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)
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.
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.
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.
Jonathan Moon will play in the 20th annual PURE Insurance Championship this September
First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions announced today that Jonathan Moon will represent First Tee—Howard County when he competes in the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee. The event, in its 20th year, will bring teens from First Tee chapters to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course for the PGA TOUR Champions tournament, Sept. 19-24. The annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, is televised nationally on Golf Channel.
Throughout the week, the teens apply their character strengths and life skills learned from First Tee programs during the one-of-a-kind event where they are paired with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs from the business world. Jonathan will compete for the Pro-Junior Team title. He will join 79 other teens from First Tee chapters across the country and – for the third year in a row – a participant from First Tee—Morocco. Participants were selected by a national panel of judges based on their personal growth and development through First Tee’s programs, as well as their playing ability.
The full junior field was revealed live on Golf Channel’s “Golf Today.” A few players and legends of the game helped surprise several participants with the news of their selection, including PGA TOUR player Joel Dahmen and PGA TOUR Champions players Tim O’Neal, Rod Pampling and reigning PURE Insurance Championship winner Steve Flesch. PGA TOUR Canada player Quinn Riley – a First Tee alumnus who played at the PURE Insurance Championship as a junior – surprised his younger brother with an invitation to the tournament, and six First Tee participants were surprised by Golf Channel at women’s majors, including the U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach.
“Earning the opportunity to play at the PURE Insurance Championship is a goal for many First Tee participants, and congratulations to Jonathan for achieving it,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This marks the 20th anniversary of the tournament, and we are grateful to our partners at PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel for their ongoing commitment to First Tee. Our alumni who have played at the PURE Insurance Championship have told us it is a life-changing opportunity, and we are so excited for the 80 First Tee teens who will get to experience it in September.”
This year’s field of PGA TOUR Champions players will feature legends including Ernie Els, Mark O’Meara, Vijay Singh, Steve Stricker, Fred Couples, Davis Love III and Jim Furyk, as well as three-time PURE Insurance Championship winner Kirk Triplett and Steve Flesch, who will defend his title. Clint Eastwood serves as chairman of the PURE Insurance Championship.
Play will be conducted on Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course on Friday and Saturday. The final round will be contested solely at Pebble Beach Golf Links on Sunday, where 24 First Tee juniors will compete based on their 36-hole performance. The tournament will crown one male and one female First Tee Junior Champion on Sunday.
More than 1,000 teens from First Tee have played in the PURE Insurance Championship, experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet, play and be mentored by PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs in the field.
“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with this incredible event,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “Being selected to play in this tournament speaks volumes about the character of each of these 80 participants and I’m so excited to see this unforgettable experience play out for them.”
First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
The junior field for 2023 PURE Insurance Championshipcan be viewed here.
First Tee — Howard County is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee — Howard County reaches kids and teens through programs delivered at Fairway Hills Golf Club, Howard County public schools, and youth centers. Learn more at www.firstteechapter.org.
About Monterey Peninsula Foundation
Surpassing $200 million in total donations, Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.
Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) Insurance is a property and casualty insurance company designed exclusively for successful, responsible families. We opened for business more than 15 years ago with the goal of offering something different in the insurance space: a company focused on doing what’s right for our membership (policyholders), one that promotes transparency and alignment of interests, and delivers greater value. Today, after growing at least 15% in each year since we began, we are the most awarded insurer in our category, offer coverage in all 50 states that includes high value homeowners, automobile, collections, watercraft, personal excess liability, fraud & cyber and flood to a membership of more than 100,000 individuals and families.
Pureinsurance.com | 888.813.7873
About PGA TOUR Champions
PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 34 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour and on Instagram @pgatourchampions.
All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Tournament programming is available via 25+ TV linear partners in 145+ countries and territories, with 25 channels carrying long-form and/or highlights coverage, and 200+ hours of live coverage distributed in 135+ countries and territories. Programming is also available via the OTT platform GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR in every market outside of the United States, excluding China and Korea, with live coverage distributed in 130+ countries and territories.
The LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Program of Howard County, MD, is part of First Tee – Howard County. Girls registering for the Girls Golf Program will have the opportunity to take “girls only” classes during each season as well as participate in the Girls Golf events listed below. Register here for Girls Golf.
2023 GIRLS GOLF EVENTS*
Apr. 18: Tue/Wed Spring Classes Begin
May 13: Saturday Mother/Daughter Golf Event (5 to 7p.m.)
June 3: Saturday Ball Marking and Rules (4 p.m.)
