Unfortunately, the city I live in is known for its gang violence. I wanted a better future, free from violence. This is why I joined First Tee. As a participant, I learn from persevering through problems to make the right choices based on my judgments. I am ready to write the future.

Pedro Ortiz at 15 years old, First Tee – Monterey County Alumnus

Pedro Ortiz was first exposed to First Tee – Monterey County when he was a first grader in 2006. Pedro started as green as possible with the game of golf, coming from a city constantly rehashed in Steinbeck’s writings of farms and field labor.  The thing that drew him to First Tee initially was an innocent curiosity and a constant search for success.  He went from coming to class on the school bus only twice a week to visiting us almost every day after school.  Once he achieved First Tee Birdie level, the third achievable level in our program, Pedro embodied what it was like to become a junior coach. He began mentoring the participants around him as their role model.  Because of his admirable effort, Pedro obtained his very first job at First Tee – Monterey County as an Assistant Coach. 

Pedro has the confidence to stand up in front of a crowd and pour his soul out regarding his life and how much First Tee has impacted his goals and ambitions. In 2013, he was chosen to inspire donors at First Tee – Monterey County’s Boots, Bottles & BBQ, an annual fundraising event that has brought in almost $5 million dollars for our non-profit.  Pedro also attended the inaugural First Tee Northern California Leadership Academy in Pebble Beach, where he won The Sandy Tatum Leadership Award. Moreover, he was offered a job at Poppy Hills Golf Course, a prestigious golf course in Pebble Beach, California, based on his participation and motivating acts during the weekend.  

In 2014, Pedro had the honor of attending the First Tee National Trustee Meeting in Pebble Beach, where he had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the Honorary Chair of The First Tee, Former President George W. Bush. He had the privilege to speak in front of George W. Bush, hundreds of golf executives, and billionaire trustees. After the event, the Vice-President of the Tiger Woods Foundation, Jin Thatcher, and Commissioner of the PGA Tour, Jody Brothers, offered Pedro their most sincere help in achieving his goals and instantly inspired Pedro to pursue a career in the business side of the golf industry.  This eventually led to Pedro working for the Pebble Beach Company for three years while he was attending college. 

In 2015, Pedro graduated from Salinas High School with a 3.5 GPA. He received a $20,000 scholarship to attend California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) through The Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Program.  In 2018, Pedro graduated summa cum laude from CSUMB in three and a half years with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is now the Communications Manager for the San Jose Earthquakes, a professional and major league soccer team. He has been with them for over three years. 

Since 2006, Pedro has been eager to be the difference he knew he, his family, and his community needed, and he has done just that. Pedro is the epitome of what it means to be a Game Changer who embodies the First Tee Core Values and Life Skills.

More than a decade ago, the Weekly decided we could leverage our resources and create a new program for local philanthropy to support the nonprofit community. We first established the Monterey County Weekly Community Fund as a donor-advised fund at the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC) back in 2000. In 2009, we created an annual appeal to our readers—Monterey County Gives!

Today, Monterey County Gives! is a special project of Monterey County Weekly in partnership with CFMC, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and our other major partners, enabling you to donate in traditional ways or through different types of gifts, such as via your IRA retirement fund.

In last year’s campaign, Monterey County Gives! raised over $9.6 million in six weeks, thanks to more than 7,500 donors. That’s impactful. Since its inception, the program has raised and donated over $45 million to approximately 500 local nonprofits.

MCGives! runs through midnight on Dec. 31. 

We invite you to participate and support First Tee – Monterey County through MCGives!

Become a donor, and help spread the word.

Every bit helps. We’re in this together and can collectively create positive change for all who call Monterey County home.

Please, join us to make a difference. Click donate to make a tax-deductible donation.

Read more about MCGives! at https://www.montereycountygives.com/.

Like our participants, what makes First Tee chapters so special is that each one is unique in its own way. At First Tee – Monterey County, we celebrate diverse perspectives because it makes our work even more powerful. Yet one thing that remains consistent in every chapter is their passion for supporting the next generation and their communities. First Tee – Monterey County and other First Tee chapters are doing this by creating a space that makes every individual feel like they belong. A culture of acceptance is deeply rooted in our values as an organization as we seek to understand walks of life that are different from our own. Watch the video below to learn more about how First Tee – Monterey County is embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion as one of the top DEI chapters throughout First Tee.

