The importance of embracing differences and different experiences 

February is Black History Month, an important time to recognize the contributions and remember the hardships endured by generations of African Americans. Appreciating diversity and what makes us each unique remains an integral part of First Tee’s DNA year-round.  

“When you bring together people with different perspectives and different experiences, the whole becomes stronger than the sum of its parts,” said Pepper Peete, whose career in golf began more than two decades ago when she established the men’s team at Edward Waters College, an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida. Peete now helps lead culture and inclusion efforts at First Tee headquarters. 

Access for All 

First Tee has always been committed to reaching kids from all backgrounds and making sure they feel included in our programming. At First Tee we commit to: 

  • Appreciating what makes us different. 
  • Providing everyone ​with what they need ​to succeed, knowing that our needs and challenges may differ. 
  • Creating space that makes every individual feel like they belong and can see themselves reflected.​ 

Collaborating with others – including those who are different from you – is a Key Commitment at First Tee, and it means showing respect, kindness and care for everyone. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation or lived experience, we’re all unique.  

Here are some ways kids can get more comfortable learning about and from others. 

A-L-R is a tool for learning about others 

First Tee coaches introduce the concept of appreciating diversity by explaining that people differ in many ways and are similar in other ways, and we all have strengths and weaknesses. It is important for kids and teens to understand, accept and appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses, but it is equally important they do the same with others. 

Engaging others in conversation doesn’t always come naturally to children, but it can be one of the best ways to form meaningful connections across perceived barriers. A-L-R is a strategy we teach at First Tee. 

  • Ask questions: Invite your child to ask questions to discover more about a person’s background and past experiences, which might provide insight into who they are today and the commonalities they share. 
  • Listen to understand: Introduce active listening by encouraging your child to focus on what others are saying rather than thinking about what to say next. 
  • Reflect and respond: Invite your child to show how they were listening by responding with a thoughtful question or sharing your own thoughts or feelings on the topic at hand.  

Through this exercise, kids might learn they share common interests with someone who looks or sounds different to them. 

Don’t forget that in addition to learning about others, preteens are often grappling with and discovering their own identities. If your family positions diversity as an asset, your child might feel more comfortable being themself.  

Exposing your child to food, music or books from other cultures can help them see the commonalities we share and appreciate that our differences make the world a richer place. You can also discuss the diversity that exists within your own family or community to show that diversity is everywhere, including the golf space. 

“Golf has given me an opportunity to go places I never would have been able to go and meet people I never would have been able to meet,” said Peete, who was married to Calvin Peete, one of the most successful Black professional golfers in history. “I think golf can open up unexpected doors.” 

A lifelong golfer and mother to two daughters who played golf at HBCUs, Peete has seen the sport become more accessible, especially to women, and she believes the golf course is a perfect place to break down barriers. “You get to meet so many different people through golf,” Peete said. 

Building Game Changers Academy-David Nguyen

David Nguyen Interview
August 7, 2023

FTCI: As we speak, you’re in Palo Alto, California, at Stanford University. What takes you there?

David: In addition to attending Valley High School, where I’ll be a Senior this fall, I also
participate in an online high school conducted by Stanford University. In the summer they hold a
two-week camp bringing those students together on campus to take classes and partake in
other activities. It’s really exciting!

FTCI: That’s fantastic! You are a busy guy. I want to get your impressions of being selected to
participate in the Building Game Changers Academy last month.

David: My experience started even before I reached the program site at Villanova University,
just outside of Philadelphia. While waiting at the gate in Atlanta for my connecting flight, I looked
up and noticed a man wearing a First Tee shirt. What a coincidence! He turned out to be Rob
Neal, Vice President of Chapter Relationships for First Tee National. We talked for two hours on
all sorts of First Tee things like chapter recruitment, what I could expect from the Academy, and
actionable things I could do in our chapter. I shared with him my story and how I came to
participate in First Tee — Central Iowa. So, before I even arrived at the Academy, I got to talk
with one of the people in charge of First Tee on a national basis. That has left a lasting
impression on me.
The thing I remember most when arriving at Villanova were the attitudes of all the other
participants and the atmosphere there. Everyone was uplifting, open to ideas, and excited to
converse with others. I could clearly tell they were people who make big things happen in their
communities – from the way they held themselves, the way they talked, and the way they engaged
with strangers. By the end of camp, we weren’t strangers anymore.

FTCI: There were quite a few attendees from around the country, weren’t there?

David: There were 72 participants and quite a few coaches from different chapters. I enjoyed
talking with all of them.

