Events Archives

First Tee Kicks Off Nationwide Summer Registration at THE PLAYERS, Engages Kids & Fans Through On-Site Experiences

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2020) – First Tee, a youth development organization providing active learning experiences to help young people build character through the game of golf, will kick off summer registration around the country and showcase the impact of its program as a featured charity during THE PLAYERS Championship, March 10-15, 2020. Highlights for the week include:

The 17th Hole Challenge presented by Morgan Stanley, Grant Thornton and Optum: First Tee is about building character and using that inner-strength to take on new challenges in life. Throughout the week, guests can demonstrate their self-confidence on a replica of the famed par-3 17th at TPC Sawgrass. Fans will have the option to purchase a third shot or a First Tee Fast Pass, with proceeds benefiting First Tee of North Florida. Located in THE PLAYERS Welcome Experience at the Nicklaus entry, high-profile influencers and celebrities are known to stop by to take the challenge.
Youth Clinic with PGA TOUR pros: On Monday, March 9, a youth clinic will take place with participants from the First Tee of North Florida and PGA TOUR professionals, in conjunction with Nike, at the 17th Hole Challenge. Media are invited for the purposes of covering the event and must apply for tournament credentials by February 28 at pgatourmedia.com.
Girls Golf Mentoring Event: On Tuesday, March 10, Morgan Stanley – one of THE PLAYERS Championship’s Proud Partners – will host girls from First Tee of North Florida in a private event focused on mentorship and financial literacy with LPGA professional Cheyenne Woods and local Morgan Stanley leaders. Media are invited for the purposes of covering the event and must apply for tournament credentials by February 28 at pgatourmedia.com.
Featured Charity of the Day: On Wednesday, March 11, First Tee will give away free bag tags to the first 5,000 fans and will be featured onsite throughout the tournament and on THE PLAYERS digital channels.
Cola’s Reverse Vending Machine Benefiting First Tee: Fans can demonstrate their commitment to the next generation by recycling all plastic bottles throughout the week in Coca-Cola’s ‘reverse vending machine’ in Stadium Village. With each recycled item, Coca-Cola will automatically donate to First Tee of North Florida.
Featured First Tee Participants and Alumni at THE PLAYERS: Throughout the week, First Tee of North Florida participants will be experiencing the event, many for the first time, and First Tee, First Tee of North Florida and THE PLAYERS will spotlight their engagement on digital channels. Bios and quotes are below.

Fans around the country watching THE PLAYERS can sign their children up at one of the First Tee chapters offering programs at more than 1,200 locations. Trained coaches deliver the programs to kids and teens, helping build self-confidence, inner-strength and resilience, and equipping them with tools that they can apply in school, their careers and whatever they set out to do. To learn more about First Tee’s impact on youth and summer registration, visit FirstTee.org. More information about THE PLAYERS is available at THEPLAYERS.com. Impactful Participant Stories, First Tee of North Florida Blair Waters, a First Tee of North Florida alumnus, has benefited immensely from learning First Tee’s values like perseverance and self-confidence. With support from his First Tee coaches, Waters found the inner-strength to complete high school after nearly dropping out. Now a graduate from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore with a degree in Professional Golf Management, Blair currently works at Desert Mountain Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. He recently returned to North Florida to participate in THE PLAYERS Charity Shootout held in February. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without First Tee.” – Blair Waters, age 27 —————————————————————————————————– Manyi Ngu and her sister Mombo are immigrants from Cameroon. Coming from a single-parent household, Manyi’s experiences with First Tee have inspired her to become a leader and give back to her community. “First Tee has nurtured me and given me the confidence to approach every aspect of my life proactively.” – Manyi Ngu, age 16 —————————————————————————————————– Jacob Davis exhibits the values and character First Tee instills in young people. Despite having a rare condition that has required more than 30 surgeries, Jacob exudes positivity, continuing to give back to his community. After completing his Eagle Scout project of fulfilling an entire wish lists at local animal shelters, Jacob decided to do the repeat the project a second time. “First Tee has given me opportunities to play at golf courses I might not have had the chance to play, while making new friends and learning from others.” – Jacob Davis, age 16 —————————————————————————————————– Caitlyn Lavant, a sixth grader, is one of the most active participants at the chapter at just 11 years old. When Caitlyn’s family experienced personal hardships, she found community in the First Tee. “I am equipped for life because First Tee has made me a better person.” – Caitlyn Lavant, age 11 —————————————————————————————————– Brandon Fowler might never have played golf had it not been for First Tee. Brandon has actively taken advantage of all the opportunities afforded to him by First Tee and looks forward to giving back to the chapter that gave so much to him. First Tee has provided Brandon with the opportunity to explore possibilities that golf can provide while helping him grow personally. “First Tee has given me self-confidence. I’ll always know I can succeed, even when things are difficult.” – Brandon Fowler, age 15 —————————————————————————————————– Grace Richards was selected to attend one of First Tee’s national participant opportunities, the 2019 Joe Louis Barrow Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy. She had the opportunity to develop and hone skills to become leader at her chapter, school and community. Grace aspires to become the executive director of a non-profit. “I am different because First Tee taught me how to become a confident leader. I used to enter group settings with reservation. Because of First Tee, I can take charge, lead with confidence and take on life’s challenges with a positive attitude.” – Grace Richards, age 16 —————————————————————————————————– View photos of the First Tee of North Florida participants. *** About First Tee First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a nonprofit youth development organization whose 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 beginning in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of young people on golf courses, in schools and at youth centers. First Tee is headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida, USA, with programs in all 50 United States and select international locations. About THE PLAYERS Championship THE PLAYERS Championship annually combines the strongest field in golf with the world-class venue that is THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Morgan Stanley, Grant Thornton LLP and Optum® are the exclusive Proud Partners of THE PLAYERS. Proceeds from THE PLAYERS benefit Northeast Florida charities and have totaled more than $100 million since it began in 1974 and moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977. In 2019, THE PLAYERS generated a record $9.25 million for local charities. For more on THE PLAYERS, visit THEPLAYERS.com. For more on the surrounding areas, visit floridashistoriccoast.com or visitjacksonville.com

