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2023 King City Campus Highlights

Together we are Building Game Changers!

On November 1, 2022 we took over the management of King City Golf Course. Through all the trials and tribulation, we saw exponential growth in South Monterey County with our daytime and after school programming in 2023. We built partnerships with Chalone Peaks, Santa Lucia, KCAM, Del Rey, King City Union School District, and Pro Youth. We served over 2,000 youth in South County in 2023 and impacted over 1,000 students throughout the community. 2023 has brought new partnerships and opportunities as we have expanded to Bradley Elementary School, San Ardo Elementary School, and San Antonio Elementary. This holiday season we were able to distribute 75 gift cards across 5 school districts where we provide programming, supplied by a generous anonymous donor.

To kick off 2024, we invite you to support South County programming and enjoy a night you will remember at King City’s very own Orradre Building! In the last year, we had the opportunity to serve over 2,000 youth in its South County community with plans to continue to expand this year. The evening will begin with a cocktail hour to network with community members and browse and bid the amazing auction items available. Following the cocktail hour, all guests will enjoy a steak dinner provided by King City Young Farmers and delicious desserts by Cynnie O’Connor. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in our thrilling Live Auction and learn more about First Tee – Monterey County’s impact. The auction will be followed by a fantastic performance by Lipstick Revolver with lead singer and King City native, Nicola Frudden!

We hope to see you at the first annual Game Changers Gala celebrating the expansion of First Tee – Monterey County!

Learn More Here

Our first year expanding in South County was exciting and eventful. Starting the year with the flood and having the course being washed out was not ideal, but we worked through it and now have a 6-hole NCGA rated course in King City. It took a lot of time and effort from our staff which we are thankful for, working from the ground up. Even with the bumps in the road, we managed to host 3 successful tournament and an Annual Skins League. We also had the opportunity to remodel and renovate the Pro Shop which is fully stocked with TaylorMade, Srixon, Cleveland, and Titleist. Stop by and check out the newest improvements, play a round, and restock your gear.

2023 Salinas Campus Highlights

Together we are Building Game Changers!

Time flies when you are having fun! Here are some highlights of 2023 from our Salinas Campus. From a 30,000 foot perspective, the Salinas campus impacted more than 5,000 participants from 16 different elementary and middle schools. In addition, 7,200 youth were exposed to our program through outreach events in the community.

The First Tee’s impact becomes even clearer when we start to focus on some of our participants individual successes. Onofre Badillo was selected to participate in the Pure Insurance Championship; It was a learning experience that he will never forget. Max Damian Perez was offered a caddy position at Cypress Point Club through the Evans Scholarship Program. Through our partnership with the NCGA and the Boys & Girls Club, seven students were hired on for 100 hour internships at The First Tee Monterey County. As a way to recognize our volunteers, we offered a monthly golf clinic for them to sharpen their skills. We were able to present or help participants to apply for the following individuals with college scholarships:

John Zoller Memorial Scholarship – Gabriela Barajas
Ollie Nut Memorial Scholarship – Zoe Ray & Allen Bautista (Originally this was one scholarship, but through both participants life stories, a decision was made to split the scholarship by Ollie’s wife Bonnie Nut.)
Zoller Family Scholarship – Deserie Ibarra
Donna Zoller Memorial Scholarship – Denise Alvarez
Men’s Golf Association at Quail Lodge Scholarship – Deserie Ibarra

Additional Highlights

First Green – GCSAA golf course superintendents invited local schools and youth groups out to their golf course for a two-to-three-hour field trip. Typically, there will be four to five STEM and environmental science learning stations. The First Green also had a Career Exploration Panel of Experts who spoke about their experience to all the girls. The golf course superintendents for this field trip were all be women, from all over the country.

Monterey Bay Football Club Clinic – The Local professional Football club came to First Tee – Monterey County to spend an afternoon, participants were able to enjoy football and golf activities. We had three professional football players that focused on mentorship and building connections. Our participants were able to be competitive and ask questions when on the range with each professional. In addition to the activities each participant was able to get to know the players in a meet and greet style photo op at the end of the visit.

Little Jenny Ranch Youth Development Camp – This was the first Year they opened their camp to Girls. We were able to send 3 boys and 3 girls to experience what it is like to live in the great outdoors.

Interdistrict Golf League – Championship winners were Jesse G. Sanchez Elementary Team, out of the 12 elementaries in the Alisal School District, Jesse G. Sanchez was successful because of the support from one of the 6th grade teacher and a First Tee Volunteer setting up trainings weekly with the students.

Our partnership with Brighter Bites gave us the opportunity to hand out fresh produce boxes for over 100 families in need.

