ARIZONA NEWS
The First Tee of Phoenix
– 2016 in Review The game of golf has the power to change lives for the better, and that’s exactly what The First Tee of Phoenix did in 2016. The past year has been a busy one for one of the largest First Tee chapters in the nation, as they saw tremendous growth in not only membership, but also in a sustainable infrastructure for learning. More than 1,000 new members joined The First Tee of Phoenix in 2016 thanks in part to the opening of two new programming locations at TPC Scottsdale and San Marcos Golf Club in Chandler. Programming membership at the prestigious
TPC Scottsdale — home of the Waste Management Phoenix Open — has grown to 125 members and continues to increase with each programming session. And between the new location at San Marcos Golf Club and its sister course, Lone Tree Golf Club, Chandler membership at The First Tee of Phoenix rose to more than 450 eager young minds. In addition to the rise in regular programming
membership, The First Tee of Phoenix bolstered its National School Board Program which teaches life skills through the game of golf during physical education classes during school hours. The program, which is recognized as one of the best in the country, now includes a whopping 115,000 Phoenix-area kids in 130 elementary schools throughout eight school districts. Through donations and financial support
from The Thunderbirds — hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open — The First Tee of Phoenix strengthened their scholarship program to provide $20,000 in scholarships in 2016 alone. The higher-education grants went to seven graduating seniors ready to take on the next step in learning. It will be hard to top 2016, but on the horizon
for The First Tee of Phoenix is a continued expansion of their regular programming locations from 15 to 17 which will provide education and life skills to an additional 2,300 Maricopa County kids. They’re certainly not finished growing their National School Board Program, and have a plan in place to add a new school district in the coming year to expand the reach to 125,000 elementary school children. And they also plan to partner with the City of Phoenix to conduct junior golf clinics four times per year beginning in February, 2017. n
To learn more about The First Tee of Phoenix or donate time, membership monies or old equipment, visit www.
TheFirstTeePhoenix.org.
www.azgolf.org GIRLS GOLF
Mika (right) and Annika Miyata share the LPGA- USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix spotlight with LPGA star Cheyenne Woods (left). Mika Miyata earned the LPGA- USGA’s Character Award.
Cheyenne Woods helps LPGA-USGA go from golf garb to red-carpet glamour
n BY CORI MATHESON T
he LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix celebrated a year of success with an “Oscars-style” awards party at Studio Movie
Grill in Scottsdale in late December. This was the second annual
Golden Tees awards ceremony that expanded in concept and class from the inaugural party in 2015. A parent volunteer committee of the Girls Golf of Phoenix all agreed that it was important to elevate the event and make it a priority during the busy holiday season. The members, aka the girls, are encouraged to get fancy while celebrating friendship and feeling like a celebrity. The Golden Tees party was a huge
success and hosted 110 “celebrities” from the Girls Golf of Phoenix family that included members (ages 3-17), as well as their families and supporters. Upon arrival at the event, guests walked the red carpet and were greeted by “paparazzi.” A major highlight of the night
included a visit from special guest Cheyenne Woods, the LPGA player/ champion who is the niece of Tiger Woods. Woods roamed the red carpet with a gold-glitter microphone, exuding style and grace. The tables were
turned as the girls were interviewed by Woods; they were the celebrities of the night and felt like royalty. Later in the evening, the girls honored Woods with a special Ambassador Award. Guests were then invited into the
theater, and with the help of Rick Matheson were presented an astounding big-screen production. The finale included a slideshow of 2016 photos. As the drums rolled, secret envelopes were opened and awards were presented for categories including the Empower Award, Rookie of the Year, Engage Award, Gratitude Award and many more. In all, 35 nominees were recognized
on stage with nine lucky winners taking home the new Girls Golf Golden Flamingo trophies (Oscar style, of course). Along with custom pink flamingo head covers from Daphne’s, it was a night to remember for all in attendance. After the event,
Woods sent a note to
LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix: “The Golden Tees were amazing and it’s so wonderful to see what you are doing for girls here in Phoenix! You are amazing!” Cheers to welcoming in a record-breaking 2017! For those who would like to join in on the fun while pursuing this great game of golf, go to
www.girlsgolfofphoenix.org. n
PREVIEW 2017 | AZ GOLF Insider | 33
COURTESY USGA-LPGA GIRLS GOLF
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