First Tee - Central Florida

Our Fall 2024 Session is in full swing (pun intended). It's great to have the kids out learning and having fun!

Remembering those today that we lost on 9-11. And remembering those that made the ultimate sacrifice to help. We will never forget.

Last week we hosted our version of coffee and conversation. This is a small gathering so everyone can learn more about First Tee Central Florida and how they can support what we do. It's great to be able to have a more intimate setting that lends itself to more open conversation. If you would like to come and be a part of this we host them in the mornings and our next one is scheduled for October 9th. You can contact either Wanda at [email protected] or Brian at [email protected].

THIS WEEKEND: First Tee Central Florida is excited to partner with fine jewelry. This weekend only shop with code GIVEBACK-HBYKL and 20% of the sale will be donated to First Tee Central Florida. This code is good from 09/07 at 12AM to 09/08 11:59PM. The code can be used online at www.kendrascott.com or mention the code in-store at their Mall at Millenia. Don't miss out on this great opportunity to support First Tee Central Florida!

Classes begin the week of September 9th!
Missed the Fall Registration Deadline?
Send us an email to see if we can swing it for your child!
[email protected]

Wishing everyone a happy Labor Day! Go out and hit some golf balls!

Fall registration is open and classes are filling up fast. Be sure to register soon to secure your spot. To get more information visit our registration site at https://tinyurl.com/3zafz4sk . For additional question email [email protected].

Our 2024 annual board retreat Taskforce to Greatness took place at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce. Leading the educational segment was guest speaker Amie Dugan senior vice president Special Olympics. Thank you to all the board members that participated. It was a great time of learning and collaboration.

Our board member spotlight is on Amy Wheeler!
"The biggest challenge I see for our youth is a lack of appropriate role models & mentors. First Tee - Central Florida's coaches not only teach the game of golf, but life lessons to equip our children for their future endeavors. This is truly why I love this organization!"

School is back! And we know everyone is excited in their own way. We hope all the kids and parents have a great first day back, and we are looking forward to seeing all of our kids when fall First Tee classes start!

First Tee – Central Florida is excited to announce Lisa Peden has joined our chapter! Lisa is a Member of the LPGA and is a Teaching Apprentice. Originally from Smithtown, New York, Lisa competed here in Central Florida starting as a junior, then representing the DeLand Bulldogs in high school before earning a golf scholarship to the University of Central Florida where she majored in Education.

Lisa was an instructor for Natural Golf and had the privilege to work with both Moe Norman and Sandy Lyle. She has coached at the high school level with experience in developing Junior Programs. Lisa is a PGA Jr. League Coach and is excited about bringing her experience to First Tee -Central Florida as the Community Program Coordinator, Chapter Coach and PGA Jr. League Coach.

“My style of teaching makes learning fun and simple,” shares Lisa, “I believe a positive mind builds confidence, and confidence leads to better performance.”
We are confident the kids, teens, families, schools and outreach centers Lisa will serve, will love her positive mindset!

Tee it up to SWING FOR THE KIDS! Sponsorships include Chef's Experience at Roka Hula and Dinner at Voodoo Bayou Orlando on Sunday October 6th with live music, entertainment with an on air personality & tour player, and a live auction! The next morning, Monday, October 7th, your foursome will tee it up at Lake Nona Country Club for an 18-hole Shamble. Breakfast, players gifts, on course contests with prizes and lunch included.

Sponsor Spotlight: Thank you Ravago for your continued support through sponsoring Swing for the Kids. Without support from our corporate partners First Tee Central Florida would not be able to reach our Central Florida youth. Read more about our upcoming event Swing for the Kids. https://firstteecfl.org/calendar/

THANK YOU Arjun Atwell for your equipment donation! Slightly used equipment is repurposed and passed on to our First Tee Central Florida kids. Every contribution counts towards the success of our mission! Arjun is currently playing on the PGA Tour Champions .

