Mahek Acharya’s golf journey began when her uncle gifted her a set of pink clubs. “I tried other sports, but golf just stuck with me,” she said. She went on to join First Tee – Greater Chicago and play on her high school team.
But as all players know, golf doesn’t always cooperate. “One season, things were going really great,” Mahek explained. “I was having fun and playing well, but then all the sudden, I just couldn’t hit the ball. I don’t know what happened, but it was really demotivating. I even told my parents I wanted to quit, but I knew I couldn’t give up the sport I love.”
It was this experience that inspired Mahek to start her podcast, Insights of the Mental Game. “I knew I needed to find a solution and talking things out has always helped me,” she said. “It’s been a journey, but the podcast has helped me love golf again, and people have told me it’s helped them too, which I think is my biggest accomplishment.”
Mahek has interviewed First Tee participants from around the country, many of whom she met at national participant events, including the First Tee Leadership Summit supported by PGA TOUR Superstore. That’s where she connected with LPGA player Shasta Averyhardt, who went on to appear on her show too. “Mental strength is so important in golf so to hear from a professional was really cool,” Mahek said.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which was created to help address stigma surrounding the topic, but experiencing mental blocks can still be isolating for athletes, Mahek said. “I remember when Simone Biles had the ‘twisties’ and she wasn’t able to compete during the Tokyo Olympics,” she said. “Even in my own community, a lot of people didn’t take it seriously.”
While her podcast mostly focuses on golf, Mahek has also covered ice skating, basketball and tennis. She’s learned that each sport brings unique mental challenges. “I think it helps when athletes realize they’re not alone,” she said. “For a while I thought I was the only one struggling, but it makes it easier to know other people have these experiences too.”
Mahek is preparing to graduate from high school and plans to continue her podcast at Indiana University, where she will study business. Though her competitive golf career is ending, she said she’ll continue playing for fun and stay involved with First Tee.
“I’m just so happy I could make change with this podcast,” she said. “Making a difference in even one person’s life is such a great feeling.”
First Tee returns to Clemson University this year for its 4th annual National Championship. This year’s field includes 24 boys and 24 girls from First Tee chapters across the country to experience what golf looks like at the next level.
In addition to showcasing their skills and perseverance on the course, players will also attend a golf careers panel and a keynote address from First Tee alumnus Gavin Parker.
This year’s tournament will be streamed on Gamecast, and you can follow scoring on Golf Genius.
Before we head to Clemson, we caught up with our past winners to see what they’re up to.
Ashton Harper First Tee — Roanoke Valley
Ashton won the inaugural First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and is now a member of the golf team at Virginia Tech, where he is majoring in business. Ashton said his experience with First Tee taught him valuable lessons in perseverance. “Golf is not a game of perfect, and there will always be ups and downs when playing this game, but they are magnified in tournaments due to the high stakes. I was able to use perseverance to fight these ups and downs,” he said.
Ashton aims to become an All-ACC player by the end of his tenure at Virginia Tech before going on to play professionally.
Symran Shah First Tee — Greater Dallas
Like Ashton, Symran won the First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and now plays golf at Virginia Tech. She studies business and plans to have a career in healthcare administration.
Hannah Lydic First Tee — Delaware
Hannah won the 2022 First Tee National Championship held at Notre Dame and is now a member of the golf team at the University of Richmond, majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Her experience in the First Tee National Championship taught her patience and perseverance in both herself and her game, she said.
As a Spider, she’s won awards for golf and academics. “What’s cool about the game of golf is that if you play calm and treat your playing partners with kindness, you will ultimately have a better experience on the course which will allow you to play at a higher level,” she said. Because of her experience with First Tee coaches, she fell in love with golf and now has the goal to become a collegiate golf coach.
Hunter Swanson First Tee — Green Valley Ranch
Hunter won the First Tee National Championship at Notre Dame in 2022 and is now a business student and member of the golf team at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Hunter lost to Ashton in a playoff at the 2021 First Tee National Championship, which inspired him to have the perseverance to come back and win at Notre Dame and taught him how to be more comfortable in high stress situations, he said.
As a college golfer, Hunter said the most important lesson he learned from First Tee is confidence. “I find I play more relaxed and have a better game when I practice enough to believe in my abilities,” he said. Since winning the First Tee National Championship, Hunter has made the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, been a Pac-12 Men’s Golfer of the Week and the Nevada State Amateur runner up.
