National Night Out for Safety – August 4, 2023

On Tuesday, August 4th, First Tee – Silicon Valley attended National Night Out in San José. We met other local community organizations and shared our program with community members, residents and community partners. It was a great opportunity for FTSV to continue to make connections in the neighborhood surrounding Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course. In addition to setting up an informational tent, we set up our golf station with fun chipping games facilitated by participants Nancy and Salma Rivera, while other staff members talked with parents, and signed up new participants!

National Night Out (NN0) is a “national community-building campaign” designed to promote and facilitate community partnerships and safety by bringing people together. In the spirit of collaboration, which is one of FTSV’s six life skills, NNO encourages neighborhoods to host block parties, festivals and cookouts, with the purpose of building relationships and bringing down barriers within a neighborhood. This particular event was held in Emma Prusch Farm Park in District 5 of San José. Our affiliate golf course, Rancho del Pueblo, is located in the heart of District 5, and many of the schools that we partner with and deliver program to are also located in District 5, which made the event even more special.

What we are saying about the event

Victor Manrique, Operations Coordinator, was happy to have attended this event and feels like it has potential to lead to partnerships with other community organizations. He says “As someone who has never attended an event at Emma Prusch Farm, it was truly amazing seeing neighbors come together and enjoy what the community had to offer. It makes me more excited to start building more relationships with the local community and its resources.”  FTSV is thankful to have been invited, and we plan to return again in the future. We look forward to connecting with families, and forming more partnerships within the local community.  

Have First Tee – Silicon Valley attend your next Community Event

Contact Victor Manrique – [email protected] – if you are interested in having FTSV attend a community event.

Salma Rivera Awarded the Dennis Kettmann Memorial College Scholarship

First Tee Silicon – Valley participant Salma Rivera was recently awarded the 2023 Dennis Kettman Memorial Scholarship. Each year golfers in the Dennis Kettmann Memorial Tournament raise funds to remember Dennis. Their generosity underwrites this special $5,000 college scholarship for a FTSV chosen participant.

Dennis’s son and co-organizer of the Memorial Tournament, Matt Kettmann, learned the game from his father, Dennis, and knows that he must be smiling knowing that his memory is now helping FTSV’s young people pursue their college dreams. 

David Henningsen, who is also a co-organizer shared, “It was so wonderful to have the recipient of the “Big D” scholarship play in our tournament and speak to the supporters about how FTSV has impacted her.”

Meet Salma

Salma joined our program in 2018 and has been an incredible addition ever since. In her classes, she goes out of her way to build a tight knit, inclusive environment for her fellow participants by taking the time to get to know people. She is a great conversationalist who displays her care and consideration for others through thoughtful questions and responses. Salma is also a dedicated and invaluable volunteer, offering up her time to assist with all kinds of FTSV projects and events, and generally being a person who we feel lucky to have in the program.

Salma played in the Memorial Tournament and gave her speech at its conclusion. In her speech she said, “The First Tee curriculum focuses on building a positive self-identity by embracing your unique qualities and always striving to improve.  Thanks to First Tee and my coaches, I have been able to push myself to do much more than I thought possible, and they have pushed me to my stretch zone. My coaches taught me that even though it might be scary, I should always pursue opportunities and take on challenges, which is something that keeps me going.”

Salma went on to share about the impact financial aid has had on her and her family. She said “Both my sister and I are recipients of the financial aid program and we have had a great experience thanks to it. Us along with others I know, have been able to stay in the program, and have been granted local and national opportunities thanks to the financial aid program. I was able to go on my first plane ride to the Game Changers Academy in Philadelphia thanks to First Tee as well as earn this scholarship in order to be able to continue my education in college and be something greater in life. Other participants like my sister were able to join multiple academies in different states and got multiple scholarships because of the opportunities First Tee opened and she was able to get into one of the top ten colleges in the country.” The Dennis Kettman Memorial Scholarship has made a huge impact on Salma, as well as all the other previous recipients.

