2025
Mastercard
Founder’s Invitational
Winged Foot Golf Club
Monday, May 19, 2025

Event Chair | Ben Shapiro
Silent Auction Chair | Harrison Wilf

A Day of Impact at Winged Foot: Mastercard Founder’s Invitational and Whitney Achievement Awardees

On Monday, May 19th, First Tee – Met New York proudly returned to the iconic Winged Foot Golf Club for the annual Mastercard Founder’s Invitational, with Golf Channel’s Damon Hack as the returning emcee. This sold-out event is not only our largest fundraiser of the year—it is a powerful celebration of competition, camaraderie, and community.

The day brought together a dynamic group of board members, sponsors, alumni, coaches, students, parents, and friends in support of First Tee’s mission to empower the next generation through character-building experiences on and off the course.

This year’s Invitational also marked the launch of the First Tee Dear Coach Campaign, highlighting the deep and lasting impact of mentorship within our programs.

A highlight of the day was the recognition of our 2025 Whitney Achievement Award recipients, Luke Krombholz and Emily Bui. These exceptional students embody the leadership, integrity, and core values that First Tee champions. During a heartfelt Q&A with Damon Hack, Luke and Emily shared personal stories of growth, gratitude, and resilience—leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.

We extend our sincere thanks to Ken Whitney for his ongoing vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment to shaping future leaders through golf.

A big shout out to our longtime partnership with Mastercard as well as our sponsors Loomstate, Genesis of White Plains, Allie & Ben Shapiro and Bushwood Spirits.  We cannot do this without the many individuals and companies who hosted foursomes, donated and bought silent auction items and made this event possible—thank you for believing in our mission and helping us build game changers for life.

We cannot wait for the 2026 Mastercard Founder’s Invitational!