Most golfers have a bag of used balls sitting in the garage, a sleeve from last season, a bucket of mismatched finds from the rough. Now there’s an easy way to turn that clutter into something meaningful.
First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin has partnered with BreakfastBalls.Golf as our Official Used Golf Ball Recycling Partner, giving donated golf balls a second life while generating proceeds that come back to support youth programming right here in Southeast Wisconsin.
How it works is simple. Drop off your used golf balls at any of our equipment donation locations. Our program participants get first access to what they need, so every kid we serve is equipped to play. Surplus inventory is then purchased in bulk by BreakfastBalls.Golf, with proceeds coming back to support our youth programming across Southeast Wisconsin.
And if you’re in the market for quality used golf balls yourself, use promo code FTSEW10 at checkout on BreakfastBalls.Golf for 10% off your purchase.
To donate used golf balls, find a drop-off location near you here or learn more about BreakfastBalls.Golf here.
Big smiles, big swings, and an even bigger reminder of why we do this work.
BROOKFIELD (Feb. 25, 2026) – At First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, we believe golf creates a powerful environment where youth in our community can learn and grow. Recently, we had the opportunity to bring that belief to life through a special junior golf event in partnership with Kappa League at PGA Tour Superstore.
From the moment the kids arrived, the afternoon was designed to be an experience. It started with something we think matters just as much as any swing tip: a conversation about growth. Participants dove into a lesson on growing through challenge, the idea that the obstacles we face on and off the course are often our greatest teachers. It set the tone for everything that followed.
Before picking up a club, the group got a full tour of PGA Tour Superstore. For many of the kids, it was their first time exploring a space dedicated entirely to the game, from equipment to apparel to training tools. Seeing golf through that lens has a way of making the sport feel more accessible, more exciting, and more like something that belongs to them.
Coach Tom breaking down the fundamentals with a participant on the putting green at PGA Tour Superstore.
Then it was time to play. Participants worked on their putting on the store’s putting green, learning the focus and feel that the short game demands. From there, they moved to the simulator for full swings, which created a high-energy experience that had everyone locked in and having fun. The afternoon wrapped up the right way: with pizza and good energy in the room. Moments like that, where young people are laughing, talking about their shots, and just being together, are a reminder of why community-based programming matters.
This event is a glimpse of what we are continuing to build at First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin. We are always looking for new ways to bring young people into the game and connect them with partners who share our vision.
If you’ve spent any time around a golf course in Wisconsin, you already know something the numbers are now confirming: this sport runs deep in this state. It’s in the municipal layouts tucked into neighborhood parks, the historic courses where generations of families have played, the tournaments that draw visitors from across the country, and the charity scrambles that raise millions for local causes every year.
This week, the Wisconsin Golf Alliance released a comprehensive statewide economic impact study, and the findings are striking. Wisconsin golf generates $6.44 billion in total economic impact, supports 56,595 jobs, contributes $2 billion in wages, and returns $288 million in state and local taxes. Those numbers represent real livelihoods and real community investment across every corner of the state.
For context, the study notes that Wisconsin’s golf industry outpaces the combined economic contributions of craft beer, wine, local spirits, and Packers home games, sectors that most people would immediately associate with Wisconsin’s identity. Golf belongs in that conversation too, and this study makes that case clearly.
What the Numbers Mean for Youth Development
At First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, we spend a lot of time talking about what golf does for young people. We know, from the kids we work with every day, that the game teaches patience, accountability, respect, and resilience in ways that carry far beyond the course. But the economic impact study also shows what golf does for young people in a broader, structural sense.
According to the study, 97% of surveyed Wisconsin golf facilities support at least one youth development program. That includes junior golf, scholastic golf, and First Tee programs across the state. More than 30 Wisconsin courses participate in Youth on Course through the Wisconsin State Golf Association, offering rounds for $5 or less to junior golfers statewide.
These aren’t small gestures. They represent a coordinated, industry-wide commitment to keeping the game accessible and to investing in the next generation of players and community members.
