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Getting to know our Program Director and the expertise he brings to First Tee – Southeast Wisconsin

At First Tee, we believe that character is what you bring to everything you do. It’s what allows you to walk away from failure determined, not defeated. This philosophy comes to life through the dedicated professionals who guide our young people, and there’s no better example than our Program Director, Tom Gerke, PGA.

Tom’s journey in golf began as a caddie at Tripoli Country Club in Milwaukee, where he discovered not just a passion for the game, but a calling to share it with others. From those early days carrying bags, he worked his way through the pro shop while attending UW-Milwaukee, eventually deciding that golf was the industry where he wanted to make his mark.

A Path Built on Excellence and Experience

Tom’s career trajectory reads like a masterclass in golf education. He climbed the ladder from assistant professional to managing entire golf course operations, but his true expertise emerged in academy settings where he led teams of instructors. His role wasn’t just about teaching golf—it was about teaching others how to teach, ensuring consistency, and creating successful learning experiences.

This expertise took him internationally when he worked with LPGA legend Lorena Ochoa in Mexico. Tom wrote comprehensive teaching manuals in both English and Spanish, opened academies across the country, and trained staff at resorts and country clubs. The experience of working at the professional level with Ochoa gave him invaluable insights into how elite athletes think compared to recreational golfers—knowledge he now brings to every First Tee session.

More Than Just Golf Instruction

What sets Tom apart isn’t just his technical knowledge as a PGA Professional—it’s his understanding that great golf instruction must be accessible, fun, and meaningful. His coaching philosophy is refreshingly simple: keep it understandable, make it enjoyable, and help kids interact rather than just listen.

“So much golf instruction is very complicated,” Tom explains. “I want them to understand it, because if they understand it, they’ll do it—not just because Coach Tom says to move their arms a certain way, but because it makes sense to them.”

This approach aligns perfectly with First Tee’s mission. Tom recognizes that the life skills we teach through golf—dealing with frustration, handling disappointment, bouncing back from setbacks—are exactly what make both golf and life easier to navigate.

Real Impact, Real Stories

The true measure of Tom’s success isn’t found in swing mechanics or handicap improvements—though those certainly happen. It’s in the stories of transformation that parents share, seeing differences in their children’s behavior from week one to week nine, year after year.

One story particularly stands out: a young participant who was with First Tee for five years before taking a break from golf. When this student faced challenges in high school, including bullying, his mother’s first instinct was to bring him back to First Tee. She knew the organization and trusted what Tom and the team could provide.

“He had anger issues and couldn’t deal with a lot of stuff,” Tom recalls. “But when he was in a positive environment, he changed and got better. His mom realized that First Tee was a very good option for him to get back on track.”

This is the power of what we do—creating environments where young people feel safe to fail, excited to grow, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next.

A Vision for Southeast Wisconsin

Tom’s background—understanding what it’s like when opportunities aren’t readily available, working in diverse organizations across different locations and with various clientele—gives him a unique understanding of the communities we serve. He knows firsthand how important it is to create accessible pathways for young people, making organizations like First Tee even more crucial.

His goal is ambitious but achievable: to make First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin the region’s best option for junior golf, recognized for the quality of our coaches, the engagement of our participants, and our reputation both locally and within the First Tee national network.

Building Character, One Swing at a Time

Tom’s journey from caddie to Program Director reflects the same character-building principles we teach our participants. He understands that golf is a metaphor for life—full of unexpected challenges where progress requires self-reliance and how you choose to respond defines who you are.

Under Tom’s leadership, our participants aren’t just learning golf; they’re discovering what’s inside themselves and strengthening it. They’re building the inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that will serve them well beyond the golf course.

That’s what makes Tom Gerke more than just a golf instructor—he’s a mentor helping young people write their personal growth stories, one lesson at a time.

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Ready to see what First Tee can do for your child? Learn more about our programs and how we’re building game changers throughout Southeast Wisconsin.

On a beautiful afternoon at Noyes Park Golf Course, young people from across Milwaukee gathered not just to play golf—but to connect, learn, and grow through mentorship.

Youth Golf Mentoring Day was a collaborative event powered by First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin, MENTOR Greater Milwaukee, WeBLACKWeGOLF, MKE Fellows, and PEARLS for Teen Girls with the shared goal of using golf as a bridge to character development, confidence-building, and meaningful relationships.

