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This September, 80 First Tee participants from across the country will arrive at Pebble Beach for the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee. Among them is 16-year-old Henry Seufert from East Grand Rapids, Michigan, who will be following in the footsteps of his two older brothers.

Henry joined First Tee – West Michigan at 7 with his older brothers, Charlie and Jack. At 15 he became a First Tee junior coach like both of his brothers before him.

“I aspire to one day become a lead coach, like Charlie, and one day inspire other young golfers as Charlie influenced me,” Henry said.

Henry comes from a family of golfers, so his parents enrolled him in First Tee for the life skills and youth development aspects of the program. Throughout their time in the program, his brothers forged a reputation of exceptional dedication and leadership, and Henry’s coaches say he has diligently done the same.

In 2022, shortly after he played in the PURE Insurance Championship, Henry’s older brother Charlie received a heart transplant.

“After Charlie’s heart transplant, golf became his inspiration: His goal was to recover to play varsity golf two months later,” said Henry. “He achieved this goal, with the best season of his high school career. His story motivates me throughout life, especially on the golf course, proving to me that anybody can do anything.”

As Henry prepares for Pebble Beach, he carries with him the lessons learned from a decade in First Tee and the inspiration of his older brothers. Watching his brother’s recovery reinforced the lessons of perseverance and goal-setting that Henry has been learning as a First Tee participant.

Now, as Henry prepares for his own championship experience, he carries not just his family’s golfing tradition, but their commitment to First Tee’s mission. As a junior coach, he works with younger participants, sharing the same enthusiasm and dedication that his brothers once brought to their coaching roles.

The PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee represents more than just a prestigious golf tournament; it’s a celebration of the young people who embody First Tee’s values both on and off the course. For Henry, earning his spot among the 80 participants nationwide validates years of hard work and growth within the program, he said.

Participants at the championship will engage with PGA Tour Champions professionals and experience one of golf’s most iconic venues.

See more about the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee here and support the work of a First Tee Chapter near you.

Tune into the PURE Insurance Championship Sept. 19-21 on Golf Channel.

By Kristin Westberg – Senior Director, Training & Evaluation

At First Tee, we believe every child deserves a safe, welcoming and empowering space to grow — both on and off the golf course. That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on class management. But what does that mean for your child? 

It means we’re committed to creating an environment where your child feels seen, supported and inspired — not just to learn golf, but to build confidence, character and life skills. 

Building relationships first 

Our coaches start by getting to know each participant. Greeting kids by name, asking about their day and showing genuine interest helps your child feel like they belong. When children feel respected and valued, they’re more likely to engage positively and feel confident in their surroundings. 

Clear expectations = safe kids 

We work with participants to set clear, age-appropriate expectations that keep everyone safe and focused. For example: 

• “Stop, look and listen on the coach’s signal.” 

• “Stay in the safety zone when not hitting.” 

• “Only swing in the hitting area.” 

By involving kids in creating these expectations, they understand not just the rules, but the reasons behind them. This helps them take ownership of their behavior and feel more invested in the group’s success. 

Keeping kids engaged and active 

We know that kids learn best when they’re active and having fun. That’s why our sessions are designed to keep everyone moving, learning and participating. We use stations, group rotations and fun visuals to keep things fresh and safe. Even when it’s not their turn, kids are encouraged to help a partner or review what they’ve learned. 

And safety isn’t just physical — it’s emotional too. Our coaches use positive reinforcement and fair, consistent responses to behavior, helping every child feel secure and supported. 

Consistency builds confidence 

Simple cues like a whistle or a phrase (“1, 2, 3, all eyes on me”) help coaches get kids’ attention quickly and respectfully. Using the same cues across all classes helps your child know what to expect, which builds confidence and comfort. 

Our coaches are trained to support your child 

At First Tee, our coaches are more than instructors — they’re mentors. Each coach receives training in youth development, class management and safety practices. We also partner with trusted organizations like the Positive Coaching Alliance to ensure our team is equipped with the latest tools and strategies to support your child’s growth — on and off the course. Through ongoing learning and development, our coaches are prepared to create a positive, inclusive and empowering experience for every participant. 

Together, we’re creating a space where your child can feel safe, supported and ready to grow — not just as a golfer, but as a person. Because when we manage our classes with care, we make room for character to shine. 

Find a First Tee Chapter near you!

First Tee – South Puget Sound alumna Carly Ikei is preparing for her first season of collegiate golf at Western Washington University. But despite embarking on an exciting new chapter, she’s not giving up her connection to First Tee.

“I want to stay connected to First Tee as an alumna because I think it’s a great program and it gives so many great opportunities to make new friends and to play golf,” she said. “My biggest takeaway from First Tee – South Puget Sound is that meeting new people is always a fun experience.”

She recently joined a group of fellow former First Tee participants for a Seattle Mariners game at T-Mobile Park hosted by the First Tee Alumni Network, which aims to facilitate networking, professional and personal development opportunities for First Tee alumni.

For Carly, the game of golf has always been about more than just swings and scores. It’s about connection, growth and pushing herself to new heights, both on and off the course.

