Former NFL players Eric Ebron and John Randle, fashion designer and First Tee – Minnesota board member Houston White and Paralympian Victoria Arlen will headline the weeklong academy focused on embracing our differences.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 9, 2024) – Seventy-two teens from across the country will attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow Jr. in Minneapolis, July 9-13, 2024. The teens will participate in important conversations on topics like inclusivity and community building facilitated by RISE, a national leader championing social justice in sports.
The week will kick off with a “Critical Conversation” hosted by RISE on Tuesday, July 9, featuring:
Former Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle and NFL Hall of Famer, John Randle
Former NFL Pro Bowler and golf influencer, Eric Ebron
First Tee alumna Mackenzie Mack, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Topgolf Callaway Brands
Shelby Johnson, M.D., a sports medicine specialist at Mayo Clinic
Ebony Taylor, head of the Global Strategic Customer and Community Engagement Office at AWS
Other highlights of the week include a trip to Topgolf on Thursday, July 11, where participants will experience an afternoon of educational programming before an evening of play. They’ll be joined by Paralympic gold medalist and ESPN host Victoria Arlen. The closing night speaker on Friday, July 12, will be fashion designer Houston White, a board member of First Tee – Minnesota, who will be donating golf apparel for the teens to wear during their 18-hole scramble earlier in the day.
For the first time, this year’s event will be sponsored by AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands, which in addition to providing financial support, will engage with participants through educational sessions throughout the week. Workshops will cover a variety of topics to foster personal growth and understanding and empathy for others.
“We are grateful to AWS, Mayo Clinic and Topgolf Callaway Brands for supporting this event, which really encapsulates First Tee’s mission,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “By using golf to instill life skills and values, First Tee aims to build game changers. We know the teens will take what they learn at this event back to their communities to create positive change.”
This academy is an evolution of First Tee’s original participant event, and it honors Joe Louis Barrow Jr., First Tee’s former CEO who led the organization from 2000 until his retirement in 2017. It’s one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
The 72 teens attending the Academy can be viewed here.
Golf Channel announced the full field of teens which includes exceptional students, AJGA winners and committed collegiate golfers.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (July 8, 2024) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions announced today the 80 First Tee participants selected to play in the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee. The event will bring teens from First Tee chapters to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course for the PGA TOUR Champions tournament, Sept. 17-22. The annual event, hosted by PURE Insurance and Monterey Peninsula Foundation, is televised internationally on Golf Channel.
This unique event pairs each First Tee participant with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs from the business world. Ranging in ages from 15 to 18, the First Tee players compete for the male/female pro-junior team title. The teens represent 45 First Tee chapters from across the country and for the fourth year in a row, a participant from First Tee — Morocco will be in the field.
Participants were selected by a national panel of judges based on their personal growth and development through First Tee’s programs, as well as their playing ability. The group averages a 3.89 GPA and has spent an average of seven years in First Tee.
“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with this incredible organization,” said Katie Krum, Chief Marketing Officer at PURE Insurance. “I know firsthand the impact and value that participating in youth sports can have on one’s development, so it is personally gratifying to know that our support impacts such a remarkable group of young men and women.”
The full junior field was revealed live on Golf Channel’s “Golf Today,” featuring an interview with Tim O’Neal and Morgan Riley of First Tee – Triangle, who teamed up to finish fourth in the pro-junior boy division in 2023.
Each year two juniors receive exemptions into the PURE Insurance Championship based on their play at the First Tee National Championship, which took place at Clemson University’s Walker Golf Course in June. This year, Gianna Singh of First Tee – Greater Sacramento and Spencer Ives of First Tee – Naples/Collier earned the exemptions by finishing 6th and 2nd respectively.
“This is an exciting moment for these 80 participants, many of whom have been working for years with the goal of earning a spot in this tournament,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Thank you to our partners at PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel for their support of this special week, which is full of lessons for our teens, both on and off the golf course.”
This year’s field of PGA TOUR Champions players will feature legends including Ernie Els and Vijay Singh, and as well as three-time PURE Insurance Championship winner Kirk Triplett and Thongchai Jaidee, who will defend his title. Clint Eastwood serves as chairman of the PURE Insurance Championship.
