2024 National Opportunities

First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers them exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of our corporate partners, we host a series of events for our participants, allowing them to meet new people, play some golf, and achieve greatness. We encourage any of our Howard County participants who are interested in applying to reach out to Coach Karin Van Slyke or Coach Steve Weathersbee.

  • First Tee Scholarship Program 
    • Provides a scholarship up to $20,000 
    • Deadline to apply: March 13, 2024
    • Eligibility: senior as of Dec. 31, 203, minimum 3.3 GPA, and attending college in fall 2024
  • First Tee Future Entrepeneurs (Wells Fargo) (May 7-10 in Charlotte, NC)
    • Provides alumni with the opportunity for mentoring, networking, and personal development
    • Deadline to apply: March 6, 2024
    • Eligibility: member of First Tee Alumni Network, current alum of an HBCU, and shoot 100 or better for 18 holes
  • First Tee National Championship (June 23-27 in Clemson, SC)
    • Showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play under pressure at the collegiate and/or next level
    • Deadline to apply: March 20, 2024
    • Eligibility: age 14-18, high school student as of spring 2024, minimum of two years in First Tee,  and shoot below 85 for 18 holes. (Chapter may nominate up to five participants.)
  • First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. (July 9-13 in Minneapolis, MN)
    • Five day learning and empowerment academy
    • Deadline to apply: March 20, 2024
    • Eligibility: age 14-18, high school student as of spring 2024, and minimum of two years in First Tee. (Chapter may nominate up to three participants.)
  • Participant Advisory Council (July 22-24 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
    • Advises headquarters on matters pertinent to all First Tee participants
    • Deadline to apply: March 20, 2024
    • Eligibility: age 14-18, high school freshman, sophomore or junior as of spring 2024, and minimum of one year in First Tee. (Chapter may nominate up to three participants.)
  • PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee (Sept. 17-22 in Pebble Beach, CA)
    • Pebble Beach PGA Tour event
    • Deadline to apply: March 20, 2024
    • Eligibility: age 14-18, eighth grader, high school freshman, sophomore or junior as of spring 2024, minimum of two years in First Tee, and must have active USGA GHIN handicap of 6 or better (males) or 8 or better (females). (Chapter may nominate up to five participants.)
  • First Tee Drive Your Future Academy presented by John Deere (Oct. 10-14 in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)
    • Female empowerment
    • Deadline to apply: July 17, 2024 (application opens May 14)
    • Eligibility: female only, age 14-18, eighth grader, high school freshman, sophomore or junior as of spring 2024, minimum of two years in First Tee, and shoot 100 or better for 18 holes. (Chapter may nominate up to two participants.)
  • First Tee Innovators Forum (Nov. 17-21 in Phoenix, AZ)
    • Develop a meaningful service project in their community
    • Deadline to apply: July 17, 2024 (application opens May 14)
    • Eligibility: age 14-18, eighth grader, high school freshman, sophomore or junior as of spring 2024, and minimum of two years in First Tee. (Chapter may nominate up to two participants.)
  • First Tee Alumni Summit presented by Gallagher (Nov. 18-21 in Phoenix, AZ)
    • Advance career-building skills while reconnecting with fellow alumni and chapter leaders
    • Deadline to apply: July 17, 2024 (application opens May 14)

Participant Kavya Shah selected for John Deere Drive Your Future Academy in San Francisco

The national event, “Drive Your Future,” held in San Francisco from October 5–9, reinforces the organization’s commitment to empowering girls 

This October, First Tee-Howard County teen participant Kavya Shah will travel to San Francisco for the John Deere Drive Your Future Academy, along with 23 other girls from First Tee chapters nationwide. The all-girls professional development academy is hosted by First Tee and John Deere and 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. 

Kavya, a junior at Atholton High School in Columbia, shared that “I am specifically interested in the opportunity to meet with female leaders in STEM and learn how they have grown to be successful in this industry. Since I have my own nonprofit organization, 2K Coding, which introduces children to STEM, I want to implement the knowledge and skills I learn in this program to grow my organization. Overall, First Tee has and will continue to help me accomplish goals by emphasizing the value of perseverance and hard work.”

Throughout the week-long academy, the girls will participate in interactive workshops and hear from female industry leaders in technology, STEM, and business development.  In addition, they’ll play golf at the Lake Merced Golf Club and the new Golden Gate Park Par 3 Course, where they will build upon their connections with other participants from around the country and hear different perspectives from their peers.

