Allison Robinson has been actively attending The First Tee of the Sandhills since 2014, following in the footsteps of her older sister and brother. She is in 10th grade via a home school program where she is active in the National Honors Society. When studying, her favorite subject is American History!
We sat down for a Quick 9 with Allison. Here’s what we found out!
Hole 1: Nickname? Yes! Alli or Allig
Hole 2: Any pets? Yes! I have a Shih Tzu Yorkie named Gracie and a Jack Russell mix named Mollie.
Hole 3: Favorite hobby? Crafting
Hole 4: Sports other than golf? Bowling. I am a part of a bowling league that has local competitions and my team has qualified for statewide events.
Hole 5: Dream Job? A Fashion Merchandiser, Fashion Marketing OR work for the Walt Disney Company!
Hole 6: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? I love to do things with friends outside of school, and I personally love when we do special non-golfing events like bowling.
Hole 7: What is your Five (5) Year Goal Plan? My plan is to finish high school with honors, choose the college that best fits my profession and educational standards and continues to further my business.
Hole 8: Who is your hero? My hero would be Walt Disney, he took his passion and made it into a successful business that is recognized worldwide.
Hole 9: Tell us something about you that people may not know. When I was 14, I started my own business. I saw a great opportunity and went for it! So now, after 2 ½ years of making Disney themed ears, I’ve had almost 500 sales and I have a growing platform on Instagram for marketing with over 11K followers. Check it out at @itsaearworldafterall
Thanks for taking a Quick 9 with us, Allison.
Have a question for Allison? Leave it here!
The final words from Jaclyn Kenzel’s week at The PURE Insurance Championship in Pebble Beach, California were, “I can’t emphasize enough how much this trip has meant to me! It has been the most amazing week of my life and I will never forget it! I’m beyond thrilled to have had this opportunity! I have not only gained friends but created memories that will last a lifetime!”
So, now that you know the conclusion, how did she get there? Let’s take a look at the highlight reel!
The entire week included a long list of firsts – from flying across the country, staying in private housing, eating an omelet, playing golf in fog, paddle boarding, seeing new wilderness, and attending a concert!
On Day 1 all the participants gathered at Poppy Hills GC for the PURE Welcome Party and Pairings release. Each junior went onto the putting green to find an oversized flag adorning their name and chapter they are representing. Underneath the flag was a brand new golf bag with their name on it and inside the bag they found the name of their pro.
For Jaclyn, it was Brian Henninger. Mr. Henninger immediately came up to Jaclyn for introduction and a chat. She was beaming from ear to ear about the week getting started!
Day 2 brought Jaclyn’s first practice round – at Poppy Hills GC with fellow junior participant, Vivian Guite from The First Tee of Naples. The highlight of their day on course included sharing the fairways with deer and ‘bumping’ into Bernard Langer.
Wednesday evening participants attended a very special event called ‘Legends and Leaders’ where nine special guest spoke on the Nine Core Values, each highlighting a unique Core Value that carries special interest in their lives.
While every guest had an amazing and inspiring story to tell – the two that resonated with Jaclyn the most were from Jeremy Poincenot and Victoria Arlen – speaking on Perseverance and Confidence.
Oh, and she ‘bummed’ into Tom Watson at dinner!
Thursday was Day 3, bringing many more special experiences for Kenzel. Not only did she get to play Pebble Beach Golf Links, she played with the 2016 tournament winner, Paul Broadhurst, who her Pinecrest High School golf teammate, Mara Hirtle, played with in 2017!
When Kenzel reflected on the experience, she remembered how incredible the undulation changes were, both beautiful and challenging to play. She determined it’s completely impossible to become upset when you’re surrounded by the visual art Pebble Beach Golf Links provides.
At the turn, she decided to apply good Judgment and began ‘clubbing up’ as her shots were coming up 10 yards shorter than they typically do in Pinehurst. This gave her some putts for birdie, resulting in made birdies on Holes 11 and 17!