Read the full press release at https://golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/10/23/usga-first-tee-chapter-grants-25-year-anniversary/.

King City, California – October 26, 2022

The City of King City Council approved an agreement with First Tee – Monterey County to operate the King City Golf Course at its meeting on October 11th. The agreement was the conclusion of an extensive selection process, which included the release of a Request for Proposal to all interested parties, selection committee interviews, and City Council public meetings and workshops.

First Tee is dedicated to providing youth of all backgrounds an opportunity for a brighter future. Their mission is to deliver a targeted curriculum of golf and character development, life skills, academic support, higher education, mentorship, and career development. “First Tee will be an ideal partner for the City of King because they will address the City’s priority on youth, as well as our goal to invest in upgrades to the City’s golf course and other facilities,” said City Manager Steve Adams.

While First Tee plans to increase programming for local youth, adult golf play opportunities will continue with little change. A local steering committee is being formed to help guide future operations and improvements. First Tee and the City are also working in partnership to plan and implement a number of future improvements to the King City Golf Course facilities to enhance the golf play experience for both adults and youth, as well as to increase the golf course’s marketing to visitors.

Under the terms of the agreement, First Tee will assume operation of the Golf Course on November 1st following the expiration of the existing operations agreement. According to Mayor Mike LeBarre, “the City is fortunate to have First Tee – Monterey County as its future operator.” “They bring with them a high level of expertise in overall golf course operation and maintenance, an outstanding youth program, and a commitment of investing resources and energy to the betterment of the community.”

City Manager Adams added, “the City also wants to express our recognition and gratitude to Yolanda and Drake Frudden, who have operated the Golf Course since 2012.” “They did an amazing job of maintaining the Golf Course and local play and tournaments through a period when the City had little funding to invest in the facility due to a serious financial crisis.”

First Tee – Monterey County has operated the Twin Creeks Golf Course in Salinas for 18 years and, through its youth development program, has positively impacted the lives of over 120,000 young people throughout the county. “Our board is thrilled at the opportunity to become the next operator of the King City Golf Course,” said David Gill, Vice Chairman of First Tee – Monterey County, local King City resident, and businessman. “We will be building on the great job achieved by the previous operator, and I believe First Tee is the perfect match for the future for all King City residents, the golf community, and especially for our local youth.”

First Tee – Monterey County is currently hiring local King City residents for various positions. They can be reached at 805-421-9299 for those interested or 831-789-7473 for any questions regarding the future King City Golf Course services.

Questions for the City can be directed to City Hall at 831-385-3281.

Steven Adams
City Manager

“Meeting the needs of our entire community through caring, professional and responsive services.”

La Ciudad de King City Aprueba Un Acuerdo con First Tee del Condado de Monterey Para Operar el Campo de Golf
en King City

King City, California – 26 de octubre de 2022

El Concejo Municipal de la Ciudad de King City aprobó un acuerdo con First Tee – Monterey County para operar el campo
de golf de King City en su reunión del 11 de octubre. El acuerdo fue la conclusión de un extenso proceso de selección,
que incluyó la entrega de una Solicitud de Propuesta a todas las partes interesadas, entrevistas con el comité de
selección y reuniones y talleres públicos del Concejo Municipal.

First Tee se dedica a brindar a los jóvenes de todos los orígenes la oportunidad de un futuro mejor. Su misión es ofrecer
un plan de estudios específico de golf y desarrollo del carácter, habilidades para la vida, apoyo académico, educación
superior, tutoría y desarrollo profesional. “First Tee será un socio ideal para la Ciudad de King City porque abordarán
la prioridad de la Ciudad en la juventud, así como nuestro objetivo de invertir en mejoramiento al campo de golf de la
Ciudad y otras instalaciones”, dijo el Administrador de la Ciudad de Steve Adams.

First Tee planea aumentar la programación para los jóvenes locales, las oportunidades de juego de golf para adultos
continuarán con pocos cambios. Se está formando un comité directivo local para ayudar a guiar las operaciones y
mejoramientos futuras. First Tee y la Ciudad también están trabajando en asociación para planificar e implementar
una serie de mejoramiento futuras a las instalaciones del campo de golf King City para mejorar la experiencia de juego
de golf tanto para adultos como para jóvenes, así como para aumentar la comercialización del campo de golf para los
visitantes.

