Miguel Chavez is our featured participant for the month of May! Miguel joined The First Tee Program when he was 5 years old, starting at the TARGET level. Now, about to turn 11 years old, he’s in the Birdie level. Miguel is often seen practicing around the golf course with his dad, always showing eagerness to learn new things and improve his game. The First Tee of Contra Costa is so proud of young Miguel and all he has accomplished so far. Miguel is a wonderful representative of what we teach as he exhibits our Core Values at every step. No doubt great things are in his future!
1. When did you start with The First Tee?
I started the First Tee Program at Diablo Creek Golf course when I was five years old. I participated in the Target class with my first Coach Larry, then Coach Felicia and Cory.
2. What is your favorite club in your bag? Your least favorite club?
My favorite club in my bag is my putter. It is my favorite club because you can save strokes by being a good putter. My least favorite club is my 6 iron because I usually hit the ball low with it.
3. Who would be your dream foursome (what 4 people would you like to play golf with?)
My dream foursome would be Tiger Woods, Stephen Curry, Jordan Spieth, and I.
4. What is the best/favorite thing your coach has taught you?
Coach Bob Tomasini, from Diablo Creek Golf Course has taught me my favorite thing in golf and that is how important it is to be a good putter. One of the things he taught me about putting is that to be a good putter I have to keep my putting stroke finish lower for better accuracy.
5. What would you tell a friend who is interested in The First Tee or golf in general?
If one of my friends were interested in golf and asked me, “What do you think about golf?” I would say: “It is the hardest sport I know and it takes a lot of patience and perseverance to play golf.”
6. What is your favorite game to play during classes at The First Tee?
My favorite game to play in the First Tee class is the tic-tac-toe putting game. You divide into teams of two players and have a tic-tac-toe grid on the putting green. Both teams take turns putting from 5ft away from the edge of the grid and take turns playing tic-tac-toe.
7. What other sports (if any) do you like to play?
For five years I have been participating in Kajukenbo martial arts. Kajukenbo martial arts self-defense is a mix of Karate, Judo, Jujutsu, Kempo, and Boxing. I have earned my advanced brown belt, which means I am one step away from earning my junior black belt.
8. Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would like to share is that since I was seven years old I have been participating in the U.S. Kids Golf Tournaments. For the last Winter Tour I played in five tournaments. I placed 2nd at Shoreline Golf Links in Mountain View, 4th place at Chuck Corica in Alameda, 5th place at Half Moon Bay (Old Course) in Half Moon Bay, 1 st place at Lake Chabot Golf Course in Oakland, and 2nd place at Franklin Canyon Golf Course in Hercules. I finished 2nd overall in the Bay Area Winter tour for my age group of 10 years old. I am also a big fan of the Oregon Ducks; I like their mascot, the duck, and their football team. Currently I own an Oregon golf shoe bag, football jersey, different apparel and I’m on the lookout for Oregon golf ball markers. I also hope to attend the University of Oregon in the future.
Great answers Miguel! Congratulations on all your successes!