Lindsley Stys

Tickets on sale now: Golf Mania fundraiser for 2025 golf majors

First Tee-Howard County is once again selling Golf Mania golf sweepstakes tickets for 2025 — 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 10-13, 2025
PGA Championship: May 15-18, 2025
U.S. Open: June 12-15, 2025
British Open: July 17-20, 2025

This is “Fantasy Golf” without the work and commitment, for a great cause! To sweeten the deal, this year Golf Mania is offering Buy 5, Get One Free.

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 Masters, your $20 ticket will be good for the next majors, so greatest value goes to the early purchasers!

2024 Annual Report

Participant Swara K. Selected for Girls Golf eLeader Board

Congratulations to First Tee-Howard County participant Swara K. on being selected out of a pool of 100+ applicants to serve on the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf eLeader Board of Directors.

“I was interested in applying to the Girls Golf eLeader Board because it gives me a chance to get my voice out there about what I think could be improved with the program, as well as leadership experience. I was taught in my First Tee classes about how to introduce myself to other people and make a good first impression. These skills, along with mentoring and volunteering with First Tee, definitely helped me stand out in my application and interview process,” comments Swara.

The eLeader program is a new national volunteer and mentorship opportunity for Girls Golf advocates ages 13 – 18 who are looking for ways to give back to help their local program. In addition to making a difference in their communities, eLeaders build professional and leadership skills that help prepare for life beyond high school.

New Program Starting July 14: On the Mark

Introducing First Tee’s First Ever Year-Long Program

On the Mark is a year-long program for First Tee participants ages 12 and up aimed at focusing on the “short game,” building skills gradually. Participants will learn on the golf course, playing nine holes to build confidence as they progress through the levels of play. Players will start from 25 yards from the hole and must score 36 or better to progress to the next level.

Classes will be held at 7 a.m. on the second Sunday of each month, starting on July 14. The annual cost for the program is $100, and players must be accompanied by an adult who will rent a golf cart ($11 per round) to facilitate pace of play. Participants must confirm their participation each month so that tee times can be arranged. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 17. Please note that this program is not open to new participants.

Register Now: 23rd Annual Golf Tournament in Memory of Bob Cardoni

UPDATE: REGISTRATION IS NOW FULL!

Join us on August 16 at Fairway Hills for our 23rd Annual Golf Tournament in Memory of Bob Cardoni, sponsored by Dembo Jones to support First Tee-Howard County.

DATE:
Friday, August 16, 2024

TIME:
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.
10 a.m. shotgun start

LOCATION:
Fairway Hills Golf Club
5100 Columbia Rd.
Columbia, MD

Sponsorships

Your business, family, or organization’s sponsorship of our tournament will be much appreciated and recognized. Reserve your sponsorship online or by contacting Phil Bryan or Nicola Morgal.

Platinum ($1,500)
- Foursome (1)
- Hole sponsor signs (2)
- Logo on tournament banner
- Signage on carts
- Logo and mention in newsletter and website
Gold ($1,200)
- Foursome (1)
- Hole sponsor sign (1)
- Signage on carts
- Mention in newsletter and website
Beverage Cart ($500)
- Name displayed on beverage cart
Hole Sponsor ($250)
- Custom sign on a hole

2024 Metro Tour for Participants Ages 9+ this Summer

The annual Metro Tour is upon us! The Metro Tour offers opportunities for First Tee participants ages 9 to 18 from chapters around the metro area to participate in competitive tournaments at different golf courses during the summer.

This year’s Metro Tour kicks off on June 18. Some events are for girls only, while other events are restricted by level. Below is a schedule of events along with eligibility requirements. Registration will be online only. Please contact us with any questions. We’re looking forward to another exciting Metro Tour!

Jonathan Moon Selected for First Tee National Championship

First Tee announced today that Jonathan Moon will represent First Tee-Howard County when he competes in the 2024 First Tee National Championship, where top players from chapters across the country show how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate level and beyond. The First Tee National Championship—the only national event that is purely tournament golf—will be held at Clemson University from June 23 to 27. This year, two participants will have the opportunity to join the PGA TOUR Pathway to Progression and continue their golf journey.

