About

Bill Hyndman grew up playing in golf events run by First Tee’s predecessor organization, the Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Golf Association. Bill holds the GPSGA Scholastic Tournament low score record of 67, which was posted at Cobbs Creek Golf Club in 1988. He graduated a distinguished Military Graduate from the University of Richmond, where he played on the Division I golf team. Bill is an avid golfer and skier who has a passion for vintage car restorations. Bill lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with his wife and two sons.

Bill is a 12-year Army veteran who served as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot, company commander, and personnel officer in the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division. He received three Meritorious Service Medals during his service in the Army. After transitioning from the military, Bill joined Comcast, where he served as Area General Manager and later joined Comcast University to lead Technical Operations Learning and Development. He joined First Tee of Greater Philadelphia as Executive Director in 2015 and has overseen the expansion of the chapter since then.

Bill’s favorite core value is Perseverance. He believes that many things in life have been a challenge, but he has experienced great joy in sticking out those obstacles to climb to the top of the mountain. As the legendary Jim Valvano said in his 1993 ESPYs speech, “Never give up. Don’t ever give up.”

If Bill was told to stay in one place for the rest of his life, he would choose the German Alps.

Sean Ketchum graduated from The Golf Academy of America in Orlando, FL in April 2006 and has called First Tee his place of work ever since. Sean is originally from Washington, DC, and found his love of the game through his father and an unfortunate shoulder injury while playing baseball as a kid. Before finding golf, Sean was a baseball fanatic and has continued to love the game because of its rich history, different courses, and the mental battle one goes through on the course.

Sean began his career with First Tee after randomly joining a foursome with the First Tee of Washington, DC Board President during an outing. He spent six years as Program Director in our nation’s capital and joined First Tee of Greater Philadelphia in April 2012. Sean served as a Program Director until September of 2016 when he transitioned to Director of Golf. In his current role, Sean oversees operations at both Walnut Lane Golf Club and John F. Byrne Golf Club.

Sean’s favorite part of his job is seeing participants excited to play the game and visiting the golf courses. The core value he practices most is Responsibility. Sean knows there are a lot of moving parts to a golf operation and different situations arise every day. He takes pride in being able to handle any situation in a responsible and confident manner.

If Sean were told to stay in one place for the rest of his life, he would choose a Tropical Island. Any of them would do.

Eric Dunne grew up a Philadelphia sports fan in the heart of New York fan country. He moved to Chatham, NJ in North Jersey at just a few months old. Eric began playing golf at the age of five when his Dad took him to a beginner lesson. He hit the ball so far that he became hooked. Eric turned into a golf addict while watching Freddie Couples and the dominance of Tiger Woods. He loves that golf allows all types of people to play together. It is an amazing game that teaches one about oneself and others. 

Eric graduated from St. Joseph’s University on City Line Ave with a Bachelors Degree in Marketing in 2012. Before joining the First Tee, Eric served as a Public Relations Director for a sports chiropractor in New Providence for four years. He was always familiar with the First Tee mission, growing up near the First Tee of Raritan Valley, and was able to practice the mission when he saw a posting for the Program Coordinator position at First Tee of Greater Philadelphia in 2017. He has called Philadelphia and First Tee his home ever since and was promoted to Marketing Manager in 2019.

Eric’s favorite core value is Integrity. He thinks it embodies respect, courtesy, and honesty. Eric always tries to do what is right, while also being respectful and courteous to others. He enjoys creating and crafting stories for social media and the websites, but Eric’s favorite part of his job is attending the events. He loves seeing and hearing the stories of the participants and the impact the First Tee mission has had on their lives.

If Eric was told to stay in one place for the rest of his life, he thinks it would be a tough choice between Philadelphia and Ocean City, New Jersey. If summer weather was all year, he would choose Ocean City, but Philadelphia is the greatest city in the world and he stands by that.

Anthony Hoffman grew up in Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He learned the game of golf while playing with his Dad at John F. Byrne Golf Club, where he is now the Golf Course Manager.  After playing golf at Roman Catholic High School as an All-Catholic Golfer for four years, Anthony went on to play at Chestnut Hill College. While in college, he came back to his high school home course and worked at Walnut Lane Golf Club.

Anthony graduated from Chestnut Hill College and shortly after joined the team full-time as a Program Manager in 2017. After years of coaching and growing the PGA Jr. League, the National School Program (NSP), and DRIVE Anthony was promoted to Golf Course Manager in 2019, when First Tee of Greater Philadelphia took over operations at John F. Byrne Golf Club.