Charitable Giving at Scale
One of the most remarkable data points in the study is this: Wisconsin golf facilities hosted more than 9,000 charitable events in 2023, raising $166 million for local nonprofits. Every single surveyed facility hosted at least one charitable event. The golf course has long served as a venue for community fundraising, and that function is now documented at a scale most people probably hadn’t considered.
Those dollars flow to youth development organizations, conservation groups, healthcare nonprofits, schools, veterans initiatives, and many others. First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is proud to be among the beneficiaries of golf’s charitable culture in this state, and we take seriously our responsibility to put those resources to work for young people.
A Sport That Is Genuinely Accessible
One of the most common barriers people cite when it comes to golf is cost. The study offers some helpful context: 55% of Wisconsin’s public golf facilities charge under $50 per round, and 87% of all facilities are open to the public. The picture of golf as an elite or exclusionary sport does not match the reality of how most people in Wisconsin actually experience the game.
Our programs at First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin are designed with accessibility at their core. Scholarships are available, and we partner to operate programs at Noyes Park, Lake Park, Brown Deer Park, Dretzka Park, Currie Park, Rolling Meadows, and Washington Park, all public courses that are woven into the fabric of their communities. We want every young person in Southeast Wisconsin to have a genuine pathway into the game.
What This Means for Us
We are a small organization with a big mission. We use golf to teach life skills and character development to young people ages 4 to 18. We couldn’t do that work without the golf community around us, and this study is a reminder of just how substantial that community is.
The $6.44 billion figure reflects the collective investment of course operators, equipment retailers, tourism businesses, tournament organizers, and charitable donors. It reflects the volunteers who show up to coach, the businesses that sponsor events, and the families who prioritize the game as part of how they spend time together. We are grateful to be part of that ecosystem.
If you’d like to support First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, or if you’re interested in learning more about our programs, we’d love to hear from you. And if you haven’t had a chance to read the Wisconsin Golf Economic Impact Report, it’s worth your time. The full executive summary is available through the Wisconsin Golf Alliance.
Some people find golf. Golf found Coach Shayna before she could even see over the top of the flagstick. Growing up in Unionville, Missouri, Shayna was just 3 when her grandparents cut down a putter and packed her into their three-wheel Harley-Davidson golf cart, heading to their nine-hole course with sand greens.
“My grandparents were intentional about teaching me the game the right way,” she said. “They made sure I understood both the mechanics and the integrity behind golf.”
By 11, Coach Shayna was playing on real grass greens for the first time. By 13, she shot a 79 at the Timber Ridge Junior Golf Tournament in Memphis, Missouri — the best score of the day — with her Grandpa Gary, affectionately known as “Schoonie,” walking every hole beside her.
Blazing her own trail
Golf wasn’t always easy to access, especially for a girl growing up in rural America in that era. There were no First Tee programs nearby, no girls’ golf team at her school and no shortage of moments that tested her resolve. When she was excluded from a Father’s Day tournament because organizers believed there should be “no girls,” she didn’t walk away from the game. She found another way in.
Shayna earned a spot on her high school boys’ varsity golf team — and held her own in the top five all four years, competing weekly for the number one position. Golf was just one chapter in a standout athletic career that earned her 16 varsity letters across golf, softball, basketball and track. Her softball team was later inducted into the Missouri State Hall of Fame.
Finding her way back to golf
Coach Shayna stuck with softball through college, where she earned a degree in psychology before becoming a cosmetologist. Golf took a backseat as she moved to Florida and became a mom of five, but the love of the game never left.
“For years, I mostly daydreamed about it and occasionally hit balls in the yard,” she said. “But the desire to compete and be part of the golf community never left me.”
When Shayna began working with Dixon Golf, a tournament consulting company, the golf world started pulling her back in. The more she played, the more one organization kept coming to mind: First Tee.
“I knew firsthand how transformative starting young in golf could be,” she said.
About three years ago, she met First Tee – Gulf Coast executive director Marty Stanovich and signed on as a volunteer. In the fall of 2025, she achieved her goal of becoming head coach at Fort Walton Beach Golf Club.
