Category: Participant Spotlight

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.  

July 23 Participant Spotlight: Alexis

Alexis loves to spend her summer days hanging out with friends and family, going to the pool, and being outside as much as possible! She also likes to spend some time out on the course working on her game! I got the opportunity to speak with Alexis this week about golf,  First Tee, and her life in general. I could quickly tell she had a great personality, and she didn’t necessarily want to spend any of her crucial ‘outside play time’ talking on the phone with me,  but, she was a good sport about it! Her about my chat with Alexis in this week’s Quick 9: Hole 1: How long have you been participating with First Tee? 3 years. And, I want to participate for as long as I can! Hole 2: What is your favorite thing to do with at First Tee Camp? I love so many things about camp BUT when i get to hit my driver on the driving range, it’s awesome! Hole 3: What grade are you in and what is your favorite part about school? I will be in the 3rd grade next month. I used to be home schooled but after one year in school, i’ve enjoyed playing with new friends at recess. My favorite subject so far is Spanish. Hole 4: What is your favorite hobby? Cooking! I love trying to cook lots of different dishes but my favorite thing to make is Mac and Cheese. Hole 5: What other sports do you participate in? Soccer! Hole 6: What is your dream job?  I would love to be a Veterinarian. I love all kinds of animals but my favorite animal is a cat – I have 5 of my own! Hole 7: Who is your hero?  My mom is my personal hero. She is just totally awesome. Hole 8: Something cool about you? I really love to travel! Most recently I spent time in Wilmington. It was great. Hole 9: If you could live or travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Right now, I would want to live in Oregon!

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!

July 9 Participant Spotlight: Asher Bragg

Kids join The First Tee for multiple reasons. Some join after being introduced to the game by a family member, a few join with a friend, and others join just to try it out! About five years ago, Asher Bragg, a rising 7th grader at New Century Middle School joined just to give it a try. Since his first season, very few seasons have passed without his name being on the roster. While at The First Tee classes, Asher has made several good friends and enjoyed learning the game of golf. We set down with Asher for a Quick 9 to find out more about him! Hole 1: Why did you decide to join The First Tee five years ago? It was my first time trying golf at my mom’s suggestion. After I tried it out, I enjoyed it, and have been coming ever since. Hole 2: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? The opportunity to make new friends. I’ve really met some great people I enjoy hanging around. Hole 3: What is your favorite school subject? Science. Biology specifically. I’m excited to start getting to study it in school this year! Hole 4: What is the most interesting thing you can recall from your studies? How complex golf is and how much I’ve learned from it. (Asher first mentioned the complexity of human cells, but I think he thought I was lost in the conversation.) Hole 5: What is your favorite hobby or sport? Probably golf. I’ll classify it as both. Doing golf every week is awesome. Hole 6: What is your dream job? A Lawyer, maybe a defense attorney, but I’m looking more into what other options there are, as well. Hole 7: Who is your hero? My dad. I really look up to him. His opinion really matters to me. Hole 8: Tell us something fun about you people do not know? It’s a talent of mine to keep a really good record and keep good grades in school. I’ve been really good at doing that. Hole 9: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Here. I really love it here. What do you like about here? It’s nice and close to the beach. Really green everywhere you go. A lot of nice people. Really everything about.

June 25 Participant Spotlight: Greyson Lowen

He’s a ‘lefty’ full of enthusiasm and big dreams! As he is just getting into golf, he looks to continually improve his skills as he’s hoping to compete and win some tournaments, in the future.  I, Mason Scott (aka. Summer Intern), had the opportunity to speak with Greyson about golf, life and even some out of this world! (Literally!!) career dreams. Check out our Quick 9 below to learn more!  Hole 1: Do you have a nickname? Yes, actually a few. At golf I am called G-Money which is my favorite nickname. Coach John (Wainwright at Longleaf Golf Club) gave me that nickname. Hole 2: When did you first get into golf? I started playing last year! Hole 3: What is your favorite Core Value? I like Sportsmanship. I just like being nice to people after we play and making friends.  Hole 4: Favorite First Tee Activity? I really liked hitting the rubber ducks out of the bunker, and singing I Believe I Can Fly as they flew through the air. (He informed me he’s very confident out of the bunker, but still working on those tricky shots out of wet sand.) Hole 5: Favorite Activity when you’re not playing golf? I really like to play Roblox. You can talk with friends, make new ones and also build things, sometimes. The game has over 100 million players. (His dad, Brian, made it clear that Greyson would play Roblox 24/7 if they let him!)  Hole 6: Do you have a favorite golf course, of the ones you have played? I would say Blackwolf Run Golf Club in Wisconsin was one of my favorites. I also got to play a few holes at Whistling Straits! It was really cold and windy. (The picture shows just how many layers he had to wear!) Hole 7: If you could live or travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Probably Australia. I really like how they talk over there, and how they say “mate” after everything.  Hole 8: If you could have any superpower what would it be? I would have all of the powers. I would use them to help people around the world. Hole 9: What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be an astronaut! I actually want to be the first person to go to Mars. I am really fascinated with space and have over 30 episodes of How the Universe Works recorded. The Martian is my favorite movie and I have watched it a bunch of times.