Play will be conducted on Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course on Friday and Saturday. The final round will be contested solely at Pebble Beach Golf Links on Sunday, where 24 First Tee juniors will compete based on their 36-hole performance. The tournament will crown one male and one female First Tee junior champion on Sunday.
More than 1,000 teens from First Tee have played in the PURE Insurance Championship, experiencing the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet, play and be mentored by PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs.
First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
The junior field for 2024 PURE Insurance Championshipcan be viewed here.
Teens from across the U.S. will learn about leadership from executives within the Arthur M. Blank family of businesses.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 17, 2024) – The First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore returns from June 17-22. The weeklong Atlanta event will bring together 48 teens from across the country who will learn about operating successful teams from executives within the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
The event is headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore, a 4-time WNBA, 2-time NCAA and 2-time Olympic champion, who off the court, has been a dedicated advocate of criminal justice reform. Participants will also hear from leaders like Atlanta United CEO Garth Lagerwey, Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman and CEO Dick Sullivan and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Chief of Staff Kelley Gulley.
It will feature workshops on communication, developing a winning culture and more. Attendees will get a taste of the college experience, with the Georgia Institute of Technology serving as its hub. The group will also visit sites across Atlanta, including the PGA TOUR Superstore Support Center, the Coda building, Atlanta United’s training facility, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
“Our participants learn valuable skills at the First Tee Leadership Academy and have made friendships they will carry with them well beyond their time in Atlanta,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore for supporting these truly life-changing events.”
PGA TOUR Superstore has been a partner of First Tee for more than a decade, providing financial support and in-kind donations. It provides chapter grants to promote teen retention and supports national events like the Leadership Academy, Leadership Summit and Leadership Series.
The First Tee Leadership Academy is one of ten national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and empower teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring.
First Tee returns to Clemson University this year for its 4th annual National Championship. This year’s field includes 24 boys and 24 girls from First Tee chapters across the country to experience what golf looks like at the next level.
In addition to showcasing their skills and perseverance on the course, players will also attend a golf careers panel and a keynote address from First Tee alumnus Gavin Parker.
This year’s tournament will be streamed on Gamecast, and you can follow scoring on Golf Genius.
Before we head to Clemson, we caught up with our past winners to see what they’re up to.
Ashton Harper First Tee — Roanoke Valley
Ashton won the inaugural First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and is now a member of the golf team at Virginia Tech, where he is majoring in business. Ashton said his experience with First Tee taught him valuable lessons in perseverance. “Golf is not a game of perfect, and there will always be ups and downs when playing this game, but they are magnified in tournaments due to the high stakes. I was able to use perseverance to fight these ups and downs,” he said.
Ashton aims to become an All-ACC player by the end of his tenure at Virginia Tech before going on to play professionally.
Symran Shah First Tee — Greater Dallas
Like Ashton, Symran won the First Tee National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and now plays golf at Virginia Tech. She studies business and plans to have a career in healthcare administration.
Hannah Lydic First Tee — Delaware
Hannah won the 2022 First Tee National Championship held at Notre Dame and is now a member of the golf team at the University of Richmond, majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. Her experience in the First Tee National Championship taught her patience and perseverance in both herself and her game, she said.
As a Spider, she’s won awards for golf and academics. “What’s cool about the game of golf is that if you play calm and treat your playing partners with kindness, you will ultimately have a better experience on the course which will allow you to play at a higher level,” she said. Because of her experience with First Tee coaches, she fell in love with golf and now has the goal to become a collegiate golf coach.
Hunter Swanson First Tee — Green Valley Ranch
Hunter won the First Tee National Championship at Notre Dame in 2022 and is now a business student and member of the golf team at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Hunter lost to Ashton in a playoff at the 2021 First Tee National Championship, which inspired him to have the perseverance to come back and win at Notre Dame and taught him how to be more comfortable in high stress situations, he said.