Anthony’s favorite core value is Perseverance. He believes it is an important skill to have on and off the golf course because it can help you navigate the game of life. Anthony’s passion is growing the game of golf among young people and that’s also his favorite part of his job.

If Anthony was told to stay in one place for the rest of his life, he would choose the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

Maggie Farrell grew up in Newtown Square, PA, but learned how to play golf at Eagles Mere Country Club in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania.  Some of her fondest memories include playing on the course with endless mountain views and watching tournament after tournament on TV with her Dad. 

Maggie graduated from The University of Pittsburgh in 2015 with degrees in both Communications and Psychology. She was introduced to the world of sports-based, youth development shortly after she graduated and has called that her passion ever since. She has previously worked for the Philadelphia Phillies and came to the world of golf via baseball. Between her time with the Phillies and before moving back to Philadelphia, Maggie was a Program Manager for the First Tee of Greater Washington, DC. She spent three awesome years in DC but is excited to be home doing what she loves. Maggie joined First Tee of Greater Philadelphia as the Program & Events Manager in March 2020.  

Maggie’s favorite core value is Integrity with Confidence coming in as a close second. She loves Integrity because who you are and what you believe defines everything you do. Confidence is a close second because since starting her work with First Tee, Confidence has been the core value that she has practiced and worked on the most in her daily life. Maggie’s favorite part of her job is interacting with participants every single day and creating relationships that have an incredible impact on her life.

If Maggie could have a superpower, she would choose to be a wizard so she could apparate. Just like Harry Potter, Maggie could appear in any given location just by thinking about it.

Ben Davies grew up on the other side of the Delaware River in the great state of New Jersey. Growing up near the Jersey Shore in Barnegat, NJ he found a love for all things outdoors. In his spare time, he spends time with family and friends boating, crabbing, and fishing.

Ben graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Outdoor Recreation and Park Administration. With no golf experience, Ben joined the team as an Assistant Superintendent who was interested in learning how to maintain a golf course. Since joining First Tee, he has learned much about the game and has come to appreciate and enjoy it. After serving as Assistant Superintendent for two years, Ben was promoted to Superintendent at Walnut Lane Golf Club and has held that position ever since!

Ben’s favorite part of his job is the gratification that comes with seeing his hard work displayed to the public. Taking a fairway or a green that’s not in the best of shape and turning it into something people appreciate gives him great joy. Ben finds it most important to be honest and believes that is the core value that he practices the most.

If Ben could be any color in a 64-pack of Crayola Crayons, he would choose Periwinkle. According to him, it is the best color to create a sunset.

Joe Diacovo, Superintendent at John F. Byrne Golf Club, grew up right here in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joe began his career in the golf industry in 2004, when he asked the staff at John F. Byrne if he could join the grounds crew. He was infatuated with the game of golf at the time, couldn’t get enough, and wanted to play at no cost. Joe never thought golf would be his career path.

Joe has spent most of his career at John F. Byrne Golf Club; however, he did spend a few years at Cobbs Creek Golf Club as an Assistant Superintendent. Joe carries a two-year Turfgrass Certificate from Rutgers University that he completed at the top of his class in 2008. Joe was adopted by First Tee when First Tee of Greater Philadelphia took over operations at John F. Byrne Golf Club.

Joe believes that with Responsibility comes accountability. He appreciates the core value of Responsibility because it carries a sense of pride from a job well done. Joe’s favorite part of his job is the satisfaction of good work with all factors being considered. If and when all goes according to plan, being able to look at the course as a whole and seeing a product others will enjoy is a joy.

If Joe could have a superpower, he would choose to be just like Bruce Banner, also known as The Hulk.

Tai Crutchfield attended Philadelphia University for his final two collegiate seasons after transferring from Arizona State University,where he went on to become the fastest player in school history to score 1000 points. He played for Hall of Fame coach Herb Magee, who is known universally as the “shot doctor'”. After setting and breaking multiple records in scoring, 3-point shooting, rebounds, blocks and steals at Philadelphia University, Crutchfield entered the 2001 NBA draft and was taken by the New Jersey Nets. After a few stints with NBA and NBDl teams, Crutchfletd decided to accept a contract playing in the ACB in Malaga, Spain. He remained playing throughout Europe for a few seasons where he won multiple championships and MVP awards throughout his stellar career.