MeganMeng First Tee — Greater Trenton
Megan won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and is preparing to begin her college golf career at Northwestern, where she’ll study economics. Her experience playing in the First Tee National Championship challenged her to be hardworking and patient. She said she continues to use other First Tee lessons. “I find that it is important to always apply respect, sportsmanship and courtesy to those you are playing with,” said Megan, who also won the 2022 PURE Insurance Championship.
Recently, Megan was a member of Team USA at the 2023 Junior Solheim Cup and a 2023 Rolex Scholastic Junior All-American. She’s currently in the Top 10 of the AJGA Rankings and plans to pursue professional golf.
Cooper Groshart First Tee — Central Coast
Cooper won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and now attends California State East Bay, as a business administration major and a member of the golf team. Confidence is a First Tee lesson that Cooper keeps with him today while playing competitive golf. His experience in the First Tee National Championship was inspiring, as he saw so many people from different places share the same drive to compete and succeed in golf, he said.
Cooper played in the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur in Charleston. As a freshman, he competed in 12 tournaments with his college team and has been on the dean’s list both semesters. He said his goal is to continue to improve as a player and a person.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (May 14, 2024) – Four years ago, President George W. Bush had a big surprise for seven exemplary First Tee participants. First Tee’s honorary chair told the teens they were selected as inaugural members of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Now the organization is thrilled to celebrate their graduation.
“Congratulations to the first graduating class of First Tee College Scholarship Program,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are very proud of your hard work and commitment, and we look forward to watching you move into the next stages of your journey. First Tee is proud to have played a role in your development.”
“First Tee is family,” said Ricky Lam, a First Tee Scholar who is graduating from Harvard University and pursuing a career in insurance. “Ultimately First Tee is a place where you have such a strong support system to be able to pursue your passions, ask for help, expand your horizons and network so you can be the person you strive to be.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program is a need- and merit-based scholarship program through which Scholars receive financial support and access to a wide range of professional development opportunities. Each Scholar is paired with an adult mentor to ensure they are equipped with the tools they need to be successful in college and beyond.
“The First Tee College Scholarship Program really helped me find connections, especially with my mentor,” said Malisone Chanthanpanya, now a graduate student and member of the golf team at Texas Wesleyan University. Mali is one of three Scholars who graduated early to bring the total number of graduated First Tee Scholars to 10. “She was a great resource who I could talk to about not just college and my career but about life. I got to meet a lot of people through the scholarship program.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program was launched in 2020, and it recognizes First Tee participants who have shown dedication to academics, community service and their First Tee chapters. It has since grown to include 70 Scholars, with the 2024 class slated to be announced next month.
Meet the graduates:
Luke Boldt First Tee – Coastal Carolina / East Carolina University He has accepted a position as a medical missionary for two years and plans to apply to medical school.
Malisone Chanthanpanya First Tee – Fort Worth / Texas Wesleyan University She’s in graduate school and prepping for LPGA Q-school in the fall.
Jessica Jiao First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Georgetown University She has accepted a position with BNP Paribas Bank in its equity capital markets department in New York.
Ricky Lam First Tee–Tri-Valley / Harvard University He has accepted a position with Sompo as a commercial underwriter.
Kelly Low First Tee – Fort Worth / University of Texas at Dallas She has accepted an offer with Amazon Web Services as an associate solutions architect in Austin.
Nicole Monsalve First Tee – Miami / Duke University She has accepted a position with the NFL in its two-year rotation program in New York.
Sara Rintoul First Tee – Central Florida / University of Florida She has accepted an offer at Proctor & Gamble as a brand manager in Boston.
Remi Shendell First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Emory University She is graduating with a double-major in biology and political science.
Borina Sutiko First Tee – Silicon Valley / Santa Clara University She hopes to attend Cal Berkely this fall to earn her master’s in information systems.
Denise Wei First Tee – San Francisco/ University of California, Irvine She has accepted an offer with PwC in its audit division.
For kids and adults alike, trying new things is a great way to build self-confidence. But it can also be intimidating. While First Tee chapters aim to create welcoming environments, knowing more about what to expect may help your family feel more comfortable before its first class.
