Author: mdegrand

Program Update | October 2023

Winter 2024 Session 

Registration for our next session will begin on Thursday December 7 at 9 a.m.  Please see below to view our schedule and to register on once it opens.

View Schedule
Register December 7

New Staff Member

Maya Freeman ([email protected]) joins our full-time staff as Program Coordinator at Memorial Park.  Maya is a former educator of six years and enjoys using her skills to contribute to the exciting growth of youth golf in the greater Houston area. She graduated from Christian Brothers University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in English for Corporate Communications and Psychology. Maya went on to pursue a master’s degree in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education and is currently working to become a certified golf instructor through the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Maya is also an alumni of the First Tee program.

2023 Tournament Series 

Registration is now open for the Tacl Takedown that will be held on November 18 at F.M. Law Park in honor of First Tee Lifetime Coach Tom Tacl.  Click below to register for the event and to see the results from previous events this year as well as player of year point standings.

Register & See Results

First Tee Core Values Luncheon, Feb. 13, 2024 

We are already 2/3s sold out for our 6th Annual Core Values Luncheon at River Oaks Country Club on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Join us as we celebrate 20 impactful years of exceptional students, coaches, volunteers, donors, and staff who embody First Tee values. We will also honor Jim Crane and the Astros Golf Foundation for their game-changing support for our kids at the Memorial Park program location.

Buy the Remaining Tickets Today!

I-45 Cup – Meet the Team

Meet the team that will represent our chapter in the I-45 Cup versus First Tee – Fort Worth taking place November 4-5 at Gus Wortham golf course.

F.M. Law Park Shootout

We appreciate all of the participants and volunteers who made the F.M. Law Park Shootout, benefitting youth in First Tee – Greater Houston, a big success. A special thank you to our Houston Golf Association Philanthropy Committee hosts – Chris, Michael and Evan. 

Program Update | August 2023

Fall Registration Now Open

Registration for the fall session is now open on a first come first serve basis.

First class will begin September 9!

Fall Schedule
Register August 10

F.M. Law Park Shootout | October 9

Registration for the Brunson Bowl is now FULL.  The Last Qualifier for the year to make the I-45 Cup Team is the Sportsmanship Showdown at Battleground at Deer Park on September 23!  Registration for this tournament opens on August 25!

Click below to register for the event and to see past tournament results

Register & See Results Here

Coach Tom’s End of Summer Scramble

Coach Tom hosted his End of Summer Scramble at Timber Creek earlier this month! The teams played a 9-hole scramble with different obstacles and games including putting with a wood or hybrid, taking a tee shot from the bunker, and putting with your eyes closed. They enjoyed a delicious team dinner afterward and had a water balloon fight!

Thank you, Coach, for everything you do for the kids in this program.

First Tee Scholarship Scramble

First Tee – Greater Houston ACE student, Maggie Kerr, has started a tournament that you don’t want to miss! The First Tee Scholarship Scramble, benefitting First Tee – Greater Houston seniors heading to college, will take place September 18 at Magnolia Creek Golf Club. This will be an 18-hole, four-person scramble with food, games, action items and more. We are so thankful for all donations that have come in and now we are looking for players!

If you are interested in playing, please register yourself or your team at ScholarshipScramble.org. See you there!

Learn More & Register

Congratulations 

Brenna Fledderman has been selected to represent our chapter at the First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere taking place in San Francisco, CA this fall.  This five-day female empowerment event recognizes young women who are motivated to influence positive impact at their chapters, schools, and communities.  The academy experience focuses on cultivating meaningful relationships, embracing self-awareness, and advocating for yourself and others.

Summer Show and Tell 

Playing golf with the family? Traveling? Swinging in the hammock, baseball games? Time at the pool? Barbequing? Camping?

Start your summer “show and tell” with us! We want to keep up with all of our First Tee families so please send us a photo to post on our social media! 

Email all photos with your name and First Tee programming location to [email protected]

LPGA * USGA Girls Golf 

Girls Golf was formed to create a network for girls to learn to play golf, make friends and sample competition in a positive and supportive learning environment. Membership is free and is led by Coach Gail; our next event is Sunday, August 29 at Hermann Park Golf Course

Program Update | April 2023 

Summer Registration | May 4 at 9 a.m.