June 11 Participant Spotlight: Aubriana Bishop

Ambitious is the perfect word to describe Aubriana Bishop, better knowing as Aubri. She sets her goals high and works hard to reach them, successfully. And, she’s moving her way up the ladder at Union Pines High School. A 16 yr old rising Senior, she is already learning what it takes to be a great leader.  Aubri was accepted to travel to Idaho this summer to attend the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy. Check out the event press release here.  We sat talked with Aubri for a quick 9 and this is what we found! Hole 1: How did you get into golf?  It’s actually a funny story! I played tennis my freshman year of High School and, if we’re being honest, I was not the best player, so I ended up getting pressured off of the team. One day a previous coach mentioned golf to me and suggested I give it a shot. So, I did and I am glad I did because I love golf now! Hole 2: What is your favorite golf course? I love to play at Knollwood Golf Course! It may be a 9 Hole Course, but it’s my favorite to go play at! Hole 3: What do you want to do when you get older? I want to do something with Genomic science, or genetic engineering. (Macey, our interviewer responded: When she told me this I was amazed and could only respond with “wow you must be so smart” and she came back with the best answer “No I’m just more ambitious.”) Hole 4: What is a fun fact about you? I have a twin brother. I’ve had a best friend since birth! Also, I love to make sculptures. It is fun to make and then hand them out to my friends and family. It is a very relaxing process for me. Hole 5: Favorite Core Value from The First Tee? What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? My favorite Core Value has to be Confidence. Freshman year of high school my confidence was extremely low. The First Tee helped me grow as a person and as a golfer and it also made me gain a lot of trust in myself while building my confidence. At The First Tee I love all of my coaches and all of the people I am surrounded by. They help make me better by offering their different opinions that could help and they all just work well together. I have met so many great people throughout The First Tee. I am glad to have made some great friends along the way. Hole 6: What is your favorite hobby? I love Art – it is my outlet!  Hole 7: Do you plan to take your game to the next level? College plans? If possible, yes! I am wanting to start off by playing at a junior college in the area and then when I transfer to a University, have the opportunity to continue playing. If I don’t get to keep playing while I am in school, I plan to always play for fun! Hole 8 : If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I would probably pick California! I have been there once before and the people there were so crazy but they were also so cool. I loved it there and would love to go back! Hole 9 : Are you excited for your National Opportunity? How did you get this? What do you get to do while you are there? Yes!! I am so excited for this opportunity! My coach Matthew had encouraged me to sign up for it. This was the only option that I could have done because of my busy schedule and it sounded so cool. So I went through a long but and not too hard process and finally got accepted for it! I was so happy! We are going to get to golf a lot, and hopefully get to go to the zoo also! We are staying in the university dorms and the zoo is right across the street so my fingers are crossed for that. We will be going through seminars and hands on experiences to learn great leadership skills!  

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.

May 28 Spotlight: Owen Baker

Have you ever met a kid that is always smiling? If not, go introduce yourself to our participant of the week Owen Baker.
 
Owen is courteous to others, always caught doing the right thing, and quietly competitive. He’s already competed in 2 golf tournaments this year, and is getting geared up to play several TYGA Tots Events this summer.
 
Owen is a yellow belt in karate at Goshin Dojo in Seven Lakes and is an excellent student at West End Elementary School.
 
We sat down for a Quick 9 with Owen. Here what we found out! Hole 1: Do you have a Nickname? Yes, O! Hole 2: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? I’ve been in The First Tee for two years and my favorite thing is playing the activities the coaches set up for class. Hole 3: Tell Us about your tournament golf experience! I played in my first tournament at seven years old and have now played in 9 tournaments! Hole 4: What do you like most about tournament golf? That it tests your abilities. Hole 5: Is there a favorite golf course you’ve played? Yes! The Country Club of North Carolina (CCNC). Because, my sister and I won our PGA Jr. League match there. The greens are really fast and smooth. Hole 6: What’s your favorite hobby? Watching TABS videos. (Ok, we Google’d this and Google says TABS is an Acronym for Totally Accurate Battle Simulator. Hopefully it’s right!) Hole 7: Do you have a dream career? Yes, I want to be a YouTuber. Hole 8: Tell us something fun people don’t know about you. I’ve lived in The Philippines and Chicago. Hole 9: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Well, I really like our home here in 7 Lakes.