Según los términos del acuerdo, First Tee asumirá la operación del campo de golf el 1 de noviembre después de la
expiración del acuerdo de operaciones existente. Según el alcalde Mike LeBarre, “ la Ciudad tiene la suerte de tener al
Condado de First Tee – Monterey como su futuro operador”. “Traen consigo un alto nivel de experiencia en la operación
y mantenimiento general del campo de golf, un excelente programa juvenil y el compromiso de invertir recursos y
energía para el mejoramiento de la comunidad.”

El Administrador De La Ciudad Adams agregó que “La ciudad también quiere expresar nuestro reconocimiento y
gratitud a Yolanda y Drake Frudden, quienes han operado el campo de golf desde 2012″. “Hicieron un trabajo increíble
al mantener el campo de golf y el juego y los torneos locales durante un período en que la Ciudad tenía pocos fondos
para invertir en las instalaciones debido a una grave crisis financiers.”

First Tee – Monterey County ha operado el campo de golf Twin Creeks en Salinas durante 18 años, y a través de su
programa de desarrollo juvenil ha impactado positivamente las vidas de más de 120,000 jóvenes en todo el
condado. “Nuestra junta está encantada con la oportunidad de convertirse en el próximo operador del campo de golf
King City”, dijo David Gill, Vicepresidente de First Tee – Monterey County, residente local de King City y Empresario.

“Construiremos sobre el gran trabajo logrado por el operador anterior, y creo que First Tee es la combinación perfecta
para el futuro de todos los residentes de King City, la comunidad de golf y especialmente para nuestros jóvenes locales”.
First Tee El condado de Monterey actualmente está contratando residentes locales de King City para varios
puestos. Puede comunicarse con ellos al 805-421-9299 para los interesados o al 831-789-7473 para cualquier pregunta
relacionada con los futuros servicios del campo de golf de King City.

Las preguntas para la Ciudad pueden dirigirse al Ayuntamiento al 831-385-3281.

Steven Adams
Administrador De La Ciudad
212 South Vanderhurst Avenue
King City, CA 93930
831-386-5917

“Satisfacer las necesidades de toda nuestra comunidad a través de servicios atentos, profesionales y receptivos”.

First Tee – Monterey Couty Participant Nicole I. Crowned Champion at the Inaugural TGR JR Invitational Presented by TaylorMade

The inaugural TGR JR Invitational presented by TaylorMade, featuring 60 junior golfers took place this past weekend at Pebble Beach Resorts. From a group of talented participants, 12 players emerged after 27 qualifying holes at The Hay to play in the championship matches at The Links at Spanish Bay. Winners of the inaugural TGR JR Invitational presented by TaylorMade include:

• Girls 10-12 Division: Maleah Clark 5&4 over Suri Lau
• Boys 10-12 Division: Vince Arciaga 3&2 over Kaeden Schabel
• Girls 13-15 Division: Lily Morua 2&1 over Lexi Lowe
• Boys 13-15 Division: William Keszler 2&1 over Cullen Pritchard
• Girls 16-18 Division: Nicole Iniakov 1 UP over Cristen Faith Legaspi
• Boys 16-18 Division: Dylan Brack 3&2 over Toatele Ofahengaue

Read the full press release here: Champions crowned at the inaugural TGR JR Invitational presented by TaylorMade – TGR Jr. Invitational.

USGA and First Tee continue to expand inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility efforts at the local level with IDEA Grants

LIBERTY CORNER, N.J. and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2022) – Commemorating 25 years of growing the game through youth initiatives, the USGA has continued its investment in First Tee by awarding IDEA grants to 25 First Tee chapters across America.

The USGA’s IDEA Grant Program delivers direct funding to community-based programs that break down barriers to participation in golf and First Tee’s character-building programs, improving pathways to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. In 2022, 25 chapters – from Massachusetts to California – were awarded up to $25,000 each to provide transportation, hire diverse coaches, train volunteers, and build programs in diverse communities, among other activities.

