thing he could do was give back by returning to be a coach at the chapter in 2017.

“I love First Tee and I’ve been around it a long time now. Coaching my kids and being with influential people outside in the business world makes me reflect that I just love being able to bring a smile to people’s faces,” said Coach Kelly.

Coach Kelly focuses primarily on the in-school curriculum, along with coaching golf lessons for the participants to help them make their high school golf team. From there, Coach Kelly wishes to see his kids in the program graduate and go on to college where they can play for collegiate teams.  

In addition to the curriculum and golf lessons, coaches like Coach Kelly serve as a mentor for the community, helping to support participants along their educational and golf journey. Coach Kelly focuses on building a positive self-identity as a core characteristic in life.

“The mind believes in whatever you say about yourself, so we need to make it a good one,” said Coach Kelly.

“We need community, and as you know, First Tee has allowed young people to come in a safe space and be around positive coaches and other young people to build healthy habits and life skills.”

Frame by Frame Program Making an Impact

Our Character Development Mobile Unit has been consistently working with youth in various schools throughout the Springdale School District since January 2021. This program has been an incredible outreach tool for us to be able to impact youth that are in home situations that keep them from being able to participate in our programming at our Lowell facility. We have been fortunate to have some incredible teachers, counselors, and staff at the school district that has helped us with this endeavor. One staff member that has gone above and beyond with our students is Mr. Omar Gonazalez.

Omar and his family had the opportunity to move to the United States just prior to the pandemic in 2019. Omar and his wife, Mary, have three children – Diego Rivera (21), Dario (12), and David (8). The two youngest sons are students in the Springdale School District. Upon moving to Springdale, Mr. Omar was a volunteer facilitator for the George Elementary School Education

Accelerated by Service and Technology program until 2021, when he was then hired on as the school district’s Multimedia Specialist in their Communication Department.

Mr. Omar’s background includes a Bachelors in Communication Sciences and a Masters in Film Direction. While living in Mexico he was a Communications Advisor for the State Commision for the Victims of Crime Attention as well as the Head of Information and Multimedia Design of the Commision for Security and Integram Development for Michoacán. He also was the co-founder of the multimedia company Captura Visual where he had many roles – video producer, multimedia designer, editor, aerial and ground filmmaker, and photographer. 

At the beginning of the First Tee Character Development Mobile Unit programming, both of Omar’s younger sons were original program participants. This is how Mr. Omar became connected with our Director of Programming and Outreach, Isaac Tellez. They began collaborating and working together on ways to improve the local community, and how Mr. Omar’s experiences in the film industry could be helpful, and the First Tee Frame by Frame program was born. 

The Frame by Frame program is a unique group of kids that are learning the ins and outs of filmmaking. They have worked on the creative side, coming up with ideas for the films, and then followed up with the execution of making the film. They have taken turns being actors, videographers, and collaborated on editing the films before production. Mr. Omar has taken great pride in overseeing the design and development of the Frame by Frame curriculum. Through this program he is able to encourage the children that he meets with to be inspired to participate in the learning of audio and visual techniques, and using these tools to share their stories, be a voice, and be proud of their background. Mr. Omar helps the students to identify adversities they face and use them to produce impactful videos to better tell their own personal story. The focus is to highlight values, goals, and morals with their short films, while also allowing the participants exposure to different environments, experiences, and jobs that the world of cinematography can open up to them. His favorite part of working with the youth is seeing a boost in their confidence as they enhance their skills abilities through teamwork and hands on projects.

We are incredibly grateful to have Mr. Omar leading our Frame by Frame program. It is obvious he has a huge heart for youth and is making a huge impact with the kids he interacts with. Mr. Omar says he lives by the wisdom imparted on him by his father, 

“In your life you must do good and correct things and share love, compassion, and gratitude with people. Then you just have to wait for the best things to happen in your life.”

What great words to live by, and what an amazing example Mr. Omar is for youth today. 

Jose Perez Makes an Impact at First Tee – Monterey County

Jose Perez grew up in Salinas, California where his family loved watching different professional sports, but primarily soccer because of their Hispanic heritage. It wasn’t until Jose was 8 years old when he was first introduced to the sport of golf – and instantly he fell in love. “In other sports, you have to rely on other people. With golf, you only have to rely on yourself and that’s why I love the game,” said Jose.

