2. To impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character,
instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
OUR MISSION
WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG
HONESTY | INTEGRITY | SPORTSMANSHIP | RESPECT | CONFIDENCE | RESPONSIBILITY | PERSEVERANCE | COURTESY | JUDGMENT
3. From Our Leadership................................................................... 2
2013 Milestones........................................................................ 3
For the Love of the Game—Anthony McRae.................................... 4
The First Tee Network—Charting the Course in 2013..................... 5
A Change of Pace....................................................................... 6
Golfers Giving Back ................................................................... 7
The First Tee’s Year in Photos...................................................8–9
In School: The First Tee National School Program........................ 10
After School: The First Tee DRIVE.............................................. 11
Setting the Stage for Outstanding Leadership............................. 12
The Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach
Celebrates 10 Years.................................................................. 13
The Spirit of Giving................................................................... 14
The First Tee Alumna, Kayla Jackson: In Her Own Words.............. 15
The First Tee Home Office Operating Fund.................................. 16
THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG | 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4. As I reflect on The First Tee’s
accomplishments and tremendous growth
in 2013, I continue to be very impressed
with the dedication of our chapter staff,
board members and volunteers. In efforts to
positively impact as many young people as
possible, our network has worked diligently to
raise awareness and build momentum toward expanding the
presence of The First Tee in their communities.
Whether it’s coordinating the perfect day for one participant
(see page 4), or broadening the experiences for 60 at-risk
youth (see page 6), The First Tee chapters are introducing
young people to The First Tee Nine Core Values™ and helping
to prepare them for success both on and off the golf course.
The commitment of the entire network to The First Tee’s
strategic plan is critical to the success and growth of chapters.
I am proud to report that as a result of the hard work of our
home office and chapter staff, The First Tee is progressing
with—and in some instances already surpassing—its goals
laid out in the seven-year strategic plan launched in 2011.
For example, as you will read on page six, we have almost
900 program locations (over half way to our goal of 1,200
by 2017); almost 2,000 active coaches (exceeding our goal of
1,750); and more than 17,000 volunteers (above and beyond
our original goal of 14,000).
Everyone involved in The First Tee network is integral to
building character and introducing life skills to young people
across the country. This includes our dedicated volunteers,
coaches and physical educators who deliver the programs;
chapter staff, board members and school administrators who
help lead the way; and of course the numerous individuals and
corporations who provide resources to strengthen our work.
As always, thank you for all that you do in supporting our
mission.
It’s more than a game.
Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
The First Tee network continued to
strengthen in 2013 and I am both pleased
and proud of the progress at every level of
the organization. Chapters are extending
their impact and The First Tee National
School Program continues to grow at
an accelerated rate. These changes are
helping to increase The First Tee’s relevance
and ability to make a difference for young people in the
communities served.
I am delighted by the involvement many PGA TOUR,
Champions Tour and Web.com Tour players and tournaments
have with The First Tee chapters (see page 7). The vibrancy of
golf’s charitable impact is evidenced through these important
relationships.
When The First Tee set the goal to reach 10 million additional
young people between 2011 and 2017, I knew there would
be important work happening on the ground in so many
communities to make this happen. The story of Kayla Jackson
on page 15 reminds me why it matters. I had the opportunity
to meet Kayla last summer and saw firsthand the embodiment
of The First Tee core values in her life.
On behalf of The First Tee Board, thank you to the volunteers,
coaches, teachers, school district representatives and chapter
leaders whose tireless efforts are having an impact. Thank you,
also, to the many individuals, corporations and foundations
who continue to support The First Tee’s important work.
Timothy W. Finchem
Commissioner, PGA TOUR
Chair, The First Tee Board of Directors
FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
2 | THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG
5. 2013 MILESTONES
THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG | 3
• New coaches joined The First Tee network in earnest
in 2013, with more than 1,200 men and women
participating in the online Assistant Coach Training
launched in 2012. Also, coaches were retained at the
highest level in The First Tee history, with 98% retention
at the top level.
• The First Tee Scholars Program marked its 10th year
in 2013. Five hundred and twenty one scholars from 55
chapters have been designated The First Tee Scholars over
the years. More than 100 scholarships have been awarded,
totaling more than $1 million.
