The 2025 Game Changer Classic, an annual fundraising event benefiting First Tee – Greater Detroit (FTGD), will take place on Monday, Aug.25, 2025, at Wabeek Country Club, a course designed by golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye. Located in the heart of Oakland County, the prestigious course will provide the backdrop for a day of competitive golf and community impact.
First Tee – Greater Detroit is a local nonprofit that uses golf as a platform to teach kids essential life skills, including leadership, communication, and resilience. Through its year-round programs, FTGD helps young people build the strength of character needed to overcome life’s challenges. The Game Changer Classic serves as one of the nonprofit’s primary fundraising events, drawing golfers, sponsors, and supporters from across the region to support its mission.
“At First Tee – Greater Detroit, we enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, we create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids carry with them as they mature. Experiences are, in fact, our greatest teacher,” said Carl Bentley, CEO of First Tee – Greater Detroit. “First Tee believes in developing experiences that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Through our golf-based personal growth program, we see kids build life and leadership skills that help them in all areas of life, including school, friendships, and eventually careers.”
The 2025 Game Changer Classic offers participants a chance to experience a top-tier golf course while making a tangible difference in the lives of local youth. The event will begin with check-in and breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a warm-up session before the official shotgun start at 10 a.m. A competitive day of golf will culminate with an awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m., followed by a dinner reception where participants can reflect on the day and connect with others who share a commitment to supporting youth development in the community.
Wabeek Country Club is known for its breathtaking views and challenging design. The course, which has hosted numerous prestigious events over the years, will provide a fitting stage for this year’s outing. It also represents a strategic shift for FTGD, offering a fresh venue that is both beautiful and accessible to Detroit-area golfers.
“We’re thrilled to partner with such an incredible venue this year,” Bentley said. “Wabeek Country Club’s history and design align with the values we emphasize in our programs—strong fundamentals, strategic thinking, and resilience. It’s the perfect setting to bring together supporters of First Tee – Greater Detroit.”
In addition to the day’s golfing events, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the impact of FTGD’s programming, including its work in helping kids build resilience, manage setbacks, and develop confidence—skills that are critical on and off the golf course.
For more information about tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or how to get involved in the 2025 Game Changer Classic, visit First Tee – Greater Detroit’s website. For direct inquiries, contact Carl Bentley at (313) 510-0010 or carl@firstteegreaterdetroit.org.
This year’s Game Changer Classic isn’t just about golf—it’s about creating lasting change. FTGD’s unique approach to youth development, using golf as both a sport and a life skills tool, sets it apart from other programs. As the organization continues to grow, events like the Game Changer Classic are key to ensuring that more young people have access to the opportunities they need to thrive.
Golf Outing Details
Location: Wabeek County Club
Date: Monday, August 25, 2025
8-9:30 a.m.: Check-in, breakfast, and warm-up
9:45 a.m.: Call to carts
10:00 a.m.: Shotgun start
3:30 p.m.: Awards ceremony followed by dinner reception
About Post Author