As a college golfer, Hunter said the most important lesson he learned from First Tee is confidence. “I find I play more relaxed and have a better game when I practice enough to believe in my abilities,” he said. Since winning the First Tee National Championship, Hunter has made the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame, been a Pac-12 Men’s Golfer of the Week and the Nevada State Amateur runner up.
MeganMeng First Tee — Greater Trenton
Megan won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and is preparing to begin her college golf career at Northwestern, where she’ll study economics. Her experience playing in the First Tee National Championship challenged her to be hardworking and patient. She said she continues to use other First Tee lessons. “I find that it is important to always apply respect, sportsmanship and courtesy to those you are playing with,” said Megan, who also won the 2022 PURE Insurance Championship.
Recently, Megan was a member of Team USA at the 2023 Junior Solheim Cup and a 2023 Rolex Scholastic Junior All-American. She’s currently in the Top 10 of the AJGA Rankings and plans to pursue professional golf.
Cooper Groshart First Tee — Central Coast
Cooper won the 2023 First Tee National Championship at Stanford and now attends California State East Bay, as a business administration major and a member of the golf team. Confidence is a First Tee lesson that Cooper keeps with him today while playing competitive golf. His experience in the First Tee National Championship was inspiring, as he saw so many people from different places share the same drive to compete and succeed in golf, he said.
Cooper played in the 2023 U.S. Junior Amateur in Charleston. As a freshman, he competed in 12 tournaments with his college team and has been on the dean’s list both semesters. He said his goal is to continue to improve as a player and a person.
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (May 14, 2024) – Four years ago, President George W. Bush had a big surprise for seven exemplary First Tee participants. First Tee’s honorary chair told the teens they were selected as inaugural members of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Now the organization is thrilled to celebrate their graduation.
“Congratulations to the first graduating class of First Tee College Scholarship Program,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are very proud of your hard work and commitment, and we look forward to watching you move into the next stages of your journey. First Tee is proud to have played a role in your development.”
“First Tee is family,” said Ricky Lam, a First Tee Scholar who is graduating from Harvard University and pursuing a career in insurance. “Ultimately First Tee is a place where you have such a strong support system to be able to pursue your passions, ask for help, expand your horizons and network so you can be the person you strive to be.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program is a need- and merit-based scholarship program through which Scholars receive financial support and access to a wide range of professional development opportunities. Each Scholar is paired with an adult mentor to ensure they are equipped with the tools they need to be successful in college and beyond.
“The First Tee College Scholarship Program really helped me find connections, especially with my mentor,” said Malisone Chanthanpanya, now a graduate student and member of the golf team at Texas Wesleyan University. Mali is one of three Scholars who graduated early to bring the total number of graduated First Tee Scholars to 10. “She was a great resource who I could talk to about not just college and my career but about life. I got to meet a lot of people through the scholarship program.”
The First Tee College Scholarship Program was launched in 2020, and it recognizes First Tee participants who have shown dedication to academics, community service and their First Tee chapters. It has since grown to include 70 Scholars, with the 2024 class slated to be announced next month.
Meet the graduates:
Luke Boldt First Tee – Coastal Carolina / East Carolina University He has accepted a position as a medical missionary for two years and plans to apply to medical school.
Malisone Chanthanpanya First Tee – Fort Worth / Texas Wesleyan University She’s in graduate school and prepping for LPGA Q-school in the fall.
Jessica Jiao First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Georgetown University She has accepted a position with BNP Paribas Bank in its equity capital markets department in New York.
Ricky Lam First Tee–Tri-Valley / Harvard University He has accepted a position with Sompo as a commercial underwriter.
Kelly Low First Tee – Fort Worth / University of Texas at Dallas She has accepted an offer with Amazon Web Services as an associate solutions architect in Austin.
Nicole Monsalve First Tee – Miami / Duke University She has accepted a position with the NFL in its two-year rotation program in New York.
Sara Rintoul First Tee – Central Florida / University of Florida She has accepted an offer at Procter & Gamble as a brand manager in Boston.
Remi Shendell First Tee – Metropolitan New York / Emory University She is graduating with a double-major in biology and political science.