• More than 400 teenage participants had the
opportunity to expand on what they learned locally by
traveling to 11 events hosted by the home office in 2013.
This includes four additional events that were created as a
result of generous sponsors.
• The First Tee chapters increased the number of unique
donors to the network from 54,000 to 70,000. This
increase was inspired by a three-year Chapter Matching
Grant Program administered by the home office and made
possible by The First Tee Legacy Partner Johnson &
Johnson.
• The First Tee initiated a case study in 2013 to examine
the efficacy of The First Tee National School Program in a
school district that included an active chapter of The First
Tee. While case studies cannot be generalized, there were
positive (additive) effects of a student receiving the
curriculum at school and the chapter. Insights from the
study with recommendations for chapters are being rolled
into action in 2014.
• After a two-year pilot of The First Tee DRIVE, the
activity-based after-school program was officially made
available to partnering youth-serving organizations.
Through 2013, more than 200 locations have been trained
to deliver the program which Develops Rewarding,
Inspiring Values for Everyone who participates.
6. Anthony McRae is not your typical
junior golfer. Born with a genetic
disorder that affects his brain,
kidneys, blood and skin, Anthony
has faced his share of obstacles.
Despite the need for a second
kidney transplant, Anthony does
not let his health-related setbacks
keep him from loving the game of
golf.
Like many junior golfers,
Anthony’s enthusiasm for golf
started with his father. At the
driving range, Anthony’s dad let
him hit golf balls and taught
him the basics of the game. Two years ago, things
changed. While Anthony was away at camp, his
father passed away unexpectedly. In the midst of
tragedy, Anthony’s uncle found The First Tee.
After attending a one-day event at The First Tee
of the Triad in North Carolina, Anthony was
invited by a staff member to enroll in
weekly classes where his fellow
participants and coaches welcomed
him with open arms.
“Anthony is probably one of
the most joyful kids you
will ever meet,” said
Ryan Wilson, program
director for The First
Tee of the Triad. “He
comes in and just lights up
the room. We love that our chapter is a
place for Anthony to not think about
going to the doctor or the hospital all of
the time.”
Because of his severe developmental and
learning disabilities, as well as his health
challenges, Anthony could not play on the
golf course, but continued to visit the
driving range and participate in The First
Tee programming classes. This past year,
Anthony’s health took an adverse turn. He
could no longer come to sessions or even go outside—his new
kidney began to fail.
Wilson kept in contact with Anthony’s nurse and as soon as
Anthony had gained enough strength, the chapter quickly went
to work. They partnered with the Wyndham Championship,
which had followed Anthony’s story closely, and planned a very
special surprise for him.
During the week of the tournament, Anthony joined in a
junior clinic that was held for The First Tee participants in the
area. He enjoyed special access to practice on the driving range
with the tournament professionals, and rode a special shuttle
throughout the week so he could watch his favorite players
during the tournament. Anthony received his very own set of
golf clubs and a pass for a lifetime supply of range balls at
one of The First Tee of the Triad’s programming
locations.
“This is so phenomenal—I am so blessed to see
him out here,” said Cynthia McRae, Anthony’s
mother. “This is his dream. He simply loves
golf.”
For Anthony’s birthday, his entire extended
family celebrated at the chapter,
complete with a golf-themed cake.
Afterward, Wilson took Anthony
to play on a golf course for the
first time in his life! Because
of his improved health,
last fall Anthony was
able to attend most of
the Par-level classes.
While Anthony
is still on the
kidney
transplant
list, he
continues to be a
presence at The
First Tee of the Triad,
brightening everyone’s
day with his smile and
positive energy both on and off
the course.
4 | THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
ANTHONY McRAE
7. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has reached more than nine million young people on golf courses, in
elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. The First Tee launched its Phase IV Strategic Plan (2011-2017)
and established a goal to reach 10 million additional young people over seven years. After three years, The First Tee has
reached 3.6 million young people toward that goal.
THE FIRST TEE NETWORK—CHARTING THE COURSE IN 2013
THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG | 5
THE FIRST TEE NETWORK
• In 2013, The First Tee reached more than 3.6 million young people.
