Category: Uncategorized

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. 

Spotlight Story: Hayes & Mr. Hogan

There is a long-tenured history of Mr. Ben Hogan in Fort Worth. He has inspired so many young men and women through his perseverance and ability to never give up. He particularly inspired one young man in our First Tee chapter, Hayes Richardson. Hayes has been a participant with us since he was 6 years old and has heard the story of Mr. Hogan many times while attending classes with us. Hayes took it upon himself to write a book report on Mr. Hogan. 

Hayes has an outstanding record in school and loves to participate in every class he is a part of. His coaches can’t say enough nice things about him. Hayes, like Mr. Hogan, inspires others while he is in a class by encouraging them even when things might not go his way.

“I have never seen a time when Hayes doesn’t have a smile on his face” – Coach Travis

Hayes is a great role model for kids his own age, he sets the standard for every class he is in and others follow! Hayes even sometimes teaches his coaches more than we can teach him!

Written by: Coach Travis Jones

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.” 

Volunteer Highlight: The Farmer Family

Volunteer Highlights: The Farmer Family

The Farmer Family has been involved in First Tee Programs consistently for many years now. They live in Granbury and drive up on Saturdays to do programming at Squaw Creek. Since Robert Farmer was always in attendance he asked if he could be a volunteer coach. He has been volunteering now at Squaw Creek for over 4 years. Coach Robert played college football at Notre Dame and played for the New York Jets after college for a season in 1999.

“As a parent I appreciate the life lessons the children learn respect for yourself, respect your surroundings, and respect for others. These basic tenets will follow them in various situations through their journey in life. Additionally, First Tee has established a very safe environment for children to share, grow, and lead within their weekly classes. Another important aspect while learning the game and rules of golf, it allows children exposure to more experiences and people they would not necessarily meet in their everyday lives. First Tee is an important part of our family and the relationships we foster are far reaching.

As a coach it gives me the opportunity to interact with my children and teenagers in a social setting to support their development. Coaching enables me to learn and share in positive way to help others grow and learn. The game of golf allows each person to challenge themselves and compete against their personal best and coaching children up to meet those mental challenges is what I enjoy most. Coaching up children to have the right mental process and thoughts when faced with adversity on the golf course can translate into making better decisions in life, process thinking. Lastly, coaching challenges me every week because you want to give them the answers however coaches need to guide children to find their answers and when you share in the eureka moment with children, it is a great feeling.”

Coach Robert

Coach Robert has attended all the trainings to become a level 1 trained coach and plans on leading classes at Squaw Creek this Spring. His two oldest sons also participate in PGA Jr. League and Coach Robert helps as one of the coaches on-site every other Saturday. His family comes to Squaw Creek in the mornings on these PGA Jr. League days and leave at dark. He has 3 boys and girl who are all involved in our programs.

We are so grateful for Coach Robert’s time and effort devoted to our program and the kids in it!

Written by Coach Charleton “Chuck” Dechert

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.”

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.”

Many Thanks and a Heartfelt Farewell Message from our longtime Executive Director, Kevin Long

As we end a tremendous year, we also come to the end of a tremendous era for First Tee – Fort Worth as our longtime Executive Director, Kevin Long, retires from his position with us to pursue what has always been his passion: working with young people. Through his nearly 18 years of service to First Tee – Fort Worth, we have seen amazing growth, the opening of three facilities, and countless opportunities open up to the thousands of young people in our four county service area.

Some of Kevin’s favorite sayings were “You made the mistake of asking ‘How can I help?'” and “Run through the finish line!” To commemorate, the First Tee staff created this video as a sentimental thanks for the many years of service.

We cannot thank Mr. Long enough for the work and passion he has poured into our chapter over the years and wish him the best of luck in his new position as the Head Coach of the Texas Wesleyan University Men’s Golf team! While we’ll see him in a new role, we know he will remain connected with First Tee long into the future. Best of luck in this new chapter!

