 Landon Teters of The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas
Story submitted by Terri Teters
My 11-year old son, Landon Teters, attended The First Tee Golf Camp at Stonebridge in Fayetteville, Arkansas this summer. He had his first hole-in-one on August 4, 2010. He was golfing with his older brother, Shawn. Landon made his hole-in-one on the par-3, 73 yard 8th hole at the Links in Springdale. He was hitting from the red tees using a 7-iron. His brother tried to tell him he should use his hybrid but Landon insisted that he use his 7-iron on a par 3. As it turns out, he was right! The shot cleared the water guarding the green, landed about 3-feet from the hole and rolled right into the cup.
 Max Lerner of The First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties
Story submitted by Bryan Haltigan
On April 3, 2010 Max Lerner, a 14 year old Birdie participant of The First Tee of Monmouth & Ocean Counties, made his first ever Hole-In-One at the Colonial Terrace Golf Course in Ocean, NJ. There was no rust on these bones as Max accomplished his ace in his first round of the year on the Par 3 -125 yard 8th Hole using a 9-iron. For his achievement, Max will receive a Hole-In-One certificate from The First Tee. Great start to the season Max and we look forward to hearing about your next Hole-In-One!
 Noah Nuez of The First Tee of Phoenix
Story submitted by Laarni Fernandez
Noah Nuez who is now six has been participating in "Tiny Tees" with The First Tee of Phoenix since he was three years old .Although he can't officially join until this May 2010, he has been honing his skill since he was 19 months old. Noah won his first tournament at age four against a field of seven and eight year olds in a JGAA/BGC event. Noah came in ninth in a field of 52 at last years 2009 Callaway Junior World and third at U.S. Kids 2009 Desert Shootout. Noah has won many events, over 25 of them, with the JGAA/BGC and other local city tournaments. Although always being the youngest and the smallest he knows his short game is his greatest equalizer. Noah knows that everyone of the tournaments he has played in, he has given the field seven to nine strokes before he even leaves the first tee box because his always 60 to 100 yards behind everyone else. He always says "it's okay I'll catch them around the green". His tenacity in golf is only matched by his will to never be taken off the principals list, which he has sucessfully done for three quarters by maintaining a 3.95 gpa with one more quarter left. On Friday March 19, 2010 Noah took his 9-iron on hole five playing at 89 yards and landed it on the fringe and rolled with a left to right break until it disappeared into the hole for his fourth hole in one.
 Keith Hopkins of The First Tee of Brunswick County
Story submitted by Kaitlyn Johnston
On Saturday, November 14, 2009, Keith Hopkins-an Eagle Certified Participant-scored his first career hole-in-one during his Eagle Certified class. Hopkins is a junior at West Brunswick High School in Shallotte, NC and a member of the WBHS golf team. He has been a member of The First Tee of Brunswick County since 2006.
 Alex Prasad of The First Tee of Williams Creek
Story submitted by Mark Dunn
On Saturday July 25, 2009 Alex Prasad, one of our participants at The First Tee of Williams Creek, made a hole in one while playing with his twin brother Nick, Dad Mohan, and Melvin Walker, one of our board members. The Wee Course at Williams Creek is a demanding Par 3 course designed by Tom Fazio and Alex used a pitching wedge at the 86 yard hole 12 to find the bottom of the cup. Alex and his brother are both currently in a Birdie class. Alex has a strong work ethic both on the golf course and in school and has been a great ambassador for The First Tee of Williams Creek representing us in several tournaments and events. Great job Alex!
 Mercedes-Benz Khumnark of The First Tee of Southern Nevada
Story submitted by Mercedes-Benz Khumnark
It was a late afternoon on July 16, 2009. My mom and I were playing the Mountain Course at Angel Park Golf Course in LasVegas. I had a hole-in-one on the 11th hole. I hit a 9 iron 85 yards and it rolled into the hole. This is my first hole-in-one. What a exciting moment and happy day for me. My name is Mercedes-Benz Khumnark and I am 11 years old. I am a Birdie Level particiant at The First Tee of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas. Thank you to all the staff The First Tee of Southern Nevada and Coach Jim, Coach Bob, Coach Sam, Coach Stacey, Coach Greg Labelle, and Mr. Joe Kelly. A special thank you to my mommy who is everything to me- my coach, caddy, and mom.
