The once-in-a-lifetime experience for BJ Boyce and Drew Spurlock to participate in the 2019 Pure Insurance Championship in Pebble Beach, California.
Twelve weeks ago they joined hands watching the selection show LIVE on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive, prepared mentally for how to handle the news, regardless of its outcome, and elated to know they would get to share in their experience on this trip to the west coast.
They have joined 76 teens from across the country for a week full of first.
From playing two rounds of golf at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf Course – one on each course with a PGA TOUR Champions Professional. To attending functions allowing them to network and be mentored by top leaders across the globe from various industries and life experiences. All while applying what they’ve learned on and off the course at The First Tee!
Leading up to this week’s event, we spoke with BJ and Drew on how they were feeling to make the trip.
BJ reflected on his past to describe his emotions. He said, ‘I initially wanted to start attending First Tee, at eight years old, because there were no junior programs nearby and I wanted to play golf with other kids. Looking back, it has helped me come out of my shell. The coaches pushed us to make new friends at class every week. That push has helped me become the person I am today and kept me coming back for the friendships I’ve made and the ones I will continue to make. While I’m in California I hope to overcome my golf nerves, take in every moment and simply have a great experience.’
Later in our conversation, as we discussed what would help overcome nerves, BJ reflected on how he has continued to apply the First Tee’s ALR exercise, Ask – Listen – Respond; saying it has helped him with meeting and interacting around new people, foster conversations and help ease his mind. He plans to practice this exercise throughout his trip and keep his internal nerves at bay!
A senior at Union Pines High School, Drew felt ready to try and conquer the experiences to come this week at the Pure Insurance Championship. He reflected on how he had hoped the experience had come a year sooner, but his weak time management skills resulted in not completing the application process, in time. How growing from lessons learned, realizing the results of his weaknesses and changing his mind set by focusing on accomplishing timely task of importance and applying personal deadlines as allowed him to be more successful over the last year.
Like BJ, Drew was quick to reference how First Tee has helped him become a more open individual, learning to apply meet and greet strategies while stepping out of his bubble around new people.
Drew wrapped up his thoughts by expressing he’s learned to live in the moment, enjoy every moment and wants to take in all that life provides. A philosophy he made sure to pack for his trip to Pebble Beach!
We can’t wait to hear about BJ and Drew’s first time experiences, successes and takeaways!
First up in their week will be the Tuesday night’s Pairings Party, an exciting unveiling each year for the junior participants.
This year’s field of professionals includes World Golf Hall of Fame Members Bernhard Langer, Davis Love III, Mark O’Meara, Vijay Singh and Retief Goosen, defending champions Paul Broadhurst, Ken Tanigawa, and many more stellar players, but better people!
We can’t wait to find out who BJ and Drew will play with this weekend and catch up on their day to day experiences. Make sure to check back in our daily blog. It promises to be one for the books.
