Year: 2021
Mentzel Proves Heart, Golf Are All You Need to Impact Others
By Sara Wright, PGA TOUR
Henry Mentzel was just seven years old when he was first introduced to First Tee. His parents had been searching for some basic golf lessons for their son and stumbled across First Tee — Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Little did they know, this program would end up providing so much more. First Tee would be one of the most influential programs in young Henry’s life and would prove a catalyst for his personal growth throughout the years.
“I have been active in multiple sports throughout my childhood,” Henry explained. “I played soccer, basketball, baseball, just trying to figure out which I enjoyed the most. First Tee introduced golf in a way that allowed me to learn how to play the game, but also taught me life skills that I was able to apply across many areas of my young life. In the end, golf is the sport I enjoy the most.”
Henry is currently at the Eagle level, but it was during his time in the PAR level that he learned a valuable lesson on perseverance and how to succeed in golf by continuing through bad breaks and his own mistakes. This lesson also helped him in other aspects of his life.
“I applied the perseverance lesson in school, specifically, in Latin,” he said. “I struggled to understand the different parts of Latin grammar and the new vocabulary. My school required Latin, so I had to figure out how to persevere through three years of an unspoken language that did not make sense to me. I made a lot of vocabulary lists, agreed to get a tutor, and started staying after school for help nights. After applying myself, despite some not so great grades on assignments, I started making progress and now, in my third year, I have an A in the class.”
Not only do these lessons shape Henry’s life, but they have had a big part in shaping others’ lives, as well. Coached from early on by Tom and Melissa Briner, they not only helped him discover his love for the game of golf, but also gave Henry the opportunity to coach other young golfers at First Tee.
“Being able to introduce my friend Will Abel to the game of golf was very meaningful to me,” Henry reflected. “First Tee has given Will the opportunity to begin to learn the game of golf and me the opportunity to teach and play with him. I enjoy that we now both have another common interest that we enjoy doing together.”
This friendship between Will and Henry was one of the reasons he was recently awarded with the 2020 Heart of First Tee Award. This award given by First Tee — Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky recognizes individuals who embody the “Heart” of the First Tee through giving of time, talent or treasure; by demonstrating and living one of First Tee values; or by going above and beyond to promote or further their missions.
“We are all living in extraordinary and trying times that have tested all of us in ways we couldn’t even imagine nine months ago,” Rosie Abel wrote in her nomination of Henry. “Despite these challenges, Henry – acting upon the values of the First Tee – found a way to make a difference in our son’s life. My son, Will, who has Down Syndrome, is not unlike most sixteen-year-olds — very outgoing, social, and full of energy. But the pandemic has proven to be particularly frustrating for him especially when Ohio shut down in March. His sense of isolation grew as the effects of the pandemic spread.”
“When First Tee classes resumed in the summer, Henry continued to be that go-to person for Will,” Rosie continued. “He supports Will at the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati’s Buddy Walk and even invited Will to play a round of golf with him, knowing that Will was not as experienced as himself. Will is not the only recipient of Henry’s friendship. Many coaches and staff have witnessed his kindness and refreshing take on life, feeling joy in other’s successes. We suspect there are many other people who have been touched by Henry and consider him to be on their “go-to team.”
Henry currently caddies, is a member of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) and Books For Kids (a club where students write and illustrate a book imagined patients at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital) he also regularly volunteers with his family at a soup kitchen. During the summer, Henry volunteers in First Tee classes where he is a positive role model for the younger kids in the program.
“The core values the First Tee teaches are very important for kids and teens today,” Henry continued. “I really believe these core values build kids to be better, stronger, and smarter on and off the golf course each day. First Tee also teaches kids social and mental skills on how to interact and bring out the best in themselves and their teammates. First Tee teaches how to set specific goals and, more importantly, what it takes to achieve them. These essential skills help prepare kids for their future and provide tools for success.”
As Henry prepares for his future, one of his immediate goals is to place in the top 10 in one of the golf tournaments he plans to compete in this summer. He is also striving to achieve the A honor role during his freshman year at Walnut Hills High School. His long terms goals are to play college golf and get into medical school.
“First Tee has taught me that to achieve these goals I will need to be confident, honest, and persevere through challenges,” Henry added. “Through this program and the coaches who mentor me, I always feel that I can do whatever I set my mind to do. It has helped me understand that a bad day on the course (or in school or in life, in general) is just that – one bad day. Tomorrow is a fresh start.” Empowering Youth Through Golf
Golf is a metaphor for life – full of unexpected challenges, and how we choose to respond defines who we are. As the kids and teens in our programs know, success is not defined by how well we play the game. It’s not about the score at the end of a round, or whether they won the tournament. It’s about the journey. What we learn along the way. And what we do with that learning makes all the difference.