The Leonard and Marjorie Williams Family YMCA Members: First Tee - Central Florida is coming to YOUR Y! Learn about our life skills program that introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to kids and teens during the Packing District Back to School Jam on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 11am - 2pm.

8-Week Classes begin Thursday, September 12th

2178 Packing District Wy, Orlando, FL 32804
5pm - 5:50pm and 6pm - 6:50pm

Teen Spotlight: We are so proud of Aryana Persaud for giving back to the community through our programs as a junior instructor at First Tee Central Florida.

Giving Back Important for Harmony High School Senior, Aryana Persaud Before she enrolled in The First Tee program as an eight-year-old, Aryana Persaud had never picked up a golf club in her life. The only thing she really knew about the sport was that it was a game that her father really enjoyed playing, so she wanted to give it a whirl.

Big shout out to our program partner Stoneybrook West Golf Club. If you are out at the golf course be sure to stop in at PB Prime for a great meal!

Our Board Member Spotlight is on Brandon Lee!
Brandon is excited for our First Tee - Central Florida kids and teens because they are generating a passion for something that doesn't involve a screen. Lee Wesley Group

Former FSU and professional football player Kenny Shaw brought his R.A.W athletes to participate in one of our First Tee Central Florida program classes. He is dedicated to giving back to his community by teaching kids the importance of being resilient. Kenny knows the lessons learned in golf are a great tool for kids. Thank you to our coaches Mike Byrnes, Tommy Insley, Edward Barker, Jorge Arteta, and Jinyu Wu for their leadership.

What makes the summer season sweeter? First Tee - Central Florida supporter Bobby Kisselback and Kisselback Ford providing 10 scholarships for First Tee Central Florida girls to attend Eagle Creek Camp. Thank you!

Central Florida Summer weather is predictably unpredictable and requires the ability to carry on with indoor learning! Our Program at Rio Pinar Golf Club's Academy is a true Game Changer.

Happy 4th of July to all of our First Tee Families. Please stay safe and have fun!

19 years ago, The Farmhouse Classic was founded in Bloomington, Indiana by a group of four friends. The group has grown significantly, traveling annually to destinations to share their love for the game, and to give back to a First Tee Chapter nearest to their tournament location. First Tee - Central Florida was the recipient of their generosity this year!

The alignment with our mission makes perfect sense, because through it all, The Farmhouse Classic remains committed to its Core Values:

FRIENDSHIP, SPORTSMANSHIP, AND CHARITY

We are thrilled to announce, Filipe Gurjao is our new Program Director! Our First Tee - Central Florida families have known him as Coach Filipe since 2021, but he actually began coaching for First Tee in 2012 with the San Francisco Chapter.
Filipe also brings to our chapter a solid background in business ownership, operations, and sales & marketing. Filipe enjoys keeping his game sharp by competing in local events. Please join us in congratulating Filipe Gurjão!

Summer is in Full Swing and it is Getting Hotter with Additional Opportunities for your Child to Get into the Game of Golf!

Sign up by visiting our website and clicking register my child in the big green button.

First Tee - Central Florida Mentor - Mentee Skills Challenge at Eagle Creek Golf Club Orlando. Mentors coached their Mentees from tee to green, being their biggest cheerleader every stroke of the way! Scorecards were exchanged while enjoying dinner to celebrate our winners, Coach Michael & Brayden!

To all our First Tee - Central Florida families, enjoy celebrating your dad today!

Farewell Coach Phil! For six years you have shown up for First Tee - Central Florida in a huge way, pouring your heart into our kids & teens with the life skills curriculum that is our mission. As you enjoy the next chapter of your life in the Carolina mountains, we will forever remember you imploring of our youth to be a part of a solution, and not the problem! All our very best to you Coach Phil! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Happy National Women's Golf Day! First Tee - Central Florida celebrates women and girls who play golf and learn skills that can last a lifetime. This global event is a movement that goes beyond race, religion, language, geography, or economic status.