Five Reasons You Should Apply for the First Tee National Championship

First Tee’s teen participants have an exciting new opportunity to explore their future and the possibilities golf can provide at the first-ever First Tee National Championship. Hosted at Clemson University’s The Walker Course on June 21-26, 2020, the tournament will bring together First Tee’s elite players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the next level. Are you thinking about applying? Do you know someone who might be interested? Here are five reasons why you should pursue the opportunity.

1.Opportunity to Further Develop Your Strength of Character

Experience elite competition that will put you to the test and showcase your inner strength, self-confidence and resilience required to compete at the next level.

2.The “College Experience”

First Tee National Championship provides much more than playing in a 54-hole stroke-play event. Take part in the “college experience” including dorm-living, an official Clemson University campus tour, capped off with dinner at the West End Zone Club of the football team’s Memorial Stadium.

3.Exemption into the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee

That’s right! The winners of each male/female division will earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship held at Pebble Beach Golf Links this September.

4.Connect with Friends and Elite Players

Spend time with peers who are pursuing a similar path and can become a future go-to team as you take on new challenges and explore opportunities within golf.

5.Premier Challenge for the Competitive Golfer

This tournament promises heightened competition and an exciting golf environment. It will bring the most elite First Tee athletes to compete for the Tattersall Cup. A great addition to your resume! Ready to apply? Click here for more information on the First Tee National Championship.

20 Things We’re Looking Forward to in 2020

We are already well into the first month of a new decade, and we are thrilled to experience all of the exciting and impactful events and initiatives 2020 has in store. Here are 20 things we’re looking forward to this year, in no particular order.

Kicking off our inaugural First Tee National Championship hosted at Clemson University June 21-26, 2020
Watching a participant demonstrate confidence as he or she plays alongside a PGA TOUR pro through the Wells Fargo Succeeding Together Contest
Celebrating chapter anniversaries and the long lasting impact they’ve had in their communities
Empowering girls to build their inner strength and set goals to prepare for their future during the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy
Welcoming new schools and youth centers across the country which bring new opportunities and exposure to the game of golf through First Tee National School Program and DRIVE.
Pairing veterans and First Tee participants in a Presidents Cup Style event at the Perfect Sense Unified Challenge
Supporting participants with their collegiate aspirations with the John Deere Power For Good Scholarship Contest
Launching the First Tee College Scholarship Program featuring a wrap-around experience to support alumni throughout their college career.
Providing a life-changing experience for participants focused on building their character at the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy
Enjoying an inside look at what it’s like working at one of the largest corporations in the world during Coca-Cola America’s Future.
Playing golf on National Golf Day
Celebrating those who reach the pinnacle of First Tee, through our ACE program.
Participants demonstrating their values and character while competing on the national stage at Pebble Beach during the PURE Insurance Championship
Bringing teens together at the Youth Leadership Summit
Interacting with kids and families during the U.S. Open
Golf’s return to the XXXII Olympic Summer Games
Expanding our First Tee Alumni program
Watching First Tee participants at Augusta National for the Drive, Chip & Putt competition
Impacting millions of participants across the world.
Empowering our youth and teaching kids honesty, confidence and goal-setting to ensure a brighter future.

