Saturday was my official tournament round on Pebble Beach Golf Links! Michael Bradley and I had an afternoon tee time of the 1st Hole so I was able to sleep in a bit. Whew!
After enjoying another great breakfast in player hospitality, I headed to the practice facility. While working int he short game area, I had the chance to meet Kirk Triplett and Scott McCarron.
Once I wrapped up warmups, I met up with Mr. Bradley and worked on marking the pin locations in my yardage book.
Saturday’s conditions on Pebble Beach Golf Links were going to be very different from our practice round on Wednesday with sustained winds between 25 – 30mph and gust up to 45mph!
What did I learn about playing in high winds on a golf course that sits on the ocean? Putting is extremely difficult! We had to take the wind into account as to how it would impact the speed and direction the putts would roll.
My golf highlight of the day? I made a birdie on Hole 6!
Throughout the round, I learned a lot from Mr. Bradley – how to deal with nerves, the difference between being in contention and not in contention for a final round. Overall it was a great experience playing with him, I felt like we gelled well together and had a really good time.
After my round, I was exhausted! But, was able to enjoy a nice dinner with my whole family as it was my grandparents last night in California. (Thanks for coming out, gma and gpa!)
Sunday made for another super cool experience of a lifetime! While missing a cut is never something you want to have happen – the activities First Tee had planned for us on Sunday, made for an amazing experience that we won’t have again.
All participants not playing on Sunday met First Tee staff at the Pebble Beach Visitors Center. We paired up in small groups, joining friends I’d made over the course of the week, and did a Scavenger Hunt which took us all around the Pebble Beach property. From our favorite spots throughout the week, to places we made memories and iconic locations on the golf course – we went everywhere.
Once the hunt was completed, we all headed over to the 18th green to cheer on our fellow participants who made the cut and were finishing their round.
There ended up being a playoff for the Champions Tour title, between Kirk Triplett and Billy Andrade. Mr. Triplett made a birdie on the first playoff hole, 18, to win the title! The playoff was really fun to watch!
After the trophy presentation we were able to get our tournament banners and caddie bibs to bring home – such a cool memento! Then, it was time to say, ‘see you soon’ to our new friends and take one last look across the landscape of Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Truly, an experience of a lifetime!
Friday morning I woke up feeling confident. I really liked the layout of Pebble Beach Golf Links and felt very comfortable on the golf course.
As my 1:19pm tee time slowly crept up, the dream started to become a reality. As I stood over the ball on the 10th Tee, our first hole of the day, I was so nervous I could feel myself shaking and I thought I was never going to be able to hit the ball.
Luckily, my tee shot ended up in the fairway and I made a par on my first hole! WHEW.
Holes 11 – 13 were a struggle but I bounced back with birdies on Hole 14 and 15 and then later on Holes 3 and 4.
Mr. Broadhurst and I’s combined score for the day was a 7 under par, 65.
Post round, my mom and I went straight to our evening event – the Jake Owen concert. My mom loves country music so I wanted to have her come as my chaperone tonight.
As the concert began, we all gathered around the stage cheering and enjoying all the songs. Everyone was having such a great time that Jake Owen ended up playing an extra hour than planned!
At the end of the night, Drew and I were able to grab a really cool souvenir – a guitar pick from Jake Owen!
So far, Friday has definitely been my favorite day of the week!
It was a quick turnaround to our second round on Saturday morning at Poppy Hills Golf Club. While the golf course is wonderful, it just didn’t set up to my eye as well as Pebble Beach Golf Links. I fought myself but hit some good shots. Sadly, my putter let me down and I didn’t contribute to our team score much today.
Our running joke was that we weren’t sure if Mr. Broadhurst would be able to play on Sunday because his back had to hurt from carrying me all day!
Thanks to his stellar play, at the end of the day we finished 11 under par and in contention to make the Pro/Junior cut to play Pebble Beach Golf Links again on Sunday!
Our Saturday evening was capped off by getting to have dinner with my cousin, Haley, and watching the sunset on Seventeen Mile Drive!
What a great ending to our first two days of golf!
The day had arrived! We were up early to get ready for Round One of the Pure Insurance Championship. I have waited for this moment a very long time.
