(THREE of Our FTSV Participants Competed in the 2026 First Tee National Championship! – Published 08/07/26) First Tee – Silicon Valley participants Alexis Chu, Annie Lu and Arden Xu competed in the annual First Tee National Championship held at University of NC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina on June 21st to 25th. The First Tee National Championship brought together First Tee’s elite players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped them build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level. The winners of each male and female division were awarded with the Tattersall Cup named after First Tee Trustee, Fred Tattersall. Each winner earned an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach Golf Links.
First Tee National Championship is a 54-hole stroke-play event featuring a Girls and Boys division for high school participants. The field included 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skill, competitive golf experience and handicap.
Meet Alexis
Alexis started with FTSV eight years ago in 2018. She is a dedicated participant who started in our PLAYer classes, progressing through our program to our ACE Level. Additionally, she has been part of our Junior Council, brainstorming ideas for the betterment of our program overall, and remains and active volunteer with over 80 service hours as a coach. She has been selected for multiple First Tee National opportunities like the Leadership Summit in Montana and the upcoming PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.
Meet Annie
Annie started with FTSV two years ago in 2024, initially joining as a junior coach before later becoming an ACE participant. While she did not join the First Tee – Silicon Valley program until high school, Annie’s impact has not gone unnoticed. She has quickly stood out as an exceptional participant and coach through her thoughtfulness and consistent demonstration of our core values and life skills. Annie is also a frequent volunteer for our Girl’s Golf program making her an important mentor to our young female participants. She is also selected to represent our chapter at the PURE Insurance Championship in September.
“My experience at the National Championship was life changing. I met so many new peers who shared the same passions as me and I was able to open up and share about my own experiences with First Tee, whether it was the same or different. In addition, being around all these juniors who are similar in age and passionate about golf and First Tee has definitely opened up my eyes about the possibilities in the world and how I can contribute further.”
Meet Arden
Arden started with FTSV in 2024 and is currently taking ACE level classes. Since joining our program, Arden has been eager to make contributions as he regularly volunteers as a junior coach at Baylands Golf Links. He has totaled over 100 volunteer hours within the FTSV and is often praised by his peers. Arden has also qualified for the PURE Insurance Championship in September.
“The First Tee National Championship was by far one of the most unforgettable tournaments I have ever experienced! The number of amenities, care, and kindness that the First Tee organization treated us made everyone feel truly valued as competitors of this amazing event. What I found truly incredible was the organization of post-round events (such as guest speakers or the opening ceremony) that created a unique atmosphere for me to socialize with other competitive junior golfers. It was the people that made this tournament special, and I will never forget this amazing experience.”
All three participants are outstanding golfers who play and excel in their golf teams and in their individual tournaments. What we appreciate is they work hard and are grounded, modest, and respectful. They are also dedicated to coaching our life skill curriculum to our younger participants. Thank you, Alexis, Annie, and Arden!
Click here to view the tournament details and highlights. Click here to view more information on the National Opportunities.
