Keiser University and The First Tee of the Palm Beaches recently welcomed students from the organization’s Florida and Puerto Rico chapters to Keiser University’s Flagship Campus for a three-day overnight “College Prep” golf camp. Participants were exposed to a fun and engaging college athlete-student experience and enjoyed skill-game activities at the campus’ indoor and outdoor training areas. In addition, they played several private courses in the Palm Beach County area and returned to campus each day to learn from dynamic guest speakers.

With several participants thankful for The First Tee scholarships which made the experiences possible, the group gained insights from Keiser University College of Golf and Golf Coaching Center PGA and LPGA professionals relating to several “golf-specific” fundamentals and rules and course strategies. They also learned more about the “ins and outs” required to gain the attention of college coaches from Brandon Miller, Keiser’s men’s and women’s golf coach, and five-time NAIA Coach of the Year. Additional presenters included peak performance fitness and nutrition guests Alex Serrano, a Houston Astros Mental Skills Coach, and Anna Crocitto an Olympic hurdler.

“Keiser University’s College of Golf has enjoyed a long partnership with The First Tee of the Palm Beaches going back to 2012.  Through our partnership, we provide The First Tee Participants the opportunity to train at Keiser’s Golf Coaching Center and to pursue their passion for the game of golf,” said John McMurry, Keiser University’s Flagship Campus Vice President and Advisory Board Member of The First Tee of the Palm Beaches and a Certified Level 1 First Tee Coach. “The First Tee of the Palm Beaches has been generous in providing several scholarships to aspiring golfers so that they could attend our inaugural “College Prep” golf camp,” he added.

Located at Keiser University’s Flagship campus, the College of Golf offers a 1,500-square-foot indoor training facility, which includes a putting area, advanced FlightScope launch monitor technology, V-1 Video analysis program, SAMPutt Lab, Full Swing Simulator, Swing Catalyst, and a golf club repair lab equipped with Mitchell Golf Equipment. Keiser University’s PGA-credentialed faculty are available to College of Golf students for individual and group instruction, and those same faculty are available to assist the Seahawk intercollegiate squads to improve their golf skills.  In addition to the indoor facility, students also have access to a 6-acre outdoor, on-campus golf range facility with 12 hitting stations, a 9,000 square foot putting green, and a 14,000 square foot chipping/pitching/bunker green. This past year, the university launched the Keiser Golf Coaching Center, opening facility usage and programs to the public.

Members of The First Tee who have obtained a high school degree with a 3.0-grade point average are encouraged to apply. To learn more and to obtain a scholarship application, potential candidates should contact Carl Mistretta, Executive Director of The First Tee at [email protected].

Keiser’s Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees in Golf Management prepare students for a wide variety of positions in the golf industry. The programs provide students the educational background and training to provide golf instruction, manage golf course operations, ensure proper maintenance of golf facilities and equipment, as well as how to incorporate golf into the broader hospitality and recreation domain.

The mission of The First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. One of 15 chapters in the state of Florida and 150 globally, The First Tee of the Palm Beaches golf facility includes a par 3 course, hitting tee, and chipping and putting short game areas.

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university, serving nearly 20,000 students and employing 3,800 faculty and staff members. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, the university currently offers more than 100 degrees at 21 Florida campuses, as well as online and at two international sites. Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a level VI institution to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. For additional information regarding Keiser University, visit www.keiseruniversity.edu

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associates to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a  designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 5 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News And World Report in 2022.