What makes First Tee different from other youth development organizations is how we do our work: through golf. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do
While participating in First Tee, 82% of the youth in our programs felt more confident with their social skills and 73% reported feeling more confident in their academic ability.
“I am grateful for the First Tee program and the impact it has had on my life. I have learned that golf is much more than a game, much more than just swinging a club, and carries with it life lessons that I will draw from for the rest of my life. The program has provided me with opportunities to play matches and tournaments that not only improved my game but provided lasting friendships with the golf families and coaches over the years. The program has provided me with a safe place to be a lifetime student of the game. There will always be something to learn, something to change, something to improve, (whether it’s a part of my golf game or a non-golf, real life situation) and First Tee ties them all together in a pretty bow, and helps me understand the connection.” – Emily Knox, First Tee — Tri Valley
Experiences are our greatest teacher. We believe in developing the ones that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Our trained coaches create safe, supportive and empowering environments to help our participants prepare for life ahead, including friendships, school, college and even their careers.
Whether a child’s goal is to be a lawyer, a teacher, an astrophysicist, a musician, or a professional golfer, kids become a better version of themselves when they have the space to be who they are, surrounded by passionate people who guide them to see what they are capable of.
If anyone you know thinks that golf isn’t for them, invite them to try it the First Tee way. Quick 9 for Personal Growth through Golf
By: Andrew Olivo, Age 16, First Tee – Central Florida
1. How does golf relate to life?
Golf relates to life as it teaches many important qualities such as respect, responsibility, and judgment. These characteristics help me to make the right decisions in life and place me on a path for success.2. How does golf challenge you to be a better person?
Golf challenges me to be a better person by placing me in situations to embrace the life lessons that I learn. For example, on the course, I have to always be honest with myself, even when nobody’s watching.3. What is your favorite part about playing golf?
My favorite part about playing golf is spending time on the golf course with my dad. He is usually very busy with work so it’s nice to have some bonding time with him on the course to talk and play.
4. What golf skill helps you the most off the course?
Perseverance helps me the most off the course as it pushes me to do my best despite challenges or difficulties I may face in achieving my goals.5. How can golf make you a more well-rounded individual?
Golf makes me a more well-rounded individual by teaching me a variety of skills and characteristics that I use in my day to day life. For example, golf helps to build my self confidence and practice respect towards adults and peers in my life.6. How are you inspired through golf?
I am inspired through golf to continue to improve as I play competitively in tournaments and on my high school team. In addition, as a junior assistant coach, it has inspired me to give back to my community and teach younger golfers the game of golf and important life lessons.7. How have you grown up over the past year?
Over the past year, I have learned to take on more responsibilities and leadership roles. For example, I am dedicating more time to junior coaching classes in First Tee. In school, I have become more active in clubs and organizations that I am a member of.
8. What or who motivates you?
My parents motivate me to work hard and try my best in golf and school. They teach me to always be a good person and lead by example.9. What is your personal growth goal?
My personal growth goal is to keep working hard in school to be accepted in a highly rated university. In addition to developing my academics, I also want to continue focusing on maintaining my health and fitness through physical activity.Kelvin Williams – Lessons in Leadership
At First Tee, we guide kids to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action because strong character, inner strength and resilience is needed now more than ever. This month we are talking to leaders within our Network about their experiences and key lessons learned over the course of their careers.
Yes. It started with my parents. People really respected them because of their strong work ethic and the manner in which they carried themselves. They would often get asked to lead various activities at church, work or in the community, and I knew one day I wanted follow in their footsteps. As I began my career, I held on to those qualities and observed others in leadership roles. I learned what to do and what not to do, and from there I developed my own leadership style, which helped me to advance up the ladder and into the role I currently serve in.
Absolutely. 17 years ago, as a new manager, I was struggling trying to find ways to motivate one of my team members, and it really drove me crazy because I could not get this guy to perform at a higher level . Later that year, I went to a manager/leadership seminar and it was very enlightening. My biggest take way from the seminar was the effective listening session, and I was inspired and determined to take what I learned back to my office and try it on the team member I was struggling to motivate. And it worked! By listening, I was able to get to know him and build a relationship, which fostered trust. And in return, he trusted me and shared his goals and dreams with me. And because of that I was finally able to help him be successful because I listened to him and learned how to get his engine going.