Borina Sutiko First Tee – Silicon Valley / Santa Clara University She hopes to attend Cal Berkely this fall to earn her master’s in information systems.
Denise Wei First Tee – San Francisco/ University of California, Irvine She has accepted an offer with PwC in its audit division.
My dad decided to sign my twin brother and me up because he had seen so much overlap between golf and life skills, though he may have also wanted two more people for his foursome.
First Tee has by far had the largest ripple effects on my life – not just when I was in the program during elementary, middle, and high school – but also in college.
The life skills and leadership taught in First Tee is unmatched compared to any other youth program in terms of not just development but also breadth. I am 100% serious when I say I took a patient education class this semester and the concept of SMART goals was taught to my class.
Throughout my time in college, my involvement in First Tee continues to show how far ahead I am compared to my classmates in terms of leadership and life skills.
As a First Tee alumni heading to college, I was able to attend the pre-college retreat which gave me a huge sense of relief that I could adjust quickly to the new environment and excel in my academics.
Additionally during each winter, First Tee has hosted winter workshops, which have helped further my knowledge as an undergraduate with topics related to practical things I experience in college.
Finally, my favorite part about being an alumnus is being able to give back to First Tee as a chaperone at national participant opportunity events.
This past summer I was so privileged to spend a week in Montana at the Leadership Summit. As an alumnus who is still very involved with my chapter, First Tee selected me to serve as a chaperone for this event to mentor the youth who attended.
I had such a great time getting to meet participants from all over the nation in the beautiful state of Montana.
These are all reasons why I encourage any First Tee alumni I meet to stay involved with the program and serve their home chapters. Be willing to give back to an organization that has given you so much!
Currently, I’m a senior at East Carolina University studying public health on the pre-medical track with a minor in leadership studies. I was fortunate enough to be awarded a full academic scholarship to my university and I owe First Tee much of the credit for helping me achieve the award. Upon graduation in May, I’m planning to take a gap year before attending medical school in hopes of becoming a reconstructive plastic surgeon.
During my gap year, I hope to go on medical mission trips, perform clinical research, and serve my home community as an EMT.
First Tee is an amazing organization and if a young person had never heard about First Tee, I would emphasize the diversity and accessibility of the organization.
Whether you’re in third grade or high school, First Tee has something for you and the program continues to grow and evolve each year. First Tee gives you a chance to learn a new sport and form new friendships all the while learning practical life knowledge, core values and leadership skills that you will carry for the rest of your life.
To parents, I can whole heartedly say I would not be the person I am today or in the place I’m currently at without the First Tee.
If there had to be one organization I could point to that changed my life, motivated me to pursue opportunities that led to me be awarded a full ride academic scholarship to college, and allowed me to have life changing experiences, it would be First Tee.
Up to $32,000 in scholarships will be awarded to participants whose projects generate the greatest impact
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – (Nov. 9, 2023) – Twenty-eight exemplary teens from across the U.S. will attend the First Tee Innovators Forum in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home of the PGA TOUR, from Nov. 9-12. Each student will spend four days conceptualizing an original community service project with guidance from First Tee and its partners. Participants will then implement the projects when they return home, with the opportunity to earn a share of up to $32,000 to support future educational pursuits.
During the event, participants will hear from seven-time PGA TOUR winner Billy Horschel, who has demonstrated his commitment to growing diversity in golf and supporting his neighbors in northeast Florida through his own philanthropic endeavors. The teens will participate in interactive workshops and small breakout sessions covering a variety of topics including education, healthcare advocacy and programming.
They will also learn about sustainability on an eco-cruise through the estuaries of nearby St. Augustine with support from TruGreen and receive counsel on their projects from technology consulting firm CapTech, both First Tee Trustees.
Parts of the event will take place at PGA TOUR Global Home and TPC Sawgrass. The purpose of the event is to encourage participants to become innovators in their respective communities, culminating with each teen presenting the plans for their project.
