Recipients
Our Mission
At Kids First Golf Foundation, we strive to grow the game we all love. We believe that golf is more than just a sport. It has the possibilities to shape lives. Our mission goes beyond teaching golf. We aim to engage as much of the next generation as possible regardless of their financial situation or background. As we look to expand, we strive to cultivate a strong foundation of youth players with clinics, access to golf clubs, and mentorship. Many of the recipient below started with us in the formative years of their lives and we hope we will be able to do that for the next generation too.
Karis Reid
Meet Karis:
Karis Reed is an 8th grader at Carmel, Indiana. She aspires to play Division 1 golf and hopes to play on the LPGA Tour one day. In April 2024, she won the Girl's 12-13 division at the Drive, Chip and Putt National Championship at Augusta National.
At Kids First Golf, we have allocated funds to aid and assist in delivering the necessary equipment as well as instruction to continue to allow her growth in the game that she loves. Beyond financial assistance, she has worked with our team and connections to deliver a philosophy that stretches far beyond golf! It is a pleasure to see her journey continue to unfold and we are behind her in every way we can!
Nathan Kwiatkowski
Meet Nathan:
Nathan is a college golfer from Homer Glen, IL. Nathan is in his freshman year at the College of DuPage. He played his high school golf at Lockport.
Nathan credits our founder Mike Mandakas with helping his golf game with physical and mental training over the past few years. "The mental training that Mike has helped me with has allowed me to stay calm and focused on the golf course, which has really helped me under pressure. Not only has this work helped my game but it has also helped me manage my schoolwork. The college prep support has been great. It gave me an understanding of what to expect from the next level and having Mike on my side has made the transition much easier. My time with Mike has made me a better golfer, student, and person!"
Nathan was the proud recipient of our very first scholarship at our first annual KFG Donor Dinner!
Campbell Wolf
Meet Campbell:
Campbell Wolf is a professional golfer from Mechanicsburg, PA. Campbell graduated undergrad at East Tennessee State University in 2022 and completed his MBA from Northern Illinois University in 2023.
Campbell calls Chicago home now as he pursues becoming one of the best players in the world. Campbell has been assisted by Scott Fonda, Elevation Golf's Physio and Trainer, since moving to Chicago. Campbell has been named as an Ambassador to Kids First Golf Foundation.
Campbell had conditional status on the Challenge Tour in 2024. We look forward to watching Campbell's career develop and support him along the way. To find more information about his journey please check out his website: https://www.cmwolfgolf.com/ or reach out directly at campbellwolf67@gmail.com
Dean Netzel
Meet Dean:
Dean Netzel is a professional golfer from Chicago, IL and has been named as an Ambassador to Kids First Golf Foundation.
The foundation has supported Dean’s journey with mentorship, access to resources for practice and play, fitness training, and financial assistance for tournaments. We’ve provided him with the equipment, coaching, and community he needs to continue advancing his craft and pursuing his dreams. Our team’s commitment to Dean’s success reflects his dedication to becoming a world-class golfer and his relentless pursuit of self-improvement.
Dean’s story is as much about storytelling as it is about golf. His journey inspires others to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in the power of resilience and community. Dean’s impact on the world goes far beyond his personal achievements—he is living proof of the difference that dedication, mentorship, and support can make.
Currently Dean is competing worldwide to attain status on the DP World Tour and tours alike.
For more information on Dean go to www.Deannetzel.com or email him directly at deannetzel824@gmail.com