PEBBLE BEACH — It was a hollow and subdued feeling last year. Not only were fans missing from the PURE Insurance Open, but so were the teens from the First Tee program, the heart of the tournament.
“With all the uncertainty floating around last year with the pandemic, we did not feel it would be right flying kids into the event,” Monterey Peninsula Foundation CEO Steve John said.
That won’t be the case this year as 80 selected juniors from the First Tee program — from 22 different states — will spend the weekend living a dream, competing alongside PGA Tour Champions pros in the 18th PURE Insurance Open in Pebble Beach.
“The First Tee uses golf as its platform,” John said, “but it teaches life skills and core values, building kids for the future. Golf just makes it fun. We’re thrilled to have everyone back on campus.”
The tournament, which is part of the PGA Tour Champions circuit, will return to its regular format with 81 PGA players, 81 First Tee participants and 162 amateurs set to compete in the first round Friday at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course.
Spyglass has become a part of the rotation this year, replacing Poppy Hills, which had been part of the event for the past four years.
“It’s just easier from a logistical standpoint,” said John, who played in this tournament as an amateur from 2005-2010. “It’s hard to put into words the excitement of having the juniors back in the tournament.”
For two days and 36 holes on two of the more plush courses in the world, members from the First Tee will play golf and pick a pro’s brain in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“It’s a different level of energy these kids bring to the table,” John said. “They get to spend time with pros and leaders of all industries. They can ask all the questions they want. They are so incredibly driven. The average GPA is 3.86.”
While there’s $2.1 million in purse earnings at stake for the pros, they also appear to relish the unique atmosphere as much as the wide-eyed teenagers.
The event is the only one on the tour that includes First Tee players, as well as amateurs. While the pro and selected junior will play together the first two days, the two amateur players in each group will rotate after the first day.
“The PGA Tour Champions players love this event,” John insisted. “They’re trying to mentor the juniors, work with them. It’s a commitment to the First Tee program.”
Despite not having the juniors in the event, or fans last year, the tournament still raised over $1.5 million for the First Tee program.
Making his PGA Tour Champions debut this week will be Stewart Appleby, who has won 20 tour titles and was the PGA Comeback Player of the Year in 2010.
In addition, long-drive champion Eddie Fernandes will make his PGA Tour Champions debut. Fernandes has driven a ball 480 yards, with the ball traveling over 200 mph.
Defending champion Jim Furyk will not be back to defend his 2020 title, as he is the assistant captain for the upcoming United States Ryder Cup team.
The top 23 pro-junior teams and top 10 amateur teams that make the cut will grace Pebble Beach one more time on Sunday in the final round on NBC.
In addition, two special events will be held Thursday with the Champions Circle Ryder Cup-style event at The Hay golf course from 3-5 p.m., and the Chevron Challenge at 5 p.m. at The Hay.
The Chevron Challenge will include six PGA players and six juniors, including Stevenson senior Sydney Craven, who was among the 80 First Tee players who were selected to play in the event.
“There is no PGA tour like it,” John said. “While the players mentor the juniors, by Saturday it is often a reversal and the pros love it. It is nice to get back to some normalcy.”
Spectators are invited to view PURE Insurance Championship competition at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Spyglass Hill Golf Course is closed for spectator viewing. Tickets are not required to attend. Public seating and food and beverage will not be available on the course, however, Pebble Beach restaurants and retail outlets are open.
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September 23, 2021 at 01:47AM
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Pro Golf: Junior players set to return to the PURE Insurance Open - Monterey Herald
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