During the Pure Insurance we had a Campus Visit from Hole in one Champion Micheal Pena (Actor) and Manolo (Tik Tok Golf Influencer). They both visited during Daytime programming to inspire and speak about their life stories and how showing respect can improve your life at school and in your community. They additionally challenge kids to stay persistent with their goals to achieve them if they want to be actors, Tik Tok Influencers, Teachers, Lawyers, etc.

The momentum is building in Salinas and we are excited to see what 2024 brings!

The First Tee – Monterey County 2023 Scholarship Recipients

The First Tee College Scholarship Program provides valuable, life-changing opportunities for the youth of First Tee; helping them prepare for success is at the core of our mission. We believe in encouraging youth to pursue their dreams and further their education. This year, the scholarship committee selected five scholarship recipients.

Meet the 2023 scholarship recipients!

Gabriela Barajas

John Zoller Memorial Scholarship

Deserie Ibarra

Zoller Family Scholarship

Denise Alvarez

Donna Zoller Memorial Scholarship

Allen Bautista

Ollie Nutt Memorial Scholarship

Zoe Ray

Ollie Nutt Memorial Scholarship

Congratulations to our 2023 Scholarship Recipients!

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.

King City golf course digs out from mud, First Tee programs continue operating

King City golf course is still digging out from tons of mud that swept over the fairways after the San Lorenzo Creek flooded, leaving six of the nine holes under feet of mud. “It’s been a community effort to get just the greens uncovered, but it’s a monumental task,” said Jeremy Sarina, general manager of the First Tee program in King City. “There’s six to eight feet of mud, you know, in spots. It’s a lot of mud to clean up.”

Sign Up For Cupid Cup

Join us for the Cupid Cup Tournament on Saturday, February 18, 2023, and receive a free bucket of range balls upon registration! This is a two-person scramble with a shotgun start and the second tournament of our 2023 Tournament Club series. There will be two shotgun starts per age group: Teens at 11:30 a.m. and 7-12 years old at 1:30 p.m.

Meet Natalia!

Natalia is 10 years old and has participated in First Tee – Monterey County programming for almost two years with her siblings Isabella, Andrew, and Javier. Natalia loves coming to afterschool programming and is the first to sign up for STEAM activities at the Center for Learning and golf lessons on the course.

Her favorite moments with First Tee are during camps. During Summer Camp, Natalia built a bond with the coaches that brought out her personality and allowed her to embrace the First Tee Key Commitments and curriculum. During Winter Camp, those relationships established the foundation that encouraged her to dedicate herself to her newfound passion: golf!

Since joining First Tee – Monterey County, Natalias has participated in various special, exclusive opportunities. She began by joining the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, which led her to become a guest speaker with her sister Isabella at the 2022 Donna Zoller Z Gal’s Ladies-Only Tournament and Luncheon, where she shared how First Tee programming and curriculum have shaped her and given her a new direction. She also managed the Closest-to-the-Pin at the 2nd Annual Day at The Hay! Additionally, Natalias has volunteered at both of our Macy’s Fashion Shows! So far, she is most proud of attending the golf clinic with Nicole Iniakov! “I couldn’t believe I was pushing my cart next to Nikki,” Natalia says, “And she signed my golf ball!”

Recently, Natalia was invited to become a mentee to a mentor in the Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Program. “My mentor helps me feel confident and proud of myself.” In this program, the scholars meet with their mentees at the Center for Learning to offer academic support, empowerment, golf practice, or personal support.

Want to join in on the fun? Register to become a member of First Tee – Monterey County by clicking the button below.

Interested in supporting participants like Natalia and her siblings through First Tee programming? Donate through the button below.

Donate Today

King City Golf Course Underwater

King City, CA (January 12) – In November, we began operating the King City Golf Course. It was far more successful than we anticipated, but that came to an unexpected halt on Monday, January 9, due to the severe rain and wind. The intense weather that Monterey County has received this past week caused the San Lorenzo Creek, which runs through the golf course, to burst its banks and flood the entire golf course. Locals say this is the most severe flooding they have ever seen in King City.

“Our next step is cleanup, and we are not sure yet how long this will take, but we have begun to experience the true heart of the King City community,” says First Tee – Monterey County CEO Nick Nelson. “Many locals have already pitched in to help, from people bringing commercial hosepipes to help us pump standing water to one farmer dropping off his Gator.”

Ultimately, First Tee – Monterey County has closed the King City Golf Course and postponed any upcoming tournaments until further notice. Until the course is reopened, First Tee programming will be conducted at the schools.

“I think this one step back will help us spring three paces forward in this caring community,” adds General Manager Jeremy Sarina. “I am excited for the newfound opportunities that will come with this devastating news regarding programming and operations.”