Registration for the spring session will begin Thursday, May 4 at 9:00 a.m. on a first come first serve basis.

Summer Schedule
Register May 4

2023 Tournament Series 

The First Tee Masters will be held on Saturday April 29 at Sandhill Farms. Registration is now open.

Click Here to Register
Tournament Series Schedule

2023 Champions Challange 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Champion’s Challenge at F.M. Law Park. This year, we had 143 students from 83  schools come out and experience the game of golf with the First Tee – Greater Houston Team. We also want to give a special thank you to the 180 volunteers who came out to support us. We couldn’t have done it without you. 

Check out the link to see photos and read more about the great event!

Read More

The Perfect Father’s Day Gift 

Join us Wednesday, June 14, 2023 for our Dr. Norman Berkman Father’s Day Charity Golf Tournament. Spots are limited to the first 100 players and registration includes lunch, dinner, and a logoed polo shirt. Your support of this event at Gus Wortham Park Gold Course ensures our First Tee character development program remains accessible for all Houston youth

Learn More

In Memoriam 

Coach Johnny Johnson was an active Level II Coach at the Quail Valley location leading classes every Tuesday afternoon. Coach Johnny has been volunteering since 2019 and has positively impacted many young people within our program. He passed away suddenly on March 21st so please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers, he will be missed. 

LPGA * USGA Girls Golf 

Girls Golf was formed to create a network for girls to learn to play golf, make friends and sample competition in a positive and supportive learning environment. Membership is free and is led by Coach Gail,. Join us for our next event on Sunday April 23th at The Club at Carlton Woods for the LPGA Chevron Championship.

Learn More

PGA Jr League 

Sponsored by the PGA of America, PGA Jr. League brings friends, families, and communities together through the game of golf by offering team-based competitive golf for kids of all ages and skill levels. First Tee – Greater Houston is proud to host its own section of PGA Jr League captained by our very own LPGA Associate member, Coach Gail Dillion Robinson and Assistant Coach Bob Kerr.

Learn More & Register

Champions Challenge Draws 143 Houston Area Students

Thank you to all who participated in the 2023 Champion’s Challenge at F.M. Law Park on March 25. This year, we welcomed 143 students from 83 different schools to experience the joys of golf with First Tee – Greater Houston. Additionally, we extend a special thanks to the 180 volunteers who generously gave their time to make this event possible.

“The weather was perfect for the event, and families were out in full force to cheer on their children and the program. The impact of the First Tee was evident in the students’ energy, enthusiasm, behavior, and courtesy.” As Kenneth Fisher, Houston Golf Association Board Chair, observed, “Golf and First Tee have a positive impact on lives.”

The Champion’s Challenge is an annual event that accompanies our First Tee – School Program. Fourth graders are selected to participate in various golf-related station activities at our F.M. Law Park facility. You can find the full results of this year’s here and see photos from the event below.

Event Photo Gallery

Program Update | February 2023 

Registration for the spring session will begin Thursday, May 4 at 9:00 a.m. on a first come first serve basis.

Spring Schedule
Register March 2

2023 Tournament Series 

The Swafford Showcase will be held on Saturday March 18th at F.M. Law Park and registration is currently open. Complete 2023 schedule now available to view!

Click Here to Register
Tournament Series Schedule

Champions Challenge 

We are thrilled to announce our chapter will host its 15th annual Champions Challenge on March 25th at the F.M. Law Park. Hundreds of youth will come out and experience the First Tee Program and we will need your help, this is a great volunteer event for the whole family. The volunteer time frame is 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and we will provide lunch. 

Register

Alexa Vela is a huge success as alumni speaker at 5th Annual Luncheon

Thank you to over 250 philanthropists who gathered at River Oaks Country Club on February 9, 2023 to raise nearly $200,000 for First Tee – Greater Houston youth.  Save the date for the 6th annual luncheon on February 8, 2024 and enjoy these event photos and videos of 2023 honorees Tom Forestier and Michael Sandeen.