 Connor Carlton of The First Tee of Tampa Bay
Story submitted by Regina Carlton
On June 23, 2008 the day after his 14th Birthday, Connor was volunteering that day for the Camp program. After volunteering Connor and his friend wanted to play around of golf and that’s when it happened, he was playing on Bloomingdale Golfers Club in Valrico, Florida when he hit a hole-in-one on the 3rd hole with a 7 wood, 183 yards, on a par 3. His friends could not believe what they were seeing. Since then Connor has become a staff person with The First Tee Program in Tampa and plays for King High School which won their District 11 Championship. Connor has been playing for The First Tee Program since he was 5 years old, he has also started working with children at the Shriners Hospital also in Tampa using SNAG. golf equipment to help introduce the game of golf to other children. He is a wonderful person and an outstanding young man that will truly make a difference in a life of a children through the gifts that he has been given, through this program and the people that have worked with him through the years.
 Alex Torres of The First Tee of Cleveland
Story submitted by Scott Galayde
On Friday May 22, 2009 I had one of my The First Tee kids record his first Hole-In-One. The young man’s name is Alex Torres. The hole was #3 on the Leonard Krieger Golf Course located at Washington Golf Learning Center in Newburgh Heights, Ohio. The hole measures 129 yards from the Black Tees he was playing from. He received some unlikely encouragement from a dog in a nearby backyard that barked right as he was making impact. Just like at a tour event, it sounded to me like the dog was yelling “GET IN THE HOLE!!!” as the ball traveled towards the green.
 Justin Martin of The First Tee of Myrtle Beach
Story submitted by Julie Ann Martin
Justin Martin, age 10, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina hit his first hole in one on April 25, 2009. Justin was playing the Blue Course at Cane Patch in Myrtle Bach with his dad, Patrick Martin, and his grandfather, Jim Shaffer of Fairmont, WV. Justin used a pitching wedge on the 72 yard hole 2 and hit it just to the right of the hole and it slowly made its way down and into the hole. Justin had quite a stunned look on his face before celebrating. Justin is in the Birdie program of The First Tee of Myrtle Beach, a straight A student in the 4th grade at Ocean Bay Elementary School, and a huge WVU Mountaineer fan!
 Steven Wallace of The First Tee of Coachella Valley
Story submitted by Coach Chris Keener
I was lucky enough to be walking with Steven’s group on that Monday, March 23, 2009. Although the second hole at the golf center at Palm Desert plays just 85 yards, it is far from routine. That particular day the pin was tucked in its most difficult location. When the pin is tucked on the far right side of the green there is only about ten yards to land the ball safely. Water short and sand trap long. A true “risk reward” pin location. Bravery has never been one of Steven Wallace’s problems. He is always up for a challenge. Steven aimed his sand wedge right at the flagstick and pulled the trigger. The ball was struck true and it never left its target. It carried just a few feet over the water hazard, took two hops and rolled right in the hole for his first ever hole in one. Steven will be 14 years old in June and is a Birdie level participant at The First Tee of Coachella Valley. He is an outstanding young man and a great role model for all participants in the program. Congratulations Steven, you deserve it!
 The First Tee of Coachella Valley
Story submitted by Coach Brian Eilders, PGA
Mark Shyba, age 15, is a member of our Par class with The First Tee of Coachella Valley. Starting in PLAYer during the fall of 2008 Mark soon advanced to Par level and has never looked back. Having very little exposure to golf prior to joining The First Tee, Mark quickly fell in love with the game as well as the program. A joy to have in class, Mark began to come after school almost every day to play as many holes as he could get in before his parents would pick him up. His respect for the staff, the facility, as well as the game (and its difficulties) grew with every visit. Recently Mark's perseverance was rewarded during his weekly Saturday class in my presence. On Saturday, April 11, Mark was playing in a two person team match play scramble, when on their final hole of the day (hole #6, 105 yards) and with his team one down, Mark struck a perfectly aimed 7 iron that landed on the apron, took two hops and rolled into the cup. There could not be a more deserving participant than Mark, and the entire staff would like to recognize and congratulate his accomplishment. Congratulations Mark, from The First Tee of the Coachella Valley staff! We look forward to your continuing participation and growth with our Chapter.