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.

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. 

John Deere is a Trustee of First Tee and has supported the organization since 2012.

First Tee-Howard County teen invited to play PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach

Jonathan Moon will play in the 20th annual PURE Insurance Championship this September

First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions announced today that Jonathan Moon will represent First Tee—Howard County when he competes in the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee. The event, in its 20th year, will bring teens from First Tee chapters to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course for the PGA TOUR Champions tournament, Sept. 19-24. The annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, is televised nationally on Golf Channel.

Throughout the week, the teens apply their character strengths and life skills learned from First Tee programs during the one-of-a-kind event where they are paired with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs from the business world. Jonathan will compete for the Pro-Junior Team title. He will join 79 other teens from First Tee chapters across the country and – for the third year in a row – a participant from First Tee—Morocco. 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 full junior field was revealed live on Golf Channel’s “Golf Today.” A few players and legends of the game helped surprise several participants with the news of their selection, including PGA TOUR player Joel Dahmen and PGA TOUR Champions players Tim O’Neal, Rod Pampling and reigning PURE Insurance Championship winner Steve Flesch. PGA TOUR Canada player Quinn Riley – a First Tee alumnus who played at the PURE Insurance Championship as a junior – surprised his younger brother with an invitation to the tournament, and six First Tee participants were surprised by Golf Channel at women’s majors, including the U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach.  

“Earning the opportunity to play at the PURE Insurance Championship is a goal for many First Tee participants, and congratulations to Jonathan for achieving it,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This marks the 20th anniversary of the tournament, and we are grateful to our partners at PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel for their ongoing commitment to First Tee. Our alumni who have played at the PURE Insurance Championship have told us it is a life-changing opportunity, and we are so excited for the 80 First Tee teens who will get to experience it in September.”

This year’s field of PGA TOUR Champions players will feature legends including Ernie Els, Mark O’Meara, Vijay Singh, Steve Stricker, Fred Couples, Davis Love III and Jim Furyk, as well as three-time PURE Insurance Championship winner Kirk Triplett and Steve Flesch, 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 in the field. 

“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with this incredible event,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “Being selected to play in this tournament speaks volumes about the character of each of these 80 participants and I’m so excited to see this unforgettable experience play out for them.”

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 2023 PURE Insurance Championshipcan be viewed here

For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com. To learn more about First Tee, visit FirstTee.org

***

About First Tee — Howard County

First Tee — Howard County is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. 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. First Tee — Howard County reaches kids and teens through programs delivered at Fairway Hills Golf Club, Howard County public schools, and youth centers. Learn more at www.firstteechapter.org.

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.

www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org

www.attpbgolf.com

www.pureinsurancechampionship.org

About PURE Insurance

Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) Insurance is a property and casualty insurance company designed exclusively for successful, responsible families. We opened for business more than 15 years ago with the goal of offering something different in the insurance space: a company focused on doing what’s right for our membership (policyholders), one that promotes transparency and alignment of interests, and delivers greater value. Today, after growing at least 15% in each year since we began, we are the most awarded insurer in our category, offer coverage in all 50 states that includes high value homeowners, automobile, collections, watercraft, personal excess liability, fraud & cyber and flood to a membership of more than 100,000 individuals and families.

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. 

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2023 National Opportunities for Participants

First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers them exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of our corporate partners, we host a series of events for our participants, allowing them to meet new people, play some golf, and achieve greatness. Below is the calendar of 2023 events and application deadlines; more details and applications will be posted on the national First Tee website as they are made available.

EventDateLocationApplication
Release
Application
Deadline
First Tee College Scholarship ProgramN/AN/AJan. 1March 1
First Tee Future Entrepreneurs
presented by Wells Fargo*
May 3 – 5Charlotte, NCJan. 18March 8
First Tee National ChampionshipJuly 2 – 6Stanford, CAFeb. 1March 29
First Tee Game Changers Academy
Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr.
July 18 – 22Philadelphia, PAFeb. 1March 29
Participant Advisory CouncilJuly 25 – 27Jacksonville, FLFeb. 1March 29
First Tee Leadership Summit
in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore**
July 31 – Aug. 4,
Aug. 7 – 11
Emigrant, MTMarch 1April 19
PURE Insurance Championship
Impacting First Tee
Sept. 19 – 24Pebble Beach, CAFeb. 1March 29
First Tee Drive Your Future Academy
presented by John Deere***
Oct. 5 – 9San Francisco, CAMay 17July 12
First Tee Innovators ForumNov. 9 – 12Jacksonville, FLMay 17July 12

