About Us

USGA Tribute

Dan Burke, Executive Director, joined The First Tee of San Francisco in July of 2014. Dan received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Santa Clara University where he also competed on the Men’s Golf Team. Prior to coming to The First Tee SF, Dan served as the PGA Head Golf Professional at Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City for fifteen plus years. He is a well-respected professional within the business and golf community in Northern California. Dan brings a wealth of experience in promoting junior golf, event planning, and community outreach. Dan is committed to enriching the lives of the youth of the greater San Francisco area.

Jonathan attended Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep and graduated with a degree in marketing at San Francisco State University. He was introduced to golf by his dad at age 6 and his dad still remains his only coach. Started competitive golf at the age of 12 and when he’s not teaching golf and life skills, he enjoys watching musicals with his wife and cheering on the Warriors.

Miguel Llemos, social media manager, began his journey with The First Tee of San Francisco in the 5th grade as a student of the program.  He has continued his involvement with The First Tee over the years becoming a volunteer, intern, and assistant coach during the summers in between the school.  Miguel attended Saint Ignatius college Prep, and recently graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California with a degree in Communication and minoring in Ethnic Studies.

Jarron Jackson, who the kids call coach Jay, grew up here in the Bay Area in Richmond, California. He’s been a business owner most of his life before he became involved with The First Tee 8 years ago. Coach Jay is a licensed club fitter and loves fitting the kids properly for their equipment. He also does club repair as well.

Jay has a passion children and it shows with his work with The First Tee. He loves playing golf with the kids and enjoys teaching chipping and putting. His other passion is coaching AAU basketball, where his favorite group is kindergarten through 2nd grade boys and girls.

Coach Jay always stresses that The First Tee San Francisco isn’t just a youth golf program. To him, The First Tee San Francisco has always been like a family. That comes from the love he and others share for the kids, parents and staff of The First Tee San Francisco.

Kelly started with First Tee when she was in the 5th grade back in 2012. Since then, she has been a participant, a junior coach / volunteer, and has now become a coach. She runs the First Tee SF social media accounts and coaches numerous classes. She is also a Sandy Tatum Scholar currently studying at the University of San Francisco as a psychology major.

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a BS in biology and an MA from San Francisco State University, Coach Susan has been a teacher, counselor, principal, and central office administrator for the San Francisco Unified School District for 41 years.  As a child growing up in Chicago with many boys from the neighborhood, she played baseball, was on the YMCA swim team, played tennis in high school and college, and skied and golfed as an adult.  Keeping in good physical condition after retirement has been one of her goals, but to continue to be a positive role model by living the nine core values and using her teaching skills to help students succeed in golf and in life is the best of all worlds.

Jason got introduced to the game at an early age wile spending summers at his grandparent’s house in Palm Springs.  He started to take it serious during the high school years where he became a top junior.  Later on Jason started working in the golf industry, and has worked at many world class golf courses for past 20 years.  Since 2007 Jason has coached with the First Tee San Francisco.  He enjoys working with the youth teaching the game that has so greatly influenced his life.  He takes pride in what he does and how he delivers the message of the First Tee.  Jason also has interests in action sports.  If he is not on the golf course crushing 300 yard drives.  You can find him in Pacifica surfing or reliving some of his youth at the skate park.

Coach Westry is a retired student adviser for the San Francisco Unified School District. He enjoys being involved with The First Tee because the program offers a solid arena for kids to learn valuable life skills through the game of golf. Dennis began playing golf 6 years ago and vividly remembers his first golf tournament. He did not own any golf clubs, so he bought a set of Wilson Pro Staff Golf Clubs, matching bag, and a golf shirt, hat and of course a pair of Nike golf shoes! He did not know how to play, but boy was he sharp!! He invited about 20 friends and they all showed up! They had a priceless time as they were able to catch up with each other over dinner after a day of golf.

Hey it’s Sam! I started playing golf with First Tee at 8 years old and I’m so happy to be back with the First Tee family. I attended Saint Ignatius College Preparatory and recently graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in Kinesiology.  First Tee SF has given me numerous opportunities to grow and develop leadership skills.  I look forward to helping all the junior golfers out there 🙂

Hello, I’m Stephanie Sunga and I’m 19 years old. I currently go to Sacramento State University and I’ve been involved with the First Tee for about 8-9 years now. First Tee has opened me up to so many opportunities and I’m grateful to be involved in the program.