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First Tee – Triangle’s Arianna Beverly reflects on the opportunities she’s earned through golf

When Arianna Beverly was six or seven years old, her dad signed her up for First Tee. She liked the little games well enough, but she wasn’t exactly serious about it. Then the world stopped, and golf became everything.

“COVID hit, and all we could do was play golf,” Arianna said. What started as a casual activity gradually became a lifelong passion.

Now a rising senior and member of the First Tee – Triangle community, Arianna just competed at the 2026 First Tee National Championship at Finley Golf Club in Chapel Hill — the same course where she recently attended a skills session as part of the PGA TOUR’s Pathway to Progression program. This week, she also stepped into a different kind of spotlight, moderating a conversation with player and golf personality Will Lowery at the championship’s welcome dinner.

A pathway opens

Arianna was invited to join Pathway to Progression at last year’s First Tee National Championship at the University of Notre Dame, where she played a practice round with Kenyatta Ramsey, vice president of player development at the PGA TOUR.

She won a qualifying tournament at Bally’s Golf Links in New York, “a very nice golf course, a different kind of experience,” she said. From there, the program brought her back to familiar ground: Finley Golf Club for sessions with coaches who helped with her swing, offered drills and talked through course management and the more technical aspects of the game. Through the program, she played her first AJGA tournament, a senior showcase in Las Vegas, and competed in a second AJGA event as well.

PURE Insurance Championship and Stewart Cink

If you ask Arianna about her favorite golf memory, there’s no hesitation.

“Playing at Pebble Beach. It was just the best experience of my life,” she said. “When I’m old and gray, I’ll still be reminding myself that I went to Pebble Beach and played with Stewart Cink.”

She competed at the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links, where she was paired with the PGA TOUR veteran. The experience left a lasting impression. “He still gives me little bits of advice,” she said. “I learned so much from him about course management. I was just pampered by everyone at that tournament.”

More than a golfer

Off the course, Arianna is vice president of her school’s Black Student Association, a National Honor Society member and a jewelry entrepreneur. She started making earrings during COVID as a creative outlet, inspired by a find on Pinterest and encouraged by her crafty family. As her skills improved, her dad convinced her to turn her hobby into a small business. Her Christmas gingerbread men and cupcake designs have been particularly popular.

Before she heads off to Japan on an upcoming school trip, Arianna is also looking ahead to the next chapter: college golf, ideally at an HBCU, and a degree in marketing.

The impact of First Tee

Through new environments and everything that comes with growing up, one thing has remained constant.

“First Tee has been the steadiest thing in my life,” Arianna said. “That’s something you need when you’re changing schools and meeting new people. I always know I have my friends at First Tee.”

She also credits the organization with something she didn’t expect when she first teed it up as a kid: social confidence.

As she prepares to graduate in 2027, Arianna sees golf not just as a sport but as the throughline of her life — past, present and future. “Through First Tee, I’ve fostered my love for the game. Everything I’ve done in the golf world has been because I found that love through First Tee. It’s going to get me into college, into the next chapter of my life, and I’m going to keep it throughout my adulthood because of what happened when I was six.”

Veronica Diaz shares how First Tee – Connecticut helped prepare her for a life of service

When Veronica Diaz joined First Tee – Connecticut around age 8, she found not only a sport, but a place to practice values like honesty, integrity and perseverance. Years later, those values are essential to her career in law enforcement.

Today, Veronica serves as an officer with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Police Department, where her work spans patrol, investigations and community service. It’s a career that demands composure under pressure, accountability and genuine care for the people around her — qualities she traces directly back to her time with First Tee.

“The values of honesty, integrity, respect and perseverance are things I use every day as a police officer,” she said. “Golf teaches you accountability because there is no one else to blame for your score, and First Tee reinforced that mindset.”

She credits her First Tee Coach, Coach Lindsey, for teaching her the importance of showing respect, making confident eye contact and offering a firm handshake — small things that turned out to matter enormously. “Those simple lessons have never left me,” she said. “They are values I continue to carry with me today and pass on to others whenever I can.”

Veronica’s path from First Tee participant to law enforcement officer saw her through four years of high school golf, Division III collegiate golf, summers coaching in the program and a serious car accident that reshaped how she thinks about time and the people she shares it with. “It reminded me how quickly time can pass and how important it is to spend time doing the things you love with the people you care about most,” she said.

