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. 

Three First Tee – Massachusetts Participants Selected to Attend National Leadership Opportunities

NORTON, Massachusetts – Three First Tee – Massachusetts participants have been selected to attend national leadership development opportunities this Summer, including Kyzar & Keira Joshi (Ashland, MA) and Christopher Taylor (Boston, MA). The Joshi twins will be attending the inaugural First Tee Leadership Academy in Atlanta, GA in June, while Taylor will head to Montana for the 2023 First Tee Leadership Summit in August. Both the Academy and the Summit are presented in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstores.

The Leadership Academy will feature 48 teens from PGA TOUR Superstore markets across the country who have previously completed a 5-week Leadership Series locally in conjunction with their respective First Tee chapters. The Academy will provide insight on how successful teams perform and will feature sessions on building diverse and impactful teams, developing authentic relationships and empowering others. Sessions will also feature an impressive schedule of guest speakers across the Arthur M. Blank Family of Businesses including executives from the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. Participants will also experience the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta University Center and the Bobby Jones Golf Club.

The Leadership Summit is held at Arthur Blank’s West Creek Ranch outside of Bozeman, MT, and is designed for teens to explore leadership concepts including (1) building authentic relationships by developing awareness, (2) growing through challenge via positive risk taking, and (3) developing positive self-identity through dynamic outdoor and teambuilding activities.

“We are incredibly proud of these three outstanding individuals,” said Kyle Harris, Director of Operations for First Tee – Massachusetts. “Over the years I have gotten to know Chris, Kyzar, and Keira personally and I continue to be impressed with their growth and development as people. While they are unique as individuals, they all share the common trait of embracing and believing in what First Tee has to offer, then living out those values in their day-to-day lives on and off the golf course. They have represented our chapter in numerous local opportunities and on the national stage, and I can’t think of three more deserving participants to have selected for this year’s leadership development opportunities.”

Kyzar and Keira Joshi, 18, have been involved in First Tee – Massachusetts for more than 10 years at our Norton location, and recently completed their ACE level projects, the capstone of the First Tee experience. Each of them have recently taken their First Tee experiences to new heights with Keira finishing runner-up in the Golf to Paradise – First Tee Champions Challenge in Naples, FL this Winter. She was also selected to compete in the 2023 First Tee National Championship but due to scheduling conflicts will not be able to attend.

“I’m so excited to have been selected for the Leadership Academy in Atlanta!” Said Joshi “I’ve been hearing from Kyzar how fun Montana was last year, so I’m very eager to experience Atlanta. I’ve been in the First Tee for so many years and this is the first time I’ll be going to a national leadership summit so it means a lot to me to be able to go. As one of our last big First Tee events before we become alumni, I think it will be extra interesting for me and Kyzar to experience this together. I’m excited to connect with so many new people this fall, so I’m looking forward to learning things in Atlanta that will help me build new relationships at Hamilton.” 

Kyzar earned an invitation to attend the inaugural Leadership Academy following his standout performance at the 2022 Leadership Summit in Montana, where his performance warranted selected into the First Tee College Scholarship Program. He will receive financial support as well as access to mentorship and professional development opportunities throughout his four-year collegiate experience. Both Kyzar and Keira Joshi will be attending Hamilton College and will play golf for the Division III institution.

Taylor, 15, has been a part of First Tee – Massachusetts at the Franklin Park location for seven years. He has also represented the chapter at several outreach and fundraiser events, including joining chapter staff to accept a USGA donation check on the field at Fenway Park. Taylor also gave a speech at the 2022 John D. Mineck Foundation event at Boston Golf Club about the impact First Tee has had on his life. Taylor, along with both Joshi twins, also served as a standard bearer at the 122nd U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, MA.

“While I am in Montana I hope to build connections with my counterparts and also have a deeper understanding of First Tee’s core values in action” said Taylor, “Over several years I have been taught what the core values mean but experiences like this are important to live it. That being said, at the Leadership Summit I will be exposed to people who don’t just have a deep understanding of their own definition of the values that connect us, but a chance to share how we apply them to our everyday activities. I want to be able to take away the good habits they have built from their time being engaged with the game of golf and share the fun that we have together from our different parts of the country.” 