Clemson University to Host Inaugural First Tee National Championship

72 First Tee teens to compete for Tattersall Cup in elite tournament at The Walker Course on June 21-26

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (Jan. 9, 2020) – First Tee announces the first-ever First Tee National Championship will be held June 21-26, 2020 at Clemson University. The event will bring together First Tee’s elite players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level. The winners of each girls and boys’ division will be awarded with the Tattersall Cup named after First Tee Trustee, Fred Tattersall. Each winner will earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee held at Pebble Beach Golf Links September 18-20, 2020. “We are excited to announce the First Tee National Championship and play our inaugural event at Clemson University,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee president. “Our goal is to provide each participant with a college level experience both on and off the golf course. We are thankful to longtime First Tee supporter Fred Tattersall for creating this opportunity for the young people in our chapter network.” First Tee National Championship will be held annually at various college campuses around the nation providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with participants from across the country and take in the “college experience” including dorm-living, campus tours and more. Clemson University’s The Walker Course is set to host the inaugural Championship. Applications for First Tee participants will open January 28. Applicants will be selected based on their golf skill, competitive golf experience and handicap. First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping young people build character through the game of golf. The National Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. For more information on the tournament and First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org. *** About First Tee First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a nonprofit youth development organization whose 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 its beginning in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Its headquarters are in St. Augustine, Florida, USA, with programs in all 50 United States and select international locations.

Celebrating an Impactful Year: A Message from President of First Tee, Greg McLaughlin

As 2019 draws to a close, I can’t help but be proud of the millions of lives that have been impacted this year through First Tee. Whether it’s on a golf course, in school or at a community center, we are helping young people build their strength of character and empowering them to pursue their goals. This year marks our 22^nd year helping kids and teens develop character through the game of golf. It takes a strong network of chapters and support from our partners, donors, staff and volunteers, to ensure we reach young people with our life-changing programs. Thank you for your contributions to our mission to help us reach tomorrow’s leaders. Here are some of our favorite moments from the year. We look forward to making many more in 2020. Warm regards, Greg McLaughlin President, First Tee

First Tee’s Top 5 Moments from 2019

1. Expanding Across the Globe

This year, First Tee expanded by four new chapters! With support from partners like Citi and the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, First Tee expanded to Australia, Morocco, North Coast (Calif), and West Texas.

2. U.S. Open Junior Experience featuring First Tee

First Tee experienced the U.S. Open like never before. Our interactive venue welcomed kids and families to learn more about our fun and educational programs. From celebrity drop-ins to the announcement of a $15,000 grant from USGA for local First Tee chapters, we made a huge impact and had a great time along the way.

3. PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee

This year’s PURE Insurance Championship was a huge success! Sportsmanship and teamwork were out in full force as participants, family and friends came out to support the 78 junior players. It was the trip of a lifetime for First Tee teens who competed, including Ashley Menne from First Tee of Phoenix and Sam Sommerhauser from First Tee of Greater Sacramento who won the female and male pro-junior titles.

4. THE PLAYERS Kids Zone presented by First Tee

First Tee returned to THE PLAYERS Champio nship with a larger-than-life set-up representing the hub for family fun at the tournament. The tent featured activities like a putting challenge, golf simulator and digital photo booth to document all of the smiles. THE PLAYERS 2019 Champion Rory McIlroy, along with Tommy Fleetwood, helped kick-off the week with clinic for 100 local First Tee participants.

5. Charles Schwab Announced $5 Million Grant to Impact First Tee Chapters in Texas

Charles Schwab announced his donation of $5 million to nine First Tee chapters in Texas in the form of a challenge grant. Over the next three years, Charles Schwab will match donations to the chapters to expand programs and deepen their impact statewide. We can’t wait to see the continued support and success of our First Tee Texas chapters.

PURE Insurance Championship Leaves Lasting Impression on 78 Teens

PURE Insurance Championship’s Pro-Junior Winners Sam Sommerhauser from First Tee of Greater Sacramento and Ashley Menne from First Tee of Phoenix

