2023 Annual Report

Commitment to Being a Game Changer

One of Five Key Commitments is the foundation of each week's lesson plan at First Tee:

Pursuing Goals

I am excited to grow and learn. I am not afraid to fail. I am learning from both my achievements and setbacks.

Growing through Challenge

I am discovering my inner strength. I am developing resilience. I can dig deep when things get tough.

Collaborating with Others

I respect other perspectives, especially when they are different from mine. I show kindness, consideration, and care for others. I know that my attitude and how I treat others have an impact.

Building Positive Self-Identity

I am finding my self-confidence. I am discovering what I’m capable of. I feel safe to be myself.

Using Good Judgment

I respect rules in golf and in life. I am honest with myself and with others. I have the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.

I can change the game and change the world by simply being the best version of myself. I am a Game Changer.

“Success breeds Success” is a phrase attributed to Aristotle, William Durant and Mia Hamm. At First Tee in 2023, our program was a manifestation of that quote.

First Tee - West Michigan served nearly 400 more students in 2023 than ever before, each one learning life skills through the game of golf. First Tee continues to impact, influence, and inspire more students on the margin than ever - in 2023, a record 1,009 students received free programs because of their family’s income. Each story in this year’s review spotlights a family forever impacted by First Tee’s scholarship program. We can’t wait for you to meet the Thompsons (pages 6-7), EJ (page 10), the Holdens (page 11), and Carter (pages 14-15) to see how First Tee changed their lives for the better.

While our program thrived in 2023, another quote described how the year went financially. “Success breeds complacency” is a quote attributed to Andy Grove, the founder of Intel. More donors than ever supported First Tee - West Michigan, but the average size of our gifts shrank, which led to a financial deficit in 2023 (see page 8).

We rely on donations from people like you - just 10% comes from program fees. We will continue to fight complacency, adapt, and add new ways to engage our donors in First Tee’s life-changing work. Please make a gift today to support First Tee’s busiest upcoming season!

As the summer begins, please engage and support First Tee. Become a mentor, walk nine holes with a student, serve on a committee, become a Golf Marathoner, or play in our Outings! We need your help to breed success in 2024.

Full-Time Staff

Tyler Smies / Executive Director

Taylour Boer / Program Director

Gim Lee / Director of Operations

Matthew Gifford / Kalamazoo Area Director

Brandon Jean / Kalamazoo Program Director

Jeff Keyser / Holland Area Director

Erik Sanford / Muskegon Area Director

McKenna Inglis / Muskegon Program Coordinator

Emily Damstra / Program Communications Coordinator

Brian Filter / Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Chris Hashley / IT & Fundraising Coordinator

Board of Directors

Travis Mikulenas, Chair

Maureen Fitzgerald Penn, Vice Chair

Nate Golomb, Secretary

Scott VanderLinde, Treasurer

Rick Vandenberg, Chair Emeritus

Paul Albarran

Antoinetta Freeman

Jeanne Hess

Russ Hines

John Kruis

Randy Lindquist

Jason Manshum

Ross Ryzenga

Mitch Wilson

Erik Sanford

EmilyDamstra MatthewGifford

A Father-Son Journey

Rob Thompson was scrolling through Facebook, searching for ways to introduce his son to golf. "It all began about eight years ago. I stumbled upon an advertisement for First Tee and decided to give it a shot. We didn't have any direct connections to the organization back then."

Their journey initially led them to Grandville, with his son Graham attending his first session at Maple Hill. At the time, the First Tee wasn’t providing programs in Holland. Despite the drive from Holland, First Tee became a cornerstone for Graham’s upbringing, shaping his golf skills and character. "I started around the age of seven," he recalls. "The lesson I remember most from that first session was perseverance and growing through challenges. With golf, you don't start playing and immediately become good. It takes a lot of perseverance to stick through it and see any results."

Fast forward to today, Graham's father, Rob is now leading class at First Tee. "Coaching has taught me patience and reinforced the importance of perseverance and other values that extend far beyond the golf course." It's not just the lessons that keep Rob returning every season to coach. "I just love being around the kids and working with them. I love seeing them learn new things. They can't chip, but then all of a sudden they can. As a coach, that's what keeps me coming back. I love seeing them develop and build new relationships. There are probably five or six kids that have been in my classes over and over and over again. So you build relationships with their parents."

