Weenablekidstobuildthestrengthof characterthatempowersthemthrougha lifetimeofnewchallenges.Byseamlessly integratingthegameofgolfwithlifeskills curriculum,wecreatelearningexperiences thatbuildinnerstrength,self-confidence, andresiliencethatkidscancarryto everythingtheydo.
While a teacher or coach may impact a student’s life for a year or two, your support of First Tee helps provide consistent, life-shaping mentorship that can last up to ten years.
From the excitement of an 8-year-old (see Sailor’s story, page 7) to the confidence of a graduating senior (see Fern’s story, page 17), First Tee mentors walk alongside students for up to 10 years, shaping their character and future.
This journey isn’t possible without a village strategic program partnerships (see page 11), dedicated volunteers (pages 15 & 19), incredible golf course partners (page 14), and generous donors like you (page 18)
Because of you, 2024 was a record year: First Tee served more than 2,400 students, with a record-breaking 1,388 receiving the program completely free of charge due to their family income. The other 90%? That’s you.
Just 10% of our revenue comes from program fees .. Your generosity gives kids a decade-long home at First Tee—a home that changes lives.
Thank you for being part of their journey. Because of you, First Tee isn’t just a program—it’s a second home, a launchpad, and a lifelong support system.
Will you help change even more lives with us in 2025?
Sincerely,
TylerSmies ChiefExecutiveOfficer
TravisMikulenas/ MaureenFitzgeraldPenn/ NateGolomb/ ScottVanderLinde/ MatthewForkin/ RandyFreeburg/ AntoinettaFreeman/ RussHines/ IanHughes,PGA/ JohnKruis/ RandyLindquist/ JasonManshum/ RossRyzenga/ HenryStallings/
1.24/7Golf 4255AlpineAveNW ComstockPark,MI49321
2.BoulderCreekGC 5750BrewerAveNE Belmont,MI49306
3 BroadmoorCC 7725KraftAveSE Caledonia,MI49316
4 CascadeHillsCC 3725CascadeRdSE GrandRapids,MI49546
5.CedarChaseGC 755117MileRdNE CedarSprings,MI49319
16 ClearbrookGC 6494ClearbrookDr Saugatuck,MI49453
17 MacatawaGC 4600MacatawaLegendsBlvd Holland,MI49424
18.RavinesGC 3520PalmerDr Saugatuck,MI49453
6.Golf616 400DodgeNE ComstockPark,MI49321
7.IndianTrailsGC 2776KalamazooAveSE GrandRapids,MI49507
8 KaufmanGC 4807ClydeParkAveSW Wyoming,MI59509
9 KentCC 1600CollegeAveNE GrandRapids,MI49505
10.LeaderboardIndoorGolf 5366PlainfieldAveNE GrandRapids,MI49525
11.MapleHillGC 5555IvanrestSW Grandville,MI49418
12.MinesGC 330CovellAveSW GrandRapids,MI49534
13 QuailRidgeGolfClub 837536thStSE Ada,MI49301
14 ScottLakeGC 911HayesRdNE ComstockPark,MI49321
15.ThePinesGC 5050ByronCenterAveSW Wyoming,MI49519
19 ThirdCoastLinks 6069BlueStarHwy Saugatuck,MI49453
20 ThreeFiresGC 6045136thAve Holland,MI49424
21.WindingCreekGC 4514EOttoganSt Holland,MI49423
22 BenonaShoresGC 3410ScenicDr Shelby,MI49455
23.ColonialGC 2763N72ndAve Hart,MI49420
24.LincolnGC 4907WhitehallRd Muskegon,MI49445
25.MuskegonCC 2801LakeshoreDr Muskegon,MI49441
26 NorthwoodFamily Traditions 2888SComstockAve Fremont,MI49412
27 OakRidgeGC 513WPontalunaRd NortonShores,MI49444
28.OceanaGC 3333WWeaverRd Shelby,MI49455
29.OldChannelTrailGC 8325NOldChannelTrail Montague,MI49437
30.StonegateGC 4100SweeterRd TwinLake,MI49457
31 SummerBreezeGC 5885SWarnerAve Fremont,MI49412
BaxterCommunityCenter CoitElementary GrandRapidsParks&Rec GRPSMiddleSchools MulickParkElementary PalmerElementary PineIslandElementary Resurgence-BridgeStreetMinistries TheOtherWayMinistries WestMichiganAcademyof EnvironmentalScience YMCAofGreaterGrandRapids
37.EasternHillsGC 6075EGAve Kalamazoo,MI49004
38.KalamazooCC 1609WhitesRd Kalamazoo,MI49008
39 MilhamParkGC 4200LoversLn Kalamazoo,MI49001
40.RedArrowGC 1041KingHwy Kalamazoo,MI49048
41.TheDomeSportsCenter 12733US-131 Schoolcraft,MI49087
32 UnderParGolf 4949HarveySt NortonShores,MI49444
33.Muskegon CommunityCollegeGC 2100MarquetteAve Muskegon,MI49442
34 VillageGreenGC 8130BinghamAve Newaygo,MI49337
35.WatersEdgeGC 1100RamshornDr Fremont,MI49412
36.WhiteLakeGC 6777SShoreDr Whitehall,MI49461
Boys&GirlsClubofGreaterHolland EscapeMinistries FaithChurch HollandPublicSchools IAMAcademy
LatinAmericansUnitedforProgress PeopleHelpingPeoplePullman WestOttawaPublicSchools
Boys&GirlsClubofthe MuskegonLakeshore Club188
HesperiaPublicSchools
MontaguePublicSchools
ReethsPufferPublicSchools ShelbyElementary WhitehallPublicSchools
Boys&GirlsClubofGreater Kalamazoo CommunitiesinSchools KalamazooParks&Rec LoyNorrixSpecialEd PeaceHouse
Golf courses across West Michigan play a vital role in First Tee’s success In 2024, First Tee West Michigan held programming at 41 different courses Golf courses’ willingness to host supports First Tee’s mission, while they also balance the demands of a flourishing golf economy One course with unwavering support and a commitment to First Tee is Three Fires Golf Club in Holland
Three Fires, a family-run course on the north side of town, is a place where golf is inviting, affordable, and fun It’s also where First Tee participants, many picking up a club for the first time, find a welcoming space to learn and grow At the heart of it all is Kyle Curtiss