THE FIRST TEE CHAPTERS
• Programming locations (golf facilities): almost 900
• Chapters: approximately 180 in the U.S. and three international
(Vancouver, Canada; Ireland; New Zealand)
• Number of active coaches: almost 2,000
• Number of volunteers: more than 17,000 (including board members)
• PGA/LPGA professionals serving as coaches, executive directors, staff and volunteers: 700
• Participant gender: 37% female, 63% male
(All U.S. golfers: 19% female, 81% male1
)
1
National Golf Foundation, 2012
• Participant ethnicity: 51% Caucasian, 17% African-American, 15% Hispanic, 6% Asian, 11% Other
(All U.S. golfers: 79% Caucasian, 4% African-American, 8% Hispanic, 9% Asian, N/A Other2
)
2
National Golf Foundation, 2010
THE FIRST TEE NATIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAM
• Introduced to more than 6,000 schools in more than 800 school districts
• Number of trained physical educators: more than 6,600
• Student gender: 50% female, 50% male
• Student ethnicity: 49% Caucasian, 23% Hispanic, 21% African-American, 4% Asian and 3% Other
THE FIRST TEE DRIVE
• Introduced to almost 200 youth-serving locations
• Number of trained youth leaders: more than 200
• Participant gender: 43% female, 57% male
• Participant ethnicity: 57% Hispanic, 20% African-American, 15% Caucasian, 2% Asian and 6% Other
8. Bridging inner city life and the world of golf is yet another way
The First Tee works to transform the lives of young people.
The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia helped close this gap
when they invited 60 campers, ages six through 12, from one
of Philadelphia’s most challenged areas to participate in a day
on the golf course.
Campers traveled the nine-mile bus ride to the Walnut Lane
Golf Club and saw a little more of the world, met new people
and got a first glimpse of a real golf course.
Many of these young people had never been more than a mile
or two from their home—ever. John MacDonald, executive
director of The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, could not be
more pleased with this new opportunity to broaden horizons
and raise aspirations of young people.
“This camp is an opportunity for these young people to enjoy a
change of pace and place,” MacDonald said. “They live in an
area that leads the city of Philadelphia in homicides and
narcotics arrests. It is so important for them to know that the
world is bigger than their block.”
The camp focused on teaching the fundamentals of golf
through various games and activities that had elements of
sports the young people were already familiar with, like
baseball and basketball. The campers moved through five
learning stations, providing a well-rounded experience for each
participant. The students even received a science lesson,
explaining the physics behind how and why the golf ball
travels through the air.
Local teenagers also participated by working as junior
counselors. Throughout the day, coaches and counselors
emphasized ways the children can respect themselves, others
and their surroundings.
About a third of the excited campers are expected to continue
in the program during the year and The First Tee of Greater
Philadelphia will continue to hold camp sessions throughout
next season.
6 | THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG
A CHANGE OF PACE
9. GOLFERS GIVING BACK
Luke Donald gives a lucky participant a lesson. Sergio Garcia with participants from the Akron and Canton chapters.
THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG | 7
PGA TOUR professional Sergio Garcia donated $110,000 to
support 13 chapters of The First Tee in the communities in
which he competed over his final seven tournaments of the
2013 FedExCup season.
Garcia, an eight-time winner on the PGA TOUR, pledged
$1,000 for each birdie and $2,000 for every eagle he made
from the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational
through the TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola.
Over the course of the seven tournaments, Garcia made 102
birdies and four eagles.
“It was a great race for birdies, eagles and The First Tee,” said
Garcia. “I enjoyed the challenge of trying to play well for a
great cause and I did it with enthusiasm and passion.”
Garcia, who formed “Sergio’s Foundation” in 2002, has long
supported charitable causes in his native country of Spain and
around the world, helping kids and young adults improve
their lives through sports.
In Chicago, Garcia was joined by his friend and fellow PGA
TOUR player Luke Donald, who made the same pledge
during the BMW Championship to support The First Tee of
Greater Chicago, for which he serves as honorary chair. The
First Tee of Greater Chicago also asked the public to join the
players by matching their donation. Through their efforts,
Donald and Garcia helped raised more than $37,000 for the
chapter that week.