June 17: Saturday Father/Daughter Golf (5 to 7:30p.m.)
July 11: Tues/Wed Summer Classes Begin
TBD Thursday Metro Tour Girls Golf (10 a.m.)
Aug. 4: Friday TFTHC Golf Tournament (12 to 6p.m.)
Aug. 12: Saturday Fun Run on Back 9 (8 a.m.)
Sept. 12: Tues/Wed Fall Classes Begin
Sept. 15: Friday Foot Golf (5 p.m.)
Sept. 23: Saturday Mini Golf (2 to 4p.m.)
Sept. 30: Saturday Night Golf (7 to 9 p.m.)
Oct. 27: Friday Movie/Pizza/End of Year Celebration (5 to 8 p.m.)
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. Below is the calendar of 2023 events and application deadlines; more details and applications will be posted on the national First Tee website as they are made available.
Event
Date
Location
Application Release
Application Deadline
First Tee College Scholarship Program
N/A
N/A
Jan. 1
March 1
First Tee Future Entrepreneurs presented by Wells Fargo*
May 3 – 5
Charlotte, NC
Jan. 18
March 8
First Tee National Championship
July 2 – 6
Stanford, CA
Feb. 1
March 29
First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.
July 18 – 22
Philadelphia, PA
Feb. 1
March 29
Participant Advisory Council
July 25 – 27
Jacksonville, FL
Feb. 1
March 29
First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore**
July 31 – Aug. 4, Aug. 7 – 11
Emigrant, MT
March 1
April 19
PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee
Sept. 19 – 24
Pebble Beach, CA
Feb. 1
March 29
First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere***
Oct. 5 – 9
San Francisco, CA
May 17
July 12
First Tee Innovators Forum
Nov. 9 – 12
Jacksonville, FL
May 17
July 12
*Alumni only **Only chapters in PGA TOUR Superstore markets may apply (this does not include First Tee-Howard County) ***Female empowerment event
Application Release: January 1, 2023 Application Deadline: March 1, 2023 Class Announced: May 31, 2023
Application Code: SCHOLAR2023 *Note: code must be entered in all caps Application Website:Click Here
First Tee College Scholarship Program supports selected alumni throughout their college career. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. The program also provides professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. One of the key factors of the program is pairing Scholars with a dedicated adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the four years.
The program is open to graduating high school seniors planning to attend college the following year. Applicants must be active members of First Tee chapters and will be considered based on financial need, academic performance, chapter involvement, volunteerism and other criteria. Following the application closing date, a judging committee made up of headquarters staff, chapter staff and an outside representative will review the submissions and identify candidates who will be selected for the First Tee College Scholarship Program 2023 class.
2023 Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the First Tee College Scholarship Program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
Must be classified as a high school senior as of December 31, 2022
Minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
Intent to attend a four-year accredited college or university in Fall 2023
If selected, the participant must be able to attend the Pre-College Retreat and the annual Winter Workshop
Chapter and Community Participation
Registered and active in First Tee headquarters database at the time of application deadline
Involved in chapter activities at the time of application submission
Participants who have spent a longer amount of time in First Tee programs will receive higher consideration in the selection.
Evidence of responsible volunteerism or citizenship through meaningful involvement in community and/or civic activities
*Online applications MUST be submitted by the First Tee participant. First Tee will NOT accept correspondence from families of participants. The deadline to apply online is March 1, 2023.
FAQ
What are the benefits of the First Tee College Scholarship Program? Applicants selected for the enhanced First Tee College Scholarship Program can receive up to $20,000 in scholarship assistance, as well as all other benefits of the program including professional development workshops, assistance in securing internships and full-time employment upon graduation. One key differentiating factor for this enhanced program is all Scholars will be paired with a mentor to encourage and guide them throughout their journey.
Where is the scholarship money sent? The scholarship money is distributed directly to the university.
Are there limitations regarding college selection? The Scholars must be attending a four-year accredited college or university.
What if I can’t make it to the professional development offerings? The professional development offerings are an essential component to participating in this program, so they are mandatory. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
Do I have to reapply each year? No, but you must renew your scholarship each academic year. You will be asked to confirm your continuing eligibility and provide a copy of your transcript.
When is the renewal report due? The renewal report is due annually by May 31.
What if I transfer to a different college or change majors? If the transfer is to another four-year accredited college or university, the Scholar will remain in the program. Change to a major will not affect participation in the program.
