The Western Golf Association (WGA) and amateur golfer Charles "Chick" Evans Jr. established the Evans Scholarship in 1930. The scholarship has helped thousands of caddies attend college since then.  Beaver Golf student, Jayda Dookie graduated from Suncoast Community High School in 2023 and she was awarded the scholarship after completing her "loops" at Seminole Golf Club.  
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Read the stories that follow to learn more about the experience.  The best time to get started is during the golfer's freshman year of high school but it is not impossible to complete the loops if you start in your sophomore year. 
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Jayda took full advantage of the opportunities available to her in golf!  
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Nearly twenty Beaver Golf junior golfers attended the TimberTech Championship Junior Clinic hosted by First Tee last Thursday.  While waiting for the event to begin some of the golfers were able to watch Champions Tour Players Vijay Singh and K.J. Choi practice short game and full swing respectively which was an unexpected treat. 

Rookie Champions Tour Player Tim O'neal was the featured speaker for the clinic.  He shared a remarkable story of perserverance.  He has had a goal of playing on tour for a very long time and it only came true this past year at the age of 51.  He encouraged the golfers to keep a focused eye on their dreams and never give up on attaining them no matter how long it takes.   When asked if he would change any decisions he made in the past, he said, "I would go back and practice short game with 80% of my time instead of working on the long drive."  He went on to say, that while he is one of the longest hitters on tour, getting it in the hole is what counts.  

The junior golfers got to see those drives.  Tim O'neal was able to crush the ball even on a windy day.  Afterwards, he invited some of the juniors to show off their skills.  Mateo Muñiz thought it would be best to let other golfers try, but First Tee Executive Director, Carl Mistretta, did not agree.  The surprise of the day was when Abriella Morrison stepped up to take her shot as the only female golfer to accept the challenge. Her Mom was convinced that she would not be comfortable in front of a large crowd, but she was definitely mistaken.  

The last order of business was the check presentation.  First Tee - Florida Gold Coast was awarded $15,000 to continue building game changers in golf and in life.  We are extremely honored to be affiliated with First Tee so our juniors can have access to these opportunities.  Last year, some golfers were invited to a behind the scenes tour and we are looking forward to many more.  

The TimberTech Championship story does not end there.  Let's fast forward to the Final Day of the tournament. 

​Mateo Muñiz was treated to a day at the final day of the The TimberTech Championship compliments of First Tee of the Palm Beaches.  He was very excited to share the experience with his friend Caden Weiler who is starting to take an interest in competitive golf. It was Mateo's first time attending a Champions Tour event and Caden's first professional event. 

Much to their surprise the crowds were very light so after watching some shots from their VIP seating they decided to hang out around the 18th hole in hopes of meeting some of the players. While there Mateo was able to reconnect with golf legend, Mr. Bob Toski and get an update about the next Toski Junior Tournament. They also met Major Champs: Ernie Els and Mike Weir and Tour players: K.J. Choi,  Jerry Kelly and David Toms.   Defending TimberTech Champion, Bernhard Langer even stopped to sign a ball before heading in to sign his scorecard. 

​Caden could not say thank you enough for the invitation commenting that "watching golf in person is way better than watching on television."  Mateo was overjoyed by the friendliness and willingness of the players to interact after their final round. Both left with memories that will last a lifetime.  ​

Healthy Habit: Family

Our junior program is unique in that all siblings can learn golf in the same group setting at the same time.  It is really neat to see the younger siblings eventually grow up to be old enough to participate.  We have several families where this has happened.  If the love for the sport develops, any one of our sibling groups could become the next power family in golf.  

Whether it is multiple children or or just one child that decides to pursue golf as a career, it is important to always remember the sacrifices that parents make to help them attain that goal.  

Of course, if the desire to play golf for fun is all that develops that is a win too!!  Make memories.​

Mike started out as one of my private golf students and today I am honored to call him friend.  He is a good player but like most he allows the bad shot to take over too much mental space which leads to more poor shots.  What impresses me about Mike is his desire to keep practicing and playing even as he deals with debilitating pain which is probably why we get a long so well. 

When he asked about being a volunteer, I was not surprised.  People see that I have a lot of kids and they always ask but Mike was the first to follow through by completing all of the necessary background checks and training that First Tee requires.  He really enjoys watching the kids and is their biggest cheerleader.  When I was informed that he was awarded Volunteer of the Year for 2022 and that they wanted him to attend a special event, I laughed.  There was no way that Mike was going to a special event, if he was getting an award it would need to be in front of his players.  

It took two tries to present it since his back was not cooperating but we did it.  He was  completely unaware of what was happening at the time.  Congratulations Mike!!!

Q: ​How does it feel to receive this award?
​A:  It is an honor to receive an award for GIVING.

Q: How did you get started playing golf?  
A: Curiosity, my friend started to play and I went along with him. 

Q: What prompted you to start volunteering? 
A: I had been taking lessons with Glen for several weeks and he mentioned that he also taught kids as part of the First Tee program, so I asked if he needed any help.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about volunteering?  
A: Giving back is the greatest lesson, no matter how or when I have found it to be the greatest reward that I have experienced in my life. 

Q: When you are not playing golf what do you like to do?  
A: Watch and play sports, spend time with family. 

Q: Who is your favorite golfer and why?
A: Bernard Langer, his dedication to be the best. 

Q: Most people who are experiencing the kind of pain that you are, would just stop volunteering until they are well.  Why is it important for you to keep your commitment no matter what?
A: I was taught by my father a long time ago, if you make a commitment you keep it no matter what.  As the classes went on I observed that this was much more than teaching golf, Glen had a group of people who cared about teaching respect, family, and integrity etc. (Glen, Danni, Mayda, Mateo, Zack, Stan, Reva)  It has truly been a privilege to be involved with Glen and his crew, it is not often you get to spend time with such good people.