First Tee hires first-ever Muskegon Area Director

Link to MLive Article About Erik

LINK TO GRAND RAPIDS BUSINESS JOURNAL ARTICLE

  MUSKEGON, MI – June 16, 2020 – Since 2013, First Tee West Michigan has provided youth development and golf programs to young people in Muskegon, Kent and Ottawa Counties.  This spring, First Tee hired Erik Sanford as its first-ever Muskegon Area Director. Erik Sanford is a well-known name in Muskegon golf community, graduating from Whitehall High School in 1995 as a four-time all-state golfer and leading his team to four state appearances. Sanford went on to play golf at the University of Tennessee – Martin, and has won various local golf tournaments since. Sanford’s work experience includes more than fifteen years working for the Department of Health and Human Services in Child Protective Services, Catholic Charities West Michigan, and as a teacher and a behavioral specialist at an elementary school in Reed City. “We’re thrilled to have Erik as our first Director in Muskegon,” said Executive Director Tyler Smies. “His background working with youth from all walks of life, along with his passion and skill for golf make him the ideal fit for this role. We can’t wait to see the impact he’ll make on young people in Muskegon.” First Tee of West Michigan grew tremendously last year in Muskegon County, teaching life skills and its Nine Core Values through the game of golf to 200 students under the direction of Lead Coaches Terri Clock and Greg Heath.  Participation increased 40% between 2018 and 2019. More than half of students in Muskegon County receive scholarships to participate due to family income. The hiring of Sanford was made possible through a generous gift made in honor of Gordy Scripps, a Norton Shores resident and Muskegon Country Club member who passed away in 2019.  Only 10% of First Tee’s operational costs are covered by program fees. The rest is raised locally through gifts from the Muskegon community. First Tee of West Michigan works with more than 1,200 youth annually at 15 area golf courses, including Bent Pine Golf Course, Muskegon Country Club, Oak Ridge Golf Course, Stonegate Golf Club, and University Park Golf Course in Muskegon County.  Registration for summer sessions is currently open, with many sessions beginning this week.  To register a participant between the ages of 7-17, visit firstteewestmichigan.org/register. For more information on The First Tee of West Michigan or to interview Erik Sanford, contact 231-670-6580 or email [email protected].

COVID-19 Programming Safety and Health Guidelines

COVID-19 procedures and practices are in place!  Click the PDF below to see the steps we are taking to keep our classes safe, and how you, as participants, guardians, and mentors, play an important role. [ddownload id=”2998″ text=”2020 Program Health and Safety Guidelines”]  

First Tee Quarantine Challenge

When: March 21-April 5 What: 
  1. Pick a First Tee Nine Healthy Habit from the list below to focus on for the day.
  2. What Healthy Habit was chosen and what activity did your participant do (sample ideas below)? Get creative!
  3. Post a picture or video on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter of your participant doing the activity, tag First Tee of West Michigan, and hashtag the Healthy Habit
    1. Facebook: @tftwm
    2. Instagram: @thefirstteewestmichigan
    3. Twitter:  @tftwm
  4. Post 6 times from March 21 – April 5 and receive a free six-class session or a First Tee polo for your participant!
Pick from the following Nine Healthy Habits:
  1. Energy: Make healthy choices about when to eat, how much to eat, and the types of food and drinks to provide the body with the most useful energy.
    1. Did your participant eat a healthy snack?
  2. Play: A variety of energizing play can help the body stay strong, lean and fit, and be fun in the process. 
    1. Build a putting course or hole inside, play it! How crazy of a course can you create?
    2. Sock Golf: Create a course/hole to play. Toss the sock. How many tosses does it take to finish each hole? 
    3. https://www.pgajrleague.com/organization?fbclid=IwAR1h6RbUg5tp3PugfFEqgfoztSNfCkcq_RNf2f_LzI6RDnfIJkUBnLHDYJc
    4. https://junioracademies.co.uk/2018/01/15/3-indoor-golf-games-for-a-rainy-day/
    5. https://activeforlife.com/bucket-toss-golf/
    6. https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/gross-motor-activities-golf-games-for-kids/
    7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Brnkc2tl1AI#action=share
  3. Safety: Protecting the body with proper equipment, warming up and cooling down and wearing sun protection.
    1. Did you wash your hands?
  4. Family: When family members participate in activities together — share meals, communicate and establish roles and responsibilities
    1. Help cook a meal with parents
    2. Eat as a family.. Selfie?
 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

