NORTON, Massachusetts (October 31, 2024) — Under crisp fall skies Monday at TPC Boston, First Tee — Massachusetts celebrated its 18th annual fundraiser tournament, where golfers gathered not just to play but to make a difference in young lives through the timeless lessons of golf.
A strong turnout of 116 golfers participated in the shotgun start event, with proceeds supporting programs and activities of First Tee — Massachusetts, the state’s chapter of the national youth development organization where kids and teens are learning life lessons and leadership skills through golf.
According to Kyle Harris, Director of Operations for First Tee — Massachusetts, contributions have grown annually, driven by unique prizes, on-course contests, and increased awareness of First Tee’s broad impact. In total, this year’s tournament brought it more than $110,000, building off a similar total from the previous year.
“We had another terrific day out there, and I cannot thank the players and our generous sponsors enough,” Harris said. “I look forward to this event every year not just because it’s a critical fundraising mechanism for us but because we always get to see so many returning faces, some of whom have been supporting this event since before I arrived in 2018. Then we also get to welcome many new players and sponsors and introduce them to First Tee and the impact we are able to make through this game we all love.”
For the third consecutive year, Lighthouse Electrical Contracting, Inc., a full-service union electrical contractor based in Rockland, served as the tournament’s presenting sponsor. Herbie Aikens, president of Lighthouse Electrical and an accomplished amateur golfer, is a long-time supporter and member of the First Tee Committee.
“Golf changed my life, so I love what First Tee does,” Aikens said during the tournament Monday. “It brings the game to people that maybe wouldn’t normally have access to it, and it’s a beautiful thing. I’ve seen what it’s done for me, so I want it to hopefully to do the same for others. When you sit down and see the impact iut has and how many sites are out there, I think it opens people’s eyes.”
“Herbie’s support and sponsorship of our event has been absolutely game-changing, and we are so grateful to have him in our corner,” Harris added. “Not only has his financial contributions been impactful, but as a well-known and highly-respected person on and off the golf course, his voice carries a lot of weight. So we greatly appreciate his belief in what we do.”
Aikens played in a foursome with J.P. Norden, who, after losing a leg in the Boston Marathon bombing, launched a charity to support other amputees. Their team included amateur standouts Mark O’Sullivan and Brian Higgins, who posted a low score of 10-under-par 61 in the best-ball format.
A crowd favorite “beat the pro” contest returned this year on the par-3 8th hole. Aikens’ friend Matt Parziale, the 2017 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion, challenged participants to hit their shots closer to the hole than his. For an additional fee, they could use the same club as Parziale — including, in some cases, a putter or driver.
The team of Andrew Godek, John Rolleri, Michael Rolleri, and Roy Dellinger earned the low net score of 19-under-par 53, featuring three net eagles.
Beyond the tournament, there are many ways to support First Tee’s mission, from equipment donations to volunteering and financial contributions. First Tee aims to introduce kids and teens to the game of golf, instilling values like honesty, respect, and confidence.
To learn more about giving back to First Tee – Massachusetts, visit: FirstTeeMass.org
In 2003, Mass Golf was selected by First Tee to join its national network with the goal of bringing an affordable junior golf program to youth and communities that did not have them.
Since that time, Mass Golf has introduced 11 program locations: Cyprian Keyes Golf Club (Boylston), D.W. Field Golf Course (Brockton), William J. Devine GC at Franklin Park (Boston), Hyannis Golf Course (Cape Cod), Cranberry Valley Golf Course (Harwich), Fenway Golf Center (Springfield), KOHR Golf (Natick), Sagamore Spring Golf Club (Lynnfield), The Links at Mass Golf (Norton), The Ranch Golf Club (Southwick), and The Reggie Lewis Center (West Roxbury).
As part of the curriculum, the children progress through a series of golf lessons where they are introduced to the different aspects of a golf course including the green, tee, fairway, rough, bunkers, and water hazards. The participants are also introduced to the basic elements of the game of golf and the swing including distance and accuracy control, course management, how to score, pace of play, honor, and proper, grip, stance, and posture. As participants grow and improve their golf skills, they will meet new challenges and potentially earn opportunities to play and compete on the local or national level.
In addition to golf, the participants are introduced to the First Tee Program, which is the curriculum of age-appropriate life skills that are interwoven into our golf lessons. Participants develop resilience, grit, and integrity as they experience lessons that fall into one of our five Key Commitment categories, which include Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self Identity, and Using Good Judgment.