Salma has set “Outcome Goals” for herself of finishing high school strong and being accepted into college, and this scholarship has made that goal that much more reachable. She is grateful to be selected and said, “Thank you to the people of the DK tournament. Without the scholarship, a lot of us would not have the opportunity to go to college and succeed, and lot of us wouldn’t continue our education, so I am very thankful for the award. Thank you!”

Thank you to the Dennis Kettman Memorial Golf Tournament, and congratulations to Salma Rivera!

  • Interested in joining the program like Salma? Please click here
  • Interested in coaching? Please click here
  • Interested in making a donation? Click here
  • Interested in our being a community outreach partner? Click here
  • Interested in our local, regional, and national opportunities? Click here

FTSV participants play in the NorCal Chapter Championship

Each summer, First Tee participants play in the First Tee NorCal Championship, bringing together chapter kids and teens from all over Northern California. On Monday, July 31st, First Tee – Silicon Valley participants played at the Del Rio Country Club in Modesto alongside and against participants from First Tee chapters including San Francisco, Monterey, Central Valley, Contra Costa, Greater Sacramento, San Joaquin, Tri Valley and Fresno.

This is a fun, unique opportunity for our participants to meet kids from different chapters, make friends, play golf in a fun, competitive tournament, and enjoy an experience different from their normal FTSV classes. Special thanks to our First Tee – Silicon Valley participants Joey, Natalie, Dylan, Tristian, Raashika, and Shivika for coming out to play!

Join Us!

First Tee – Silicon Valley offers many different participant opportunities, including other tournaments, scholarships, leadership academies, and much more.

Please visit our Youth Opportunities page to learn more about these opportunities, and visit our Volunteer and Course Program pages to learn how to get involved!

FTSV Chapter Champs 2023

Great News! FTSV Expands Access at Rancho Up to 2048

Great news! FTSV has a new agreement for expanded access at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course for our character building programs for the next 25 years. Our plans are well underway to increase the number of classes that each individual participant can take and to double the total number of kids and teens in our program.

The City of San Jose leased Rancho, Los Lagos, and San Jose Muni to CourseCo for up to 25 years this past April 2023. FTSV is grateful to City Council and CourseCo for sharing the vision to transform Rancho into more of a “community (golf) center.”

“FTSV built our program at Rancho over the last 21 years and we are thrilled to have a new long-term agreement. It is a strong indication that CourseCo is serious about significantly increasing the community’s benefit of Rancho.” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO. “We are excited to have CourseCo as a partner as we make Rancho an even more welcoming place for kids, teens, and San Jose residents, especially those who live on the Eastside.”

Fall Registration opens on Wednesday, August 16th with more classes for more kids to participate. There are also coaching positions available for both paid and volunteer roles to join our team.

Stay tuned as we begin to make improvements to realize our exciting vision for Rancho that helps change the game for our community. Contact George Maxe at [email protected] or 408-288-2937 if you have any questions or would like to help with underwriting.

Become a Coach or Volunteer and Transform Lives

First Tee – Silicon Valley is always looking for people interested in transforming lives through youth development and giving kids and teens a brighter future. By becoming a coach or volunteer, you will contribute the development of core values and life skills in our students, helping to set them up for the future. Character is learned, cultivated and shaped by our mentors and experiences, which are our greatest teachers. This is an opportunity for you to be able to provide the same kind of positive experience to kids today.

Character development is something that takes place over time…

Starting with a participant’s first season and growing exponentially as time goes on. For our volunteers, during their first season with FTSV, they begin to build that foundation with the kids, building that trust, character and respect. As the seasons go on, the relationship deepens, and the growth becomes more and more evident as the life skills fully become realized. Every single positive experience delivered in our program has an impact on our kids, and over time, it really starts to become clear how much FTSV can help in the development of important life skills. Our students grow into compassionate, determined, motivated leaders, and go on to carry those skills with them into the rest of their lives.

Our coaches and volunteers play a CRUCIAL role in FTSV’s ability to succeed.