Garcia and Donald are two of numerous PGA TOUR,
LPGA, Champions Tour and Web.com Tour players who
support and advocate for The First Tee. In addition to
monetary support, players also serve on boards and participate
in events at chapters, lending their time and wisdom to
advance the mission.
10. For the ninth year PwC, a Trustee, hosted select Scholars of The First Tee at its Executive Business Forum during
THE PLAYERS Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. During this unique learning experience,
participants met with PwC’s managing partners and top corporate clients, and also heard from experts on topics
facing American businesses today. Pictured left to right: Sameer Aery; Haley Chinn; Ashley Noda; Erskine Bowles,
Co-Founder, The Campaign to Fix The Debt and Former Co-Chair, National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility
and Reform; Trish Lange, The First Tee Senior Coordinator; and Evan Howard.
The First Tee of San Francisco participant Reyhan Griffin won
the Wells Fargo Succeeding TogetherSM
video essay contest that
celebrated the value of building relationships as a foundation for
success in life. As the grand prize winner, he played in the 2013
Wells Fargo Championship Pro-Am with defending champion PGA
TOUR professional Rickie Fowler.
8 | THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG
Terese Romeo, a participant of The First Tee of Tampa Bay, appeared on
Golf Channel’s Morning Drive with broadcaster Kelly Tilghman after being
named Girl Golfer of the Year by the Tampa Bay Times. Golf Channel,
The First Tee’s Proud Media Partner, features The First Tee on the first
Wednesday of every month throughout the year.
THE FIRST TEE’S YEAR IN PHOTOS
2013 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY
11. THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG | 9
Robin “Awesome” Dawson from The First Tee of Ireland won
the Irish Boys Amateur Open Championship after a dramatic
three-hole playoff with England’s Marco Penge at Lisburn
Golf Club in Northern Ireland.
Michelle Xie, from The First Tee of Silicon Valley, won
the pro-junior title at the Nature Valley First Tee Open
at Pebble Beach. She was paired with Champions Tour
player Kirk Triplett who successfully defended his title
in the event.
Participants at The First Tee PLAYer Advanced Academy, a program designed for
junior golfers wishing to pursue collegiate golf, played at Kinloch Golf Club outside
of Richmond, Va.
Select participants
joined in Careers on
Course, a new program
sponsored by The
First Tee Trustee John
Deere. The first of four
events took place in
June at TPC Boston
and introduced high
school students to the
science, technology
and business aspects
of golf course
management.
Fifty participants from The First Tee were selected to attend the Auntie Anne’s
Leaders & Entrepreneurs Forum at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla.,
led by Auntie Anne’s executives.
President George W. Bush, honorary chair of The First
Tee, Tim Finchem, chair, The First Tee Board, and Joe
Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First
Tee, met with participants from The First Tee of Central
Ohio during the first round of The Presidents Cup at
Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.
JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
12. 10 | THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG
IN SCHOOL
THE FIRST TEE NATIONAL SCHOOL PROGRAM
The First Tee understands that leading a young person to healthy
and fun activities at an early age may spark enough interest and
curiosity to keep them going in the activity for a long time.
Because physical education programs are a great way to
introduce young people to new activities, The First Tee National
School Program was created to help students develop an
appreciation for the positive personal and social values associated
with golf.
The National School Program, which meets standards developed
by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education,
has been introduced to more than 2.8 million students at 6,000
elementary schools. Students engage in safe, fun lesson activities
that lead to motor-skill development while gaining an
introduction to a lifelong recreation and health-enhancing
activity. Physical educators delivering the program are formally
trained and certified by The First Tee and use developmentally-
appropriate lesson plans and equipment in their classes.
“The First Tee offers opportunities for our students to be
exposed to a lifelong sport, as well as character education and
healthy habits,” said Dr. Stacey Mabray, senior director of
curriculum and instruction for Richmond County Schools in
Georgia. “Our schools take great pride in the character
education we provide, and The First Tee curriculum is a great
complement to it.”
Already in more than 800 school districts across the county,
The First Tee is working to expand the National School
Program to 10,000 schools by 2017.
