This week, 66 Youth on Course members are among the 80 young golfers ages 15–18 gathering on the Monterey Peninsula for the 2026 PURE Insurance Championship. Together, these members have played more than 4,500 Youth on Course rounds.

Hosted by PURE Insurance and Monterey Peninsula Foundation, the championship brings together participants from 52 First Tee chapters for a week of competition, mentorship, and personal growth. Throughout the week, the teens will have the opportunity to compete at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course while connecting with PGA TOUR Champions professionals and business leaders.

Meet five of the Youth on Course members competing this week:

C29550A4-CDCC-48FE-BFC2-E586723CBEF1-1Gavin L. | Millbrae, California

For Gavin, golf has shaped the way he approaches life, teaching him that you don’t always have to feel prepared before taking the next step.

“Whether it’s running for student council, starting a club, or trying something completely new, I’m much more willing to take the first step and learn along the way.”

Youth on Course gave Gavin and his siblings the opportunity to play regularly and introduced him to caddying. Today, he gives back to that same community as a DRIVE Club mentor.

3F344080-16EA-47FC-A456-5F78E0F1D5D8Sofia N. | Federal Way, Washington

Sofia’s golf journey began around age seven, and by age 10, she was competing in tournaments. Having access to a variety of courses through Youth on Course has helped her build confidence in preparing for competition.

“Having the opportunity to golf at a wider variety of courses has especially helped me build my confidence in preparation for tournaments.”

After watching her cousin and other First Tee alumni compete in the PURE Insurance Championship, Sofia always dreamed of having the opportunity herself. Now, she’ll represent her chapter and learn alongside the professionals.

2B688F4D-C7F1-4D29-8A56-2F3495583E50_1_201_aTanner S. | West Sacramento 

For Tanner, Youth on Course helped make it possible to play enough golf to take his game to the next level.

“Playing a variety of courses for just $5 a round took a massive financial weight off my family, which allowed me to practice constantly and get my game to a competitive level.”

Now a senior at Jesuit High School, Tanner hopes to play college golf and eventually build a career in the golf industry. He’s looking forward to making connections during championship week that could help shape his future.

35178F25-1027-4EA9-86EA-D76784CF1616Michelle L. | San Antonio, Texas

Michelle’s love for golf started with her older sister, Lindsay, and eventually grew into her own passion for the game. Some of her favorite Youth on Course memories come from when she was nine, spending afternoons at her home course until dark, so often that she knew everyone in the pro shop. Those early days on the course helped Michelle fall in love with golf and shaped why the game has become such an important part of her life.

Her selection for the PURE Insurance Championship is especially meaningful because Lindsay competed in the event a few years ago, making this a full-circle moment.

“I cannot wait to play such a well-known and memorable golf course, and see my friends from the other First Tee chapters!”

IMG_0692Khloe C. | Elk Grove, California

Khloe’s love for golf started at just three years old, when her dad would take her to the driving range. She loved watching him tee up balls and share his excitement for the game. Now a high school senior, Khloe is excited to finally play Pebble Beach or Spyglass Hill, courses she’s dreamed of experiencing for years.

“Getting to step onto Pebble Beach or Spyglass Hill is going to be pretty surreal. I’m looking forward to taking it all in, playing my best, and enjoying every moment.”

Tournament play begins Sept. 18 at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Following Saturday’s rounds, the top 24 juniors will advance to Sunday’s final at Pebble Beach, where one male and one female First Tee participant will be crowned champions.

We’re proud to see 66 Youth on Course members representing our community during this incredible week. Good luck to all of our members competing in the 2026 PURE Insurance Championship!