Caddiemaster Open Supports The First Tee’s Mission

More than ever, local and world news reminds me why it’s so important to invest in the next generation. Teaching young people the value of respect, how to manage emotions and embrace diversity. By being a positive influence on these individuals we are making deposits in the future of our communities. Earlier this month, on June 18, 96 golfers, 16 volunteers, 12 local youth, 18 sponsors and local businesses joined forces to celebrate and elevate. It was a coming together of community to embrace the mission of The First Tee and make deposits in its future in the Sandhills.  Volunteers, Youth Participants, Board Members and Donors wore various hats as we successfully pulled off another CADDIEMASTER Open. This year held at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club. Participants enjoyed a friendly Shamble competition, where a Low Net and Low Gross Champion was crowned, followed by a reception and awarding of prizes for closest to pin, long drive, battle of the sexes – and more! While the field was strong, participants were given a little assistance from youth of The First Tee, staged on Par 3s to play as the 5th Man (or woman) by hitting extra tee shots and stroking extra putts as well as one hole where a high school participant played the entire hole with the group. Chatter around the scoring table told the story of their help! Another twist on their round was two-fold, as participants approached the hardest Par 3 on the course, they would be given the opportunity to be guaranteed a Hole in One for their team, before hitting a shot, simply by signing up to Sponsor a Child, ensuring a scholarship for a future curriculum program participant with The First Tee of the Sandhills. The generosity of our supporters paid off as 37 Hole in One’s were recorded and 37 new youth scholarships opened up. While the overall winner of the day was The First Tee of the Sandhills, the hardware was ready for distribution. Our 2017 Winners at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club included Low Net Team, sponsored by Pepsi Bottling Ventures, of Shannon Pankey, Tom Lee and Doug Dickens as well as Low Gross Team of Pat McGowan, Ralph Ronalter, Mike Fields, and Attie Giles. As we look back on another successful Caddiemaster Open, thank you to each and every individual that contributed to the success of the day. Your enthusiasm and commitment to The First Tee of the Sandhills is ensuring that together we are going good kids through golf! Be on the lookout for an announcement coming soon in regard to our 2019 event date and details – held at the prestigious Country Club of North Carolina.