“Our participants have produced creative and impactful community service projects since this event launched – addressing issues like food insecurity and environmental sustainability – and we look forward to seeing what this group of impressive teens will uncover throughout the event week,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Thank you to Doug MacKenzie for making this event possible, and for our partners CapTech and TruGreen for participating in the experience.”
The 28 teens attending the forum were selected based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation.
First Tee is a youth development organization teaching life skills and helping kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The First Tee Innovators Forum is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward high school graduation.
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of kids and teens through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
The national “Drive Your Future” event, held in San Francisco October 5-9, reinforces the organization’s commitment to empowering girls
San Francisco – (October 2, 2023) – Twenty-four girls, ages 14-18, from First Tee chapters across the country are attending First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere in San Francisco, October 5-9. The all-female professional development academy focuses on empowering the girls to leverage opportunities available through their participation in golf and First Tee and recognize the importance of building a strong network.
Throughout the weeklong academy, the girls will participate in interactive workshops, lead a volunteer experience, and hear from keynote speakers designed to inspire and help them as they plan for the future. Speakers, each who represent careers in STEM, include Susan Crickenberger, People & Operations at John Deere, Michelle Meyer, Managing Director of Supply Chain, Distribution & Logistics at CapTech, and First Tee alumnae Angelica Harris and Taryn Yee.
The event will be hosted at historic Lake Merced Golf Club where participants will build upon their connections and hear different perspectives from peers from around the country. Additionally, the group will have the opportunity to bond over inspiring and impactful experiences around the San Francisco area.
The event reinforces First Tee’s commitment to empowering girls through its programs, which are offered through 150 chapters in 1400 golf course locations. More than 80% of chapters offer dedicated programming for girls, intentionally inviting and engaging them in a variety of opportunities. Girls who stay in First Tee programs have the opportunity to apply for all national events, including Drive Your Future.
“At John Deere, we run so life can leap forward,” said John Watson, project development manager, John Deere. “That includes partnering with organizations like First Tee to provide life-changing opportunities for today’s youth. It is an honor to continue the successful tradition of the Drive Your Future Academy and we are thrilled to support First Tee in developing the leaders of tomorrow.”
The teens were selected for the Drive Your Future Academy through a national application process based on essays, letters of recommendation, and involvement in First Tee and other activities.
“First Tee’s Drive Your Future Academy focuses on female empowerment and focuses on the leadership development of our young women,” said Jennifer Weiler, senior vice president of network relations at First Tee. “We are so grateful for John Deere’s support of this event and together, we are committed to building game changers.”
John Deere is a Trustee of First Tee and has supported the organization since 2012.
First Tee is a youth development organization celebrating over 25 years of teaching life skills and helping kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The First Tee Drive Your Future Academy made possible by John Deere is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2023) – After a week of competition and mentorship, Alyssa Stewart and Brayden Casolari are the junior winners of the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded Sunday at Pebble Beach.
Alyssa Stewart representing First Tee – Greater Dallas and paired with Justin Leonard, and Brayden Casolari representing First Tee – Pine Mountain and paired with Brian Gay, claimed the female and male Pro-Junior titles, respectively. Stewart and Leonard finished 28-under, while Casolari and Gay capped off the event 21-under, climbing three spots up the leaderboard Sunday to clinch the victory.
Stewart and Leonard took the lead Saturday after recording a 59 at Spyglass Hill and extended their advantage Sunday, shooting a 63 at Pebble Beach. Meanwhile, Casolari and Gay birdied 18 on Sunday to secure their come-from-behind victory in the Pro-Junior competition, shooting an 8-under 64 at Pebble Beach.
In its 20th year, the PURE Insurance Championship brings First Tee participants from chapters across the country to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, where they demonstrate the skills and values they’ve practiced at First Tee to play alongside PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business world. The annual event was televised internationally on Golf Channel.
“The 80 players in the junior field represented First Tee well this week,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Our program aims to instill confidence and perseverance in the young people it serves, and I think those traits were on display during the tournament. A special congratulations to Alyssa and Brayden for winning the Pro-Junior titles. Thank you to our partners – PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel – for making this week an unforgettable experience for our participants.”