As Graham transitions into high school at Calvary Schools, his involvement with First Tee continues to shape his aspirations. He dreams of securing the Evans Scholarship which is a full ride caddie scholarship, or pursuing collegiate golf. He expresses grattitude for the opportunities First Tee has provided. "First Tee isn't just about golf; it's about becoming a better person. Even if golf doesn't come naturally, the lessons and friendships make it worthwhile."

For Rob, First Tee has fostered a deeper bond with his son.. "First Tee has been instrumental in building our relationship," he shares. "It's not just about golf; it's about shared experiences and lifelong memories."

Rob is appreciative of the supporters and volunteers who make First Tee possible. "Thank you. Your support is planting seeds of enthusiasm and shaping lives for generations to come."

Rob with Graham

2023 Expenses

$1,217,203

44% Coach Wages & Training

25% Management and Operations

23% Fundraising

8% Supplies & Technology

2023 Revenue $1,124,830

39% Golf Marathon Fundraiser

20% Individual Gifts

17% Golf Outings

14% Corporate & Foundations

10% Program Fees

2024 Budget $1,201,000

$600,000 Grand Rapids

$235,000 Muskegon

$214,000 Kalamazoo

$152,000 Holland

Community Leaders

Grand Rapids

Paul Bogardus / Equipment

Tyler Dunham / Marathoner

Marv Malburg / Mentor

Deb Marshall / Mentor

Jeff Smies / Mentor

Kalamazoo

Joe Buckman / Mentor

John Kramer / Mentor

Dean Marks / Advisory Member

Scott Ramsey / Mentor

David Weber / Mentor

Holland

Kasen Anderson / Mentor

Steve Burkhardt / Mentor

Kyle Harvey / Mentor

Paul & Kathy Keyser / Mentors

Eddie Kline / Mentor

Muskegon

Mark Alpher / Advisory Member

Jeff Hekkema / Mentor

Bryan Koratich / Lead Coach

Diane Panozzo / Mentor

Laura Sly / Mentor

DebMarshall

Bryan Koratich

Paul Keyser

Dean Marks

A Young Golfer on the Rise

Meet Erin and Erin, a father-son duo from Kalamazoo whose journey with First Tee can only be described as 'all gas and no brakes.' We had the pleasure of sitting down with Erin Sr. and Erin Jr., "EJ," to talk about their journey with First Tee. EJ went from never holding a golf club to playing over 80 holes in our golf marathon in 2023.

EJ, can you start by telling us your age and how long you've been playing golf?

EJ: I'm 12 years old. I've been playing golf for about one and a half years now.

What initially drew you to golf?

EJ: I think watching Tiger Woods play and seeing how great the game was. Yeah, I'm a big Tiger Woods fan.

And what do you find most enjoyable about golf?

EJ: The quiet and peace of it. It's relaxing for me.

How did you get started with First Tee?

Do you have a favorite golf club?

EJ: Definitely the 7-iron. It's almost like the perfect club. You can chip with it and hit some long distances with it too.

Tell us about your experience at the golf marathon last year.

EJ: It was getting late, and it was raining really bad. We were getting to 79 holes, and I thought we needed to get at least 80 or 100. But it was too late, though I did get to play my 81st hole.

That sounds intense! What was your favorite memory from that marathon?

EJ: When everyone was getting ready to go, we were all happy and cheering. My dad had all the snacks, and he was commentating like it was a professional tournament. It was so cool.

Erin Sr: He started in the fall program at Red Arrow when he was 10. After the first class, he said, okay, I want to continue to do this. So, we got him into several classes.

EJ, what about that first class at First Tee that really hooked you?

EJ: Probably the coaches there were being so fun and nice. And just being out in the sun and being with everyone was just really fun.

How have you seen EJ change since joining First Tee?

Erin Sr. : His focus level has just been on point. It's spread to other parts of his life, like schoolwork and soccer. Learning how to look at the terrain and all the variables out there has been a game changer for him.

How has being part of First Tee impacted you, EJ?

EJ: I think I've had a drive for golf since that first lesson. It's been really fun playing golf and grinding away from day one.

What ambitions do you have for the future?

EJ: Go pro in golf or soccer. That's what I want to do when I grow up.

Lastly, EJ, what would you like to say to everyone reading this?

EJ: That I might be like the next greatest golfer.

As EJ sets his sights on becoming "the next greatest golfer," you can help make a difference in students like EJ in your community by donating, becoming a volunteer mentor, or becoming a lead coach at First Tee. Learn more by scanning the QR code below.