How often do I need to meet with my mentor? What if we don’t get along? You will meet with your mentor in-person up to four times per calendar year as well as maintain monthly correspondence via email, phone calls and in-person meetings. Mentors and Scholars will be thoughtfully paired, but if it doesn’t prove to be a good match, we will work with the Scholar to find another mentor.
When is the deadline to apply? Complete applications including all required supporting documentation must be submitted and received by March 1, 2023 by 11:59 p.m. ET. Applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be interviewed through April 2023.
Is there a fee to apply? No
What documents are required for the need-based portion of the application? The applicant will be required to upload their full FAFSA Student Aid Report Summary information. There is an opportunity to explain any financial hardships not reflected on the FAFSA application. If not eligible for the FAFSA, please contact [email protected] for guidance.
Congratulations are in order for several members of our First Tee-Howard County community who were honored earlier this month at the Celebration of Sports Banquet, hosted by the Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks. This annual event honors members of the Howard County community who have represented the best side of sports through good sportsmanship, athleticism, inclusiveness, leadership, coaching and mentoring.
At the banquet on October 18, the following First Tee community members were honored:
Clare Bowen was awarded Participant of the Year
Lou Ann Maclay was awarded Coach of the Year
Karin Van Slyke was awarded Administrator of the Year
Our chapter’s leader, Don Van Deusen, also received the distinct honor of being inducted into the Howard County Community Sports Hall of Fame. Don has been an anchor for youth in our community since the early 1970s, as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, and now as the executive director of First Tee-Howard County. Don also helped launch the Allied Golf Program in 2015 to make the game of golf accessible to kids of all abilities. We are proud to have this remarkable leader on our team!
Howard County Community Hall of Fame inductees and current Hall of Fame members at the Celebration of Sports Banquet on October 18, 2022 at Turf Valley Rob Long from 105.7 The Fan pictured with Don Van Deusen (photo credit: Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks)Don Van Deusen accepting his induction into the Howard County Community Sports Hall of Fame on October 18, 2022 (photo credit: Howard County Department of Recreation and Parks)
The importance of programs like First Tee that lift up, support and empower kids to stand strong and grow during challenging situations has only been made more clear over the past several years. We are grateful for our 2022 Mentor Coaches, who are First Tee teen participants who have take on the role of mentoring younger participants, serving as role models on and off the golf course.
First Tee mentors have a sincere desire to be involved with their students, and treat them with respect. They practice active listening skills and empathy, while also seeking solutions and opportunities for those they work with.
Congratulations and thank you to our 2022 Mentor Coaches:
Clare Bowen
Shrihaan Chaudhary
Andie Chung*
Haley Davis
Kelis Drummond
Isabella Fernandez
Dev Gadhia
Matthew Kang
George Klingler
Chloe Koh
Cate Lee*
Keegan Meecham*
Jonathan Moon
Muyiwa Ogunsola
Eric Park
Krish Patel
Riyana Patel
Chris Poletti
Neev Saraf
Kavya Shah
Akshita Sharma
Samadhi Tennakoon
Norah Vanderpool
Jake Weiderman
*denotes mentor coaches who are not current First Tee participants
Drive, Chip and Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. Local qualifying events will be held in June and can be registered for at the link below.
Register for local qualifier at Cattail Creek Country Club on June 7, 2022 (Sponsored by PGA of America, United States Golf Association and the Masters Tournament; Drive, Chip and Putt is NOT a First Tee event but one that we encourage our junior golfers to consider.)
Masters champion Mark O’Meara poses with Girls 10-11 division champion Kylie Chung during the 2022 Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club.
Competition Overview
Each participant will compete in all three skills (Drive, Chip and Putt).
Participants will attempt three shots per skill, for a total of nine shots. Participants accumulate points per shot in all three skills.
The champion in each individual skill competition will be determined by the participant with the most points accumulated in that particular skill.
The overall champion in each age category will be determined by the participant with the most points accumulated between all three skills.
Drive Skill
Each participant will attempt three drives from the same teeing area.
All drives will be played to a 40-yard wide grid and the ball must come to rest in the grid to score points.
Chip Skill
Each participant will attempt three chips from the same location approximately 10-15 yards from the hole.
All chips will be measured and scored from the center of the hole with lines clearly marking the scoring rings.
Putt Skill
Each participant will attempt three total putts, with one attempt from each of the following distances: 6’, 15’ and 30’.
All putts will be measured and scored from the center of the hole with lines clearly marking the scoring rings.
Awards
Prizes will be awarded to individual skill champions as well as overall champions for boys and girls in each age category.
Tee Times and Additional Information
Tee times and any additional information needed for the qualifier will be shared via email communication after the close of registration.