First Tee – Massachusetts has now had at least one participant selected in each of the first three years that the Leadership Summit has been offered, including Christopher Towle (Boston) in 2021, and both Saidah DaSilva (Boston) and Kyzar Joshi in 2022.

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.”

Golf to Paradise – First Tee Champions Challenge

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NAPLES, FLORIDA – First Tee – Massachusetts participants Keira Joshi and David Jope took second place in the 2023 Golf to Paradise – First Tee Champions Challenge in Naples, FL, Feb. 12-15. The event was hosted by the Chubb Classic presented by SERVPRO, the Naples, Marco Island & The Everglades, Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), and First Tee – Naples/Collier.

“This was an incredible experience for our participants and we’re so thankful to the Chubb Classic for inviting our chapter to be a part of it,” said Kyle Harris, Director of Operations for First Tee – Massachusetts. “The opportunity for Keira and David to compete and engage with 10 other participants from around the country, across a wide range of activities, was absolutely priceless.”

Jope (Freetown, MA) and Joshi (Ashland, MA) joined participants from the First Tee chapters of Greater Chicago, Greater Philadelphia, Metropolitan New York, and Naples/Collier. During their time in the Sunshine State, they participated in four days of golf, a community service project, and social events. On the three days of competition, Jope and Joshi improved each day as they got more familiar with one another and knocked the winter rust off their game. Additionally, they overcame the challenge of a new playing surface as it was the first time playing on Bermuda grass for both of them.

“This was so much fun and I really appreciate being selected for this awesome event,” said Jope. “I am really thankful for the opportunity that First Tee and the Chubb Classic has given me to compete and make new friends in a constructive and positive environment.”

“This experience really meant a lot to me,” said Joshi. “I had so much fun. I’m really grateful to the Chubb Classic and First Tee – Naples for setting us up on so many awesome courses. And I met some really great people from other First Tee chapters, both kids and coaches, who I hope to stay connected with. I had a blast and I will definitely remember this trip.”

On the opening day of competition, a 9-hole scramble at Tiburon Golf Club’s Gold course, Jope and Joshi logged a 40 and found themselves in third place. The following day saw the Bay-Staters posted perhaps their most impressive round of the tournament, shooting a 39 in the challenging alternate-shot format at Royal Poinciana Golf Club’s Pines course, which moved them into second place overall.

Jope and Joshi wrapped up the tournament with a final-round 37 in a 9-hole best-ball (four-ball) on The Club at Twin Eagles’ Talon course. Paired with the overall leaders from the Naples chapter, the two groups competed neck-and-neck, with Naples making a birdie against Joshi’s par on the final hole to win the four-ball by one shot. That performance cemented an overall second-place finish for First Tee – Massachusetts.

“I could not be more proud of the way Keira and David represented themselves, our chapter, Mass Golf, and the entire First Tee Network,” Harris said. “They were really impressive in the competition but more importantly they lived out the life skills and character values that set First Tee apart. They were leaders among their peers, and gracious and appreciative to our various hosts. I was really impressed by them all week.”

Joshi, Jope, and Harris traveled to Naples on Saturday, Feb. 11 and were welcomed to a practice round at Royal Poinciana. The next morning they enjoyed a very windy practice round at Foxfire Country Club, arranged by Paul Coutoumas, a First Tee – Massachusetts lead coach and head professional at D.W. Field GC, who is a Foxfire member and winter resident of Naples. After the round, they joined the rest of the First Tee chapters for a catamaran cruise around Naples Bay.

After Monday’s scramble round, all of the event participants attended the First Tee – Naples/Collier gala fundraiser event, assisting with festivities as the chapter raised money for it’s new learning center.

Prior to Tuesday’s alternate-shot round, the participants gathered for a beach clean-up, then headed back to Tiburon for a clinic with 5-time PGA TOUR winner and Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup player, Scott Verplank. Joshi was particularly pleased with the clinic as Verplank was able to give her a tip that helped straighten out a hook she was fighting in the previous round. The clinic was sponsored by Porsche of Naples, and emcee’d by Chubb Classic Executive Director Sandy Diamond.