Deeper Bonds

When Jen Holden first encountered golf, she watched from the sidelines, and was a self-described "cart princess." She was curious, though, about her husband's enthusiasm for the game. It wasn't long before she tried it at Topgolf, then gradually began introducing the game to her kids on quiet evening courses. "Those first few rounds with the family on an actual course were a challenge," Jen reflected. "I told myself, okay, we got to help them learn the game without getting frustrated." Enter First Tee.

Jen and her three children, Sophie (14), Jack (11), and Emily (11), embarked on this adventure together. "I was never an athletic person," Jen confessed, recounting her initial hesitation. Yet, the transformative experience of golf and the desire for a shared family activity led them to First Tee. "We found that First Tee let them learn the game without feeling like we were imposing.”

For Jen's oldest, Sophie, her journey to First Tee was one of quiet determination. Initially resistant to sports, she was the first to vocalize her reluctance: "Mom, please don't sign me up for anything ever again." Yet, within the supportive environment of First Tee, she found her stride in golf and developed skills valuable for her future. The program allowed her to explore leadership, and she has now become a junior coach, gently pushing her boundaries in a supportive setting.

For Jack (11) and Emily (11), First Tee became a bridge over sibling rivalry, transforming competition into camaraderie. Their shared classes and experiences on the golf course positively spilled over into their home life, fostering a newfound respect and understanding between them. "It helped them grow closer together and as individuals," Jen reflected. Jack's involvement with First Tee has led him to widen his horizons. "Before golf, he only did soccer. But now he's like, 'Oh, maybe I want to try flag football."

Beyond the personal growth of her children, Jen's involvement with First Tee deepened through volunteering and joining the advisory committee. Her story illustrates the impact of First Tee not just on young participants but also on their families. "At

First Tee, you can learn skills to bond with your family for the rest of your life."

Above Photos: Jack (middle), Emily (left/right)

Grand Rapids Courses

24/7 Golf

4255 Alpine Ave NW

Comstock Park, MI 49321

Boulder Creek Golf Club

5750 Brewer Ave NE

Belmont, MI 49306

Cascade Hills Country Club

3725 Cascade Rd SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Cedar Chase Golf Club

7551 17 Mile Rd NE

Cedar Springs, MI 49319

Gracewil Country Club

2597 4 Mile Rd

Grand Rapids, MI 49544

Indian Trails Golf Course

2776 Kalamazoo Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Kaufman Golf Course 4807 Clyde Park Ave SW Wyoming, MI 49509

Holland Courses

Clearbrook Golf Club

Clearbrook Dr

Saugatuck, MI 49453

Macatawa Golf Club

4600 Macatawa Legends Blvd Holland, MI 49424

Ravines Golf Club

3520 Palmer Dr Saugatuck, MI 49453

Kent Country Club

1600 College Ave NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Maple Hill Golf

5555 Ivanrest SW

Grandville, MI 49418

Meadows at GVSU

4645 W Campus Dr Allendale, MI 49401

Quail Ridge Golf Club

8375 36th St SE Ada, MI 49301

Scott Lake Golf Course 911 Hayes Rd NE Comstock Park, MI 49321

Mines Golf Club 330 Covell Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI 49534

Third Coast Links

6069 Blue Star Hwy

Saugatuck, MI 49453

Three Fires Golf Club 6045 136th Ave Holland, MI 49424

Winding Creek Golf Club

4514 E Ottogan St Holland, MI 49423

Kalamazoo Courses

Eastern Hills Golf Course

6075 E G Ave

Kalamazoo, MI 49004

Kalamazoo Country Club

1609 Whites Rd

Kalamazoo, MI 49008

Milham Park Golf Club

14200 Lovers Ln Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Muskegon Courses

Bent Pine Golf Club

2480 Duck Lake Rd Whitehall, MI 49461

Colonial Golf Course

2763 N. 72nd Ave Hart, MI 49420

Muskegon Country Club

2801 Lakeshore Dr

Muskegon, MI 49441

Oak Ridge Golf Club

513 W Pontaluna Rd Norton Shores, MI 49444

Red Arrow Golf Course 1041 King Hwy Kalamazoo, MI 49048

The Dome Sports Center 12733 US-131 Schoolcraft, MI 49087

Old Channel Trail Golf Course

8325 N Old Channel Trail Montague, MI 49437

Stonegate Golf Club 4100 Sweeter Rd Twin Lake, MI 49457

University Park Golf Course

2100 Marquette Ave Muskegon, MI 49442

White Lake Golf Club

Coming Soon to Newaygo County:

Grand Rapids Partnerships

Baxter Community Center

Cesar Chavez Elementary

Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation

GRPS Athletics

Kelloggsville Elementary

Mulick Park Elementary

Palmer Elementary

Stocking Elementary

Streams of Hope

The Other Way Ministries

West Michigan Academy of Enviornmental Science

Woodfield Community Center

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Holland Partnerships

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland

Boys & Girls Club of Saugatuck/Douglas

Faith Church/Lincoln Estates

Holland Public Schools

IAM Academy

LAUP

People Helping People

West Ottawa Public Schools

Kalamazoo Partnerships

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo

Community in Schools

Kalamazoo Parks & Recreation

Kalamazoo Junior Golf Association

Peace House

Premier Athletics

Muskegon Partnerships

Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore Club 188

MLK Elementary

Whitehall Elementary

Fairways of Freedom

When asked about his future aspirations, Carter, an eight-year-old from Holland, exclaimed, "A Juggler" before bursting into laughter and adding, "A Chef!" Finally, he settled on "Doctor," humorously admitting, "Yeah, that's the one." His journey with golf has been transformative, providing him with positivity, a sense of belonging, and a supportive community.

Carter's commitment to golf began a year ago, making him one of the inaugural participants in a homeschool class in Holland. His enthusiasm for the sport is palpable, marked by perfect attendance at class and his excitement that builds up between sessions. Golf, for Carter, is more than a sport; it's where his "best self comes out."

Despite his love for golf, Carter faces significant challenges outside the greens due to his severe allergies. As a self-described 'Allergy Kid,' Carter loses track of what he's allergic to. "Peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, dust, dogs, cats, I don't remember all of them…too many," he says. These allergies have restricted his participation in many social activities, instilling a constant fear of allergic reactions. However, golf has been a sanctuary for him. "I'm no longer the allergy kid. On the course, I feel free of allergies like, I'm swinging all the allergies away, putting them on the tee and hitting them all," Carter shared with his characteristic giggle. It's a place where he feels "like a normal kid."

The friendships formed through First Tee, especially with a student named Baize, have been pivotal in Carter's journey. Baize's support helped Carter navigate the challenges of learning golf and contributed to his personal growth. Reflecting on his behavior before joining First Tee, Carter admitted, "Blaize showed me how not to be a bully, to use nice words, to encourage others, which made me feel strong inside."

His mother, Becky, has also observed this transformation, noting a significant change in Carter's behavior towards being "calmer and more regulated."

First Tee has been a beacon of joy and growth for Carter, with his mother attesting, "First Tee has helped him find joy in his life. He just lights up when he talks about golf, his coaches, and his teammates." As for Carter, his goals are as lofty as his spirit. " I want to hit it to the 100-yard marker and make mommy so happy she faints." Carter's aspirations and joy bloom in every swing, laugh, and high-five at First Tee, quietly weaving a stronger thread between him and the First Tee community.

Total

Total

Scholarship Student Percentage 44% 46%

A higher percentage of students needed free programs based on their family's income in 2023.

Grand Rapids Holland

Kalamazoo

Muskegon

Thank You Coaches

Grand Rapids Lead Coaches

Sierra Berlin / Alumni

Adam Davis

Chris Drumm

Tyler Dunham

Ben Elenbaas

Greg Heath

Alex Karhunen / Alumni

Bradley Lardie / Alumni

Dominic Luciani / Alumni

Deb Marshall

SierraBerlin

Josh Briggs

Steve Briggs

Kenna Durian

Kim Pasikowski

Ian Purvis

Lindsay Reens / Alumni

Charlie Seufert / Jr. Coach

Jack Seufert / Alumni

Noah Sidell

Henry Stallings

Kylie Stong / Alumni

Art Thornley

Taylor VanSolkema

Holland Lead Coaches

Alex Karhunen / Alumni

Paul Keyser

Kathy Keyser

Kalamazoo Lead Coaches

Mercedes Befus

Steve Trebing

Jason Woytal

Abe Young

Eddie Kline

Matt Lynch

Megan Radaz

Rob Thompson

Corbin VandenBrink

Muskegon Lead Coaches

Terri Clock

Greg Heath

Bryan Koratich

Tyler Markin

Payden Pittman / Jr. Coach

Liam Szegda

It's not just a program; it's a community. A place where families come together to bond, learn, and grow. A Country Club for Kids!"

-Jen Holden, First Tee Parent

This is my favorite part of the week! I can't wait to get out to the golf course.

17-Year-Old Participant

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