One highlight of her First Tee experience was competing in the Gearheart Cup, a friendly tournament between chapters in South Puget Sound, Greater Seattle and Oregon. Held in the scenic town of Seaside, Oregon, the event wasn’t just about competition; it was about community. “It’s a lot of fun to connect with other First Tee members,” Carly said. “It’s such a unique chance to make new friends through golf.”

Carly also represented First Tee – South Puget Sound as a competitor at the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach, where she played alongside Shane Bertsch.

Carly’s dedication and talent on the golf course are undeniable. As she heads to Western Washington University to join the golf team, Carly is excited to travel, compete and experience the camaraderie of collegiate athletics, she said.

But her achievements extend far beyond the fairway. She recently earned her associate’s degree in computer science while finishing high school.

To help us bring more life-changing programs to teens, donate today.

Golf Channel announced the full field of teens which includes exceptional students, tournament winners and committed collegiate golfers 

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (July 8, 2025) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Champions are proud to announce the 80 exceptional teens selected to compete in the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, to be held September 19–21 at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. 

The annual tournament is hosted by PURE Insurance and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and broadcast internationally on Golf Channel. It uniquely pairs First Tee participants with PGA TOUR Champions professionals and amateurs from the business world for a week of competition and mentorship. The teens, ages 15 to 18, represent 48 First Tee chapters nationwide and will compete for the male and female pro-junior titles. 

Participants were chosen based on both their golf skills and personal growth through First Tee’s youth development programs. This year’s class boasts an average GPA of 3.89 and nearly seven years of involvement with First Tee. 

“The PURE Insurance Championship is more than a golf tournament — it’s a celebration of the dedication, perseverance and character of First Tee juniors,” said Katie Krum, Chief Marketing Officer at PURE Insurance. “Having experienced firsthand the lasting impact of youth sports, I am proud to support such a worthy cause and thrilled to share that we have extended our title sponsorship commitment through 2029 and continue championing these inspiring young leaders.”  

The 2025 junior field was announced live on Golf Channel, featuring an interview with Dylan Au, an alumnus of First Tee – Greater Seattle, who competed in the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship alongside Fred Couples. Au will begin pre-med classes at the University of Washington this fall. 

In addition, Marley Pedrique of First Tee – Florida Gold Coast earned an exemption into the tournament by finishing third at the 2025 First Tee National Championship, held in June at the University of Notre Dame’s Warren Course. 

“This moment represents years of hard work and dedication for these 80 teens,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “Thanks to our partners at PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Pebble Beach Resorts, the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel for supporting this event. It is a week filled with incredible golf, mentorship and invaluable life lessons.” 

This year’s PGA TOUR Champions field will include legends such as David Duval, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh and defending champion Paul Broadhurst. Clint Eastwood returns as chairman of the PURE Insurance Championship. 

Tournament play begins Friday on both Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Following Saturday’s rounds, the top 24 juniors will advance to Sunday’s final round at Pebble Beach, where one male and one female First Tee participant will be crowned champions. 

The junior field for 2025 PURE Insurance Championship can be viewed here.  

For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com.

The renowned CBS Sports voice will help further First Tee’s mission of empowering youth through golf

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL (May 23, 2025) – First Tee, a youth development organization that enables kids to build character through the game of golf, announced that acclaimed CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz will serve as its new Honorary Chair. The news comes as the youth development organization celebrates First Tee Week nationwide, a campaign to recognize coaches and their impact on participants and their communities.

Nantz, whose distinguished broadcasting career spans more than four decades, becomes the third Honorary Chair in First Tee’s history, following President George W. Bush (2011-2024) and President George H.W. Bush (1997-2010). As Honorary Chair, Nantz will help promote First Tee’s purpose and expand its reach to empower even more young people.

“Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand how golf builds character, resilience and integrity – the very qualities First Tee instills in young people,” said Jim Nantz. “I am honored to serve as Honorary Chair and support an organization that uses this remarkable game to help kids develop the strength of character they will carry with them throughout their lives.”

President George W. Bush expressed confidence in his successor: “For the past 13 years, it has been my privilege to support First Tee’s mission to develop young people of character. Jim Nantz brings passion, integrity and a deep love for golf to this role. His voice has narrated historic moments in the sport, and now that same voice will help inspire a new generation. My father would be proud that our friend is following in our footsteps, and I look forward to seeing First Tee’s continued impact under Jim’s leadership.”

Jay Monahan, PGA TOUR Commissioner and Chair of First Tee Board of Governors, added: “For 40 years Jim Nantz has provided the soundtrack for the game of golf, captivating fans at home as he illustrates the drama of winning on the PGA TOUR. As much as Jim’s voice is synonymous with the biggest moments in golf, his true legacy will be the countless fans he has introduced to our sport through his love for the game and respect for its values. It’s these attributes that make him the ideal Honorary Chair for First Tee.”

Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO, also welcomed Nantz to this significant role: “Jim Nantz is not only one of golf’s most recognizable voices – he is someone who truly embodies the values we teach. His passion for the game, commitment to excellence and inspiring presence make him the perfect Honorary Chair to help us continue building game changers across the country.”

As Honorary Chair, Nantz will help raise awareness of First Tee’s impact, support fundraising initiatives, and champion the organization’s mission to empower kids through a lifetime of new challenges, both on and off the course.

First Tee’s network of 150 chapters engages more than 5,000 active, trained coaches who deliver a curriculum designed with input from youth development experts using golf as the platform. First Tee serves more than 3.1 million kids annually.

Learn more about getting involved with First Tee.

During First Tee Week, we celebrate the coaches who make First Tee a safe and special place for kids to learn golf and life skills.  

As vice president of programs, Ryan Graff meets First Tee coaches from across the globe. He knows they’re the beating heart of First Tee but finds they don’t always take credit for their incredible impact.  

According to research from First Tee and The Harris Poll, parents believe coaches can impact their child’s ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and show resilience in the face of challenges (88%). 

Ryan shared his perspective on the power of coaches after attending a coach training in Denver: 

As I travel and meet with the amazing people who volunteer and work at First Tee chapters, our conversation leads to me asking, “So what do you do at your chapter?” A common response is, “Oh I am just a coach.”  While I rarely correct people on the role they serve – because what do I know? – in these cases, I have to respond with, “You are not JUST a coach … you are a COACH.” 

So many thoughts fire off in my brain: Do you know the power you have in the lives of participants?  Do you understand the impact of your engagement and interactions with these kids and teens?  Do you realize they are watching and listening to how you carry yourself? 

When observing a First Tee class, it may look like play, fun and learning a lifelong sport. But there is serious work going on underneath the game.  

• There are decisions being made on which club to select or shot to play (using good judgment) 

• Participants are selecting targets (pursuing goals) 

• They’re learning to navigate obstacles on the course (growing through challenge) 

• They’re having moments of success and connecting their actions to outcomes (building positive self-identity) 

• They’re learning how to cooperate and show respect to others in their class (collaborating with others) 

At best, a golfer left to their own devices has a 50/50 chance for these skills to transfer and apply to their life off the course. But with a trained coach guiding them through the process, this will increase those odds to 80% or higher. While I am not a gambling man, I like those odds.  

The word “coach” is derived from an old English term for a horse-drawn carriage. Coaches took important people where they wanted to go. It’s no different today; kids and teens are important people and coaches assist them to get where they want to go in life.   

I get it: As coaches, we often do not see the fruits of our labor. Sometimes, we never know the impact we had. But you are not JUST a coach; you are playing a critical role in the development of a human being – the development of their character, their moral compass, and assisting to shape their values.   

Coaches are role models, and the actions they display imprint and affect how kids and teens show up in this world, carry themselves, and interact with others.   

So, let’s drop the JUST. Being a coach is the highest honor and position one can have in the life of a kid or teen. Coaches leave lasting lessons and shape the character of participants lives, long into the future. If you are a coach, be proud and know you are making an impact on your participants.  Future generations depend on you!   

Interested in getting involved? 

You don’t have to be a great golfer to become an impactful First Tee coach. We train all of our coaches to deliver our proven curriculum.  

Find a chapter near you. 

Lauryn Nguyen received her first set of clubs at age 5 and her lifelong love of golf began shortly after. Her mother, a golfer herself, enrolled Lauryn in classes with First Tee – Greater Seattle while she was in kindergarten and Lauryn quickly picked up the game as well as found a golfing community. 

“It was a great introduction to the sport and a great way to be surrounded by other people who were interested in golf,” Lauryn said about her early years in First Tee.  

As her love for golf grew, so did her passion for giving back to her community. As Lauryn began to make the transition to playing competitive golf, she continued to stay involved with First Tee as a junior coach to share the knowledge she had learned and mentor other participants growing up through the program.  

Through her time involved with First Tee, Lauryn not only learned golf, but also found a community of like-minded individuals. While junior coaching, Lauryn met and began mentoring a group of young women who shared her last name. Although the girls are not related, they share similar life experiences as first-generation Americans who found their community through the game of golf. They all became fast friends and together they founded the Nguyen Junior Am, a golf tournament that gives back to First Tee – Greater Seattle and the Washington Junior Golf Association.  

“They’ve done so much for us and our upbringing. We wanted to give back to the organizations that gave so much to us,” Lauryn said.  

Lauryn continues to excel both on and off the golf course.  She is currently a senior at Northwestern University where she is studying marketing and communications and playing on their Division I golf team.  

This year, for the second year in a row, Lauryn has been invited to compete in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, a tournament that highlights the top talents in amateur women’s golf and takes place at Augusta National Golf Club the week before the Masters Tournament.  

As she continues to prepare for the week ahead, her community at home is never far from her mind. Lauryn recognizes that each time she tees it up, she’s representing everyone who has played a part in getting her there, all the way back to her first class at First Tee at age 5.  

“I’m playing for myself, but I’m also playing for something so much bigger,” Nguyen reflected.