Throughout the day, young participants rotated through golf instruction stations led by experienced coaches and volunteers, many of whom shared their own stories of mentorship and growth. Whether it was a first swing or a putt to win “Putt Tac Toe,” every moment was an opportunity to build confidence and spark connection.

We were honored to welcome Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who joined us on the course and spoke to the power of mentorship in shaping the next generation of leaders. His presence underscored the strength of partnership between Milwaukee County Parks and local organizations committed to youth development. With great public courses like Noyes Park, our county offers accessible spaces where mentorship and learning can thrive. Events like this show what’s possible when golf, government, and community come together to invest in our youth.

This day on the course was a reminder that golf is more than a game—it’s a powerful tool for empowerment. We saw firsthand how mentorship, combined with the life skills taught through golf, can open doors and build strong foundations for the future.

Thank you to every mentor, partner, and young person who helped make this day one to remember. We’re excited to continue building community, confidence, and character—on and off the course.

Representing 22 unique First Tee Chapters, this year’s Scholar class includes 6 first-generation college students and 5 collegiate golfers. 

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. (June 6, 2025) – The First Tee College Scholarship Program welcomes 27 recent high school graduates. Each of these Scholars was selected from a competitive national pool of First Tee teens and completed a rigorous application and interview process. In its sixth year, the program now boasts 121 current or former members, including 21 college graduates. 

The 16 young women and 11 young men in this new Scholar class demonstrate a commitment to excellence both on and off the golf course, with the class averaging nearly 10 years in First Tee and an SAT score of 1450.  

“I want to congratulate these 27 remarkable First Tee participants and welcome them to the First Tee College Scholarship Program,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to the donors and mentors who make this life-changing program possible. Since it launched in 2020, it has been rewarding to see our Scholars further develop in their respective fields and grow as students, golfers and people.” 

The First Tee College Scholarship Program takes a multifaceted approach to supporting alumni after high school graduation. In addition to providing financial support, each Scholar is paired with a trained adult mentor to help guide them through higher education and beyond. Each of the new Scholars will also attend a pre-college retreat at First Tee Headquarters in July to meet their fellow class as well as an annual professional development conference in the winter that all active First Tee Scholars attend. Each Scholar also receives assistance with summer internship and employment placement after graduation. 

Participants across the First Tee Network submitted applications to be a part of the latest Scholar class. Following an online application process, finalists were selected by a committee for one-on-one interviews. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, community service and other criteria.   

Congratulations to the 2025 First Tee Scholars: 

Name	Chapter	University
Micah Chiong*	Greater Chicago	Wheaton College
Rachel Cox#	Benton Harbor	University of Michigan
Peyton DeBruin*	Greater Houston	Montana State University
Madigan Escobar#	Coachella Valley	University of California, Santa Barbara
Christina Fuentes	Greater Washington DC	Princeton University
Salloni Gill#	Greater Baltimore	Duke University
Avi Gupta	Metropolitan New York	University of Pennsylvania
Vaugh Henagan*	Northern Michigan	Augustana College
Isabella Herrera#	Silicon Valley	University of Southern California
Langston Hughes#	Greater Washington DC	Rochester Institute of Technology – RIT
Rida Karim#	Greater Washington DC	University of Virginia
Casey Knepp	Central Coast	University of California, Los Angeles
Jonnika Kwon	Greater Seattle	Georgetown University
Vinh Lai	Cleveland	The Ohio State University
Elle Lewis	Greater New Orleans	Tulane University
Lillian McGowan*	Greater Sacramento	California State University, Northridge
Jonathan Moon	Howard County	Hamilton College
Brianna Nguyen	Greater Seattle	Chapman University
Li An Panfil	Silicon Valley	University of California, Los Angeles
Jackson Perry	Salina	University of Kansas
Aryana Persaud	Central Florida	University of Florida
Henry Powell	Greater Richmond	Virginia Tech University
Emma Stavely	Green Valley Ranch	University of San Diego
Hannah Stouder*	Greater Sacramento	University of Nevada, Reno
Precilla Tea	Greater Pasadena	Scripps College
Emily Wuggazer	Manhattan	Kansas State University
Jake Zulueta	Greater Charlotte	North Carolina State University

*Denotes collegiate golfer  

# Denotes First Generation Scholar  

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What happens when you combine over 50 eager young golfers, professional instruction, and a Green Bay Packers legend? Pure magic at Brown Deer Park Golf Course.