Kelvin Williams, Senior Vice President, Business Operations at First Tee Headquarters
What is your current role at First Tee and what is the most rewarding part of your job?
Senior Vice President, Business Operations. Definitely helping others be successful. And knowing that what we do is making a difference in the lives of young people.This month we’re celebrating Black History Month and lifting up voices of Black participants, coaches and leaders exploring what it means to be a leader. What does leadership mean to you?
It means being a good example, practicing what I preach, and doing what I say I am going to do. It also means being consistent and maintaining a great attitude no matter what… Attitude reflects leadership.Did you always know you wanted to be in a leadership role? Can you share a little bit about your journey and how you’ve developed into your current role?
Yes. It started with my parents. People really respected them because of their strong work ethic and the manner in which they carried themselves. They would often get asked to lead various activities at church, work or in the community, and I knew one day I wanted follow in their footsteps. As I began my career, I held on to those qualities and observed others in leadership roles. I learned what to do and what not to do, and from there I developed my own leadership style, which helped me to advance up the ladder and into the role I currently serve in.
Who were some of the strong voices or mentors in your life that inspired you?
My Wife, Parents and Pastors.
Can you give an example of a challenge you have faced in your career and how have you worked to overcome it?
Absolutely. 17 years ago, as a new manager, I was struggling trying to find ways to motivate one of my team members, and it really drove me crazy because I could not get this guy to perform at a higher level . Later that year, I went to a manager/leadership seminar and it was very enlightening. My biggest take way from the seminar was the effective listening session, and I was inspired and determined to take what I learned back to my office and try it on the team member I was struggling to motivate. And it worked! By listening, I was able to get to know him and build a relationship, which fostered trust. And in return, he trusted me and shared his goals and dreams with me. And because of that I was finally able to help him be successful because I listened to him and learned how to get his engine going.
How does or can First Tee play a role in bringing more diversity to our game?
By continuing to provide all young people, regardless of race, gender or social economic background, the opportunity to participate. And being intentional about hiring and recruiting leadership that looks like the community we want to serve.What advice do you have for young people entering the job market determined to make a career for themselves?
- Do what you say you’re going to do.
- Don’t let anyone out work you.
- Pay your dues.
- Have fun!
Monica Blake – Lessons in Leadership
At First Tee, we guide kids to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action because strong character, inner strength and resilience is needed now more than ever. This month we are talking to leaders within our Network about their experiences and key lessons learned over the course of their careers.
Having to lead during a pandemic was certainly a challenge and continues to be each day. One important lesson I’ve learned is how to constantly adapt to ever changing circumstances and continue to modify and adjust as necessary. Flexibility and the power of teamwork are key pillars I have to lean on. Together, as an organization, we were able to navigate through our new circumstances and now we’re in a position to advance our organization even further. We were forced to evaluate our operations through a different lens, and I feel programming has benefited as a result.
Monica Blake, First Tee – Central Arkansas
What is your current role at First Tee and what is the most rewarding part of your job?
My name is Monica Blake and I am the Executive Director of First Tee-Central Arkansas. The most rewarding part of my job is making a positive impact on the lives of the youth and families we serve in Central Arkansas. As the Executive Director I’m able to serve as the voice of our participants and advocate on their behalf. I am also a certified First Tee coach and I have been intentional about staying involved in the coaching process. I believe that in order to be a successful leader it’s important that I stay connected to our participants and our mission. As the Executive Director, it’s essential to be a good steward of our donors and sponsoring donations and it’s very rewarding to see those contributions directly impact the youth that we serve.This month we’re celebrating Black History Month and lifting up voices of Black participants, coaches and leaders exploring what it means to be a leader. What does leadership mean to you?
I believe that leadership isn’t about a title or position that you hold, but that it’s about the difference you make in someone’s life. As the leader of First Tee- Central Arkansas it’s important that I’m putting everyone within our organization in a position to not only be successful, but to facilitate an environment where each participant, coach, and volunteer aspire to be the change they seek in the lives of the youth that we serve.Did you always know you wanted to be in a leadership role? Can you share a little bit about your journey and how you’ve developed into your current role?
My journey with First Tee began in an entry level role as a volunteer coach in 2012. It was in this role, I realized the value that each position within the organization holds, and how it’s sometimes the person who’s the initial point of contact, that can make the biggest impact on a participant. As I reflect on my growth in the organization, and how my career has progressed, I was extremely fortunate for the opportunity to serve as a volunteer. It was instrumental in laying a foundation of what it means to serve and how to incorporate service into my leadership style. I quickly moved into the role of a paid coach and from there I was promoted to Program Director, where I served for 6 years. Being the Program Director allowed me to connect with the curriculum we were teaching and our mission as an organization and how it impacts each participant. In 2019, I became the first female African-American Executive Director of First Tee-Central Arkansas. I know it was every role that I’ve served, which helped prepare me for this amazing opportunity within this organization and has put me in the greatest position to be successful .Who were some of the strong voices or mentors in your life that inspired you?