It was the trip of a lifetime for 78 First Tee teens who stepped into the spotlight and showed off the life skills and values learned in First Tee programs as they competed on a national stage for the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee. The teens played with confidence and composure as they persevered on one of the toughest and most iconic golf courses in the world, Pebble Beach Golf Links, while being mentored by some of the legends of the games – PGA TOUR Champions players. Making it to this unique event was the real prize, but two of these teens are bringing home a little something extra: the Pro-Junior title. Sam Sommerhauser from First Tee of Greater Sacramento, who was paired with Kirk Triplett, finished at 23-under, winning the male Pro-Junior title. “It was a special week playing Pebble Beach and learning from the PGA TOUR Champions professionals,” said Sommerhauser. “Playing so well with Mr. Triplett and watching his determination and composure first-hand has been an experience I’ll never forget.” Ashley Menne from First Tee of Phoenix, paired with Tom Lehman, won the female Pro-Junior title with a score of 18-under. “The life skills I’ve learned through the First Tee helped me persevere this week to keep playing one shot at a time,” said Menne. “I’m so thankful for the outcome and for a great experience playing with Tom Lehman.” It’s evident that these two are destined for greatness. They’ll both continue their golf journeys next year as they play at University of Arizona and Arizona State University, respectively. Beyond that, Sam and Ashley hope to play with the pros on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour. We look forward to seeing where the future leads these two young people – and know they will carry their First Tee experience along for the journey. For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com. Top 5 Tournament Moments: 1. Sportsmanship came to light on the 18th green Sunday afternoon when the First Tee participants stayed to cheer on their fellow competitors who made the cut on Sunday.

2. Each of the 42 high school seniors in the field were surprised with a $1,000 college scholarship thanks to Ed and Lisa Vaughn.

3. PGA TOUR Champions pro Woody Austin sunk a hole-in-one on Pebble Beach’s No. 17 – complete with a celebration alongside his teammate and First Tee of San Joaquin participant, Lauren Garces.

4. Six First Tee juniors and six PGA TOUR Champions pros were paired up for the Chevron Shoot-Out for STEM Scholars on Thursday. The event raised $100,000 for a college scholarship fund for future First Tee participants.

5. Scott Schlader from First Tee of Phoenix and defending champion Ken Tanigawa had a little fun before their first round.

Final Leaderboard & Results

78 First Tee Teens Experience the Week of a Lifetime at PURE Insurance Championship

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2019) – Teens from across the country had the opportunity to learn from the game’s legends during the PURE Insurance Open at Pebble Beach Impacting the First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded today. Sam Sommerhauser from First Tee of Greater Sacramento, paired with Kirk Triplett, and Ashley Menne from First Tee of Phoenix, paired with Tom Lehman, claimed the male and female Pro-Junior titles today, respectively. Sommerhauser and Triplett finished 23-under, while Menne and Lehman capped off the event with a score of 18-under. First Tee is a national youth development program that helps young people build character using the game of golf as a platform. The event, in its 16^th year, brings 78 teens from First Tee chapters nationwide to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course. Throughout the week the teens apply the life and leadership skills learned from First Tee programs during an event where they are paired with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs from the business world. The annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, was televised internationally on Golf Channel. “We are proud of all the teens who played with confidence and composure this week at the PURE Insurance Championship,” said Greg McLaughlin, president of First Tee. “These young people exemplify the character and values we instill through the First Tee programs every day. A special congratulations to Sam Sommerhauser and Ashley Menne for winning the Pro-Junior titles. Thank you to our partners – PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel – for making this a special week for 78 First Tee participants.” Sommerhauser is a 17-year-old senior at Whitney High School in Rocklin, Calif. where he has a 3.88 GPA and plays on the boys’ golf team. He has been involved with First Tee of Greater Sacramento for eight years and volunteers as an assistant coach. He credits the program for life skills and values that he will carry into college and adulthood. Sommerhauser holds a 1.9 handicap and is committed to play golf at the University of Arizona next fall. “It was a special week playing Pebble Beach and learning from the PGA TOUR Champions professionals,” said Sommerhauser. “Playing so well with Mr. Triplett and watching his determination and composure first-hand has been an experience I’ll never forget.” Menne is a 17-year-old senior at Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix, Ariz. where she has a 4.0 GPA and plays on the girls’ golf team. She’s been involved with First Tee of Phoenix for five years and is pursuing her Ace Certification, the highest level in the First Tee program that focuses on goal setting, career exploration and giving back to the community. Menne holds a 1.2 handicap and has committed to play on the women’s golf team at Arizona State University next fall. “The life skills I’ve learned through the First Tee helped me persevere this week to keep playing one shot at a time,” said Menne. “I’m so thankful for the outcome and for a great experience playing with Tom Lehman.” Kirk Triplett won the pro title, defeating Billy Andrade on the first playoff hole to secure his second victory of the season. Triplett became the second player in the history of the PURE Insurance Championship to own three titles at the event (2019, 2013 and 2012). This win moves him to No. 4 in the Charles Schwab Cup rankings. Final Leaderboard & Results

Chevron Shoot-out for STEM Scholars

Pebble Beach Golf Links Thursday, September 26, 2019 Holes 1-2-3-17 and a juniors-only closest to the pin chip shot

