-The two day event included behind the scenes at a television studio, a golf tournament and clinic hosted by a legendary golfer and the introduction to world-class athletes who support the program and it’s members. All designed for inspiration-
SAN DIEGO, CA. – Agustin (Augie) Pizá, the founder and award-winning architect and golf course designer at Pizá Golf, teamed up with his First Tee México board and members for an extraordinary travel experience crafted to inspire and delight.
30 members of The First Tee México representing Marina Vallarta and Maravillas chapters, along with their coaches, embarked on an exciting journey to Mexico City. The first day kicked off with a visit to the TV Azteca Studios, where the children had the incredible chance to roam the halls and sets of the most popular shows and witnessed firsthand the magic of sports broadcasting, seeing a program come to life in vivid color. To top it all, they met famous hosts, snapped photos, and even collected autographs, making it an unforgettable experience.
“A recent graduate of The First Tee México, an aspiring sports TV producer currently studying Communications at her college, was given an incredible opportunity to gain firsthand production experience and behind the camera experience that day. She, more excitingly, was invited to return to the studios in six months for an internship, marking significant step toward her dream career,” said Pizá.
“This embodies our mission: to introduce these young individuals to the opportunities associated with sports and golf. Our chapters and their objectives focus on offering employment within the golf industry in Mexico. I am proud to share that we have four graduates who are now in the golf industry while simultaneously funding their education.”
The following day, the “No Golf No Life” tournament took place at Bosque Real, marking its exciting fourth event which kicked off with a vibrant press conference, where the children had the incredible opportunity to meet their ambassador – multiple world champion boxer in four different weight divisions – Mr. Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez, a huge supporter of the The First Tee México program. “With Canelo’s support, we will open a new chapter in Vista Vallarta this month, a 36 hole high end complex in Puerto Vallarta. This is also possible with the support of “Invited Clubs” which open their doors and donate their space to First Tee Mexico.”
World-renowned LPGA Golf Professional Lorena Ochoa hosted an exclusive clinic for the kids, where she personally provided valuable lessons and techniques to enhance participants’ swings in a relaxed and approachable setting.
Through Pizá and his efforts The First Tee México, has chapters at prestigious golf courses which include Marina and Vista Vallarta by Invited, Diamante Cabo San Lucas, Puerta Cortés in La Paz, Las Maravillas, La Huerta Golf Club, and Monterrey Golf Club. Currently, there are 250 children nationwide playing golf with a 100% scholarship.
The First Tee México thanks Mr. Benjamín Salinas Sada, Chairman of Grupo Salinas, for the opportunity to bring golf into the lives of less-privileged Mexican children.
About The First Tee México:
The First Tee México is a non-profit organization, born in 2017, that teaches values and life skills to children with limited resources through golf as a tool for life. It is an extension of The First Tee USA model, which has been successfully implemented for the past 26 years.
The main philosophy of the program is based on teaching and practicing 9 pilars: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, responsibility, trust, perseverance, respect, courtesy and judgment. The goal is to develop human greatness, character, education, and long-term life skills of children.
The First Tee México has added “Empathy” to the nine pillars which is crucial today. Also, members of The First Tee México are given the opportunity to learn a trade such as golf course maintenance and operations to promote a work culture. So, when they graduate from the program, they can find employment at one of our locations or within the golf industry. We have created various success stories since 2017.
About Pizá Golf Founder – Arch. Agustin Pizá, MSc:
Award-winning architect Agustin Pizá earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from ITESM and a Master’s Degree in Golf Course Architecture from the Edinburgh University in Scotland. He is a proud member of both the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA) and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA).
Pizá, recognized with numerous international accolades, has built a reputation for “Redefining Golf Facilities” through his innovative design concepts, including Wellness Golf®, Multi-purpose Golf, and Butterfly Golf®. His achievements include:
- Named twice by Forbes Magazine as one of the Top 100 Inventive Minds from Mexico
- Featured in Golf Inc. Magazine as one of the Top Nine Innovators in the Golf Industry (2022)
- Recognized in Golf Inc. Magazine as one of the Top Five Visionaries of the Year (2023)
- Included in Sports Illustrated as one of the Top Four Golf Course Architects to Watch
- Serves as the Director of the First Tee in Mexico
Pizá has contributed to world-class golf developments, earning a reputation for designing courses that blend exceptional quality, striking aesthetics, and strategic playability. He and his design team have been involved in more than 80 projects on three continents.
Pizá Golf has design studios in San Diego, CA. and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
For more information on Pizá Golf, please visit the company website: www.pizagolf.com
For more information, please visit www.firstteemexico.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Vanessa Marie Price, Read the Greens GOLF Media (714) 544-6515, readthegreens@aol.com or VanessaMarie@readthegreensgolfmedia.net