The joy of coaching
Coach Shayna’s background is uniquely suited for the work. Her degree in developmental psychology, combined with raising five kids of her own, gives her a nuanced lens when working with young people.
“I know they are constantly growing,” she said. “They are resilient, perceptive and capable of more than they realize.”
With support from First Tee partner, Morgan Stanley, Coach Shayna recently reached another milestone – she attended First Tee’s Level 2 coach training in Tampa, where she learned more about the youth development organization’s Coach Philosophy.
“Being surrounded by others who care deeply about youth development and the game itself was energizing,” she said. “Learning together reinforced that coaching doesn’t have to be done alone.”
A message to future coaches
“My favorite part of coaching is all of it,” Coach Shayna said. “I love showing up, maximizing our time and creating an environment that is both fun and challenging. I see kids as intelligent, capable and full of possibility. My goal is to draw that potential out of them and empower them.”
For anyone on the fence about getting involved with First Tee, her advice is direct: Don’t wait.
It’s rewarding to impact not only children, but the broader community, she said. Almost every class, an older club member stops her or another First Tee coach to thank them for introducing the next generation to the sport they love.
“And that is what First Tee is really about — building the future of the game and the character of the kids who will carry it forward,” she said.
First Tee coaches shape character, build confidence and create supportive environments where every participant feels inspired to grow.
In collaboration with The Harris Poll, our research shows parents believe trained coaches are better equipped to teach new skills, demonstrate a dedication to safety and adapt to the needs of individual children.
Morgan Stanley donates $5,000 for each Eagle recorded at THE PLAYERS Championship to support First Tee’s coach training efforts. Over the last five years, First Tee has been able to send hundreds of coaches to valuable, in-person trainings, where they learn to teach golf and serve as crucial mentors for the next generation.
Peña will support First Tee’s efforts to bring its game-changing golf and life skills curriculum to young people from all backgrounds
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 20, 2026) – Youth development organization First Tee is proud to announce that actor Michael Peña has joined the organization as a Brand Ambassador. As a longtime golfer, Peña is enthusiastic about bringing the sport and its inherent values to families across the globe.
Known for roles in films and television series including “Ant-Man,” “A Million Miles Away” and the recent hit series, “All Her Fault,” Peña has been a dedicated supporter of First Tee since 2023, when he first attended the organization’s annual Leadership Summit as a guest speaker. The Summit brings together teen participants from First Tee chapters across the country for leadership development, networking and golf.
As a Brand Ambassador, Peña will support First Tee’s efforts to reach kids from all communities with programming that uses golf as a vehicle to help young people build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience. Through First Tee’s network of 150 chapters, the organization serves young people ages 5-18 with programs that extend beyond the golf course and into participants’ homes, schools and communities. First Tee also offers robust scholarship and alumni programs.
An accomplished golfer himself, Peña regularly competes in pro-am events and has witnessed firsthand how the game can positively impact its players.
“Golf has been an important part of my life, teaching me patience, discipline and how to handle both success and failure,” Peña said. “I’m honored to become a Brand Ambassador and help First Tee reach even more young people with programs that will help them succeed on the golf course and beyond.”
“Michael’s genuine passion for golf and his commitment to empowering young people make him an ideal Brand Ambassador as we work to reach more kids with our life-changing programs,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Michael has inspired teens at our Leadership Summit with his authenticity and his message about the power of perseverance. We are grateful he is taking his valuable time and energy to support First Tee.”
First Tee reaches more than 3 million young people annually through programming at chapters, schools and community centers. Peña joins three existing First Tee Brand Ambassadors: Actress and First Tee alumna Kathryn Newton and PGA TOUR players Alex Smalley and Austin Smotherman, who is also a First Tee alumnus.
First Tee partners with PGA of America and Youth on Course to support Project Play’s 63×30 initiative
First Tee has joined the PGA of America and Youth on Course in a groundbreaking alliance to support Project Play’s 63×30 initiative, a national movement to increase youth sports participation to 63% by 2030.