Totaling $325,000 in 2022, the USGA’s investment in First Tee is the latest demonstration of its longstanding commitment to ensuring recreational golf continues to thrive. What started as a $3 million, three-year commitment by the USGA as a founding partner in 1997, USGA has helped underpin First Tee’s ability to reach more than 2 million youth annually.

“This year’s IDEA Grant Program is the latest milestone that reflects the significant progress that has been made to date in partnership with First Tee,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA. “The best way to introduce youth to the game is by meeting them where they are in their communities, and we are going to continue to drive resources toward the local level to ensure a more accessible and inclusive game for generations to come.”

“The USGA’s support is a game changer for the communities we serve,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “With these grants, our chapters are opening the door to even more youth, especially in underserved and underrepresented communities, to explore the possibilities in golf and beyond as they build their character and life lessons through the game.”

First Tee was founded in 1997 through the leadership of five golf organizations aimed at making golf more affordable and accessible in the United States through a national grassroots program. As the first programs were being developed, First Tee began an intentional effort to integrate the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, creating learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.

Beyond its initial $3 million starter investment in 1997, the USGA immediately began to deliver sizable grants to build First Tee programs in Washington D.C., Chicago, Kansas, Alabama, Arkansas, and many other communities. Many alumni continue to play and work in the game, inspiring the next generation.

Following more than 25 years of substantial growth that led to 150 First Tee chapters with more than 1,400 program locations in communities across America, the USGA’s targeted support has helped First Tee drive more significant equity among underrepresented youth to access golf. The IDEA grants, launched in 2021, fund innovative initiatives for golfers with disabilities, those in Spanish-speaking communities, indigenous people, and at-risk students, among others.

First Tee is focused on increasing diverse participation year-over-year through many strategies, including hiring and training diverse coaches and implementing the First Tee School Program in Title 1 schools. The efforts are contributing to the diversification of the sport – since 1997, there has been a 25 percent increase in non-Caucasian golfers, many of whom entered the game through First Tee.

The 2022 grant recipients include:

• Located in southwest Colorado and northwest New Mexico, First Tee — Four Corners primarily serves at-risk Native American and Latino youth through programs at Aztec Boys & Girls Club, Sycamore Park Community Center, and local elementary schools. The USGA’s IDEA grant funding helps the chapter subsidize greens fees, cover curriculum costs and financially support Native American youth participating in junior tournaments.
• The expansion of First Tee — Greater Charleston’s Game Changers program provides mentoring, STEM and character education, safe spaces, transportation, meals, and enrichment activities for students starting in the sixth grade and guiding them through high school graduation. The chapter offers programming five days a week during summer and every Saturday during the school year with support from the USGA’s IDEA grant funding.
• Increased opportunities for adaptive youth golfers have been made possible at First Tee — Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The USGA’s IDEA grant has allowed the chapter to add programming for teens and children with autism, partner with Special Olympics of Hamilton County, host programming for kids with life-threatening and chronic health challenges, and provide transportation to Reeves Golf Course for an eight-week life skills course.
• A two-time IDEA grant recipient, First Tee — Greater Pasadena hosts clinics for the Latina Golf Association, while the USGA’s IDEA grant helps cover course and coaching fees for events tailored toward Hispanic women who have never touched a golf club.
• The all-female leadership team at First Tee — Hampton Roads works to increase access to golf for young people of diverse cognitive and physical abilities by partnering with the Special Olympics to host multiple adaptive events and provide members of the adaptive community with access to chapter facilities free of charge.
• Eighty-six percent of First Tee — Monterey County participants are Latino, and a partnership with Valley Heath allows the chapter to provide programming to underserved individuals without healthcare. With support from the USGA’s IDEA grant, this chapter can create golf and life skills classes for Special Kids Connect while expanding its overall ADA accommodations.
• First Tee — Pittsburgh provides life skills and youth development through a work preparedness program, adaptive golf for special needs students in the South Fayette School District, and community partnerships with Pittsburgh Police Department and Allegheny Youth Development. These initiatives are supported by IDEA grant funding, which covers transportation costs and the purchase of a van to transport youth to year-round sessions.

