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Jack Polansky is receiving the Game Changer of the Year Award for 2023

As a sophomore at Churchill High School and the top-ranked golfer on the team, Jack’s dedication to his sport and academics is evident. His 4.1 GPA reflects his commitment to excellence in his studies, while his position as an ACE participant in First Tee showcases his dedication to personal growth.

Jack’s leadership qualities shine through his actions. Despite managing multiple responsibilities including school, golf, and volunteering, he approaches each task with determination, passion, and purpose. In 2023, Jack volunteered over 150 hours not only in summer camps and programming sessions providing mentorship to the younger participants, but also picking range balls in the evenings at the First Tee Driving Range.

Jack was accepted through an application process by First Tee National to attend the Game Changers Academy in Philadelphia, focused on self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. He attended the First Tee National Championship in New Orleans in December. He has played locally in all four Game Changer Shootouts, a Ryder Cup Style Event vs. Austin.

He was recently accepted into the PALS (Peer Assistance Leadership Program) in High school which provides guidance and mentoring for peers and younger children to help develop their self-esteem, drug-awareness and social skills.

Your impact on your peers, community, and the sport of golf is truly commendable, and we look forward to your continued success in the future. Congratulations on winning the 2023 Game Changer of the Year Award. On behalf of the Kolitz Family Foundation, you will also be receiving a one-time scholarship in the amount of $2,500 towards your college tuition.

The importance of embracing differences and different experiences

February is Black History Month, an important time to recognize the contributions and remember the hardships endured by generations of African Americans. Appreciating diversity and what makes us each unique remains an integral part of First Tee’s DNA year-round.

“When you bring together people with different perspectives and different experiences, the whole becomes stronger than the sum of its parts,” said Pepper Peete, whose career in golf began more than two decades ago when she established the men’s team at Edward Waters College, an HBCU in Jacksonville, Florida. Peete now helps lead culture and inclusion efforts at First Tee headquarters.

Access for All

First Tee has always been committed to reaching kids from all backgrounds and making sure they feel included in our programming. At First Tee we commit to:

Appreciating what makes us different.

Providing everyone with what they need to succeed, knowing that our needs and challenges may differ.

Creating space that makes every individual feel like they belong and can see themselves reflected.

Collaborating with others – including those who are different from you – is a Key Commitment at First Tee, and it means showing respect, kindness and care for everyone. Regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation or lived experience, we’re all unique.

Here are some ways kids can get more comfortable learning about and from others.

A-L-R is a tool for learning about others

First Tee coaches introduce the concept of appreciating diversity by explaining that people differ in many ways and are similar in other ways, and we all have strengths and weaknesses. It is important for kids and teens to understand, accept and appreciate their own strengths and weaknesses, but it is equally important they do the same with others.

Engaging others in conversation doesn’t always come naturally to children, but it can be one of the best ways to form meaningful connections across perceived barriers. A-L-R is a strategy we teach at First Tee.

Ask questions: Invite your child to ask questions to discover more about a person’s background and past experiences, which might provide insight into who they are today and the commonalities they share.
Listen to understand: Introduce active listening by encouraging your child to focus on what others are saying rather than thinking about what to say next.
Reflect and respond: Invite your child to show how they were listening by responding with a thoughtful question or sharing your own thoughts or feelings on the topic at hand.

Through this exercise, kids might learn they share common interests with someone who looks or sounds different to them.

Don’t forget that in addition to learning about others, preteens are often grappling with and discovering their own identities. If your family positions diversity as an asset, your child might feel more comfortable being themself.

Exposing your child to food, music or books from other cultures can help them see the commonalities we share and appreciate that our differences make the world a richer place. You can also discuss the diversity that exists within your own family or community to show that diversity is everywhere, including the golf space.

“Golf has given me an opportunity to go places I never would have been able to go and meet people I never would have been able to meet,” said Peete, who was married to Calvin Peete, one of the most successful Black professional golfers in history. “I think golf can open up unexpected doors.”

A lifelong golfer and mother to two daughters who played golf at HBCUs, Peete has seen the sport become more accessible, especially to women, and she believes the golf course is a perfect place to break down barriers. “You get to meet so many different people through golf,” Peete said.