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on community members determined to make a difference to work with us, delivering the fun life skill curriculum to the kids. It is our goal to maintain a 4 to 1 student to instructor ratio, so every volunteer and coach makes it possible to grow and accomplish our goal. Not only will you be contributing to changing lives and growing character, but you will also continue to develop and hone your own mentorship and leadership skills, all while being a part of something bigger than yourself. If that sounds like a good fit for you, please visit our volunteer page where you can apply. Thank you for your support!

When you start, you start building a base for building character and building a supportive environment, and over time and over seasons, you see the big changes and long lasting difference FTSV can make.

Coaching at First Tee

Congratulations 2023 Caddy Club Majors

Congratulations to the 2023 Caddy Club British Open winners and our 2023 “Player of the Year”!

CONGRATULATIONS to Caddy Club Majors British Open WINNERS:

1) Jason Suey – $2,500 VISA Gift Cards
2) Dave Kinser  – La Rinconada Country Club 
3) Jeff Upp – Stanford Golf Course 
4) Jean Walker  – Almaden Golf & Country Club 
5) Lionel Lee – Cinnabar Hills Golf Club 

Player of the Year!

Pat Alongi was crowned the season winner with the lowest combined score for all 4 Majors and was awarded golf and lunch at Olympic Club.

Join the Caddy Club

You can join the Caddy Club anytime as a way to support our Financial Aid Program to provide kids with affordable access to our life skills and golf skills guided by caring mentors. As a recurring (monthly) donor, you will be registered for the 2024 Caddy Club Majors and ready to play next year. 

  • Become a Caddy Club member by making a minimum $20 monthly donation for at least 12 monthsClick Here to Join!
  • Every $240 donation allows FTSV to offer financial aid to a low-income youth participant to attend an 8-week program.

Together, We’re Building Game Changers!

Our kids and teens are facing challenges unseen by previous generations. Many lack access to safe opportunities that foster a culture of acceptance and provide mentorship. They live in a world where social pressures are always on, calm and confidence are hard to access, and perseverance is a required superpower every day.  By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

Who You Will Be Helping:

  • 90% racially diverse and 44% girls
  • 100% long-term youth graduate from High School
  • 100% long-term teens go to college
  • 90% achieve all A’s & B’s in school

Jonathan Tessman Receives Joyce Taylor Award & $5K Scholarship at Invitational

The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award and $5,000 College Scholarship was presented to Jonathan Tessman at the First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) 2023 Invitational fundraiser on Sunday, July 16th at CordeValle in San Martin, CA. Thank you to all our 2023 Invitational sponsors for their continued support as we celebrate our 20th year to address socio-economic gaps with programs designed to foster diversity, equity and inclusion. FTSV has served over 90,000 youth making our program accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

Jonathan was selected for his consistent academic excellence, his exemplary volunteer accomplishments, and for his demonstration of First Tee character and life skills. The purpose of the award is to provide a high school student the financial hope of attending college. For Jonathan, the scholarship will help him with his acceptance to attend UC Berkeley to study Business.

The scholarship was initiated by a very generous 9-year grant by PG&E several years ago by founding FTSV Board Director, Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. and has since then been supported by her brother Alan Taylor.

Here is a summary of Jonathan’s accomplishments:

  • Distinguished Diploma – Monte Vista Christian HS
  • Liberal Arts AA in Business – Gavilan College
  • Entering Freshman – UC Berkeley to Study Business
  • Student Government (ASGC) – Gavilan College
  • Student Trustee – Gavilan College
  • Best Diplomat Award – Gavilan College
  • Founder of Debate & Finance Club
  • Volunteered >400 Hours Across 4 Organizations
  • FTSV – President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award
  • FTSV – Participant Since Age 6
  • FTSV – Ace Participant

You can watch Jonathan’s Speech here.

In additional to the Joyce Taylor Award presentation, the Invitational included a gathering of Government Affairs professionals from various companies: HP, Inc., PG&E, NGR, Chevron, SoCal Gas, PhRMA, SDGE, SoCal Edison, Niemela Pappas & Assoc, Altria, Lancaster Toyota, and Intuit. Organized by FTSV Board Chairman Victor Arrañaga and FTSV President & CEO George Maxe, sponsors participated in a Legislative Roundtable, dinners, and golf with their colleagues. A special thanks to the following Government Elected Officials who were in attendance for portions of the event: CA Senator Dave Cortese, CA Senator Steven Bradford, CA Speaker Robert Rivas, CA Assembly Member Flora Heath, Silicon Valley Leadership CEO Ahmad Thomas, and Santa Clara County Assessor Larry Stone.

