Application Deadline: March 19, 2025

Overview:
The PURE Insurance Championship provides First Tee participants a national stage on which to showcase the skills and values they’ve learned at their chapter. Throughout the week, teens can network with peers, PGA TOUR Champions players and leaders from the business world who are competing in the amateur field, gaining exposure to the opportunities golf can provide both on and off the course. During the tournament, which is hosted at iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, each teen is paired with a golf legend who provides mentorship as they compete for the pro-junior title. First Tee and title sponsor PURE Insurance are committed to ensuring teens from underserved communities have access to this event. Golf resume, personal growth through First Tee and socioeconomic need are all considerations in determining the field.

Participant Selection: Up to 81 

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Participants must be between 14 and 18 years old (applicants must reach their 14th birthday by the first day of the event date and not have reached their 19th birthday by the conclusion of the event).
• Classified as an 8th grader, high school freshman, sophomore, or junior as of spring semester 2025 (high school seniors at the time of the application deadline are not eligible to apply.)
• Since this event has male and female divisions, all participants must select one of these divisions during the application process.  For any questions or concerns, please email support@firsttee.org. 
• Entered in Salesforce and has been an active participant for a minimum of two years
• Competitive Golf Ability – MUST have an active USGA GHIN handicap of 6 or better for males and 8 or better for females
• Players must be physically and mentally able to play up to 5 rounds in one week, while walking, carrying their own bag, and keeping pace of play according to the PGA TOUR Rules and Competitions guidelines
• Participants who previously attended the event are not eligible
• Each chapter may nominate up to five participants 
• If selected, the participant must be able to travel to Pebble Beach, CA 9/16-9/21, 2025

Application Process: 
Applications will be submitted online at https://firsttee.smapply.org; please follow the instructions in the “Quick Start Guide” on how to complete this process. Please contact your chapter representative if you have difficulty with the application process. The online application will consist of the following: 

• Application Code
• Participant General Information
• Golf Resume
• School & Community Activities Chart
• Supplemental Questions (2)
• Participant Intro Video (Because of First Tee I ____)
• Three (3) Short Answer Essays
• Chapter Participation Survey (to be completed by a chapter representative and uploaded by the participant)
• Participant Bio Form
• Letter of Recommendation
• Headshot
• Social Media, Code of Conduct and Model Release Form
• Release of Liability Form 

Online application must be submitted by the First Tee participant. Applications submitted by a parent, guardian or Chapter Representative will be automatically disqualified. First Tee will not accept paper applications, emails, or correspondence from families of participants. The deadline to apply online is March 19, 2025.

Policy on the Use of AI in Event Applications:
To maintain fairness and uphold the integrity of the application process, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as text generators or automated writing assistance, is strictly prohibited when completing event applications. Applicants are expected to submit original responses that reflect their own thoughts, experiences, and perspectives. Submissions found to include AI-generated content may be disqualified. We value authenticity and encourage all applicants to share their unique voice and genuine enthusiasm in their applications.

Selection Process: 
Following the closing date of March 19, 2025, a judging committee made up of First Tee headquarters staff members, chapter staff and PURE Insurance staff will review and assign point values to the categories. Once the selected participants have been identified, we will announce the field in late June. 

Travel & Stipend Information: 
Selected participants will be required to travel with a chaperone and are responsible for making all travel arrangements. First Tee has secured a discounted room rate at the Hyatt Monterey for First Tee participants and their chaperone to utilize. All guest room arrangements will need to be made by contacting the hotel directly. A reservation link will be sent to all selected participants for them to make their own arrangements. Transportation is not provided to and from the host hotel and Pebble Beach Golf Links. 

First Tee will provide each participant with a stipend of up to $2,200 to assist with the cost of accommodations. Costs incurred for rental cars, fuel, food, and other transportation related expenses will not be considered. 

Airfare Stipends (Needs Based): Selected participants who will be flying to the event will have the option to apply for an airfare stipend by completing a Financial Form following the field announcement in late June. Airfare stipends will be provided to participants and chaperones who demonstrate a financial barrier due to the cost of traveling to Pebble Beach. ONLY the costs incurred for the participant and chaperone will be considered. Any costs associated for additional family members to travel to Pebble Beach is at the discretion of the families and will not be considered. Participants who choose to drive to the event, those who within 150 miles of Pebble Beach will be required to drive, are not eligible for a transportation stipend. 

Stipends will be sent directly to the Chapters following the conclusion of the event. 

Questions: 
Nicolette Scalf: Manager, Events
nicolettescalf@firsttee.org