Also, while practicing on the 12th green, Paul Broadhurst pulled Jaclyn aside and gave her a few chipping pointers to work on when she gets home. Double score for the day!
During the first and second rounds of the PURE Insurance Championship, Kenzel and Henninger would play Poppy Hills GC and Pebble Beach GL, each day with a different pair of amateur partners.
Kenzel’s personal golf highlights including make a birdie on Hole 18 at BOTH courses! How cool!
While #TeamHenninger didn’t make the Pro-Junior cut, it was truly an experience of a lifetime both on and off the course.
And to cap off a week of excitement, as all the juniors were gathered around the 18th green of Pebble Beach GL watching the final groups come in, they witnessed Ken Tanigawa make a bomb of an eagle putt to win the tournament by one!
What an ending to a dream week for Jaclyn Kenzel.
Recently, Mara Hirtle, a rising junior at Pinecrest High School, joined 95 other teens from around the country at The Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills and Leadership Academy hosted on campus at Michigan State University.
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 event, participants had 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.
We asked Mara to provide us a few highlights from her week at Michigan State University. When reflecting, she said, “Not only was it an enlightening experience as we worked through what it means to be a leader, while also succeeding as a team, our event leaders made sure to include all 96 of us in fun activities like mini golf and bowling on campus.”
She noted that one of their leadership seminars was led by RISE, Michigan State University’s Residential Initiatives on the Study of the Environment. Mara said the leaders inspired The First Tee Teens to reach for their goals which others may believe are unreachable, or impossible.
RISE’s learning outcomes for those engaging in their year round program include the ability to form an opinion, demonstrate leadership, enact social change, value collaboration, describe strengths, and engage in sustainability work – essentially growing a community of learners committed to stewardship and sustainability.
After arriving home, Mara expressed that the week long experience was inspiring! It build her up as an individual and encouraged her to strive for things she thought were unreachable before. Returning rejuvenated to take on personal goals.
Way to go, Mara!
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.
Ready to get involved in The First Tee? Make sure to sign up for one of our Fall Programs in the Sandhills before registration closes. Visit firstteesandhills.org or call us at 910.255.3035.
As Mark Twain once said, ‘plan for the future, because that’s where you are going to spend the rest of your life.’
Planning for the future is one of the six Core Lesson’s focused on through Eagle Level Curriculum programs at The First Tee of the Sandhills. During this portion of the curriculum, participants are engaged in self-exploration, academic and career exploration, and implementation.
Throughout these exercises, we work to expose the high school age participants to various aspects of development including diversity, finances, scheduling and futures opportunities across many industries.
Thanks to the support of Methodist University, Eagle Level participants were able to spend a full day on campus where they learned about the admissions process, financial planning for college, what the Professional Golf Management program is and career doors it can open up after college, as well as touring the facilities and getting to play at little golf at the on campus course.
Here’s a little glimpse into their day on campus.
Jamie Legg, the Dean of Admissions, spoke about GPA, SAT, and ACT scoring – explaining what the University looks for in student performance. He stressed the importance of making good grades throughout High School and how they weight GPA above ACT & SAT.
Why? Because it shows which students put work in daily to succeed!
Mr. Legg also discussed the finances of attending college and in turn how to prepare to apply for scholarships and financial aid.
Next up was Kyle Fera, the PGM Program recruiter. Kyle spoke about the expansion of the golf industry and the vast variety of career opportunities that continue to develop, how these careers are becoming more specialized and the importance of aligning your career interests with internships throughout college.
As part of the Professional Golf Management program, college students are required to complete a minimum of four internships. Kyle shared a map of all the locations across the United States that Methodist PGM students have completed internships over the last seven years and the variety of exposure opportunities that were apart of these assignments.
PGM students can plug into learning opportunities that range from facility management and operations, teaching, club fitting, tournament operations, youth programs, and much more!