The Bank of America Golf With Us Clinic in partnership with Youth on Course created an incredible learning environment where kids ages 8-12 from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Youth on Course, and First Tee — Southeast Wisconsin came together for an unforgettable experience that perfectly embodied our mission of building character through golf.

Learning from the Best

Under the expert guidance of Brown Deer Park Golf Course Head Golf Professional Scott Walecki and his assistant professionals, participants received hands-on instruction that focused on both golf fundamentals and life skills. The evening struck the perfect balance between technical learning and pure fun, creating an environment where kids felt excited to grow and safe to fail.

A Special Guest with Heart

Former Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby brought his championship spirit to the clinic, spending time with each participant and sharing valuable life lessons alongside golf tips. His genuine enthusiasm for the event was evident as he reflected on the experience:

“Just seeing these kids, some of them who have never really even picked up a golf club, and when they hit one in the air or even just get it going forward, the excitement in their eyes reflects the joy this can be,” Crosby shared. “The camaraderie felt like a team atmosphere. Everybody was encouraging each other, trying to be a part of something bigger than just themselves. It was a special event. It was awesome to be a part of it.”

When asked what message he wanted to leave with the kids, Crosby offered wisdom that extends far beyond golf: “You’re going to miss putts. You’re going to have mistakes in life. Things are going to happen, but just don’t let those moments keep you from that next awesome opportunity. Don’t let your misses keep you from your makes.”

Partnership with Purpose

In 2025, Bank of America launched Golf With Us in partnership with Youth on Course to help make golf more accessible. The Bank of America Golf With Us clinics encourage youth to find out what’s possible in golf and in life – learning important golf skills and life skills from top golf and celebrity talent. “Wisconsin is a key expansion market for Bank of America and we are thrilled to host one of our exclusive clinics here in Milwaukee,” said Drew Slocum, President, Bank of America Wisconsin. “By working with Youth on Course and First Tee to help make golf more accessible, we’re helping grow the sport while also making a positive impact in our community.”

Growing the Game Nationwide

As part of the partnership, Bank of America is funding course expansion, free Youth on Course memberships for kids around the nation, and instructional clinics in select markets to expose the next generation to the game of golf. Participants also receive a free one-year membership to Youth on Course via Golf With Us, allowing continued access to play golf for $5 or less at thousands of courses nationwide. So far more than 75,000 youth have signed up for a free Youth on Course membership provided by Bank of America.

More Than Golf

True to First Tee’s approach, the clinic focused on the deeper side of golf rather than just technical skills. Participants experienced active learning that builds inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience – qualities they’ll carry with them far beyond the clinic. Each participant also received a complimentary golf kit to continue their journey with the game. The evening concluded with dinner, allowing kids to connect with new friends and reflect on their experiences.

Building Tomorrow’s Game Changers

Events like this remind us why our work matters. In a world where kids face increasing pressures and challenges, we create spaces where they can discover what’s inside of them, strengthen it, and put it into action. Every swing, every encouraging word, and every moment of joy during the clinic contributes to building the strength of character that will empower these young people through a lifetime of new challenges.

The smiles, laughter, and determined faces captured throughout the evening tell the real story – we’re not just building better golfers, we’re building game changers.

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For more information about the Golf With Us program, visit www.bankofamerica.com/golfwithus.

Natalie Cao is a collegiate golfer, First Tee Scholar and soon-to-be graduate from the University of Pennsylvania.

While she loved golf from three years old, she struggled with the independent nature of the sport until her parents enrolled her in First Tee when she was in fifth grade. Upon joining First Tee, she realized golf could be something more than just a competitive sport and was immediately drawn to the life skills curriculum. She quickly integrated herself into the community at First Tee – Greater Houston and began junior coaching while she was in middle school.

As a successful junior golfer, her eyes continued to be set on the future and finding where she could best pursue her goals as a golfer as well as her hopes of becoming a financial advisor. Soon she found the best of both worlds: the University of Pennsylvania, where she could play on the golf team as well as pursue a degree in economics.

Around this same time, Natalie applied and was accepted to the First Tee Scholarship Program. Throughout her time in the program, she was able to meet a network of hundreds of people across the country including other First Tee Scholars, First Tee leadership and her mentor, Valerie Wong Fountain.

