Category: 2020

Did you get new clubs for Christmas? Bring your used clubs to the PGA TOUR Superstore in East Palo Alto on Saturday, February 22nd from 1pm to 5pm. 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. Come visit us at the PGA TOUR Superstore (1751 East Bayshore Road, East Palo Alto, CA  94303) on Saturday, February 22nd from 1PM to 5PM. We are collecting:

• Clubs: full sets, usable drivers/putters/fairway metals, and iron sets in good condition and less than 10 years old (Junior sets preferred)
• 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). Thank you!

The First Tee of Silicon Valley was the recipient of a generous $7,000 grant from CordeValle Youth Golf Foundation to underwrite the cost of golf hats for all new participants in 2020. 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. CordeValle has been the location for the annual TFTSV Invitational since 2005.

TFTSV is looking for dedicated coaches interested in helping mentor youth in our programs. Coaches must have a positive approach and a drive to make a difference in the lives of program participants. This is a great opportunity to meet and work together with like-minded coaches, positively impact youth through golf, and give back to your community. Training is provided. Volunteer and paid-instructor positions available. Please visit: https://www.firstteesiliconvalley.org/ways-to-give/volunteer/

Registration for our 2020 Spring classes opened Wednesday, January 8^th for all new participants 2^nd grade and up, and will open on February 12th for returning participants. Classes are held once a week (same day each week) over a 9-week period (no class 4/7 – 4/11). Each class participants are learning a golf fundamental and a core life lesson through engaging games and activities. Come join our program and experience a fun, safe, and friendly learning environment. For more information please visit: https://www.firstteesiliconvalley.org/programs/classes/

2019 marked the beginning of a partnership between TFTSV and Latinx Golf. On Saturday, October 12^th, TFTSV provided a golf clinic to over 50 Latinx participants at Notre Dame High School in San Jose. Latinx Golf Founder and Executive Director, Alexia Gutierrez, leads a year-long tutoring program of over 120 students. Every Saturday their students come from various schools in San Jose to participate in STEM and homework tutoring with the help of over 52 high school and college tutors. TFTSV set up a golf station in the high school field and where two groups of 20 children, age 7 to 13, participated in our golf games and practiced courtesy with each other. At the conclusion of the games, TFTSV, with the help of the Latinx Golf staff met with parents and signed up students for our Winter Season at Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course. Of the participants who signed up, 100% qualified for our full financial assistance. Our partnership with Latinx Golf represents an aligned goal of exposing participants to the game of golf and its intrinsic core values. TFTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt, said “we are excited and grateful to be partners with Latinx Golf and help serve their group of participants whom they have supported and developed over the years. TFTSV is committed to collaborate with driven community partners like Latinx Golf with the intention of building a sustainable pathway for students to access golf and golf facilities.”

Meet Nancy Rivera, a standout sophomore at University Preparatory Academy in San Jose. Nancy began our program in 2017 and now is taking Ace level classes (our top level) on Saturdays at Rancho Del Pueblo Golf Course. Nancy has been a very active participant in our program. In addition to enrolling in our certifying classes, she has taken STEM classes, participated in our Girls Golf Program, and played in our offseason tournaments. Most recently she assisted at the PGA Tour Superstore in East Palo Alto by volunteering her time to wrap holiday gifts with our TFTSV staff. She played in our first annual TFTSV vs TFTSF golf match at Baylands Golf Course, where we will hold our TFTSV Classic (golf tournament) on Monday, April 6^th. Throughout her participation in our program, Nancy has demonstrated hard work, perseverance, and a dedication to improve. She is respectful to her peers and to her coaches and always takes the time to meet and greet those around her. We are proud to have her in our program and look forward to her bright future.