While my dad has been my official chaperone all week, today he handed duties to my mom and she was able to enjoy player dining breakfast with me. Post breakfast, we took a shuttle over to Poppy Hills to warm up for our early tee time off the 10th Tee.
I was extremely nervous. I feeling you truly can’t prepare for.
Once I settled into the day, I was able to make a few pars and birdies. A good feeling of achievement after the emotional start to the day!
Michael Bradley was extremely kind to me the whole round, he kept the conversation going and he really helped me feel more comfortable playing in this atmosphere. In addition, our amateurs were a lot of fun to play with and really lightened the whole mood of our group.
Post round, I had the chance to ride back to Pebble Beach with Mr. Bradley. We had lunch together and headed to the practice area. He helped me for a bit at the practice facility, truly a kind gesture and special experience!
Later, my dad came over to the practice facility as we prepared for what was going to be a very windy second day over at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Friday night our special event was a Jake Owen concert behind the 18th Green of Pebble Beach GL. That was a TON of fun! The food was awesome and it was really fun to hang out with all the friends I had made this week. Towards the end of the night, I ended up getting a guitar pick that Jake had used in the concert. What a cool souvenir!
Thursday was our second, and final, practice round before official competition kicked off! While the golf has truly been secondary to the experiences I have gained this week, it’s been quite fun preparing.
I did my best to approach today with the same mindset as the day before – to truly enjoy every moment of our walk.
Poppy Hills GC is an incredibly nice course. It reminded me a lot of Pinehurst No. 2 and 8. The layout, green shapes and various shots you must hit. A really cool course to have the opportunity to play.
After our practice round, I saw Bernard Langer in player dining and introduced myself. What a legend!
I was asked to sit down for a pre-recorded interview that may be used during the Golf Channel coverage. I had practiced for this possible moment and it was really cool to have it happen. During the interview they touched on many of the questions we were asked as part of our application process, so that helped me feel comfortable and confident in the conversation.
I can’t wait to see if it ends up on TV this week!
Our Thursday evening ended with a special dinner at Spanish Bag and watching the Bag Piper’s perform as the sun set over they bay!
It was a great day to unwind before things restart tomorrow. Paul Broadhurst and I tee off Hole 10 in the afternoon on Pebble Beach Golf Links.
I can’t wait! Thanks for following along!
Wednesday was here!
It was our first day of practice rounds at the Pure Insurance Championship. Jet lag had hit hard and I was up even earlier for the day to get started. Today’s round would be on Pebble Beach Golf Links and we were lucky enough to get a practice round with 2016 Champion, Paul Broadhurst.
A really unique tie to the tournament is that all players – Professionals, Amateurs and Juniors – all eat meals together. So, we have the chance to meet and mingle with folks of all backgrounds from around the country. Today at breakfast, we had the chance to sit down and eat with Paul before heading out for pre-practice round warm ups.
The minute I stepped on the practice facility and rolled my first few putts, I was blown away at the condition of the course.
When we arrived at the first tee, I was admittedly nervous. I pushed my tee ball into the rough but managed to make a par.
The front 9 was a total blur. I was still in shock I was playing at Pebble Beach Golf Links and had a million thoughts running through my head.
As we made the turn, I was able to clear my head and settle in to playing golf.
A funny moment, on the 18th Hole, my tee shot hit the trunk of the famous tree in the middle of the fairway!
After dinner, we prepped for tonight’s main event – the Legends and Leaders Core Value Banquet. The dinner was amazing. I had the opportunity to meet more participants from the First Tee and build new relationships.
A huge surprise for me – we received a $1,000 college scholarship!
What a great event to participate in and hear from speakers across the country with impactful stories to tell.
Thursday brought a new day and our last day of practice before the official tournament kicks off!
We headed over to play Poppy Hills GC – today with two fellow First Tee participants. Poppy Hills is another amazing course with completely different shots from Pebble Beach the day before.
If was fun to make a few birdies early in our practice round. As the day went on, the winds began to pick up, creating a new set of challenges as we navigated the course.
After our round, we headed back over to Pebble Beach Golf Links to cheer on the First Tee participants playing in the Chevron Shoot Out. The wind was really ripping at Pebble Beach so it was a lot of fun to watch them play Hole 17!