Core Values Luncheon

Dr. Berkman Father Child Charity Golf Tournament 

Join us for the 22nd Annual Dr. Norman Berkman Father’s Day Charity Golf Tournament. Your support of this incredible event directly supports First Tee – Greater Houston, ensuring our character development program remains accessible for all Houston youth!

Learn More

F.M. Law Park Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Friday:  10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Tuesday- Driving range closed)

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. First Come, First Serve

Sunday: 12 – 5 p.m.

*All players must be off the course by 5 p.m. daily

LPGA * USGA Girls Golf 

Girls Golf was formed to create a network for girls to learn to play golf, make friends and sample competition in a positive and supportive learning environment. Membership is free and is led by Coach Gail, our next event is Sunday March 19th at F.M. Law Park

Learn More

PGA Jr League 

Sponsored by the PGA of America, PGA Jr. League brings friends, families, and communities together through the game of golf by offering team-based competitive golf for kids of all ages and skill levels. First Tee – Greater Houston is proud to host its own section of PGA Jr League captained by our very own LPGA Associate member, Coach Gail Dillion Robinson and Assistant Coach Bob Kerr.

Learn More & Register

FTGH Participants Play in the First Tee – New Orleans National Tournament

Four First Tee – Greater Houston participants competed in the First Tee – New Orleans National Tournament December 19-21, 2022. After a two-year hiatus, the two-day event, hosted by First Tee – New Orleans, was held at English Turn Golf and Country Club.

16 Chapters from across the network competed in a 36-hole stroke-play for both individual and team awards. Participants attended the 2022 R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Wednesday night and had an opportunity to be on the field during pregame!

“We are so proud of our team and how they represented First Tee – Greater Houston in this tournament.  The first day wasn’t very pretty, raining sideways and the temperature never got above 45 degrees!  If that was an example of perseverance, I don’t know what is.” said Coach Tuyen Nguyen. “Nobody on our team complained one bit and they fought so hard during Round 1 of the tournament!  It was incredible to watch!  Round 2 was a better day all around.  The weather was better and our scores were better too.  During this round, we got to witness Julius Arenkiel shoot the low round of the whole tournament, carding a score of -2, 70.  Just to see the joy on everyone’s face, PRICELESS!”

First Tee – Greater Houston team finished 5th out of the 16 teams with teams scores of 256 – 232 – 488 (Best 3 scores out of 4)

Boys 14-18

6thJulius Arenkiel86 -70 – 156
25thDaniel Guerra93 – 93 – 186

Girls 14-18

4thMary Kerr82-75 – 157
11thMargaret Kerr88-87 – 175

2022 I-45 Cup in Fort Worth

The I-45 Cup was held November 5-6 in Fort Worth at Pecan Valley Golf Course and Rockwood Park Golf Course.  Exactly 24 First Tee Participants from First Tee – Greater Houston and First Tee – Fort Worth were selected to compete in a Ryder Cup style competition.  Saturday, November 5, comprised of morning Four-Ball Matches (9-holes) and afternoon Foursome Matches (9-holes) at Pecan Valley Golf Course.  Both teams earn themselves 3 points in the morning Four-Ball Matches as the get ready to battle in the afternoon Foursomes Matches!  Team Greater Houston rallied late in the day to win their last two matches courtesy of the pairings of Landon Li/Kirtan Patel and Eva Newell/Amanda Yu of the 11-12 Division to put Team Greater Houston ahead for the day 6 ½ to 5 ½ points Team Fort Worth.  Sunday, November 6, was the final day of our I-45 Cup which comprised of Singles Matches (9-holes) and Team Greater Houston fought hard to the bitter end but came up short to retain the I-45 Cup for another year!  Team Fort Worth won the singles matches 8 points to 4 points again Team Greater Houston and won the overall competition.  Team Fort Worth was the better team this year and we tip our hats off to them!  