Harold Banks has been a mentor to not only myself, but to countless golfers throughout the Central Arkansas area. Harold was always willing to share his knowledge, skills and expertise with everyone in the golf community. He always had a positive attitude and took a personal interest in mentoring the next generation. Harold was instrumental in advancing black golfers in Little Rock and often his advice extended far beyond the golf course. He was respected by golfers throughout Central Arkansas and left a lasting impact on golfers for generations to come. The impact Harold has made on our community is something that truly inspires and motivates me to become a mentor and leader in the community.
Can you give an example of a challenge you have faced in your career and how have you worked to overcome it?
Having to lead during a pandemic was certainly a challenge and continues to be each day. One important lesson I’ve learned is how to constantly adapt to ever changing circumstances and continue to modify and adjust as necessary. Flexibility and the power of teamwork are key pillars I have to lean on. Together, as an organization, we were able to navigate through our new circumstances and now we’re in a position to advance our organization even further. We were forced to evaluate our operations through a different lens, and I feel programming has benefited as a result.
How does or can First Tee play a role in bringing more diversity to our game?
First Tee has the opportunity to play a fundamental role in increasing diversity in golf, especially in Central Arkansas. The mission of our organization has always been to introduce our programming to underserved communities and now we have the opportunity to lead the charge in bringing diversity and inclusion into the game of golf. This is done by elevating black voices within the community and developing a plan to identify the disconnections and expanding opportunities for minorities. As an organization it is our responsibility to ensure that all participants are having an equitable experience.What advice do you have for young people entering the job market determined to make a career for themselves?
My advice for young people entering the job market would be to find something that you are passionate about and where you can make a difference. Golf has always played a significant role in my life and as I’ve grown older so has the desire to help people in my community. I’m very fortunate to now serve in a role where I get to blend these two together. It is important to make an impact on the world around you and to help those who are in need.Coach Dustin Marsh – Lessons in Leadership
At First Tee, we guide kids to strengthen what’s inside and put it into action because strong character, inner strength and resilience is needed now more than ever. This month we are talking to leaders within our Network about their experiences and key lessons learned over the course of their careers.
Currently, I am a recognized First Tee Coach. I have been coaching with The First Tee since 2009.
A challenge that I have faced in my career is leading teams of people and how to get the best results possible. What I’ve learned is that you have to know what motivates them and what their strengths and weaknesses are. This takes time and building relationships. Once you know these details, you can put people where they are going to be the most effective and the whole team benefits. I’ve done the same thing in the First Tee classes I coach. I try to learn as quickly as I can why a kid is there and what they are looking to get out of the experience. Once I know this, I can adapt my coaching to best match their needs. Like we are trained in the First Tee Coach Program, match the activity to the child and not the child to the activity.
Coach Dustin Marsh, First Tee – Central Carolina
What is your current role at First Tee, how long have you been in that role and what is the most rewarding part of your job?
Currently, I am a recognized First Tee Coach. I have been coaching with The First Tee since 2009.
This month we’re celebrating Black History Month and lifting up voices of Black participants, coaches and leaders exploring what it means to be a leader. As a coach, you’re both a mentor and leader to the participants in the program. What does that mean to you?
It means a great deal to me! Many people get to middle age and find themselves in a job or career that they did not foresee. They get caught up in making a living. They may or may not like what they do. I like what I do but, before I started with The First Tee I was not participating in my community as I thought I needed to. I was searching for something to fill a void in my being. When I was young, I was an education major but, life happened and I took an opportunity to work in computer technology. Now that I am coaching with The First Tee, I feel like I’m exercising the same passion I had when I was on a path to be an educator.How important is it for participants to see diverse leaders like yourself and others coaching at the chapter?
It’s extremely important that our participants experience the program from a diverse range of leaders and with diverse peers. I think specifically about some of the kids I have coached over the years who have gone on to college and professional careers, and I know having diverse coaches was instrumental in not only attracting them to the program, but also keeping them engaged for the long run. At the end of the day, it’s about making kids feel welcome and comfortable, and when a kid can see themselves in me or another black or brown coach, that increases the likelihood they will want to come back.Who were some of the strong voices or mentors in your life that inspired you?