Format Modified Scotch alternate-shot format. Each team plays alternate shot to completion of hole. Final hole (17 ½) is closest to the pin chip shot by the junior golfers only. Scholarship Purse Total purse: $100,000 ($20,000 per hole). Scholarships on behalf of Chevron will be given to First Tee HQ in the name of the First Tee Junior. Participants

Professional	Junior	The First Tee Chapter
John Cook	Shani Waite	First Tee of Los Angeles
Bernhard Langer	Stephany Barbosa	First Tee of Greater Dallas
Esteban Toledo	Ashley Menne	First Tee of Phoenix
Ken Tanigawa	Alexander Iniakov	First Tee of Monterey County
Kirk Triplett	Anthony Ford II	First Tee of Metro Atlanta
Paul Broadhurst	Jamozzy Skenandore	First Tee of Northeast Wisconsin

Hole-by-Hole Results – Girls

Hole 1: Toledo/Menne (par) – $10,000
Hole 2: Toledo/Menne (birdie) – $10,000
Hole 3: Halved with pars (carry over)
Hole 17: Toledo/Menne (par) – $20,000
Hole 17 ½: Menne chipped closest to the pin ($10,000)

Team Toledo/Menne wins $50,000 towards Chevron scholarships for First Tee Hole-by-Hole Results – Boys

Hole 1: Halved with parts (carry over)
Hole 2: Tanigawa/Iniakov (birdie) – $20,000
Hole 3: Halved with bogey 5’s (carry over)
Hole 17: Halved with bogey 4’s (carry over)
Hole 17 ½: Skenandore chipped closest to the pin ($30,000)

Team Tanigawa/Iniakov wins $20,000 towards Chevron scholarships for First Tee Team Broadhurst/Skenandore wins $30,000 towards Chevron scholarships for First Tee

Meet the Field: PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee 2019

By Brittany Wynne, First Tee Seventy-eight First Tee teens are getting ready to tee it up at iconic Pebble Beach for the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee. One thing each of the 78 teens have in common is their proven leadership and demonstration of values on display at their First Tee chapters, at school and in their communities. Beyond that, these teens also represent a wide array of backgrounds, talents and hobbies. We’d like to introduce you to 20 of the juniors in this year’s field. Tune in to Golf Channel Sept. 27-29 to watch these teens and see how they put their life skills and golf skills into action.

Neil Babu First Tee of Northern Nevada Hometown: Reno, NV Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 3.9 Fun Fact: I am a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, which I earned this year. It has taught me perseverance, hard word and grit.

Malisone Chanthapanya First Tee of Fort Worth Hometown: Fort Worth, TX Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 0.5 Fun Fact: I am quadrilingual. I can speak fluent English and French (thanks to my father, who speaks the language). I learned Mandarin Chinese for three years and Spanish for 11 years.

Madison DeBruin First Tee of Greater Houston Hometown: Houston, TX Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 4.8 Fun Fact: At a young age, I taught myself how to read hieroglyphs and am obsessed with everything ancient Egyptian. I work at the same museum I have been visiting my whole life and am trained in all sorts of macabre areas.

Sean Dobson First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK Age: 18 Grade: Senior Handicap: 5.9 Fun Fact: I have a fascination with meteorology. The only time I have ever met anyone else my age who shares my love for weather was at a summer weather camp that I traveled hundreds of miles to attend.

Ella Fisher First Tee of Fort Worth Hometown: Aledo, TX Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 2.9 Fun Fact: I’m learning American Sign Language and have had the opportunity to immerse myself in the deaf community and really test out my skills.

Anthony Ford II First Tee of Metro Atlanta Hometown: Atlanta, GA Age: 16 Grade: Senior Handicap: 2.1 Fun Fact: I like to try new things. I picked Harp Ensemble as my elective unlike many of my peers who chose P.E. or weight training.

Lukas Freelove First Tee of Salina Hometown: Salina, KS Age: 18 Grade: Senior Handicap: 1.2 Fun Fact: Before I was born, my parents were struggling to come up with a boy’s name that they liked. One night while watching Star Wars, it hit my mom: Luke. My dad loved it, too; mostly because he would be able to say, “Luke, I am your father.”

Skylar Graham First Tee of Los Angeles Hometown: Rosewood, CA Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 6.4 Fun Fact: I am a photographer. In 2017, I was awarded two gold medals for Best-In-Grade in photography by the National Scholastic Art & Writing competition. My work was honored in New York at Carnegie Hall, and it toured in other galleries across the nation.