NEW! Mini SAGA Series

Introducing: First Tee Mini SAGA Series

As we have made the transition to our new age-based curriculum this year, we have also been looking for more opportunities for our participants to gain more experience on the course. This year, we are hosting our Mini SAGA Series events where we provide opportunities for our participants to play 9-hole rounds in a competitive environment at courses all around the Greater San Antonio area. These events are set up as tournaments but our main goal is to get our kids more practice as well as teaching them course rules and etiquette.

We hosted our first ever First Tee Mini SAGA Series event at Windcrest Golf Club on Saturday, February 25th for our Age 7-13 participants. This tournament style event ended with three winning teams! One for each age division: Age 7-9, Age 10-11, & Age 12-13. We loved being able to get the kids more experience on course and expand their knowledge of the game. We will be hosting more events like this all year!

Gabby Rangel, Program Director “It was definitely one of the most fun junior events I have ever been too! The course was awesome! I saw so many smiles from the kids, volunteers, Windcrest staff, and parents. Excited to work and create more of these fun events with our programming staff!”

Carter Bonas wants everyone to feel like they belong on the course

Carter Bonas has already broken through in the business world, and he’s just 12. His love of golf helped inspire his company, Spectrum Golf.

The golf brand got its name because Carter is on the autism spectrum. The company was created to address an issue he faced, turning a challenge into an opportunity.

“Me and my mom were spending lots of money on clothes that were supposed to be comfortable but weren’t because I have skin sensitivity,” explained the First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant.

“I started Spectrum Golf because I wanted other people to be comfortable too.”

The brand sells golf attire and accessories, which have been displayed at the PGA Show in Orlando, an industry standard event. Carter has been interviewed by Golf Channel, Golf Digest and more about his company.

It’s impossible for Carter to choose a favorite memory from his time as a golfer. “They’re all super amazing,” Carter said.

He’s walked the course with Ernie Els at the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida, chipped with PGA Champions Tour player Alex Cejka and even met basketball star Steph Curry. Last year Curry was honored as Sports Illustrated’s Sports Person of the Year, while Carter was named Sports Kid of the Year.

Carter has big goals for his company, ultimately aiming to own a retail store and collaborate with other major brands. Playing on the PGA TOUR isn’t out of the question either, he said.

Carter loves the sport because he’s able to play on a team while still controlling the outcome of his round – whether good or bad. He also loves spending time in nature, he said.

Carter began playing golf after struggling to find another sport that fit.

During Autism Awareness Month, his message to others on the spectrum: “If you’re considering golf it takes lots of patience and practice, and you always need to stay positive,” he said.

Carter and his family have faced their own set of challenges when it comes to managing a new business. They had to table Spectrum Vitamin Water due to a manufacturing issue. “Carter only wants to sell products he loves,” said his mother, Dr. Thelma Tennie. But after finding a new producer, the vitamin water could be back on the market this year.

Seeing his mom – who owns a private therapy practice – helped inspire Carter to become an entrepreneur, he explained. And he’s also passionate about giving back. He recently launched a nonprofit, and he serves as a golf coach and motivational speaker for schools and events.

Like First Tee, Carter is dedicated to growing the sport of golf and showing that anyone can play. Carter and his mom were drawn to First Tee’s values, and he’s been participating with the Florida Gold Coast chapter in Fort Lauderdale for about a year.

“It’s been super awesome,” Carter said.

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

Jayda Dookie didn’t quite know what she was getting into when her high school coach reached out about a caddying opportunity at Seminole Golf Club.

Ranked the top course in Florida for the last 35 years by Golf Digest, the Club has a rich history of hosting the corporate elite along with a couple of high-profile events in the past. But Jayda was about to make her own history. When Jayda, a First Tee – Florida Gold Coast participant, signed on as caddy, she was unaware that she would become the first female caddy in the history of the storied club. As a freshman, she was also the youngest caddy in the yard when she took the job four years ago.

“A lot of the caddies were excited to see a girl come and do this job, not only because you have to engage with a lot of important people, but it’s also a physical job,” she explained. “I quicky had to get out my shell. I had to make sure my players were comfortable, and I definitely only succeeded because of the mentors I had in the caddy yard.”

She said planning ahead is an important part of caddying at Seminole: “First we have to forecaddie. We must get to the ball before the players do to get all the numbers like distance from the hole, wind speed and direction. At Seminole, we really place an emphasis on pace of play, and the only way we’re able to do that is if our caddies are two steps ahead of our players,” she said.