First impressions matter Walk into the Three Fires clubhouse, and you’ll likely find Kyle 6'3" with a warm smile and a handshake like a bear paw
But rather than making you feel small, Kyle and his team make sure every visitor, especially each First Tee kid, feels at home
Kyle, the former President and CEO of Festida Foods, purchased the course in 2022, hoping to continue the legacy of Ray Sruba and his seven sons, who owned and operated the course for 46 years, formerly known as West Ottawa Golf Club “Many of us involved with Three Fires played this course growing up,” Kyle shares “Our passion was to keep it a golf course and to improve it ”
That passion extends to creating opportunities for young golfers
Three Fires is home to First Tee’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland, providing kids with an encouraging space to take their first swings “We are committed to providing space for young golfers to fall in love with the game,” Kyle says “More than anything, we just appreciate seeing kids have fun!”
But the impact goes beyond golf At Three Fires, kids don’t just learn how to hit a ball, they witness generosity in action and feel the support of a community that believes in them Kyle believes in the power of working together: “Our partnership with First Tee is a blessing to us, and, more importantly, hopefully a blessing to the kids involved with the program ”
To every golf course that welcomes First Tee participants, thank you. Your generosity isn’t just making our programs possible, it’s shaping young lives Because of partners like Three Fires, kids aren’t just becoming better golfers; they’re becoming better people
Since 2019 at:
45
six-week First Tee class sessions held at the course
7annual golf marathon fundraisers, raising more than $200,000
more than
nine-hole rounds played by our students on scholarship
“We invested in Three Fires to provide a place for the public golfer to enjoy a round of golf at a place that cares about their experience.”
-KyleCurtiss,Owner
Fern’s journey with First Tee began at the age of eight through an introduction at the West Michigan Golf Show From that moment on, Fern embraced every opportunity First Tee had to offer, growing both as a golfer and an individual. Years of dedication and hard work have shaped a successful competitive career, valuable relationships, and life lessons that will last forever
Early on, First Tee introduced Fern to the fundamentals of the game Playing in the PGA Junior League provided Fern the first taste of competitive golf, introducing strategic decision-making, course management skills, and mental resilience "The team-based format helped me develop a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship as I learned how to support my teammates while also handling the pressure of competition," Fern recalls.
A significant milestone came in 2024 when Fern became the fourth participant from First Tee - West Michigan to compete in the prestigious Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach
" Playing Pebble Beach truly felt like a reward for my hard work and increased my awareness of how my time management skills and perseverance will undoubtedly serve me well in the future as I continue striving for excellence in all areas of my life."
Beyond competition, the relationships formed with peers and coaches have kept Fern returning to First Tee year after year Former Program Director Coach Taylor (Haudek) Stockbridge was a key mentor, encouraging Fern to join junior leagues and setting the foundation for a future in competitive golf “Her influence has made a positive impact on my personal growth, which has created opportunities for me in all parts of my life,” Fern says
"ThebiggestlessonI havelearnedfromFirst Teeisperseverance. Golf,likelife,isfullof challenges,andsuccess comesfromstaying patient,learningfrom mistakes,and continuingtoimprove."
Giving back is a core part of Fern’s First Tee experience Serving as a junior coach has allowed Fern to mentor younger golfers, reinforcing the lessons that once inspired personal growth “My goal is to help create an environment where young players feel welcomed, supported, and motivated to chase their goals, just like First Tee did for me.” Fern shares As the top fundraiser for the youth golf marathon, Fern is committed to ensuring First Tee continues providing life-changing opportunities for future generations, regardless of income
As graduation approaches and a new chapter begins, the lessons and relationships developed through First Tee will continue to shape the path forward
"I want to inspire others not just to play golf but to embrace the core values it teaches: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment, both on and off the course "
From an eager eight-year-old to a competitive athlete, First Tee has not only fueled Fern’s growth as a golfer but also provided a foundation for meaningful relationships that have shaped her journey The lessons learned through the program have equipped Fern to excel both competitively and personally, with a deep commitment to giving back. Fern’s impact and inspiration on the next generation of golfers will echo at First Tee for years to come