FTCI: Was there such a thing as a typical day at the Academy?

David: Everyday was really special. After breakfast we’d head to RISE (Research Training
Initiative for Student Enhancement) Training which was focused on inclusion, diversity, and
equality – and how to address those pressing problems. It was a big environment where you
could be open to talking about any topic. They called it a safe space and it really was. It’s the
first time I have been in an environment that truly deserved that name. I had a strong connection
with several participants with whom I’m still in contact via group chat on these important topics.

FTCI: Were the diversity, equity, and inclusion discussions about the topic in general or how you
could take these ideas back to your respective chapters?

David: Both! We focused first on how to apply the concepts in our local chapters. I have a
couple of good notes on what we can do in Central Iowa and the benefits of implementing these
initiatives.
After training in the morning, we transitioned into the golf portion of the Academy. We had skill
stations and golf outings on the course. The coaches made sure to tie in what we learned in the
morning into the bigger picture of becoming a Game Changer in our local communities and
creating an environment where everybody can be successful.

FTCI: Was there one big takeaway from the week where you knew being selected for this
Academy was special?

David: The biggest moment of connection I felt with my fellow participants was on the closing
day. We had a banquet after our outing at Merion Golf Club. We were all in a big dining hall and
there were speakers and awards. But the big thing was when we said goodbye to the coaches.
That’s when I saw how much the coaches were invested in us, and we were invested in them –
even though we were from chapters from all over the country. We felt First Tee is more than a
single chapter here and there but a big nationwide organization working to address these issues
for kids all over the U.S. and internationally.

FTCI: What has it meant to you to be selected for the Academy and going through this
experience?

David: It wouldn’t be too much to say that it was a transformative experience for me. I really felt
a shift in my perspective, in my mindset. In First Tee we talk about core values like confidence
and perseverance. At the Academy was when I felt those values being put into play – physically,
within me.

FTCI: What would you say to other First Tee — Central Iowa participants who might be
interested in applying for these types of opportunities through First Tee National?

David: The hardest part for me was to take that first step. Do I want to do this? Do I want to
step up and take the risk? What I’ve learned in being a junior coach and a participant in this
Academy is that a leader isn’t someone who is the best at everything they do, that knows
everything – it’s the person who’s willing to step up and take action where others may not want
to. When I’ve talked to others in our chapter about applying for these national opportunities,
they’re concerned they won’t be able to fit in, they’re not smart enough, they’re not good
enough, they’re not ready, etc. But the defining aspect of any leader is being able to step up.
So, I encourage any participant in Central Iowa to take that first step and experience an
Academy that teaches lessons that last forever.

This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.

Volunteer Spotlight-Daniel Timmons

Serving as a First Tee coach for eight years, Daniel Timmons is one of our longest serving volunteers. What keeps him coming back?

“It’s rewarding to see the kids have fun and improve. I love working with them and it’s my way of helping to perpetuate the game of golf.”

Timmons was introduced to First Tee — Central Iowa by former board member, Claudia Peyton. He had just retired as a vice president at Jensen Construction and he was looking for a way to give back. It was a great match – working with kids and golf.

He continues, “First Tee is a really great opportunity for kids to learn how to play the game and the life lessons they will use throughout their lives – the importance of Integrity, Honesty, Sportsmanship… all of the Core Values.”

It’s not all work for Timmons. When he takes participants out on the course the most important thing he emphasizes, after safety, is to have fun. In fact, he likes to “announce” them like they do at PGA Tournaments, “This is Jack Smith from Birmingham, Alabama. He is representing Saydel High School and is a three-time winner on the PGA Tour. Let’s welcome Jack to the tee!”

It is clear Daniel Timmons loves being a First Tee volunteer coach.

We can’t thank Daniel enough for his time and effort in caring for our participants and helping us Build Game Changers. If you’re interested in becoming a First Tee coach, contact our Program Director, Mikayla Olson at [email protected].

Carter Bonas wants everyone to feel like they belong on the course 

Carter Bonas has already broken through in the business world, and he’s just 12. His love of golf helped inspire his company, Spectrum Golf. 

The golf brand got its name because Carter is on the autism spectrum. The company was created to address an issue he faced, turning a challenge into an opportunity. 

“Me and my mom were spending lots of money on clothes that were supposed to be comfortable but weren’t because I have skin sensitivity,” explained the First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant.  

“I started Spectrum Golf because I wanted other people to be comfortable too.” 

The brand sells golf attire and accessories, which have been displayed at the PGA Show in Orlando, an industry standard event. Carter has been interviewed by Golf Channel, Golf Digest and more about his company. 