Last year, Jonathan was chosen out of a competitive application field to play in the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach. Jonathan also completed a 72-day golf challenge in 2023, during which he committed to playing nine holes of golf every day for 72 days to raise funds to give other junior golfers opportunities through First Tee-Howard County. At the end of the challenge, he presented a check for $2,000 to our chapter.

First Tee-Howard County Welcomes New Executive Director

First Tee-Howard County’s board of directors is thrilled to announce our new executive director, Steve Weathersbee! A familiar face to many in our community, Steve became involved with First Tee-Howard County in 2016 when his daughter joined the program, and is a certified level 4 First Tee chapter trainer who has been coaching at our chapter for nine seasons.

With more than 20 years of experience coaching and mentoring youth in Howard, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel counties, Steve has taught group lessons for Columbia Association and Howard County Parks and Recreation, in addition to private golf lessons. Steve is also a PGA Associate, actively pursuing full PGA membership.

“I am beyond excited to be given the opportunity to continue the 20+ years of excellence that Don Van Deusen brought to First Tee-Howard County. It truly is an honor to be asked to lead the program he built. I am committed to making sure we continue the fantastic work of First Tee and offer all of our participants the best experience possible,” Steve commented.

Coach Weathersbee assumes his new role today, April 15; please join us in welcoming him! Steve can be reached at [email protected].

2024 National Opportunities

First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers them exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of our corporate partners, we host a series of events for our participants, allowing them to meet new people, play some golf, and achieve greatness. We encourage any of our Howard County participants who are interested in applying to reach out to Coach Karin Van Slyke or Coach Steve Weathersbee.

First Tee Scholarship Program
- Provides a scholarship up to $20,000
- Deadline to apply: March 13, 2024
- Eligibility: senior as of Dec. 31, 203, minimum 3.3 GPA, and attending college in fall 2024

First Tee Future Entrepeneurs (Wells Fargo) (May 7-10 in Charlotte, NC)
- Provides alumni with the opportunity for mentoring, networking, and personal development
- Deadline to apply: March 6, 2024
- Eligibility: member of First Tee Alumni Network, current alum of an HBCU, and shoot 100 or better for 18 holes

First Tee National Championship (June 23-27 in Clemson, SC)
- Showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play under pressure at the collegiate and/or next level
- Deadline to apply: March 20, 2024
- Eligibility: age 14-18, high school student as of spring 2024, minimum of two years in First Tee, and shoot below 85 for 18 holes. (Chapter may nominate up to five participants.)

First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. (July 9-13 in Minneapolis, MN)
- Five day learning and empowerment academy
- Deadline to apply: March 20, 2024
- Eligibility: age 14-18, high school student as of spring 2024, and minimum of two years in First Tee. (Chapter may nominate up to three participants.)

Participant Advisory Council (July 22-24 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
- Advises headquarters on matters pertinent to all First Tee participants
- Deadline to apply: March 20, 2024
- Eligibility: age 14-18, high school freshman, sophomore or junior as of spring 2024, and minimum of one year in First Tee. (Chapter may nominate up to three participants.)

PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee (Sept. 17-22 in Pebble Beach, CA)
- Pebble Beach PGA Tour event
- Deadline to apply: March 20, 2024
- Eligibility: age 14-18, eighth grader, high school freshman, sophomore or junior as of spring 2024, minimum of two years in First Tee, and must have active USGA GHIN handicap of 6 or better (males) or 8 or better (females). (Chapter may nominate up to five participants.)

First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere (Oct. 10-14 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
- Female empowerment
- Deadline to apply: July 17, 2024 (application opens May 14)
- Eligibility: female only, age 14-18, eighth grader, high school freshman, sophomore or junior as of spring 2024, minimum of two years in First Tee, and shoot 100 or better for 18 holes. (Chapter may nominate up to two participants.)

