Category: Blog

Women’s History Month: How Jayda Dookie is changing the game 

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. 

Women’s History Month: How Jayda Dookie is changing the game 

“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.”

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.”

How to Get a Golf Scholarship in Denver

Golf is a sport that requires dedication, practice, and hard work. If you are a golfer looking to take your game to the next level, you may be wondering how to get a golf scholarship in Denver. One great opportunity to secure a scholarship is through First Tee, whether you want to grow your golf skills through an on-course program or you’re already a part of our organization and need help with college tuition.

What is First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains?

First Tee is a nationwide non-profit organization that is focused on youth development. At all of our chapters across the United States, we use golf instruction and competitions to teach life skills and core values to young people.

At our local chapter in Denver, First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, we offer a variety of golf programs for kids of all ages, including scholarship programs.

Two Types of Golf Scholarships:

At First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, we offer two different types of scholarships to youth in Denver and the surrounding area. Here’s what to know:

The first type of scholarship is designed for children who wish to participate in our on-course programs, but may not have the financial means to do so. This scholarship can provide an opportunity for these children to learn and develop their golf skills, without the added financial burden.

The second type of scholarship is for college-bound students who have been a part of our program. This scholarship can be used towards tuition expenses and can help ease the financial burden of higher education.

It is important to note that neither of these scholarships is specifically for playing golf in college. They are simply designed to provide financial assistance for those in need and can be used towards any college expenses. First Tee is proud to offer assistance to those who could use support. We have seen first-hand just how much a scholarship can impact someone’s life. Read some of the success stories to learn more.

How Our Golf Scholarships Work at First Tee

Every year, our local non-profit offers up to five college scholarships worth up to $10,000. These scholarships are awarded to deserving students who demonstrate the value of First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a First Tee scholarship toward your college expenses, you must be a high school student participating in a First Tee program. You must also have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. Additionally, you must be planning to attend a college or university, and be able to show how you will use your scholarship to further your education.

How to Get a Golf Scholarship in Denver with First Tee

To apply for a golf scholarship with First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, you will need to fill out an application and submit it to First Tee. The application will ask for basic personal information, as well as information about your golf skills and achievements. You will also need to provide a copy of your transcript, a confidential evaluation from a counselor or teacher, a letter of recommendation, and a complete resume. See our scholarships page for more information on how to apply.

Get Involved with First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains Today

In addition to our many scholarship opportunities, First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains also offers a range of programs to help young golfers develop their skills and pursue their passion for the sport. These programs cover everything young golfers need, including access to top-notch facilities, instruction from professional golfers, and opportunities to compete against other young golfers.

Now you know how to get a golf scholarship in Denver with First Tee. Our golf scholarships are a great opportunity for Denver-area high school students who are passionate about golf and want to further their education. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, contact First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains for more information and get involved today.

AnnaLeis Caldwell fell in love with golf through First Tee. Now she’s sharing her passion 

AnnaLeis Caldwell fell in love with golf through First Tee. Now she’s sharing her passion 

AnnaLeis Caldwell is a former collegiate golfer and current program director at First Tee – Clearwater. Her First Tee journey started with an ad her father saw 16 years ago while her family was living in Salinas, California.  

“He thought it would be a great way for me to learn the basics of golf, and he appreciated that it was both personal development and skills based, so I joined [First Tee] Monterey County as a participant,” she said. 

Caldwell’s dad was in the military, and she stuck with First Tee when the family later moved to Virginia. For Caldwell – an avid athlete and serious softball player – First Tee went far beyond sports. 

“Now I’m a First Tee trainer and I always talk about the importance of being a mentor because of my own experience,” she says. “I couldn’t tell you the names of my softball coaches today, but I remember all my First Tee coaches because we talked about my school life and my home life – not just my stats.”  

Caldwell said golf has opened doors for her on and off the course, offering unique opportunities and giving her confidence. On National Girls and Women in Sports Day we’re celebrating the positive benefits that sports can provide. “Sports changes lives,” Caldwell said. 