A Message from Kevin Long

December 21, 2022

Dear Friends of First Tee – Fort Worth,

As most of you may have heard by now, I am stepping down as Executive Director of our chapter and have assumed the role of Head Men’s Golf Coach at Texas Wesleyan University. I will continue to work with our chapter, serving  as a consultant in 2023 while also consulting for other First Tee chapters and non-profits.  I have been honored  and privileged to lead our chapter as Executive Director for almost 17 years and in that time, have been fortunate to work with amazing staff members, board members, volunteers, donors, advocates, community partners and most importantly, thousands of young people in our community! We have created three distinct and unique facilities in the Ben Hogan Learning Centers at Rockwood and Squaw Creek as well as the Briscoe Program Location located on FWISD property. Our program has grown exponentially since we started, and we are consistently recognized as one of the top chapters in The First Tee Network. It has been both professionally and personally fulfilling to be the leader of the organization during that growth!

In all my years of youth development, I have never seen a better or more effective character education tool than the First Tee’s Life Skills Experience and Curriculum. It is research driven, constantly evolving, child focused, and activity based. I know that every young person that has been impacted by this program has been strengthened with life enhancing skills like resiliency, interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, goal setting and decision-making capability that every young person in our society needs, more now than ever as we recover from COVID. I have been driven all these years by one simple vision of providing this empowering program to as many young people as possible, including our golfers at Texas Wesleyan. In doing so, all of us, working together, have made a positive and lasting impact on our community that has a ripple effect for generations to come!

As we come up on our 20th Anniversary year as a chapter in 2023, I felt the time was right to get involved once again in working directly with young people in some fashion and return to competitive athletics. I have always considered myself a teacher and coach first and foremost and spent the first 25 years of my career doing just that. The chance to build First Tee – Fort Worth into a preeminent youth development agency was a once in a lifetime opportunity that called to me in personally meaningful ways.  I will never do anything that is more important professionally than my years at First Tee but I look forward to this new challenge of working with the young men in our golf program at Texas Wesleyan to be all that they can be, both on and off the golf course. The tradition at Texas Wesleyan is a strong one that includes seven NAIA National Titles and I look forward to continuing to raise that bar for our student-athletes and building a team culture, much like what we have done at our First Tee chapter.

I also look forward to helping our chapter to new heights in my backstage consulting role. Our new Executive Director, J.R. Holland, was our Director of Development for over 4 years from 2011-2015 and has an extensive background in fundraising, business management, operations and is also a Class A PGA Golf Professional. I know that he will do an excellent job, along with our Board of Directors and Staff, to create a compelling strategic plan and vision for the next several years, which will be a NorthStar in our journey ahead. I hope that you will join me in supporting those efforts and work with us to continue to build game changers in our community.

I wish the very best of holiday seasons to you and your loved ones. I hope you all take a  moment to be grateful for the people in our lives who enrich us and tell them how special they are. Please continue to ask, “how can I help” and always run through the finish line!

With Gratitude,

Kevin Long

Former ED – Now Chapter Consultant

First Tee – Fort Worth

A Big Hand for Hunter

We always hope that the lessons learned on the course will go far beyond the clubhouse, so it’s exciting here at First Tee – Fort Worth when we hear about participant’s who are doing just that!

Hunter Hamman, age 9, was recently awarded Student of the Month at his school in Aledo for his unwavering demonstration of integrity. Hunter has been a participant in First Tee for almost 2 years now and his family credits his interactions with the program and it’s coaches for helping reinforce such valuable attributes shared at home.

We are very proud of Hunter and encourage him to keep up the good work! Hunter is truly an example of what a game changer should be!

Congrats, Hunter!

Freeman signs with College of Saint Mary Women’s Golf Team!

Congratulations to First Tee – Fort Worth participant Katie Freeman on signing with the College of Saint Mary Women’s Golf Team in Omaha, Nebraska! Katie, a future graduate of L.D. Bell High School, has been involved with First Tee from a very young age and credits her coaches and the lifelong friends she has made at First Tee to much of her success. Along with the support of her amazing family, Katie has accomplished many great things with First Tee – Fort Worth, but she is most proud to have completed all four projects to be named a certified ACE participant, the pinnacle of achievement for First Tee participants.

Katie always comes to class and events with a fantastic attitude and her smile is contagious. She leads by example with integrity and respect at every turn, regardless of how her day is going. An active participant of the chapter, she is truly one of the best representatives of what First Tee is all about: building game changers.

We are incredibly proud of Katie and the amazing young woman she has become! We will certainly miss her when she heads off on a wonderful adventure next year, but until then we know she will finish out her senior year strong! We wish her the best in her future endeavors and look forward to keeping up with her college golf career as it begins in Fall 2023! Go Flames!

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.