From Congaree to the First Tee National Championship.
“My week at Congaree was truly unforgettable. I learned the value of lifelong friendships, the power of networking, and gained meaningful insights into the college golf journey. I connected with 20 other students from across the U.S., as well as a few international participants. One of my closest connections was with a girl named Ximena, whom I later saw again at the First Tee National Championship. Since we were all staying in the same house, it was easy to build relationships and learn about each other’s cultures and backgrounds.”
“At Congaree, beyond friendships, I significantly improved my networking skills. I met people from across the country—PGA professionals, those working in other golf-related roles, and others who simply love the game. Through these conversations, I learned how golf can serve as a bridge to deeper connections, as it reveals a lot about someone’s character. We were also introduced to mentors such as PGA coaches, mental coaches, and putting coaches, and we received valuable information about the college recruiting process and various pathways in collegiate golf.”
“One of the highlights of the week was playing all 18 holes at the stunning yet challenging Congaree Golf Club during the Congaree Cup. I was proud to win the tournament with a score of 77 and later won the shootout alongside my teammate DJ from Canada. Competing at such a high level boosted both my golf game and my self-confidence. Giving two speeches after those wins was intimidating, but it helped me grow personally and professionally.”
The First Tee National Championship brings together First Tee’s top players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play under pressure at the collegiate and/or next level. The First Tee National Championship is played at acclaimed college campuses, including Clemson University, Notre Dame and Stanford University, and is the only national event that is purely tournament golf.
This year’s event was held at the Warren Golf Course at Notre Dame. Elisa finished 19th.