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SAN JOSE (July 8, 2008) –Ryan Rankin, 15, from The First Tee of San Jose will travel to Manhattan, Kansas to compete for an opportunity to play in the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach in August. Rankin is one of 90 boys from The First Tee learning facilities worldwide who will take part in The First Tee selection process at Kansas State University and Colbert Hills Golf Course, July 14-18.
Thirty-six girls will also participate in a second selection event, July 23-27, at Wentworth By The Sea Country Club in Rye, NH.
The fifth-annual Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach presented by Nature Valley, a nationally televised Champions Tour tournament, takes place August 25-31 over Labor Day weekend. Of the 78 juniors that will participate in this year’s unique tournament, 70 will be chosen from the two selection events.
“We are thrilled to have Ryan Rankin represent The First Tee of San Jose at the 2008 Wal-Mart First Tee Open Selection Process,” said George Maxe, Executive Director of The First Tee of San Jose. “As an Eagle level participant, a Volunteer Coach and a Golf Team Member, Ryan is a committed member of the program. He is a phenomenal athlete who manages to maintain a GPA of over 4.0 as a sophomore at Mitty. On behalf of all of The First Tee staff, volunteers, and participants, we wish Ryan the best of luck in Kansas.”
In addition to his dedication to The First Tee program, Ryan is a member of the Archbishop Mitty High School Varsity Golf Team and the Junior Golf Association of Northern California League.
The First Tee selection process recognizes participants who have integrated life skills learned through The First Tee into other aspects of their life. Participants will be evaluated both on and off the golf course, through a series of interviews, essays and a 36-hole golf-proficiency event. A committee of representatives from The First Tee, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Kansas State University and invited guests from the golf industry will judge the participants based on the following criteria:
- Proficiency on the golf course
- Personal interviews
- Life skills curriculum knowledge
- Personal essay describing an obstacle they have overcome
- Involvement and longevity with The First Tee
- Summary of community involvement, awards/recognitions and extracurricular activities
- Decorum
The Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach presented by Nature Valley will take place on Pebble Beach Golf Links and Del Monte Golf Course, and will be televised on GOLF CHANNEL. Visit www.thefirsttee.org or www.thefirstteeopen.com for more information.
About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, FL at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants and students in 48 states and four international locations – Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore. Former President George Bush serves as honorary chairman.
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As Founding Corporate Partner of The First Tee, Shell Oil Company has provided financial resources to support the development of this charitable youth initiative aimed at promoting character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Because of Shell’s initial contribution, The First Tee has garnered the support of hundreds of corporations and organizations that have provided financial or promotional support to The First Tee and its Chapters.
Contact:
Contact: George Maxe
(408) 288-2937
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