May 14 Spotlight: Addison Bidoli

Have you ever met someone who never leaves the golf course, or at least that’s how it feels? If  not, this young lady will be your first introduction.
 
Addison Bidoli, a Par Level Participant, and 4th Grader at E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary in Fayetteville, seems to enjoy everything about the golf course! She loves the competition, the fun, the friends, and the challenge of improving. Four years into attending programs at The First Tee of the Sandhills, it shows!
 
While she enjoys The First Tee, Addison has also gotten involved in Junior Tournaments, Drive Chip & Putt, and PGA Junior League. Addison is an example of how a young adult who has gotten ‘the golf bug’ can use multiple avenues within the sport to improve her skills, meet new friends, and foster her love for the game.
 
We sat down for a Quick 9 with Addison. Here what we found out!
 
Hole 1: Do you have a nickname? Yes! Addy.
Hole 2: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? I like that you don’t just practice golf every week. We work on Integrity, and other Core Values, to help us on and off the golf course.
 
Hole 3: What is your favorite hobby? Golf and Drawing.
 
Hole 4: How old were you when you played in your first golf tournament? And how many have you played in to date? I was 9 Years Old at my first tournament and I’ve played in about 15, now! (Addison is 10 years old!)
 
Hole 5: Do you have a favorite golf course? Yes! Gates Four Golf & CC.
 
Hole 6: Do you have a dream career? I would love to compete as a golfer or be a Zoologist!
 
Hole 7: Who is your hero? My dog, Ted, was. He passed away last year and had been there my whole life.
Hole 8: Tell us something fun people don’t know about you? I participated in the Battle of the Books this year and placed 1st in the first competition and 4th in the second.
 
Hole 9: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? The Great Smokey Mountains. In a cabin with a lake nearby.
 

April 30 Spotlight: The Park Brothers

For our last Month of the Military Child Family, we bring you the Park Brothers. This trio is one of our most dedicated and active families we have. While the boys are all very respectful, willing to learn, and show tremendous sportsmanship, their personalities are about as different as you could get! We hope you enjoy reading about them.
Samuel, or Sam, (Pictured Middle) is the oldest of the group. He is a Sophomore at Union Pines High School and a Birdie Level Participant. Sam not only participates in curriculum classes on Saturday, but volunteers his time with the Par Class that takes place immediately before his class.
Daniel, or Dan, (Pictured Left) is the middle child, and is currently in 8th Grade at New Century Middle School and is also a Birdie Level Participant. Dan also swims competitively and loves participating in anything that is a competition.
David, or Big D, (Pictured Right attempting to be taller), is in 4th Grade at Sandhills Farm Life Elementary and is a Par Level Participant. While David does really well hitting a golf ball, he is a baseball enthusiast that brings all of his baseball tendencies to his golf swing!
We sat down for a Quick 9 with Samuel, Daniel and David. Here what we found out!
Hole 1: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee?
Samuel: My favorite thing about The First Tee, is that it not only teaches you golf skills, but it also teaches you Life Skills.
David: Aiming Practice
Hole 2: What is your favorite hobby?
Samuel: I love to play baseball. Daniel: All team games that involve teams and other people (team sports) David: Baseball Hole 3: What is your favorite thing about growing up in a military family? Samuel: Meeting new people and going to new places Daniel: My favorite this is seeing new places and people David: Get to travel to different places. Hole 4: What was your favorite place you’ve lived? Samuel: My favorite place that I lived was Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas Daniel: Ft. Leavenworth, KS David: Korea Hole 5: What sports do you like other than golf? Samuel: Swimming and running, and used to play baseball Daniel: I also swim competitively David: Basketball and Baseball Hole 6: What is your dream job? Samuel: To be a dentist Daniel: I do not have a dream job yet, but I hope in high school I’ll find one. David: Major League Baseball Star Hole 7: Who is your hero? Samuel: My dad Daniel: My dad because he’s taught me how to prepare for the future. David: My Dad, he sacrifices in war to save people Hole 8: What is your favorite thing about your siblings? Samuel: They’re also active, so we tend to play outside by playing sports such as baseball Daniel: How jokingly we act to each other. David: The play monopoly with me. Hole 9: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? Samuel:  If I were to live anywhere in the world it would still be the US, because there is no other country in the world that gives us the right to live freely Daniel: I would want to live in Europe where there is lots of wildlife. David: Nigeria, I would like to explore and meet other people, and have lots of fun!