“First Tee welcomes all ages and skill level of golfers to classes,” said Lexie Milford, senior director of programs technology at First Tee. “Families should feel comfortable arriving to any First Tee location knowing their participant will be met by trained and caring adult coaches that are ready to lead them through a variety of fun activities.”
In addition to learning golf, First Tee’s curriculum is built around teaching kids to:
Pursue goals.
Grow through challenges.
Collaborate with others.
Build a positive self-identity.
Use good judgment.
First Tee coaches aim to create fun and colorful, hands-on experiences for kids, Milford said. Here is what parents and kids should know.
First Tee emphasizes safety and inclusivity
As a youth development organization, First Tee believes experiences are our greatest teacher and that they should be both fun and meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail and better equipped for whatever comes their way.
Just like trying a new sport can be scary for kids, deciding to entrust your child to a coach or organization can also be a significant decision for parents. As part of First Tee’s commitment to safety, all employees, coaches and volunteers must complete a background check before working with kids. Plus, all employees, coaches, volunteers and board members are required to complete the U.S. Center for SafeSport training program.
Additionally, while golf can have a reputation as an expensive and exclusive sport, First Tee aims to make it accessible to all families. Contact your local chapter if your child is interested in golf, but finances are a concern. First Tee also provides equipment and requires no special uniforms or shoes. For their first class, your child should wear something comfortable that makes them feel confident and allows them to move.
Talking to your child about trying new things
First Tee chapters cater to all kids, whether they are serious golfers, beginners and just play for fun. Even though you’ll find participants of all varying levels at First Tee, many kids are nervous during their first class. But it might be helpful to remind them that every golfer was a beginner once.
Listening to their concerns and celebrating small successes can go a long way. “In my house, we love a good challenge and make a big deal for my kids when they make it through a new activity or experience, regardless of the outcome,” Milford said.
With a curriculum that integrates life skills and character education, First Tee is about more than golf – which isn’t an easy sport, even for great players. Helping your child set small goals throughout their golf journey can be a good strategy to help them build confidence and teach them to enjoy a lifelong sport.
Playing Augusta National is a dream for many golfers.
“There are so many things that make the experience special,” Anna Morgan said. “The history that surrounds it and the Masters stories, it’s just exciting to be out there playing the same golf course.”
Anna is an alumna of First Tee – Upstate South Carolina and a collegiate golfer at Furman University. She’s preparing to play in her third Augusta National Women’s Amateur, which begins Wednesday, April 3.
“Up until 2019, they only had The Masters, and so to now have the ANWA and be able to say I’ve played tournament golf at Augusta, it’s just so cool to be part of that history,” she said.
It’s almost a hometown tournament for Anna, who grew up a couple hours from Augusta in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Anna has had a storied career at Furman, where she was named 2023 SoCon Female Athlete of the Year. Last month she won the Purdue Puerto Rico Classic. “There have just been so many amazing moments,” she said. “I started playing golf because I thought it was fun, and I’ve been able to keep having fun with my coaches and teammates at Furman.”
Anna honed that mentality at First Tee, where she still remembers playing golf baseball and other games. “I just have such great memories and made such great friends,” she said. “Especially during rough days on the golf course, I try to remember to always have fun. You need to enjoy it first and foremost.”
She said First Tee helped her build confidence too.
Anna’s dad got her into golf when she was young, but she played lots of different sports and actually focused on baseball until she was encouraged to switch to softball when she got older.
Her advice to young golfers: “I definitely wasn’t the best golfer starting out. You don’t have to be the best player in your town or even the best on your team to have a future in golf,” she said.
In addition to preparing for Augusta – where Anna says your short game is critical – she’s about to graduate with a double major in communications studies and political science. Anna is aiming to qualify for the Curtis Cup before establishing herself on a professional tour.
For many families, the return of spring means outdoor sports are back in play.
Whether your children play golf or participate in other physical activities, it’s important to keep them safe. Did you know a third of childhood injuries occur during sports?
One of the best ways to make sure your child is prepared to play this spring is by encouraging them to warm up before exercise.
“At First Tee we utilize warmups in a couple different ways,” said Ali Miller, senior manager of programs training at First Tee. “If it has been a little while since your child has been active in sports or they are new to sports in general, warmups are a great way to get their body used to being active. Warmups also allow our coaches to build a foundation of movement that helps facilitate better golf technique using exercises and movements that your child may be more used to such as throwing or kicking a ball.”
