The week of the Charles Schwab Challenge is one of the biggest weeks for First Tee – Fort Worth! With one of the closest relationships on the PGA Tour, our chapter’s access provides our participants a rare opportunity to get inside the ropes with PGA Tour pros!
Our Caddie Day experiences on the Monday and Wednesday Pro-Ams give participants in our chapter the opportunity to “caddie” for a pro on hole #4 or #13. Participants meet their pro on the tee box and get the chance to ask questions and accompany their pro as they play the hole. This year we saw some amazing interactions including pros letting their First Tee caddies hit shots from the tee, sink some putts, and even carry the bag!
One highlight in particular, found one participant, Naomi Phan, showing off her skills on Hole #4. A female amateur in the group gave Naomi, 12, her driver to hit off of #4 tee box, a par 3. With an unfamiliar club, Naomi knocked her shot on the green, pin high! Naomi’s group was so impressed that they invited her not only to finish out the hole with them, but also walk with them on the next hole. To top if off, her group actually offered to fit her with a driver of her own! Wow! Needless to say, Naomi made a big impression and her group will be interested in following her golf career as she grows! Congrats, Naomi!!
New to this year, Colonial added a new flare to the Wednesday Pro-Am on Hole #13 with free-style rapper, Kelly James! While the rapper had fans and players alike laughing and smiling, one participant got the opportunity to free-style herself! Fernanda, a Diamond Hill High School student who started with First Tee this past year, was given the chance to show off her free-style skills and perform during PGA Tour professional Doc Redman’s visit to Hole #13! Check out her performance here!
We’re happy to be back in full swing, including bringing back our on-course reporters! This year we have Victoria Farkas and Connor Myrick on course getting unique stories from the tournament! See Victoria’s unique experience as a caddie for one of Charles Schwab’s VPs in her article here!
Stay tuned for more exciting news as the Charles Schwab Challenge continues through the weekend!