The collaboration addresses a concerning trend: only 55% of children ages 6-17 in the U.S. currently play organized sports, down from 58% in 2017. The three organizations will work together to elevate youth sports participation through golf by removing barriers that prevent access to the game and promoting quality sports experiences for all young people.
“While First Tee’s mission is to help young people build character through golf, development of the game of golf has always been an important byproduct of our work,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “Aspen Institute’s Project Play is engaging an array of organizations involved in youth sports to work together. First Tee is proud to come alongside PGA of America and Youth on Course to support this initiative.”
Why Youth Sports Matter
Research shows that achieving 63% participation could deliver more than 1.8 million Quality Years of Life and generate $80 billion in societal benefits through reduced medical costs and increased worker productivity. Beyond the numbers, sports participation helps young people develop physical health, social-emotional skills, character strengths, and a sense of belonging.
“The benefits of youth playing sports are immense, for their own development, and our society as a whole,” said Adam Heieck, CEO of Youth on Course. “We have a collective responsibility in golf, to ensure our sport is accessible for any kid who wants to play, and that’s what this collaboration is about.”
A Framework for Quality Youth Sports
As part of this commitment, First Tee has endorsed the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports, joining more than 500 organizations in supporting standards for youth sports that include safe environments, qualified coaches, and developmentally appropriate activities. This framework aligns with First Tee’s commitment to positive youth development and reinforces the organization’s focus on creating quality experiences for young people.
“Golf is showing what it means to be a team sport,” said Tom Farrey, executive director of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society program. “Leading organizations are working together in service of youth, creating a common language and set of aligned activities that holds the key to getting and keeping more kids in the game.”
What This Means Locally
As a First Tee chapter, First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is proud to be part of this national effort. The partnership validates the work our organization does every day throughout the region to make golf accessible and use it as a vehicle for positive youth development.
The collaboration positions First Tee as part of a larger movement and may create new opportunities for partnerships with schools, community organizations, and funders who share the goal of increasing quality youth sports participation.
About Project Play
Project Play is the flagship initiative of the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program. Since 2017, it has engaged a cross-sector roundtable of leading organizations committed to getting and keeping children active through sports. Through research and community engagement, Project Play provides tools and resources so every child in America can access quality sports opportunities.
The 63×30 initiative takes its name from the national public health goal established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to achieve 63% youth sports participation by 2030.
Signature programs bring young people face-to-face with business leaders, professional athletes and life-changing opportunities
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2026) – First Tee is pleased to announce its 2026 lineup of national participant events, offering teens powerful opportunities to grow as leaders, athletes and changemakers. Through partnerships with leading companies, organizations and generous individuals, First Tee provides experiences that challenge young people to step outside their comfort zones and discover their potential in supportive environments.
These national events are part of First Tee’s broader commitment to keeping teens actively engaged during the critical adolescent years, a need underscored by research from First Tee and The Harris Poll showing that nearly 90% of parents believe character development deserves greater emphasis in today’s society. Through First Tee’s Ace capstone program, junior coach opportunities and immersive national events, First Tee builds essential life skills and creates lasting mentor connections that help teens navigate this pivotal stage of development.
2026 Participant Events include:
Leadership Series (March 2026): In partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, this five-week program guides participants through discovering their unique leadership values and strengths. It is held at PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country.
National Championship (June 21-25, 2026): The University of North Carolina’s Finley Golf Club will host First Tee’s top high school golfers as they demonstrate their character and competitive skills developed through the program.
Game Changers Academy (July 18-22, 2026): Now in its 26th year, this signature event returns to Minneapolis, challenging teens to celebrate their unique perspectives and create positive change in their communities.
Leadership Summit (Aug. 3-7 and 10-14, 2026): Leadership Series graduates can apply for this adventure-based learning experience at West Creek Ranch in Montana, where PGA TOUR Superstore executives mentor participants through activities like horseback riding and whitewater rafting, designed to strengthen their leadership capabilities.
PURE Insurance Championship (September 15-20, 2026): At the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, teens compete alongside PGA TOUR Champions players and connect with business leaders in an event broadcast on Golf Channel, blending elite golf with career mentorship.
