CLEMSON, S.C. (June 25, 2021) – Ashton Harper of Roanoke, Va. and Symran Shah of Carrollton, Texas won the boys’ and girls’ divisions, respectively, of the first-ever First Tee National Championship at Clemson University’s The Walker Course. The event, June 21-24, 2021, brought 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 next level.
Harper, a rising high school junior and a member of First Tee — Roanoke Valley won the boys’ division. He shot a 9-under (69-70-68) during the 54-hole event to win the event, but it took a birdie on the first hole of the playoff to clinch the victory.
Shah, a rising high school senior is a member of First Tee — Greater Dallas. She shot a -2 (71-71-72) during the 54-hole event to win the event. Consistent throughout the tournament, Shah carded three birdies on the final back nine to pull herself away from the field and win by three strokes.
Winners of each girls’ and boys’ divisions were awarded with the Tattersall Cup in honor of event Chairman Fred Tattersall. Harper also earned an exemption into the PGA TOUR Champions’ PURE Insurance Championship Impacting the First Tee held at Pebble Beach Golf Links September 21-26, 2021. Shah has previously played in PURE Insurance Championship, so the girls’ runners up will earn the exemptions.
Congratulations to all of the competitors who participated in this inaugural event,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO, “especially to Ashton Harper and Symran Shah, winners of their respective divisions. “They played this week with confidence and composure and we look forward to watching them continue to develop and pursue their goals both on and off the golf course.”
First Tee National Championship will be held annually at various college golf courses around the nation providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience.
Clemson University’s The Walker Course hosted the inaugural Championship. During the week, participants had the opportunity to hear from PGA Head Golf Professional Steve Scott on how his values intersected with his experience of finishing Runner-Up to Tiger Woods in the 1996 U.S. Amateur Championship.
The field included 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-19, who were selected based on their golf skill and competitive golf experience. Players came from 32 First Tee chapters across the country. A full list of results is available here.
First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping young people learn life skills and build character through the game of golf. The National 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. For more information on the tournament and First Tee, visit www.thefirsttee.org.
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. Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach more than 3.6 million young people annually through its chapter network, in schools and at 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.
Media Contact:
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