Her nephew is now a First Tee participant through the Waterbury Police Activity League, the same PAL program that first connected Veronica to golf and the officers who inspired her career choice.

Reuniting at the Travelers Championship

This year, Veronica joined fellow First Tee alumni at a special meetup hosted during the Travelers Championship, made possible by the generous support of PGA TOUR Superstore. The gathering brought together alumni from across the First Tee network to reconnect, reflect and celebrate how far they’ve come.

“First Tee was such an important part of my childhood, so being able to reconnect with fellow alumni and see how everyone’s journeys have unfolded is special,” she said. “It’s also a great reminder of the impact the program has had on so many people.”

A message to the next generation

When asked what she’d say to a First Tee participant just starting out, Veronica’s answer was simple: Don’t be afraid if you don’t have everything figured out yet.

“The skills you’re learning through First Tee go far beyond golf and will help you no matter what path you choose,” she said. “Some of the experiences that shape your future may come from places you least expect. First Tee certainly did that for me.”

First Tee – Phoenix’s Ashley Shaw and First Tee – Tri-Valley’s Nakul Shrivastava claim 2026 First Tee National Championship 

 
Shrivastava and First Tee – Central Florida’s Sadie Goodman earned exemptions into the 2026 PURE Insurance Championship 
 

CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina (June 25, 2026) – First Tee has crowned two new national champions: Ashley Shaw of Litchfield Park, Arizona, and Nakul Shrivastava of San Ramon, California, won the girls’ and boys’ divisions respectively. The First Tee National Championship took place at the University of North Carolina’s Finley Golf Club, June 21-25, 2026. 

The event brought together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped them build the confidence, perseverance and skills needed to play at the next level. 

Shaw shot 68-67-65 to finish 10-under for the tournament. A rising high school senior, she’s committed to play collegiate golf at the University of Georgia. Currently 67th in the AJGA rankings, she made her LPGA Tour debut at the 2024 Cognizant Founders Cup after earning an exemption into the tournament. Shaw has been involved with First Tee – Phoenix for more than eight years and serves as a volunteer coach and ambassador. 

“I’m so excited to be able to get the win,” Shaw said. “For me, staying patient and just knowing I could hit the shots and waiting for the putts to drop was the key, and I just let it happen and I was able to get quite a few birdies this week.” 

Shrivastava shot 66-64-67 to finish 13-under for the tournament. He recorded nine birdies in the second round, including six on the back nine. Shrivastava began playing golf with First Tee – Tri-Valley when he was 6. Now a rising high school junior, he has multiple Top 10 AJGA finishes. 

“I’m feeling pretty good, very excited that I got to win this, and it was a really good opportunity,” said Shrivastava. “No matter how nervous I got or doubted myself this week, I just remembered confidence is key, and I just persevered through that, and I played pretty well.” 

Both winners were awarded the Tattersall Cup in honor of First Tee Trustee Fred Tattersall, who generously supports the event. Photos from the tournament are available here. 

Based on their play, Shrivastava and Sadie Goodman of First Tee – Central Florida earned exemptions into the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that will take place at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course in September. The event pairs golf legends with First Tee juniors for a week of mentorship and competition. Goodman was 4th in the girls’ division, making her the top finisher who has not previously played the PURE Insurance Championship. 

“Congratulations to Ashley and Nakul on their outstanding victories at the First Tee National Championship,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “These young people demonstrated exceptional golf skills, sportsmanship and resilience. Thanks to the University of North Carolina for hosting this year’s event and Fred Tattersall for making this event possible.” 

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at college golf courses across the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from around the country. The field included 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. A full list of results is available here. 

The championship is part of First Tee’s full slate of national participant opportunities, which is designed to help teens grow while keeping them engaged with the program. In addition to competitive golf opportunities, First Tee headquarters offers leadership programs, a girls empowerment event and a community service workshop. 

Register Now: 25th Annual Golf Tournament on August 7, 2026

Join us on Friday, August 7 at Fairway Hills for our 25th Annual Golf Tournament to support First Tee-Howard County. A portion of proceeds benefit the newly established First Tee–Howard County Scholarship Program.

REGISTER NOW as an individual or foursome.