“Even though we came up short of our goal this weekend, we (both Coach Bob Kerr, Coach Kim and I) couldn’t be prouder of our First Tee Participants that represented First Tee – Greater Houston!  They embodied everything that we taught them in class, showing respect and courtesy towards each and every one they interact with, persevering through all the challenges that were brought ahead of them and last but not least, showing great sportsmanship no matter if they won or lost!  That is what I will remember about this team! They are the true definition of Good Golfers, Better People! It was honor to be their coach and lead them this weekend.”

First Tee – Greater Houston Captain, Tuyen Nguyen. 

Ending result to the I-45 Cup: Fort Worth 13 ½ to Greater Houston 10 ½

We would like to announce the I-45 Cup will be annual event!  See you in Houston in 2023, First Tee – Fort Worth!

Thank you to all the First Tee – Greater Houston participants that traveled all the way to Fort Worth to represent our chapter in the I-45 Cup.  Gabriel Garson-Goroway, Daudi Ndirangu, Mary Kerr, Abi Newell, Gabriela Sison, Larissa Ramirez, Winston Gitua, Ryan Joseph Lopez, Landon Li, Kirtan Patel, Eva Newell, Amanda Yu, Lynette Li. 

Special thanks to Coach Bob Kerr and Kim Janca, Manager of Community Engagement, for all the help you gave the team!

FIRST TEE OF GREATER HOUSTON ALIGNS WITH AT&T TO BRING CONNECTED LEARNING CENTER TO FM LAW PARK

HOUSTON, TX (December 11, 2021) – Today, First Tee of Greater Houston announced a collaboration with AT&T that will improve the digital access and literacy of Houston youth: the launch of Houston’s first AT&T Connected Learning Center at FM Law Park, located at 8400 Mykawa Road. 

Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum and other community and local officials were present at the ribbon cutting celebrating the opening of the first Houston-based AT&T Connected Learning Center.

The inspiration for the AT&T Connected Learning Centers began with the recognition that education is vital to the long-term success of our society, yet many students in underserved communities lack the connectivity, devices and educational resources required to succeed in today’s learning environment.

AT&T Connected Learning Centers help students, parents and families overcome these barriers by providing access to high-speed AT&T Fiber internet and Wi-Fi, new Dell computers, as well as engaging education and digital literacy content from Khan Academy, the Public Library Association and more.

FM Law Park is the home of First Tee – Greater Houston, which is dedicated to impacting the lives of young people in the community by providing learning facilities and recreational opportunities. First Tee provides educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

First Tee is linking young people to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) through a program called First Tee STEM Links. The STEM Links program supports “School” by bridging participant learning in science and math classrooms to practical experiences in golf. First Tee STEM Links leads participants through nine STEM experiments.

As part of the AT&T Connected Learning Center program, AT&T is providing a contribution to First Tee – Greater Houston in the amount of $50,000 to purchase computer lab equipment and support staff and volunteers. AT&T employees are also taking an active role in the AT&T Connected Learning Centers, providing mentoring and tutoring for students and families.

About First Tee of Greater Houston:

Founded in 2004, First Tee – Greater Houston is affiliated with the national program that began in 1997. Last year, out of 150 chapters in the network, our local chapter served 353,428 youth, leading the nation in the total number of young people reached. First Tee’s missionis to impact the lives of young people in the Greater Houston area by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. First Tee is reaching young people in all 50 states and select international locations on golf courses, in elementary schools and through other youth-serving organizations. First Tee is reaching young people in all 50 states and select international locations on golf courses, in elementary schools and through other youth-serving organizations.

About Philanthropy & Social Innovation at AT&T

We’re committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. AT&T Connected Learning is a multi-year commitment to narrow the homework gap, so today’s learners are connected with skills, resources, and opportunities for success in school and in life. Since 2008, we’ve committed $600 million to programs that help millions of students across all 50 states and around the world, particularly those in underserved communities.