 Grant Johnson of The First Tee of Williams Creek
Story submitted by Christina Johnson
Grant Johnson first had his hands on a plastic golf club at the age of 2, swinging it throughout the house saying he was Tiger Woods. He started learning to play golf when he was 4 years old. Grant is a part of The First Tee at Williams Creek in Knoxville, TN. His current achievements are making a hole-in-one on the 9th hole at The First Tee at Williams Creek from 69 yards with a 6 iron on February 21 and April 4 becoming Par certified with The First Tee. Grant’s birthday was Feb 5th, which he turned 9, so February was a great month for him. Grant currently is a member of Fairways and Greens in Knoxville, TN where he practices during the week and on the weekends he plays the golf course at Williams Creek. Grant will start tournament play in June and July for both the TGA and US Kids Golf. In addition, Grant has a strength coach, James Ward, that helps him with drills to make him a stronger player. Thanks to those that help Grant be a better golfer, Byron Williams and the staff at Fairways & Greens, Scott Masters, Mark Dunn, Melvin Walker, and the staff at Williams Creek. Grant is a good student, and is excited about becoming a better golf player. His dream is to be a Pro golf player and a video game designer. In August, Grant is excited about heading to St. Augustine, FL to see the Golf Hall of Fame and play the golf course at Sawgrass. His dream is to meet Tiger Woods and President Obama one day.
 Bruce Maddux of The First Tee St. Petersburg
Story submitted by Lisa Maddux
Bruce Maddux has been a member of The First Tee St. Petersburg since he was 5 years old. He is a competitive player. He had two birdies in 2008. On March 11, 2009, he was on the golf camp with his coach Rick Waltman and his two sisters Beverly and Bonnie. He reached the 84-yard fourth hole mid of the afternoon. There is a lake in front of the green. Bruce pulled out his 7-iron, hit it square and knocked it in the hole. Bruce is 7 years old, a second grader. Bruce would like to play pro golf when he grows up, just like Tiger Woods. Bruce is also a diligent student. He has been on Principal’s List or Honor Roll for his first two years of school. Way to go, Brucie!
 Nicky Conoway of The First Tee of Coachella Valley
Submitted by Chris Keener
Nicky Conoway has been participating at The First Tee Coachella Valley for over a year now. At age 9, he has already become quite an accomplished player. Nicky can be found quite frequently playing the 9 hole course at The First Tee’s facility in Palm Desert. On November 22, 2008, Nicky and his Dad had the very first tee time out on that crisp Saturday morning. The first hole plays 86 yards and on Nicky’s very first swing of the day, he flushed a 5 iron to the middle of the green and the ball rolled right in the cup. It was Nicky’s first hole in one. His Dad was sure proud to have been able to share that moment with his son. Nicky recently became the chapter’s very first Birdie certified participant. He is a very sharp young man with a bright future in the game of golf. Congratulations Nicky.
 Richard Blayney of The First Tee of Naples/Collier
Story submitted by Cindy Darland
Richard Blayney had a hole in one on the 8th hole at Golf Club of the Everglades on Wednesday, Nov. 12. He hit a 8 iron 95 yards and it rolled into the hole. Richard is the first to have a hole in one in the history of elementary golf for The First Tee. What a exciting day!
 David Shirley of The First Tee of Meridian
Story submitted by Gloria Willis
David Shirley of The First Tee of Meridian made a hole in one at the Ponta Creek Golf Course on hole 14 on August 17, 2008.
 Rima Antous of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York
Story submitted by Meredith Schechter
Rima Antous of The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, got her first hole-in-one on August 7, 2008, while competing in a Metropolitan PGA Junior Tour event at Burning Tree Country Club, in Greenwich, CT! The 162 yard par 3 hole #12, seemed to be an easy feet for 14 year old Antous. Rima not only participated on the Met PGA Junior Tour this summer, but was also a member of the Chelsea Piers The First Tee Interclub Team. As a par certified student of the program, she looks forward to continuing with birdie level, and becoming a mentor to students during par and target level classes. The First Tee of Metropolitan New York, and their partner, the Metropolitan PGA, would like to congratulate Rima on her dedication to her game and our program.
Cade Brown of The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas
Story submitted by Mr. and Mrs. Brown
Cade Brown 12, of Springdale, Arkansas made a hole-in-one with a 6-iron from 140 yards on No 7 Willow at Ben Geren Golf Course, Ft. Smith, AR. Witnesses were Garrett Ford and Thad Brown. Cade is an Ace level with The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas.