DATE:  
Friday, August 7, 2026                 

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.

  • Eagle ($2,000)
    • Foursome (1)
    • Hole sponsor signs (4)
    • Driving range sponsorship
    • Recognition as a sponsor on website for one year
    • Mentions in promotional materials
  • Birdie ($1,500)
    • Foursome (1)
    • Signage at registration
    • Mention in promotional materials
    • Recognition as a sponsor on website for one year
    • Opportunity to include item in each goodie bag
  • Beverage Cart ($500)
    • Name/logo displayed on beverage cart
  • Hole Sponsor ($250)
    • Custom sign on a hole

NEW: First Tee-Howard County College Scholarship Applications Due June 30

First Tee–Howard County is proud to announce the launch of its College Scholarship Program, designed to support participants as they pursue higher education. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to helping young people build strong character, develop life skills, and create pathways to future success—on and off the golf course.

Investing in Our Participants’ Futures

Through this scholarship program, First Tee–Howard County will provide financial assistance up to $2,500 each to four eligible participants annually who demonstrate academic effort, leadership, community involvement, and continued engagement with First Tee values.

Scholarships are intended to recognize the growth of our participants and to help ease the financial burden of college expenses. Beyond financial support, recipients join a network of First Tee alumni who are making a difference in colleges, careers, and communities across the country.

Who Should Apply

We encourage applications from First Tee–Howard County participants who are:

  • High school seniors 
  • Actively involved in First Tee programming
  • Consistently demonstrating strong character and leadership
  • Committed to academic achievement and personal growth

Application Details

The application process is straightforward and designed to give each candidate the opportunity to share their story, achievements, and goals.

Applications open at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 8. The deadline for submission is June 30, 2026 and awardees will be announced by July 14, 2026.

To apply, please complete the online application form.

Apply Now

First Tee announces 23 new Scholars selected for academic excellence, leadership and service

In addition to financial support, First Tee Scholars receive mentorship and professional development opportunities

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (June 2, 2026) – Youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce its incoming class of Scholars, welcoming 23 exceptional young leaders into the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Selected from chapters across the country, the incoming Scholars represent the organization’s highest ideals, demonstrating outstanding commitment to academics, community service and the values they developed through years of First Tee participation. 

Young men and women from 20 First Tee chapters comprise this year’s Scholar class, including three collegiate golfers and four first-generation college students. They will arrive at universities across the country this fall, studying subjects including engineering, sports management, business, biology and more. On average, incoming Scholars have spent an average of 9.3 years with First Tee and boast a weighted GPA of 4.3. 

“The exceptional participants who make up this year’s Scholar class represent the very best of what First Tee stands for: a relentless commitment to excellence in the classroom, in their communities and to their character,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The First Tee College Scholarship Program exists to ensure that these exceptional young leaders have the resources they need to reach their full potential, and we are grateful to the donors and corporate partners who make this program possible.” 

New Scholars will be invited to attend a Pre-College Retreat in Ponte Vedra Beach this summer, where they will meet their peers, network with professionals and attend workshops to help them prepare for their first semester of college. 

Launched in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program provides selected alumni with financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities designed to help them succeed in college and beyond. Scholars participate in workshops, gain access to an expansive professional network, and receive ongoing guidance as they navigate their college journeys.  

Candidates are selected based on academic achievement, dedication to service and commitment to their First Tee chapter and community. The program reflects First Tee’s broader mission of using golf to teach young people life skills that develop character, extending well beyond the course. 

In April, leaders from Chevron, a supporter of the First Tee College Scholarship program, surprised Carlie Matengula (left) and Aarya Shewale (center) with invitations to the program during The Chevron Championship.

The full list of incoming First Tee College Scholars is below. 

