The First Tee Course Reporters

Jhonnatan Vegas visited with the First Tee reporters in the interview room at TPC Sawgrass.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Eriyana Truesdale, Nicholas Dulko, Chase Killette, Chelsea Killette, Aleeya Peete, Brandon Gilliland and Amelia Kiewitt will be serving as Course Reporters from THE PLAYERS Championship. All are members of The First Tee.

Meeting the commissioner a highlight of the day
By Aleeya Peete

Peete

Being a junior course reporter has been one of the most interesting things I have done in a long time. I have learned more things today than I do in a whole week of school. This includes things like what happens when you are a player and you want to be sponsored to what has to happen to get the scores up on the score board. I met people like Commissioner Finchem, Mr. Billy Schroder, the Vice President of Player Relations, and also Mr. Sean Howland that works with ShotLink.

Mr. Billy Schroder's job was very interesting and I really enjoyed talking to him. He is the vice president of player relations and deals with players and how they get sponsored. He has been with the players for going on twelve years and got his start at ShotLink. I also went and talked with Mr. Sean Howland that now works for ShotLink and he is what I would think to be one of the backbones for the PGA TOUR. He is in charge of the scoreboards and being able to accurately display the information to the public. He also has the job of teaching the wonderful volunteers how to work the equipment. These handheld devices get the yardage when the players hit their shot and where it landed on the earth. Mr. Howland is on the road helping out the all the tournaments for over 200 days of the year.

Meeting Mr. Finchem, the Commissioner for The PGA TOUR, was probably the highlight of my day because he has such am amazing job. He has gotten to travel to many different places over the years. The best thing is that he is a big supporter of The First Tee. He was one of the people that started the program because he thought that all kids should have a chance to learn to play the game of golf. He believed that it shouldn't matter where you live or how much money you have that should dictate whether you can play golf or not. I am not sure if he remembers but I have met Mr. Finchem before, but I was never able to talk to him like this.

The President of Championship Management, Mr. David Pillsbury, was avery nice man and he had a good story. He actually did not start playing golf until later in his life. In high school and college he played football which I thought was interesting because most of the people either played golf since they were young or were growing up around it. Today I also got the awesome chance to sit in on a press conference with the leader of the tournament, Nick Watney, which was very cool because he is one of the golfers that I look up to as a role model. To see his leading the tournament is nice.

This day was so much fun and I got to meet so many of my heroes and learn so much. This experience really opened my eyes to all that goes on during a tournament and so many people are needed to run it. I cannot wait for next year so I can apply to be a junior course reporter again! I would recommend being a junior course reporter to any and all of the next participants from The First Tee before they leave. I was so excited for this day and it lived up to all my expectations and more.

Take a deep breath and take it all in for Round 1 of THE PLAYERS
By Amelia Kiewitt

Kiewitt

Somebody slap me! I feel as if I've been living in a dream the last few days. I took a deep breath this morning and looked around at the beautiful Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass and you could just smell the excitement in the air. Starting my second day as a junior course reporter representing The First Tee of St John's County, I wasn't sure what to expect. We had already gotten to see and do so much yesterday it was hard to imagine there could be more. But as the day began things were already different as the actual tournament started today and the crowds began to build along with the humidity.

Yes, today would bring something new. I got to meet many important people today. I got to speak with the Commissioner, the President of Championship Management, and the Vice President of Players Relations. All of these people had many detailed and interesting things to say. I could not possibly explain it all, but one thing that stood out to me was from the President of Championship Management, David Pillsbury. He said that golf is the most charitable sport. That just reminded me how much integrity golf has and why I love it so much. I also got to speak to Sean Howland at ShotLink. This was the coolest thing for me because I am a techno geek and always have been interested to see what goes on with cameras and what not. When I entered in the trailer I was surprised to see how many cables, wires, buttons, and lights there were just to put a golf tournament on television. Mr. Howland explained how they have to spread cables to infinity and beyond and have to do so much with technology!

All I can say is I will never watch golf the same way again. Another opportunity I had was to sit in on a press conference with Nick Watney. That was neat to be able to see it in real life. You can't get the full effect when you just watch it on a screen. I got to go and watch a few holes of golf and I saw Rickie Fowler, Adam Scott, and Graeme McDowell, at different times, walking out of the clubhouse ten feet away from me! That was just a bonus to the whole experience I had today. As this week wraps up for me and my involvement as a junior course reporter, I think about all the other opportunities given to me by The First Tee, and I realize that I have been in a dream. I am blessed and grateful for people like Dan Chelel, Coach Jeff Willoughby and Tom Lawrence and others who make great experiences for young people who have a love for the great game of golf. Living and breathing in all the atmosphere of one of the greatest tournaments in the world this week ... well, what can I say but I am blessed.

