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(Dec. 17, 2025) – For Hayden, First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin is more than just learning how to golf. It’s a place where he’s grown in confidence, built meaningful friendships, and discovered a love for the game.

Hayden joined First Tee three years ago after his mom, Dana, found the program as a welcoming way for him to get outside, stay active, and learn a sport he could enjoy for the rest of his life. Since then, he’s enrolled year-round in every available session and has become a familiar face on the course.

What keeps Hayden coming back, Dana says, is the people.

“The coaches and staff are consistent,” she shared. “That’s helped him build real rapport, which isn’t always easy.”

One of those coaches is Coach Joey, who connected with Hayden from his very first session. After a stretch of being in different classes, Joey recognized Hayden at the Alternate Shot Challenge and greeted him with a big smile, a small moment that made a big impact. For Hayden, being remembered and encouraged helped build confidence and a sense of belonging.

That connection grew even stronger when Hayden and Joey discovered they share interests in technology and robotics, Hayden’s favorite subjects. Joey, a software engineer by profession, has helped Hayden feel supported not only as a golfer, but as a curious learner off the course as well.

“I feel like I play a lot better now,” Hayden said. “I’m really starting to hit it pretty well.”

That confidence has encouraged him to try new experiences, including events like the Alternate Shot Challenge and Drive, Chip & Putt, opportunities Dana says he likely wouldn’t have pursued without the encouragement and foundation from First Tee.

The program has also helped Hayden strengthen friendships. After he encouraged his close friend Javier to join, the two now play together at Noyes Park Golf Course. Golf has become their shared activity and something that gets them off screens, outdoors, and spending time with peers and supportive adults.

“Having that time with Javier to do something they both enjoy that’s not video games or something like that has been really important,” Dana said. “Building that tighter friendship through a sport has been great for both of them.”

Beyond golf, Hayden is taking what he’s learned into everyday life, as Dana has seen growth in his patience and focus. “He’s learned that taking your time to hit a good shot works better than rushing,” she explained. “That’s carried over to home and school.”

When asked what he enjoys most about First Tee, Hayden didn’t hesitate.

“I have a really good time,” he said.

At First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, young people are learning life lessons, finding mentors, building friendships, and gaining confidence that will shape their futures. Thank you for being part of the First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin community that make stories like Hayden’s possible.

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:

• Robert’s Story: from learning to leading
• Neighborhood House of Milwaukee
• Board Member Spotlight: Katie Falk
• Fellowship Youth Clinic
• Children’s Wisconsin
• Parent Q&A
• New Family Clinics

This Giving Tuesday, December 2, we’re inviting you to make a commitment that goes beyond a single gift. We’re asking you to join our Game Changers Circle and become part of something sustainable, something consistent, something that changes lives for the long term.

Our Goal: 18 for ’25

We’ve set an ambitious goal for Giving Tuesday: add 18 new members to our Game Changers Circle monthly giving club. Why 18? Because like a round of golf, every hole matters. Each monthly donor represents consistent support that helps us build character in the next generation of young people across Southeast Wisconsin.

Throughout December 2, we’ll be tracking our progress as we work to “complete the course.” You can follow along on our social media channels as we update our scorecard throughout the day, celebrating each new Game Changer who joins our mission.

Why Monthly Giving Matters

Monthly giving provides something invaluable to nonprofit organizations like ours: the ability to plan with confidence. When you commit to a monthly gift, you give us the reliable foundation that allows us to offer scholarships, expand programs, and focus on serving kids instead of constantly worrying about funding gaps.

Game Changers Circle gifts start at just $10 a month. That’s less than two cups of coffee, but the impact compounds throughout the year. Your consistent support means we can say yes to opportunities, invest in trained coaches, and ensure that every young person who wants to participate can access our life-changing programs.

What is the Game Changers Circle?

The Game Changers Circle is a group of visionaries who play a critical role in the growth of First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin with the next generation in mind. The Game Changers Circle fund provides a sustainable resource that gives our organization an opportunity to look past today and dream big for tomorrow.

Your support helps launch and grow exciting scholarship, access, and program opportunities, inspiring our young people today for a brighter future tomorrow.

As a Game Changers Circle member, you become part of a community of people who believe in the power of character education. You’ll receive:

• A special welcome gift
• Invitations to appreciation events
• Regular updates on the kids you’re impacting
• The knowledge that you’re making a lasting difference

It’s Easy to Join

Joining the Game Changers Circle is simple:

1. Choose your amount. Monthly gifts start at just $10. Select the level that works for your budget. Every amount makes a difference.
2. One-time sign-up. Set up your monthly gift in less than two minutes. It’s an automatic deduction from your credit card each month.
3. Make lasting impact. Your gift processes automatically, providing reliable support that helps us plan confidently and serve more kids.