Ryan Guzzo First Tee of Benton Harbor Hometown: Benton Harbor, MI Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 4 Fun Fact: As a third-grader, I was selected to have a golf lesson with Jack Nicklaus as a kickoff celebration to a PGA TOUR Champions event at our local course. I hit balls on the range while Mr. Nicklaus coached my swing. In eighth grade, I completed a video assignment on the impact he had on me. My dad sent the video to Jack Nicklaus through his website, and incredibly he watched it and sent me a letter with a signed picture of us together from that day.

Keiki Hofilena First Tee of Greater Seattle Hometown: Bellevue, WA Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 5 Fun Fact: I’m restoring a 1984 Volkswagen Mk2 Scirocco Wolfsburg edition into a daily driver/racecar. I drive the car to school and try to keep it in good shape.

Grace Holcomb First Tee of Greater Wilmington Hometown: Wilmington, NC Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 0.9 Fun Fact: I played Baby Jenny on the hit TV series, “One Tree Hill.” During a convention this past February, I signed autographs for fans. Some of the fans – and One Tree Hill actress Hilarie Burton, a.k.a. Peyton – follow my golf career.

Alexander Iniakov First Tee of Monterey County Hometown: Salinas, CA Age: 17 Grade: Junior Handicap: 0.9 Fun Fact: My parents are first-generation immigrants and came from countries where golf is not a popular game. I was raised with four languages spoken daily at our house. Teachers would call my Mom and ask her to translate what I was saying. It turns out, I was simply making my own language, thinking that I had to since everyone at home spoke their own.

Jack Kray First Tee of South Dakota Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD Age: 16 Grade: Junior Handicap: 4.9 Fun Fact: When the weather is nice, I ride my moped around town instead of driving a car. It is orange and white. Four of my friends have mopeds, too! We like to join up and go for rides together.

Stephen Ma First Tee of Central Ohio Hometown: Columbus, OH Age: 14 Grade: Freshman Handicap: 6 Fun Fact: I presented Ohio legislation to increase the number of horse therapy centers as there is a waiting list of more than 5,000 kids. I co-authored a proposal to change the tax code for stables to qualify for discounted property taxes and the handicap access necessary for the level of horse therapy certification for stables. My teammates and I presented the proposal to State Representative Jonathan Dever, who is drafting a bill and presenting it to the House.

Sutton McMillan First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City Hometown: Choctaw, OK Age: 15 Grade: Sophomore Handicap: 0.3 Fun Fact: I’m named after legendary basketball coach, Eddie Sutton. I met Coach Sutton at four months old. He gave me a pair of signed Nike shoes. Six months later, he sent another signed pair and called my parents personally to wish us a Merry Christmas.

Tyler Mistretta First Tee of The Palm Beaches Hometown: North Palm Beach, FL Age: 17 Grade: Junior Handicap: 1.6 Fun Fact: I am very tall, at 6 feet, 8 inches and weigh 220 pounds. People often stare at me, as I am usually the tallest person wherever I go.

Ryan Sauer First Tee of North Florida Hometown: Jacksonville, FL Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 4.7 Fun Fact: I’ve gained the nickname “Peter Parker” because some people think I look like the Spiderman actor, Tobey Maguire.

Sophie Shrader First Tee of Naples/Collier Hometown: Naples, FL Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 5 Fun Fact: I’m obsessed with the restaurant Moe’s. I once had Moe’s for lunch nine days in a row, ordering the same meal each time – a chicken stack with cheese, black beans, queso and seasoned rice.

Jamozzy Skenandore First Tee of Northeast Wisconsin Hometown: De Pere, WI Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 0.9 Fun Fact: Many people do not know how to pronounce my name. My Dad came up with it. It is derived from the rock band Pearl Jam and Ozzy Osbourne, Jam-ozzy. My family and I often drive to golf tournaments on our RV. We will be traveling to Pebble Beach on the RV from Wisconsin, making fun pit stops along the way.

Zayla White First Tee of Greater Austin Hometown: Austin, TX Age: 17 Grade: Senior Handicap: 3.7 Fun Fact: I have a growing record collection, and anyone who knows me knows that I’m almost always listening to music. I pride myself on finding different artists across all genres.

John Deere Events Empower Young Women to Lead the Way

There is no doubt that the young women in the First Tee have a passion for golf, but what goes beyond that is their unmatched potential to be leaders and advocates. In partnership with John Deere, First Tee has brought together some of the best and brightest young women from First Tee chapters across the country to celebrate their tremendous accomplishments, and empower them to work together to solve the issues of today, and lead the next generation. 24 Teen Participants attend the John Deere “Drive Your Future” Academy

Participants received a tour of Facebook HQ where they heard from current employee and First Tee Alumna Taryn Yee.

