First Tee participants win $22,000 for local chapters in par-3 contest | News

When 80 lucky First Tee participants arrived at the PURE Insurance Championship, they already had plenty to look forward to.

Four rounds across Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill. The chance to play alongside PGA Tour Champions professionals. And an experience most young golfers could only dream about.

Then 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 juniors got the chance to play the famed 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 groups made their way around the nine-hole routing, they eventually arrived at the second hole—modeled after Pebble Beach’s iconic seventh hole.

The hole was only playing about 100 yards, but these short shots had the potential to go much farther, with the 10 closest shots—the top five boys and top 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 First Tee’s next generation

Later that evening at the PURE Insurance Championship pairings party, Chevron announced a $125,000 donation to the First Tee. 

The closest-to-the-pin winners were 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 stretches back 16 years and over 5 million dollars in total donations—including contributions to the organization’s College 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 mentorship, professional development and financial assistance as they transition to and through college. 

And stories from scholarship recipients illustrate just how meaningful that support can be, and the lasting impact it can have on their lives.

One example of the First Tee College Scholarship Program at work is Aarya Shewale of First Tee – Greater Houston, who is beginning his freshman year at Texas A&M University, where he’ll 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 has also supported Carlie Matengula of First Tee – Greater Austin, who begins studying political science at Baylor University this fall. Matengula spent seven years with First Tee – Greater Austin, most recently serving as a 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 well 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 into along the way.