*Alumni only
**Only chapters in PGA TOUR Superstore markets may apply (this does not include First Tee-Howard County)
***Female empowerment event

2023 College Scholarship Program

Application Release: January 1, 2023
Application Deadline: March 1, 2023
Class Announced: May 31, 2023

Application Code: SCHOLAR2023
*Note: code must be entered in all caps
Application Website: Click Here

First Tee College Scholarship Program supports selected alumni throughout their college career. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. The program also provides professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. One of the key factors of the program is pairing Scholars with a dedicated adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the four years.

The program is open to graduating high school seniors planning to attend college the following year. Applicants must be active members of First Tee chapters and will be considered based on financial need, academic performance, chapter involvement, volunteerism and other criteria. Following the application closing date, a judging committee made up of headquarters staff, chapter staff and an outside representative will review the submissions and identify candidates who will be selected for the First Tee College Scholarship Program 2023 class.

2023 Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the First Tee College Scholarship Program, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

  • Must be classified as a high school senior as of December 31, 2022
  • Minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
  • Intent to attend a four-year accredited college or university in Fall 2023
  • If selected, the participant must be able to attend the Pre-College Retreat and the annual Winter Workshop

Chapter and Community Participation

  • Registered and active in First Tee headquarters database at the time of application deadline
  • Involved in chapter activities at the time of application submission
    • Participants who have spent a longer amount of time in First Tee programs will receive higher consideration in the selection.
    • Evidence of responsible volunteerism or citizenship through meaningful involvement in community and/or civic activities

*Online applications MUST be submitted by the First Tee participant. First Tee will NOT accept correspondence from families of participants. The deadline to apply online is March 1, 2023.

FAQ

What are the benefits of the First Tee College Scholarship Program?
Applicants selected for the enhanced First Tee College Scholarship Program can receive up to $20,000 in scholarship assistance, as well as all other benefits of the program including professional development workshops, assistance in securing internships and full-time employment upon graduation. One key differentiating factor for this enhanced program is all Scholars will be paired with a mentor to encourage and guide them throughout their journey.

Where is the scholarship money sent?
The scholarship money is distributed directly to the university.

Are there limitations regarding college selection?
The Scholars must be attending a four-year accredited college or university.

What if I can’t make it to the professional development offerings?
The professional development offerings are an essential component to participating in this program, so they are mandatory. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Do I have to reapply each year?
No, but you must renew your scholarship each academic year. You will be asked to confirm your continuing eligibility and provide a copy of your transcript.

When is the renewal report due?
The renewal report is due annually by May 31.

What if I transfer to a different college or change majors?
If the transfer is to another four-year accredited college or university, the Scholar will remain in the program. Change to a major will not affect participation in the program.

How often do I need to meet with my mentor? What if we don’t get along?
You will meet with your mentor in-person up to four times per calendar year as well as maintain monthly correspondence via email, phone calls and in-person meetings. Mentors and Scholars will be thoughtfully paired, but if it doesn’t prove to be a good match, we will work with the Scholar to find another mentor.

When is the deadline to apply?
Complete applications including all required supporting documentation must be submitted and received by March 1, 2023 by 11:59 p.m. ET. Applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be interviewed through April 2023.

Is there a fee to apply?
No

What documents are required for the need-based portion of the application?
The applicant will be required to upload their full FAFSA Student Aid Report Summary information. There is an opportunity to explain any financial hardships not reflected on the FAFSA application. If not eligible for the FAFSA, please contact [email protected] for guidance.

Questions? Contact:

Robbie Lowman
Manager, Scholarships
(904) 940-4280
[email protected]

Clare Bowen Accepted to Game Changers Academy

Congratulations are in order for Clare Bowen, an ACE-level participant with First Tee-Howard County, on her acceptance to this year’s First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. in Philadelphia this month. Clare was selected through a competitive application process to participate in this opportunity that includes 47 other First Tee participants from chapters across the country.
Clare Bowen
“For a few years now I have known players that have gone to academies so when the oppurtunity arose for me to apply to Game Changers I jumped at it. The idea of going away to meet other First Tee kids from around the country and bring back new ideas that will only improve our chapter and local community was something I couldn’t pass up, especially when I found out the main focus was going to be diversity and inclusion.”

