Freedom Golfer Plays With The Pros
Freedom junior Terese Romeo recently returned from an opportunity of a life time. Romeo was one of 81 kids selected to participate in the Nature Valley First Tee open. A tournament held at one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world, Pebble Beach, California. Here, there has been many professional golf tournaments and many of the best players that have ever lived played at Pebble Beach.
“It could possibly be the best golf course in the world,” professional golfer Jack Nicklaus said.
81 kids and 81 Champions Tour professionals were paired up to play in a “best ball” style competition. The kids had a dinner the night before the first day to meet there pro and get to know them. Romeo was paired with Bill Glasson, who has won 8 PGA tournaments and grew up in the Florida area. To get into this event, there was a series of applications and interviews Romeo had to go through. This application had 8 essays and a part that tested her ability to show her core values.
The First Tee is a non-profit organization that helps kids learn ways to overcome challenges and get through life. They have set core values that are to be met every day. The nine core values are confidence, responsibility, judgment, respect, sportsmanship, courtesy, honesty, integrity, and perseverance. Romeo has been involved with The First Tee since she was 11 years old when her brother introduced her to the game. Through the years she has made her way up to the highest rank in the program, making her eligible to apply for such a prestigious opportunity.
Romeo, being paired with Bill Glasson, made a total of 7 birdies in 2 days and ended up 7 under for the tournament. Although this trip had a lot to do with playing golf, Romeo says “the people are what made this trip so great”. With kids from all over the United States, it was a great way to meet new people and have friends for a lifetime. Romeo would go back anytime she could and says that it was the greatest opportunity and experience she’s ever had, and she will be applying next year.
After she came back she had to continue to help out the high school golf team. Last week she won the District tournament along with leading the team to a win.