Gabriel Cruz of The First Tee of South Los Angeles
Story submitted by Paul Cruz
Ten year old Gabriel Cruz had his first hole in one at Maggie Hathaway Golf Course. It was the 9th hole which is 115 yards up hill on June 6, 2008 he used his 9 iron. He was playing with Aaron Robinson and Mr. Johnny Love, the starter Carl observed the shot while standing near the 9th green. On July 11, 2007 one year earlier Gabriel witnessed his dad’s first hole on the 4th hole at Maggie Hathaway Golf Course. Gabriel has been a participant in The First Tee of South Los Angeles for 3 years he is par certified and working on birdie, he is AB Honor Roll and trains at Westchester Golf Course our affiliate site.
Mateo Raptis of The First Tee of Tucson
Story Submitted by Joan Liess
Mateo “Ace” Raptis scored the first ace on The First Tee of Tucson “Short Course” Wednesday morning, July 30. Raptis is nine years old and attends Sts. Peter & Paul elementary school. Measuring 163 yards, the third hole represents a special challenge as it is guarded by trees on the left and a grass bunker on the right. Raptis, now known as “Ace” in light of his accomplishment, was using a fairway wood and participating in his classes with The First Tee of Tucson. The feat was witnessed by David Noble, director of golf for The First Tee of Tucson and fellow golfers.
Nick Kindler of The First Tee of Greater Kansas City
Story submitted by Kyle Kindler
Nick Kindler knows how to make a good first impression on the golf course: sink a hole in one. 7-year-old second-grader-to-be made his first hole on June 3, 2008. "Most players go their whole life without a hole in one, and for a 7-year-old to have one, witnessed by his father, on his first swing of the day is just remarkable," said Sandy Queen, manager of golf course operations at Overland Park Golf Club. Kyle Kindler said his son, Nick, has had a club in his hand since he was 2 years old. He started taking lessons last year.
 Casey Morton of The First Tee of the Tri-Cities
Story submitted by John Morton
Casey Morton, age 11, of the frist tee of Tri-Cities had a hole in one on July 18, 2008 while playing with his dad and aunt at Warrior`s Path. He aced hole number 14 which was 173 yards long using a driver!
Megan Conder ofThe First Tee of Contra Costa
Story submitted by Jolene Conder
Megan Conder, 12 is from the Contra Costa Chapter in California. She is an Eagle Participant and a weekly volunteer Mentor to many pre-pars in her Chapter. She is an accomplished golfer with the Junior Golf Association of Northern California and recently carded her first hole-in-one. The seventh grade honor student found the cup with her eight iron on the 16th hole at Rancho Canada Golf Course in Carmel. Megan was playing a practice round with her Dad, Mom, and sister Lauren. Megan said, "I hit a fade and had a strange feeling as the ball landed on the green. It seemed to take forever to get to the hole. It trickled down the line and then slowly rolled into the hole. My whole family watched in amazement. I was having an o.k. round, but seemed to persevere throughout. Having it happen on 16, made the entire round sensational." Megan celebrated with a great dinner with her family after the round.
Brandan Pita of The First Tee Central Coast
Story submitted by Brandan Pita
On March 2, 2008, we decided to play golf on our way down to San Diego. Our first stop was at Zaca Creek, short par 3, for a warm up round. Then we headed out to Twin Lakes, where I made my hole in one. Hole number 4, par 3, 154 yards, and I used 6 iron. Witnesses: Mark Syne, Cassie Somtag, and Mom. Both of us were jumping up and down with joy.
 Kelsey Berg of The First Tee of Seattle
Story submitted by Kelsey Berg
It was my first tournament playing in the Washington Junior Golf Association. I was paired up with some pretty sweet people. We were out just having a good time when I shot an eight on the second hole par 5 of Lake Spanaway Golf Course in Tacoma, WA. I was so mad and went to tee off the third hole par 3. I pulled out the nine iron and was mad already, so I hit the ball. It was headed right for the sandtrap on the left side so I turned around to put my club in my bag when two of my playing partners, Alex Ellis and Stacey Blunt say ,"Turn around! It's going for the hole!" Just as I turn around my ball hits the pin and goes in. I was speechless. It had obviously played perfectly off the hill of the trap! I was oblivious, but one of the greens keepers had seen it too and by the end of the tournament everyone knew who I was and I was referred to as "ACE" for the other three tournaments. It was the best day of my life!