First Tee teens attending this five-day learning and empowerment academy will participate in critical conversations around issues of identity, racism, equity and empathy. The event will feature engaging and interactive workshops facilitated by RISE, a national nonprofit and leader in the sports community championing social justice and working to improve race relations. The workshops will be paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches and keynote speakers from the sports industry including Philadelphia native and PGA TOUR Chief Legal Officer, Len Brown. First Tee – Greater Philadelphia will host the teens for golf outings at John F. Byrne Golf Course where they will continue to build upon their connections with other participants from around the country and hear different perspectives from their peers. The Academy builds throughout the week into a final outreach project in Philadelphia.
Clare (center) with First Tee-Howard County coaches and staff Jim Cavanaugh, Don Van Deusen, Karin Van Slyke and Coach Rich
“Clare has been a model participant in our program, and it comes as no surprise that she took the initiative to apply for this opportunity where she’ll explore critical topics like diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Don Van Deusen, First Tee-Howard County executive director. The Game Changers Academy recognizes retired First Tee CEO Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., carrying his passion for social justice through an event to empower participants to be game changers in their community. A rising senior at Wilde Lake High School, Clare has been involved with First Tee for nearly ten years, and currently mentors younger participants at the chapter as part of her ACE level experience. We look forward to catching up with Clare after she returns from the Game Changers Academy!
 

2020 National Opportunities for Teen Participants

First Tee’s junior golf program doesn’t just get kids on the course; it offers them exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of corporate partners, First Tee hosts a series of national events for more advanced participants from chapter across the country, allowing them to meet new people, play some golf, achieve greatness, and show off our nine core values in action. See the schedule of this year’s opportunities and application deadlines below. Our chapter hosted an informative meeting for parents and teens on February 13 at Fairway Hills, led by mother/daughter duo Michelle and Logan Lurie, who offered firsthand insights into these awesome national opportunities. If you missed the meeting, their presentation is available here.  >>ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR NATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

College Scholarship Applications due March 31, 2020

At First Tee, we believe that helping young people build strength of character is fundamental to success in life. Our active learning experiences are all about ensuring young people build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience, so when they face new challenges they are equipped to overcome them. Going beyond our core programs, the enhanced First Tee College Scholarship Program is designed to provide further support, life skill development and mentorship of our alumni through their journey. Higher education continues to be a critical factor in unlocking opportunities for young people to thrive, and First Tee is committed to their success. First Tee College Scholarship Program supports selected alumni throughout their college career. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. The program also provides professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. One of the key factors of the program is pairing Scholars with a dedicated adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the four years. The program is open to graduating high school seniors planning to attend college the following year. Applicants must be active members of First Tee chapters and will be considered based on financial need, academic performance, chapter involvement, volunteerism and other criteria.

2020 Application Timeline:

  • Applications: Available Now
  • Application Deadline: March 31, 2020
  • First Tee Scholars Announcement: May 31, 2020

Eligibility Criteria:

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

    • High school senior
    • Minimum score of 28 on the ACT and/or 1340 on the SAT
    • Minimum 3.3 GPA on a 4.0 grading scale
    • Intent to attend a four-year accredited college or university in Fall 2020
    • Participation in mandatory pre-college retreat (July 27-29, 2020) and professional development workshops (Dec. 17-18, 2020)

CHAPTER AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

    • Registered and active in First Tee headquarters database at time of application deadline
    • Involved in chapter activities at the time of application submission
      • Participants who have spent a longer amount of time in First Tee programs will receive higher consideration
    • Evidence of responsible volunteerism or citizenship through meaningful involvement in community and/or civic activities

NEED-BASED

    • Dependent upon the financial circumstances of the family (Tax Return, FAFSA/Student Aid Report info required)
    • Dependent upon cost of attendance at college or university

First Tee of Howard County Teen Selected to Compete in PGA TOUR Champions PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee

Branden Nguyen heads to Pebble Beach this month Columbia, Maryland (September 16, 2019) – The First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions have announced that Branden Nguyen will represent The First Tee of Howard County when he competes in the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event to be contested at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California, September 24-29. The 16th annual event, which is hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, will be televised internationally on Golf Channel.
Branden Nguyen (Photo credit: Doug Kapustin / Baltimore Sun Media Group)
Branden Nguyen, a senior at Atholton High School, has participated in The First Tee of Howard County for the past seven years. It was friendly competition between siblings that motivated him to take up golf; his older sister, Bryana, worked her way up through The First Tee of Howard County levels, going on to graduate from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill on a golf scholarship and become a professional golfer. In fact, Branden attended this same tournament back in 2011, cheering on Bryana as she played with PGA Tour member, Fred Funk. Branden’s accolades include serving as captain as the Atholton golf team, where he led in average scoring for the entire county last year, placed third in district championships and in the top 15 golfers in states. He is also a member of Atholton’s Letterman’s Club. In addition, Branden works as the assistant golf coach for the MAPGA Jr. League at Hobbit’s Glen. “We are thrilled that Branden has earned this well-deserved opportunity to represent The First Tee of Howard County on a national stage,” said Don Van Deusen, executive director of The First Tee of Howard County. “His hard work and commitment both on and off the golf course has led to this experience of a lifetime, and we know that Branden will make our community proud at Pebble Beach.” “It is a great opportunity to be one of the few selected to play at Pebble Beach with the Champions tour,” commented Branden. “I’m excited to represent my hometown chapter, The First Tee of Howard County, and cannot wait to play one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world. On top of that, my family will be there by my side. It’s going to be an awesome week.”
The Nguyen family (Branden, center front) at the 2011 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.
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. Nguyen will compete for the Pro-Junior Team title. He will join 77 other participants from First Tee chapters across the country. 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. “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.” The full junior field was revealed live on Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive” on July 3, including a video of World Golf Hall of Fame Member Jack Nicklaus surprising one of the First Tee participants. 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. 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. The First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping young people build character through the game of golf. The First Tee of Howard County is one of 150 chapters around the world introducing the sport of golf and First Tee’s Core Values to kids, positively impacting their lives. Serving the Howard County area since 2000, more than 20,000 kids have been impacted through The First Tee of Howard County’s programs. To learn more about First Tee of County, visit www.firstteehowardcounty.org. For more information on the 2019 PURE Insurance Championship, visit www.pureinsurancechampionship.com. For more information on Branden Nguyen, to request an interview or photos, contact Lindsley Stys at [email protected] or 443.824.6079.   *** About The First Tee of Howard County The First Tee of Howard County is one of the county’s premier youth organizations, providing life-skills instruction through the game of golf. Founded in 2000 and headquartered at the Fairway Hills Golf Course in Columbia, Maryland, the program is centered on nine core personal values that children aged 5 to 18, put into practice on the golf course, at home, at school and in every aspect of their lives. The First Tee’s Life Skills Experience allows participants to learn valuable lessons such as the importance of maintaining a positive attitude; how to make decisions by thinking about the possible consequences; how to define and set goals; and how to transfer values such as responsibility, honesty, integrity, respect, confidence and sportsmanship from the golf course to everyday life. Sessions are currently offered throughout the year at more than five local courses. For more information visit www.firstteehowardcounty.org, like us on Facebook, email [email protected] or call 410.730.1114.   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.   ###