First Tee – Silicon Valley Board of Directors, staff, and program participants, thank you for your commitment and support of our mission to develop the character of youth through the game of golf.


Joyce Taylor (1957–2010) was a woman known for her intelligence, warmth, and elegance. She graduated with honors (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Oklahoma (OU) with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism. Joyce became a highly successful and respected business woman and community leader with a long career in telecommunications. In 1997, she was promoted to Regional President, Bay Area, and then Senior Vice President, External Affairs-Northern California, AT&T, where she oversaw legislative, governmental and external affairs activities in Northern California.

Joyce worked extensively with Bay Area business and community-based organizations. Her support of the Eagles at Rancho del Pueblo junior golf program was instrumental to its growth and success. In 2005, the program became First Tee — Silicon Valley to develop the character of youth through golf throughout Santa Clara County. Joyce’s support helped to build a solid program that has reached over 81,234 youth since 2005. The Joyce Taylor Eagle Award is given annually to provide financial assistance for college to a participant who has consistently achieved academic excellence and exhibits exceptionally good character.


Las Lomitas Field Trip to Baylands

In June, First Tee – Silicon Valley coordinated a multi-day field trip with Las Lomitas Elementary School and Baylands Golf Links. Over the course of two days, approximately 275 students attended along with 30 parent volunteer chaperones. The students rotated between four different stations, each with their own golf skill and life skill focus. The games included students scoring points on the driving range while showing respect for their teammates and opponents, and hitting tennis balls at a coach in a snag suit with a focus on sportsmanship! This gave the students an opportunity to experience just what First Tee – Silicon Valley has to offer, as well as become familiar with their local course. During the field trip, about 200+ fliers were handed out detailing our program, and many parents expressed interest in signing their children up or volunteering themselves. The event went so well that the school has expressed interest in doing it again next year.

This field trip was the culmination of a school outreach partnership that took place over the month of May. Working with the amazing physical education teachers Trisha Nettles and Stacy Olson, First Tee – Silicon Valley Program Coordinators supported the delivery of life skill and golf game curriculum to the Las Lomitas students. Students played fun games while learning the important life skills such as respect, integrity, and perseverance. On behalf of First Tee – Silicon Valley, thank you for the support from the Las Lomitas Elementary School, Baylands Golf Links, and especially from Trisha and Stacy!

FTSV Fall Season – Register on August 16th

Registration for our fall season opens here on Wednesday, August 16th at 11am and closes on Thursday, August 24th at Noon. The 8-week fall season begins the week of September 5th and ends October 28th. Register on August 16th and take part in engaging and fun life skill and golf skill classes at either Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course in San Jose, Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto, or Gavilan College Golf Course in Gilroy.

We have a new, expanded, long-term use agreement at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course so more classes are available at Rancho than ever before!

Classes are broken down by grade group so feel free to invite a friend and take part in our fall classes. The fall season tends to be our most popular so be sure to mark your calendar for the 16th of August. We will announce our schedule and post it here by next week. Each week our participants will experience one of our 6 Life Skills and 6 Golf Cues. Our life skills cover everything from collaborating with others, to goal setting, to building a positive self-identity. Most importantly we strive to integrate the skills seamlessly through games and activities that make

Game Examples Include:

  • Soccer Range Shootout
  • Putt Bowling
  • Hungry Hungry Hippos
  • Mario Golf
  • Battleship Chipping
  • Top Golf
  • Trouble Shot
  • Musical Drivers
  • Wheel of Fortune
  • Capture the Flag

We encourage youth 2nd grade and above to join our program and ask that you help spread the word. For more information click here. Click here to view our program video and learn more from our participants, parents, and coaches!

See you at the course!