Name Chapter University Major 
Riley Albright Central Ohio Ohio State University Sports Management 
Natalie Chen Silicon Valley Stanford University Business 
Noelle Gagnon New Hampshire Connecticut College International Relations 
Lilyanna Hathaway Colorado Rocky Mountains Colorado Mesa University Marketing 
Justin Hsieh Raritan Valley Rutgers University Aerospace Engineering 
Nick Huang Greater Seattle Northwestern University Electrical Engineering 
Riley Jamison Tennessee Palm Beach Atlantic University Communications 
Joshua Ju Tennessee Vanderbilt University Pre-Medicine 
Carlie Matengula Greater Austin Howard University Political Science 
Jasmine McGhee Greater Chicago Cornell University Psychology 
Colby Palacio Raritan Valley Rutgers University Accounting 
Ishani Patel Metropolitan Oklahoma City University of Oklahoma Biomedical Engineering 
Kailyn Peterson Idaho Boise State University Nursing 
Jack Polansky Greater San Antonio Berry College Environmental Science 
Lula Rivera Greater Wilmington North Carolina State University Engineering 
Alexis Roth Greater Charlotte University of South Carolina Sports Management 
Isabella Russo Florida Gold Coast University of Central Florida Engineering 
Aarya Shewale Greater Houston Texas A&M University Aerospace Engineering 
Sydney Socha Toledo University of North Florida Business 
Anabella Van Cotthem San Diego University of California, Irvine Biology 
Weston Wakefield Central Arkansas Southern Nazarene University Kinesiology 
Ashton Washington Tampa Bay Florida A&M University Finance 
Bailey Webb Colorado Rocky Mountains Ohio State University International Business 

Since its inception, 120 First Tee Scholars have benefited from this comprehensive support system. The First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible through the generosity of individual supporters and corporate partners. Learn more about supporting First Tee. 

From participant to coach: Libby Chamberlin’s First Tee story

This First Tee Week, we’re celebrating game-changing coaches like Libby Chamberlin. 

The youngest of three siblings, Libby watched her older brother and sister take classes at First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky for as long as she can remember. She wanted in. The moment she turned 7 and was old enough to join, she was ready. 

“I was ecstatic,” she said. 

Her siblings eventually found passions elsewhere, but Libby kept coming back, through middle school, high school and eventually into a coaching role she’s now held for six years. What started as a little sister tagging along has become a career shaped by First Tee’s values and the coaches who modeled them. 

Ask Libby what kept her coming back year after year before she even fell in love with golf, and she’ll tell you: the coaches. 

Tom and Mellisa Briner helped found First Tee – Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky and helped shape Libby’s path. Swing instructor Bill Donaldson has been a constant presence throughout both her years as a participant and now as a fellow coach. 

“I want to give kids the same great experience with the program that I had,” she said. 

Game-planning for the future with Ace 

During her time as a participant, Libby was selected for two First Tee participant events: Game Changers Academy and Drive Your Future Academy. At both, she connected with participants from across the country and first learned about Ace. 

The seed was planted. 

In the spring of her junior year, Libby and her friend Abigail Laake decided to go for it together. They became the first participants at their chapter to complete Ace, meeting regularly with then-executive director Alicia Lawrence to work through it side by side. 

Libby remembers those meetings vividly — not just for the work, but for what they meant during a stressful stretch of senior year. 

“It was so helpful to have a mentor to consistently check in with,” she said. “I loved the way that the Ace experience encouraged me to create a game plan for life after graduation in all aspects of my life, like exploring ways to invest in my community and deciding how golf will fit into my life after I stop playing on a team. It provided me with an opportunity to explore who I am, what I want and what my long-term goals are.” 

A coach is born 

It was through volunteering in First Tee classes and serving as a role model for younger participants that Libby discovered her love for coaching.  

Alicia encouraged her to pursue it, and six years later, she’s still at it. Coaching part-time through college deepened her passion for working with young people and pointed her toward a career in youth development and education.  

She graduated from Transylvania University where she played golf while studying education and social change, developing a particular passion for literacy and learning outside traditional classroom settings. She’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in library sciences with a focus on public libraries and youth services. 

The thread running through all of it traces back her First Tee chapter and the coaches who showed up for her. Now a Level 3 coach herself, Libby is certified to teach the Ace curriculum. 

For any First Tee alumni thinking about getting involved again, Libby has a simple message: Reach out to your local chapter. 

“I know it can be hard to meet people post-grad,” she says. “Helping out with a First Tee class is a great way to dip your toes back in while also giving back to the community — and it’s a fun way to get back into golf yourself.” 

According to research from The Harris Poll and First Tee, 90% of parents believe coaches are the “unsung” heroes of youth development. But most parents also agree there’s a shortage of high-caliber coaches today. That’s why we’re honoring impactful coaches during First Tee Week, May 23-30, 2026. Learn more.