The First Tee of Savannah, in partnership with Georgia Power,
announced that all elementary school students in the Savannah-
Chatham County Public School District will have access to The First
Tee National School Program as part of physical education classes.
Because the character
education lessons taught
through the National
School Program are
consistent with the
principles to which employees of Southern Company and its
subsidiaries aspire, The First Tee proudly announced Southern
Company as the first-ever Education Patron. Through their support,
the National School Program will be implemented in 1,000 schools
over the next five years in the communities served by Southern
Company operating companies: Alabama Power, Georgia Power,
Gulf Power and Mississippi Power.
13. THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG | 11
AFTER SCHOOL
After-school activities provide an excellent opportunity to keep
young people safe, supervised and further engaged in social and
physical activities that also provide emotional benefits.
Piloted in 2011 and 2012 and launched in 2013, The First Tee
DRIVE has been developed as a program to reach young people
where they are. The program is specifically designed to be
delivered by trained youth leaders and volunteers at youth-
serving organizations, including the YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs
and through extended day programs.
Using a golf platform to seamlessly introduce The First Tee Nine
Core Values to young people, the program modifies traditional
sports—such as baseball, football, bowling and tennis—to
incorporate the four basic golf shots: putt, chip, pitch and full
swing. This interactive approach helps develop golf skills in a fun
environment, introducing young people to a sport that can be
played for a lifetime.
“The implementation of The First Tee Nine Core Values was
truly a positive mark for us,” said a youth leader when surveyed
about The First Tee DRIVE program. “The youth that we offer
services to are considered at-risk, so the approach of the Nine
Core Values assisted our program with social interaction and
increased positive behavior.”
Participants enjoy activities that are played with modified golf
equipment and are designed to offer them the opportunity to
apply core value behaviors and basic golf strokes. At the end of
each activity, they are challenged to transfer these behaviors to
other areas of their lives at home, at school and in the
community.
The First Tee DRIVE is now active in more than 200 youth-
serving locations across the country.
The First Tee DRIVE is reaching a diverse group of young people
across the country: 43% are female and 85% are from diverse
ethnic backgrounds.
14. 12 | THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG
In February, the stage was set in Music City for the largest
continuing education event in The First Tee’s history. Leaders of
The First Tee from across the network attended the biennial
Network Meeting to focus on maximizing the organization’s
positive impact on young people and participate in professional
development courses.
More than 700 chapter leaders poured in to Nashville, Tenn. to
share best practices, build relationships and engage in educational
classes focused on topics such as fundraising, communications
strategies and reaching at-risk youth. More industry leaders and
experts from outside the organization served as course instructors
than any other year.
Another first for the 2013 Network Meeting came with the debut
of The First Tee Outstanding Participant Summit. Thanks to the
support of The Mackenzie Family Foundation, 32 teenagers from
across the nation participated in this educational event created to
foster opportunities for young people to develop and hone the
skills needed to become leaders in their chapters, schools and
communities.
The Network Meeting and Outstanding Participant Summit
concluded with a dinner emceed by Grammy winner and country
music star Vince Gill. During a special ceremony, six semifinalists
and two finalists were honored with The First Tee Outstanding
Participant Award—college scholarships provided by Founding
Corporate Partner Shell Oil Company. This award recognizes
exemplary achievement in the area of academics, community
service, chapter involvement and leadership.
SETTING THE STAGE FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP
Thirty-two teenagers from across the nation participated in The First Tee Outstanding Participant Summit.
Annika Sörenstam and Jessica Kent, a participant
from The First Tee of Greater Seattle
Through educational workshops
and the help of some very special guests, The First
Tee Outstanding Participant candidates developed
plans for leading a meaningful service project in their
communities, providing a way to apply the skills and
concepts learned at the three-day summit. Annika
Sörenstam, World Golf Hall of Fame member and
spokesperson for The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits,
spoke with participants about the importance of creating
goals. The participants were also treated to a once-in-a-
lifetime private question-and-answer session with The
First Tee Honorary Chair, President George W. Bush.
15. THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG | 13
THE NATURE VALLEY FIRST TEE OPEN AT PEBBLE BEACH
CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
For 10 years, dreams have come
true for hundreds of junior golfers
thanks to The First Tee Open at
Pebble Beach, of which Nature
Valley has been the title sponsor
since 2011. The tournament is a 54-hole Champions Tour
event, the only one of its kind, featuring Champions Tour
players and junior golfers between the ages of 15 and 18.
In 2013 the Nature Valley First Tee Open, hosted by
Monterey Peninsula Foundation, welcomed 81 junior golfers
representing 54 chapters of The First Tee. The juniors, teamed
with 81 Champions Tour players and 162 amateurs, competed
for the pro-junior title at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Del
Monte Golf Course.
Michelle Xie from The First Tee of Silicon Valley and
Champions Tour professional Kirk Triplett clinched the 2013
pro-junior title, finishing 18 under. Triplett also successfully
defended his title in the event.
“It’s kind of crazy,” Xie said after finishing the 18th hole.
“It’s overwhelming and I really can’t even put this week into
words. Kirk was an incredible partner and really kept me
afloat the last round especially. The entire experience was
awesome.”
Parker Reddig from The First Tee of St. Paul, with his pro
partner Jeff Sluman, and Parker Hill from The First Tee of
Three Rivers Parks District in Minneapolis, along with pro
partner Tom Lehman, tied for second place at 16 under.
“Xie, along with all her fellow juniors, played with great
confidence this week, representing The First Tee and their
chapters very well,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive
officer of The First Tee. “We are grateful to
Nature Valley, Monterey Peninsula
Foundation and Champions Tour for their
commitment to this tournament, which
continues to showcase The First Tee’s character building
programs and how they positively impact young people on and
off the course.”
If playing golf with legendary professional golfers on a world-
renowned course wasn’t enough, participants also enjoyed a
private concert and reception with The Band Perry during the
pairings party, and heard from special guests such as former
participant and PGA TOUR player Scott Langley, and TOMS
founder Blake Mycoskie at the Legends & Leaders dinner.
Six junior golfers were paired with Champions Tour
professionals to play in the Coca-Cola Champions
Challenge for a chance to win money for their
chapters. A total of $40,000 was donated.
The First Tee participants and Champions Tour players from left to right
are: Fuzzy Zoeller; Johany Rivera; Gregory Sibick; Nicholas Narcisse;
Corey Watt; Jeff Sluman; Addison Mitchell; Craig Stadler; Hale Irwin;
Ashley Sloup; Ted Schulz; Kirk Triplett
The 81 participants were excited to meet The Band Perry who performed at
the Pairings Party during the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach.
16. GENERATIONS OF SUPPORT
14 | THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG
“My grandfather helped found The First Tee back in 1997, so it is very fulfilling for me to
continue the legacy of our family involvement with such a great organization,” said
Michael Rudin. “The national and local chapters have come such a long way in the last
16 years, and it’s really amazing to see the impact that we have on the lives of so many
kids and their families.” Michael Rudin’s grandfather, Lew Rudin, would certainly be
proud of the philanthropic tradition his grandson is carrying on through The First Tee.
Lew Rudin, his brother, Jack, his son, Bill, and his grandson, Michael, represent three
generations of support and involvement with The First Tee both nationally and in
their beloved city of New York.
Michael is currently the co-chair of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York’s
$5 million “Campaign for the Next 10,” as well as their Young Benefactors group.
“Having a tangible impact on our community is something that was very
important to my grandfather, and he would be very proud to see how far we have
come in a relatively short time. Through the Young Benefactors we have been able
not only to raise funds through the next generation of supporters, but also to give these young
professionals an opportunity to volunteer and be involved more directly as role models for our kids,” said Michael.
Additionally, the Rudin family annually raises funds for scholarships to New York University through The Lew Rudin Charity
Golf Classic.
The First Tee is extremely grateful to have the Rudin family’s ongoing, multi-generational support and involvement.
THE SPIRIT OF GIVING
Left to Right: Bill, Michael and Lew Rudin circa 1999
As a new corporate partner in 2011, Golf Stix/2nd Swing
started The First Tee’s club donation program, converting used
golf clubs and equipment into a monetary donation to The First
Tee and its chapters. Through the program, donors are able to
select which chapter their donation will benefit and receive a
tax deductible receipt for their gift. Chapters can also convert
unused in-kind donations into money that can cover a variety
of expenses such as junior clubs, coach training and other
program-related costs.