Interview with Logan Lurie – National Opportunities

We were fortunate to catch up with ACE-level participant and Howard High student Logan Lurie about her experience this summer at the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy (a national opportunity through The First Tee) at Boise State in Idaho. Read on for the low-down from Logan on this memorable experience! Q: What made you want to apply to the Leadership Academy opportunity? A: I applied for the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy because it was one of The First Tee national opportunities that I had not yet been accepted to.  At age fourteen, I began to apply for national opportunities because I saw the incredible experiences my older sister, Harper, had at the ones she was selected for.  After attending my first national opportunity, The First Tee/USGA Learning Science through Golf Academy in New Jersey, I could not wait to apply for another!  From the amazing participants and coaches I have met, to the new friends I now have from across the country, to the world-class golf courses I have played, to the once-in-a-lifetime experiences I have had, each of the national opportunities have been amazing! Q: What did the application process entail? Was it fairly simple to apply? A: The application process for all of the national opportunities is simple and straightforward, if the participant does not wait until the last minute to begin them.  Each application includes General Participant Information (such as name, address, school, grade, parent information); one to a few short-answer questions; a letter of recommendation from a coach, teacher, or advisor; Chapter Participation Survey (that you request from our Chapter), and a Community Service & activities chart.  Start keeping track of these items now!  This information will also be useful when you have to write a resume, apply for a job and college applications!  Opportunities that focus on golf play will also require a golf resume and your handicap.  Once you apply for one national opportunity, it becomes much easier to apply for any others, because all you will need to do is update any information, write a new essay and ask for another letter of recommendation.  The General Participant Information and Community Service & Activities Charts are saved in the application system. In the past, there have been 5-8 national opportunities sponsored by The First Tee each year.  Many are co-sponsored by partner organizations such as John Deere, Coca-Cola, the USGA, Auntie Anne’s, Perfect Sense, Pure Insurance and Wells Fargo.  General information can be found at: https://firsttee.org/national-events/  Our coaches, fellow participants, alumni, and our Executive Director, Don Van Deusen can tell you even more! Q: It seems like the Leadership Academy is a great opportunity to gain some independence. I’m sure that could be a little nerve-racking though, especially if you don’t know anyone else going. Were you nervous at all? What helped you enjoy the experience and overcome any jitters? A: Before I left for the first national opportunity I attended, I was nervous because I didn’t know anybody or know any of The First Tee home office staff who attend the events.  Shortly after arriving, I had already made new friends and was getting to know the friendly staff and chaperones (who are First Tee alumni).  It is very easy to meet new friends at national opportunities, because we are all in the same situation:  everyone is from a different chapter, we are all very excited to make new friends and get to know each other.  I have met some of my best friends at national opportunities (some I met right away in the van from the airport, others were my roommate and others simply said hello) and it is now so much fun to be reunited with some of them at another national opportunity.  Since my first opportunity, I have not really been nervous when leaving for another because I know how easy it is to make new friends.  For any of our chapter participants considering applying to The First Tee national opportunities but are nervous, I encourage you to embrace the new opportunity, because I know you will have the best time! Q: Can you describe some of the highlights of your trip?  A: The highlight of every opportunity is always meeting new friends, but the highlight of the Joe Louis Barrow Jr., Life Skills and Leadership Academy would have to be the golf courses we played and the coaches we got to work with.  Over the course of the week, we played two beautiful golf courses many times, in various types of play formats.  I loved getting to know my coaches from all over The First Tee Network and learning from them.  It was a really great opportunity to learn from my coaches not only golf skills but Leadership and Life Skills as well. Q: The description for the Leadership Academy talks about giving teens the opportunity to develop and hone their leadership skills, but that’s a pretty broad description. Can you fill us in on more specifics about the types of activities and experiences you got to participate in there? A: Many of the leadership skills we worked on at the Academy came from team building activities and reinforcing that within a team there are various types of leaders.  One night we played team-building games such as figuring out how to orient a lot of people to fit onto small spaces, playing team memory games, and team matching games.  All of the games were fun, but required a high level of teamwork.  Another team building game we played was a French Fry Sauce competition, we were in Idaho! It was fun, and tasty, but also helped us build our leadership skills while working in a team with varying opinions. Finally, we went to a RISE Leadership Seminar about appreciating diversity and embracing differences in a team or group.  It was very enlightening and made me think about different leadership situations and scenarios that I had not have thought about before. Q: What was dorm life like? A: At many national opportunities, we are housed in college dorms and all of the dorms are slightly different.  While some are nicer than others, they are all perfect at getting The First Tee participants ready for college life.  The dorms at Boise State where I stayed during the Life Skills and Leadership Academy were very nice.  They were clean and well-kept, and spacious enough for my roommate and me.  They provided sheets and towels.  This time I had to learn how to deal with a common, hall bathroom.  It is a really good experience to see what dorm life is like before moving into one full-time for college. Q: What else would you want to tell your peers who haven’t considered applying to national opportunities in the past? A: I would tell every The First Tee participant who hasn’t participated in a national opportunity to start applying.  The national opportunities are such great chances to learn more about you as a golfer, leader and individual, while getting to meet some of the most amazing people.  They are such a unique part of The First Tee, and you never know if you will get in, until you apply.  Once you go to one opportunity, I know you will be hooked too!