 Jessica Rogina of The First Tee of Houston/Redstone
Story submitted by Robert Rogina
My daughter Jessica had a hole in one in a tournament, the Starburst Junior Golf Tournament, in Waco TX. The hole in one occurred on June 11 on a 90 yard par 3, with an 8 iron. Jessica Rogina is a member of The First Tee of Houston/Redstone. She has been a The First Tee participant for more than three years.
Katie McLaughlin of The First Tee of Naples/Collier
Story submitted by Hugh McLaughlin
My fifteen year old daughter, Katie McLaughlin, had her first hole in one April 24, 2008, on the 12th hole at Collier's Reserve Country Club. She was playing the no. 3 men's tees, 146 yards, and used a five iron. Additionally, she carded her lowest score for nine holes with a 35, making one other birdie and two bogeys. Additionally, Katie is an honor student, played on the Baron Collier girl's golf team, as well as numerous nationally ranked junior golf tournaments.
 Jaguar Jaffe of The First Tee of San Jose
Story submitted by Bruce D. Jaffe
It was a fine Sunday in late March when Jaguar woke up and asked me (his dad) to play a round of golf with him. Over the past 6 months or so, Jaguar's golf ball has been hovering around the cup on many a par 3 hole. Nevertheless, when he pulled out his 9-iron at the 100-yard, 16th hole at Los Lagos, I never suspected that something very rare was about to happen.
Jaguar went through his usual pre-shot routine, testing for wind and seeing that the blue flag meant another 10 yards to the hole. As the ball flew off of the club face, I could see nothing more than a nice, online shot landing on the green. However, as if it was almost in slow motion, the ball continued its roll toward the pin, with just enough momentum to carry it into the cup... an ace! Proud dad gave Jaguar a high five as a huge grin came over his face. As the two of us walked toward the green, a foursome watching from the 17th tee applauded as I pointed to Jaguar to indicate that indeed it was he, not me, who did it. In fact, in my over 30 years of golf, I have never had a hole-in-one. So, I can indeed live it vicariously through Jaguar on a truly great Sunday in March, 2008.
 Anthony Amenta of The First Tee Contra Costa
Story submitted by Jimmy and Lori Amenta
Our son, Anthony Amenta is 14 years old, currently a The First Tee member and a freshman on the Ygnacio Valley High School Varsity Golf Team. In his very first golf tournament ever, March 17, 2008, he got a hole-in-one. Anthony played in the tournament at The Meadow Club in Fairfax. It was on the 5th Hole, Par 3, 195 yards, and he used his 5 Wood.
Anthony is pretty new to golf and before joining the golf team, had only played at the Buchanan and Diablo Creek golf courses in Concord on occasion for about a year and a half to two years with a few lessons at Buchanan as a beginner. This fall he had lessons with Bob Tomasini from Diablo Creek who has been very encouraging, supportive and given Anthony excellent advice and support. Currently, he has had four lessons with Jenny Park-Choi, LPGA at Grayson Woods. Anthony practices 6-7 days per week and truly enjoys the game. He is dedicated to this sport and thoroughly enjoys it.
 Davis Bryant of The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch
Story submitted by Julie Bryant
It was a beautiful fall Saturday afternoon for 7 year old Davis Bryant to take up a game with his dad, Matt, on the Par 3 Course at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, home of The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch. After playing 9 holes, they decided there was enough time to try and make it around again before going home. In the middle of a little match, Matt was giving Davis a couple of strokes, but Davis seemed to be holding his own against Dad. When they reached the 8th hole, Davis pulled out his 8 iron. Measuring 61 yards, he thought “just a nice easy swing”, and sure enough nice and easy was just right! The ball disappeared right into the cup for his first HOLE-IN-ONE! With his eyes wide open, he turned to his dad and asked, “Did that just go in?” Matt said yes and they cheered and hugged. It was very special for father and son to spend such a memorable moment together.
Davis is a Birdie Level participant at The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch in Denver. His father, Matt, is the Director of Golf at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club as well as an instructor for The First Tee while Davis’ mom is the Program Coordinator for the Chapter. Needless to say, October 20th was a special day for the Bryant’s and for The First Tee of Green Valley Ranch!
Please share your story and photo with us so that we may post it on this page. Please send stories and photos to jbaugher@thefirsttee.org.
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