“We have to say another huge Thank You to Tiburon Golf Club, Royal Poinciana Golf Club and The Club at Twin Eagles for making their spectacular golf facilities available to us,” added Harris. “Our kids were blown away by the quality of the golf courses and the graciousness of the club staff and members. Additionally, tournament manager Alexa Wood of Outlyr, Chubb Classic Executive Director Sandy Diamond, and Porsche of Naples did a great job setting up the event and arranging an incredible week for our kids. We are just thrilled with the experience all the way around.”

First Tee – Massachusetts is Headed to Naples for First Tee Champions Challenge

Keira Joshi (left) and David Jope (right)

First Tee – Massachusetts has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2023 Golf to Paradise – First Tee Champions Challenge in Naples, FL. The event is hosted by the Chubb Classic presented by SERVPRO, the Naples, Marco Island & The Everglades, Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), and First Tee – Naples/Collier.

Two representatives from First Tee – Massachusetts, David Jope (Freetown, MA) and Keira Joshi (Ashland, MA) will head to the annual Champions Challenge and will join 10 other teens from four other chapters from around the country. They will participate in four days of golf competition, community service, and networking.

“We are very grateful to the Chubb Classic and its sponsors for inviting our chapter to participate in this wonderful event,” said Kyle Harris, Director of First Tee – Massachusetts. “We are very excited for David and Keira to have the opportunity to interact with other participants from around the country and contribute to a community outside of their own. It’s also a great chance to participate in some friendly competition on outstanding golf courses, and watch golf being played at the highest level.”

The competitive component of the trip will consist of three 9-hole rounds of golf, including better-ball, scramble, and  modified alternate-shot formats. The competition will take place at three of the premier golf facilities in Naples, including Tiburon Golf Club, site of the Chubb Classic, Royal Poinciana Golf Club, and The Club at Twin Eagles. Other daily activities for the 24 participants will including a catamaran cruise, First Tee Gala, community service project, and access to watch the Chubb Classic pro-am.

To follow David and Keira’s experience at the First Tee Champions Challenge please follow First Tee – Massachusetts on Facebook and Instagram at @firstteemass.

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.”

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.

Marcus Freeman Pays it Forward

First Tee is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month, and over the years, it’s helped produce no shortage of game changers. 

One example is Marcus Freeman from First Tee – Greater Charlotte. He says the organization has helped him grow as a golfer and person. 

“Being a part of this community has helped me get through hard times. First Tee – Greater Charlotte was a safe place for me in 2020. During this time my grandfather was going through end stage pancreatic cancer and my family, like the world, was navigating COVID-19 and social distancing,” he says. 

The support he received from First Tee inspired Freeman to pay it forward. 

He completed more than 300 hours of volunteer work for First Tee in 2021. He collected more than 500 books for a First Tee book drive, and he’s a member of the chapter’s participant advisory council. Freeman has also volunteered for his swim team and tutored students in Japanese.

“An aspect of volunteer work that I enjoy is seeing the impact that giving to others can have,” he says. 

Freeman is one of 28 First Tee participants from across the country who’ll attend Innovators Forum this November in Dallas. The workshop empowers First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their community focused on education, health or sustainability. Eight participants will be awarded scholarships totaling $32,000 after the event.

A junior at Palisades High School, Freeman is an accomplished violinist, and he won a medal for performing Japanese poems in 2019. Freeman aspires to study sports science in college. “I enjoy learning more about physical fitness and how the body works,” he says. Freeman spends his free time researching training tips and injury recovery. 

As he progresses as an athlete and student, Freeman says he’ll continue to use the lessons and qualities he’s learned at First Tee, including confidence. 

“When I first joined the program, I was a little shy when meeting new coaches, parents and other players. I spent time observing the instructors and how they interacted with all the different people coming and going. I saw them shake hands, make eye contact, smile and speak confidently,” he says.  

“I knew I wanted those skills as well. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and I started to apply what I observed to my own social skills. I practiced a strong handshake. I introduced myself to people I didn’t know, and I have met many interesting people, like professional golfer Davis Love III, all because I have improved in sharing my personality.” 

Learn more about Innovators Forum