To learn more about the USGA and its ongoing investment to junior programs, read the full press release: USGA Continues Grow-the-Game Investment by Awarding 25 Chapter Grants to Celebrate First Tee’s 25th Anniversary – First Tee

With excitement and anticipation, First Tee – Monterey County and the Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Program are excited to announce the nomination period for the Pay It Forward Scholarship & Mentoring Program has opened!

This extraordinary $20,000 scholarship and mentoring program opportunity is for current high school seniors who reside in Monterey County, are first-generation college students, and will attend California State University, Monterey Bay, this fall.

Our program is now in its 15th year of operation, with 62 students from throughout Monterey County currently participating and over 200 students served to date. You can see more about our impact here.

Our nomination and application process are conducted online, and updates to both forms have been made based on feedback from previous years. Please click here to understand the eligibility requirements. Additionally, please read the instructions at the beginning of the online nomination form prior to starting your Fall 2023 nomination. We have extensively tested the form and process. If you have any issues or questions, please contact our Program Director, Jessica Carter, as soon as possible at [email protected].

The deadline for submission of any and all nominations is FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2022, by 5:00 p.m. The form has an automatic timestamp. Failure to submit your nomination by 5:00 pm on Friday, December 9, 2022, will automatically disqualify your student from consideration. Please complete your nomination as soon as possible in order to avoid last-minute issues or disqualifications, as we do not make exceptions to our deadlines.

We look forward to receiving your nominations and learning more about these extraordinary young people.

First Tee Coaches are needed at our Salinas and King City Campuses.

[Salinas, CA] Oct. 07, 2022 – Becoming a First Tee — Monterey County coach is more important now than ever. Kids and teens are facing challenges unseen by previous generations. First Tee – Monterey County is looking for enthusiastic and caring individuals to serve as positive mentors and role models to kids and teens in the program. These individuals should desire to help kids discover what’s inside of them, guide them to strengthen it, and mentor them to put it into action in everything they do. 

Individuals of all golf skill levels are encouraged to volunteer as coaches at First Tee – Monterey County. Coaches are trained to deliver First Tee golf and life skills curriculum. This training system is built on research-proven methods of positive youth development, providing coaches with the tools to make kids feel safe, included, and empowered.

First Tee —Monterey County delivers programs at 2 locations across Monterey County. Coaches are needed at the following locations:

• 1551 Beacon Hill Dr., Salinas, CA 93905
• 613 S Vanderhurst Ave, King City, CA 93930

Time commitment options vary by location and time of year for small group sessions and team play on the various golf course locations. To serve as a coach for First Tee – Monterey County, individuals must complete SafeSport training and pass a background check.

For over 18 years First Tee — Monterey County has been committed to helping kids build character strengths and important life skills through the game of golf and providing all kids with access to opportunities for personal growth in a fun and safe environment. Through introspective questions, interactive games, and immersive golf exercises, each lesson is designed to help kids build a better understanding of themselves and empower them to strengthen their values and character that they take to everything they do. 

Not only do participants and alumni credit their coaches with empowering them to discover their character strengths and develop life lessons, but coaches reap the benefits as well, experiencing their own personal growth and transformation.

Individuals who have a passion for impact and want to become a coach can contact our Human Resources Director at [email protected]. To explore our other available positions, visit https://firstteemontereycounty.org/apply/.

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About First Tee – Monterey County:

First Tee — Monterey County is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. At First Tee – Monterey County, we are Building Game Changers by delivering a targeted golf & character development curriculum, life skills, academic support, higher education, mentorship, & career development to provide youth of all backgrounds an opportunity for a brighter future. Learn more at https://firstteemontereycounty.org/.

Media Contact:

Nick Nelson                                           

First Tee – Monterey County                          

[email protected], (831) 238 2749

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Congratulations, Bruce and Linda Taylor, on being recognized with the 2022 Distinguished Trustee Award by the Community Foundation for Monterey County (Salinas office). The Taylors received the award during the Celebration of Philanthropy held at The Club at Pasadera in Monterey. As award recipients, the Taylors designated a $10,000 grant from the CFMC between First Tee – Monterey County and @digitalnest! Without the support from Game Changers like Bruce, Linda, and the CFMC in our community, First Tee – Monterey County would not be able to provide youth of all backgrounds an opportunity for a brighter future. Thank you, Bruce and Linda! #BuildingGameChangers