Television trailer a particularly interesting part of the day
By Brandon Gilliland

Gilliland

On the final day of course reporting, I was able to meet the individuals responsible for creating the game of golf everyone knows and enjoys to watch. First, I was able to meet with Tim Finchem, the Commissioner for The PGA TOUR. During the meeting, I was able to gain insight into the daily life of someone in charge of every aspect of the PGA TOUR. Managing the media, managing the players, and organizing daily events are all apart of the jobs Commissioner Finchem is required to balance.

After meeting with Commissioner Finchem, I was able to meet with Billy Schroder, Vice President of Player Relations. While talking with Mr. Schroder, I was able to understand more into the advertising side of golf. With his role on the PGA TOUR, Mr. Schroder is responsible for making sure the players' advertisements are being noticed. This is an important job in making The PGA TOUR successful because the income relies mostly on the sponsorships of various companies.

Although the scores and yardages look simple to calculate from simply watching the television, it is a whole different story behind the scenes. A company that updates the scores, yardages, and more on an instant basis is known as ShotLink. The course reporters and I were able to take a tour inside of the ShotLink trailer that is basically the nervous system for all the live time stats for the PGA TOUR. In this trailer, all of the computers that help record the scores are housed. I also learned that hand-held devices are given to volunteers to help update the players' scores in live time. The information from the hand-held devices is then sent back to the ShotLink trailer to be updated. At this point, the information is ready to be seen on television by many around the world.

Even though ShotLink looked complicated inside of the trailer, the television trailer was even more complicated. The particular trailer I was able to access was a European station known as Sky. This particular company is a major media station in Europe. As soon as I walked into the trailer, I was overwhelmed by the abundance of screens showing the different shots in the tournament. It was neat to watch how commercial breaks were handled because the golf cameras keep rolling while the tournament is being played. The Sky television station definitely has its hands full!

Aside from experiencing the "behind the scenes" of the PGA TOUR, the junior course reporters and I were able to take part in a press conference with Nick Watney. It was interesting to hear his answers to the media regarding his game. Today, he shot a 64 while still double-bogeying a hole. In the press conference, he talked about his mental game and perseverance on the course. Ultimately, this helped him to have a great first round. Although meeting important individuals who are a part of the PGA TOUR and understanding more of the media involved in the game of golf was amazing, it was neat to experience a press conference with a PGA TOUR player.

I am so glad I had the opportunity to participate in this course reporting program.

Talking to Watney a highlight of second day at THE PLAYERS
By Chase Killette

Killette

My second day at THE PLAYERS was even more exciting as the first. This time it was less walking and a lot more talking. I had fun spending time with the St. John's Junior Course Reporters and the other Jacksonville Reporters as well. Today I met Commissioner Finchem, President of Championship Management David Pillsbury, and Vice President of Player Relations Billy Schroder.

My favorite thing about today was that I had the chance to sit in on a press conference with Nick Watney. Nick has won multiple tournaments on the PGA TOUR. I personally asked Nick if he was surprised by the way he played today. Nick said with a expression of confidence "I am not surprised. But I am happy by the way I played." Before that session even took place we went into the clubhouse and spoke with several people who run the "in's and out's" of The PGA TOUR. The "Big Dog," Commissioner Finchem, was a great guy and told us that working as the CEO was amazing. He has especially enjoyed helping out with charities among other activities. Prior to that, David Pillsbury briefly warmed us up with information that could help us in life. Lastly, Billy Schroder told all of the Reporters about the type of management we would need to make it on the TOUR -- a good manager takes care of all the off-course responsibilities.

We also went back to the miniature whole challenge. I was happy to show my friend Jacob Finn and Danny Norman my golf skills. This time I stuck it 11 inches out from the hole, which put me on the leader board with the rest of the other chippers.

At the end of the day, George Ameer gave us a tour of the Sky TV truck. When I walked in the room it was full of TV's on the wall of the different holes that the cameras were located. That was a fun experience to see how the channels are directed on television. Speaking of technical stuff we also stopped by the ShotLink truck. ShotLink is responsible for updating all the stats on the scoreboards and laptops all over the course.

I was kind of disappointed to see Tiger Woods withdraw from the tournament. But I understand that he was going through pain in his kne.

But when I reflect back on all the great experiences I have had this past week, I would say that this is something I will never forget. And I hope I can do it again!

