Top 5 First Tee Chapter Activities Amidst COVID-19
Like the rest of the world, we’re adjusting to our “new normal” and how we keep our participants engaged during this time of social distancing. Our chapters have stepped up to the challenge to provide fun and exciting digital activities to keep kids moving and empowered to take on whatever challenges come their way.
We invite you and your family to join us in these character-building activities that can be done wherever you are! You can find these posts and many more on our First Tee social channels. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for more information.
First Tee of Greater Philadelphia
First Tee of Greater Philadelphia is offering virtual classes taught by their experienced coaches.
First Tee of Greater Charlotte
First Tee of Greater Charlotte is offering daily programming that includes special guests ranging from professional golfers to participants.
First Tee of the Triangle
First Tee of the Triangle is featuring activities and ideas – like healthy habits – that incorporate the entire family!
First Tee of Cleveland
First Tee of Cleveland has added cooking classes to their social media, including Coach Brian and his special guest Rylee who participate in the “Fit to a Tee Culinary Class” together.
First Tee of Greater Knoxville
First Tee of Greater Knoxville is promoting the opportunity for participants in the area to rent out equipment for free so that they can practice at home.
These times can be challenging, but know that we are all in this together and we will continue to serve as a resource to help your kids stay active, healthy and resilient.
Thank you to all our participants that applied for national opportunities. From The First Tee of Tennessee, the following participants were selected for 2018 The First Tee national opportunities:
The First Tee Scholars Program: Meryl Castle
John Deere Drive Your Future Academy: Gabrielle Edmonds-Andrews, front row, far right.
College Golf Prep Academy: Meryl Castle
Joe Louis Barrow, Jr Life Skills and Leadership Academy: Kate Castle
PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee: Justin Reed
Congratulations to all participants selected for these events.
Robert Polk Draper, Jr., age 84, of Greenbrier, passed away Monday, September 4, 2017 at his home. Mr. Draper was born June 20, 1933 in Nashville to the late Robert and Elizabeth Williams Draper, Sr. He was a chemist and was of the Christian Faith.
A memorial donation from William “Bill” Cole was made in his honor.
November 13, 2017. Senior Meryl Castle, signs with Milligan College. Meryl has been with The First Tee of Middle Tennessee since 2014. In that time, she has progressed through all levels and is currently in the Ace Level. In the same manner that she has progressed through the life skills curriculum, Meryl’s golf game has progressed. Her final season had Meryl playing the number one spot for Wilson Central High School. This year was her best season on the Sneds Tour, with a win (Sneds Tour Open at Mongomery Bell shooting 77-74), three second place finishes, and only one finish out of the top ten. Her outstanding year was marred by a severe bout of mono, which prevented her from playing high school post season. With a 4.4 hdcp, a strong tournament resume and a strong academic resume, Meryl was being recruited by several colleges.
Meryl says she not only learned to love golf Through The First Tee, but also the importance of volunteering and giving back. She began several years ago as a volunteer coach with the chapter. Much of what she did revolved around golf, but volunteering and giving back had also become a big part of who she had become. She began to volunteer more outside of golf. The more she volunteered, the more she realized there is such a great need in our communities. Today, she still volunteers on a regular basis on and off the golf course and she plays golf absolutely every single opportunity she gets! Recently, her golf and volunteering came together in the form of an unexpected award. Country music star Vince Gill is a huge supporter of junior golf. He has a reputation as a tremendous supportor of charities and community involvement. Each year, a Sneds Tour golfer that embodies a giving spirit and commitment to community is awarded the annual “Vince Gill Volunteer of the Year Award.” Meryl was the 2017 recipient of this award.
“I am beyond excited, feeling blessed and grateful. I know I did not get here on my own and I thank God for putting the many people in my life that have helped me, supported me, and provided me with opportunities…especially The First Tee program, along with the Tennessee Golf Foundation, the Sneds Tour and the Paul Warren Foundation as well as my coaches, my family and the many amazing and supportive friends I have met through golf. Without The First Tee there is no way I would be doing this today and for that I am forever grateful.” This past season Milligan College golf finished 14th nationwide in their division. They are ranked number 9 nationally in average team score and ranked in the top 15 in five other statistical categories. The Milligan Buffalos recently won the Appalachian Athletic Conference Fall Championship by 10 strokes as well as winning the Birmingham Southern Shootout by 9 strokes. Meryl chose Milligan College not only because of the very strong and competitive golf program, but also the impressive Nursing program and their commitment to balancing both athletics and academics. Meryl plans to pursue a degree in nursing possibly followed by a Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. She says she is feeling so blessed to have this amazing opportunity in front of her!
Front, L-R: Matt Meservy, Meryl Castle, Al Ashford. Back: Josh McDade, Thelma Ewell
We know that she will achieve her goal. She is one of the hardest workers, in all aspects of her life. We know that determinations, setting goals and working hard will lead to her success both on and off the golf course.
Congratulations Meryl!
The 2023 Road to Success Dinner was held on July 27, 2023. This dinner highlights scholarship awards for Ace Certified participants attending college/university. Additionally, the night functions as the Ace Reunion and allows the new participants to meet all those that came before them. Current eligibility requirements are that a participant must have been enrolled in programs at The First Tee Tennessee and completed all of the Life Skills education, which culminates with Ace Certification. In supporting our students with these scholarships, we know we are a significant part of the Road to Success and follow them through all four years of college/university. Many Thanks to all our supporters for the scholarship program.
The 2016 high school season is coming to an end. Congratulations to those that made it to the TSSAA High School Golf Championship: Maddie Buckley, Lincoln Haymaker, Christina Vetvong, Brooklyn Harper-Spicer and Zoe Robinson.
We are also proud of all our participants that played at Districts and Regionals. We have numerous players at various high schools in Middle Tennessee and followed them through their competition.
Thank you all for representing our chapter so wonderfully!
These times can be challenging, but know that we are all in this together and we will continue to serve as a resource to help your kids stay active, healthy and resilient. 