Drive Your Future Academy (Oct. 8-12, 2026): In partnership with John Deere, this event brings young women to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, to connect with accomplished female mentors from John Deere and other leading organizations and explore pathways for continued involvement in golf and leadership beyond high school.
Innovators Forum (Nov. 15-19, 2026): Participants collaborate with seasoned business and nonprofit leaders in Amelia Island, Florida, to design and launch community service initiatives that make a difference in their hometowns.
First Tee participant events provide opportunities for teens to pursue their interests, expand their horizons and grow as people. For some, these events represent their first time on an airplane, visiting a college campus or traveling on their own. This freedom gives teens the opportunity to use good judgment, grow through challenge and build positive self-identity.
“These events represent some of the most meaningful moments in our participants’ First Tee journey,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We consistently hear from teens, parents and coaches that these experiences help crystallize what is possible for their futures. We are deeply grateful to AWS, John Deere, PGA TOUR Superstore, PURE Insurance, Topgolf and countless individual supporters who invest in these life-changing opportunities.”
First Tee is a nonprofit youth development organization that empowers young people through the game of golf, helping them develop inner strength, confidence and life skills they’ll use on and off the course.
When First Tee chapters set out to serve young people, they don’t do it alone. The 2025 Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Community Award winners demonstrate how strategic community partnerships can transform lives and strengthen entire communities.
These three chapters share the common understanding that meaningful impact requires more than programming. It requires building authentic relationships with schools, community organizations and local institutions that share First Tee’s commitment to youth development.
Meeting youth where they are
First Tee – Greater Richmond has mastered the art of bringing golf and life skills directly into students’ daily lives. Through their partnership with Henrico County Public Schools, the chapter hosts over 25 Title I field trips each school year. But they’ve taken accessibility even further with Anna Julia Cooper School, a charter school in Richmond’s East End. What started as a pilot program in 2023 now allows middle school students to select golf as an elective and travel to First Tee’s facilities for immersive curriculum delivery.
The results speak volumes: In 2024, First Tee – Greater Richmond reached more than 70,000 kids and teens, with female participation growing to 42% and over 60% of participants representing ethnically diverse backgrounds.
Leading with representation
First Tee – Birmingham understands that inclusion starts with who’s leading the program. The chapter has intentionally built a leadership structure that reflects the communities it serves, with a diverse board and coaching staff, partnering with HBCUs like Miles College to build this pipeline. It outpaces the First Tee network average, with more than 40% of participants coming from underserved communities, as defined by the Distressed Communities Index.
Through community partnerships with Birmingham City Schools, i3 Academy and the Birmingham Housing Authority, the chapter brings programming directly to students who need it most. Full program scholarships for families who qualify for free and reduced lunch ensure that financial barriers never prevent participation.
Scaling through strategic collaboration
Under the leadership of executive director Henry Pointer, the first African American PGA Professional from Louisiana, First Tee – East Baton Rouge Parish has increased participation by over 110% in just three years.
“Most of our community programs are located in underrepresented areas of the city,” Pointer said. “The fact that I grew up in a community such as that gave me the opportunity to play a part in impacting kids in those areas is a huge benefit to me.”
Its partnership with Baton Rouge Recreation and Parks provides access to five public golf courses, office space and paid staff at no cost to First Tee. But BREC benefits too: First Tee provides valuable data that helps it gain and maintain accreditations.
The chapter’s comprehensive partnership portfolio includes the 100 Black Men, Empower 225, four YMCA locations, the Louisiana National Guard summer youth camp and the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition.
The power of sustainable partnerships
What sets these chapters apart isn’t just the number of partnerships they’ve formed but the intentionality behind them. They seek organizations with similar missions, build relationships that benefit all parties and commit to ongoing engagement.
Community partnerships don’t just expand reach but deepen impact, one young person at a time. The Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Community Award is presented in partnership with Golf Digest, which will make donations to support the efforts of all three winning chapters.
For First Tee – Sandhills alumnus Alex Nguyen, the path from learning life skills on the golf course to exploring career opportunities in cloud computing might seem unexpected, but it’s a testament to how First Tee’s foundation prepares young people for success.