It’s impossible for Carter to choose a favorite memory from his time as a golfer. “They’re all super amazing,” Carter said.  

He’s walked the course with Ernie Els at the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida, chipped with PGA Champions Tour player Alex Cejka and even met basketball star Steph Curry. Last year Curry was honored as Sports Illustrated’s Sports Person of the Year, while Carter was named Sports Kid of the Year

Carter has big goals for his company, ultimately aiming to own a retail store and collaborate with other major brands. Playing on the PGA TOUR isn’t out of the question either, he said. 

Carter loves the sport because he’s able to play on a team while still controlling the outcome of his round – whether good or bad. He also loves spending time in nature, he said. 

Carter began playing golf after struggling to find another sport that fit.  

During Autism Awareness Month, his message to others on the spectrum: “If you’re considering golf it takes lots of patience and practice, and you always need to stay positive,” he said. 

Carter and his family have faced their own set of challenges when it comes to managing a new business. They had to table Spectrum Vitamin Water due to a manufacturing issue. “Carter only wants to sell products he loves,” said his mother, Dr. Thelma Tennie. But after finding a new producer, the vitamin water could be back on the market this year. 

Seeing his mom – who owns a private therapy practice – helped inspire Carter to become an entrepreneur, he explained. And he’s also passionate about giving back. He recently launched a nonprofit, and he serves as a golf coach and motivational speaker for schools and events. 

Like First Tee, Carter is dedicated to growing the sport of golf and showing that anyone can play. Carter and his mom were drawn to First Tee’s values, and he’s been participating with the Florida Gold Coast chapter in Fort Lauderdale for about a year. 

“It’s been super awesome,” Carter said. 

Women’s History Month: How Jayda Dookie is changing the game 

Jayda Dookie didn’t quite know what she was getting into when her high school coach reached out about a caddying opportunity at Seminole Golf Club. 

Ranked the top course in Florida for the last 35 years by Golf Digest, the Club has a rich history of hosting the corporate elite along with a couple of high-profile events in the past. But Jayda was about to make her own history. When Jayda, a First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant, signed on as caddy, she was unaware that she would become the first female caddy in the history of the storied club. As a freshman, she was also the youngest caddy in the yard when she took the job four years ago. 

“A lot of the caddies were excited to see a girl come and do this job, not only because you have to engage with a lot of important people, but it’s also a physical job,” she explained. “I quicky had to get out my shell. I had to make sure my players were comfortable, and I definitely only succeeded because of the mentors I had in the caddy yard.” 

She said planning ahead is an important part of caddying at Seminole: “First we have to forecaddie. We must get to the ball before the players do to get all the numbers like distance from the hole, wind speed and direction. At Seminole, we really place an emphasis on pace of play, and the only way we’re able to do that is if our caddies are two steps ahead of our players,” she said. 

Jayda said it was intimidating to start her job at Seminole, but now she loves it because of the network she’s forged. 

“I have learned so much through the other caddies and members,” she said. “Many are prominent CEOs and business leaders, and it’s good for me to watch how business deals are negotiated the golf course.” 

That’s especially true since Jayda plans to have a career in international business – even though she’ll be sad to leave Seminole when she attends college in the fall. “I’m definitely going to miss it, but I know there’s an invitation extended for me to come back because they’ve become my second family now,” she said. 

Jayda credits First Tee’s John Deere Drive Your Future Academy with helping her select her future career path. She attended the event in San Francisco last summer. “It was amazing to see girls from all over the country gather to learn about business and leadership and play golf,” she said. “We didn’t know each other at first but by the end we all felt like family.” 

Jayda said First Tee has not only given her lots of impactful opportunities – including a recent behind-the-scenes visit to The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens – but also a supportive community. 

“I’m probably not going to remember all the stress and heartbreaks of different tournaments but I’m definitely going to remember the people and the family that has gathered around me thanks to golf.” 

Jayda was recently named Participant of the Year by First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. 

She credits the sport with teaching her discipline and giving her confidence and recommends golf for any girls who are looking for a new hobby. “I think they should definitely do it,” she said. “Golf is a sport you can play for life. Golf gives you a community and opportunities and people to lean on if you ever need help.” 

Obando on following his dreams: ‘Not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end’

Felipe Obando may now be studying at the Keiser University College of Golf. But it wasn’t always a given that the sport would play an important part in his life. 

