Neil Jones - PGA Professional, TPC River's Bend
November 2012
Did you know how The First Tee was formed? The First Tee concept was initiated by Tim Finchem, PGA Tour Commissioner, shortler after Tiger Woods won The Masters in 1997. Earl Woods, Tim Finchem, Rudy Giuliani and President Bush were in Central Park on a November day when the announced the formation of The First Tee. They stated that research has shown the primary reason more children, and especially economically disadvantaged children, do not play golf is because of the lack of oplaces that welcome them.
The First Tee of Greater Miami Valley is honored to have a partnership with PGA Tour Facility TPC River's Bend right here in our chapter. Thank you Neil and all of the members for your continued support!
Tim McGowan - Oxford Steering Committee
September 2012
Tim McGowan has served on the Oxford Affiliate Steering Committee for more than three years. In 2012, Tim headed Oxford's first "Golf Ball Drop," generating significant excitement and fundraising dollars for the local program.
OTGT Intern Staff - Micaela Cronin, David Duer, John Muir, Bailey Stolarsky & Matt Zedrick
August 2012
Interns from the Ohio Turf & Golf Trust served as Program Coaches for The First Tee's Dayton programs in the summer of 2012. Coming from various backgrounds of competitive golf, Professional Golf Management students and current college players, the five interns contributed greatly to the impact made with more than 200 participants at Community, Kittyhawk and Madden Golf Courses in the City of Dayton.
Jim Leugers - Hamilton Volunteer Coach
July 2012
Jim Leugers is 77 years old and has been involved with The First Tee for four years as a coach in the PLAYer, Par, Birdie and Eagle programs in Hamilton. He is retired from American Materials Corp. as Cincinnati District Manager, where he workd for 35 years, and from the Lakota Schools as a bus driver for ten years. He has been a Pat Exaulted Ruler of the BPO Elks for 40 years, and has been playing golf for 65 years. He is the happy husband of wife Doris as well as proud father to four adoring children - two daughters and twin sons.
"I have enjoyed working with the young people in The First Tee program. This fulfills my down time and it is SO MUCH FUN watching them progress in the game of golf and in the life skills they learn."
Jana Dalton, PGA - Kittyhawk Golf Center
June 2012
Jana Dalton is from Miamisburg, Ohio and now lives on a 40 acre farm with her family in Jefferson Township Ohio. After receiving her degree in economics and political science from Heidelberg College, Jana started her PGA apprenticeship at Kittyhawk Golf Course and would return nearly 20 years later as the Head Professional. Jana has been a PGA Professional since 1996 and spent 14 years in Miamisburg as the Head Professional and General Manager before returning to Kittyhawk Golf Course as the Head Professional in 2008.
What free time is available is spent with her family on the farm taking care of the daily chores and tending to the animals and honeybees that also reside there.
“Instructing is what got me hooked on becoming a Golf Professional. I love introducing people to the game as well as getting them to a level to where they enjoy it. I have facilitated a lot of junior programs throughout my career and the City of Dayton has a fantastic junior program that I am fortunate to be a part of. This is our first year partnering with The First Tee, and so far I am very pleased with the results. I have very high expectations and know the importance of junior programming and the care that should be taken in instructing and developing young golfers. The First Tee is a “bigger picture” type program that incorporates life lessons they will use no matter what path they choose in life.”
Eric Eby, PGA - NCR Country Club
May 2012
Eric Eby was born in Dayton, Ohio and now resides in Springboro with his wife Amy and their three (soon to be four) children. Eric is currently in his sixth season as the Director of Golf at NCR Country Club. Prior to returning to the Dayton area, Eric spent a year in Northern Virginia and 10 years in the Pittsburgh area in various club professional positions. Golf has been a part of Eric’s life ever since he was a junior, growing up and playing in theMiami Valley while also participating in numerous junior tournaments and programs. As a member of the PGA of America since 1999, teaching golf, especially to juniors, has been an important part of his professional life.