All First Tee classes start with a warmup, and coaches aim to make them fun, so kids feel excited about the rest of the lesson, Miller said. Not only is warming up healthy before exercise, but it’s also a great way to instill in kids the importance of preparing for a task.
Miller recommends warmups that combine a few different exercises to focus on different skills and muscles. For example, she’ll combine skiers for balance and agility with lunges for strength and flexibility.
“Lastly, I always have kids do some kind of throwing, kicking or hitting motion, which covers object control. All these actions mimic golf skills and help me see what kids are capable of movement wise,” Miller said.
“I also usually organize these exercises into some kind of circuit or obstacle course to keep things fun and keep kids moving for the whole warmup.”
When it comes to other tips to prepare for spring sports, Miller said kids are generally resilient, but it never hurts to take your child to the doctor for a physical, especially if they’ve been more sedentary over winter.
“Our coaches place safety as a number one priority but parents can help by making sure kids are wearing golf or athletic shoes and clothing that is easy to move around in,” she said. “As always if your child has any allergies or physical limitations let your local First Tee staff know so they can make sure everything is in order and they’re set up for success.”
My name is Alexa Vela, a student at Rice University studying business and sport management.
I am also a proud First Tee alumni and Scholar who has been fortunate enough to grow up playing the game of golf, and as a result have been taught a variety of fundamental lessons and values such as patience, confidence and integrity whether on or off the course.
All of which have been instilled within me by First Tee and have been fundamental in shaping me into the leader that I am today; dedicated to establishing an environment where everyone feels welcomed.
This devotion to creating inclusive spaces is the result of the community and friendships that I have been granted through First Tee.
As a First Tee participant and now alumni and Scholar, I am certain that my accomplishments and ability to effectively serve my community and college campus is the result of the program’s ability to grant me a renewed sense of confidence as well as allow me to discover the power of my voice.
Through the years, I recognized the importance of using this voice as a means to embrace my authenticity and create a space that encouraged others to embrace theirs.
Such a realization is what not only led me into my current academic areas of interests, sport management and business, with the intent to unite my love for growing the game of golf with my curiosity on how the game can take active strides in becoming more inclusive and accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds, but is what recently empowered me to revamp the Club Golf Team here at Rice University.
Growing golf in Houston has been especially important to me, considering that it is where I learned to love the game, but also where I was able to witness firsthand the impact that having access to the game of golf can have in the lives of many. Whether it be the ability to develop and foster community or be granted a space where you can enjoy yourself in nature, I recognized that very need here on Rice’s campus.
After a year of researching the process and correct steps to take in order to make this dream a reality, the club team was established in January of this year!
The team essentially provides all Rice students the opportunity to play golf, whether it be recreationally or competitively by participating in tournaments where students have an opportunity to represent Rice as a team, regardless of previous exposure or experience with the game.
My vision for the team is to create community on the golf course by allowing all students to have the opportunity to participate in practices or tournaments without having to incur a huge financial undertaking.
In addition to this, the club golf team’s presence on campus provides an outlet for females at Rice to play golf competitively considering the school does not currently have a women’s golf team.
With our first golf tournament as a team in the books, I am excited to see the future of Club Golf here at Rice and the impact it will create here on campus.
Just as time off has been shown to improve work performance in adults, Spring Break provides a great opportunity for kids to decompress amid a busy school year. It’s also an opportunity for parents to empower their kids to use good judgment, a focus of the First Tee curriculum.
“Whether you have a vacation planned or are staying home this spring break, there are plenty of opportunities for your child to make thoughtful decisions,” said Lexie Milford, senior director of programs technology and support at First Tee and mother to two boys. “For example, if you’re traveling, empower your kiddo to help pack the snacks. What choices are healthy? What is best for a car ride? What needs to be kept cold?”
Ask your child to walk you through their decision-making process and follow up later to see if they’ll do anything different next time. You might have your child weigh in on different topics as they get older because using good judgment gets easier with practice.
When it comes to making the most of Spring Break, it can also be beneficial to help your child set a few short-term goals, which can have a positive impact on their self-confidence. “Start with things they can control and take ownership around, like chores, reading or screen time,” Milford said.
