New Staff Member

Maya Freeman ([email protected]) joins our full-time staff as Program Coordinator at Memorial Park.  Maya is a former educator of six years and enjoys using her skills to contribute to the exciting growth of youth golf in the greater Houston area. She graduated from Christian Brothers University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in English for Corporate Communications and Psychology. Maya went on to pursue a master’s degree in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education and is currently working to become a certified golf instructor through the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). Maya is also an alumni of the First Tee program.

2023 Tournament Series 

Registration is now open for the Tacl Takedown that will be held on November 18 at F.M. Law Park in honor of First Tee Lifetime Coach Tom Tacl.  Click below to register for the event and to see the results from previous events this year as well as player of year point standings.

F.M. Law Park Shootout

We appreciate all of the participants and volunteers who made the F.M. Law Park Shootout, benefitting youth in First Tee – Greater Houston, a big success. A special thank you to our Houston Golf Association Philanthropy Committee hosts – Chris, Michael and Evan. 

F.M. Law Park Shootout | October 9

Registration for the Brunson Bowl is now FULL.  The Last Qualifier for the year to make the I-45 Cup Team is the Sportsmanship Showdown at Battleground at Deer Park on September 23!  Registration for this tournament opens on August 25!

Click below to register for the event and to see past tournament results

Coach Tom’s End of Summer Scramble

Coach Tom hosted his End of Summer Scramble at Timber Creek earlier this month! The teams played a 9-hole scramble with different obstacles and games including putting with a wood or hybrid, taking a tee shot from the bunker, and putting with your eyes closed. They enjoyed a delicious team dinner afterward and had a water balloon fight!

Thank you, Coach, for everything you do for the kids in this program.

First Tee Scholarship Scramble

First Tee – Greater Houston ACE student, Maggie Kerr, has started a tournament that you don’t want to miss! The First Tee Scholarship Scramble, benefitting First Tee – Greater Houston seniors heading to college, will take place September 18 at Magnolia Creek Golf Club. This will be an 18-hole, four-person scramble with food, games, action items and more. We are so thankful for all donations that have come in and now we are looking for players!

If you are interested in playing, please register yourself or your team at ScholarshipScramble.org. See you there!

Congratulations 

Brenna Fledderman has been selected to represent our chapter at the First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere taking place in San Francisco, CA this fall.  This five-day female empowerment event recognizes young women who are motivated to influence positive impact at their chapters, schools, and communities.  The academy experience focuses on cultivating meaningful relationships, embracing self-awareness, and advocating for yourself and others.

Summer Show and Tell 

Playing golf with the family? Traveling? Swinging in the hammock, baseball games? Time at the pool? Barbequing? Camping?

Start your summer “show and tell” with us! We want to keep up with all of our First Tee families so please send us a photo to post on our social media! 

Email all photos with your name and First Tee programming location to [email protected]

LPGA * USGA Girls Golf 

Girls Golf was formed to create a network for girls to learn to play golf, make friends and sample competition in a positive and supportive learning environment. Membership is free and is led by Coach Gail; our next event is Sunday, August 29 at Hermann Park Golf Course

2023 Tournament Series

Registration is now open for the Brunson Bowl that will be held on August 26 at F.M.  Law Park.  Click below to register for the event and to see the results from the Fireworks Challenge at Sharpstown.

Congratulations Nicholas Canales

Nicholas Canales, an alumnus from our chapter, had the honor of being chosen for the John Deere Power for Good opportunity, which took place in conjunction with the  John Deere Classic on the PGA Tour. During this special event, Nicholas had the opportunity to play in a Pro Am alongside the talented PGA Tour player Adam Schenk. Way to go Nicholas! 

Summer Show and Tell

Playing golf with the family? Traveling? Swinging in the hammock, baseball games? Time at the pool? Barbequing? Camping?

Start your summer “show and tell” with us! We want to keep up with all of our First Tee families so please send us a photo to post on our social media! 

Email all photos with your name and First Tee programming location to [email protected]

2023 F.M. Law Park Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Friday:  10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Tuesday- Driving range closed)

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. First Come, First Serve

Sunday: 12 – 5 p.m.

*All players must be off the course by 5 p.m. daily

LPGA* USGA Girls Golf

Girls Golf was formed to create a network for girls to learn to play golf, make friends and sample competition in a positive and supportive learning environment. Membership is free and is led by Coach Gail; our next event is Sunday, August 6 from 2-4 p.m.  at F.M. Law Park.

Dr. Berkman Father’s Day Charity Golf Tournament

Spots are now full for June 14th, but donations are still welcome and we can take hole signs for $500 through June 7th. Supporting this event ensures our First Tee character development program remains accessible for all Houston youth. Thank you to all who have contributed.

Coach Tom’s Etiquette Class

Last month, Coach Tom Tacl invited the First Tee families from Bayou Golf Course to participate in an etiquette class! Fifty-six First Tee kids and interested parents attended a two-hour dinner where they learned how to formally set a table, which utensils to use and when, how to eat with “pace,” how to attend to their napkin and so much more. The kids got to network and meet new friends while learning the ins and outs of a formal dinner. Thank you, Coach Tom, for going above and beyond! This group will use these beneficial life skills for years to come. 

First Tee National Championship

Congrats to Ace Level participants Jasmine Do and Julius Arkeniel on their selection to participate in the 2023 First Tee National Championship. The 54 hole event will be held July 2-6 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA.

First Tee Leadership Academy

Congrats to Ace Level participants Matin Perez & Aarya Shewale on their selection. In partnership with PGA Tour Superstore, First Tee Leadership Academy builds on the 5-week local Leadership series and provides teens insight on how a successful team performs.  The academy will take place June 19-24^th in Atlanta, GA.