Many of my coaches made strong impressions on me for various reasons. Some of my teachers inspired me as well. However, I think the strongest voices in my life were those that exemplified and instilled the importance of decency toward others.What accomplishment are you most proud of in your life or career?
One thing I’m most proud of is my track record of community service, specifically through First Tee – Central Carolina. I’ve been doing this for over 11 years. It isn’t always convenient or easy in my schedule, but it has been worth it. I’m proud that kids have called me a mentor even when I didn’t think I was, and that I’ve been able to help them figure out all how to deal with the hard things life has thrown at them.
Can you give an example of a challenge you have faced in your career and how have you worked to overcome it?
A challenge that I have faced in my career is leading teams of people and how to get the best results possible. What I’ve learned is that you have to know what motivates them and what their strengths and weaknesses are. This takes time and building relationships. Once you know these details, you can put people where they are going to be the most effective and the whole team benefits. I’ve done the same thing in the First Tee classes I coach. I try to learn as quickly as I can why a kid is there and what they are looking to get out of the experience. Once I know this, I can adapt my coaching to best match their needs. Like we are trained in the First Tee Coach Program, match the activity to the child and not the child to the activity.
How does or can First Tee play a role in bringing more diversity to our game?
I think we must continue to find ways to make golf inviting to a diverse group of people. There isn’t one way to bring more diversity to golf. We have to try every approach we can come up with. It’s not something that can be accomplished overnight. Golf used to be a sport that was available to only those with financial means and making it more inclusive is going to take time and perseverance. There is a lot of untapped talent that golf has yet to tap into. It ultimately comes down to building relationships in your community that are genuine and time tested. The opportunities to be more diverse can be hard to initially see, but if your focus is on building relationships, the opportunities to engage with black and brown communities will become more apparent. When it comes to this type of work, don’t worry about being the first one there, focus on being the last one standing.What leadership advice or concept do you think is most important for your participants to know?
Focus on the process, not the outcome.Angela “Coach Angel” Whorton, First Tee — Greater Akron
Coach Angel has been an educator for 15 years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from Hampton University, where she attended on a full NCAA Division I scholarship helping lead her team in March Madness.
After graduation, Coach Angel traveled extensively and was invited to speak on diversity and educational practices. She began her teaching career in Turkey, teaching English as a Second Language before going back home, to Akron, Ohio where she is currently an educator at the Lebron James IPromise school.
Coach Angel was introduced to First Tee 8 years ago when her son, John Ramon, joined the program. She joined in not long after and has been coaching at First Tee — Greater Akron for 7 years.
“I feel it is important to stay involved in the First Tee to offer the kids in my urban community the opportunity to play a sport that they may have not felt was in their realm of abilities. When we begin working with these athletes we open a whole new world for them while developing their character through the Core Values to instill a solid foundation for success. I also feel it is essential to have representation in the world of golf and being able to interact and develop friendships and perspectives with people in the golf community that may have otherwise never built a relationship with someone in the Black community such as myself.”
Coach Angel is just one of the many inspirational coaches across our network and we invite you to learn more about her journey and thoughts on leadership in the video below.
First Tee Alumni Compete on the APGA Tour
We believe that golf provides a powerful vehicle to help kids build inner strength and life enhancing skills they can take to everything they do.
Joseph Dent, Marcellus Dillard and Joey Stills are First Tee alumni using these life lessons as they compete on the APGA Tour, a launching pad for African Americans and minority golfers to compete and make their way to the PGA TOUR. The three alumni shared their experiences through First Tee and how it’s empowered them to develop their character as they pursue their goals.
2021 Golf Mania game cards available to benefit our chapter
PURCHASE YOUR GAMECARD HERE
First Tee-Howard County is once again selling Charity Mania golf sweepstakes tickets for 2021 — a great opportunity to sharpen your focus on the four golf majors, support our area’s premier youth development organization, and have the chance to win cash prizes!
The Masters: April 5-11, 2021
PGA Championship: May 20-23, 2021
U.S. Open: June 17-20, 2021
British Open: July 15-18, 2021
This is “Fantasy Golf” without the work and commitment, for a great cause!
Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling us at 410-730-1114 or emailing [email protected]. We had about 15 winners last year from $25 to $200.
Still not sure how it works? This quick video explains it!
These tickets also come with absolutely free music downloads for up and coming artists.
So jump on in! And yes, if you delay until after the PGA Championship cutoff (days before the tournament) your $20 ticket will be good for the next majors, so greatest value goes to the early purchasers!