And here’s the important part: you can pause, adjust, or cancel your monthly gift at any time. There are no questions asked and no penalties. We understand circumstances change.

Why This Matters

For more than 20 years, First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin has been passionate about providing opportunities that enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.

But we can only do this work with sustained support from people who believe in our mission. Monthly donors provide the foundation that allows us to focus on what matters most: teaching integrity, respect, confidence, responsibility, and perseverance to young people across our community.

Join Us on December 2

This Giving Tuesday, we’re not asking for the biggest gift. We’re asking for the most meaningful one. A commitment to show up month after month, to invest consistently in character development, to be part of a community that believes in the power of the next generation.

Will you be one of our eighteen Game Changers?

Not ready for monthly giving? You can still support our mission with a one-time gift on Giving Tuesday or any day of the year. Every contribution helps us serve more kids and build more character.

Follow along on December 2 as we track our progress throughout the day. We’ll be updating our scorecard on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X as we work to complete the course.

Let’s make this Giving Tuesday count. Together, we can build a foundation of support that changes lives for years to come.

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Questions about the Game Changers Circle or monthly giving? Contact David Cohn, Chief Executive Officer, at [email protected] or 414-443-3575.

We’re excited to launch our new Holiday Auction, running through Sunday, November 23 at 8 p.m. Find meaningful gifts while supporting our mission of building game changers.

What’s Up for Bid? Browse an amazing collection of golf experiences at Wisconsin’s premier courses, unique collectibles, and special items that make perfect holiday gifts. Whether you’re shopping for the golf enthusiast in your life or looking for something truly unique, our auction has something special waiting for you.

Easy Online Bidding Getting started is simple. Create your account, browse the items, and place your bids. You’ll receive notifications if you’re outbid, so you never miss a chance to secure that perfect item.

Every Bid Makes a Difference Your participation helps us continue our mission of building character in young people throughout Southeast Wisconsin. Through golf and life skills education, we’re creating opportunities for kids to develop the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of challenges.

Ready to Start Bidding? Don’t wait – some of our most popular items tend to generate early interest. Browse the full collection here and start bidding today!

Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

(Oct. 21, 2025) – Robert started with First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin when he was 11 years old, curious about golf and eager to try something new. What began as an introduction to the game quickly became an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

“We got Robert involved, and he liked it, and then he started to love it,” his mom, Paige, shared. “We started to see a difference with him and his attitude, how he was cooperating with people, and how he was just showing more responsibility.”

Now 16, Robert continues to grow through First Tee as both a participant and a junior coach. This past summer, he helped lead sessions in partnership with Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, working closely with younger participants and supporting them as they learned both golf skills and life skills.

As a junior coach, Robert has become a positive role model. He’s known for setting an example with patience, showing responsibility, and creating a fun, welcoming environment on the course. His experience has come full circle as he now shares the same lessons that once shaped him.

Paige has seen that growth extend beyond the course. “We started with low confidence, not a lot of initiative, and now Robert is super passionate about everything that he does and about helping others,” she said. “That’s what is most important for us.”

When asked what he values most about his time with First Tee, Robert didn’t hesitate. His answer was simple: community.

Robert’s story reflects the power of connection, mentorship, and the lasting impact that happens when young people are supported both on and off the course.

(Oct. 12, 2025) – The MPS Girls City Conference Championship was held last week at Noyes Park, bringing together teams from Riverside, Golda Meir, Rufus King, Vincent, Ronald Reagan, and South Division for a full day of competition and recognition.

This year’s championship adopted a formal 9-hole format to provide players with ample time for warm-up, on-course play, and participation in skills contests. The schedule included range time, putting and long drive competitions, and an awards ceremony to close the event.

Awards were presented for team and individual performances, including top overall finishers and hole-specific contests such as longest putt and closest to the pin.

Throughout the event, players demonstrated competitive focus, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm, reflecting the continued growth of girls golf within Milwaukee Public Schools.

Thank you to Milwaukee Public Schools and the City Conference for their partnership and commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for student-athletes across the district.

The iconic golf destination is being recognized for decades of commitment toyouth development

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2025) – Youth development organization First Tee today announced Pebble Beach Company as the recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious honor recognizes the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting First Tee’s mission of building future leaders through golf.

“On behalf of Pebble Beach Company, we are honored to receive First Tee’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Heidi Ueberroth, Co-Chair of Pebble Beach Company. “We have witnessed firsthand how First Tee transforms participants into confident leaders, and we are proud to play a role, including serving as the backdrop for these life-changing moments. This partnership embodies our dedication to youth development and demonstrates how the game of golf can open doors and create opportunities for the next generation.”

