Last night at Lincoln Financial Field, First Tee Philadelphia brought together sports fans, civic leaders, and supporters for a meaningful evening celebrating two Philadelphia icons, Mike Quick and Merrill Reese at “Links at the Linc”. Both honorees are longtime partners on 94.1 WIP broadcasts and have worked together for nearly 30 years. Mike has been involved with First Tee for awhile, I remember shooting him at another event with them the first time about 12 years ago.
The setting was classic Philly. Cocktail hour energy inside the Linc, with guests mixing, reminiscing, and, in true First Tee fashion, even getting a chance to swing a club in a space better known for touchdowns than tee shots.
Normally not something you could do, but officials were testing out a new turf to be used for the upcoming Fifa games scheduled to start in June, so they had a field that was not for football.
First Tee Philadelphia goes far beyond the game itself. It uses golf as a way to build confidence, discipline, and resilience in young people.
The program reaches tens of thousands of kids across the region, many gaining access to opportunities they might never have otherwise experienced.
Events like this work because they hit both notes. There is nostalgia and celebrity, yes. But there is also a clear reminder of why everyone is there.
You could feel it in the room. Conversations were not just about the past, but about investing in the next generation.
And in a city that loves its sports heroes, honoring figures like Quick and Reese while lifting up young people felt exactly right.
Another fantastic event with a wonderful organization that makes a difference!!
Have a great weekend. Socially yours, HughE
