Author: David Cohn

Make a Difference This Summer: Join First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin as a Summer Coach

Are you passionate about youth development and looking for a meaningful summer opportunity? First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team as summer coaches at our Noyes Park and Lake Park Golf Course locations.

What Makes This Opportunity Special? At First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, we’re more than just a golf program. We create experiences that build character, inner strength, and resilience in young people through the seamless integration of golf and life skills curriculum. As a summer coach, you’ll be at the heart of this mission, making a direct impact on the next generation of leaders in our community.

What You’ll Do:

  • Coach and mentor youth ages 4-18 in both golf skills and life lessons
  • Create fun, engaging learning experiences in a camp-style setting
  • Help young people develop into positive role models and active golfers
  • Work with volunteers and assist with special events
  • Be part of a supportive, collaborative team environment

Position Details:

  • Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (with some flexibility)
  • Locations:
    • Noyes Park Golf Course (8235 W. Good Hope Road, Milwaukee)
    • Lake Park Golf Course (3133 E. Newberry Blvd, Milwaukee)
  • Both full-time and part-time opportunities available

What We’re Looking For:

  • Enthusiasm for an active lifestyle
  • Passion for using sports to teach character-enhancing values
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Professional demeanor and positive attitude
  • Comfort working outdoors in various weather conditions

Why Choose First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin? This isn’t just a summer job – it’s an opportunity to be part of something bigger. You’ll gain valuable experience in youth development, leadership, and program management while making a lasting impact on young people’s lives. Our supportive environment and commitment to excellence make this an ideal opportunity for those looking to grow professionally while giving back to the community.

Ready to Join Our Team? Send your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience to Tom Gerke, Program Director, at [email protected].

Job Description

Empowering young athletes: MPS girls’ golf teams attend special clinic at Noyes Park

At First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, we believe that golf is more than just a game. It’s a powerful tool to empower youth, build confidence, and teach valuable life skills. This mission was brought to life once again during a special clinic we hosted at Noyes Park Golf Course for five girls’ golf teams from Milwaukee Public Schools’ Milwaukee City Conference. 

This past Wednesday evening, student-athletes and coaches from Rufus King High School, Riverside High School, Vincent High School, Milwaukee School of Languages, and Golda Meir High School gathered to learn from our team and further develop their golf games. The players spent time on the driving range, receiving personalized instruction from our experienced First Tee coaches, while their coaches learned new techniques and strategies from Tom Gerke, our Program Director and PGA Professional.

Tom’s session with the coaches focused on refining their instructional methods, helping them to better support their athletes as they grow in the game. The coaches walked away with fresh insights on how to teach key skills, promote teamwork, and encourage their players with positivity and a growth mindset.

Meanwhile, the girls were fully immersed in practicing their swings on the driving range. From beginners to more experienced players, each athlete had the chance to improve her game while receiving valuable tips from First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin’s expert coaches. Watching the players engage and embrace the learning process was truly inspiring. Their dedication and enthusiasm are a testament to the bright future of girls’ golf in Milwaukee.

By working together with Milwaukee Public Schools and the Milwaukee City Conference, we’re opening doors to new opportunities, creating equitable access to the game of golf, and empowering these young athletes to pursue their passion both on and off the course.

At First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, our work extends beyond teaching the fundamentals of golf. We’re dedicated to building character, instilling core values, and helping youth build the confidence they need to succeed in all aspects of life. We’re proud to play a part in shaping the futures of these young athletes and can’t wait to see where their golf journeys take them next!

About First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin
First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is a youth development organization that introduces golf and its inherent values to young people. We provide programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. To learn more, visit First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin.

Interested in Getting Involved?
If you’d like to learn more about our programs or volunteer opportunities, reach out to us! Together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of local youth.

Milwaukee Brewers Golf Night

September 16 vs. Phillies

We’re thrilled to invite you to a special evening with the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, September 16th, 2024!

The Brewers will be facing off against Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies, and you can be part of the action while supporting First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin.

Here’s what’s in store:

🎟️ Special Ticket Offer: Purchase your tickets through this link, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to our chapter. Your support helps us continue to positively impact the lives of young people through the game of golf.

⛳ Closest to the Pin Competition: During the game, head up to X-Golf at American Family Field for a fun closest to the pin competition. We’ll have prizes for the top two winners, so don’t miss your shot!

Secure your tickets now and make a difference while enjoying a great night of baseball and golf fun! Purchase your tickets today.

Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to see you at the ballpark!

