It’s On! First Tee Hosts Golf Tourney to Benefit Local Children

The coronavirus may have delayed the start of summer programs a bit for First Tee of the Jersey Shore, but the charitable organization’s Annual Golf Classic fundraiser is right on schedule for August 3 at Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson Township.

“We’re excited to move forward with our 14th annual golf tournament,” said Executive Director Tara Kelly. “We invite the community to join us in raising support to provide affordable golf lessons for children and teens from all backgrounds throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.”

Like many nonprofit organizations, First Tee is hurting from a loss of revenue because of program cancellations and delays caused by the COVID-19 health crisis. As a charitable organization, Kelly said, the First Tee is committed to ensuring that all youth have access to its programs.

“We count on the generosity of our community to support our efforts to build character and instill positive core values among area kids and teens through the great game of golf,” Kelly added.

With a strong focus on safety at Metedeconk, golfers will enjoy “a day of friendly competition for a great cause,” said First Tee Jersey Shore Board Chairman Donald Pignataro.

Proceeds from this year’s golf outing will specifically fund “Fairways For ALL,” an initiative to increase and encourage diversity and inclusion of kids and families who are underrepresented in the sport of golf, Pignataro said. “These populations are defined as racial and ethnic minorities, females, children with special needs, LBGTQ kids and families, and families facing financial hardships,” Pignataro explained.

The fundraising event will support “golferships” for families in need, transportation, as well as program delivery and facility improvements to help fund program growth and specific opportunities for adaptive golfers.

First Tee offers programs during the summer and throughout the year for youth ages 4 to 17 at two main learning facilities: the William Larkin Golf Course at Colonial Terrace in Ocean Township, Monmouth County; and the First Tee Learning Center at Ocean County Park in Lakewood, Ocean County. Due to the coronavirus, programs at other locations and with community partners have been put on hold.

The Golf Classic will open at 8 a.m. for registration, breakfast, and practice on the range/putting green with tee-times starting at approximately 9 a.m. After a fun day on the greens, golfers will enjoy an expansive lunch/early dinner reception.

For information on participating as a player or sponsor, contact Tara Kelly at

732-300-1130 or tkelly@firsteejerseyshore.org. Online registration and payment are available on the organization website.

About First Tee Jersey Shore

First Tee Jersey Shore is a nonprofit youth development organization that provides affordable access to golf and golf learning facilities to young people from all backgrounds at the Jersey Shore, particularly youth who otherwise might not have an opportunity to play. With a mission to build character, resiliency, and life-enhancing values through the game of golf, the First Tee Jersey Shore has helped build bright futures for over 2,000 youth since 2015 and annually brings programs to students in 33 local schools. Learn how to participate, partner, volunteer or donate at firstteejerseyshore.org.