Category: Feature Stories

Mackenzie Mack talks about the lasting impact of First Tee

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without First Tee.” 

For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.  

With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry. 

The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada. 

First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.  

“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.” 

Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community. 

Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.” 

Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience. 

Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.

“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”  

She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.  

Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event. 

Mackenzie Mack talks about the lasting impact of First Tee

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without First Tee.” 

For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.  

With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry. 

The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada. 

First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.  

“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.” 

Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community. 

Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.” 

Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience. 

Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.

“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”  

She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.  

Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event. 

First Tee Leadership Academy returns to Atlanta, headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore 

Teens from across the U.S. will learn about leadership from executives within the Arthur M. Blank family of businesses. 

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 17, 2024) – The First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore returns from June 17-22. The weeklong Atlanta event will bring together 48 teens from across the country who will learn about operating successful teams from executives within the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. 

The event is headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore, a 4-time WNBA, 2-time NCAA and 2-time Olympic champion, who off the court, has been a dedicated advocate of criminal justice reform. Participants will also hear from leaders like Atlanta United CEO Garth Lagerwey, Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman and CEO Dick Sullivan and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Chief of Staff Kelley Gulley. 

It will feature workshops on communication, developing a winning culture and more. Attendees will get a taste of the college experience, with the Georgia Institute of Technology serving as its hub. The group will also visit sites across Atlanta, including the PGA TOUR Superstore Support Center, the Coda building, Atlanta United’s training facility, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. 

“Our participants learn valuable skills at the First Tee Leadership Academy and have made friendships they will carry with them well beyond their time in Atlanta,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore for supporting these truly life-changing events.” 

PGA TOUR Superstore has been a partner of First Tee for more than a decade, providing financial support and in-kind donations. It provides chapter grants to promote teen retention and supports national events like the Leadership Academy, Leadership Summit and Leadership Series. 

The First Tee Leadership Academy is one of ten national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and empower teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.  

To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring.  

First Tee alumni share the advice they’d give their younger selves 

With graduation in the books, many kids and teens are looking ahead to the future. But we asked First Tee alumni to look back and consider the advice they’d share with their 18-year-old self.

David Singh 
First Tee – Tampa Bay
Recently earned his Master in Healthcare Administration at the University of Pittsburgh

“Life is not always gonna stick to the script you’ve got in your head. Sometimes, it’ll throw you curveballs you never saw coming. Roll with the punches, stay flexible, and remember, there’s always a silver lining in every setback. Keep your chin up, ’cause even when things don’t go as planned, there’s still a world of amazing possibilities out there waiting for you.”

Savannah Mansueti 
First Tee – Florida Gold Coast 
Manager of operations at First Tee – Florida Gold Coast

“If I could advise my 18-year-old self, I’d emphasize embracing failure as a key part of learning and growth, seeing setbacks as opportunities to refine skills. I’d also stress the importance of building strong relationships with family, friends, mentors and colleagues for support and guidance. Lastly, I’d recommend prioritizing financial literacy early on, mastering budgeting, saving and investing for long-term stability and success.”

Haili Moore 
First Tee – Greater Dallas
Student at Texas Christian University and entry-level staff accountant 

“Do not allow yourself to settle in relationships, careers, friendships, education, etc. You are worth what you allow to infiltrate your time, peace and space. The thing is though, is that you are worth more than you’ll ever know.”

Jamie Rush 
First Tee – Pittsburgh 
Methodist University marketing student with a concentration in professional golf management 

“My advice would be to live in the moment. We are always wishing for the next big moment and forget to treasure the times that we are currently in. I’m still trying to learn this lesson today. Enjoy every aspect of the here and now, slow down and don’t wish your life away.”

Spencer McIntosh 
First Tee – Tampa Bay 
Director of business intelligence and analytics at First Tee 

“I would encourage my 18-year-old self to be continuously educating yourself whether that be reading more books, taking additional courses or seeking mentorship. I’d also recommend that he build a strong network and surround himself with supportive and knowledgeable people so you can apply those lessons to his passions. Then finally, I’d tell him to pay those gifts forward to the next generation of game changers!”