First Tee of West Michigan remains committed to our students and all those that make First Tee the great program it is. If you are a family we serve, please let us know anyway that we can provide assistance (food, supplies, etc.). We want to help any way we are able to during this time. Below are some resources we’ve pulled together in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon Counties. PS. Spring registration is still open and scheduled to start on time if you’d like to register. Kent County Resources   Ottawa County Resources   Muskegon County Resources
——– OTHER RESOURCES FREE Internet Service Via Comcast “As the country deals with the effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Comcast is taking immediate steps to help connect more low-income families to the Internet at home. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, new Internet Essentials customers will receive two free months of Internet service.” https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19 Other articles: How to talk to your kids about Coronavirus – NY TIMES

Seufert & Karhunen finish 2nd at First Tee – Champions Tour Challenge in Florida

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – March 2, 2020 – Two local teens got away from the winter cold and brought their golf clubs to compete in The Golf to Paradise – First Tee Champions Challenge in Naples, Florida.
Participants from across the country posing at the end of a great week.
Jack Seufert, a junior at East Grand Rapids High School, and Alex Karhunen, a junior at Jenison High School were sent by the local non-profit First Tee of West Michigan. Both are Eagle Level participants, with Seufert a participant at First Tee of West Michigan since 2014 and Karhunen since 2013. In conjunction with the Chubb Classic, a Champions Tour event, 12 affiliates of the First Tee from across the country are invited to participate.  The Challenge was hosted at Lely Resort in Naples, Florida on February 14-16. Seufert and Karhunen were two of just 24 students from across the country selected for this event. They competed in three different playing formats against pairs of students from other First Tee chapters and took 2nd place out of the 12 First Tee teams.  They also received instruction from Champions Tour Professionals when they arrived and volunteered at a local food bank.
Alex Karhunen and Jack Seufert with Executive Director Tyler Smies on day 1 at Quail Creek GC.
“We worked with more than 1,200 students at The First Tee of West Michigan in 2019, and Jack and Alex are two of our finest young people.  They are strong golfers, but more importantly exemplify the Nine Core Values we teach, especially the values of judgment and perseverance.  We are ecstatic about the way they represented our chapter on a national stage while also getting to meet Champions Tour players and other students from around the country,” said Executive Director Tyler Smies.  Smies accompanied the teenagers on the trip.
Alex Karhunen and Jack Seufert on day 2 at Quail Creek GC.
Seufert and Karhunen competed against eleven other teams from Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C. throughout the weekend. For more information on The First Tee of West Michigan, contact 616-208-1177, email [email protected] or visit firstteewestmichigan.org. ### Jack, left, and Alex, right, with Champions Tour Legend Bernhard Langer hitting range balls in the middle.  Jack at the local food pantry volunteering Alex at the local food pantry volunteering Jack and Alex with Executive Director Tyler Smies on the Naples Sunset Cruise.

Farmers Insurance Open Experience – San Diego, CA

Eagle participant Angelo Luciani was selected out of 16 applicants for the newly created Farmers Insurance Open Experience, held January 20-25, 2020 at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California.   He was selected based on his academics, involvement in the program, and his essays.  This trip’s opportunities, and all its costs, were provided courtesy of Farmers Insurance. Watch the video below to see his week! While he was there, Angelo:
  • Played golf at The Bridges of Rancho Sante Fe
  • Played golf at Balboa Park Golf Course
  • Took a lesson from PGA Tour stars Rickie Fowler and Billy Horschel
  • Walked inside the ropes alongside Rickie Fowler for the Pro-Am
  • Played a hole at Torrey Pines with Rickie, and tied him!
  • Got inside access to TV and Media trucks
  • Watched the Farmers Insurance Open as a spectator for the opening round.
Angelo, 14 years old, has been a participant at First Tee of West Michigan since he was eight years old.  He joined our junior coach staff this past fall for the first time, and will play golf for East Grand Rapids High School this spring, and has aspirations of playing golf professionally.