Obando has long been a passionate artist, and in fifth grade, he won an art contest that not only awarded him tickets to The Honda Classic – and meet and greets with PGA TOUR players like Russel Henley – but also a lifetime membership to First Tee – Florida Gold Coast. 

It was the first time Obando was exposed to golf, and First Tee introduced him to the coaches who could become important mentors, he said.  

“I could go on all day long about the insane and incredible opportunities that have been given to me by the First Tee,” he said. But one thing stands out from his time in the organization: the values it instilled. 

“Responsibly, honesty, integrity … were all words we learned as kids going to the First Tee which helped pave the way for the rest of my life,” he said. 

During his time as a First Tee participant, Obando attended national events like the Leadership Series in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, he played at storied courses, including The Breakers and The Bears Club, and he volunteered to help younger kids learn the game. 

Obando was so passionate about the sport that he teamed up with seven other First Tee participants to create the First Tee – Palm Beaches Teen Golf Association, which has evolved into a thriving organization. 

Obando has had to overcome challenges to get where he is today. He was born with a malformed right hand and has developed a golf swing that compliments his disability.  

“Grabbing a cup, throwing a ball, flipping a coin. Those were all things I could do with my normal left hand. But what about a sport that involves your two hands gripping something? Golf was probably the most challenging sport I ever had to learn, and it took me lots of time and practice to be able to get good contact,” he said. 

“I would say the most important thing throughout this process was never giving up, even if it meant putting myself in uncomfortable situations. I always (and still do) finished holes even if I wasn’t playing my best and wanted to pick up,” he explained. “Overcoming challenges for me was difficult, and it still is to this day, but not giving up and going the extra mile pays off in the end.” 

Obando always knew he wanted to attend college, and now his goal has become a reality. He received a four-year scholarship to attend Keiser University College of Golf where’s he’s studying golf management.  

“When it comes to post graduation, all I know is that I want to be involved in the best industry there is, the golf industry, whether it’s a head pro at a club, a coach, working for a company and many more of the thousands of careers there are in the golf world,” he said. 

He recently received his WR4GD pass, which makes him eligible to compete in tournaments like the USGA’s second U.S. Adaptive Open at Pinehurst this summer. Obando said he’s excited for what the future holds. 

“I have been practicing hard, focusing on my classes, focusing on my game and staying healthy,” he said. 

Coach Kelly on Building a Positive Self-Identity

Louis Kelly, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia alumni and now coach, has been with the chapter for longer than he can remember. Coach Kelly started when he was just 13 years old, graduating through the program in 2010.

Growing up with the First Tee – Greater Philadelphia chapter, Coach Kelly had been so positively impacted as a participant that he thought the only thing he could do was give back by returning to be a coach at the chapter in 2017.

“I love First Tee and I’ve been around it a long time now. Coaching my kids and being with influential people outside in the business world makes me reflect that I just love being able to bring a smile to people’s faces,” said Coach Kelly.

Coach Kelly focuses primarily on the in-school curriculum, along with coaching golf lessons for the participants to help them make their high school golf team. From there, Coach Kelly wishes to see his kids in the program graduate and go on to college where they can play for collegiate teams.  

In addition to the curriculum and golf lessons, coaches like Coach Kelly serve as a mentor for the community, helping to support participants along their educational and golf journey. Coach Kelly focuses on building a positive self-identity as a core characteristic in life.

“The mind believes in whatever you say about yourself, so we need to make it a good one,” said Coach Kelly.

“We need community, and as you know, First Tee has allowed young people to come in a safe space and be around positive coaches and other young people to build healthy habits and life skills.”

Volunteer Spotlight-Anthony Nieuwsma

Since his stepfather introduced him to golf when he was six years old, Anthony Nieuwsma loved the game. Combining that with his 21 years of experience as a youth pastor, it was a natural fit for him to volunteer as a coach for First Tee — Central Iowa.

When the program started at the Grinnell College Golf Course, General Manager, Shane Hart, was looking for volunteers. The curriculum of First Tee consists of charactering-building values, goal-setting, empowerment, personal growth, and the game of golf. Nieuwsma was a perfect candidate to help with the program.

“I like the emphasis on the nine core values. They’re important in the game and in life.” Nieuwsma explains. “We introduce a different value or two each day of instruction and it’s reinforced at each practice station, classroom time, and on the course.”

Having recently moved into the Lead Pastor role at Grinnell Friends Church, Nieuwsma always felt the need to connect with the community. Being a First Tee coach was another way to do just that. The fact his children are now old enough for them to participate in the program allows for some extra family time – an added bonus.

