Author: rhofer

Still, the First Tee — Greater Wilmington continued its annual tradition of hosting a Halloween themed golf party at the Wilmington Municipal Golf Course on Tuesday. “We still wanted to make this happen this year,” said Brittany Zachrich, The First Tee — Greater Wilmington Director of Outreach. “Just because Halloween is going to look a little bit different for everybody…so, trying to keep things normal for the kids was definitely on the front of our minds.” The First Tee implemented safety precautions to keep the kids safe from COVID-19. “We just had to separate the apparatus on the greens, in the fairways,” said Randy Hofer, the First Tee — Greater Wilmington Executive Director. “We used lots of noodles and safety zones.” The evening allowed kids to be able to have Halloween fun before they try to trick-or-treat during a pandemic on Saturday. “We’re not gonna go with as many people as we normally would,” said Tara Kuehner. “Some doors are going to say that we’re not home…just grab candy or something.” The First Tee program isn’t just about learning how to hit a golf ball, it teaches core values. “It has to do with confidence, sportsmanship, perseverance, integrity, honesty…stuff like that,” said Maci Laymon. Core values that go beyond the course. Copyright 2020 WECT. All rights reserved.

With a hint of fall in the air and the sun shining down, the stage was set for the Ultimate Skills Challenge at the First Tee – Greater Wilmington. FTGW juniors played host to Cape Fear Country Club juniors in an exciting event that showcased each golfer’s skill. One FTGW junior partnered with one Cape Fear CC junior to compete through 5 skills stations that included a short putt, lag putt, long drive, big break window chipping, and an up & down shot (chip on the green and putt it out). Juniors were given a score based on their performance. After the skills challenge, players paired into groups of 5 to play a scramble tournament on “The Loop”. It was impressive to watch each golfer do their best while showing great sportsmanship and perseverance throughout the event. Thank you to Cape Fear Country Club for attending and helping us continue to Build Game Changers. Article written by Brittany Zachrich, PGA Ultimate Skills Challenge Results: 1^st Place – Decker (FTGW) & Taylor (CFCC) 2^nd Place – Cooper (FTGW), Kayli A. (TFTGW), & John (CFCC) “The Loop” Tournament Results: T-1 – Addie (FTGW), Fitz (CFCC), Lula (FTGW), Lachlan (CFCC) T-1 – Rosa (FTGW), Chesson (CFCC), Jasavius (FTGW), Kayli (FTGW) T-1 – Decker (FTGW), Taylor (CFCC), Quinten (FTGW), Cooper (FTGW), Henry (CFCC) 4^th – Micah (FTGW), Caleb (FTGW), Owen (CFCC), Matthew (CFCC), John (CFCC)

In 2017, First Tee- Greater Wilmington started their inaugural PGA Junior League season and haven’t looked back since. PGA Jr. League exists to bring communities together through fun, team golf experiences. At its core, it is a group of local golf teams who play a series of games against each other, utilizing a nurturing and social scramble format. In our 2020 season, we were able to host two 13u teams and one 17u team consisting of over 50 First Tee participants. As PGA Professionals, Brittany Zachrich and Craig Sandstrum are able to host and coach these teams each Spring and Fall. This league helps our participants transfer their life and golf skills to course in friendly competition. If you are interested in joining our team, please contact us at brittany@firstteegreaterwilmington.org. Article written by Brittany Zachrich, PGA.  

Thank you to Cape Fear Country Club for hosting us at the Azalea Par 3 course. FTGW juniors were partnered with CFCC juniors to compete in a friendly captain’s choice tournament. The course was in great shape and the juniors had fun meeting and playing with new friends. FTGW will be reciprocating with an event at our 3-hole Loop on Sunday, October 18.

“The First Tee of Greater Wilmington has been amazing for my daughter; the coaches truly care for the kids, while teaching them valuable lessons about life and golf. The program has given my daughter the confidence and a love for a game that she previously never knew.” – Mr. Moss “First Tee has been a great inspiration to our family. The core values it teaches reinforces the lessons we try to instill at home. We also have been impressed by the quality of programs, pace of golf curriculum, staff, and volunteers. First Tee has even energized my husband to pick up the game again!” – Mrs. Kraus “My two daughters have been involved in the First Tee of Greater Wilmington the past five years and they love everything about it, especially the classes, practicing at the Loop, and playing on Coach Craig and Coach Brittany’s PGA Junior League teams.” – Mr. Cox “As a dad, aside from giving my daughter solid golf fundamentals, First Tee has given her a new outlet for making friends and a way for the two of us to connect, enjoy and spend time with each other.” – Mr. Causby

The Learning Center has gotten a “new look”! Thanks to our volunteers (Steve Shinn, John Garvey, Gill Gregory, Dave O’Laughlin, Kathy & Rich Senna, Darlene Stibb and Cindy Ho) who helped the staff clean out the brush from around the building. Once cleared Kathy Senna and Ellen Gregory planted a few plants and Darlene Stibb reached out to several local nurseries. We so appreciate the incredible generosity of Carolina Girl Gardens and Lloyds of Landscaping for the plants they donated to beautify the front and back of the building. We also want to thank the Woodall family and the Gregory’s who donated and spread new mulch around our Learning Center. The Lanzi family donated and installed new security cameras down at the loop, and Tom Ronner who is sewing up our net that was vandalized a few weeks ago. Thank you First Tee volunteers and families for your continued support, we appreciate you and we cannot do it without you!!