3rd Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament in Gilroy

Join Jacobs – South County Regional Wastewater Authority as they honor Jesus Luna with the 3rd Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament, benefiting First Tee – Silicon Valley on Saturday, September 30th at Gilroy Golf Course.

Jacobs - SCRWA Logo

Jacobs has been the Contract Operator for the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA) plant in Gilroy since 1984. Under a long-term service agreement, Jacobs maintains the integrity of the wastewater system. It is the goal of SCRWA to protect public health and the environment and ensure economic vitality of the Gilroy-Morgan Hill region. The plant operator’s objective is to provide the best quality recycled water at a superior value to the residents.

This plant has won numerous awards, including Plant of the Year Award for the past 5 years, while many of their employees have also won individual awards, including Jesus Luna, winning Laboratory Person of the Year numerous times, with the most recent in 2022.

Community involvement is an extension of the Jacobs’ and the SCRWA culture. They care about their surrounding communities. Which is why Jacobs’ felt compelled to sponsor the 3rd Annual Fund the Kids Golf Tournament.  First Tee – Silicon Valley, South County will be the beneficiary while also honoring Jesus Luna who will be retiring in the near future, after working 37 years for Jacobs at the South County Regional Wastewater Authority (SCRWA). Jesus is an avid golfer and would like to spend some of his retirement time teaching the youth in our community golf skills. So, Jacobs thought what better way to spend their time, money, and effort than to support First Tee – Silicon Valley.

Fund the kids flyer 2023

Congratulations to Our High School Seniors!

Congratulations to our 9 seniors on their accomplishments in high school and on their admission to college! Here is where they are going to school next year.

First LastCollege
DylanWuUniversity of Illinois
FrancescaSumcadUniversity of Boulder Colorado
GabyMataUniversity of Chicago
HaileyHoangMenlo College
ItzelEspinoSan Jose State
JonathanTessmannUC Berkeley
Katelyn  ChanCal Poly SLO
RyanChangUCLA’s School of Engineering
StevenPanUCLA

We have been fortunate to have many of them in our program between 4 and 12 years. While they are leaving our program as participants, we are excited for them to continue their journey in college and be game changers within their communities.

Thank you seniors!

Interested in starting our program and taking part in what our seniors experienced?

  • Visit our youth classes page to learn more.
  • Registration for the Summer is now closed, but you can join us in the fall with registration opening August 16th at 11am.
  • The fall season begins 9/5 and ends 10/28.
  • Questions? Email [email protected] or call 408-508-4880

Be a Volunteer Coach

Be a Volunteer Coach! First Tee — Silicon Valley is looking for high quality, caring people that are interested in showing up and guiding others, so they become even better people and leaders of tomorrow. Our volunteer coaches work together to teach our Life Skills and Golf Skills curriculum by finding and using coachable moments and by making the sessions fun and engaging.

Having Fun While Learning

Long-term learning involves application as opposed to memorization. What better way to apply a skill than through an engaging game. Games help create a fun environment where participants feel free to take chances, are motivated, and learn to make adjustments.

One of our main roles as coaches is to help participants find enjoyment in what they are learning and want to return the following week. If coaches are having fun while teaching, more often than not the participants are having fun as well.

Come be part of the fun

What if I am not an expert coach or golfer?

Our coaches come from all walks of life with different life and golf experiences. We provide life and golf skill training as well as training on coach strategies, on techniques, and on our coach philosophy. Our goal is to make sure every coach feels supported. Additionally, we have created lesson plans to help everyone work together and encourage one another in the content and delivery. There will always be a paid, lead coach for each class coordinating the group of coaches. We simply ask that all coaches have a passion for helping others, are excited about the challenge, and are willing to have fun while coaching!

What is the time requirement?

  • Volunteer coaches can choose from several class options by location, day of the week, and time.
  • Time commitment is 2.5 hours a day, once a week for an 8-week season. The 2.5 hours include a 30-minute pre-class meeting, 1.5-hour class, and a 30-minute post-class debrief.

Please help us spread the word. The more positive and dedicated coaches, the better the program, and the more impactful it is for our youth.  

Be a volunteer coach. Kids warm-up.