Behind the scenes look shows pro golf is much more than just mental
By Amelia Kiewitt

It was Bobby Jones who said, "Competitive golf is played mainly on a five and a half inch course ... the space between your ears." Well, that may be true as far as the players are concerned, but being a junior course reporter for one of the most prestigious tournaments in golf has shown me there's a lot more to it. I had the rare chance to take part in seeing so much about THE PLAYERS that no regular person watching TV would know, thanks to some really great people who took the time to share the experience.

The start of the day was great for me personally since I got to interview a few great players that were first timers to THE PLAYERS. One in particular was Matteo Manassero, who happens to be my favorite player. It was a dream come true for me to have the opportunity to meet him. I also talked to Jhonattan Vegas and got to ask him a few questions. He told me how he dealt with his nerves by realizing he is going to be nervous, knowing he was going to perform differently and just keeping it under control. Everyone we talked to seemed to stress how the mental part of the game is very important. This just reinforces Bobby Jones' statement.

The rest of the Junior Course Reporters and I had so many great opportunities today. There are so many things people don't realize about the behind the scenes of THE PLAYERS. It surprised me what this event entails and how much goes on that you wouldn't even guess. They need everything from fitness trailers, to their own meteorologists. I got the chance to go in the TaylorMade trailer, which really impressed me. They had everything you could imagine in stock including shafts, grips, and heads for the clubs. I got to talk to Wade Liles, the man in charge of fixing the players' clubs. Being able to see the process of changing the shafts and re-gripping the clubs was so neat to me because it has always amazed me and now I got to see it in real life! Overall, that experience was one of my favorites of the day.

So as I ended my first day as a course reporter I would love to embrace the words of one of my favorite golfers Bobby Jones....but I'd have to say there is so much more to THE PLAYERS. Sorry, Bobby, there is so much more! I can't believe there is going to be more tomorrow!

Reporting at TPC Sawgrass even better than expected
By Brandon Gilliland

When I walked through the entrance to the TPC at Sawgrass to take part in the Junior Course Reporters program, I did not know what to expect. Even though I had an idea of what might occur, I was shocked to find that the experience exceeded my expectations. Although I have been to a few golf tournaments, I have never been able to experience all of the "behind the scenes" of a PGA TOUR golf tournament.

The first event of the day involved interviewing different TOUR players in the interview room. This room is used to house the press conferences during the tournament. First, I was able to meet with Matteo Manassero. It was interesting to talk with him because he is an 18-year-old professional that has some serious skills and confidence. After talking with Matteo, I was able to meet Jhonattan Vegas. When I asked him about his strategies to prepare for tournaments like the TPC at Sawgrass, he mentioned that mental preparation and physical preparation are vital. Although it is great to have many hours of practice, he said that it is best to have quality rest before a major championship.

After I was able to have the opportunity to meet with some players in the interview room, I was able to check out the fitness trailers. These particular trailers house all of the workout equipment and physical therapists for the professionals playing in the tournament. As we walked into the fitness trailer, Sergio Garcia was exiting from meeting with the physical therapists. After talking with Jeff Hendra, the physical therapist for the PGA TOUR, I learned that there are many common injuries in golf. Also, I was able to talk with players Mark Wilson and Jonathan Byrd inside of the fitness trailer that housed the workout equipment. It was interesting to talk about the physical preparations they complete before playing in a tournament. Each player has a set workout program to complete to stay healthy.

Although the interview and fitness trailers were neat to experience, I was impressed by the TaylorMade golf trailer. Inside this trailer, Wade Liles, a TaylorMade representative, was tweaking and constructing golf clubs for some players. One player that walked into the trailer to have all of his irons checked was Sean O'Hair. Also, Corey Pavin's caddie stopped by to have Pavin's driver re-shafted. It was interesting to see how the players' golf clubs were treated in the trailer.

From meeting and interviewing players to seeing the work that goes on behind the scenes, I experienced the some of the factors necessary for a major golf tournament. I even realized that the meteorologist is extremely important to create the golf tournament we all love to watch. Through all of the events I experienced today, I was able to understand the game of golf through much clearer lenses.

This is Brandon Gilliland signing off.

First day at THE PLAYERS was a big hit
By Chase Killette

Being a Junior Course Reporter is one of the greatest opportunities that a person can have at such a young age. The feeling that I experienced today was great. I met new golfers, saw how people make golf clubs, and saw how golfers prepare to play their best golf.