After lunch, Brock White, PGM Director, gave participants a tour of the University’s golf facility. In addition to the outdoor golf amenities, Methodist University has built indoor hitting bays, a putting lab and club fitting studio. All aspects of the industry that students will be engaged in to learn how to be successful in the future.
The on campus experience at Methodist University provided participants an opportunity for both college and career exploration.
As a follow up to this hands on experience, participants then utilized tools provided in their Eagle Curriculum Yardage Books to complete self-assessments on their interests, personality, skills and values – aiding in the process of determining the right campus and career fit, as well as next steps for future planning.
Thanks to the Methodist University staff, our local participants left engaged, excited and enthusiastic about their next steps.
Wednesday afternoon, I arrived at Orlando International Airport, ready to attend The First Tee’s 20 Year Anniversary as one of the 28 participants of The First Tee’s Outstanding Participant Summit. Where I met the other participants and our lovely, energetic instructors Al and Ted.
Thursday
Early Thursday morning, the breakfast hall featured booths that each displayed different programs that were related to The First Tee.
Later on that day we had many guest speakers at General Session. During our Outstanding Participant classes, Mr. Joe Louis Barrow Jr. spoke to us about the importance of “keeping golf alive at a young age.”
Friday
We had an interesting early morning General Session with guest speakers such as Mr. Ken Blanchard of the Blanchard Institute, Stedman Graham, and Rayshon Payton.
That afternoon we went to the Dare 2 Escape’s Escape Room. My group was assigned the creepy room, which was filled with evil spirits and crazy puzzles we had to solve. After that we traveled to Disney Springs where we were able to have a fun time and shop.
Saturday
At General Session, our guest speaker Dan Pallotta gave an in-depth speech about the consumer market and about charities net worth. That afternoon, the Outstanding Participants were able to meet Annika Sorenstam and ask her questions, then take pictures with former president George W. Bush and also ask him questions. At the ending Gala, eight of the Outstanding Participants gave speeches about each of the Core Values and former president George W. Bush spoke about the last one.
Four High School Seniors Earn National Designation as The First Tee Scholar – Class of 2017 Joshua Hirtle, Alaina Malcolm, Elizabeth Nguyen and Caroline Rea – all participants of The First Tee of the Sandhills, have earned the national designation of The First Tee Scholar – Class of 2017. An exceptional feet considering only 82 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.Applications are accepted once per year from seniors in high school who meet the minimum requirements and are scored by an independent committee.Joshua Hirtle, a Senior at Pinecrest High School, has been a chapter participant since 2013 after moving from The First Tee of Clarksville. In addition to regularly attending Eagle Level programs, Joshua is a staple in our administrative office where he has spearheaded the organization of our equipment donation program, helping the chapter turn unusable donations into around $4,000 in revenue to purchase additional equipment needs. When Joshua is not at The First Tee, you can find him tinkering on his car, tutoring students at West Pine Middle School or working at Roberts Golf. Joshua credits The First Tee for teaching him how to persevere through the every changing landscape as a member of a military child. Joshua will attend UNC Charlotte this fall where he plans to become a mechanical engineer and one day hopes to get plugged into car development for motorsports. Alaina Malcolm, a Senior at Robeson County Early College, has been a chapter participant since 2012. In addition to traveling 50 miles each way to attend Birdie Level programs in Moore County, Alaina has provided her time as a volunteer with PLAYer Level programs in Lumberton, and donor events throughout the year. When away from The First Tee, Alaina spends time golfing with her brother and friends, practicing for and attending dance competitions and preparing for her future endeavor as a member of the Coast Guard. Alaina has signed a letter of intent to attend Pembroke University where she will be a student-athlete on the golf team. Elizabeth Nguyen, a Senior at Pinecrest High School, has been a chapter participant since 2012. In addition to her high level of involvement in Ace level programs, Lizzy generously donates her time through junior coaching and public speaking on behalf of the chapter. Elizabeth has signed a letter of intent to attend Georgetown University where she will be a student-athlete on the golf team. She has big dreams of one day being on the forefront of the