Post shoot out we went and spent some time with our host family before going to dinner at a really great local Italian restaurant called Cafe Fina.
Between all the golf, walking, wind and events I was tired and made it an early bed time as Michael Bradley and I would be teeing off early on Poppy Hills tomorrow morning.
Can’t wait to play with Mr. Bradley and see how our rounds unfold!
Good Morning from Pebble Beach, California!
BJ Boyce & Drew Spurlock, here. After awaking at 3:30AM EST, we arrived to West Coast time together via a direct flight from Atlanta, GA to San Jose, CA. Landing in San Jose at 10:30AM Pacific Time, which we choose to refer to as In-N-Out Burger time!
Stomachs full, we made the drive south, separately, in our rental cars with parents in tow! The views of the coast were amazing. Excitement continued to grow as we went through the gates entering Pebble Beach.
Once on property, we went straight to Player Registration, signed up for our practice round tee times, and were distributed our gear for the week including golf shirts, a pullover, a book bag and Taylormade Golf Bag with our name on it!
Our golf bags were lined up on the practice putting green at Pebble Beach for us to find and pick up. It was a really cool moment to see my bag waiting there. And, it only took a few minutes to put all my equipment into the new bag!
After taking in the ‘awe’ of the 18th Hole of Pebble Beach, we headed over to Poppy Hills Golf Club for a brief practice.
Then, Drew, had the opportunity to meet his host family. They are truly so kind to let us into their home for the week and they were as excited to greet us as we were to meet them!
Last night was our first official event. We had a First Tee Participant Meeting followed by the Pairings Party where we would learn WHO our PGA TOUR Champions Golf Professional for the week would be.
For this year’s reveal, we were handed a sealed envelope to hold onto. HOW HARD IS IT TO NOT PEAK! Then, they introduced ALL 78 of us one by one. And in one swift moment we all opened our envelopes. From there, our Golf Pros began coming over to introduce themselves and kick off a fun week!
BJ Boyce’s envelope revealed Paul Broadhurst and Drew Spurlock’s was Michael Bradley!
Two really awesome pairings! Both of us were able to meet and talk with our pros.
Later, we enjoyed a Glow Golf putting course, Corn Hole and Connect Four while getting to interact and meet our fellow First Tee participants from all over the country.
What a truly GREAT first day at the Pure Insurance Championship!
Wednesday we have our first practice round, on Pebble Beach Golf Links, at 9:40am. We can’t wait to get Day 2 started!
Talk to you after!
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.
Have you ever watched the NCAA Selection Show anxiously waiting to see if you favorite team will be announced? Or better yet, the team you coach or your kiddo plays for?
Last Wednesday was our version of the selection show as we watched Golf Channel’s Morning Drive.
And, what a morning it was for two kiddos from The First Tee of the Sandhills.
After two plus hours of anxiousness, nerves, waiting, walking, more nervous energy, shaky giggles, more waiting, and then… pure joy!
BJ Boyce and Drew Spurlock, saw their names appear on LIVE television.
An announcement they will never forget.
They had been chosen to participate in this year’s PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee!
Moments after the announcement came through, BJ and Drew were beaming from ear to ear. They felt proud, and ecstatic, to see all the hard work pay off in the end with the chance to attend the 2019 Pure Insurance Championship.
It’s truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet, play and be mentored by PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs in the field.
Branden, BJ, Boyce is a rising 10th Grader who is in a homeschooler program. He lives in Spring Lake and joined The First Tee in 2011.
Drew Spurlock is a rising Senior at Union Pines High school. He lives in Whispering Pines and joined our local chapter in 2014 after a family military move from Tampa where he was a participant with The First Tee Tampa.
These young men, will join 76 teens from across the country to play with PGA TOUR Champions Professionals and two amateurs as they compete for the Pro-Junior team title during the Pure Insurance Championship contested at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf course in Pebble Beach, California, September 24 – 29.
Congratulations, BJ and Drew. We look forward to helping you prepare for your trip to California in September!
PS: Make sure to follow along as we release more details in the coming months!
Growing up in small town Virginia, my exposure to military families was minimal. However, after living in Fayetteville the past three years, while attending Methodist University, I’ve become accustomed to seeing men and women in uniform, daily.