Stewart is a 17-year-old high school senior who is committed to play golf next year at Houston Christian University. With a +3.9 handicap, Stewart has set records at two courses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She aspires to play on the LPGA Tour and become a veterinarian.
“I feel amazing right now,” Stewart said after her victory. “Words can’t even describe it. I just have a lot of thanks for my mom, PURE Insurance, First Tee and the PGA TOUR Champions players. Something that I learned this week is that you can’t really dwell on one shot. You have to move forward.”
Casolari is a 15-year-old high school sophomore from Cumberland, Kentucky. He took up golf 8 years ago at Lynch Country Club in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky after borrowing a set of left-handed clubs. Casolari volunteers with the Empty Stocking Fund and Tri-City Little League. He aspires to play collegiate golf and works at a local course. His trip to the PURE Insurance Championship was his first time traveling by airplane.
“This has been a great experience,” said Casolari. “This is my first time out there, and I love this course. My pro and I hit some good shots out there.”
During the week, First Tee partners PURE Insurance and Chevron both celebrated their commitment to First Tee’s mission and raised additional funds to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program through special events. Leaders from PURE Insurance extended a surprise invitation to the scholarship program to 17-year-old Aditi Balakrishna, a high school senior from First Tee – Tri-Valley in Northern California. The program pairs Scholars with a mentor and provides professional development workshops and financial assistance throughout the college experience.
First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About Monterey Peninsula Foundation
Surpassing $200 million in total donations, Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.
Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for responsible high net worth families, providing customizable coverage for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal liability, watercraft, flood, fraud and cyber fraud. PURE’s low cost of capital, careful member selection and proactive risk management contribute to fair pricing and a Financial Strength Rating of “A (Excellent)” from A.M. Best Company, Inc. PURE has sustained at least 15% annual growth in each year since its inception and now serves more than 100,000 members across the United States. Pureinsurance.com | 888.813.7873
About PGA TOUR Champions
PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 34 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour and on Instagram @pgatourchampions.
All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Tournament programming is available via 25+ TV linear partners in 145+ countries and territories, with 25 channels carrying long-form and/or highlights coverage, and 200+ hours of live coverage distributed in 135+ countries and territories. Programming is also available via the OTT platform GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR in every market outside of the United States, excluding China and Korea, with live coverage distributed in 130+ countries and territories.
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2023) – PURE Insurance continued its ongoing support of the First Tee College Scholarship Program Thursday during the PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee by surprising First Tee – Tri-Valley’s Aditi Balakrishna with an invitation to the program based on her academic record and commitment to helping others.
Balakrishna, who is participating in this week’s PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach, is a 17-year-old senior at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, California, where she is vice president of the Society of Women Engineers and president of the Neurodiversity Club. Balakrishna founded HappyArt, an organization that creates cards for Bay Area seniors, and she volunteers with First Tee – Tri-Valley and Special Olympics.
Launched in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program currently serves 70 First Tee Scholars selected into the program based on their academic performance, involvement in First Tee programs, financial need and commitment to volunteerism.
PURE Insurance has served as title sponsor of the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee since 2017. Since coming on board as title sponsor, PURE has continued to deepen its relationship with First Tee, including a commitment of $1M over five years to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program.
“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with, and support of, this incredible organization,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “It’s particularly gratifying to know that we can impact the remarkable young men and women of First Tee, like Aditi, in such a powerful way.”
First Tee is a youth development organization that uses golf to teach life skills and values. The First Tee College Scholarship Program extends its impact to alumni by providing support throughout their post-graduate career with Scholars receiving mentorship, professional and personal development workshops and financial support. Select PURE Insurance associates will serve as mentors and the company will contribute to educational sessions, helping share industry knowledge and expertise with scholars who are interested in business and finance.
“Congratulations to Aditi for all her accomplishments in the classroom, on the golf course and in her community,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Thank you to PURE Insurance for its ongoing support of First Tee. By supporting the PURE Insurance Championship and the First Tee College Scholarship Program, PURE Insurance is supporting our efforts to empower youth and prepare them for the future. ”
First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible by donors and corporate partners, like PURE Insurance, that stand behind the program and First Tee’s mission.