First Tee of West Michigan Expands to Kalamazoo County

Contact: Tyler Smies                                                                                                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Executive Director Office: 616-208-1177 Cell: 616-965-6633 Email: [email protected]

First Tee of West Michigan Expanding to Kalamazoo County

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – February 10, 2019 – First Tee of West Michigan, in partnership with the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association and the City of Kalamazoo, is planning to expand its programs to Kalamazoo County starting in spring 2021. First Tee is an international non-profit youth development program that teaches life skills, values, and healthy habits through the game of golf. The curriculum serves youth ages 7 to 17. There are seven chapters in Michigan, more than 150 chapters around the country and 10 chapters internationally. First Tee of West Michigan, established in 2011 in Grand Rapids, currently impacts young people in Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties. First Tee started with 73 students in 2011 and now works with more than 1,200 youth at 15 area golf courses. The organization believes it can impact more than 500 young people in Kalamazoo annually by 2023. “Kalamazoo is one of the largest population centers in the state without a First Tee chapter presence,” said Executive Director of First Tee of West Michigan Tyler Smies. “We are incredibly fortunate to partner with the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association and the City of Kalamazoo, who have strong and sustainable junior golf programs. We can’t wait to provide First Tee curriculum to more young people in Kalamazoo who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn through golf because of transportation or economic barriers.” PGA Professional Dean Marks, who operates the City of Kalamazoo’s three courses, and is also president of the Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association, is also excited. “The KJGA has provided affordable golf opportunities to 400+ youth annually for over 30 years.  The opportunity to partner with First Tee and their life skills and values curriculum will increase our outreach to area youth.  That is a win for the community, a win for the youth, and a win for golf and the future of Kalamazoo.  We are excited to expand the use of Red Arrow Golf Course to ensure that any family who wants their kids to learn important life skills through the game of golf will be able to do so regardless of their ability to pay.” Youth golf tournaments and clinics run by the KJGA will continue to operate in 2020, while First Tee develops relationships in Kalamazoo, recruits mentors and fundraises. First Tee’s programs are planned for all three of Kalamazoo’s municipal golf courses in 2021 – Red Arrow, Eastern Hills, and Milham Park. Smies says partnering with local school districts and youth-serving organizations is also critical to First Tee’s ability to impact students who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to learn through golf. First Tee hopes to begin outreach with area schools and organizations in the upcoming year in preparation for the 2021 program launch. First Tee relies heavily on volunteers and donors from communities in order to provide discounted programs to youth. Interested golfers, parents, volunteers, and donors can learn more about the organization and expansion plans at the West Michigan Golf Show, February 14-16 at DeVos Place in Grand Rapids, Mich. In addition, First Tee is hosting a Meet & Greet event for all Kalamazoo County residents on March 11, 2020 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation Building at Homer Stryker Field, 251 Mills Ave.  Interested individuals are encouraged to RSVP by clicking here.  For more information on First Tee of West Michigan or to RSVP for the March 11 event, contact 616-208-1177 or visit firstteewestmichigan.org. ###

Participant Spotlight – Jorge Garcia

UPDATE April 13, 2020: Fox 17’s Jason Hutton interviewed Jorge about being awarded the Evans Scholarship, and its impact on him and his family. Watch the video below, or click this link to read the article. 
  Eagle participant Jorge Garcia just became the first First Tee West Michigan student to receive the Evans Scholarship! He will be attending the University of Michigan School of Engineering next year, thanks to this full ride, room and board scholarship. After being selected as one of just 25 finalists across the state, Jorge, his mother, and Executive Director Tyler Smies traveled across the state to Plum Hollow Country Club for his in-person interview on January 9, 2020.  More than 50 Evans Committee members were in attendance. Check out the video of his big day.