A reminder of their gracious offer to protect our country.
Over the last two years, I’ve volunteered at The First Tee of the Sandhills, assisting with programs and camps in Ft. Bragg and surrounding areas at Stryker GC, Gates Four Golf & CC and Baywood GC.
Many of the kiddos we work with at these locations are from military families.
Some, too young to realize the sacrifice their families make for our country, while others are fully aware of their parents’ role. As we get to know one another, many kiddos will explain how proud they are of their parents and how much they miss them. They’ve become resilient in adjusting to seeing their mom or dad via Facetime, than in person, for months at a time.
Honestly, it’s completely different from my youthful years. I would’ve had a hard time dealing with such a situation. But, these kids are some of the strongest I have ever met. They demonstrate perseverance and flexibility on a daily basis!
Working with and interacting with our participants has truly put life in perspective. Some of my favorite moments have been the simplest. During class at Styrker GC, a boy looked up to watch the helicopters flying overhead, he began naming off the different types while shouting, “My mom flies one of those!” The same day, a young girl beamed with excitement explaining her dad was returning from deployment after class that evening!
The pride they show for their parents and their jobs is extra special. And, I’m proud to be a small piece of these kiddos lives.
I’ve seen first hand that while they attend programs at The First Tee, they are learning how to apply valuable Life Skills – helping them persevere and stay confident through difficult situations. Even when hardships have yet to be faced, kids in our programs become well prepared to handle them. With fun golf games and engaging Core Value lessons, I know we are building good kids through golf.
A celebration, alone, worth some fireworks!
So, this July 4th, while I’m with my family celebrating our country’s Independence, I’ll also be thinking about the dozens of kiddos I’ve met through programs, and their families, who support and protect us every day. Providing me the opportunity to feel safe while enjoying family time.
I’ve challenged myself, and want to challenge you – let’s not forget how lucky we are, daily, let’s show the same level of appreciation year round, we have chosen to show today.
Happy Independence Day!
Mason Scott
PGM Student at Methodist University, Class of 2020
Jaclyn Kenzel, a rising senior at Pinecrest High School, and Aubriana Bishop, a rising senior at Union Pines High School, will join 94 other teens from around the country at The Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy hosted on campus at Boise State University from July 24 to 30.
Annually, this week-long Academy provides participants golf and leadership instruction that incorporate The First Tee’s Nine Core Values while enhancing skills that will help teens on and off the golf course.
During the academy, participants will have the opportunity to develop and hone skills to become leaders in their chapters, schools and communities while experiencing championship golf, career exploration and dorm living.
This will be Kenzel’s third National Participant Opportunity, having been selected in 2018 for the National Par 3 Championship and the PURE Insurance Championship. Once she received acceptance, Kenzel expressed she was, “extremely excited for another wonderful First Tee adventure!”
Through previous National Opportunities she has been able to form close friendships and she can’t wait to see a few familiar faces while making new friends in a part of the country she has never traveled to.
Kenzel continued by saying, “I am grateful for my First Tee community in helping me achieve my goals.”
This will be Bishop’s first National Participant Opportunity, having joined The First Tee in the Fall of 2016 via our PLAYer for Teens program, Aubriana has worked hard to move through PLAYer and Par Level programs and access to Birdie last fall, becoming eligible for application to National Events.
Aubriana credits her experiences at The First Tee for her new found Confidence. The Confidence her TFTS Coaches helped her gain through making on course golf improvements has translated off the course, making her more willing to try new activities like skateboarding and sculpting! It’s helped her carry on a personal mantra – I Can!
To apply for the Life Skills & Leadership Academy, participants must have reached, at a minimum, Birdie Level status in The First Tee, complete a school and community activities chart, answer four questions in essay format, provide a letter of recommendation from a mentor, teacher or school administrator, and receive recommendation from The First Tee of the Sandhills. As with all National Participant Opportunities, selected participants enjoy the trip free of charge.
Elementary age or teen – it’s always the right time to get involved in The First Tee. Make sure to sign up for one of our Week Long Summer Camps in the Sandhills. Visit firstteesandhills.org or call us at 910.255.3035.
Back in March, as our Spring Programs were kicking off, I mentioned we had about 110 participants registered in our PLAYer level programs across the Sandhills.
