88th Annual Pasadena City Championship Donates Funds to Benefit First Tee – Greater Pasadena

First Tee – Greater Pasadena, a nonprofit dedicated to youth development through golf, received a $13,010 donation from the Brookside Men’s Club. The funds were raised through the club’s sponsorship of the recently completed 88th Annual Pasadena City Championships, the organization said.

Buddy Grazioli, president of Brookside Men’s Club, presented the check during First Tee Greater Pasadena’s Board meeting on June 11. Mark Fritz, Director of Programs and operations, received the check.

“I wish to acknowledge the fantastic outgoing support from Brookside Men’s Club and Rose Bowl Operating Company,” said Bob Baderian, Master Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Pasadena.

First Tee – Greater Pasadena is part of the nationwide First Tee network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in Florida in 1997 with the goal of improving children’s life skills through golf lessons. The organization, which claims to teach more than 3.6 million youth annually, began as a partnership among the PGA Tour, PGA of America, LPGA, USGA, and the Masters Tournament Foundation. 

In 2019, First Tee transitioned to a new nonprofit entity, PGA Tour First Tee Foundation, with business leaders forming its board of governors.

First Tee – Greater Pasadena’s programs, led by trained coaches, integrate golf with character-building lessons to create a supportive learning environment for children. Participants engage with the “5 Key Commitments” of pursuing goals, growing through challenges, collaborating, building positive self-identity, and using good judgment.

As students advance through the program’s age groups, they focus on mastering golf fundamentals and developing skills. Ages 3-6 learn to play using SNAG Golf Equipment or real clubs and are introduced to the First Tee Code of Conduct. Ages 7-8 focus on being active, having fun, building confidence, and learning golf. 

Ages 9-10 explore character concepts and develop enthusiasm for the game. Ages 11-12 demonstrate mastery and growth in golf skills while supporting early adolescent development. Ages 13+ build character, plan their paths, and apply life and golf skills to new situations.

For more information, visit firstteegreaterpasadena.org.