Pebble Beach Company has demonstrated dedication to youth development by consistently offering its exceptional venues to First Tee initiatives. More than a thousand First Tee participants have competed in the PURE Insurance Championship, a unique PGA TOUR Champions event hosted at Pebble Beach Golf Links since 2004 with Spyglass Hill Golf Course joining as co-host in 2021. Pebble Beach Company has also played a pivotal role in advancing First Tee’s mission by providing access to its incredible courses, venues and views in support of First Tee events over the years.

“Beyond its status as a world-class golf destination, Pebble Beach Company has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropy and community support, understanding that true greatness extends far beyond the boundaries of even the most famous golf course,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “For more than 20 years, First Tee has been a beneficiary of that commitment.”

Pebble Beach Company’s support of the PURE Insurance Championship has provided invaluable experiences for First Tee participants and alumni, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at an impressionable age to forge mentorships and build confidence.

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors Pebble Beach Company’s sustained commitment to helping First Tee grow and succeed over more than two decades.

(Sept. 23, 2025) – Recently, our team had the joy of visiting Children’s Wisconsin, where we spent an afternoon sharing not just golf, but moments of happiness, confidence, and connection with young patients and their families.

Kids practiced putting, tried their hand at chipping, and spent time coloring golf balls while adding their own creativity between swings. Smiles and encouragement filled the space as children explored something new, supported one another, and found pride in each accomplishment.

These visits remind us that golf is more than a game. It offers encouragement, teaches resilience, and creates space for confidence to grow in meaningful ways. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring a bit of light to those receiving care and to support families through positive, uplifting experiences.

We look forward to continuing our visits throughout the year, ensuring more children can experience moments like these.

This September, 80 First Tee participants from across the country will arrive at Pebble Beach for the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee. Among them is 16-year-old Henry Seufert from East Grand Rapids, Michigan, who will be following in the footsteps of his two older brothers.

Henry joined First Tee – West Michigan at 7 with his older brothers, Charlie and Jack. At 15 he became a First Tee junior coach like both of his brothers before him.

“I aspire to one day become a lead coach, like Charlie, and one day inspire other young golfers as Charlie influenced me,” Henry said.

Henry comes from a family of golfers, so his parents enrolled him in First Tee for the life skills and youth development aspects of the program. Throughout their time in the program, his brothers forged a reputation of exceptional dedication and leadership, and Henry’s coaches say he has diligently done the same.

In 2022, shortly after he played in the PURE Insurance Championship, Henry’s older brother Charlie received a heart transplant.

“After Charlie’s heart transplant, golf became his inspiration: His goal was to recover to play varsity golf two months later,” said Henry. “He achieved this goal, with the best season of his high school career. His story motivates me throughout life, especially on the golf course, proving to me that anybody can do anything.”

As Henry prepares for Pebble Beach, he carries with him the lessons learned from a decade in First Tee and the inspiration of his older brothers. Watching his brother’s recovery reinforced the lessons of perseverance and goal-setting that Henry has been learning as a First Tee participant.

Now, as Henry prepares for his own championship experience, he carries not just his family’s golfing tradition, but their commitment to First Tee’s mission. As a junior coach, he works with younger participants, sharing the same enthusiasm and dedication that his brothers once brought to their coaching roles.

The PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee represents more than just a prestigious golf tournament; it’s a celebration of the young people who embody First Tee’s values both on and off the course. For Henry, earning his spot among the 80 participants nationwide validates years of hard work and growth within the program, he said.

Participants at the championship will engage with PGA Tour Champions professionals and experience one of golf’s most iconic venues.

See more about the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee here and support the work of a First Tee Chapter near you.

Tune into the PURE Insurance Championship Sept. 19-21 on Golf Channel.

(Sep. 10, 2025) – Katie Falk has built a legacy in Wisconsin golf, both through her championship career and her dedication to developing youth through the game. From her early days as a determined 11-year-old competitor to her decades of dominance on the state and national stage, Falk’s journey reflects not just a passion for the game, but a belief in its power to teach, empower, and bring people together. Her involvement with First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin spans 25 years, marked by leadership, service, and a lifelong investment in youth development. Now in her 8th year as a board member and serving as an active volunteer, Katie remains committed to building a stronger game and brighter future for the youth we serve.

From First Swings to the Hall of Fame

Falk first picked up a club in Fond du Lac, where her father introduced her to the game. By 11, she was playing in tournaments, often traveling to compete across Wisconsin. “I remember how excited I was just to play,” she recalls. “There weren’t many opportunities for girls, so I played wherever I could.” Falk had to carve her own path and became one of the first girls in Wisconsin to qualify for her high school’s boys’ team, holding her own in competition and proving that talent transcends gender barriers.