First Tee Leadership Summit 

Congrats to Ace Level participants Megan Horacefield, Peyton DeBruin & Mary Kerr on their selection for this event.  Set in the unforgettable backdrop of West Creek Ranch in Montana, each teen is challenged to build on their current strengths and values in an intimate setting which provides community building, inspiration and connection with their peers, adult mentors and the outdoors.  The event takes place in early August and is in partnership with PGA Tour Superstore.

LPGA * USGA Girls Golf 

Girls Golf was formed to create a network for girls to learn to play golf, make friends and sample competition in a positive and supportive learning environment. Membership is free and is led by Coach Gail. Join us for our next event on Sunday, June 25th at Top Golf for the Quick Nine Game.

2023 Champions Challange 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Champion’s Challenge at F.M. Law Park. This year, we had 143 students from 83  schools come out and experience the game of golf with the First Tee – Greater Houston Team. We also want to give a special thank you to the 180 volunteers who came out to support us. We couldn’t have done it without you. 

Check out the link to see photos and read more about the great event!

The Perfect Father’s Day Gift 

Join us Wednesday, June 14, 2023 for our Dr. Norman Berkman Father’s Day Charity Golf Tournament. Spots are limited to the first 100 players and registration includes lunch, dinner, and a logoed polo shirt. Your support of this event at Gus Wortham Park Gold Course ensures our First Tee character development program remains accessible for all Houston youth

In Memoriam 

Coach Johnny Johnson was an active Level II Coach at the Quail Valley location leading classes every Tuesday afternoon. Coach Johnny has been volunteering since 2019 and has positively impacted many young people within our program. He passed away suddenly on March 21st so please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers, he will be missed. 

LPGA * USGA Girls Golf 

Girls Golf was formed to create a network for girls to learn to play golf, make friends and sample competition in a positive and supportive learning environment. Membership is free and is led by Coach Gail,. Join us for our next event on Sunday April 23^th at The Club at Carlton Woods for the LPGA Chevron Championship.

PGA Jr League 

Sponsored by the PGA of America, PGA Jr. League brings friends, families, and communities together through the game of golf by offering team-based competitive golf for kids of all ages and skill levels. First Tee – Greater Houston is proud to host its own section of PGA Jr League captained by our very own LPGA Associate member, Coach Gail Dillion Robinson and Assistant Coach Bob Kerr.

Champions Challenge 

We are thrilled to announce our chapter will host its 15th annual Champions Challenge on March 25th at the F.M. Law Park. Hundreds of youth will come out and experience the First Tee Program and we will need your help, this is a great volunteer event for the whole family. The volunteer time frame is 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and we will provide lunch. 

Alexa Vela is a huge success as alumni speaker at 5^th Annual Luncheon

Thank you to over 250 philanthropists who gathered at River Oaks Country Club on February 9, 2023 to raise nearly $200,000 for First Tee – Greater Houston youth.  Save the date for the 6^th annual luncheon on February 8, 2024 and enjoy these event photos and videos of 2023 honorees Tom Forestier and Michael Sandeen.

Dr. Berkman Father Child Charity Golf Tournament 

Join us for the 22nd Annual Dr. Norman Berkman Father’s Day Charity Golf Tournament. Your support of this incredible event directly supports First Tee – Greater Houston, ensuring our character development program remains accessible for all Houston youth!

F.M. Law Park Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Friday:  10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Tuesday- Driving range closed)

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. First Come, First Serve

Sunday: 12 – 5 p.m.

*All players must be off the course by 5 p.m. daily

LPGA * USGA Girls Golf 

Girls Golf was formed to create a network for girls to learn to play golf, make friends and sample competition in a positive and supportive learning environment. Membership is free and is led by Coach Gail, our next event is Sunday March 19^th at F.M. Law Park

PGA Jr League 

Sponsored by the PGA of America, PGA Jr. League brings friends, families, and communities together through the game of golf by offering team-based competitive golf for kids of all ages and skill levels. First Tee – Greater Houston is proud to host its own section of PGA Jr League captained by our very own LPGA Associate member, Coach Gail Dillion Robinson and Assistant Coach Bob Kerr.

Winter Classic Tournament Registration

The Winter Classic will be held Saturday, February 25 at Bayou Golf Course to kick off this year’s tournament series! Register at the link below. Complete 2023 schedule coming soon!

FTGH Participants Play in the First Tee – New Orleans National Tournament

Four First Tee – Greater Houston participants competed in the First Tee – New Orleans National Tournament December 19-21, 2022. After a two-year hiatus, the two-day event, hosted by First Tee – New Orleans, was held at English Turn Golf and Country Club. 

Congratulations to Julius Arenkiel, Daniel Guerra, Margaret Kerr and Mary Kerr for placing 5th out of 16 teams. Read more and see photos from the event at the link!

F.M. Law Park Hours

Monday: Closed

Tuesday-Friday:  10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Tuesday- Driving range closed)

Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. First Come, First Serve

Sunday: 12 – 5 p.m.

*All players must be off the course by 5 p.m. daily

LPGA * USGA Girls Golf 

Girls Golf was formed to create a network for girls to learn to play golf, make friends and sample competition in a positive and supportive learning environment. Membership is free and is led by Coach Gail at F.M. Law Park.

PGA Jr League

Sponsored by the PGA of America, PGA Jr. League brings friends, families, and communities together through the game of golf by offering team-based competitive golf for kids of all ages and skill levels. First Tee – Greater Houston is proud to host its own section of PGA Jr League captained by our very own LPGA Associate member, Coach Gail Dillion Robinson and Assistant Coach Bob Kerr.