Jayda said it was intimidating to start her job at Seminole, but now she loves it because of the network she’s forged.

“I have learned so much through the other caddies and members,” she said. “Many are prominent CEOs and business leaders, and it’s good for me to watch how business deals are negotiated the golf course.”

That’s especially true since Jayda plans to have a career in international business – even though she’ll be sad to leave Seminole when she attends college in the fall. “I’m definitely going to miss it, but I know there’s an invitation extended for me to come back because they’ve become my second family now,” she said.

Jayda credits First Tee’s John Deere Drive Your Future Academy with helping her select her future career path. She attended the event in San Francisco last summer. “It was amazing to see girls from all over the country gather to learn about business and leadership and play golf,” she said. “We didn’t know each other at first but by the end we all felt like family.”

Jayda said First Tee has not only given her lots of impactful opportunities – including a recent behind-the-scenes visit to The Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens – but also a supportive community.

“I’m probably not going to remember all the stress and heartbreaks of different tournaments but I’m definitely going to remember the people and the family that has gathered around me thanks to golf.”

Jayda was recently named Participant of the Year by First Tee – Florida Gold Coast.

She credits the sport with teaching her discipline and giving her confidence and recommends golf for any girls who are looking for a new hobby. “I think they should definitely do it,” she said. “Golf is a sport you can play for life. Golf gives you a community and opportunities and people to lean on if you ever need help.”

First Tee – Greater San Antonio in New Orleans for the First Tee National Tournament

In December 2022, First Tee – Greater New Orleans hosted 16 First Tee chapters and 64 First Tee participants at English Turn Golf and Country Club in New Orleans, Louisiana for their National Tournament. We sent four of our participants to represent team First Tee – Greater San Antonio. Armond Walker, Jack Polansky, Julian Karreman, and Riley Yount were all selected to participate in this tournament based on their commitment to mentoring our younger generation of golfers specifically during our summer camps where they helped us implement six weeks of our life and golf skills curriculum to 170 campers.

Vincent Kabaso, PGA – Program Ambassador Riley, Armond, Julian, and Jack have been outstanding role models in our program. I’ve been amazed at their devotion to our chapter. They are leaders in their own rights. Our younger participants continue to learn a lot from them. We have trusted them with leadership roles during summer camps and they have done incredibly well. These boys were deserving representatives of our chapter in New Orleans. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!

Armond Walker I had a great time playing with the First Tee at the New Orleans tournament. I’m thankful I was able to play such a great course and thankful that I was able to meet great people from other First Tee chapters.

Jack Polanksy It was a fun experience to go down to New Orleans and play such a beautiful golf course. I loved watching the ball game down there and it was just an all around fun experience. I really hope I get to do it again.

Julian Karreman I really enjoyed playing, it was a great learning experience and I made many friends and memories. I would love to do it all over again.

Riley Yount The New Orleans National Tournament was an awesome experience. We got to play on a beautiful course and see a city with rich culture. I enjoyed every second of it and would gladly be apart of it again.

In the end, Team First Tee – Greater San Antonio did not bring home a trophy but we are so proud of all four of them for representing our chapter well. We are so excited that we can offer our participants the opportunity to travel and compete as a team.

In addition to playing in the tournament, they were also invited to attend the New Orleans Bowl at Caesars Superdome.

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.”

2022 Game Changer Shootout Presented By Texas Mutual

The 2022 Game Changer Shootout presented by Texas Mutual featured four girls and four boys from our top advanced participants. The event kicked off at San Antonio Country Club (SACC) on Friday, December 9th. Players volunteered and attended classes throughout the year to receive an invitation. Teams from First Tee – Greater San Antonio and First Tee – Greater Austin played practice rounds with SACC members to get a good idea for what the weekend was going to present. The course was in great shape, and the weather was calm – perfect conditions for a competitive weekend! Players began the tournament on Saturday, December 10th, playing the fourball format for the front nine and foursomes on the back nine. The day ended all square with anxious energy going into the final round on Sunday. Team San Antonio had won the boot the first two years of the event and were looking for the three-peat! Sunday’s round was down to the final holes with fourball format on the front nine and singles on the back. Team Austin finished strong and took the boot from Team San Antonio. Team San Antonio is keeping their head up and ready to prepare for next year’s Game Changer Cup!