Junior Coach Spotlight – Bradley Lardie

Junior Coach Spotlight

Bradley Lardie 9th Grade 14 years old Jenison High School 1st year as a junior coach

In Their Own Words: 

Bradley’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Confidence is my personal favorite to have learned and to teach to others.  Having confidence in yourself as well as other people is very important.  Sometimes all it takes to do something is a small bit of self-belief.  If someone doesn’t think they can sink a putt from really far away, I like to give them some encouragement. What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? Teaching the Nine Core Values to the PLAYer intro-level classes is really fun because you can see them progress within the six-week class.  I even got to work with a few students on multiple six-week sessions last summer.  Seeing the kids progress from their very first week to their last week of the second session is mind-blowing.  They’ve become better at golf and learned and use all the Nine Core Values.  I saw were students being courteous when others are golfing and gaining responsibility by bringing in their clubs and curriculum booklets every week.

Bradley’s fast facts, from Coach Tyler:

  • Bradley started on scholarship with First Tee at The Highlands in 2014, as a nine-year-old.
  • His older brother Caleb is also a long-time participant of First Tee West Michigan.
  • Bradley and Caleb both play for the Griffins Youth Foundation Hockey program.
    • Bradley has taken on a special role as a junior coach there, as well, where he’s served in a very special capacity.
    • To see Bradley’s involvement there, check out the video below.
  • This year, Bradley worked at the following golf courses:
    • Lincoln CC
    • Stormy Creek GC
  • Bradley has also helped clean our office from time to time – THANK YOU, Bradley!

Junior Coach Spotlight – Darcey Dorris

Junior Coach Spotlight

Darcey Dorris 10th Grade 15 years old East Kentwood High School 1st year as a junior coach

In Their Own Words: 

Darcey’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Integrity.  Since I started in First Tee I have learned more and more about the word integrity.  Integrity simply means doing good when someone in authority isn’t around.  I still think I have a bit of improvement to do but I feel like First Tee has helped me to understand the word more. What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? I just love the overall experience.  Getting to know kids and teaching them what I learned when I was their age.  During my time as a junior coach, I have learned to be patient and to go with my gut on things.  This experience has helped me prepare for the career I want in the future.  I know my future career will require being a good communicator, being patient, and understanding.  All of those traits and more encourage me to make coaching at First Tee fun!

Darcey, pictured left, at the age of 10 at The First Tee.  Darcey, right, this fall at the age of 15.

darcey’s fast facts, from Coach Tyler:

  • Darcey started on scholarship with First Tee through one of its strategic school partnerships with Kentwood Public Schools in 2014.
    • Bowen Elementary is still one of First Tee’s partnership schools.
  • Darcey was interviewed by Maranda in 2014, as a youngster at The First Tee.  Watch here or by clicking the video below! 
  • First Tee partners with Crestwood Middle School, where Darcey went to middle school.
  • Darcey also participated on scholarship at First Tee through a strategic partnership with her home church, First Community AME Church in southeast Grand Rapids.
  • This year, Darcey worked the most hours of any of our first-year junior coaches! She coached at:
    • Indian Trails GC
    • Kaufman GC
    • Stormy Creek GC
  • Darcey’s younger brother, Dion, participated through Bowen and First Community AME as well.  He participated with First Tee’s PGA Junior League team this summer and is considering caddying next summer.
  • Darcey’s younger sister, Dari, has also participated at The First Tee!
  • Darcey and Dion together with Executive Director Tyler Smies helped make a presentation to Kentwood City Council this summer about the value of The First Tee in the Kentwood community.
Your year-end gift before the close of 2019 will be matched, dollar for dollar by a local donor, to fund the junior coach program in 2020.  Will you make a donation today? 

