Category: Newsletter

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) has selected CourseCo to receive the 2019 President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship. The GCSAA President’s Award for Environmental Stewardship was established in 1991 to recognize “an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf; a contribution that further exemplifies the golf course superintendent’s image as a steward of the land.” “CourseCo’s strong commitment to the environment is a great example for the entire industry,” said GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “They believe in a sustainable turfgrass management, and CourseCo superintendents are supported and encouraged to use sustainable practices and innovative strategies to benefit the environment and their communities.” Starting in Northern California, CourseCo now manages 36 golf courses that are primarily owned by municipalities or counties, which includes Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course.  A core principal of CourseCo is a commitment to environmental enhancement, reduction of resource use and sustainable management practices that benefit the communities they work in. Sustainable turfgrass management is an integral aspect of every evaluation, recommendation and management plan they implement for their clients. “Our environmental focus dates back to our founder Tom Isaak, who attended the first Earth Day,” CourseCo President and CEO Michael Sharp said. “It has flowed from him since day one.” “Winning the President’s Award is extremely rewarding, but it’s really our superintendents who have earned the award,” Sharp said. “They have done the work that reflects our core values. We know we are stewards of these large pieces of land, and it’s our duty and responsibility to consciously maintain them.” “The First Tee of Silicon Valley is proud to have CourseCo as a long-time partner and supporter at Rancho del Pueblo and Los Lagos Golf Courses. This is a well-deserved honor.” said George Maxe, President & CEO, The First Tee of Silicon Valley.

On November 15^th and 16^th TFTSV hosted the first two of eight classes of at SportsHouse in Redwood City. Over 60 free and reduced lunch students were recruited by the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Activities League (SAL) and the Redwood City’s Police Activities League (PAL) for the 8-week session November 15^th through January 31^st. PAL officers and staff, along with SAL deputies joined our coaching team to deliver our Life and Golf Skill curriculum in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. Each week, students learn one of our Nine Core Values and a golf fundamental through golf games and activities. Funding for program equipment, outreach efforts, and facility rental was provided by the SAGA Foundation led by President, David Bartoshuk. The SAGA Foundation assists nonprofits to work smarter, reach further, and have a lasting impact. Program Manager Chris Moreno-Hunt says, “on behalf of our TFTSV staff we would like to thank The SAGA Foundation, San Mateo Country Sheriff’s Activities League, the Redwood City’s Police Activities League, SportsHouse staff, and the school officials at Taft, Clifford, Connect, Fair Oaks, and Garfield schools. We are grateful to have a team of dedicated partners aligned with the same goal of extending opportunities for youth development.

The First Tee of Silicon Valley was the recipient of a generous $6,000 grant from CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation to underwrite the cost of golf hats for all new participants in 2019. All participants are provided The First Tee of Silicon Valley logoed hats at no charge to wear as part of their class uniform. This is a terrific way to reinforce the importance of proper etiquette, to build community, and to publicize our program. The non-profit CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation was founded in 2004. The foundation’s mission is to expand access to the sport of golf for children of all income levels by directly supporting successful youth golf programs throughout the Santa Clara County. The goal is to provide youth with the opportunity to learn the sport, receive lessons and equipment, practice, compete, and build positive life skills. The Foundation annually awards approximately $100,000 in grants to deserving programs. The foundation is funded through a $50,000 annual contribution from CordeValle Golf Club and raises an additional $50,000 per year through CordeValle’s public charity tournaments. The CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation and The First Tee of Silicon Valley are equally committed to expanding opportunities for youth of all income levels to have access to the sport of golf. Through the discipline and challenge of golf, youth in the Santa Clara County are provided a community with a safe environment and positive life alternatives that build confidence and character, ultimately helping them succeed in our community and in life.

Bring your used clubs to the PGA TOUR Superstore in East Palo Alto on Saturday, February 9th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Collecting used clubs enables The First Tee of Silicon Valley to pursue our mission to impact the lives of under-served youth by providing education programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.  These donations allow us to provide the necessary equipment for those on financial assistance to participate. Bring your used clubs in good condition and less than 10 years old to the PGA TOUR Superstore (1751 East Bayshore Road, East Palo Alto, CA  94303) on Saturday, February 9^th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. We are collecting:

• Clubs: full sets, usable drivers/putters/fairway metals, and iron sets
• New bags, balls, towels, tees and ball markers

We are not able to collect clothing (hats, shoes, socks, jackets) or equipment (pull/push cards, training aids, travel bags, used bags).

Matt Sheppard (Program Manager) and Lam Nguyen (PGATSS)                 George Maxe (President & CEO) and Matt

 

The holiday season is the appropriate time to feature one of the The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits*: Family. As part of our youth development curriculum, The First Tee of Silicon Valley not only teaches youth how to play golf but we promote healthy, active lifestyles and we stress the emotional and social benefits of golf that can also be incorporated into one’s daily life. Family by definition is a group of related (or in some cases, unrelated) people held together by bonds of love and affection. We teach our participants the importance of family support by encouraging them to participate in activities together – share meals, communicate and establish roles and responsibilities. The First Tee stresses with our students that they are more likely to be successful in achieving their health-related goals by involving their family. In addition, when families play golf together, there are a number of social benefits felt by the whole family. Not only are parents spending key quality time with their children, but it provides time to get active for all members of the family, which is crucial – making it a fun activity to take up as a family sport. It is also a great opportunity to socialize with other families and build relationships. Consider registering your child in a class, becoming a volunteer or supporting our non-profit youth development organization. *The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits were created through a collaboration among The First Tee, ANNIKA Foundation and Florida Hospital for Children to promote healthy, active lifestyles for youth.  

