Category: Blog

A Practice Round at Poppy Hills

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!

A look at Drew’s Practice Days

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!  

We are HERE! Someone pinch me.

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 week has finally arrived!

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.  

Two Teens Headed to Pebble Beach!

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!

Intern Outlook by Mason Scott: My New Perspective on 4th of July

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

Two Teens Selected for The First Tee’s Life Skills & Leadership Academy

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.

21 Participants Move Up from PLAYer to Par Programs

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!      

Junior Organization Join Forces to Present TYGA Summer Events

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!

Best Friends Earn Same Honor

Samuel Nail and Caine Sivier, both Eagle Level participants at The First Tee of the Sandhills, have earned the national designation of The First Tee Scholar – Class of 2019.
  That is an exceptional feat considering only 90 high school seniors across the country were selected to this designation.
  The First Tee, a youth development organization that introduces young people to the game of golf and its inherent values, recognizes participants for exceptional achievement in academics, leadership, character development, and chapter and community involvement through The First Tee Scholars Program.
Nail and Sivier being selected for this designation, together, is a story of its own.
  Both moved to the Sandhills as middle schoolers, a tough environment to be the new kid in town, and through placement in advanced coursework, a friendship was formed.
  Six years later, their brotherly bond is undeniable.
  They both joined The First Tee around the same time of their move, Nail six years ago, Sivier five, where they have grown and progressed through the program simultaneously. One, a golf nut, the other a golf hobbyist.
  When opportunities arise, you’ll usually find them both raising their hand to participate.
  Last August they volunteered to install insulation in a crawl space at a Habitat Build, during Thanksgiving week they served 1,000 meals to families in need, and in January helped us move donated office furniture to our storage unit for future use.
  They’ve exemplified how applying use of goal ladders allows you to stay focused on your goals while planning for the future.
Both attended camps, separately, last summer that exposed them to their shared interest in engineering school.
  But, they’re not committed to an expertise, yet, as they want to experience the field as a whole, and from there, find their fit for graduate school and beyond.
Off the record, their parents feel very lucky their sons have one another as friends and would happily take the other as their son.
Truly, a great omen to their character.
It’s an honor for Nail and Sivier to be recognized on a national stage for their academic achievements and community involvement at such a young age. And doing it together, makes it even more special.
  With this designation, Nail and Sivier have been given the exclusive opportunity to apply for educational scholarship programs offered through The First Tee to attend a participating college or university.
  As coach Matt reaffirmed, these young men exemplify The First Tee’s Healthy Habits of School, Community and Family.
  While their college paths will take them in different directions, the bond they’ve formed in the Sandhills is sure to stick. Their future is bright and we are excited to see what it holds.
  Congratulations, Samuel and Caine!

Skills Series Geared to Help Kids Prepare for Local DCP Qualifier

Drive, Chip, and Putt has continued to gain momentum in the world of junior golf since its inception in 2013! As the name suggests, kids compete to score points in those three facets of the game. Next weekend you’ll have the opportunity to watch kiddos from all over the country compete in the National Drive, Chip and Putt Championship on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National Golf Club. These participants earned their spot in the finals via local, sub regional and regional qualifiers during summer and fall of 2018. Registration is already open for kiddos to take their shot to compete in this FUN and FREE Competition with Qualifiers taking place this summer for the 2020 National Championship. We are excited to see two (2) Sandhills area golf courses, Methodist University Golf Club and Pinewild Country Club, will host Local Qualifying for boys and girls, ages 7 to 15 on June 1 and June 8, respectively. To help kiddos get ready for the local qualifiers, we have partnered with PGA Professionals and Methodist PGM Students to allow participants to practice their Drive, Chip and Putt skills with valuable guidance and instruction from local teaching professionals. In addition, they will be exposed to the format of the Drive, Chip and Putt event, set up of each competition station and participate in a mock competition – allowing them to feel prepared to have a fun experience during the local qualifier in June! Our ‘Get Drive, Chip and Putt Ready’ Series will take place at Gates Four Golf & CC on April 7th, April 14th and April 28th. With a second series at Pinehurst No. 6 scheduled for April 28th, May 5th, May 19th and May 26th. Whether your junior wants to sign up to participate in the official Local Qualifier for Drive, Chip and Putt or is simply interested in seeing what it’s all about – these upcoming series are a perfect fit for additional exposure to the game of golf while picking up great tips. To learn more about the series, determine which age group your kiddos falls into and register, visit firstteesandhills.org/dcp.

The First Tee of the Sandhills Delves into the Meaning of Respect

Week one of spring programs is officially in the books. With our recent wet springs, we decided to kick off a week early, giving some wiggle room for possible make up dates. And thanks to a little luck from Mother Nature, the prior week’s yucky-ness subsided for a beautiful kick off week in the Sandhills. For the 110, or so kiddos, that attended PLAYer level programs, they kicked things off with a big ‘word of the week’ – Respect. Respect for Yourself. Respect for Others. Respect for our Surroundings – the golf course, our home, classroom, everywhere we live. But first, let me take a pause to provide you a snapshot. The overarching focus for participants in PLAYer level programs is to introduce playing the game of golf with special emphasis on learning The First Tee Code of Conduct, Core Values, Golf Skills and Healthy Habits – all while appreciating the etiquette and rules of the game. So when kiddos show up for that week’s ninety minute program, we leap frog right into all areas of focus. They play, they learn, they begin to appreciate, and they are encouraged to reflect on the activities of the day and its application to tomorrow. Back to Week One. Participants didn’t just learn the definition of Respect. They talked about it, broke it down, explored what it means, and figured out how they can show respect and apply it to future situations. Throughout class, kiddos were tasked with providing examples to one another on how they already show Respect and based off of what they learned, how they can begin to show Respect. Whether it be speaking to each other in a respectful manner or taking care of their golf clubs and equipment that they just ‘checked out’ for the next two months. And don’t worry. There was plenty of FUN to be had. Be it when they tried to conquer their balance in a Superman pose during warm ups, be the first kiddo to get to 21 points in a chipping game, or take off running down the first fairway to find the 200 yard marker while they were learning about the parts of the course. We are successful when these kiddos leave for the day having seamlessly learned a Core Value, a Golf Skill and Healthy Habit – all while having FUN! Next week, we will build on Showing Respect to talk about Courtesy Towards Others. An appropriate progression in skills. Now, the real question for you is this: Are you able to show Respect and Courtesy to your friends and foes when the final point of your upcoming interclub match comes down to the last hole? Win or Lose, how will you handle the situation?