Alex’s professional journey has taken him from serving as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army to pursuing an MBA, interning at Amazon and now navigating an exciting transition into the tech industry.
Through the First Tee Alumni Network, he recently attended AWS re:Invent, the world’s largest cloud computing conference, an experience that proved invaluable as he works toward his goal of becoming a program manager who bridges the gap between innovation and the operational frameworks needed to bring them to life.
Expanding what’s possible
Attending re:Invent, an opportunity made possible by First Tee Trustee AWS, helped Alex expand his horizons. “My time at re:Invent allowed me to explore roles and functions I previously knew little about or thought might be unobtainable,” he said.
Learning directly from AWS employees about their journeys in tech helped Alex refine his approach to his own career transition, particularly valuable as he pivots from military service to the private sector. Currently studying for his MBA at Duke University, Alex gained practical insights into how to communicate his value to potential employers, he said.
When asked to describe re:Invent in three words, Alex chose “insightful, exciting, immersive,” a fitting summary for a conference that brings together tens of thousands of technology professionals, innovators and industry leaders. But among the packed schedule of sessions and exhibits, some of Alex’s most memorable moments happened in familiar territory: on the golf course.
“Golf provides the perfect medium for having meaningful conversations and to dive deep into the experiences of AWS partners and fellow First Tee alumni,” Alex said. The golf outing and networking reception at TPC Las Vegas gave him the chance to connect with professionals in an environment where the life skills he learned at First Tee – like communication, confidence and building relationships – came into play.
“Connecting with First Tee alumni who are at various stages in their career and education was a blast,” he said, highlighting the lasting community that First Tee creates.
Enduring values and connections
Alex said First Tee lessons like integrity, perseverance, respect and judgment all carried into his military service and continue to guide him today. Now he’s following his dreams using strategies he learned at First Tee. “Whether it was planning for grad school or preparing for a career transition into tech, I use the framework taught to me by my First Tee coaches and mentors to break down a vision into sets of actionable goals,” he said.
For Alex, staying engaged with First Tee as an alumnus was a natural choice. “First Tee was a constant for me growing up,” he said. But beyond nostalgia, he’s found that the alumni community continues to offer real value, including connections to other young professionals who share similar values. Alex’s experience at re:Invent is just one example of how First Tee’s alumni program creates opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course.
You can play for a lifetime and never master golf. It’s what keeps many players coming back to the game: the search for the perfect drive, pitch, chip or putt.
While golfers of all age will attest that there’s always room for improvement, young players can benefit from starting small and learning the sport in ways that are appropriate for their age and stage of development, helping them build confidence and setting them up for success in the long run.
Featuring fun games, colorful landscapes and nontraditional equipment, this might mean a First Tee class will look different from a typical golf lesson, especially for younger players. But they’re designed to teach golf fundamentals, keep kids engaged and teach valuable life lessons that can be applied off the course.
“At First Tee, we believe that meaningful learning happens when instruction aligns with a child’s developmental stage,” said Kristin Westberg, senior director of training and evaluation. “The shift to age-based learning in our curriculum wasn’t just a structural update; it was a strategic decision rooted in research and our commitment to youth development.”
“By meeting kids where they are cognitively, socially and emotionally, we’re not only teaching golf more effectively, but we are also helping young people build confidence, character and resilience that lasts far beyond the course,” Westberg said.
Here’s how the stages of youth development inform our programs:
Age 7-9
As the parents of our youngest participants know, there may be moments in these classes where kids aren’t holding golf clubs but practicing more familiar skills that can eventually translate to the course. For example, rolling a ball can help teach kids about distance control on the green, while playing catch can help improve hand-eye coordination.
At this age, kids are learning how to be friends, manage emotions and follow directions. That’s why First Tee coaches aim to keep kids moving, offer positive encouragement and provide clear instructions.
Age 10-11
During this stage, kids are often improving their fine motor skills and learning to stay on task. It’s also when the concept of “personal best” typically starts to resonate. When working with this age group, First Tee coaches refrain from comparing participants to one another, but rather compare a participant’s past and present performances.