Focusing on leadership development, remaining active in the game of golf, learning the impact of volunteerism while recognizing the importance of teamwork, the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy is a three-day all-girls event that was recently held in San Francisco. TPC Harding Park, site of the 2020 PGA Championship and 2025 President’s Cup, served as the host venue for the 24 future female leaders who spent the week taking part in a variety of activities designed to enhance their skills as they transition to the next chapter of their lives – both on and off the golf course. The week began with a welcome dinner and reception where participants heard valuable advice from distinguished speaker Anne Walker, head women’s golf coach at Stanford. Walker encouraged them to continue to be “intellectually curious.” She also reminded the women to embrace their own brand, and that how important it is to present the best version of yourself. The participants also heard from an all-female young professional’s panel, consisting of young leaders from organizations like RPS Ventures and Chevron. Out in the field, the participants had the opportunity to tour Facebook HQ, where one of our First Tee Alumni, Taryn Yee, is currently employed. They also visited the famous Muir Woods as well as received a private tour of Stanford’s Women’s golf facility from Women’s Golf head coach, Anne Walker. It was a fantastic week filled with inspirational stories, and valuable life lessons that will help prepare these juniors for the next stage of their career. Three Teens RECOGNIZED FOR USING THEIR “Power for Good”

Katelyn Harris, Mombo Ngu, PGA TOUR Pro Matthew Wolff and Kharynton Beggs smile at the 2019 John Deere Classic.

Three First Tee participants from opposite parts of the country, recently discovered they have more in common than their love of golf. Katelyn Harris of First Tee of Greater Sacramento, Kharynton Beggs of First Tee of Greater Charleston and Mombo Ngu of First Tee of North Florida were selected among a national pool of applicants to win the 2019 John Deere Power for Good Scholarship. Their award-winning essays revealed their many acts of service and the profound impact its having on their communities. Ngu works as an after school math tutor, helps to host events at her church, and actively donates clothing to the less fortunate through Clothes Closet. For her, seeing the lives of those around her improve inspires her to do more, see more, and give more. Harris spends her time as a volunteer coach with the California Eagles Special Olympic Athletes, even working to create a joint Skills Challenge with First Tee Life Skills participants. Beggs models her service philosophy after the saying “Your ceiling is the floor for the next generation to stand on.” The Charleston native started her own all-girls golf class at her chapter, and is actively involved in Compass Rose, a partnership where she teaches local students from a nearby charter school how to swim. Along with receiving a $5,000 scholarship, the trio spent the week at TPC Deere Run, during this year’s John Deere Classic. The girls participated in all kinds of fun events from getting to drive a John Deere tractor to playing where the pros play at the John Deere Classic Pro-Am. They even met recent PGA TOUR Champion Matthew Wolff! At the course, they also got a behind-the-scenes look at the tournament and experienced what it really takes to put on a PGA TOUR event week after week. On their last day, the participants headed over to the John Deere Harvester Works, John Deere’s manufacturing facility for large agriculture equipment. It was an amazing experience for these young women, one that created memories they will not soon forget.

Nearly 100 Teens to Participate in First Tee’s National Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy in Boise

Two local participants from First Tee of Idaho will join 94 other junior golfers at national youth leadership event on July 24-30

BOISE, Idaho (July 23, 2019) – Nearly 100 participants from 63 First Tee chapters around the country will converge in Boise this week to participate in the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy. Two local participants from the First Tee of Idaho, Devon LaPrath and Chandler Curtis, are among the teen golfers who will participate in the First Tee’s national youth leadership event on July 24-30. Hosted by First Tee headquarters, the academy recognizes and rewards exceptional teen participants who are prepared to build upon leadership skills introduced through programs at First Tee chapters. Top coaches in the First Tee’s network deliver the golf and leadership instruction that incorporate the First Tee’s values and life skills in a concentrated, week-long event. Participants build skills preparing them for success beyond the golf course. They will experience championship golf, career exploration, dorm living at Boise State University and meeting other teens from around the country sharing golf as their common bond. Ben Thomas, Board President of the First Tee of Idaho, said “The Idaho chapter is honored and privileged to be selected to host the Life Skills and Leadership Academy for the next two years. We are looking forward to showcasing our great community to the participants and giving them the opportunity to experience playing at two wonderful golf courses – Ridgecrest Golf Club and Banbury Golf Club.” LaPrath, 16, is a sophomore at Middleton High School in Middleton. Active in First Tee of Idaho for three years, he volunteers at Rake Up Boise as well as a local soup kitchen. LaPrath also served as a standard bearer at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Boise Open. Curtis, 15, is a sophomore at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise. Active at the local First Tee chapter for nine years, he actively participates at First Tee of Idaho Day and the Idaho Food Bank. Outside of the chapter, Curtis volunteers his time as a member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and is a member of the Summerwind Skippers Competitive Jump Rope Team. First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping youth build character through the game of golf. Through in-school and after-school programs, it helps shape young people’s lives by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance embedded in the game of golf. First Tee of Idaho delivers programs at eight golf courses , numerous elementary schools and youth centers across the state, reaching more than 10,000 youth each year. For more information or to learn more about First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org. *** About First Tee of Idaho First Tee of Idaho http://www.firstteeidaho.org) is a nonprofit youth development organization whose 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. First Tee of Idaho has expanded to reach thousands of young people annually on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. First Tee of Idaho is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the United States and select international locations. Media Contact: Brittany Wynne, [email protected], (904) 940-4043

