Participant Spotlight: Harrison May
Harrison filled his lifelong dream of playing at Pebble Beach in the Pure Insurance Championship long side PGA Senior Tour Will Wood. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that only 88 kids across the network attended this year. Over the course of the week, he had the opportunity to network with other participants and play The Hay a par 3 course newly designed by Tiger Woods, Spyglass Hill, and Pebble Beach. May represented Tyler well, he went -10 for the two rounds but missed the cut on Sunday.
May is the second participant with First Tee – Greater Tyler to receive the status of Ace. Only 1% of participants across the nation ever reach this level. May has coached for the last two summers and plans on returning for winter sessions and summer camps. May will continue his golfing career at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. We are excited to him grow over the next few years.
Woldert Grand Opening
Saturday, July 17 was a day of celebration for First Tee – Greater Tyler. After more than 18 months of planning, construction, delays, and finally completion, the Woldert Park facility was ready to welcome participants, parents, and the community to see all that First Tee has to offer to north Tyler. Current participants, parents, and coaches were on hand to welcome everyone to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Some of the kiddos attending the grand opening tried out games on the putting and chipping areas, while others enjoyed trying to make a good drive into the giant inflatable T-Rex’s mouth. Through the generous support of the Women’s Fund of Smith County, Rainwater Charitable Foundation, Creative Turf Solutions, L&L Asphalt, Moss Concrete, Campbell Custom Homes, Pratt Homes, Rager Fencing, and Earthworks Dirtworks the Woldert Park facility will give the youth of north Tyler an opportunity to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges by seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills. This summer we held two weeks of camp at our Woldert Park facility and this fall we have participants joining us for classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We look forward to welcoming more new faces and participants at our north Tyler location over the coming year!
2021 Skills Challenge
The Cascades of Tyler welcomed 92 players for the 2021 Skills Challenge benefiting First Tee — Greater Tyler on Monday, August 30th. Players were met with five challenge holes which tested the players’ flop shots, short games, accuracy, and bunker shots. At each challenge hole, First Tee participants demonstrated the skills needed to receive the optimum score. Participants included Starlynn Crisler (Junior Advisory Board President Ace Participant), Luke Wood (Junior Advisory Board Vice President and Eagle Participant), Kyambria Acy (Eagle Participant), and Katelyn Henslee (Eagle Participant).
First Place was won by the team of Trey Lawson and his teammates Christian Sarran, Brentan Shaw, and Prissy Maher with a score of 51. With a score of 52 and a 4-way tie, second place was decided with PGA tie-breaking rules. The team that came out on top was the JWS Homes consisting of Wayne Skelton, Hunter Skelton, Cory Carraway, and Dagon Abdon. With a score of 53, third place was awarded to the team of David Falls, Kelly Starr, Justin Lindley, and Tanner Starr.
Many thanks to all our sponsors!
Event Sponsor: Tyler Ford Shirt Sponsor: Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation Breakfast & Lunch Sponsor: Rudy’s BBQ Towel Sponsor: Fore Under Consulting Beverage Sponsor: Republic Services Leaderboard Sponsor: Susan Robinson Fine Jewelry
Driving Range Sponsor: Walter & Ashley Wilhelmi
Putting Green Sponsor: Landmark Title, Inc. Registration Sponsor: Southern Surgical Arts
First/Third Place Sponsor: Golf Tribute (hickory putters and umbrellas)
Second Place Sponsor: Muuk (scorecard holders)
Corporate and Friends of First Tee Sponsors: Muuk, Texas Bank & Trust, Earthworks Dirtworks, Hood Packaging Corporation, Ubank, Prothro, Wilhelmi & Co., National Wholesale, Campbell Custom Homes, American State Bank, Henry & Peters, Lonestar Truck Group, Gardners Overall Plumbing, IPM, Top Speed Delivery Service, Henry & Carol Jones, EMA, KSA, Pamela Davis – Health Care Coverage, Epic Lift Systems, Micro Logic Systems, Southside Bank, and X-Cel Properties.
Upcoming Events
10/30/2021 Club Championship at Oak Hurst
11/13/2021 Yard Sale at Oak Hurst 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
11/22/2021 Golf Marathon click the link to support your favorite participant, coach,` or friend.
Programs
Fall Sessions…
…are in full swing with Thursday and Saturday at full capacity. AMAZING!!
Participants learn the importance of the short game, what club works best for each situation, how their character helps them make good choices, and how to interact with other kids at camp. It is fun to watch these kids learn new things and have fun taking ownership of their skills and creativity. We will have winter classes starting November 13 & 20 and December 4 & 11, signs up will start October 11, 2021.
Impact
First Tee — Greater Tyler makes an impact on the community every day as we interact with the kids in our programs. Our work is not about improving your golf score, but about strengthening what your bring to everything you do, including golf. Character is what shines through when choices are made and attitudes are chosen, especially when you think no one is looking. First Tee — Greater Tyler builds experiences that build character. We believe in developing experiences that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next.
Building Game Changers takes a village. Help us today by making a donation that will make an impact in the lives of young people from all walks of life. Together we can make a difference!