Once seven years old, all participants, regardless of age or golf experience, start at the PLAYer Level.
And, as you would assume, the levels progress in golf lingo – PLAYer, Par, Birdie, Eagle and Ace!
Through high school graduation, youth progress through different levels by demonstrating The First Tee Nine Core Values, life and golf skills, as well as showing ability to apply the lessons learned both on and off the golf course. Finally, they will participate in, and pass, an assessment.
But, to be eligible to certify participants must reach age and time minimum set by the home office and applied at all chapters across the country.
For example, to access from PLAYer to Par, you must be nine years old and have completed 40 hours of PLAYer Level programming. Or, simply speaking three of our nine week programs or a few nine week programs with a summer camp.
Kiddos participation to head toward assessments and progression doesn’t have to be continuous. Some will attend multiple sessions in a row – Spring, Summer, Fall – and others may come every Spring, only.
Regardless, they’ve invested the time in The First Tee’s curriculum to work towards ‘moving up’ in programs.
So, back to the 110 kiddos we saw at PLAYer programs this spring. Of those, 20% were eligible to participate in assessments and I’m happy to report ALL 21 passed!
In total, these 21 kids have spent a minimum of 840 hours at The First Tee over the last few years.
They’ve met all five requirements – Core Lesson Exposure, Playing Ability, Learn, Appreciate and Your Game. Meaning, they are able to play nine holes of golf in a fast, safe and courteous manner while accurately recording their score. They are able to correctly answer questions that tie back to Life Skills, Golf Skills and Rules. And finally, they have modeled all of The First Tee’s Nine Core Values while participating in programs.
Progression is something to be celebrated. Currently, 35 – 40% of our participants will progress through programs when their time comes. A percentage that exceeds the national average at The First Tee Chapters – but one we want to continuously grow.
Studies show when a child moves from PLAYer to Par programs, they will stay engaged until high school graduation. Meaning we have the opportunity to expose and engage them in new, age appropriate curriculum while helping prepare for the future.
Cheers to our 21 PLAYer Level participants who have moved up! We can’t wait to see you at a Par Class this summer, fall or next spring.
And, PS: 13 are girls!
Grow the game.
A tag line. An Initiative. One which all major golf organizations have signed on to support – USGA, PGA, LPGA, Top Golf, Golf Manufacturers, Regional and Local Golf Organizations, and so on.
Right here in our backyards of the Sandhills – we all share this initiative.
We want to grow the game by engaging a more diverse population.
So, why continue to do it alone? Running parallel to others promoting the same goal?
Are we spinning wheels on the same road?
Not anymore.
Today, three local organizations who embrace this initiative have collaborated brands to do just that.
The Tin Whistles, The First Tee of the Sandhills and Tarheel Youth Golf Association – a division of the Carolinas Golf Association, have joined hands to host junior golf tournaments across the Sandhills this summer, and beyond.
So, what does this mean?
Together we will be able to provide more valuable opportunities and experiences, on course, for youngsters age 6 to 18.
Our landscape will remain the same – a competitive learning environment where participants will play an age, and skill, appropriate golf course set up while being exposed to the rules of play in a tournament setting.
The TYGA Tin Whistle Tots Tour will offer six nine hole events on Monday’s for participants age 6 to 12. Juniors will be required to walk with the support of a caddie while Tin Whistles volunteers are on site overseeing the day of tournament operation, rules officiating support and encouragement. Events will be open to all juniors on a first come, first reserve basis and cost $10 per nine hole event.
The TYGA Sandhills Tour will offer eight eighteen hole events for participants age 12 to 18. Pre-teen and teens will be required to walk, with or without the support of a caddie, while The First Tee of the Sandhills staff, interns and volunteers are on site overseeing the day of tournament operation, rules officiating support and encouragement. Events will be open to all juniors, with members of TYGA and The First Tee receiving priority registration, and cost $20 per eighteen hole event.
Registration for all events will be available beginning May 6 via tygajuniorgolf.org.
Thanks to the Tarheel Youth Golf Association, all events will have a detailed virtual landing page, preview to see those who have registered, tee time posting, rules of play and post round results.
Three youth serving organizations under one roof for a summer of FUN junior golf competition in the Sandhills.