2022 Game Changers Shootout Team San Antonio

The First Tee – Greater San Antonio team was happy to host this year’s event and shared a bit of their experience:

Carrie Kimbell – Chief Executive Officer It has been amazing to watch the Game Changer Texas Shootout presented by Texas Mutual evolve since starting it in December 2020 during the pandemic. It has become the local premier event between our friends in Austin. The relationships amongst the competitors have grown and blossomed, with lifelong friendships made! We are also very grateful to our friends at San Antonio Country Club who hosted these amazing individuals at a first class facility. For many of them – this was their first time playing at a country club. While it did not go our way – we are looking forward to getting “The Boot” back in 2023 when hosted in Austin!

Vincent Kabaso – PGA Program Ambassador Being part of the Game Changer brought back special memories for me. My love for golf was ignited when I represented my country (Zambia) at International events. Seeing golfers who were the stars of the time and playing with some of them provided me a firsthand look at what elite golf looked like. I have fond memories of the friendships I built and the lessons I learnt from that incredible exposure.

Gabby Rangel – Program Director 2022 Game Changer Shootout was my first one to experience and it was so cool to see our San Antonio rock stars battle Austin! It was not the outcome that we wanted, but excited to get our team prepped for 2023!

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.

First Tee Network Summit

First Tee – Greater San Antonio staff and seven board members hit the road to Dallas, Texas for the First Tee Network Summit. With this being the first for our team, we were excited for all that the National Chapter had to offer. On Wednesday, the opening reception began with networking with leaders across the nation. Thursday opened with the 43rd president of the United States and Honorary Chair of First Tee, George W. Bush. PGA TOUR Commissioner, Jay Monahan, along with former commissioner, Tim Finchem attended to present retired CEO Joe Louis Barrow, Jr, with the Lifetime Achievement Award on Thursday night’s 25th Anniversary reception. It was truly remarkable to see the impact of what First Tee is accomplishing across the nation.

Our staff shares their experience from a memorable week at the First Tee National Summit.

Watch our recap video here

Carrie Kimbell – Chief Executive Officer “Attending the First Tee National Summit is a great opportunity to share knowledge, best practices and network with colleagues from across the globe who all share in the greater mission to better the lives of the youth in our communities.”

Kellen Kubusak – Chief Operating Officer “The First Tee Network Summit was a great opportunity to meet leaders of chapters across the country and discuss best practices within our organizations, while also focusing on the ability to impact as many kids’ lives as we can through the different programs First Tee – Greater San Antonio offers!”

Gabby Rangel – Program Director “With being in my new position, I learned more about my role within our staff and community. It was great connecting with other program directors nationwide to bounce ideas off of and know who my go-to team is. I couldn’t be more grateful that our team went and experienced the Network Summit together. 😊”

Vincent Kabaso – PGA Program Ambassador “Attending the First Tee National Summit reinforced the impact I believe we are making in the lives of our participants. It was especially encouraging to see how national leadership has created a supporting platform that gives us incredible credibility when approaching donors and sponsors. The extended first tee family is a great resource too.”

MJ Resendis – Program Manager “The National Summit was such a great experience! I got to meet other Program Managers and loved getting to have conversations with people who have the same goals as me when it comes to improving our programs and creating impactful events and experiences for our kids. I also really appreciated getting to learn in the classes they hosted for us. I took a lot away from the “Unique Challenge of Engaging Girls” session that I feel I can apply when I am planning our LPGA Girls Golf session next year as well as our programming classes!”

Charlotte Davis – Marketing Manager Being in my first year at First Tee SA, I have learned so much about what our organization is about. Attending the Network Summit opened my eyes to the number of people dedicated to reaching even more youth and impacting their lives with our 9 core values. I attended the marketing-focused sessions and was able to share my best practices with other chapters that are beginning to strengthen their marketing efforts. I also had the opportunity to speak at the session “Keys to Successful Storytelling” with Sara Henika, Senior Director– Brand Marketing at First Tee, and Adam Loberstein Director– Social Responsibility at PGA TOUR, about our storytelling of the Uvalde Community Golf Clinic. Read more at https://conta.cc/3efKwYD

The First Tee Network Summit motivated the team to continue to build and grow our program even more so than before. It is because of the network of dedicated professionals that our organization is able to enrich the youth in the Greater San Antonio area.