When 80 lucky First Tee participants arrived at the PURE Insurance Championshipthey already had a lot to look forward to.
Four laps through Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill. The chance to play alongside PGA Tour Champions professionals. And an experience that most young golfers could only dream of.
So Chevron found a way to make the week even more memorable.
On Tuesday, participants headed to The Hay at Pebble Beach for Play Day at The Hay, where youngsters had the opportunity to play the famous short course – and compete in Chevron’s closest to the pin competition to earn an extra $2,000 for their local First Tee chapter.
As the groups made their way around the nine-hole course, they eventually reached the second hole, modeled after Pebble Beach’s iconic seventh hole.
The hole only played to about 100 yards, but these short shots had the potential to go much further, with the 10 closest shots — the first five boys and the first five girls — earning $2,000 for their respective First Tee chapters.
With $2,000 on the line, the pressure was real. So was the opportunity.
More than $5 Million behind the next generation of First Tee
Later that evening at the PURE Insurance Championship pairing party, Chevron announced a $125,000 donation to the First Tee.
Closest to the pin winners are also recognized. The top five boys and top five girls were originally set to earn $2,000 for their respective First Tee chapters, but when the girls’ competition ended in a tie for fifth, Chevron matched the additional prize.
What started as a fun afternoon at The Hay generated $22,000 in donations to First Tee chapters across the country.
Chevron’s support is part of a relationship with First Tee that spans 16 years and more than $5 million in total donations, including contributions to the organization’s Foundation Scholarship Program, which began in 2020.
That sustained commitment, along with support from other First Tee partners, has helped more than 143 young adults receive ongoing mentoring, professional development and financial assistance as they transition to and through college.
Stories from scholarship recipients illustrate how meaningful that support can be, and the lasting impact it can have on their lives.
An example of the First Tee College Scholarship program at work is Aarya Shewale of First Tee – Greater Houston, who is starting her first year at Texas A&M University, where she will study aerospace engineering. After eight years with the First Tee, Shewale earned Ace certification and founded the Katy Chess Academy, a service project that teaches children life skills through chess.
The scholarship program also supported Carlie Matengula of First Tee – Greater Austin, who will begin studying political science at Baylor University this fall. Matengula spent seven years with First Tee – Greater Austin, most recently serving as junior coach. She also created Tee Her Up, a golf clinic that introduced the game to 100 minority girls in her community.
For these young golfers, the lessons extend far beyond the course. With Chevron’s continued support, players receive opportunities and resources that leave a lasting impression, shaping not only the golfers they become, but the people they grow along the way.