What more could you ask for?
Other than no thunderstorms, a light breeze and maybe a Popsicle after you’ve signed your scorecard?
Got it!
Saturday was my official tournament round on Pebble Beach Golf Links! Michael Bradley and I had an afternoon tee time of the 1st Hole so I was able to sleep in a bit. Whew!
After enjoying another great breakfast in player hospitality, I headed to the practice facility. While working int he short game area, I had the chance to meet Kirk Triplett and Scott McCarron.
Once I wrapped up warmups, I met up with Mr. Bradley and worked on marking the pin locations in my yardage book.
Saturday’s conditions on Pebble Beach Golf Links were going to be very different from our practice round on Wednesday with sustained winds between 25 – 30mph and gust up to 45mph!
What did I learn about playing in high winds on a golf course that sits on the ocean? Putting is extremely difficult! We had to take the wind into account as to how it would impact the speed and direction the putts would roll.
My golf highlight of the day? I made a birdie on Hole 6!
Throughout the round, I learned a lot from Mr. Bradley – how to deal with nerves, the difference between being in contention and not in contention for a final round. Overall it was a great experience playing with him, I felt like we gelled well together and had a really good time.
After my round, I was exhausted! But, was able to enjoy a nice dinner with my whole family as it was my grandparents last night in California. (Thanks for coming out, gma and gpa!)
Sunday made for another super cool experience of a lifetime! While missing a cut is never something you want to have happen – the activities First Tee had planned for us on Sunday, made for an amazing experience that we won’t have again.
All participants not playing on Sunday met First Tee staff at the Pebble Beach Visitors Center. We paired up in small groups, joining friends I’d made over the course of the week, and did a Scavenger Hunt which took us all around the Pebble Beach property. From our favorite spots throughout the week, to places we made memories and iconic locations on the golf course – we went everywhere.
Once the hunt was completed, we all headed over to the 18th green to cheer on our fellow participants who made the cut and were finishing their round.
There ended up being a playoff for the Champions Tour title, between Kirk Triplett and Billy Andrade. Mr. Triplett made a birdie on the first playoff hole, 18, to win the title! The playoff was really fun to watch!
After the trophy presentation we were able to get our tournament banners and caddie bibs to bring home – such a cool memento! Then, it was time to say, ‘see you soon’ to our new friends and take one last look across the landscape of Pebble Beach Golf Links.
Truly, an experience of a lifetime! 
Friday morning I woke up feeling confident. I really liked the layout of Pebble Beach Golf Links and felt very comfortable on the golf course.
As my 1:19pm tee time slowly crept up, the dream started to become a reality. As I stood over the ball on the 10th Tee, our first hole of the day, I was so nervous I could feel myself shaking and I thought I was never going to be able to hit the ball.
Luckily, my tee shot ended up in the fairway and I made a par on my first hole! WHEW.
Holes 11 – 13 were a struggle but I bounced back with birdies on Hole 14 and 15 and then later on Holes 3 and 4.
Mr. Broadhurst and I’s combined score for the day was a 7 under par, 65.
Post round, my mom and I went straight to our evening event – the Jake Owen concert. My mom loves country music so I wanted to have her come as my chaperone tonight.
As the concert began, we all gathered around the stage cheering and enjoying all the songs. Everyone was having such a great time that Jake Owen ended up playing an extra hour than planned!
At the end of the night, Drew and I were able to grab a really cool souvenir – a guitar pick from Jake Owen!
So far, Friday has definitely been my favorite day of the week!
It was a quick turnaround to our second round on Saturday morning at Poppy Hills Golf Club. While the golf course is wonderful, it just didn’t set up to my eye as well as Pebble Beach Golf Links. I fought myself but hit some good shots. Sadly, my putter let me down and I didn’t contribute to our team score much today.
Our running joke was that we weren’t sure if Mr. Broadhurst would be able to play on Sunday because his back had to hurt from carrying me all day!
Thanks to his stellar play, at the end of the day we finished 11 under par and in contention to make the Pro/Junior cut to play Pebble Beach Golf Links again on Sunday!
Our Saturday evening was capped off by getting to have dinner with my cousin, Haley, and watching the sunset on Seventeen Mile Drive!