AnnaLeis Caldwell fell in love with golf through First Tee. Now she’s sharing her passion 

Having female coaches at First Tee when she was younger helped Caldwell build confidence, she said. “Seeing these professional women who enjoyed the game and were high up in their careers – and looking back, they were moms, which I identify with now – it gave me the confidence that I could achieve those things,” she said. 

Caldwell had never touched a golf club before her initial First Tee lesson. “Little did I know 16 years ago, I’d be coaching for First Tee, welcoming girls and getting kids excited about golf,” she said.  

Her journey came full circle in 2021 when she attended the Game Changers Academy as a coach. She previously attended the event as a participant and then as an alumni chaperone back when it was called the Life Skills Academy. And as a new national trainer she’s now working alongside one of her own First Tee coaches, Colleen Henry of First Tee – Silicon Valley. 

“It’s amazing to be able to impact so many girls,” Caldwell said. Her chapter serves about 40 percent female participants. 

Caldwell previously worked for First Tee – Upstate South Carolina, and she was the first director of women’s golf at Champion Hills Golf Course in North Carolina. Caldwell played golf at North Greenville University. 

Get involved as a First Tee coach

Mentors Make the Difference: Scholar Becky Jones Shares How Her Mentor Guides Her as she Navigates College 

Mentors Make the Difference: Scholar Becky Jones Shares How Her Mentor Guides Her as she Navigates College 

It’s National Mentorship Month! And we truly believe that mentors can make all the difference for kids as they face new challenges – from navigating middle or high school to eventually embarking on a career. That’s why we’re proud to pair every First Tee Scholar with a mentor to help them along their journey. 

First Tee – Indiana alumna Becky Jones is a sophomore at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology where she is studying civil engineering. Her professional goal is to address pollution in her home region. “Especially around our area, we have a lot of environmental hazards that I’d like to fix,” she said. 

As she works toward her future, Jones said, she knows she has at least one person in her corner: her mentor Dr. Roger May. May is senior technical manager in the Great Lakes region for TruGreen, a First Tee Trustee. Not only has May helped Jones on her academic journey, but “he knows me as a person,” she said. 

“Especially as I’m going to college and being in a new environment and working with a lot of different people, he’s given me fantastic advice about things like teamwork, what to do when group members aren’t holding up their weight,” she said. 

His guidance was especially helpful during Jones’ internship at a 66-turbine wind farm in Iowa. “I was in a very different environment than I’m used to, and while it was a wonderful experience, it did challenge me in a lot of ways,” she said. “It’s been incredible. I’m lucky First Tee connected me with him.” 

Mentors Make the Difference: Scholar Becky Jones Shares How Her Mentor Guides Her as she Navigates College 

May said mentoring Jones has helped him understand the challenges a college student faces in 2023. The pair talk for about one hour each month, and while mentoring isn’t a huge time commitment, it’s a great way to give back, May said.  

“I thought back to the time when I was a freshman in college. I could have really used a mentor!  This was a golden opportunity to pay it forward with experience and help a young person navigate the ups and downs of the college experience and give them career advice,” he said. 

For the relationship to work well, mentors need to be non-judgmental, and mentees must be open about the challenges they’re facing, May said. “When everything clicks you form a trust that helps to keep the relationship and communication progressing,” he said. 

As a First Tee scholar, Jones not only receives support from her mentor, but also financial assistance and access to professional development opportunities, including a recent winter workshop that brought together 40 First Tee alumni from across the country. She said First Tee has helped her gain confidence and expand her horizons.  

“When you start playing golf as a kid, you’re just out there hitting a ball. You don’t think about all the etiquette you learn,” Jones said. “You learn about systems, being outside, appreciating nature, respecting authority, honesty. There’s just so many values that go throughout your entire life. Now as a Scholar I get to hear from all these phenomenal speakers who are giving me advice on aspects of my career and personal life, and I feel like I’ve grown more as a person in so many ways I can’t even describe.” 

Learn More about the First Tee Scholars

How Your Child Benefits from Golf Lessons in Denver

Learning to play golf takes a lot of practice and patience. Fortunately, there are many talented instructors dedicated to teaching kids how to play golf. During our specialized golf lessons in Denver for young players, kids from ages 4 to 18 can learn how to swing properly, hit the ball correctly, and even gain expert tips on how to improve their golf game. At First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, we not only strive to teach children how to play golf, but how to excel in everyday life and beyond.

