It was the trip of a lifetime for 78 First Tee students, including Chapter participant Tyler Mistretta. The tournament allows the students to step into the spotlight of a nationally televised golf tournament and show off their life and golf skills learned in The First Tee program. ”
I knew it was going to be incredible, as I have met others who have already played,” said Tyler. “But it was actually one hundred times better then you could ever imagine. This is an experience that all students of the First Tee should strive for.”
The teens played with
Confidence and
Perseverance on two world-class golf courses in Pebble Beach Golf Links and Poppy Hills, while being mentored by legends of the game – their PGA TOUR Champions partners.
(Pictured above right: Tyler with his pro partner, Carlos Franco) Tyler and Franco shot 6-under best ball the first day at Poppy Hills and then faced 40 miles per hour winds at Pebble the second day. They managed to grind out a one over par round at Pebble in the tough conditions but missed the cut.
Pictured above left: Tyler standing near 8 green at Pebble and right: enjoying the Ghost Trees of 17 Mile Drive.
Just being selected to play in this unique event was the real prize, but two of these teens are bringing home some nice hardware for winning the Pro-Junior title.
Congratulations to Sam Sommerhauser from First Tee of Greater Sacramento, who was paired with Kirk Triplett.
They finished at 23-under, winning the male Pro-Junior title. And Ashley Menne from First Tee of Phoenix, paired with Tom Lehman, won the female Pro-Junior title with a score of 18-under.