What a great ending to our first two days of golf! 
Friday night our special event was a Jake Owen concert behind the 18th Green of Pebble Beach GL. That was a TON of fun! The food was awesome and it was really fun to hang out with all the friends I had made this week. Towards the end of the night, I ended up getting a guitar pick that Jake had used in the concert. What a cool souvenir! 
Thursday was our second, and final, practice round before official competition kicked off! While the golf has truly been secondary to the experiences I have gained this week, it’s been quite fun preparing.
I did my best to approach today with the same mindset as the day before – to truly enjoy every moment of our walk.
Poppy Hills GC is an incredibly nice course. It reminded me a lot of Pinehurst No. 2 and 8. The layout, green shapes and various shots you must hit. A really cool course to have the opportunity to play.
After our practice round, I saw Bernard Langer in player dining and introduced myself. What a legend!
I was asked to sit down for a pre-recorded interview that may be used during the Golf Channel coverage. I had practiced for this possible moment and it was really cool to have it happen. During the interview they touched on many of the questions we were asked as part of our application process, so that helped me feel comfortable and confident in the conversation.
I can’t wait to see if it ends up on TV this week!
Our Thursday evening ended with a special dinner at Spanish Bag and watching the Bag Piper’s perform as the sun set over they bay!
It was a great day to unwind before things restart tomorrow. Paul Broadhurst and I tee off Hole 10 in the afternoon on Pebble Beach Golf Links.
I can’t wait! Thanks for following along! 
It was our first day of practice rounds at the Pure Insurance Championship. Jet lag had hit hard and I was up even earlier for the day to get started. Today’s round would be on Pebble Beach Golf Links and we were lucky enough to get a practice round with 2016 Champion, Paul Broadhurst.
A really unique tie to the tournament is that all players – Professionals, Amateurs and Juniors – all eat meals together. So, we have the chance to meet and mingle with folks of all backgrounds from around the country. Today at breakfast, we had the chance to sit down and eat with Paul before heading out for pre-practice round warm ups.
The minute I stepped on the practice facility and rolled my first few putts, I was blown away at the condition of the course.
When we arrived at the first tee, I was admittedly nervous. I pushed my tee ball into the rough but managed to make a par.
The front 9 was a total blur. I was still in shock I was playing at Pebble Beach Golf Links and had a million thoughts running through my head.
As we made the turn, I was able to clear my head and settle in to playing golf.
A funny moment, on the 18th Hole, my tee shot hit the trunk of the famous tree in the middle of the fairway!
After dinner, we prepped for tonight’s main event – the Legends and Leaders Core Value Banquet. The dinner was amazing. I had the opportunity to meet more participants from the First Tee and build new relationships.
A huge surprise for me – we received a $1,000 college scholarship!
What a great event to participate in and hear from speakers across the country with impactful stories to tell.
Thursday brought a new day and our last day of practice before the official tournament kicks off!
We headed over to play Poppy Hills GC – today with two fellow First Tee participants. Poppy Hills is another amazing course with completely different shots from Pebble Beach the day before.
If was fun to make a few birdies early in our practice round. As the day went on, the winds began to pick up, creating a new set of challenges as we navigated the course.
After our round, we headed back over to Pebble Beach Golf Links to cheer on the First Tee participants playing in the Chevron Shoot Out. The wind was really ripping at Pebble Beach so it was a lot of fun to watch them play Hole 17!
Post shoot out we went and spent some time with our host family before going to dinner at a really great local Italian restaurant called Cafe Fina.
Between all the golf, walking, wind and events I was tired and made it an early bed time as Michael Bradley and I would be teeing off early on Poppy Hills tomorrow morning.
Can’t wait to play with Mr. Bradley and see how our rounds unfold!
Good Morning from Pebble Beach, California!
BJ Boyce & Drew Spurlock, here. After awaking at 3:30AM EST, we arrived to West Coast time together via a direct flight from Atlanta, GA to San Jose, CA. Landing in San Jose at 10:30AM Pacific Time, which we choose to refer to as In-N-Out Burger time!
Stomachs full, we made the drive south, separately, in our rental cars with parents in tow! The views of the coast were amazing. Excitement continued to grow as we went through the gates entering Pebble Beach.
