ARIZONA NEWS
JUNIOR GOLF
First Tee awards $30K in scholarships
T
he First Tee of Phoenix does more than teach the game of golf to youngsters. It uses the game to instill
life lessons, build character and prepare future generations to combat adversity and help their communities. And after members of The First Tee of Phoenix complete the program, many are rewarded for their hard work and dedication with college scholarships and grants. This year, The First Tee of Phoenix awarded more than $30,000 to deserving students and their families. One of The First Tee of
Phoenix’s standout stars and scholarship recipients, Kaitlynn Criswell, had a big year. She was one of 81 First Tee members nationwide invited to play in the PURE Insurance Open — a PGA TOUR Champions event — and won the Greg Hoyt Jr. Award for outstanding
member of the year as well as a $10,000 scholarship from the Michael W. Louis Foundation. Patrick Fernandez — who won the Nature Valley First Tee Open alongside his playing partner, Michael Allen, last year — also got a big boost towards tuition and was awarded the Josh Harden Memorial Scholarship of $10,000. Additionally, Waste
Management donated $2,500 to The First Tee of Phoenix to
support 25 families in need of scholarship assistance in the coming year; the Papago Men’s Golf Association donated $500 to The First Tee of Phoenix’s scholarship fund; and Powercrunch
Fundraising success key to AWGA’s initiatives
Thanks to the fantastic support for our annual giving campaign in December, the Arizona Women’s Golf Association will be able to continue to fund two of the AGA’s critical nonprofit initiatives — Build a TEAM and Golf 101. The Build a TEAM program
was created to assist high schools throughout Arizona to develop girls golf teams. Every year, the program connects 8-12 teams and coaches with the necessary equipment and instruction needed to compete and be successful. Many of the schools serve primarily low-income families,
and girls in these schools wouldn’t be able to participate without it. Of the funds provided, 70 percent is used for golf instruction from PGA and LPGA professionals. The AWGA hosts classes for
the student-athletes on the rules of golf, etiquette and pace of play, as well as encouraging respect and appreciation for the traditions and integrity of the game. To sustain teams long term,
the AWGA pairs them with local
women’s golf leagues that support and mentor the girls. The Build a TEAM program gives girls valuable tools to improve opportunities
34 | AZ GOLF Insider | PREVIEW 2018
for long-term success in life. Another important player
development program supported through the AWGA annual giving
Kaitlyn Criswell, shown here with First Tee of Phoenix executive director Kevin Terry, got a scholarship check for earning the Greg Hoyt Jr. Award as the organization’s member of the year.
also donated $1,000 to support 10 yearlong scholarship opportunities. Other scholarship and grant
recipients were Kendall Garr, who won the Legacy Golf Club Scholarship; Dylan Middlemiss, who was awarded the Vernie & Flora Lindstrom Scholarship; and Mark Levin, who won the Eddie “Watch This Swing” Haft award. For those interested in joining The
First Tee of Phoenix, the program has an annual fee of $100 that covers all instruction and access to the facility where you plan on attending classes. The year is divided into four sessions, which will implement the First Tee Life Skills Experience that is part of a nationally recognized character development curriculum. Membership scholarships are available, and are awarded by a case-by-case method based on individual need. The First Tee of Phoenix also accepts membership and equipment donations. n
For other information, visit
TheFirstTeeofPhoenix.org.
The AWGA’s Build a Team program assists girls high school golfers through instruction and coaching.
campaign is Golf 101. This program is designed to provide a welcoming connection for new and returning women golfers, removing one of the primary barriers to women staying in the game. During six sessions of instruction, these golfers learn from LPGA and PGA professionals how to feel comfortable playing and navigating a golf course. Making this program uniquely successful are on-site AWGA Ambassadors, who are instrumental in guiding students along the path toward league membership. The AWGA is proud to continue
these vital programs, which encourage women of all ages to adopt golf as a lifetime activity. To all AWGA members and supporters whose generous gifts make these efforts possible, we would like to say: Thank you! n
www.azgolf.org
THE FIRST TEE OF PHOENIX
AWGA
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