Seventy-Eight First Tee Teens Selected for PGA TOUR Champions PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee at Pebble Beach

Jack Nicklaus, PGA TOUR players and Golf Channel hosts surprise teens on Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive”

ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (July 3, 2019) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions announced today the 78 First Tee participants selected to play in the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee. The 16^th annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, will be held September 24-29 at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California, and will be televised internationally on Golf Channel. The PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee is the only event of its kind where 78 First Tee teenagers from across the country are paired up with 78 PGA TOUR Champions players and 156 amateurs during an official PGA TOUR Champions tournament. Ranging in ages from 14 to 18, the First Tee participants compete for the Pro-Junior Team title. Representing 27 states, participants were selected by a national panel of judges based on their understanding and application of the values and life skills learned through First Tee’s programs, as well as their playing ability. The full junior field was revealed live on Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive” today, including a video of World Golf Hall of Fame Member Jack Nicklaus surprising Stephen Ma from First Tee of Central Ohio. Other surprises by PGA TOUR players and Golf Channel hosts had been recorded over the last month and aired today as part of the PURE Insurance Championship announcement. “We are proud to continue our involvement with this prestigious event and help support the great work of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and First Tee,” said Katherine Frattarola, Chief Marketing Officer of the PURE Group of Insurance Companies. “The impact this event has on the incredible young men and women from the First Tee makes this sponsorship tremendously rewarding for our entire team.” This year’s field of professionals will include World Golf Hall of Fame Members Bernhard Langer, Mark O’Meara, Vijay Singh and Retief Goosen, as well as defending champion and recent KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship winner Ken Tanigawa. Clint Eastwood serves as chairman of the PURE Insurance Championship. Play will be conducted on Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course on Friday and Saturday, with the final round contested solely at Pebble Beach Golf Links on Sunday, where 23 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. Nearly 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 in the field. “Congratulations to the 78 participants who have been selected to play and represent First Tee on a national stage,” said First Tee President Greg McLaughlin. “Their hard work and commitment to academic, social and emotional development through our programs has secured this opportunity. Thank you to our partners − PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, Poppy Hills Golf Course, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel − for their commitment to young people and helping us provide this opportunity to these deserving teens.” First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping young people build character through the game of golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to encourage and motivate kids as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com. To learn more about First Tee, visit TheFirstTee.org. View First Tee participants selected to play in the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship *** About First Tee First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a nonprofit youth development organization whose 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 its beginning in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of young people on golf courses, in elementary schools and at other youth-serving locations. Its headquarters are in St. Augustine, Florida, USA, with programs in all 50 United States and select international locations. About Monterey Peninsula Foundation Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization which donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. www.attpbgolf.com www.pureinsurancechampionship.com About PURE Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is a member-owned reciprocal insurer dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for responsible high net worth individuals and families. PURE provides customizable coverage for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal liability, watercraft, flood, fraud and cyber fraud to more than 75,000 responsible, high net worth families throughout the U.S. Inspired by some of the finest policyholder-owned companies, PURE emphasizes alignment of interests and transparency. PURE’s low cost of capital, careful member selection and proactive risk management all contribute to highly competitive rates. In return for a fee, PURE Risk Management, LLC acts as Attorney-in-Fact for PURE. PURE membership is subject to an executed Subscriber’s Agreement & Power of Attorney. For more information or to find a local broker, visit pureinsurance.com. You can follow PURE on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. About PGA TOUR Champions PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 35 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. In 2019, the PGA TOUR Champions schedule includes 27 tournaments across the United States, Scotland and Canada, with purses totaling more than $56 million. The Charles Schwab Cup, which includes the Regular Season and the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs, is used to determine the season-long champion. 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. Internationally, telecasts air in excess of 190 countries and territories, reaching more than 350 million potential households. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour and on Instagram @championstour.

Category: Events