Jose became a participant at First Tee – Monterey County after being introduced to the game, loving the programs he took part in. So much so, after graduating from the program, he became a First Tee coach in 2013. “Monterey County had a summer program which I applied to that summer. I took my first class and loved it. First Tee – Monterey County has helped me a lot in my career. The coaches I had gave their best at everything and gave me values and skills I could use in my life. The least I could do is give back,” said Jose.

While coaching at First Tee – Monterey County, Jose is also studying to get his degree in accounting. Once he completes his bachelor’s degree, he will apply to get his master’s degree and become a CPA. One day, Jose hopes to do accounting for businesses all over California and take over his dad’s pallet business.

“If there’s anything I could teach my participants, it’s to be patient, be positive and always be willing to ask for help.”

2022 Impact

We want to take some time and reflect on what an incredible year we have had impacting youth and families here in NWA throughout 2022. Take a look back with us as we go by the numbers, where each one stands for a specific way we are making a difference in the community.

1928. The number of youth that were impacted at our facility through our programming: First Tee Classes, Spring, Summer, and Winter Camps, Operation 36, Fassi’s Friends, High School Development, Play with Me Class, and our new Intro to Golf course. That is not just 1928 kids that we taught golf to, but rather 1928 kids we were able to impact with our character development and life skills curriculum.

These kids learned: Respect – for themselves and for others. Integrity – keeping their own score, and being honest. Good Sportsmanship – encouraging to their peers. Goal Setting – holding themselves accountable to improve. Perseverance – not giving up when things get hard

All of these things can be taken with them in other areas of their life, outside of golf. School. Home. Future workplace. We are teaching more than golf, we are Building Game Changers and preparing these kids for the future.

1090. This is the number of hours we spent in 2022 programming at our Lowell facility. We offered more camp options and new classes this year, therefore allowing more opportunity for us to impact youth in NWA. Although the majority of these hours were spent doing something golf related, through each golf lesson and drill, we are incorporating the First Tee Key Commitments and teaching so much more than just golf to our participants.

A highlight for us is when a participant comes to class and is able to make the connection of something they learned and how they applied it in other areas of their life. A connection to their classes at school, other sports they play, or even at home with their parents or siblings.

Family-friendly is one of the top things we want people to relate to our Par 3, Nine hole course at our First Tee – NWA facility. In 2022 we had three different Adult/Child scrambles, and 54 different families represented.

One of our favorite things is watching kids come out and learn the game, or give it a try for the first time, with their parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, or grandparents. One of our tournaments we had six family members across THREE different generations represented. What a sport golf is that it can bring together families from across many generations to play and enjoy the game together; and what a blessing for us to be able to offer a safe and kid-friendly environment where these family memories can be made.

This year was our 2nd Annual Confidence Classic High School Tournament, and we had 130 high school golfers from NWA and beyond come to Bella Vista to compete in a tournament to ready their teams for post-season play. This is an opportunity for schools of varying sizes to compete against each other, building confidence in their game, and meeting other like-minded students who share a love for the game of golf together.

In speaking with coaches, this tournament has been a favorite among their teams because it allows them to play multiple different schools at once, versus the 2-team matches that regular season offers. Some of the smaller schools that attend our tournament enjoy the chance to play at a bigger course than they are used to. We are grateful to provide opportunities to these youth as we continue to work toward growing the game of golf in our area, and impacting youth beyond the boundaries of our facility in Lowell.

Our Character Development Mobile Unit program offers a program within the program called Frame by Frame. We have had 12 students participate in this program in 2022. These students have the opportunity to learn about the world of video and cinematography. They are encouraged to identify the adversities they face and use them to produce impactful videos to better tell their own personal story. Led by the incredible Mr. Omar from the Springdale School District, he is showing them how film can be used to tell about their personal experiences as well as helping out in their communities and their school. 

Over the last year, our Frame by Frame kids have had the opportunity to interview the Razorback Men’s Basketball team, write, film, and produce short videos, as well as filming different events with our First Tee programming.