Trust First Tee for Your Child’s Golf Lessons in Denver

The first step towards learning golf fundamentals is enrolling your child in quality golf instruction programs, like those at First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains. Our programs, like the More Than Just Golf program, are designed to help children learn how to become better athletes and people by improving their physical fitness, self-esteem, and confidence and teaching them life lessons through the game of golf.

Our Golf classes are divided up by age and skill level. Each one is structured to be engaging, fun, and educational, and take place on courses all across the metro area and beyond. We also offer advanced classes for children who have completed previous courses and are eligible based on age.

What Will My Child Learn?

The simple answer is: All kinds of things! We will start out with the game of golf and establish a strong golf foundation, which we then use to introduce new concepts and life skills.

First Tee might be all about golf, but we are so much more than just the game. We use golf as a medium to deliver critical information to children that helps them to build relationships, positive attitudes, and driven mindsets. Here are some of the things you can expect your child to learn from First Tee:

  • The importance of maintaining a good attitude on and off the course
  • Understanding and managing emotions
  • Appreciating and respecting diversity
  • How to make important decisions by considering their potential outcomes
  • How to behave appropriately regardless of whether of a win or loss at any given activity
  • Positively handling conflicts
  • Creating and implementing step-by-step goals
  • Planning for the future
  • And more

At First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, we have helped provide exceptional golf programs to thousands of kids throughout Colorado over the years, many of which would never have gotten involved with golf if it hadn’t been for our classes. As a non-profit, we strive to expand access to the sport of golf throughout the year and every year we are able to provide scholarships to kids all across the country thanks to the support and involvement of our staff and volunteers.

Choose First Tee for Your Child’s Golf Lessons!

Since 1996, First Tee has been a national non-profit organization focused on developing character, building physical strength, fostering lifelong friendships, and encouraging academic achievement through the game of golf. Our mission is to help young people develop key skills through the sport of golf and give them equal access to the game. We offer youth-friendly golf programs all-year-round that are fun, safe, and educationally sound. At First Tee, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in local communities by increasing accessibility to the game of golf and making it more equitable for everyone!

Join the First Tee community and sign up your kids for golf lessons in Denver today!

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.

Volunteers Build the Next Generation

University of Delaware golfer Christina Carroll boasts one of the lowest scoring averages in program history. The junior electrical engineering major and First Tee – Delaware alumna is also the first African American woman to play golf for the Blue Hens. 

Volunteers Build the Next Generation

It’s clear Carroll has a bright future ahead of her. And for the last decade, she’s had a dedicated mentor behind her. First Tee – Delaware volunteer coach Karen Hart has been part of Carroll’s go-to team since Carroll was in 7th grade. 

“Karen is one of the most supportive and thoughtful people I know,” Carroll said. “She would take the time to take me to golf with her at her own home club Patriots glen. She would also encourage me to do my best every time I was around her. I am forever appreciative of the warm and caring person she is.” 

Hart is one of two incredible volunteers to be named George H.W. Bush Volunteer of the Year by First Tee. Together the two honorees have been volunteering with First Tee chapters for four decades.

PGA TOUR player Will Zalatoris presented the Volunteer of the Year awards during First Tee’s 25th anniversary celebration last month in Dallas, while he and FootJoy both donated $5,000 to each winner’s chapter.  

Despite health issues that kept her away from the ceremony, Hart’s commitment to First Tee – Delaware has never wavered, said program director Charma Bell. 

“Her grit has no quit! She says the First Tee motivates and inspires her to keep going and growing,” Bell said.  

Over the last 17 years, Hart has helped introduce three new program locations, recruit 20 volunteers and onboard more than a dozen schools to the First Tee School Program, Bell said. 

“Karen is a wonderful role model, who constantly shares her time, talents and treasures with our chapter. She exemplifies the true meaning of volunteerism and looks for nothing in return.” 