First Tee Innovators Forum (Nov. 17-21 in Phoenix, AZ)
- Develop a meaningful service project in their community
- Deadline to apply: July 17, 2024 (application opens May 14)
- Eligibility: age 14-18, eighth grader, high school freshman, sophomore or junior as of spring 2024, and minimum of two years in First Tee. (Chapter may nominate up to two participants.)

First Tee Alumni Summit presented by Gallagher (Nov. 18-21 in Phoenix, AZ)
- Advance career-building skills while reconnecting with fellow alumni and chapter leaders
- Deadline to apply: July 17, 2024 (application opens May 14)

NEW: Shop First Tee-Howard County Merchandise Online

First Tee-Howard County has a brand new online shop offering a variety of spirit wear and gifts!

Visit the online store to browse options and place your order. As an added incentive, First Tee will receive a portion of proceeds from sales that will benefit our programs.

Please note that these apparel options do not replace the shirt provided to each child enrolled in a First Tee session.

NEW: Winter 2024 Session

First Tee-Howard County is excited to offer a new winter session for our older age groups, ages 12-13 and 14-17. Participants will receive instruction indoors using our golf simulator and indoor learning center, and, if weather permits, some outdoor instruction as well. General registration opens on Jan. 8, 2024.

We will be following our age-based First Tee curriculum, incorporating Key Commitments and healthy behaviors through golf instruction.

The winter session will be offered on weekends beginning Feb. 3, 2024. Classes will be one hour each, with four participants per class. Your child may choose either a Saturday or Sunday class.

Classes:

#001 Saturdays, 10-11 am, 12-13 year olds
#002 Saturdays, 11 am -12 pm, 12-13 year olds
#005 Saturdays, 1-2 pm, 14-17 year olds
#006 Saturdays, 2-3 pm, 14-17 year olds
#003 Sundays, 10-11 am, 12-13 year olds
#004 Sundays, 11 am-12 pm, 12-13 year olds
#007 Sundays, 1-2 pm, 14-17 year olds
#008 Sundays, 2-3 pm, 14-17 year olds

Participant Kavya Shah selected for John Deere Drive Your Future Academy in San Francisco

The national event, “Drive Your Future,” held in San Francisco from October 5–9, reinforces the organization’s commitment to empowering girls

This October, First Tee-Howard County teen participant Kavya Shah will travel to San Francisco for the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy, along with 23 other girls from First Tee chapters nationwide. The all-girls professional development academy is hosted by First Tee and John Deere and focuses on empowering the girls to leverage opportunities available through their participation in golf and First Tee, and recognize the importance of building a strong network.

Kavya, a junior at Atholton High School in Columbia, shared that “I am specifically interested in the opportunity to meet with female leaders in STEM and learn how they have grown to be successful in this industry. Since I have my own nonprofit organization, 2K Coding, which introduces children to STEM, I want to implement the knowledge and skills I learn in this program to grow my organization. Overall, First Tee has and will continue to help me accomplish goals by emphasizing the value of perseverance and hard work.”

Throughout the week-long academy, the girls will participate in interactive workshops and hear from female industry leaders in technology, STEM, and business development. In addition, they’ll play golf at the Lake Merced Golf Club and the new Golden Gate Park Par 3 Course, where they will build upon their connections with other participants from around the country and hear different perspectives from their peers.

The event reinforces First Tee’s commitment to empowering girls through its programs, which are offered through 150 chapters in 1400 golf course locations. More than 80% of chapters offer dedicated programming for girls, intentionally inviting and engaging them in a variety of opportunities. Girls who stay in First Tee programs have the opportunity to apply for all national events, including Drive Your Future.

The teens were selected for the Drive Your Future Academy through a national application process based on essays, letters of recommendation, and involvement in First Tee and other activities.

John Deere is a Trustee of First Tee and has supported the organization since 2012.