Responsibility

Business plans become path to mentoring

mentor When Sara-Grace Chan started The First Tee of Greater Houston in eighth grade, it wasn’t for love of the game. “My mom knew a lot of business deals take place on the golf course and she wanted to make sure I knew how to play,” said Sara-Grace.  “At first I was a shy player and didn’t have much confidence on the course.” Now a Birdie level player at Quail Valley, Sara-Grace still doesn’t love playing golf – but she does love teaching it. About a year into The First Tee, she began mentoring the younger students and started a teenage volunteer team. Recently, she became qualified to coach. “I really enjoy teaching kids at the Player level because that’s when they are learning their individuality,” she said. “I’m personally not athletic, so I can relate when they get frustrated and encourage them to practice.” Sara-Grace credits The First Tee with helping her develop confidence, patience and perseverance – all of which are helpful as the high school senior nears graduation. She knows that whatever path she pursues will include mentoring others. “Volunteering is a big part of my life and Quail Valley is like my second home,” Sara-Grace said. “I love getting kids involved in golf and even if they don’t enjoy playing, I can still help them find meaning in it.”

Instagram Live Activity – Putting Leap Frog

Thank you for joining Coach Brian and FTGH Alum Annika on today’s Instagram Live! Here is Coach Brian’s putting leap-frog activity for you to try. This can be done on a putting green or on your carpet at home.

Trying this out? Don’t forget to take a picture or video and share with us on social media by tagging us on Instagram @TFTGreaterHou and Facebook @The First Tee of Greater Houston. We cant wait to see what you come up with! 

The Great Junior Golf Design Challange

The American Society of Golf Course Architects has launched The Great Junior Golf Design Challenge of 2020! This fund fun activity, not a contest – is simple. Young people ages 17 and younger may submit their design ideas for a golf hole with no limitations; any par, style or strategy, from fun to serious. Submissions may be created in any medium (pencil, marker, crayon or digital), just use the form posted here and send the completed design to [email protected]. Check out their website for all of the details!  Taking on the challenge? We want to see your submissions. Share them on and tag us on Instagram @TFTGreaterHou and Facebook @The First Tee of Greater Houston. 

Coach Brian’s Time Management Tips

Responsibility was our core value lesson during this week’s Instagram live! A great way you can use responsibility at home during social distancing is through time management. Time at school has a daily structure and schedule. Create the same thing at home! Make this a family activity. Work with your parents and siblings to create a schedule for yourself and your family. Here are a few of Coach Brian’s tips for building a schedule:

Make a List

Think about your school subjects. List out all of your different school activities such as reading, math, and other academic work.

Be creative

Don’t forget subjects like art, music and dance. Draw out your dream backyard golf hole, dance to your favorite music or make up your own song about First Tee of Greater Houston. Like we said, be creative!

Get outside

Schedule at few times to get outside during the day. Go on a nature walk, take a science lesson to the backyard or just set up some free outdoor playtime.

Don’t forget other Responsibilities

School is always a priority, but don’t forget to schedule time for your other responsibilities. Take care of extracurricular projects, practice what you can for you sports teams, and don’f forget your household chores and responsibilities.

Make time for fun

Be sure to make time for some fun too. Schedule down time to work on a hobby or watch a family movie or just relax.

Build it

Now put those things together. Take the list you created and plan out your day/week. Here is an example daily schedule:
  • 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast and morning chores
  • 9:00 a.m. – Academic Time: Math
  • 10:00 a.m – Academic Time: Reading
  • 11:00 a.m. – Creative Time: Art
  • 12:00 p.m. – Lunch
  • 12:30 p.m. – Outdoor Time: Take a Walk
  • 1:00 p.m. – Academic Time: Science
  • 2:00 p.m. – Chores or Other Responsibilities
  • 3:00 p.m. – Outdoor Time: Do a First Tee Activity or Exercise
  • 4:00 p.m. – Finish any school work the Free Time
  • 5:30 p.m. – Dinner
  • 6:30 p.m. – Family Movie
  • 8:00 p.m. – Bed
Remember this is just an example. Your responsibilities, school work and family will be different and may have different requirements.

Commit

Once you’ve made you schedule, use responsibility and commit to it. Remember your First Tee Core Value of Responsibility:
“accounting for one’s actions; dependable”
Use your schedule to stay accountable and dependable. You are responsible for your actions, not just on the golf course but everywhere.
Share with us how you are working on time management and creating schedules for yourself on our Instagram or Facebook!