Volunteers Build the Next Generation

Like Hart, Deb DeNure has served as a chapter board member and mentor for participants. She’s been a dedicated volunteer at First Tee – South Central Wisconsin for more than two decades – having raised more than $1 million for the chapter. 

“Deb is truly someone who is essential to the livelihood of First Tee – South Central Wisconsin and is one of the most influential volunteers and heartbeat of the organization,” said executive director Ashlyn Mehlhaff. 

DeNure has spent more than 4,000 hours organizing fundraising events and tournaments on behalf of the chapter.  

“If there is a dream volunteer opportunity, working with First Tee – South-Central Wisconsin is it,” DeNure said. “Having the opportunity to help influence, grow, mentor and fundraise for a nonprofit organization that continues to shape the youth and citizens in our community brings me great joy.” 

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters relies on committed volunteers like DeNure and Hart to help build the next generation of Game Changers. On International Volunteer Day, we thank them for supporting First Tee!  

Learn more about volunteering at First Tee. 

Choose First Tee for Your Colorado Juniors Summer Camps! 

First Tee has become the premier youth golf program across the United States of America, helping kids develop their skills through organized play at over 2,500 courses nationwide. However, it’s not just golf that we teach here at First Tee — Colorado Rocky Mountains. We help kids prepare for their lives in engaging and creative ways that encourage collaboration and outward expression, like at our Colorado juniors summer camps. 

At First Tee, golf is more than just a game; it’s a way to reach kids on a personal level and help guide them toward bright and successful futures.  

Get To Know First Tee: Your Go-To Host for Colorado Juniors Summer Camps 

Since 1996, First Tee has been a national non-profit organization dedicated to developing character, fitness, good sportsmanship, life-long friendships, and academic success through the sport of golf. We’re dedicated to helping youth players build crucial life skills through the sport of golf and gain equitable access to the sport as well. Our youth-oriented programs are designed to be fun, safe, and educational.   

At First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, we offer a variety of programs for kids of all ages, from 4 years old all the way through high school! During the summer, we have multiple golf-focused youth programs that are based on age and skill. These programs are aimed at building up the basics of golf while incorporating fun, engaging, and applicable life lessons and knowledge. 

Your child can learn a great deal at our summer camps! Here are just a few of those things: 

Golf Skills 

At our camps, your child will learn how to play the game of golf, and everything that comes with it. Our participants will, of course, learn how to hit the ball, but also the proper stance and form, the different types of features on the courses, the rules of the game, and proper etiquette. You can also expect your child to learn how to behave well on and off the course. . 

Life Skills 

One of the most important and fundamental parts of all First Tee programs is the belief that golf is more than just a game. It’s an opportunity to teach life skills and lessons in an interesting and entertaining way. At First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, your child will learn: 

  • The importance of maintaining a good attitude on and off the course 
  • How to make important decisions by considering their potential outcomes 
  • How to behave appropriately regardless of whether they win or lose at any given activity 
  • Understanding and managing emotions 
  • Positively handling conflicts 
  • Creating and implementing step-by-step goals 
  • Planning for the future 
  • Appreciating and respecting diversity 
  • And more 

These fundamentals are part of what makes First Tee so unique. We are dedicated to providing children everything they might miss in traditional schooling or programming. You can expect First Tee to be a dependable outlet for your children, just as it has been for so many before them. 

Learn More About our Colorado Juniors Summer Camps 

At the time that First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains started, more than 90% of participants were in the free and reduced lunch program at a nearby school. To combat these types of issues, we provided our junior golf program or free or at a lower cost and offered more than just playing the game. 

The goal of the project was to increase golf participation among young people – especially those who had been underserved by traditional programs. Denver’s municipal golf courses are primarily located in older inner-city neighborhoods, and the ethnic mix of these neighborhoods has been predominantly African-American and Hispanic. However, the participants in the city’s junior golf program were primarily Caucasian youth from more affluent areas of Denver. Consequently, golf was not only unpopular – it was just strangely foreign to the kids who lived nearest to the golf course.  

At First Tee, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in local communities by increasing access to golf and making it a more equitable sport. Come and see how we are shaping youth at our Colorado juniors summer camps by signing up today.