“As we join the world in mourning President Bush’s passing, the PGA TOUR and entire golf community share a deep appreciation for all that he meant to our sport. From his love of playing to his selfless dedication and support, golf held a special place for President Bush.” Said Commissioner Tim Finchem of PGA Tour.

George HW Bush was the first Honorary Chairman of The First Tee—the youth outreach program that uses golf to teach life lessons—and promoted The First Tee when it launched in late 1997. “I’m very enthusiastic about The First Tee,” Bush said then, “and I believe it will expand interest in the game. We’ll be uplifting the lives of a lot of kids.” George W. Bush, the 43rd President, succeeded his father as Honorary Chairman in 2011. Former President George HW Bush passed away at his home in Houston, Texas on Sunday, December 2, 2018 at age 94, less than 8 months after his wife of 73 years, Barbara Bush. Read PGA Tour statement here

New volunteer coaches from Sheriff’s Activities League, Police Activities League, Carlmont High School Golf Team, and staff from neighboring schools, attended a mentor training on November 15^th at SportsHouse in Redwood City. The mentor training is one of the 8 steps we take to help prepare our volunteer coaches to positively develop the character of youth. The 20 volunteer coaches learned about integrating core values, swing cues, and empowering youth into their coaching, “It was enjoyable to hear laughter and see the bonding amongst the coaches as they experienced our golf games and youth development exercises during our activity-based training.” Matt Sheppard (Program Manager). Classes begin on November 29^th, register now!

On November 1^st, The First Tee of Silicon Valley hosted San Antonio Elementary for a field trip to Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course in San José. The field trip was the culmination of a 4-week DRIVE in-school program taught by City Year staff members. Students were able to put their learned core values and golf fundamentals to practice on a real golf course. San Antonio Elementary, located blocks from Rancho Del Pueblo, has 4 club groups (20-25 students each club) scheduled to participate in our DRIVE program through the 2018/2019 academic year.  Program Manager, Chris Moreno-Hunt says, “taking the students on a field trip to Rancho Del Pueblo not only helps reinforce the skills they are learning through the DRIVE program, but also provides a unique experience for many who tell us they live so close to the golf course but have never visited.”

On Monday, October 22nd, The Boys and Girls Club of DCP El Camino implemented The First Tee of Silicon Valley’s DRIVE program for the first time in the 2018/19 school year. Located in downtown San José, Downtown College Prep prepares first-generation students for college success. DCP is a tuition-free charter school serving over 1,700 students. Lead by The Boys and Girls Club after school staff, students will play a series of games integrating The First Tee Nine Core Values and golf fundamentals.

On Saturday, October 20th, The First Tee of Silicon Valley attended Alum Rock Union School District‘s (ARUSD) Fall Parent University Family Fun Day at Mathson Institute of Technology.  TFTSV set up golf games and an informational booth for parents/guardians where they learned about our program and how to register for our Winter Session. More than 300 parents, children, and community members from ARUSD came to the event.  “We are grateful to the Alum Rock School District for including us as a community partner and we are thrilled to share our program with the Alum Rock students” said Chris Moreno-Hunt, TFTSV Program Manager.

Joe Bronson, friend of The First Tee of Silicon Valley, has written his next book, ‘Through The Green: Golf Shots, Spots and Stories Inspiration and Aspirations’, published in August of 2018. Joe is passionate about the game of golf. All proceeds from his book sales are given to organizations like The First Tee of Silicon Valley and others that support golf in the community. “Golf is more than a game. It mirrors life and is a great revealer of character. Take it from author Joseph Bronson, who has played golf for over 40 years at many of the top courses in the world, from the United States to Scotland, United Kingdom, China, Japan, New Zealand, and even Israel. Through the Green: Golf Shots, Spots, and Stories Inspirations and Aspirations details how to play Pebble Beach from an amateur and professional perspective; contains a complete layout of the world’s hardest and most enjoyable holes that he has played; and delights with a fictional short story about a retired business executive who tries to compete for a USGA national championship. Golf is a difficult game to play and more difficult to master, but with Bronson’s experience and insights, golfers and non-golfers alike will want to improve their golf game and relish the challenges that the game provides. Proceeds from book sales will facilitate college golf programs and The First Tee.” (www.amazon.com) Purchase a copy of Joe’s book on Amazon.com and support organizations like The First Tee of Silicon Valley. Joe visited our main program location, Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Such visits are an excellent way for supporters to learn more about The First Tee of Silicon Valley’s classes and coaching to build the character of San José’s deserving youth. As Joe said, “The First Tee of Silicon Valley is a significant asset of this community and one only needs to see the looks on the faces of the parents to understand how vital this program is to their child’s development.”  (www.josephbronson.com) View Joe’s full blog post from his visit Rancho del Pueblo among many others.

Saturday, October 6^th found George Maxe and Carlos Herrera (our resident football expert), at the San Jose Earthquakes v the New York Red Bulls game as guests of Rod & Laura Howard of Synectic.   While the Earthquakes did not enjoy success on the field, George & Carlos had a lot of fun and learned much about Synectic and Avaya. Watching the game from the Avaya suite allowed them to see Avaya product demos.  Rod & Laura had the opportunity to learn about The First Tee of Silicon Valley throughout the game as well.