Maybe your child wants to clock a specific number of community service hours during Spring Break or complete a certain number of lessons on the First Tee app, for example.
Of course, spring breaks can look different depending on your child’s age, interests and your own work obligations.
“As a working parent, it’s hard to balance kids being home while work continues on,” acknowledged Milford. “Relying on your kid to entertain themselves – and being comfortable with however they choose to do that so long as it’s safe – can be unnerving sometimes. But taking the week to let your kid be a kid, make some of their own choices, and just enjoy the freedom of play can be an amazing experience for them to unwind from stresses of school.”
Many First Tee chapters offer spring break programming. Learn more opportunities to enroll.
Eyna Alaan’s favorite part of coaching at First Tee – Greater Pasadena is collaborating with her colleagues to make classes fun for kids.
“I love working with the other coaches to create games,” she said. Eyna has been coaching since 2015, and in that time, she’s gotten to see participants grow and evolve. “It’s just been amazing to see these kids progress. It’s like I’ve been there from the beginning,” she said.
Eyna herself was fresh out of high school when she began coaching at First Tee – Greater Pasadena. She was playing golf at Glendale Community College where her coach was involved with the First Tee chapter and told her about the program.
“When I was growing up, I went to golf academy where it felt like golf was everything,” she said. “If you weren’t one of the best players, you fell by the weigh side. When I started teaching at First Tee and I was learning about the curriculum, I just thought it was great that it focused on the whole person – not just their golf skills.”
Eyna has advanced to First Tee’s Level 3 coach training, which she attended last year in Portland. “A lot of people say patience is the key to coaching, but I think empathy is really important. Kids at different ages are in different places. They may not be able to grasp certain concepts yet, but you still need to be able to connect with them.”
Eyna was born in the Philippines and moved to Southern California when she was 5. Her dad encouraged her to play golf, a sport he took up to bond with his older brothers.
Eyna’s sister attended Morehead State University on a golf scholarship and is working toward her LPGA certification. “It just really tickles my dad,” she said. “He always brags to my family. He’s so proud to have daughters that work in golf.”
Being a young female coach sometimes helps Eyna connect with participants. “There are sometimes those classes with one or two girls, and immediately they’re a little intimidated,” she said. “In high school, I had to play on boys’ team, and I didn’t have any female teammates until I was a senior and my sister joined the team as a freshman. I understand how they’re feeling, and I want to help them build confidence.”
At First Tee, we believe golf is for everyone, but the sport can feel intimidating, especially for families who are new to it. That’s why it’s important to remember, golf is meant to be fun, according to Ali Miller, senior manager of programs training at First Tee.
Miller grew up learning the game at First Tee – Quad Cities before playing collegiate golf and joining the staff at First Tee headquarters. She played an important role in developing First Tee’s updated curriculum, which was rolled out in 2023. It uses fun golf activities to teach life skills and help kids uncover their values.
As someone who’s spent lots of time on golf courses – and even trains First Tee coaches – here is her take on the rules of golf.
Q: How does understanding the basic rules of golf make the sport safer and more enjoyable?
A: Knowing the basics makes golf more enjoyable because it’s a little less intimidating when you feel like you know what’s going on. In golf there are written and unwritten rules. The best way to get comfortable is to be around the game, be on the golf course and play with people who are more experienced – like a First Tee coach, or an older participant in the program. Some rules are also important for golf course safety, like out of bounds. It usually indicates areas you don’t want to go, and it’s safer to avoid them.
It takes exposure to the game to get comfortable with the official rules, however the sport can be enjoyed using intuitive etiquette, like taking turns and not distracting people when they are swinging. At First Tee we believe it’s so important that the rules of golf aren’t a barrier to entry. Remember most people are happy to help guide you or your child, whether it’s a First Tee coach, a PGA or LPGA professional or golf course staff. Most golfers can remember a time they didn’t know a rule, and someone helped them, so they want to pay it forward.
Interestingly enough, many of the rules are designed to help level the playing field and allow for people with different abilities to still enjoy playing and competing together.
Q: How do you balance having fun when you’re learning a new game?
A: Golf is a very social game. The fun part is being outside and walking and talking with your friends – and hopefully hitting some good shots along the way. I would focus on that aspect when your child is starting out. If they’re out there playing with friends, they should be having fun while also learning about the game and understanding the rules as they spend more time with the sport. If they make a mistake on the rules, it’s not a big issue.