Srishti Dhurandhar  
First Tee – Metropolitan New York  
Business and technology management student and collegiate golfer at NYU 

“Some advice for my younger self would be to be less afraid to ask for help and make mistakes. I learned the most when things didn’t go according to plan and wish I had spent less time worrying about doing everything perfectly because everything will work out in the end as long as you surround yourself with people you can lean on. “

Are you a First Tee alumna? Learn more about the First Tee Alumni Network.

First Tee Scholar Kelly Low is launching her career at AWS

Established in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program is celebrating its first graduating class. Among its ranks is First Tee – Fort Worth alumna Kelly Low, who recently graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Now, Kelly is embarking on her career with one of the world’s most influential companies, which also happens to be a major supporter of First Tee.

She’s going to be a solutions architect for AWS based in Austin. “What excites me the most is the opportunity to innovate for each unique customer scenario,” she said. Kelly also said it feels profoundly gratifying to work for a company that’s so actively engaged with First Tee.

From mentoring alumni to encouraging staff to volunteer with local chapters, AWS supports First Tee in a variety of ways. 

AWS posted an internship opportunity on the First Tee Alumni Platform, and First Tee scholarship manager Robbie Lowman passed it along to Kelly. She applied, received an internship offer, and the rest is history.

Francessca Vasquez, VP, AWS Professional Services and Generative AI Innovation Center said, “Witnessing the positive impact of First Tee on lives like Kelly’s is a privilege that makes our work as First Tee Trustees truly meaningful and inspiring. Like Amazon’s Leadership Principle of ‘Learn and Be Curious,’ this story exemplifies the power of continuous learning and growth, inspiring us to keep exploring new ways to empower and uplift the next generation of builders.”

Kelly has already experienced AWS re:Invent, the world’s largest annual cloud computing conference, where she was invited to play in the AWS ProAm in 2023.

“I am excited for Kelly and her role with AWS,” Lowman said. “After getting to know her over the last few years, she is a passionate learner who has a deep appreciation for emerging technology. Kelly will thrive at AWS because of the supportive environment, and we are grateful for their continued support.”

As a participant and Scholar, Kelly has been involved with First Tee for nearly a decade, and she said she still uses its lessons today. “First Tee’s approach to perseverance goes beyond mere persistence. It encompasses managing emotions, setting realistic goals and maintaining a positive attitude in the face of challenges,” she said.

As part of the First Tee College Scholarship Program, each Scholar receives financial support, professional development opportunities and a dedicated mentor. Kelly’s favorite part of the program was getting to know her peers and her mentor from AWS, Heidi Buck.

AWS signed on as a First Tee Trustee in 2021 and has focused its efforts on teen retention. The company also invites its employees to volunteer at First Tee chapters around the globe.

“First Tee’s goal is to provide kids with experiences that build character, and AWS has been a great supporter of that mission,” said Jennifer Weiler, First Tee’s senior vice president of network relations. “We’re grateful for the relationship and excited to follow Kelly’s journey with AWS.”

In the tough moments, Mahek Acharya wants athletes to know they’re not alone 

Mahek Acharya’s golf journey began when her uncle gifted her a set of pink clubs. “I tried other sports, but golf just stuck with me,” she said. She went on to join First Tee – Greater Chicago and play on her high school team. 

But as all players know, golf doesn’t always cooperate. “One season, things were going really great,” Mahek explained. “I was having fun and playing well, but then all the sudden, I just couldn’t hit the ball. I don’t know what happened, but it was really demotivating. I even told my parents I wanted to quit, but I knew I couldn’t give up the sport I love.” 

It was this experience that inspired Mahek to start her podcast, Insights of the Mental Game. “I knew I needed to find a solution and talking things out has always helped me,” she said. “It’s been a journey, but the podcast has helped me love golf again, and people have told me it’s helped them too, which I think is my biggest accomplishment.” 