Purchase Tickets

Introducing Dinky Links at the Milwaukee Public Market

Play and support First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin

The Dinky Links Miniature Golf Course has arrived!

The Milwaukee Public Market’s Dinky Rink, known as the area’s smallest ice-skating rink, has been whimsically transformed into Dinky Links, a miniature golf course that retains its charmingly compact size. This new attraction not only provides a unique recreational experience but also directly benefits First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin and our local programs.

The links feature seating, equipment rental, and of course access to food and drink from market vendors.

Participants are required to register in advance due to limited availability. You can reserve the Dinky Links for 60 minutes for only $20, and thanks to the generosity of the Milwaukee Public Market, 100% of the reservation fees will be donated to First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin.

For more information, visit milwaukeepublicmarket.org.

Get a tour of Dinky Links with WISN 12 News here.

Chipping In – Spring 2024

Chipping In, our donor and supporter newsletter, highlights the ways your contributions are making a difference in the lives of kids through the game of golf.

Contents:

  • Partnering for a Purpose
  • President’s Message
  • Swinging Into Summer
  • Empowering Educators and Students Alike
  • Volunteer Spotlight
  • Equipping Students for Success
  • Teacher of the Year
Read Chipping In

2023 Impact Report

See the difference you are making through golf!

Check out our 2023 impact report for a deeper look at the ways in which our donors and partners empowered local kids and teens through the game of golf.

Download

Mentors Golf Free at Noyes Park Golf Course

Mentors Golf Free at Noyes Park Golf Course thanks to new partnership with MENTOR Greater Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (July 12, 2023) – First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin and MENTOR Greater Milwaukee are excited to announce that local mentors are invited to play free golf with their mentees at Noyes Park Golf Course during the 2023 golf season. This new program expands First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin’s “Kids Play Free” initiative to welcome mentors to play for free alongside their mentees.

“We are proud to partner with MENTOR Greater Milwaukee to bring mentors and mentees to play at Noyes Park Golf Course,” said David Cohn, First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin executive director. “Our “Kids Play Free” initiative has been extremely well received and this is a great opportunity to invite mentors to join their mentees for a free round of golf. The game of golf teaches important life skills and values. By spending time together on the golf course, mentors can help their mentees build the inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that they can carry to everything else they do.”

“We are excited to be partnering with First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin to get young people and their mentors out on the Noyes Park Golf Course. This is an awesome opportunity that allows mentors and mentees to enjoy the great game of golf at no cost!” said LaNelle Ramey, Executive Director of MENTOR Greater Milwaukee. MGM believes opportunities like this are critical to helping build and strengthen mentoring relationships. We want to make sure that we are helping create opportunities that are inexpensive and fun for mentors and mentees to enjoy.

Mentors can request golf vouchers through MENTOR Greater Milwaukee by emailing [email protected].

Noyes Park Golf Course is a nine-hole par 3 course located within Noyes Park on Milwaukee’s northwest side and home to First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin programs. Holes play between 87 and 110 yards. Noyes is one of three par 3 courses within the Milwaukee County Parks award-winning golf course system and one of 13 total golf courses.

For more information about First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin and Noyes Park Golf Course, visit https://firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org/noyes/.

For more information about MENTOR Greater Milwaukee, visit https://www.milwaukeementor.com/.

Chipping In – Fall 2022

Chipping In, our donor and supporter newsletter, highlights the ways your contributions are making a difference in the lives of kids through the game of golf.

Contents:

  • Get in the Game Field Trips
  • Kids Play Free at Noyes Park Golf Course
  • Local Summer Outreach
  • Fellowship Youth Open
  • FIT Club MKE Fitness Camp
  • Alumni Spotlight
  • And More…
View Chipping In – Fall 2022

First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin Joining 45+ Local Nonprofit Organizations for Giving First Day

As holiday shopping season nears, a coalition of 45+ Milwaukee-area nonprofits are leading a coordinated effort to emphasize the importance of supporting our communities first through a campaign called Giving First on Tuesday, November 22nd.

Giving First day flips the script by encouraging philanthropy one week before Giving Tuesday, which traditionally falls after Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber-Monday shopping.  Local nonprofits put the community first all year long and hope the community will put them first this giving season.

Ken Leinbach, Executive Director at the Urban Ecology Center reflects on Giving First saying, “It has been incredible to see the seed of this idea grow into a powerful collaboration. Giving First encourages our community to approach the holiday season with abundance and generosity towards nonprofits who, in this typical time of joy, are often faced with fear and scarcity.”