The First Tee Scholarship Program assigns each member with a designated mentor during their freshman year to help them navigate their time in college and beyond. Natalie’s mentor, Valerie, is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley in the Firm’s New York City office. Like Natalie, Valerie also played collegiate golf at the University of Pennsylvania, and she is involved with First Tee as a board member of First Tee – Metropolitan New York. The relationship between the two quickly flourished after they met in person for the first time to play golf while Natalie was visiting New York City over the summer after her freshman year.

Natalie and Valerie engaged on topics ranging from career advice to leadership to negotiating offers.  In addition, Valerie opened doors to opportunities at Morgan Stanley and provided additional networking experiences in the asset management industry. Throughout her time at the University of Pennsylvania, Natalie flourished academically and athletically. She completed two internships with Morgan Stanley as part of the Firm’s Early Insights program and competed with the UPenn women’s golf team contending for its first Women’s Ivy Championship in more than a decade. Each time she competed in the Ivy Championships, Valerie attended to cheer her on.

As her time in college comes to a close, Natalie hasn’t stopped looking towards the future. After her graduation at the end of May, she will move down to Miami to begin a two-year rotational program in commercial mortgage-backed securities with Rialto Capital, an investment management group. Although her time as a First Tee Scholar officially ends when she graduates college, she has already been in touch with First Tee – Miami to coach and mentor the next generation of First Tee participants.

Want to learn more about the First Tee College Scholarship Program and how you can get involved? Visit here.

The renowned CBS Sports voice will help further First Tee’s mission of empowering youth through golf

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL (May 23, 2025) – First Tee, a youth development organization that enables kids to build character through the game of golf, announced that acclaimed CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz will serve as its new Honorary Chair. The news comes as the youth development organization celebrates First Tee Week nationwide, a campaign to recognize coaches and their impact on participants and their communities.

Nantz, whose distinguished broadcasting career spans more than four decades, becomes the third Honorary Chair in First Tee’s history, following President George W. Bush (2011-2024) and President George H.W. Bush (1997-2010). As Honorary Chair, Nantz will help promote First Tee’s purpose and expand its reach to empower even more young people.

“Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how golf builds character, resilience and integrity – the very qualities First Tee instills in young people,” said Jim Nantz. “I am honored to serve as Honorary Chair and support an organization that uses this remarkable game to help kids develop the strength of character they will carry with them throughout their lives.”

President George W. Bush expressed confidence in his successor: “For the past 13 years, it has been my privilege to support First Tee’s mission to develop young people of character. Jim Nantz brings passion, integrity and a deep love for golf to this role. His voice has narrated historic moments in the sport, and now that same voice will help inspire a new generation. My father would be proud that our friend is following in our footsteps, and I look forward to seeing First Tee’s continued impact under Jim’s leadership.”

Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair of First Tee Board of Governors, added: “For 40 years Jim Nantz has provided the soundtrack for the game of golf, captivating fans at home as he illustrates the drama of winning on the PGA TOUR. As much as Jim’s voice is synonymous with the biggest moments in golf, his true legacy will be the countless fans he has introduced to our sport through his love for the game and respect for its values. It’s these attributes that make him the ideal Honorary Chair for First Tee.”

Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO, also welcomed Nantz to this significant role: “Jim Nantz is not only one of golf’s most recognizable voices – he is someone who truly embodies the values we teach. His passion for the game, commitment to excellence and inspiring presence make him the perfect Honorary Chair to help us continue building game changers across the country.”

As Honorary Chair, Nantz will help raise awareness of First Tee’s impact, support fundraising initiatives, and champion the organization’s mission to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges, both on and off the course.

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. First Tee serves more than 3.1 million kids annually.

Learn more about getting involved with First Tee.

During First Tee Week, we celebrate the coaches who make First Tee a safe and special place for kids to learn golf and life skills.  

As vice president of programs, Ryan Graff meets First Tee coaches from across the globe. He knows they’re the beating heart of First Tee but finds they don’t always take credit for their incredible impact.  

According to research from First Tee and The Harris Poll, parents believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and show resilience in the face of challenges (88%). 

Ryan shared his perspective on the power of coaches after attending a coach training in Denver: 

As I travel and meet with the amazing people who volunteer and work at First Tee chapters, our conversation leads to me asking, “So what do you do at your chapter?” A common response is, “Oh I am just a coach.”  While I rarely correct people on the role they serve – because what do I know? – in these cases, I have to respond with, “You are not JUST a coach … you are a COACH.” 