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About PURE Insurance
Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for responsible high net worth families, providing customizable coverage for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal liability, watercraft, flood, fraud and cyber fraud. PURE’s low cost of capital, careful member selection and proactive risk management contribute to fair pricing and a Financial Strength Rating of “A (Excellent)” from A.M. Best Company, Inc. PURE has sustained at least 15% annual growth in each year since its inception and now serves more than 100,000 members across the United States.
Bella Villarin has plenty of experience writing the news. But next week, she’ll be making it as a participant in the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, a PGA TOUR Champions event that will air on Golf Channel.
A senior at Coronado High School, Bella is a First Tee – San Diego participant and captain of her school’s golf team. She took up the sport 13 years ago and now boasts a +0.8 handicap. Bella is also an accomplished journalist, having published more than 200 articles as an intern for The Coronado Times.
Now 17, Bella has already traveled the globe and experienced diverse cultures.
She originally joined First Tee – Hampton Roads in Virginia when she was 4, but later her family moved to Singapore where her father was stationed for the military. The four years Bella spent in Singapore were longer than she had ever lived in one spot, and returning to the U.S. was difficult, she said.
“There were vast differences between Singapore and San Diego. The food, the people, the weather – nearly every aspect of our lives were brand new,” she said.
However, one thing carried through: Bella continued to play golf in each of the places she lived.
Bella became involved with First Tee – San Diego when her family moved back to the U.S. through her cousin, Reece, who is a First Tee – San Diego and Harvard alumna. One of the things Bella has enjoyed most about First Tee is getting to meet kids from different backgrounds. She’s met participants from Somalia to Ukraine, and she’s been able to serve as a mentor and mentee.
“I have made countless friendships and lifelong relationships with fellow golfers, coaches and volunteers,” she said.
Off the golf course, Bella completed more than 100 hours of community service in 2022, and she volunteers with the American Red Cross. She is also president of her school’s Days for Girls Club, which supports women and girls in developing countries by creating reusable feminine hygiene products that allow them to attend school during their menstrual cycles.
Along with the other 79 First Tee participants in the tournament this week, be sure to cheer on Bella as she competes in her first PURE Insurance Championship.
Tate Reid started playing golf with his dad when he was just a toddler. Now he’s a high school junior preparing to play with professionals at the PURE Insurance Championship, where 80 First Tee juniors will play alongside PGA TOUR Champions players at Pebble Beach.
He’s excited and a little nervous, he said. “Getting to experience playing with PGA TOUR Champions pros on these amazing courses, that’s what I’m looking forward to,” said Tate.
Tate is a junior coach at First Tee – Manhattan, where he shares his love for the sport with younger participants.
“I think I just enjoy the desire to get better and improve yourself,” he said. “When you hit good shots, it’s fun. You just keep coming back for that feeling.”
Golf helped Tate get through a difficult time when he was younger. He was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age 8, just a month after moving to Manhattan, Kansas. He went through over three years of chemotherapy but is now in remission. “Golf just made me feel like a normal kid again,” he said.
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, which was created to highlight the importance of investing in lifesaving research and supporting those families who’ve been touched by the disease. Acknowledging his own experience is important to Tate because he believes it might help children in the future.
Tate’s mom said First Tee – Manhattan was a safe place for her son during his illness. “It’s such a great program,” Amy Reid said. “It doesn’t matter your level as far as skills, everyone is so encouraging. When Tate was in treatment, we had to be careful with him being exposed to germs and his coaches were fantastic about keeping an extra eye on him.”
She’s proud of how Tate has overcome challenges but not let them define him, she said. “He’s kind of a quiet old soul, super responsible guy who doesn’t like to have the spotlight on him but works hard and excels at what he does,” she said.
In addition to golf – Tate has an +0.1 handicap and works at a local golf course – he also plays trumpet as section leader in the pep band.
You can watch Tate and the full field of 80 juniors competing in the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship on Golf Channel, Sept. 22-24.
