Local Golfers Selected for First Tee Open

Two local golfers from The First Tee of Three Rivers Park District have been chosen to play in the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, CA—an official Champions Tour event that will be played July 8-10 and televised nationally on Golf Channel. 

Elizabeth Bauernfeind of Plymouth and Jack Holmgren of Corcoran  are among 70 young men and women selected through a process that evaluates participants’ playing ability and comprehension of the life skills and character education learned through their involvement with The First Tee. Overall, 78 Champions Tour players will be teamed with 78 juniors and 156 amateurs as they compete for the title at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Del Monte Golf Course.

 “This is a great opportunity for Elizabeth and Jack,” said Brian Pabst, director of instruction for the Three Rivers Golf Academy, which is an official First Tee Chapter. “They’re certainly deserving of this honor. Not only are they good golfers but they really represent the life skills and character that The First Tee is all about."

Champions Tour players scheduled to play include World Golf Hall of Fame members Ben Crenshaw and Tom Kite, along with past champions of this unique event, Craig Stadler, Scott Simpson and Jeff Sluman, who captured the title in 2008 and 2009. Chip Beck, John Cook and fan-favorite Fuzzy Zoeller also have committed.

The First Tee was created in 1997 as a way to bring golf to young people that otherwise would not be exposed to the game and its positive values. The mission of The First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.