Mahek has interviewed First Tee participants from around the country, many of whom she met at national participant events, including the First Tee Leadership Summit supported by PGA TOUR Superstore. That’s where she connected with LPGA player Shasta Averyhardt, who went on to appear on her show too. “Mental strength is so important in golf so to hear from a professional was really cool,” Mahek said.  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which was created to help address stigma surrounding the topic, but experiencing mental blocks can still be isolating for athletes, Mahek said. “I remember when Simone Biles had the ‘twisties’ and she wasn’t able to compete during the Tokyo Olympics,” she said. “Even in my own community, a lot of people didn’t take it seriously.” 

While her podcast mostly focuses on golf, Mahek has also covered ice skating, basketball and tennis. She’s learned that each sport brings unique mental challenges. “I think it helps when athletes realize they’re not alone,” she said. “For a while I thought I was the only one struggling, but it makes it easier to know other people have these experiences too.” 

Mahek is preparing to graduate from high school and plans to continue her podcast at Indiana University, where she will study business. Though her competitive golf career is ending, she said she’ll continue playing for fun and stay involved with First Tee. 

“I’m just so happy I could make change with this podcast,” she said. “Making a difference in even one person’s life is such a great feeling.” 

Where are they now: First Tee National Championship winners 

First Tee returns to Clemson University this year for its 4th annual National Championship. This year’s field includes 24 boys and 24 girls from First Tee chapters across the country to experience what golf looks like at the next level.

In addition to showcasing their skills and perseverance on the course, players will also attend a golf careers panel and a keynote address from First Tee alumnus Gavin Parker. 

This year’s tournament will be streamed on Gamecast, and you can follow scoring on Golf Genius. 

Before we head to Clemson, we caught up with our past winners to see what they’re up to. 

Ashton Harper  
First Tee — Roanoke Valley 

Ashton won the inaugural First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and is now a member of the golf team at Virginia Tech, where he is majoring in business. Ashton said his experience with First Tee taught him valuable lessons in perseverance. “Golf is not a game of perfect, and there will always be ups and downs when playing this game, but they are magnified in tournaments due to the high stakes. I was able to use perseverance to fight these ups and downs,” he said. 

Ashton aims to become an All-ACC player by the end of his tenure at Virginia Tech before going on to play professionally. 

Symran Shah 
First Tee — Greater Dallas 

Like Ashton, Symran won the First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and now plays golf at Virginia Tech. She studies business and plans to have a career in healthcare administration. 

Hannah Lydic 
First Tee — Delaware 

Hannah won the 2022 First Tee National Championship held at Notre Dame and is now a member of the golf team at the University of Richmond, majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Her experience in the First Tee National Championship taught her patience and perseverance in both herself and her game, she said. 

As a Spider, she’s won awards for golf and academics. “What’s cool about the game of golf is that if you play calm and treat your playing partners with kindness, you will ultimately have a better experience on the course which will allow you to play at a higher level,” she said. Because of her experience with First Tee coaches, she fell in love with golf and now has the goal to become a collegiate golf coach. 

Hunter Swanson 
First Tee — Green Valley Ranch 

Hunter won the First Tee National Championship at Notre Dame in 2022 and is now a business student and member of the golf team at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Hunter lost to Ashton in a playoff at the 2021 First Tee National Championship, which inspired him to have the perseverance to come back and win at Notre Dame and taught him how to be more comfortable in high stress situations, he said.  

As a college golfer, Hunter said the most important lesson he learned from First Tee is confidence. “I find I play more relaxed and have a better game when I practice enough to believe in my abilities,” he said. Since winning the First Tee National Championship, Hunter has made the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, been a Pac-12 Men’s Golfer of the Week and the Nevada State Amateur runner up. 

Megan Meng  
First Tee — Greater Trenton 

Megan won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and is preparing to begin her college golf career at Northwestern, where she’ll study economics. Her experience playing in the First Tee National Championship challenged her to be hardworking and patient. She said she continues to use other First Tee lessons. “I find that it is important to always apply respect, sportsmanship and courtesy to those you are playing with,” said Megan, who also won the 2022 PURE Insurance Championship. 

