Thursday has been so special!
Not only did I play Pebble Beach Golf Links for the first time, I played with Paul Broadhurst!
My day started at 5:45am to get prepped for our 8:30am tee time. During breakfast, I had the chance to sit and eat with Glenn Weckerlin, the Director of University Partnerships and Association Relations for Chevron.
After driving range warm ups, my first golf highlight of the day came on the practice putting green where I drained 2 putts in a row from about 40 feet!
When we arrived to the first tee, I met my practice round group, including, Jim Sims and Lee Finley.
Standing on the first tee, I could feel myself become nervous and tense, though, I ended up hitting that first shot pretty well!
Another special memory came on the 2nd Hole when I realized I had out driven Mr. Broadhurst (yes he is playing a longer course, but still cool!).
Some of the hills and undulation changes throughout the course are just incredible.
On Hole 4, I chipped in for par from the side of a cliff! On Hole 6, a par 5, there is a significantly steep hill that you must hit over on your second shot, I had to make sure I had enough room to even have a chance to get over the hill and hit my third into the green.
Our playing group let me hit a ‘mulligan’ on the famous par 3, Hole 7 – I took advantage of the second chance and landed by ball about 4 feet from the pin!
I honestly didn’t play great on the first nine, however, it’s completely impossible to become upset when I’m surrounded by the most beautiful course I’ve ever laid eyes on.
When reviewing the front nine, I applied good Judgment and realized my shots were coming up about 10 yards short, so as I headed to the back, I began clubbing up and was able to give myself opportunities to putt for birdie on the back.
It was super fun to make birdie putts on Holes 11 and 17!!
On the 18th Hole, Mr. Broadhurst and I looked over the cliff behind the tee box and saw Sea Lions and Pelicans hanging out on the rocks. So calming and unique to the west coast.
After today’s practice round, we immediately headed to Cypress Point. While site seeing over the ocean, we saw otters playing in the water!
This afternoon was the Chevron Shoot-Out for STEM Scholars. Six PGA Champions Tour Pros were paired with six juniors competing for a $100,000 scholarship money purse.
While cheering on my fellow participants, I had the opportunity to meet Keith Dawkins, the CEO of The First Tee. Mr. Dawkins is was very enthusiastic about this week’s event, congratulated me for being selected and complimented my Sandhills business cards that I passed out to adults.
Ahead of the Chevron Shoot-Out, I noticed my friend Vivian, who I played my practice round with on Wednesday, was playing the 18th Hole. I decided it would be fun to run up and caddie for her on the last. As we were walking down the fairway, I had the opportunity to introduce myself to her practice round partners, Matt Ginella and Alfonso Ribeiro!
Our evening participant activity was the Chevron Slice Party at the STEM Zone. All the activities were focused on math, science and physics. The one that gained my attention the most was the golf ball launcher!
Tomorrow kicks off the official tournament rounds for the PURE Insurance Championship and I couldn’t be more excited for the experience. I’ve been able to get my nervous jitters out over the last few days and am looking forward to spending, at least the next two days, with Brian Henninger.
We tee off at 1
:13pm (I finally get to sleep in!) off Hole 10 of Poppy Hills.
Thanks for continuing to follow along!