Tickets on sale now: Golf Mania fundraiser for 2026 golf majors

PURCHASE YOUR GAMECARD HERE

First Tee-Howard County is once again selling Golf Mania golf sweepstakes tickets for 2026 — 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 9-12, 2026
PGA Championship: May 14-17, 2026
U.S. Open: June 15-21, 2026
British Open: July 16-19, 2026

This is “Fantasy Golf” without the work and commitment, for a great cause!

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!

Coach Shayna: First Tee coaches are ‘building the future of the game and the character of the kids who will carry it forward’

Some people find golf. Golf found Coach Shayna before she could even see over the top of the flagstick. Growing up in Unionville, Missouri, Shayna was just 3 when her grandparents cut down a putter and packed her into their three-wheel Harley-Davidson golf cart, heading to their nine-hole course with sand greens.

“My grandparents were intentional about teaching me the game the right way,” she said. “They made sure I understood both the mechanics and the integrity behind golf.”

By 11, Coach Shayna was playing on real grass greens for the first time. By 13, she shot a 79 at the Timber Ridge Junior Golf Tournament in Memphis, Missouri — the best score of the day — with her Grandpa Gary, affectionately known as “Schoonie,” walking every hole beside her.

Blazing her own trail

Golf wasn’t always easy to access, especially for a girl growing up in rural America in that era. There were no First Tee programs nearby, no girls’ golf team at her school and no shortage of moments that tested her resolve. When she was excluded from a Father’s Day tournament because organizers believed there should be “no girls,” she didn’t walk away from the game. She found another way in.

Shayna earned a spot on her high school boys’ varsity golf team — and held her own in the top five all four years, competing weekly for the number one position. Golf was just one chapter in a standout athletic career that earned her 16 varsity letters across golf, softball, basketball and track. Her softball team was later inducted into the Missouri State Hall of Fame.

Finding her way back to golf

Coach Shayna stuck with softball through college, where she earned a degree in psychology before becoming a cosmetologist. Golf took a backseat as she moved to Florida and became a mom of five, but the love of the game never left.

“For years, I mostly daydreamed about it and occasionally hit balls in the yard,” she said. “But the desire to compete and be part of the golf community never left me.”

When Shayna began working with Dixon Golf, a tournament consulting company, the golf world started pulling her back in. The more she played, the more one organization kept coming to mind: First Tee.

“I knew firsthand how transformative starting young in golf could be,” she said.

About three years ago, she met First Tee – Gulf Coast executive director Marty Stanovich and signed on as a volunteer. In the fall of 2025, she achieved her goal of becoming head coach at Fort Walton Beach Golf Club.

The joy of coaching

Coach Shayna’s background is uniquely suited for the work. Her degree in developmental psychology, combined with raising five kids of her own, gives her a nuanced lens when working with young people.

“I know they are constantly growing,” she said. “They are resilient, perceptive and capable of more than they realize.”

With support from First Tee partner, Morgan Stanley, Coach Shayna recently reached another milestone – she attended First Tee’s Level 2 coach training in Tampa, where she learned more about the youth development organization’s Coach Philosophy.

“Being surrounded by others who care deeply about youth development and the game itself was energizing,” she said. “Learning together reinforced that coaching doesn’t have to be done alone.”

A message to future coaches

“My favorite part of coaching is all of it,” Coach Shayna said. “I love showing up, maximizing our time and creating an environment that is both fun and challenging. I see kids as intelligent, capable and full of possibility. My goal is to draw that potential out of them and empower them.”

For anyone on the fence about getting involved with First Tee, her advice is direct: Don’t wait.

It’s rewarding to impact not only children, but the broader community, she said. Almost every class, an older club member stops her or another First Tee coach to thank them for introducing the next generation to the sport they love.

“And that is what First Tee is really about — building the future of the game and the character of the kids who will carry it forward,” she said.

First Tee coaches shape character, build confidence and create supportive environments where every participant feels inspired to grow.

In collaboration with The Harris Poll, our research shows parents believe trained coaches are better equipped to teach new skills, demonstrate a dedication to safety and adapt to the needs of individual children.