Thanks to some community grants we were able to provide 3 training opportunities for our staff. They were trained and certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED. This gave them knowledge and a higher comfort level of preparedness in case a medical emergency situation came up during classes or camps. They were also trained by an Ability Tree representative where they learned to effectively communicate and work with participants with disabilities or physical challenges. The third training session covered social and emotional behavior skills conducted by a licensed counselor and clinical social worker. This session helped our staff to be prepared to be more understanding of the various social and emotional needs of children, and meeting those specific needs in appropriate ways.

These training sessions elevated our staffs confidence level in working with kids, and we had a lot of positive feedback from both staff and parents thanks to these training sessions. As the world around us continues to change, we are adapting in order to better meet the needs of the families we serve.

Looking back over all of the events First Tee – NWA participated in throughout 2022, there were 17 events that did not fall under our regular programming that we participated in. We are so grateful when we get to take part in community events, and help with other organizations to make an impact with kids right here where we live. We love all of our event opportunities, but some definite favorites this year were: Fassi’s Friends Festival held at our own facility, Blessings Collegiate Junior Invitational Clinic with the Arkansas Razorback men’s and women’s golf teams, and the Confidence in Sport activation tent at the LPGA NW Arkansas Championship tournament.

So many kids, from so many backgrounds, and a reach like no other. We are grateful for opportunities to grow our impact beyond our facility.

It has been an incredible year of impacting kids – 977 to be exact – with our Character Strong curriculum through our Mobile Unit at several different schools across Springdale School District. We had Mobile Unit participants come to our camps this summer, and many of our kids who would love to attend our program again and again. We are grateful for the incredible community partners that help us provide snacks to the kids we serve, and those that come out to teach them about their business or share their expertise on things such as our local water supply or financial literature.

We love the direction things are going and can’t wait to see where the Mobile Unit takes us next – literally!

This year at our first ever Game Changer Banquet, we gave out 20 awards based on character! It was an incredible evening of celebrating the accomplishments of these young participants. The character and life skills these youth demonstrated in class are skills that will grow with them beyond our First Tee programming, and prepare them for other areas in life – school, home, and their future workplace.

We also honored someone who has helped us tremendously with our Character Development Mobile Unit’s drives to help underserved kids. Our winner, Morgan England, is a true example of the great things that can be done, when equipped with great character. She is the epitome of a Game Changer in the community, and when she sets her mind to something, amazing things happen. This award will be named after Morgan going forward – The Morgan England Community Game Changer Award – and we look forward to seeking out other individuals in our community, and in our classes, going into 2023.

Our Mobile Unit hosted three different Drives to benefit underserved students and families this year. The total impact of all three of these efforts was 699 people served!

Back to School Drive – We kick things off in August gathering backpacks, lunchboxes, and school supplies! At this event, students leave with everything needed to start the year off on the right foot, the opportunity for a FREE haircut, and we feed event attendees lunch – this year we served 289 kids!

Thanksgiving Drive – this year was our first to have a Food Drive, and thanks to Central States Manufacturing and the help of several donors we were able to gift 150 families a complete Thanksgiving meal.

Holiday Toy Drive – This is our 3rd year to host a toy drive, and we have accumulated enough toys to gift 1-3 toys per kid – total impact of 260 kids served. We love putting the Happy in the Holidays for so many kids!

Giving back to the community is not only a need, but as a true privilege for us to be in a position to do. We teach our participants to be Game Changers, and what better way to model that for them than giving back to our community when we are able. Each year our impact with these Drives have grown, and we can’t wait to see what next year will bring in ways we can impact NWA in a positive way. 

As much as we loved making an impact in 2022, and it’s fun to reflect on the great things that happened, we can’t help but look forward to what 2023 will bring. We will continue to elevate our programming and increase our impact – and we are able to do so thanks to the incredible support of sponsors and donors, alike. As we close up this year, if you are looking for a way to make a difference with your dollars, please consider supporting First Tee – NWA. We’d love for you to be a part of the great things happening right here in our community.  

Game Changing Alumni

For over 25 years, we’ve used golf to teach lessons about life. We’ve spun the unexpected challenges on the fairway to coach kids about adversity in the everyday. It’s not just a game, its game-changing.

Our alumni are a reflection of that commitment we made to building game changers. Below are just a few of our exceptional alumni who are making a difference in the world because of the lessons learned at First Tee.