After retiring in 2015, Crutchfield began working closely with the youth throughout Chester County where he resided, by volunteering at the YMCA, and other non-profit organizations such as PAPA (Phoenixville Area Positive AltematNes) and PAW( (Phoenixville Marian Youth Club) where he taught and coached youth basketball. Crutchfield also worked for Phoenixville e Area School District as an In-School Suspension and Resource Teacher. In 2016 Crutchfletd moved to Elkins Park where he accepted a job working for Cheltenham Area School District as a teacher. Commonly known throughout the Elkins Park Schoof hallways as “Mr. Tai” the kids have really embraced his presence in the school and throughout the community. He has voluntarily done basketball camps and shooting clinics at Wall and Reminger Park for the kids during his off time in the summer. Carefully bonding and creating an impactful impression on students and parents throughout the district.

Joe Garstka, M. Ed.

Assistant Professional/Jr. Golf Coordinator

Joe has an extensive background having worked with youth of all ages and in various environments.  Joe received his Master’s in Elementary Education at Holy Family University. He currently works at Makefield Highlands as the Assistant Pro and Jr. Golf Coordinator.

He is considered a “Recognized Coach” through The First Tee Coach Training – having completed three levels of certification.  Joe’s focus as a coach is “to engage learners through fun experiences and encourage ongoing learning, character development, and self-improvement.”

Ryan is from Altoona, PA where he started playing golf at the age of two at Scotch Valley Country Club. While attending Altoona Area High School, he was captain of both his soccer and tennis teams. During his junior and senior years, he won the District 6 Doubles Tennis title and went on to complete at the state level. Currently, Ryan is a senior at Saint Joseph’s University majoring in Marketing and Business Administration. There he is a member of the Gaelic Football team, a mentor for the AIM early move-in program, and an ambassador for off-campus living.

Ryan joined The First Tee in the spring of 2018 and has thoroughly enjoyed working with those who are interested in learning to play golf.  “The First Tee is a huge opportunity for kids to learn golf fundamentals and basic life lessons all while having a great time with coaches that love the game.”

In his free time, Ryan caddies at Huntington Valley Country Club. He enjoys playing golf, fishing and hunting, and cheering for the Pittsburgh professional sports teams.

Jenny Hegelein is a Junior at Saint Joseph’s University studying Communications and Digital Media. She’s from rural Southampton NJ, and loves the outdoors and being active. Growing up, she played multiple sports and then found her passion in dance. Jenny has an extensive history working with children; she taught Sunday School at Fellowship Alliance Chapel in Medford NJ for 6 years. While she was in the Senior Company at Today’s Dance Center, she also helped teach younger dancers and assisted backstage during performances. Jenny is excited to be a part of The First Tee and to continue working with children and integrating core values and morals into sports. Her favorite part of coaching is seeing how The First Tee helps children not only to improve their golf skills, but also teach life lessons that apply outside of the course.

Louis Kelly Jr. is an American golfer who turned professional in 2016. He is a former member of The First Tee – Philadelphia. In 2011, Louis attended Adelphi University where he claimed the NE-10  Championship in 2012, his freshman year. Louis was also named NE-10 First-Team All-Conference during the 2012-13 season.

After his Junior year at Adelphi University, he transferred to Louisiana and became a key factor for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette golf team. In the Fall of 2016, he graduated from UL-Lafayette with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing.

Louis Kelly Jr. was born on February 6, 1993, in Willingboro, New Jersey to Mr. Steven and Gail Kelly. He has two younger brothers, Spencer and Shane.

Growing up in South Jersey,  Louis developed his love of golf from his grandfather. Ever since his grandfather introduced the game of golf to him, he has never turned back. Louis Kelly’s goal is to one day play on the PGA tour and give back to his community reaching others through golf.

When he isn’t perfecting his craft or playing in a tournament, you can find Louis with his favorite fishing pole sitting by the water waiting to catch anything that swims by. He often calls himself the “Bass Master”. Louis also enjoys traveling, reading, and attending his brothers sporting events.

Scott was born in Greensburg, PA and has been a member of Whiford Country Club for 41 years. He graduated from Penn State University with a BA and MBA. He was also the captain of the golf team. Scott served in the United States Navy for 3 years and was stationed in Tonkin Gulf. He has been a volunteer for GAP and PA Golf for the last 20 years and also serves on the Gap board. He is currently the coach of Downingtown East Boys and Girls golf teams and the assistant basketball coach there as well.