We invite parents to become familiar with scoring basics – like in any sport – as we encourage it for all age groups. Of course, some younger players might not be able to do it on their own and that’s OK too. Additionally, First Tee coaches are trained to coach different ages, and we recommend shorter holes for younger kids. For example, for kids under 9, we suggest 25 yards for a Par 3 or 50 yards for a Par 4, which just means teeing off a little further down the fairway. These kinds of adaptations help kids enjoy the game.
If you’ve ever played golf, you know it’s tough if you take it or yourself too seriously! It takes lots of work to become a scratch golfer, and new golfers shouldn’t compare themselves to experienced players. That’s where the concept of Personal Par comes in. We encourage kids to focus on achieving their personal best, which helps them stay positive. Golf – like life – is a journey.
If your child advances or wants to play competitively, there’s always someone around to help. It can feel intimidating to ask, but that’s what rules officials and tournament staff are there for. It’s funny, when I was playing competitively, my dad didn’t know the rules well, and he always thought I scored way better than I did. But I just remember he was out there supporting me, and that was the important thing.
Q: What should new golfers know?
A: In a perfect world, you or your child should try to be on time for a tee time. It’s an unwritten rule that you should aim to be 10 minutes early. It helps you calm the nerves on the first tee and obviously is considerate to other golfers.
Other rules that come up often include out-of-bounds and losing your ball. In these cases, you can typically either take a one-stroke penalty and retry the shot or take a two-stroke penalty and play from the edge of the fairway near where your ball landed. Try not to play someone else’s ball, which is why you’ll see professional players put markings on their golf balls to identify them. First Tee’s app has great, kid-friendly helpful lessons on many of these rules.
That said, I think new golfers should know we’ve all been in their shoes. So our primary rule at First Tee is have fun and be safe. Be yourself and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We want you to be on the course!
Q: You just alluded to the fact that golf courses are shared spaces. How does following the rules help ensure everyone enjoys their round?
A: Most golf courses will indicate the pace at which they expect golfers to finish 9 or 18 holes. Keeping up that pace and following out-of-bounds rules are important to ensure everyone has a fun and safe round. A lot of golf courses have homes on them, so out-of-bounds rules can protect golfers and homeowners.
For new golfers, it can feel intimidating to have a fast group right behind you. The etiquette here would be to pause and let them play through.
Q: What should you do if you make a mistake?
A: First, remember it’s normal and OK. If you’re playing with friends, own up to it and learn from it. If you’re playing in a tournament, there can be other consequences, but in most cases, golfers are given an opportunity to fix their mistakes.
The USGA is a Founding Partner of First Tee and they publish a rulebook each year and even offers a junior version in comic book form.
Q: How can learning the rules of golf help a child off the course?
A: Golf is a lot like life, right? Sometimes you need to ask for help. At First Tee, we believe mentorship is a powerful tool, and we hope our participants have coaches they can turn to on and off the golf course. On the golf course, there are usually officials around, but it’s a big place. Sometimes you might need to call a penalty on yourself, take responsibility and record your score accurately.
Having to react to unexpected situations or recover their composure after a bad shot on the golf course can prepare kids to do the same in life. Golf is a fun and engaging activity that provides challenges, requires commitment and effort over time, but is so worth it. It’s a lifelong sport available for people with all abilities. Learn more about how to get involved.
Golf has always been part of Kelly Allen’s life. “I’ve had a club in my hand since I was 2. I still have that little cut down 2 iron somewhere,” he said.
Kelly joined First Tee – North Florida at 7 years old, and at 12, he decided to give up football and baseball to focus on golf. His choice coincided with the 2005 Masters, when Tiger Woods famously chipped in from the rough on 16 before going on to win in a playoff. Kelly remembers going crazy in his living room.
“It was just super exciting what he was doing for the game, and I wanted a piece of it,” he said.
As a teenager, Kelly traveled to a variety of First Tee national opportunities and earned the chance to play twice at the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach, which became his favorite golf course.
“I made a bunch of friends across the country through First Tee,” he said. “I had unforgettable experiences and received timeless benefits. First Tee shows you that golf is much more than swinging a club and hitting a ball. It’s networking, seeing the world and building character.”