innovative transition from oil and gas to renewable energy that would contribute to a cleaner world for our children to inherit. A goal she hopes to accomplish by working in the energy sector upon graduation from college.Caroline Rea, a duel enrolled Senior through her home school program and Sandhills Community College, has been a chapter participant since 2006. In addition to her high level of involvement in Ace level programs, Caroline is a dependable and enthusiastic junior coach at our TARGET and PLAYer programs as well as special events and fundraisers. Caroline has signed a letter of intent to attend Pfieffer University where she will be a student-athlete on the golf team. Post College, Caroline wants to work in the health industry as a Physician’s Assistant, specifically in Pediatric Care. “We are truly humbled to be able to showcase four local seniors on the national stage in this way. It’s a great honor to be recognized for your academic achievements and community involvement at such a young age. These kids are prepared to do big things and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for them,” expressed Courtney Stiles, Executive Director of The First Tee of the Sandhills. Board President, Jay Biggs, chimed in saying, “Congratulations to a wonderful senior class. We look forward to calling them Alumni for many years to come.” With this designation, these four honorees have the exclusive opportunity to apply for educational scholarship programs offered through The First Tee to attend a participating college or university. Announcements regarding these scholarship opportunities will be made later this spring.
This year, The First Tee home office added a new national participant opportunity – the USGA “Learning Science Through Golf” Academy. It’s a four-day academy this July in Far Hills, NJ that includes interactive lessons and experiments, each illuminating various Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) principles.
The USGA’s expertise in the areas of research, science and innovation is of growing importance and touches on every aspect of golf, including a greater understanding of the intersection between science and environmental stewardship.
Local participants between the ages of 14 to 18 and minimum of Birdie Level in The First Tee program, with a future interest in STEM, were eligible to apply for this new event.
We are thrilled to say that our very own Kennedi Whitener-Mason, Eagle Level participant from Fort Bragg, NC was one of 24 teens from across The First Tee chapter network selected to attend! She will have hands-on access to the USGA Research & Test Center, a facility that supports the research and development of solutions for the betterment of the game, and also includes the USGA’s proprietary golf club and ball testing lab.
As part of the essay portion of her application, Kennedi was asked how her future career aspirations related to this academy and what her dream job would be.
Kennedi has big dreams! While her career aspiration is to become a Large Animal Veterinarian, working with animals at a Zoo or rehabilitation hospital, her path to achievement is unique.
A rising High School Junior, Kennedi wants to study Biomedical Engineering. Through these studies, Kennedi wants to learn more about protecting the environment, and golf courses, through the use of organic fertilizers, developing vegetables that provide additional nutrients for humans and animals, when consumed during a long round of golf to provide extended stability, and to be able to engage in research studies focused on curing skin cancer.
After receiving a degree in Biomedical Engineering, she plans to apply to Veterinarian School to become a Doctor of Veterinarian Medicine.
Kennedi expressed that having the opportunity to study biomedical engineering first will not only allow her to combine her passion for the game of golf and developmental research, but also aid in her care of large animals by learning how medicines are created and work in the body, how fertilizers protect the environment and what is healthier for animals, and ways to provide better nutrient rich plant crop to animals.
The timing of Kennedi’s acceptance to the STEM Academy couldn’t be better. This August our local chapter will be hosting our first ever Golf, Life and STEM Camps across the Sandhills – at Gates Four Golf & CC in Fayetteville and Pinehurst No. 6 and 9.
Kennedi is excited to be able to return from the July academy and be involved with preparing interactive experiences for our younger participants as well as feeling empowered to present information and engage in conversation on various aspects of golf and STEM.
The First Tee of the Sandhills is truly more than a sports program for youth. Through our in-school and after-school programs, we are shaping the lives of young people from all walks of life while exposing them to new experiences and platforms to grow into successful young adults.
