First Tee Week: May 19-25

Dear Coach Dan, 

Thank you for teaching me how to improve my stance and how to improve my swing.

Rory
First Tee – Greater Charlotte Participant

Dear Coach Ian, 

You taught me many things. You taught me teamwork and golf tips. You helped me understand the basics of golf and important life lessons. You positively impacted my life by being kind and helpful. Thank you Coach.

Gavin
First Tee – Greater Charlotte Participant

Dear Coach Alivia, 

You taught me how to swing my driver without toppling over from the force. You also taught me how to share with others.

Ella
First Tee – Greater Charlotte Participant

Dear Coach David, 

Thanks for introducing me to golf and showing me the basics. Thanks for being a great coach!

JA
First Tee – Greater Charlotte Participant

Dear Coach Keleigh, 

You taught me so many things! Not only about golf but also about leadership. Thanks a lot.

Addie
First Tee – Greater Charlotte Participant

Dear Coach Nick & Jessica, 

Thank you for giving a kid on the Autism spectrum a chance to be successful at life. I’ll never forget you helping me out on national event applications. You instilled the values of respect and confidence, and I will always remember those lessons. 

You changed the arc of my family’s lives forever. You will always have a special place in our family. Thank you for everything, and I hope I can continue to make you proud. 

Warm regards,
Derrick Ow
First Tee – Monterey County alumnus 

Dear Coach Jenae, 

You taught me to always dream big and go after whatever I dreamed of. No matter the circumstance I was in, you always supported my dreams of becoming an LPGA Tour player. You’ve spoken highly of me to people when I’m not in the room, and you do the same when I am there. I know when I hear “Najae Butler” very loudly that it’s you, one of my biggest supporters. And for that and more, I’m forever grateful and will be your biggest supporter too. 

Najae Butler
First Tee – Metro Atlanta alumna 

Dear Coach Brown, 

You taught me how to not only keep my cool on the course, but how to apply these values off of the golf course. You created an inclusive and welcoming environment for me prior to my freshman year and provided me with opportunities to gain lifelong friends. I have loved getting to know you these past two years and look forward to the rest of high school golf with you as my coach. 

Thank you so much,
Samuel Freeman
First Tee – Greater Richmond participant 

Dear Coach Terry,  

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for your countless hours invested in me. Thank you for lighting my spark in my bigger purpose for life. Because of you I became my true self. Because of you I bought into every possibility for my future. Your guidance on and off the course helped transform me into a forever game changer. Because of you I will spend my life giving back to the future of First Tee, the future of golf, the future of the world. 

“Put a golf club in a child’s hand and watch them grow.” 

 Look at me, Coach T. I’m all grown up now, thanks to you. 

Cameryn Smith
First Tee – Coastal Carolinas alumna 

Dear Coach Harry & Cole, 

You taught me how to be an authentic Black man and golfer. Your example shaped my entire life. Not only did you deepen my understanding of the game, you prepared me for life! I wouldn’t be who I am today without you!  

Kevin B. Banks Jr.
First Tee – Greater Chicago alumnus  

Dear Coach Steve, 

You taught me more than just the game of golf but how to face challenges with resilience, patience and determination. Whether it was navigating a tough round or confronting personal obstacles, you have helped me see that every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow. Thank you for being a coach who mentors not just athletes but the person behind the game. 

Kavya Shah
First Tee – Howard County participant