Once on property, we went straight to Player Registration, signed up for our practice round tee times, and were distributed our gear for the week including golf shirts, a pullover, a book bag and Taylormade Golf Bag with our name on it!
Our golf bags were lined up on the practice putting green at Pebble Beach for us to find and pick up. It was a really cool moment to see my bag waiting there. And, it only took a few minutes to put all my equipment into the new bag!
After taking in the ‘awe’ of the 18th Hole of Pebble Beach, we headed over to Poppy Hills Golf Club for a brief practice.
Then, Drew, had the opportunity to meet his host family. They are truly so kind to let us into their home for the week and they were as excited to greet us as we were to meet them!
Last night was our first official event. We had a First Tee Participant Meeting followed by the Pairings Party where we would learn WHO our PGA TOUR Champions Golf Professional for the week would be.
For this year’s reveal, we were handed a sealed envelope to hold onto. HOW HARD IS IT TO NOT PEAK! Then, they introduced ALL 78 of us one by one. And in one swift moment we all opened our envelopes. From there, our Golf Pros began coming over to introduce themselves and kick off a fun week!
BJ Boyce’s envelope revealed Paul Broadhurst and Drew Spurlock’s was Michael Bradley!
Two really awesome pairings! Both of us were able to meet and talk with our pros.
Later, we enjoyed a Glow Golf putting course, Corn Hole and Connect Four while getting to interact and meet our fellow First Tee participants from all over the country.
What a truly GREAT first day at the Pure Insurance Championship!
Wednesday we have our first practice round, on Pebble Beach Golf Links, at 9:40am. We can’t wait to get Day 2 started!
Talk to you after!
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.
BJ Boyce and Drew Spurlock, saw their names appear on LIVE television.
An announcement they will never forget.
They had been chosen to participate in this year’s PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee!
Moments after the announcement came through, BJ and Drew were beaming from ear to ear. They felt proud, and ecstatic, to see all the hard work pay off in the end with the chance to attend the 2019 Pure Insurance Championship.
It’s truly a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet, play and be mentored by PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs in the field.
Branden, BJ, Boyce is a rising 10th Grader who is in a homeschooler program. He lives in Spring Lake and joined The First Tee in 2011.
Drew Spurlock is a rising Senior at Union Pines High school. He lives in Whispering Pines and joined our local chapter in 2014 after a family military move from Tampa where he was a participant with The First Tee Tampa.
These young men, will join 76 teens from across the country to play with PGA TOUR Champions Professionals and two amateurs as they compete for the Pro-Junior team title during the Pure Insurance Championship contested at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills Golf course in Pebble Beach, California, September 24 – 29.
Congratulations, BJ and Drew. We look forward to helping you prepare for your trip to California in September!
PS: Make sure to follow along as we release more details in the coming months! 
Honestly, it’s completely different from my youthful years. I would’ve had a hard time dealing with such a situation. But, these kids are some of the strongest I have ever met. They demonstrate perseverance and flexibility on a daily basis!
Working with and interacting with our participants has truly put life in perspective. Some of my favorite moments have been the simplest. During class at Styrker GC, a boy looked up to watch the helicopters flying overhead, he began naming off the different types while shouting, “My mom flies one of those!” The same day, a young girl beamed with excitement explaining her dad was returning from deployment after class that evening!
The pride they show for their parents and their jobs is extra special. And, I’m proud to be a small piece of these kiddos lives.
I’ve seen first hand that while they attend programs at The First Tee, they are learning how to apply valuable Life Skills – helping them persevere and stay confident through difficult situations. Even when hardships have yet to be faced, kids in our programs become well prepared to handle them. With fun golf games and engaging Core Value lessons, I know we are building good kids through golf.
A celebration, alone, worth some fireworks!
So, this July 4th, while I’m with my family celebrating our country’s Independence, I’ll also be thinking about the dozens of kiddos I’ve met through programs, and their families, who support and protect us every day. Providing me the opportunity to feel safe while enjoying family time.
I’ve challenged myself, and want to challenge you – let’s not forget how lucky we are, daily, let’s show the same level of appreciation year round, we have chosen to show today.
Happy Independence Day!
Mason Scott
PGM Student at Methodist University, Class of 2020 