Brothers Finding Growth and Success – On the Links, in the Classroom and in Life

First Tee West Michigan builds game changers like Jorge and Nicholas Garcia 

For Jorge Garcia, his first foray into golf was playing Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 on PlayStation 2 when he was in elementary school. For younger brother Nicholas, it was a partnership between school and First Tee West Michigan that initially drew his interest. While he wasn’t so sure he’d like golf, Nicholas told his mother about it, and she signed him up for the free classes. Jorge later decided to sign up for classes as well. 

To say both boys caught the golf bug is an understatement. Soon after participating in the school partnership, mom Maria signed up her boys for First Tee six-week class sessions at the $5 scholarship rate. After more than five years in First Tee, Jorge just started his third year at the University of Michigan on a full-ride room and board scholarship through the prestigious Evans Scholarship caddie program – making him the first in his family to attend college. Meanwhile, Nicholas, who just began his junior year at Wyoming High School, is on track to hopefully receive the same game- and life-changing scholarship. 

Jorge and Nicholas are first-generation immigrants from Mexico. It’s safe to say life hasn’t been easy – so the affordability of the First Tee program provided their initial experience on a golf course, swinging a club, and learning the rules and etiquette of the game. 

With a rapidly growing interest in the game, coupled with hard work and intelligence, First Tee connected Jorge with caddie opportunities at Kent Country Club. After two years of looping at Kent CC, Jorge ascended to the highest level in First Tee while playing three years of high school varsity golf. To top it off, he held exemplary grades. In order to be considered for the Evans Scholarship, however, Jorge needed help to reach the required amount of caddie loops. Through a game plan hatched that spring by First Tee, along with a network of Kent CC members, Jorge was able to get enough loops that summer to give him a chance at the Evans scholarship. Jorge and his mother, Maria, then met with the executive director of First Tee every other week to ensure his application for the Evans Scholarship was the best it could be. 

“Perseverance was a skill I learned through First Tee that’s come in handy during my first two years at U-M,” admitted Jorge. “I learned quickly in my first semester that college would be a lot harder and more work than high school, but I had the fortitude to persevere and succeed.”

Taking a similar journey, Nicholas is a member of the varsity golf team and in the Eagle level at First Tee. Just like his big brother, Nicholas began his caddie career at Kent CC. He’s participated in First Tee since he as 8 years old, including four years on their PGA Junior League Team. 

Earlier this year, Nicholas applied, interviewed, and was accepted to Sankaty Head Caddie Camp on Nantucket. He just returned from a summer staying in the caddie barracks on the island, making money by walking loops up to 36 hole a day. Back in Michigan, Nicholas wants to be a looper again next summer and follow in Jorge’s footsteps by earning an Evans Scholarship upon graduation. 

“First Tee has had a very big impact on my life,” Nicholas said, while enjoying island life. “I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the life lessons I’ve learned. First Tee has helped me mature into a good person.” 

Maria agrees. “While I don’t play golf myself, I immediately saw the benefit of First Tee by instilling in my boys core values – both in life and in school. First Tee gives lots of opportunities, not just in golf.”

Learn more about how First Tee empowers kids and teens through the game of golf. 

Story author Jason Manshum is a board member and lead coach for First Tee West Michigan