Palo Alto, California, and Naples, Florida- (July 3, 2023) – Braden Miller of First Tee – Naples/Collier will compete this week in the First Tee National Championship at Stanford University Golf Course, July 2-6, 2023. The 54-hole event brings together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level.
The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. Braden has been part of the First Tee – Naples/Collier for more than 8 years. He is a staple in our programs including having participated in our Elementary & Middle School golf programs as well as our Life Skills programming. Branden has served as a Jr. assistant coach during our summer camps. Miller is a leader on the Baron Collier High School Golf team and placed T5 in the 2022 Florida Boys High School Golf State Tournament.
“We are extremely proud of Braden being selected to participate in this year’s First Tee’s National Championship at Stanford University Golf Course. He is an amazing young man who has earned this opportunity through his work on and off the golf course.” Said Derek Clemmensen Director of Programs for First Tee – Naples/Collier. “Braden is a great Jr. Assistant Coach and example for our younger participants to look up to. We are excited to follow him this week as he competes.”
This year’s tournament brings an exciting new opportunity. Two boys and two girls will be awarded spots in the PGA TOUR’s new Pathways to Progression program.
Additionally, the winner of each division will be awarded the Tattersall Cup and will earn an exemption, if eligible, into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee held at Pebble Beach Golf Links September 16-24, 2023.
Miller will compete against top players from across the country. Seven players in the field are ranked on the American Junior Golf Association or Junior Golf Scoreboard Top 250, including the winner of last year’s PURE Insurance Championship. During the week, participants will hear from a panel of coaches with advice on how to advance their game and navigate the collegiate recruiting process.
First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college campuses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience. The Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
View the full list of selected participants here.
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrated its 25th anniversary and has reached millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About First Tee – Naples/CollierThe First Tee – Naples/Collier exists to enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum, we create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids carry to everything they do. The First Tee – Naples/Collier is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 2007. We reach 1,000 kids ages 7 – 18 years of age each year in Collier County. Visit their web site: www.firstteenaplescollier.org for additional information.