When asked about a memorable coaching story, Nieuwsma recalled an eighth-grade student who had been with First Tee as long as he has been coaching. “He’s not one of the cool kids at school. Being quick to anger, some of the others took advantage of ‘pressing his buttons.’ I’ve seen him grow up a bit in the last year or so. Things that historically would have upset him he now let’s roll off his back and not get to him. His social skills have evolved, and I give First Tee a lot of credit for that.”

We can’t thank Anthony enough for his time and effort in caring for our participants and helping us Build Game Changers.

If you’re interested in becoming a First Tee coach, contact our Program Director, Mikayla Olson at [email protected].

Jose Perez Makes an Impact at First Tee – Monterey County

Jose Perez grew up in Salinas, California where his family loved watching different professional sports, but primarily soccer because of their Hispanic heritage. It wasn’t until Jose was 8 years old when he was first introduced to the sport of golf – and instantly he fell in love. “In other sports, you have to rely on other people. With golf, you only have to rely on yourself and that’s why I love the game,” said Jose.

Jose became a participant at First Tee – Monterey County after being introduced to the game, loving the programs he took part in. So much so, after graduating from the program, he became a First Tee coach in 2013. “Monterey County had a summer program which I applied to that summer. I took my first class and loved it. First Tee – Monterey County has helped me a lot in my career. The coaches I had gave their best at everything and gave me values and skills I could use in my life. The least I could do is give back,” said Jose.

While coaching at First Tee – Monterey County, Jose is also studying to get his degree in accounting. Once he completes his bachelor’s degree, he will apply to get his master’s degree and become a CPA. One day, Jose hopes to do accounting for businesses all over California and take over his dad’s pallet business.

“If there’s anything I could teach my participants, it’s to be patient, be positive and always be willing to ask for help.”

Volunteer Spotlight-Chad Molander

Chad Molander

While watching a PGA Tour event one Sunday, Chad Molander saw a commercial that really caught his attention – it was about First Tee. He’d always loved the game of golf and that well-placed commercial flipped a switch in him. He decided coaching is something he wanted to do and within a week he had a meeting with Executive Director, Jamie Alt.

Molander was no stranger to volunteering but he had never worked with kids. The more he learned about First Tee (coaching kids, teaching life skills and core values, along with golf), everything seemed to fall into place. After his first day of volunteering, he was “all in.”

Even with a busy work schedule as a Senior Compliance Specialist with Wells Fargo, he’s made time to coach at Warrior Run in Norwalk for the past five years and is extremely dependable. In fact, over the past five summers, Molander only had to miss four out of the 72 days he was scheduled to coach due to work or family obligations. He has passed First Tee training and is now a Certified Level I Coach which allows him to lead participant sessions. He is also a First Tee — Central Iowa board member. Yeah, we’d call that “all in.”

He appreciates that First Tee is not just about golf – it’s so much more. Molander explains, “I like that we teach the nine core values, which I work on incorporating into my own life. The kids are asked to study their booklets, take the end of session tests, be attentive to their coaches’ instructions, practice, and play if they’re going to advance to the next level. It’s up to them to put in the work. Not everyone ‘gets a trophy’ right away in First Tee – and that’s okay because sometimes life works that way.”

Molander recalls two kids who started in the program the same year he began coaching. “They had the potential and the golf ability, but they didn’t apply themselves enough to pass the tests. Last summer they came into the sessions focused and qualified to advance to the Birdie level.” After receiving their certificates, both made time to personally thank him for everything he had done for them over the years. “I realized this is why I’m a First Tee coach. This is what it’s all about. I had made a difference.”

On a personal note, Molander shares, “Being a coach for First Tee, in a way, saved me. I was going through a difficult time – looking for something to do – a way to give back. Becoming a coach allowed me to realize what people will do for others. Being part of an organization, surrounded by other board members and volunteer coaches, who care so much, and give so much of themselves to help others, has changed me. It helps me with my job, with my interaction with family and friends… it’s changed my perspective. Working with the kids gives me a sense of purpose. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

We can’t thank Chad enough for his time and effort in caring for our participants and helping us Build Game Changers.

If you’re interested in becoming a First Tee coach, contact our Program Director, Mikayla Olson at [email protected].

Game Changing Alumni

For over 25 years, we’ve used golf to teach lessons about life. We’ve spun the unexpected challenges on the fairway to coach kids about adversity in the everyday. It’s not just a game, its game-changing.

Our alumni are a reflection of that commitment we made to building game changers. Below are just a few of our exceptional alumni who are making a difference in the world because of the lessons learned at First Tee.