To date, the program has raised more than $55,000 for The
First Tee network and awareness continues to grow. As a result
of this growing success, Golf Stix/2nd Swing was recently
recognized as a Gold Corporate Partner of The First Tee.
In addition to growing chapter utilization of this fundraising
tool, Golf Stix/2nd Swing recently launched a new online
platform to help streamline the process for donors and site
users to initiate their equipment donation. The process is
automated and fast, which will encourage more in-kind
donations for The First Tee. The new Golf Stix website also
features an option for any customer to make a donation to
The First Tee before check-out. This charitable component is
engrained in the entire business and will help raise funds and
awareness for The First Tee and its chapters.
The First Tee appreciates the partnership with Golf Stix/2nd
Swing. Their contributions of time and investment are truly
making an impact on participants around the country.
To learn more, visit www.2ndswing.com.
17. THE FIRST TEE ALUMNA
KAYLA JACKSON: IN HER OWN WORDS
The following is an excerpt from a speech Kayla Jackson gave to The
First Tee Trustees in 2013.
I am a proud participant of The First Tee of Raritan Valley in
New Jersey. I am also now an incoming freshman at Rutgers
University where I will be majoring in communications and
marketing.
I have always had a strong passion for writing. I grew up with
very low self-esteem and writing was always a place of escape
for me. I wasn’t confident in who I was as a person or a young
lady. Through my active participation in The First Tee, I was
able to surround myself with people that genuinely cared about
uplifting each other and celebrating each other’s positive
qualities. The family I found in this program has driven my
passion for change, to help young girls who don’t have access
to a support system like I did. My passion for mentorship and
women’s empowerment, along with my gift for writing and
communication, has driven my aspiration to expand upon an
online magazine I developed last year that caters to young
women and helps them in these areas.
I remember when I was little, I competed in the Golf
Channel’s Drive, Chip and Putt competitions. The day before
my very first competition, I was playing with my father late in
the evening. He was exhausted after a long day at work, but I
was relentless and insisted on staying out there to work on my
putting and chipping. The greens keeper actually turned the
lights off and my dad turned the headlights of his car onto
the putting green so I could practice. The next day, I
medaled at the competition in chipping and putting.
A man actually awkwardly came over to me, asking
if he could see the medal that was around my neck.
He turned to show his daughter and said, “This
could have been you.” My dad asked the young
lady what she did last night. She replied, “Oh,
I was hanging out with my sisters and
watching TV.” My dad turned to the girl’s
father and said “Well, Kayla was out
training until 12:30 this morning.” Over
the years, I’ve come to realize just how
significant that moment was. I often
reflect on the kind of preparation that’s
required to be successful.
When I go to college, my mentors from The First Tee and my
parents will not be around and I will encounter a fork in the
road. Life will test my character and judgment. Some might try
to pressure me to do something I am not comfortable with,
while others may encourage me to stray from my path to the
detriment of my studies. In those moments I will think back to
the Nine Core Values that The First Tee instilled in me and I
will make the right decisions. I will hear the voices of my
parents and mentors and those voices will guide my course of
action. I thank The First Tee so much for not only breeding
professionals, activists, leaders and good hearted people, but also
for preparing us all for life.
THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG | 15
18. 16 | THE FIRST TEE ANNUAL REVIEW | WWW.THEFIRSTTEE.ORG
THE FIRST TEE HOME OFFICE OPERATING REPORT
Unaudited | year ending December 31, 2013 | amounts in 000’s
Revenue
Founding Partners $3,850 19%
Corporations 2,720 13%
Trustees 11,110 55%
Individuals & Other 2,609 13%
TOTAL $20,289
Expenditures
Chapters, Life Skills Education,
National School Program and
Military Installations $8,958 48%
Designated Funds to Chapters 6,515 35%
Fund-raising 877 5%
Administrative 1,790 9%
Capital 528 3%
TOTAL $18,668
BEGINNING CASH RESERVE $8,760
ENDING CASH RESERVE $10,381