Kelly is a Jacksonville, Florida, native and began his college career at Johnson & Wales before transferring to Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. The decision was largely driven by golf, but ultimately, Kelly said he’s glad he experienced attending an HBCU.
“Being a part of a team culture, especially in golf, it’s very unique because unless you’re playing for a Ryder Cup or something like that, you don’t get that very often,” he said. “I enjoyed the comradery and the bond with my teammates. That whole idea of us against the world was the best part of it.” His team won the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship in 2015. Kelly was also crowned the overall champion.
Kelly has played golf across the country, but Brentwood Golf Course in Jacksonville is where he learned the game and still the place he calls home. The facility played an important role in the city’s civil rights history, when a group of Black golfers showed up to play there on a Tuesday. At the time, Black golfers were only allowed to play Brentwood on Mondays. They launched a legal battle that ultimately led to the desegregation of public recreation facilities in the area.
Kelly was working at Brentwood when he learned about an exciting new opportunity. With support from THE PLAYERS, Edward Waters College, the oldest HBCU in Florida, was launching a women’s golf team and needed a coach.
“It just made so much sense to pursue because Edward Waters is in the middle of the neighborhood where I grew up,” Kelly said. “Growing up I seen a lot of life get lost to the streets. I see this program as a great way to serve my community put some life back into it.”
Kelly is passionate about building a winning culture at Edward Waters, and he’s learned a lot about coaching. “I realized quickly that this job isn’t just about golf. It’s about leading and nurturing young women” he said. “Each girl is facing her own unique set of challenges on and off the course. As a coach, you have to be able to help them navigate through it. Some are away from home and their families for the first time. The coach is their advocate while they are here on campus.”
Not only does Kelly coach his players on the course, but he also manages recruiting, tournament registrations, ordering uniforms, booking travel, planning practice schedules, player development and more. “It has been very challenging but that’s the reason I love it,” he said. “It’ll be that much more satisfying when we reach our goals.”
In addition to his busy schedule as a coach, Kelly has his own brand called Golf By Kelly, which is all about bringing eccentric style to golf.
As some of you may know, First Tee — Upstate South Carolina recently expanded into two new counties in 2023; Greenwood and Oconee Counties. Now the chapter conducts programming in six of the ten counties that make up the Upstate of South Carolina. First Tee programming began in 2000 in Spartanburg County and now encompasses Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Oconee Counties with plans to expand into Pickens and Union Counties before the end of 2024. In 2023 and now into 2024 Greenwood County experienced some of the most recent success so far with our programming, events, and the start of our school program in District 50!
Our first programming location in Greenwood County is The Fort Club (formally Star Fort) in Ninety Six. In 2022, a new ownership took over the club and welcomed our First Tee with open arms. We are so grateful to have a Program Location that is excited to grow the game of golf and be so welcoming to kids and teens of Greenwood County. In our first year we hosted programming in collaboration with the local Boys & Girls Club and have been able to host with the support of the SCJGA, The Rick Vieth Junior 4-Ball Championship for the past two years. Sponsorships for the event go directly to First Tee and continue to help our chapter grow our programming in Greenwood County. During that event in 2023 we had two of our Ace Level Participants, Julia Conroy and Mercy Santerini complete in the Girls Division! Below are pictures from the winners of both the girls and boys divisions of the event!
Classes at The Fort Club have been fantastic and we love utilizing the club to not only give kids in Greenwood County the opportunity to learn the game golf and build their character within our programming, but also provide opportunities to compete in state-wide tournaments!
We also have reached the community by getting equipment in the hands of kids while they are in school. We love to see kids out at the golf course, but our school program gives kids the opportunity to learn the game of golf and teach our character education during regularly schedule school hours. We are grateful for the support of the community and District 50 investing in their young people by providing the equipment, teacher training and curriculum to all eight elementary schools in District 50. The equipment bag allows PE Teachers to teach up to 48 kids at one time our golf and life skills curriculum in a safe way in the gym or outdoors! Learn more about our school program by clicking here and if you would like to see our First Tee School Program in your school, please reach out to Michael Pius, PGA Executive Director at [email protected].
Our expansion into new counties has been amazing to not only help our chapter grow as a whole, but continue to impact kids and teens and enable them to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges.
Are you interested in programming in Greenwood County? Click on the button below!