Click here to Donate Today!

Junior Coach Spotlight – Adam Koval

Junior Coach Spotlight

Adam Koval 9th Grade 14 years old Forest Hills Central High School 1st year as a junior coach

In Their Own Words: 

Adam’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Responsibility – it’s up to me; I am the one myself and others depend on to make it happen. What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? I love interacting with the kids,  and making sure they are learning.  At the same time, I want to help them have the time of their life!  I love seeing the smiles.

Adam, pictured center, at The First Tee’s Eagle class this fall. 

Adam’s fast facts, from Coach Tyler:

  • Adam has been in The First Tee since he was seven years old, starting way back in 2012.
  • Adam has advanced through each level at The First Tee within a month of his eligibility (9 at Par, 11 at Birdie, 13 at Eagle).
  • Adam’s handshake is one of our best – and strongest.  Shake his hand next time you see him.
  • Adam aspires to be a Navy SEAL someday.
  • Adam is a big Purdue Univesity fan…BOILER UP!
  • If you’ve come to any of our nine Annual Golf Outings, you’ve likely met Adam on a tee box!
  • Adam and his father John have played in the Golf Marathon fundraiser each of the past 3 years at Stormy Creek GC.
  • Trips through The First Tee: 
    • Adam was selected through The First Tee for the Nancy Tennant Leadership Academy in 2019.  He visited the University of Notre Dame and several other places throughout the trip.
    • Adam also participated in The First Tee of Chicago’s Great Lakes Invitational last year, where he and his First Tee teammates took 2nd place at Cog Hill.
  • Outside of The First Tee:
    • Adam is also a longtime member of Boy Scouts
    • Adam is also a longtime violinist
Your year-end gift before the close of 2019 will be matched, dollar for dollar by a local donor, to fund the junior coach program in 2020.  Will you make a donation today? 

Click here to Donate Today!

Adam, age 8, when he started at The First Tee

Junior Coach Spotlight – Jack Seufert

Junior Coach Spotlight

Jack Seufert 11th Grade 16 years old East Grand Rapids High School 2nd year as a junior coach

In Their Own Words: 

Jack’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Integrity – knowing the difference between right and wrong; doing the right thing even when no one is looking. What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? Definitely helping to coach the kids and help them learn the basics of golf.  I took First Tee classes when I was their age and it is really fun to be able to help coach the kids, just like I was coached when I was their age.

Jack pictured above in California in the spring of 2019, seen taking a selfie with Sir Nick Faldo at the CoBank Peak Performance Academy, an opportunity through The First Tee. 

Jack’s fast facts, from Coach Tyler:

  • Jack and his brothers Charlie (13) and Henry (11) are fixtures at The First Tee since 2015.
  • This spring, Jack won an essay contest through The First Tee and Wells Fargo, and received $500 cash for his entry!
  • Jack led his first six-class session this summer, with adult volunteers assisting him.  Jack is just the third junior coach to be asked to lead a session and will continue to do so in 2020.
  • Jack and his brothers played more than 200 holes of golf in the 2019 First Tee Golf Marathon Fundraiser, raising more than $2,000 for our students on scholarship.
  • Trips through The First Tee: 
    • Jack also was selected for the CoBank Peak Performers Academy, in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA.  There he met sir Nick Faldo, a 41-time tournament winner and six-time major winner on the PGA Tour.
  • Outside of The First Tee:
    • Jack also plays basketball and tennis for his high school golf teams.
    • Jack’s mother, Mindy, played Division 1 college golf at Purdue University.
Click above to see the local clip of Jack Seufert, spotlighted by Dan Wilinsky and Jack Doles of WOODTV8. Your year-end gift before the close of 2019 will be matched, dollar for dollar by a local donor, to fund the junior coach program in 2020.  Will you make a donation today? 

Click here to Donate Today!