Over the years, Falk built one of the most decorated amateur golf careers in Wisconsin history. She won 21 state titles, including multiple WWSGA Match Play championships and the 1973 Women’s Western Amateur, where she defeated future LPGA legend Nancy Lopez. She competed in more than 250 state tournaments and played in over two dozen USGA championships, including the U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur. Ranked as high as 10th nationally, Falk’s precision, short game mastery, and competitive fire carried her across seven decades of play, earning her induction into the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame.

Lessons Beyond the Scorecard

Despite her many achievements, Falk is quick to emphasize the basics when she teaches juniors at First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin programming. She stresses the importance of short game, etiquette, and patience. “It’s not always about hitting it the farthest,” she says. “Golf teaches you honesty, resilience, and how to recover when things don’t go your way.”

Off the course, Falk has been a realtor since 1974, serving as a partner at Falk Ruvin Gallagher, and has lent her expertise to several boards, but golf has remained a constant source of purpose — as a competitor, mentor, and volunteer. She credits the game with shaping her discipline and determination, qualities she strives to pass on to others.

Giving Back with First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin

Falk’s passion for golf extends far beyond her own game, inspiring and mentoring the next generation through her work with First Tee. She has served as a dedicated board member while also volunteering at First Tee’s Lake Park programming and at Noyes Park during Neighborhood House of Milwaukee sessions. At Lake Park, she supports Program Director Tom Gerke by working one-on-one with participants, encouraging them to enjoy the game and stay engaged. Her approach is rooted in simplicity and fun — ensuring that kids not only learn golf skills, but also develop a genuine love for the game.

“I’m really more of a listener than a teacher,” she says. “Tom is such a wonderful coach — he keeps things simple. I’ll step in with a few things here and there, but mostly I just try to let them be and have fun. Because if they’re having fun, they’ll keep playing.”

Her words reflect not just a coaching philosophy, but a genuine care for creating positive, lasting experiences for young golfers.

With Neighborhood House of Milwaukee, Falk helps to bring the game to children who might otherwise not have the chance to play. “It’s about more than golf,” she explains. “It’s about giving kids a place to grow, learn values, and feel supported.”

Lasting Impact

Katie Falk’s story is one of persistence, passion, and generosity. Her mark is found not only on leaderboards, but in the lives of countless young players who see in her a model of what’s possible when talent meets determination.

As she continues to compete, mentor, and give back, one thing is certain: Katie Falk’s impact on Wisconsin golf will continue to be felt for generations.

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Inspired by Katie’s story? Join us as a mentor and help young golfers grow on and off the course. Learn more about how you can get involved.

By Kristin Westberg – Senior Director, Training & Evaluation

At First Tee, we believe every child deserves a safe, welcoming and empowering space to grow — both on and off the golf course. That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on class management. But what does that mean for your child? 

It means we’re committed to creating an environment where your child feels seen, supported and inspired — not just to learn golf, but to build confidence, character and life skills. 

Building relationships first 

Our coaches start by getting to know each participant. Greeting kids by name, asking about their day and showing genuine interest helps your child feel like they belong. When children feel respected and valued, they’re more likely to engage positively and feel confident in their surroundings. 

Clear expectations = safe kids 

We work with participants to set clear, age-appropriate expectations that keep everyone safe and focused. For example: 

• “Stop, look and listen on the coach’s signal.” 

• “Stay in the safety zone when not hitting.” 

• “Only swing in the hitting area.” 

By involving kids in creating these expectations, they understand not just the rules, but the reasons behind them. This helps them take ownership of their behavior and feel more invested in the group’s success. 

Keeping kids engaged and active 

We know that kids learn best when they’re active and having fun. That’s why our sessions are designed to keep everyone moving, learning and participating. We use stations, group rotations and fun visuals to keep things fresh and safe. Even when it’s not their turn, kids are encouraged to help a partner or review what they’ve learned. 

And safety isn’t just physical — it’s emotional too. Our coaches use positive reinforcement and fair, consistent responses to behavior, helping every child feel secure and supported. 

Consistency builds confidence 

Simple cues like a whistle or a phrase (“1, 2, 3, all eyes on me”) help coaches get kids’ attention quickly and respectfully. Using the same cues across all classes helps your child know what to expect, which builds confidence and comfort. 

Our coaches are trained to support your child 

At First Tee, our coaches are more than instructors — they’re mentors. Each coach receives training in youth development, class management and safety practices. We also partner with trusted organizations like the Positive Coaching Alliance to ensure our team is equipped with the latest tools and strategies to support your child’s growth — on and off the course. Through ongoing learning and development, our coaches are prepared to create a positive, inclusive and empowering experience for every participant. 

Together, we’re creating a space where your child can feel safe, supported and ready to grow — not just as a golfer, but as a person. Because when we manage our classes with care, we make room for character to shine. 

Find a First Tee Chapter near you!