Congratulations to Kennedi Whitener-Mason on her second national opportunity selection!
This week, Pinecrest High School Junior, Sophie Hirtle, was selected to attend The First Tee National Life Skills and Leadership Academy in East Lansing, Michigan from July 26 to August 1. Sophie will join more than 90 juniors from The First Tee, ages 14 – 17, to participate in this national event.
The Academy will provide participants valuable character education and leadership instruction through-out the week-long event. 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 on campus at Michigan State University.
We were thrilled that Sophie has been selected for her first national event. She has grown from a bubbly, enthusiastic and quick-to-action teen; to a young lady that is thorough in decision making, well versed in her presentation and emerging as a confident future leader.
As part of the application process, Sophie was asked to write an essay on a time in her life where she applied STAR, an acronym for Stop – Think – Anticipate – Respond. Sophie, an avid runner and member of the Pinecrest HS track team, reflected on a competitive experience she had earlier this spring.
Here’s how she explained her experience, “I signed up to run a 10k Road Race when I was faced with an immense decision mid-race. The week prior, my ankle was hurting for unknown reasons, but bearable. Race day had arrived, I felt confident to run on my ankle and set off from the starting line.
Two miles in, my ankle started to throb. It was extremely painful. I pushed on, denying the possibility that I would have to stop or even quit the race. Soon, the pain increased to the point that I could not run any longer.
At that moment, I had to fall back on STAR. I mentally anticipated the fact that I may have an ankle that could be seriously injured. My response was to choose my health over my pride.
I stopped the race, making the difficult, but right, decision to be cautious over my health versus pushing through to the finish. This was the first time I would have to quit a race and I was struggling with facing this reality.
With the help of fellow racers, I made my way back to the last police officer where he called an ambulance to come pick me up.
While today I’m still disappointed I didn’t get to finish the race, I know that using STAR allowed me to feel good about making the right decision to end the race early. Plus, there is always next year to compete!”
While Sophie, and other participants of The First Tee, learn life skills through the game of golf, they are able to positively apply these learned lessons into other areas of their life – for Sophie, her passion for running – enhancing skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
Congratulations to Sophie Hirtle. We look forward to following up on her experience in Michigan later this year.
Recently, Courtney Jingle, a rising Senior at Pinecrest High School, was selected as one of 24 female participants, nationwide, from The First Tee chapter network to participate in the inaugural John Deere Drive Your Future Academy.
It’s a four-day academic, career and leadership development academy held at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, this June. The all-girls event will also focus on remaining active in the game of golf, learning the impact of volunteerism, and recognizing the importance of teamwork.
As part of the application process, Courtney was asked to define a person that aided in driving her to take a position of leadership. And, in honor of Mother’s Day, there’s no better story than that of her relationship with Grandma Dotty.
In Courtney’s own words, here is her essay submission.
“My Grandma Dotty is without a doubt the obvious choice. Twenty two years ago my parents were introduced to Dotty Garmen while my mother was pregnant with my older sister. At the time, Dotty was a midwife who helped my mom through a very difficult labor. With my grandparents 500 miles away, and my parents going through this unique experience, Dotty quickly became an honorary member of our family.
Since then she has been included in all our family events. She has been supportive and encouraging in every aspect of my life. She truly is my grandma in every sense of the word.
Dotty worked at Moore Regional Hospital for 50 years as a Nurse and Assistant Director of the Emergency Department. In addition, she has stayed busy as an active community leader with the Elks Club and volunteering at our local chapter of The First Tee.
My initial interest in golf came from Dotty’s love for the game. For many years she urged me to get involved and as my interest in soccer decreased, I became involved in the sport. I’ll never forget the look on her face when I told her I wanted to play!
Frequently, when Dotty’s visits, we will go out to practice or play a round on the course. From our interactions, I’ve become a frequently requested member of her women’s golf group!
