Blog

Fifteen golfers represented The First Tee of Clearwater throughout the summer in PGA Jr. League Matches. The League is a fun, social and inclusive opportunity for children 13 and under to play on a team. Students have competed against Ace Golf, Belleair and Westchase both at the Chi Chi Rodriguez Go...

The Pinellas County Urban League invited The First Tee Program Director Karen Wise and her volunteers to provide a Core Values Workshop for some students in their STYLE program (Summer Training in Youth Leadership & Employment).  This workshop was in conjunction with the Urban League’s Golf T...

 In May, we said goodbye to an amazing 8th grade class as they continue on their Journey to Success with high school.  During graduation, each student spoke about their time at Chi Chi’s and thanked those who supported them.  Academy Executive Committee Member Scott Brown awarded two Higher Lea...

The Foundation is hard at work making capital improvements, with the mission to provide a unique learning environment that’s safe for our students. This May, over 30 volunteers from Nielsen in Oldsmar came to work at Chi Chi’s for Nielsen Global Impact Day!  Projects included painting all Groun...

This spring two members of our team continued their education with The First Tee by attending Level II Coach trainings.  It is important for Coaches to grow their knowledge of best practices within the Network of over 150 chapters across the country.  By sharing knowledge and best practices this p...

Following with the Valspar Championship tradition during The First Tee day, nine students got an up close and personal experience with some of the best golfers in the world as Standard Bearers, including Matt Kucher, Bill Haas and Ian Poulter. Throughout the round, the Pros in their groups spent tim...

During the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort Academy sponsors were paired with a PGA or LPGA Pro on the prestigious South Course. Following play a lunch in the Snake Pit Club overlooking the 17th green of the Copperhead featured a lively auction hosted by News Channel 8’s Jenn...

The National Course of the Year Award honors a member demonstrating four criteria: exceptional quality of the course, exceptional quality of ownership and management, outstanding contribution to its community and significant contribution to the game. The Course of the Year Award winners come from th...

In January, The First Tee Coach Camille Surdi started LPGA-USGA Girls Golf with 12 participants. The program’s philosophy is that girls learning the game of golf in an environment with other girls are free to be themselves and learn at their own pace. We believe girls can do and be anything to whi...

     In January, The First Tee hosted an inaugural lunch donated by Bay Food Brokerage and a 9-hole scramble. The day was to recognize and thank our Assistant Coach Volunteers for their contribution as mentors to children. At The First Tee, we take coaching seriously. We believe that a meaningful...