“When The First Tee of Greater Miami Valley first approached me and NCR Country Club about joining their efforts a few years ago, we were extremely excited about the opportunity. Helping to bring awareness to The First Tee in our community has been a rewarding experience and something that I am looking forward to carrying on in the years to come. The funds that are generated through the annual golf outing directly benefit all children involved in The First Tee of Greater Miami Valley program, which is something that we should all feel very good about!”
Craig Wilson, Wright Patterson Air Force Base
April 2012
Craig Wilson was born in Ohio and is blessed with a wife, two children and eight grandchildren. He is retired from the United States Air Force, and currently serves as the Youth Sports Director for Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. Craig had never played golf in his life until he was introduced to The First Tee and Mr. Bob Wilson.
"I am a believer of The First Tee Golf Program. I have seen kid’s attitudes and character transformed from being impatient, busy bodies, to respectful, courteous and confident youth. I believe that golf is a great way for a family to spend quality time. Golf is another way grandparents and their grandkids can engage in a sport together, strengthening family bonds. Spending ten minutes in a golf cart on the golf course helps to build lifelong memories. I like to tell reluctant kids, “You never knew you liked French Fries until you decided to taste one. So come on and get a taste of The First Tee."
Joe & Lorraine Mayernik
March 2012
Denise Setmayer, State Farm
February 2012
Denise Setmayer was born in northwest Indiana, just outside of Chicago, in Hammond, Indiana. Denise, and her husband Allen, relocated to the Cincinnati area in 1992, and live in Mason. She works as an administrative assistant for State Farm for the past 23 years, and has been an assistant to Vice President Doug Bohannon for the past seven years. When not at work, Denise enjoys music, jogging, and traveling to fun vacation destinations with her husband.
“I enjoy assisting the efforts of the board members of the First Tee organization. I am pleased to have provided administrative assistance that in turn helps with The First Tee’s goals in promoting lasting values and developing skills with children and youth. It is an honor to be affiliated with such a highly regarded organization and with the people who serve it.”
Carin Rabas, Priority Financial Group
January 2012
Carin was born in Rockford, IL and lived in Wisconsin for 26 years before moving to Mason. She graduated from The University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her husband of 22 years, Andrew, and Carin have three children; Anthony (18), Ryan (15) and Nicole (9). The family moved to Ohio in 1998 for Andrew’s job and it quickly became home. She is currently working as an Administrative Assistant with Priority Financial Group in Cincinnati.
"It has been a great pleasure volunteering for The First Tee of Greater Miami Valley. Working with Executive Director Brian Parkhurst has given me a great respect for the organization and as a mother I admire the 9 Core Values and 9 Healthy Habits and also recognize the necessity of teaching these to our youth."
Mark Schneider, Heidelberg Distributing & Wine Tasting Committee Member
December 2011
Mark A Schneider was born in Cincinnati, OH and currently resides in Anderson, OH.Mark attended Moeller High School, Indiana University and The University of Cincinnati. He and his wife, Tricia, have been married thirteen years and have two wonderful children: Emily 11, and Peter 9.
Mark has worked for Heidelberg Distributing for 18 years as a Fine Wine Consultant as well as a Certified Specialist of Wine. Mark is also on the Board of Directors of The Forest Hills Foundation for Education.
Mark was approached to help with a wine event and is now part of the wine committee, working with the rest of the committee and TFTGMV board to create and help ensure an “over the top” experience at the Spring Fundraising event.
“When I was approached initially to run a wine tasting event, I was thrilled to help this very important and worthwhile organization. As I have spent more time with the wine committee and Brian Parkhurst, I have been happy to become more involved, not only with the wine event but other aspects of TFTGMV. As I watch my own children grow, I see the importance of helping to influence positively those kids who are looking for positive role models in their lives. I look forward to an expanded role moving forward.”