So many thoughts fire off in my brain: Do you know the power you have in the lives of participants?  Do you understand the impact of your engagement and interactions with these kids and teens?  Do you realize they are watching and listening to how you carry yourself? 

When observing a First Tee class, it may look like play, fun and learning a lifelong sport. But there is serious work going on underneath the game.  

• There are decisions being made on which club to select or shot to play (using good judgment) 

• Participants are selecting targets (pursuing goals) 

• They’re learning to navigate obstacles on the course (growing through challenge) 

• They’re having moments of success and connecting their actions to outcomes (building positive self-identity) 

• They’re learning how to cooperate and show respect to others in their class (collaborating with others) 

At best, a golfer left to their own devices has a 50/50 chance for these skills to transfer and apply to their life off the course. But with a trained coach guiding them through the process, this will increase those odds to 80% or higher. While I am not a gambling man, I like those odds.  

The word “coach” is derived from an old English term for a horse-drawn carriage. Coaches took important people where they wanted to go. It’s no different today; kids and teens are important people and coaches assist them to get where they want to go in life.   

I get it: As coaches, we often do not see the fruits of our labor. Sometimes, we never know the impact we had. But you are not JUST a coach; you are playing a critical role in the development of a human being – the development of their character, their moral compass, and assisting to shape their values.   

Coaches are role models, and the actions they display imprint and affect how kids and teens show up in this world, carry themselves, and interact with others.   

So, let’s drop the JUST. Being a coach is the highest honor and position one can have in the life of a kid or teen. Coaches leave lasting lessons and shape the character of participants lives, long into the future. If you are a coach, be proud and know you are making an impact on your participants.  Future generations depend on you!   

Interested in getting involved? 

You don’t have to be a great golfer to become an impactful First Tee coach. We train all of our coaches to deliver our proven curriculum.  

Find a chapter near you. 

Maria Ramos tried her hand at several sports before fate intervened. Her grandfather was a talented golfer and caddie. Though they never met, his legacy helped shape the path she walks today. With his memory in mind, Maria’s mom encouraged her to try golf.

Watching tournaments on TV, Maria noticed there weren’t many players who looked like her. Still, the presence of trailblazing players like Lorena Ochoa and Maria Fassi helped her envision a place for herself in the sport. “One day, we went to First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, and there was this overwhelming sense of kindness and care for students,” Maria said.

She quickly discovered that First Tee offered more than golf instruction. One lesson that left a lasting impression is the importance of using good judgment, Maria said. On the course, this means evaluating your shot from every angle, making a decision and executing with confidence, Maria explained. Off the course, it’s the mindset Maria brings to solving computer algorithms — thinking critically and acting with clarity.

College, community and continued growth

Maria now studies artificial intelligence at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s a member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program, which provides financial support, professional development opportunities and mentorship to standout First Tee alumni.

The program has helped Maria sharpen her networking skills, and she’s built strong bonds with her fellow Scholars, she said. “Now, as an adult I represent the future of First Tee,” she said. “I have no doubt we will all be friends for the rest of our lives and maintain involvement.”

Maria’s commitment to making a difference was recently rewarded by First Tee Trustee, Accenture. Maria teamed up with classmates to win Accenture’s 2025 Innovation Challenge an opportunity she learned about through Accenture’s partnership with First Tee.  During the competition, Maria and her teammates consulted for the Special Olympics, integrating technology and social impact.

“Partnering with the Special Olympics for this year’s Accenture Innovation Challenge was a delight,” said Christy Sovereign, senior managing director at Accenture and president and CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “Being able to witness how the next generation of leaders applied technology and teamwork to make a real difference in the lives of athletes and their communities was truly inspiring. Congrats to Maria and team for launching their Impact Passport program that empowers individuals with IDD to build social connections, track progress and engage with Special Olympics communities.”

Maria also explored her passion for making a difference through technology while studying abroad in Costa Rica. “I saw that some rural farmers had engineered amazing technologies that would likely never make it to market,” she said. “With my engineering background, eventually I hope to work in impact investing, focusing on technologies made by or for marginalized communities.”

Maria has big plans for this summer as a USGA Pathways Intern, which means she’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the 2025 U.S. Open.

The First Tee Alumni Network is your resource for job listings, networking and access to First Tee alumni meetups. Learn more.

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