Celebrate Max Damian

Max Damian P. is 14 years old and has been a First Tee – Monterey County Participant for eight years. In addition to being Eagle certified, Max Damian has remained heavily involved with our programming. He has volunteered as a Junior Summer Camp Coach, represented First Tee – Monterey County at the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, is active in Youth on Course, volunteered at First Tee – Green Valley Ranch’s Carmel Classic tournament, and even traveled to Wyoming to be a part of The Wyldlife Fund at Little Jennie Ranch. Max Damian also attended our Boots, Bottles, & BBQ and 2nd Annual Day at The Hay. At the 2021 Legends & Leaders Pro-Am event proceeding the Pure Insurance Championship, Max Damian and his team took home the win! Most recently, Max Damina was invited to play in the

“My biggest accomplishment was playing in the TGR JR Invitational Presented By TaylorMade. In the tournament, I used the 4 R’s (Replay, Relax, Ready, Redo), and this really helped me concentrate and play well in the tournament.”
Max Damian P., 14 yrs old, First Tee – Monterey County Participant Since 2014

Celebrate A Participant: Nicole Iniakov

Nicole I. has been a part of First Tee – Monterey County for nine years! She is currently a high school sophomore and has three second-place finishes in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournaments! She also played in the Legends & Leaders Pro-Am AND she took first place in the girls’ 16-18 division at the inaugural TGR JR Invitational presented by TaylorMade all this year!

Most recently, Nicole I. competed at the Rolex Tournament of Champions, TPC San Antonio, Texas where she received the 2022 Sportsmanship Award! She shot 78-71-70-75, +6 for the entire tournament, despite all of the rain. Her sincerity, confidence, and intelligence shined throughout the tournament, but especially at the All-American Awards Banquet, where she accepted the 2022 Sportsmanship Award and spoke in front of a crowd of players, coaches, donors, and journalists.

Coat & Blanket Drive Golf Tournament

Make A Donation

King City Golf Course

First Tee – Monterey County’s King City Golf Course is proud to host the inaugural Coat & Blanket Drive Golf Tournament, benefiting kids in need throughout King City. The tournament will be held at the King City Golf Course but is postponed due to the course’s closure. First Tee – Monterey County will donate the first $5,000 worth of coats and blankets, and we hope our supporters will match our contribution.

The community is invited to contribute to the Coat & Blanket Drive and may drop off coats, blankets, or monetary donations to First Tee – Monterey County’s King City Golf Course at 613 S Vanderhurst Ave, King City, CA 93930 or Twin Creeks Golf Course at 1551 Beacon Hill Dr, Salinas, CA 93905. Monetary donations can also be made through the button below.

On behalf of First Tee – Monterey County and the community of King City, thank you for #BuildingGameChangers.

Learn More

Growing the Game of Golf

Salinas, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2022) – Twenty-eight First Tee – Monterey County participants throughout the county had the opportunity to explore their interest in golf and beyond during the Growing the Game of Golf Clinic, our first-ever clinic dedicated to growing a passion for golf in kids, which occurred Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at First Tee – Monterey County’s Twin Creeks Golf Course.

What’s your favorite core value?
First Tee – Monterey County Participant Jocelyn S. Asks Pridey

The clinic featured a Q&A with Golf Professional Matthew Pridey and First Tee – Monterey County Board Member Benjamin Zoller. Participants from local schools and participants involved in the Center for Learning’s Afterschool Program attended the clinic. Pridey and Zoller worked with the participants to teach First Tee Core Values, grips, and target awareness through chipping and driving range activities. Participants also received First Tee – Monterey County hats autographed by their favorite coaches, the First Tee – Monterey County Executive Director Jessica Abe, Benjamin Zoller, and Matthew Pridey.

“Along with a good work ethic, you need perseverance. Golf has challenged me to adhere to core values like the ones First Tee teaches you. These values translate into your everyday life, not just on the golf course, and that’s my favorite part of the game,” said Matthew Pridey to the clinic’s participants. “You will go through many challenges throughout your life; the more you preserve, the more confidence you have when you face the next challenges. Nothing is better than preserving through a challenge that once intimidated you.”

First Tee – Monterey County is one youth development organization of over 150 national chapters dedicated to teaching life skills and helping kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. First Tee Headquarters provides to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

This clinic is one of several ways we are Building Game Changers throughout our community.
Benjamin Zoller, First Tee – Monterey County Board Member

For more information on First Tee – Monterey County’s mission, visit firstteemontereycounty.org/ftmc. To learn more about upcoming events, visit firstteemontereycounty.org/calendar.