First Tee teens from across the country had the opportunity to learn from the gameās legends and explore possibilities in golf and beyond during the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, which concluded today at Pebble Beach.Ā An official PGA TOUR Champions event, the participants are paired with PGA TOUR Champions players providing life-changing mentoring opportunities for the teens.
Colin Vineberg from First Tee ā Greater Baltimore, paired with Rocco Mediate, and Sydney Craven from First Tee ā Monterey County, paired with Tim Petrovic, claimed the male and female Pro-Junior titles today, respectively. Vineberg and Mediate finished 23-under, while Craven and Petrovic capped off the event 26-under.
First Tee is a national youth development program that empowers young people build character and life skills through the game of golf. The event, in its 18thĀ year, brings 81 teens from First Tee chapters nationwide to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill. Throughout the week the teens applyĀ the life and leadership skills learned from First Tee programs as they compete on the national stage.Ā The annual event, hosted by the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, was televised internationally on Golf Channel.
āWe are proud of all the teens who played with confidence and composure this week at the PURE Insurance Championship,ā said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. āThese young people exemplify the character and values we instill through the First Tee programs every day. A special congratulations to Colin and Sydney for winning the Pro-Junior titles. Thank you to our partners ā PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel ā for making this a special week for 81 First Tee participants.ā
Craven is an 18-year-old senior from Monterey County where she has a 3.8 GPA at Robert Louis Stevenson School. She is an active member of Student Council and the Interact Club. Involved with First Tee ā Monterey County for nine years, she holds an 8 handicap and credits the program for developing life skills and a deeper appreciation of values, such as responsibility, that will help her become a leader. She aspires to play collegiate golf and one day on the LPGA Tour.
“I am so grateful that I’ve had this opportunity,” said Craven. “Thank you to PURE Insurance and First Tee for this experience. I’ve learned so many life lessons this week playing with the professionals that I will take with me beyond the golf course.”
Vineberg is a 16-year-old junior from Sparks, MD where he has a 3.7 GPA at St. Paulās School. He has been involved with First Tee ā Greater Baltimore for 10 years and is a game changer in his community volunteering with many organizations, from serving food to the homeless to mentoring younger junior golfers. Vineberg holds a 2 handicap and aspires to play collegiate golf.
āThis week has been a once-in-lifetime experience. I’ve worked really hard to get to this point and so thankful for First Tee for helping me build my confidence to play an iconic course like Pebble Beach with legends of the game. I hope I can make a difference in the lives of others like First Tee has had in my life. Thank you to PURE Insurance for the amazing opportunity.ā
During the week, First Tee partners PURE Insurance and Chevron both hosted events to celebrate their commitment to First Teeās mission and raise additional funds to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program. The program pairs Scholars with a mentor and provides professional development workshops and financial assistance throughout the college experience.
First TeeĀ is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.