Morgan Stanley donates $5,000 for each Eagle recorded at THE PLAYERS Championship to support First Tee’s coach training efforts. Over the last five years, First Tee has been able to send hundreds of coaches to valuable, in-person trainings, where they learn to teach golf and serve as crucial mentors for the next generation.

From the golf course to the spotlight: First Tee participant Cienna Collado brings her passion to TGL

First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant Cienna Collado aspires to a career in entertainment, and she’s found a unique way to boost her resume that incorporates her love of golf.

Through her First Tee chapter, Cienna earned the opportunity to serve as a ball runner for TGL, professional golf’s newest innovation. Her responsibilities include handing players their golf balls, announcing club selections and retrieving balls after they’re hit. But it’s the unexpected moments that make the experience truly special.

“My most memorable moment was when I was working one of the L.A. matches and Shonda Rhimes was sitting behind me the whole time,” Cienna said. “I was absolutely freaking out because I love her show ‘Scandal.’ After the match I actually got to meet her and she was the sweetest person. It will definitely be a memory I remember for a long time.”

A First Tee journey rooted in values

Cienna’s path to TGL began with her family’s decision to join First Tee. When her private golf instructor joined the organization, her family was drawn to First Tee’s values and mission. “It has come to be one of the best decisions we have ever made,” she said.

Through the program, Cienna has learned lessons that extend far beyond the golf course. “First Tee has taught me the importance of integrity,” she explains. “Especially on the golf course, no one is there to hold you accountable except for yourself. Through golf I’ve learned how much the game is a reflection of life. No one is standing by me all the time to hold me accountable, I have to do that myself.”

Breaking barriers in entertainment

While golf plays a significant role in Cienna’s life, her true passion lies in TV and film production. She’s heavily involved in her school’s production academy, competing at district, state and national levels. In her own time, she creates vlogs, produces and directs content, acts, anchors, reports and even hosts a podcast.

Looking ahead, Cienna has a clear vision for her future: pursuing a career in the entertainment industry while using her platform to inspire the next generation of female golfers.

“There is a severe shortage of female golf representation for young girls to look up to,” she said. “Even if I don’t play on the LPGA Tour, golf is a part of me and my story. I plan to be in a position where I would get to share that story and make an impact on the younger generation of female golfers.”

From the SoFi Center to the golf course and behind the lens, Cienna is well on her way to creating the representation she wishes to see in the world.

Actor, avid golfer Michael Peña joins First Tee as Brand Ambassador

Peña will support First Tee’s efforts to bring its game-changing golf and life skills curriculum to young people from all backgrounds

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 20, 2026) – Youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce that actor Michael Peña has joined the organization as a Brand Ambassador. As a longtime golfer, Peña is enthusiastic about bringing the sport and its inherent values to families across the globe. 

Known for roles in films and television series including “Ant-Man,” “A Million Miles Away” and the recent hit series, “All Her Fault,” Peña has been a dedicated supporter of First Tee since 2023, when he first attended the organization’s annual Leadership Summit as a guest speaker. The Summit brings together teen participants from First Tee chapters across the country for leadership development, networking and golf. 

As a Brand Ambassador, Peña will support First Tee’s efforts to reach kids from all communities with programming that uses golf as a vehicle to help young people build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. Through First Tee’s network of 150 chapters, the organization serves young people ages 5-18 with programs that extend beyond the golf course and into participants’ homes, schools and communities. First Tee also offers robust scholarship and alumni programs. 

An accomplished golfer himself, Peña regularly competes in pro-am events and has witnessed firsthand how the game can positively impact its players. 

“Golf has been an important part of my life, teaching me patience, discipline and how to handle both success and failure,” Peña said. “I’m honored to become a Brand Ambassador and help First Tee reach even more young people with programs that will help them succeed on the golf course and beyond.” 

“Michael’s genuine passion for golf and his commitment to empowering young people make him an ideal Brand Ambassador as we work to reach more kids with our life-changing programs,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Michael has inspired teens at our Leadership Summit with his authenticity and his message about the power of perseverance. We are grateful he is taking his valuable time and energy to support First Tee.”  

First Tee reaches more than 3 million young people annually through programming at chapters, schools and community centers. Peña joins three existing First Tee Brand Ambassadors: Actress and First Tee alumna Kathryn Newton and PGA TOUR players Alex Smalley and Austin Smotherman, who is also a First Tee alumnus.