I’ve taught and coached Topanga in LPGA-USGA Girls Golf and The First Tee of Central Florida Golf and Life Skills Experience program since 2014.
When Topanga began our program she was new to the game of golf and a shy young girl. Since joining our program, I have seen her grow into a confident, compassionate, independent young lady both on and off of the golf course. She has developed the combination of a positive attitude and the belief that she can always improve and accomplish what she begins. She is the true definition of confidence and perseverance and models The First Tee Life Skills Core Values and embodies the Five E’s on a daily basis. She has used these skills to make her high school golf team as a freshmen, was named 2015-2016 MVP and named Captain of her team her senior year. She is also always willing to help others and has become a leader among her peers and is a role model for our younger participants. She has volunteered to help with many of our special events from greeting and speaking in front of a group of potential donors to help raise funds, to being interviewed by our local radio station which lead to them creating a PSA for our Chapter and being an e-Leader for our LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program where she has helped create, organize and lead classes for our beginner players.
During the recession, Topanga’s dad lost his job, they lost their home and it was an extremely difficult time in her life but the two constants she had was golf and books. She always showed up to class with a smile on her face, ready to participate and willing to help. During this time she founded, “Dare To Care Reading Buddies” in Orlando, Florida to help the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida in providing books and volunteered hours to help their daycare facility. She earned and received grants from Disney’s Friends for Change and Youth Service of America in the amount of $1,500 to buy books and also collected over 3,000 books for the facility. She knew by EMPOWERing and ENGAGEing herself and others to read that it would give them the opportunity to learn, to grow and to help them reach their dreams and goals.
Because of her confidence and her unselfish commitment to others, her positive attitude and belief in herself, even in the face of difficulty, I highly recommend Topanga for the opportunity to walk inside the ropes with you at the CME Group Tour Championship.