Through games and activities, kids are learning more complex golf concepts, like pre- and post-shot routine and club selection, but most participants are still focused on having fun and making friends.
Age 12-13
Most participants in this age group have chosen golf as their sport, and they’ll typically start picking up new golf skills more quickly. Because this group is advancing rapidly, parents may see skill disparities develop among players, but First Tee coaches are trained to make classes fun and engaging for all skill levels.
While players in this age group have typically made serious strides in terms of distance response, target awareness, body balance and other golf fundamentals, they’re often facing more social challenges. This age group tends to be more conscious about what others think of them, which is why First Tee coaches are trained to encourage participation in all activities and cultivate strong and supportive relationships.
Age 14+
Compared to younger players, teens are typically seeking guidance, suggestions and alternatives instead of detailed instruction, and this is reflected in First Tee’s class format. Coaches aim to create opportunities for teens to use real-life problem-solving skills, make their own decisions and support their peers.
Many First Tee Chapters offer junior coaching opportunities for teens to work with younger players, giving them a taste of responsibility and an appreciation for volunteerism. Many chapters also offer competitive playing opportunities, junior advisory boards and other ways to keep teens engaged with the program.
At First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, our mission comes to life through the people who show up for young people every day. In 2025, we are proud to recognize two individuals whose commitment, compassion, and leadership have made an extraordinary difference for our participants and our community.
Volunteer of the Year: Joe Wendels
For more than eight years, Joe Wendels has been a steady presence within First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, and his impact on youth in Fond du Lac is both deep and inspiring.
Since 2018, Joe has volunteered consistently at our programming sites at Whispering Springs and Rolling Meadows Golf Courses, never missing a Wednesday session. His deep knowledge of the golf swing, paired with an easygoing sense of humor and approachable nature, creates an environment where participants feel comfortable learning, asking questions, and growing. Joe is a favorite among participants and a trusted mentor both on and off the course.
Joe’s dedication goes well beyond weekly programming. He exemplifies grassroots support for our mission by helping raise funds through his Sandbaggers Golf League. Through both his time and personal generosity, Joe helps ensure more young people have access to the game of golf and the life skills that come with it.
Joe Wendels embodies the spirit of the George H.W. Bush Volunteer of the Year Award, quietly leading by example, showing up year after year, and giving freely of his time, talent, and heart. We are proud to recognize Joe as our Volunteer of the Year and to honor his unwavering commitment to the youth we serve.
Teacher of the Year: Stephanie Nass
Stephanie Nass, Physical Education Teacher at Wilson Elementary School in Mequon, exemplifies how intentional teaching and meaningful partnerships can create lasting impact for young people.
Stephanie is in her fifth year delivering the First Tee School Program and her fifth year coaching with First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin. In addition to implementing the program during the school day, she has been a dedicated coach in our summer programming at Lake Park Golf Course since 2020. There, she assists with on-course instruction, facilitates life skills discussions, and serves as a familiar, supportive presence for participants. Stephanie has also volunteered at outreach events and our Tee to Green Golf Classic Pro-Am, further strengthening her connection to our chapter.
Stephanie is known for her creativity and commitment to inclusion. In her PE classes, she ensures that every student, regardless of ability or background, feels welcomed and valued. She brings First Tee lessons to life by focusing on fun, movement, and foundational life skills. From transforming the gym into a practice range to incorporating prizes at the end of each unit, Stephanie makes learning exciting while always leaving space for reflection and discussion that connects lessons to students’ real lives.
Stephanie has also played a critical role in strengthening the relationship between our chapter and local schools. After taking a new position at Wilson Elementary during the 2024–25 school year, her advocacy helped onboard Wilson as a new First Tee School Program partner. Previously, she led a strong program at Christ King and regularly promoted our chapter’s opportunities to students and families. Her enthusiasm, reliability, and leadership have helped expand our reach and deepen our impact across multiple communities.
We are proud to recognize Stephanie Nass as our Teacher of the Year and grateful for the passion, care, and excellence she brings to everything she does.