Dotty has been present at all of my high school matches, rain or shine. Knowing there is a big hug waiting for me at the end of the round keeps me focused and makes the challenge of the day worthwhile.
Dotty’s involvement in my life has been special. Her passion for her profession, life and community is a motivation in my life as I look to lay out my personal road map.”
On this and every Mother’s Day, we are so thankful for the grandmas, moms, and female mentors working together to positively impact the lives of young people in our community.
You’re absolutely making a difference. To each of you, Happy Mother’s Day!
Enthusiasm. Dedication. Compassion. Integrity. Perseverance. These, and many more, adjectives describe Caroline Rea on and off the golf course. While my personal experiences with Caroline only date back to February 2015, her track record with The First Tee of the Sandhills began formally in 2006. Don’t let that date fool you, Caroline has been hanging out around The First Tee since its inception, in 2003, patiently waiting to be old enough to officially join. Caroline has been actively involved in our programs as a participant, volunteer, junior leader and community advocate for almost eleven years! In addition to staying active and engaged at a high level in her curriculum programs, Caroline has provided volunteer support for projects in our administrative office, at special events and fundraisers in the community, and serving as a junior coach with our TARGET and PLAYer level programs. In 2014, she began offering her time to junior coach to the seven, eight and nine year olds on Tuesday afternoons during our Just for Girls PLAYer Program. Today, her commitment to the Just for Girls program has not wavered. First hand, I’ve seen positive interactions between Caroline and these young ladies. Moments of weakness where she provided them encouragement, moments of frustration where she taught them perseverance and moments of just silliness where they could giggle together through the activity of the day. Young girls at The First Tee look up to Caroline. Seamlessly, Caroline gives back by providing the same experience she had to the next generation of youth in our community. Her giving doesn’t stop with us. Caroline is active as a volunteer at Prancing Horse, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and area elementary schools as a Teacher’s Assistant. Caroline’s character shines when she speaks to others about her favorite core values, Honesty and Perseverance. Whether having to call a golf penalty on herself, when no one else noticed, or pulling a teacher aside to point out a miss-score on a test, resulting in a lower grade; Caroline knows that doing the right thing can be difficult, but is always worth it. She credits The First Tee for teaching her perseverance. Accepting and understanding that in order for her to be successful, she may fail a few times, but she can appreciate life’s successes and handle life’s failures all while staying resilient and focused on her goals. Just last year, Caroline decided to pursue the possibility of continuing golf at the college level. A goal that she previously didn’t feel she has the opportunity to pursue. I am happy to say that a few weeks ago, Caroline sign a letter of intent to play golf a Pfieffer University.We are so proud of Caroline Rea and know she will be a wonderful representative for The First Tee of the Sandhills. Just next time, as an Alum!
Elizabeth Nguyen spoke to group of 800 during Thursday’s Full Network Meeting
Pinehurst, NC (March 15, 2015) – Elizabeth Nguyen from The First Tee of the Sandhills was selected from candidates across the 175 chapters of The First Tee Network to attend The First Tee Outstanding Participant & Leadership Summit, March 11-15 in Dallas. The summit was an interactive and educational event in which participants were given the opportunity to develop and hone skills to become leaders in their chapters, schools and communities.
Among the dignitaries scheduled to address the 28 teenagers at the summit were President George Bush and World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam.
Educational workshops during the summit covered a variety of topics including college, the importance of community service and volunteerism, financial literacy, social media and more presented by experts in these fields. During the workshops, Lizzy will develop plans for leading a meaningful service project in our community as a way to apply the skills and concepts learned at the four-day summit. Lizzy’s service project goal is to successful engage teen girls into the game of golf for a lifetime while also growing the overall female base in The First Tee of the Sandhills.
