Meet Executive Director of First Tee – Palm Beaches Carl Mistretta

PALM BEACH, Fla. — To say golf is a way of life for Carl Mistretta is an understatement. 

Carl’s history with the game goes all the way back to his grandfather. Growing up in New Orleans, Carl learned about the game of golf from his father, who was introduced to the game by his father-in-law (Carl’s grandfather). To keep the tradition alive, Carl has since passed his love of golf down to his son Tyler as well.

Golf quickly turned into much more than a passion, though. It became a career field that would change the landscape of his life. After graduating from LSU with a degree in Landscape Architecture, Carl moved to Florida to work for Jack Nicklaus’ golf course design company, Nicklaus Design before moving on to work for Greg Norman’s design company.

It was while he was working for Nicklaus Design that he was introduced to a woman named Kim, a woman who would eventually become his wife.

“I was introduced to Kim by an old boss from Nicklaus Design,” Carl explained. “We have been married for 26 years and have two great kids Tyler (19) and Chelsea (22) and our family dog Benny.”

Today, Carl is the Executive Director of First Tee – Palm Beaches, working with thousands of area youth and veterans and passing on his love and passion for both the game and South Florida to the next generation of golfers. 

“We are SO lucky to live in South Florida,” Carl said. “Count your blessings. I tell my kids everyone else works their whole life to retire here. We are already here!”

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