VALENTINA PLACES THIRD AT PURE INSURANCE
Valentina Marie Guertin was our ninth chapter student to play in the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. She was paired with PGA Champions Tour player KJ Choi. Valentina played two rounds at Pebble Beach and at Spyglass Hill in a best-ball format teamed with KJ. They carded a three-round score of 18 under par to finish in third place– our highest finish as a chapter in this event!
“This trip is a bucket list experience! Playing Pebble Beach has been a dream since I started playing golf. I am thrilled it became a reality at the Pure Insurance Championship! Both golf courses were just breathtaking. The grounds and maintenance were impeccable, and the staff were incredibly kind. One of my favorite parts of the week was the amazing people and meaningful connections I made both on and off the course. Starting with all the juniors from First Tee chapters across the country and making long-lasting friendships and so many shared memories. Then add in the influential people who revolve around the sport who shared valuable knowledge and experiences that I will use to help shape my future career path. Lastly, I was fortunate to be paired with KJ Choi and his caddie Angel, who are just amazing human beings! I had a blast playing with them. I am so grateful for all the learnings, techniques, and strategic thinking they taught me that I will apply to my game. Hopefully, I can one day compete at their level. But more importantly, I will never forget how they made me feel. They inspired and empowered me in ways they will never know. I think that this week will have to go down as the best birthday week ever! Thank you First Tee for the privilege to represent our local chapter and for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime!” –Valentina Marie Guertin
For more information, please visit https://www.pureinsurancechampionship.com/
VALENTINA QUALIFIES FOR US AM FOUR-BALL
Valentina Marie and her partner Aliya Liberatore qualified for the 10th U.S. Women’s Amateur Four Ball to be held at Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, May 10 – 14, 2025. The team posted an impressive 5 shot victory at 4 under par in the qualifier. Valentina’s dad was on the bag and there was only one team spot up for grabs. The highlight of the qualifier for the team was back-to-back eagles on holes 9 and 10. The Country Club of Farmington in Connecticut hosted the qualifier with the course in amazing condition that offered a very tough test of northern golf.
VALENTINA WINS FJT TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP, WYLIE TIES FOR 2ND
Valentina won the FSGA Florida Junior Tour Championship on the Piper Course at Lakewood National Golf Club in Lakewood Ranch, Florida with scores of 72-65-72 to finish 7 under par for the tournament with a whopping 7 shot victory. Her second-round score of 65 featured eight birdies.
Wylie Inman finished tied for second in the boys’ division with scores of 74-69-69. Wylie demonstrated perseverance and patience as he was 6 over through his first six holes in round one, then grinded back to get it to 1 under after 36 holes. His final round 69 brought him to 4 under for the tournament.