Lizzy, a sophomore at Pinecrest High school was one of twenty eight participants selected to attend the weeklong summit where she was also asked to speak during the lunch session on Thursday. For five minutes Lizzy controlled a room of 800 Directors, Board Members, Coaches and advocates speaking on ‘The impact The First Tee has had on her life and how the lessons learned from The First Tee have transferred to her life off the golf course’. She did a fabulous job delivering her story and speaking from the heart. It was a powerful message, indeed.
Nguyen was one of 28 participants selected to attend the summit based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation. The First Tee Outstanding Participant & Leadership Summit took place in conjunction with The First Tee Network Meeting, a biennial educational event for chapter leaders from around the country and select international locations.
The First Tee of the Sandhills Teen Selected For National Opportunity at Coca-Cola Headquarters in AtlantaCollege scholarship will be awardedCongratulations are in order for Elizabeth Nguyen, a rising Senior at Pinecrest High School. Lizzy has been selected to attend Coca-Cola America’s Future. An annual event provided by The First Tee home office that selects a mere five teens from across the country for participation. Only rising seniors are eligible to apply and selected participants are reviewed based on their school grades, involvement in their local chapter and community, as well as an essay on how they live their lives positively. Recently, I had the opportunity to play with Lizzy in the Moore County Women’s Amateur. We were paired together during the first round with a competitor that was our senior in age, but not in spirit! Prior to teeing off for our second round, she pulled me aside to express how much she enjoyed our round one pairing. She went on to say that while the golf was great, the one thing that most impressed her was Lizzy’s character. A true nod to the coaches that implement our programs and curriculum for being a positive component in Lizzy’s life. When Lizzy travels to Atlanta, she will join the other selected participants, representing Greater Sacramento, Delaware, Greater Charlotte and Atlanta, for four days where they will visit the Coca-Cola Company headquarters, attend area attractions in the heart of downtown Atlanta as well as the PGA TOUR’s TOUR Championship. In addition to their adventures, throughout the week these five participants will meet with business executives and take part in interviews to determine the winner of a $5,000 college scholarship. The four semifinalists will also be awarded a $1,000 scholarship.We are thrilled for Lizzy’s selection to Coca Cola America’s Future and look forward to cheering her on in September as she aims to bring home the $5,000 college scholarship. Here’s to a wonderful group of young people in the Sandhills!
Hole 3: Favorite hobby? Crafting
Hole 4: Sports other than golf? Bowling. I am a part of a bowling league that has local competitions and my team has qualified for statewide events.
Hole 5: Dream Job? A Fashion Merchandiser, Fashion Marketing OR work for the Walt Disney Company!
Hole 6: What is your favorite thing about The First Tee? I love to do things with friends outside of school, and I personally love when we do special non-golfing events like bowling.
Hole 7: What is your Five (5) Year Goal Plan? My plan is to finish high school with honors, choose the college that best fits my profession and educational standards and continues to further my business.
Hole 8: Who is your hero? My hero would be Walt Disney, he took his passion and made it into a successful business that is recognized worldwide.
Hole 9: Tell us something about you that people may not know. When I was 14, I started my own business. I saw a great opportunity and went for it! So now, after 2 ½ years of making Disney themed ears, I’ve had almost 500 sales and I have a growing platform on Instagram for marketing with over 11K followers. Check it out at @itsaearworldafterall
Thanks for taking a Quick 9 with us, Allison.
Have a question for Allison? Leave it here! 
Wednesday afternoon, I arrived at Orlando International Airport, ready to attend The First Tee’s 20 Year Anniversary as one of the 28 participants of The First Tee’s Outstanding Participant Summit. Where I met the other participants and our lovely, energetic instructors Al and Ted.
We had an interesting early morning General Session with guest speakers such as Mr. Ken Blanchard of the Blanchard Institute, Stedman Graham, and Rayshon Payton.
That afternoon we went to the Dare 2 Escape’s Escape Room. My group was assigned the creepy room, which was filled with evil spirits and crazy puzzles we had to solve. After that we traveled to Disney Springs where we were able to have a fun time and shop.