This year, Giving First has 45+ community-serving organizations conducting their fundraising campaigns on November 22nd instead of the traditional Giving Tuesday. This is something we know Milwaukee will rally behind.

Patty Metropulos, President & CEO of Kathy’s House shared, “Residents of Milwaukee and the surrounding areas have a reputation for stepping up to support our neighbors through difficult times. The Giving First Collaboration embodies the humble generosity that is both a tradition and a vocation for our community.

Before the hustle and bustle of the traditional shopping weekend, we invite everyone to reflect on the needs of our community and invest in shared values. 

Jeri Bonavia, Executive Director of WAVE Educational Fund reminds us that “Giving First is our chance to enter the holiday season with our values front and center. So, before shopping, let’s take this opportunity to put what really matters at the very top of our list.”

For up to date information on the collaborating organizations including direct links to donate visit givingfirstday.org.

45+ Milwaukee-area organizations participating in Giving First 2022: 

  • America’s Black Holocaust Museum
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Milwaukee
  • COA Youth & Family Centers
  • Community Smiles Dental
  • CORE El Centro
  • Danceworks, Inc.
  • Dominican Center
  • First Stage
  • First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin
  • Friedens Food Pantries
  • Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail
  • Friends of Lakeshore State Park
  • Havenwoods Neighborhood Partnership
  • The Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center (HERC)
  • Hillel Milwaukee
  • Historic Milwaukee, Inc.
  • Islands of Brilliance
  • Journey House, Inc.
  • Kathy’s House
  • Kinship Community Food Center (formerly Riverwest Food Pantry)
  • Luther Manor
  • Menomonee Valley Partners, Inc.
  • Meta House, Inc.
  • Milwaukee Center For Independence
  • Milwaukee County Historical Society
  • Milwaukee Tennis & Education Foundation
  • Milwaukee Water Commons
  • Near West Side Partners, Inc.
  • Nearby Nature Milwaukee
  • Project Kindred
  • Radio Milwaukee
  • Reflo
  • Riveredge Nature Center
  • Running Rebels Community Organization
  • Safe and Sound
  • Sojourner Family Peace Center
  • Southside Organizing Center
  • Teens Grow Greens
  • The Friends of Hank Aaron State Trail
  • United Methodist Children’s Services
  • United Neighborhood Centers of Milwaukee
  • Urban Ecology Center
  • Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center
  • WAVE Educational Fund
  • Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education
  • Wisconsin Parkinson Association
  • Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee
  • Woodland Pattern Book Center
  • Zeidler Group, Inc.

More information and direct links to give to your preferred non-profit can be found at givingfirstday.org.

Kids Golf Free at Noyes Park Golf Course Thanks to New Partnership

First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin and Milwaukee County Parks offer increased access for youth golfers

First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin and Milwaukee County Parks are excited to announce that kids can now golf free at Noyes Park Golf Course in Milwaukee. Thanks to a new partnership between the two organizations, junior golfers under 18 years old will be welcomed to play at no cost for the remainder of the 2022 golf season and for the full 2023 golf season.

“We are thrilled to partner with Milwaukee County Parks on this exciting program to make golf more accessible for kids in our community,” said Inge Plautz, First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin board president. “We know that cost can be a significant barrier for those learning the game, and we want to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate. Noyes is a tremendous community asset and an outstanding facility for kids and families to play and practice. We are so appreciative of our partnership with Milwaukee County Parks and their support of our vision that all kids in Southeast Wisconsin have the opportunity to build their strength of character through the game of golf.“

The green fees will remain the same for all other golfers. The nine-hole rate is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors and players with a disability.

“We have had an excellent relationship with First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin for many years and are excited to continue the relationship with this new partnership,” said Guy D. Smith, Milwaukee County Parks Executive Director. “Milwaukee County Parks is committed to making facilities and attractions accessible to all visitors and First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin’s vision to remove cost barriers for junior golfers aligns well with our mission. Golf is an excellent way for kids to get outdoors, build character, improve mental health, appreciate nature, and so much more. We truly appreciate the work First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin does to impact young people in our community through the game of golf and we look forward to continuing our work with them for the benefit of the community.”

Noyes Park Golf Course is a nine-hole par 3 course located within Noyes Park on Milwaukee’s northwest side and home to First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin programs. Holes play between 87 and 110 yards. Noyes is one of three par 3 courses within the Milwaukee County Parks award-winning golf course system and one of 13 total golf courses.

For more information about First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin and Noyes Park Golf Course, visit https://firstteesoutheastwisconsin.org/noyes/.

Noyes Park Golf Course