Recently, Megan was a member of Team USA at the 2023 Junior Solheim Cup and a 2023 Rolex Scholastic Junior All-American. She’s currently in the Top 10 of the AJGA Rankings and plans to pursue professional golf. 

Cooper Groshart 
First Tee — Central Coast 

Cooper won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and now attends California State East Bay, as a business administration major and a member of the golf team. Confidence is a First Tee lesson that Cooper keeps with him today while playing competitive golf. His experience in the First Tee National Championship was inspiring, as he saw so many people from different places share the same drive to compete and succeed in golf, he said.  

Cooper played in the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur in Charleston. As a freshman, he competed in 12 tournaments with his college team and has been on the dean’s list both semesters. He said his goal is to continue to improve as a player and a person. 

Learn more about the First Tee National Championship.

First Tee College Scholarship Program celebrates first graduating class 

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (May 14, 2024) – Four years ago, President George W. Bush had a big surprise for seven exemplary First Tee participants. First Tee’s honorary chair told the teens they were selected as inaugural members of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Now the organization is thrilled to celebrate their graduation. 

“Congratulations to the first graduating class of First Tee College Scholarship Program,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are very proud of your hard work and commitment, and we look forward to watching you move into the next stages of your journey. First Tee is proud to have played a role in your development.” 

“First Tee is family,” said Ricky Lam, a First Tee Scholar who is graduating from Harvard University and pursuing a career in insurance. “Ultimately First Tee is a place where you have such a strong support system to be able to pursue your passions, ask for help, expand your horizons and network so you can be the person you strive to be.” 

The First Tee College Scholarship Program is a need- and merit-based scholarship program through which Scholars receive financial support and access to a wide range of professional development opportunities. Each Scholar is paired with an adult mentor to ensure they are equipped with the tools they need to be successful in college and beyond. 

“The First Tee College Scholarship Program really helped me find connections, especially with my mentor,” said Malisone Chanthanpanya, now a graduate student and member of the golf team at Texas Wesleyan University. Mali is one of three Scholars who graduated early to bring the total number of graduated First Tee Scholars to 10. “She was a great resource who I could talk to about not just college and my career but about life. I got to meet a lot of people through the scholarship program.” 

The First Tee College Scholarship Program was launched in 2020, and it recognizes First Tee participants who have shown dedication to academics, community service and their First Tee chapters. It has since grown to include 70 Scholars, with the 2024 class slated to be announced next month.  

Meet the graduates: 

Luke Boldt 
First Tee – Coastal Carolina / East Carolina University 
He has accepted a position as a medical missionary for two years and plans to apply to medical school. 

Malisone Chanthanpanya 
First Tee – Fort Worth / Texas Wesleyan University 
She’s in graduate school and prepping for LPGA Q-school in the fall.  

Jessica Jiao 
First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Georgetown University  
She has accepted a position with BNP Paribas Bank in its equity capital markets department in New York. 

Ricky Lam 
First Tee–Tri-Valley / Harvard University 
He has accepted a position with Sompo as a commercial underwriter.  

Kelly Low 
First Tee – Fort Worth / University of Texas at Dallas 
She has accepted an offer with Amazon Web Services as an associate solutions architect in Austin. 

Nicole Monsalve 
First Tee – Miami / Duke University 
She has accepted a position with the NFL in its two-year rotation program in New York. 

Sara Rintoul  
First Tee – Central Florida / University of Florida 
She has accepted an offer at Proctor & Gamble as a brand manager in Boston. 

Remi Shendell 
First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Emory University 
She is graduating with a double-major in biology and political science. 

Borina Sutiko  
First Tee – Silicon Valley / Santa Clara University 
She hopes to attend Cal Berkely this fall to earn her master’s in information systems.  

Denise Wei 
First Tee – San Francisco / University of California, Irvine 
She has accepted an offer with PwC in its audit division.