The most exciting thing that I thought was awesome to me was that I met Matteo Manassero. Matteo is an 18-year-old golfer that is making his first appearance at THE PLAYERS. He told me that he was nervous to be playing among some of greatest golfers in the world. Matteo said that golf was his dream and has the drive to be the best. I personally asked him if he had anything to prove. He said with a bold attitude "no." But Matteo wasn't the only golfer that was appearing at this championship for the first time. You had other golfers such as Jhonattan Vegas, Brendan Steele, and many more. But those weren't the only golfers I had the chance to meet. I met Boo Weekly, Hunter Mahan, and Jonathan Byrd. But the last thing that really shocked me is that Corey Pavin's caddy gave me Corey's old shaft at the TaylorMade truck!

Speaking of the TalyorMade truck, I had the chance to stop by there to meet up with Wade Liles. Wade is the person who makes and fixes golf clubs for golfers if they feel they need a new TaylorMade club. Wade personally gave me and the other reporters a little tour of the truck and discussed how you make or fix a club. Sean O'Hair also stopped by the truck to get his club fixed while we were there. Wade told us the working on the bus is an amazing job, and has fun spending it with the golfers that come in and need help. Wade is also a PlayStation lover. He compared the truck to a NASCAR pit stop.

My experience on the Challenge Hole, a smaller version of the classic 17th hole was awesome as I competed against Dan Chelel in Community Outreach for The PGA TOUR. The tournament was who could get closer to the pin. So I got the club feeling lots of pressure. I didn't know what would happen. Like what Brendan Steele told me a positive mental mind is everything in the game of golf. So I took that advice and put it in action. I set up to the ball thinking this Nike practice ball is going in the hole. My dad, my golf instructor and everybody else went crazy when I stuck it by the hole about a foot out. I won the challenge...but you know everybody wants a rematch when you get beat by a 13-year-old! I didn't win the iPad, but was very proud of my shot.

All in all I had a great day. Can't wait until tomorrow!

A day full of great experiences at TPC Sawgrass
By Chelsea Killette

Killette

Being a First Tee Junior Course Reporter is one of the most fantastic experiences for younger golfers. I got to visit behind the scenes of THE PLAYERS Championship which is also a great opportunity for me at my young age and others in my group of a similar age.

The best thing I got to experience is the trucks that fixed many clubs for the players whenever the players needed them to make changes. I visited the TaylorMade truck and met Wade Liles, the chief club builder. He showed us how to switch a club shaft and how to put a better shaft on the club for the player. He also gave us a ball marker that was promoting a pizza restaurant John Daly opened in Tampa.

Another cool and wonderful thing I experienced was the Weight Training and Physical Therapy truck. Jeff Hendra, a physical therapist, was there to show us around both trucks. The players are able to visit the therapist and weight trainers to help them with their injuries and to supervise and help them with their exercise regiment. Although it seems that golfers do not have injuries, they do and both trucks and therapists are there to help.

I also had the opportunity to attend the Military Appreciation Ceremony where many veterans were recognized by Birdies for the Brave. There, I got to meet Boo Weekley, a professional golfer who is also competing in THE PLAYERS. He gave a wounded warrior a free lifetime membership to TPC Stonebrae Golf Course. I thought the whole event was very thoughtful and nice. Several wounded warriors were also given a free Dell laptop.

Another cool opportunity I've gotten to experience was interview some first time players such as Matteo Manassero, Brendan Steele, and Jhonattan Vegas. Matteo is a very skillful, talented golfer playing the pro tours and he's only 17 years old! Brendan Steele told me that golf is a mental game, and with a positive attitude, great results will come. Jhonattan Vegas tolded me he's had an awesome time playing golf and he loves it.

Altogether, I had a fun and exciting day at TPC being a Junior Course Reporter. I've gotten the opportunity to visit the trucks that fix clubs and shafts for the players, (specifically TaylorMade), visit the Weight Training and Physical Therapy trucks, see the Military Appreciation Ceremony, and interview some first time players at TPC. I hope I get to experience this again next year which would be great!

A fantastic day at THE PLAYERS
By Eriyana Truesdale

Truesdale

Being a Junior Course Reporter gave me an opportunity to travel behind the scenes and experience the many groups that contribute to THE PLAYERS. Each group has a unique job that all the groups are integrated together to work on the tournament. Throughout the day, I got a chance to meet a couple players, and the driving forces behind the course. My day began bright and early when we were introduced to Mr. Wade Liles, who has a pretty important job working with the players. Mr. Liles works in the TaylorMade truck and travels all over the country making and altering clubs for the players. The trucks are uniquely equipped with all the machines needed to satisfy the customers on the spot. Within fifteen minutes, a player could be hitting a brand new club with the exact measurements they want. This truck is sort of like the players' own room service.

The most interesting thing I found throughout the day was how much the different groups work together. I got a chance to visit chief meteorologist, Wade Stettner, who with the help of technology monitors the weather all over the country to ensure safe conditions for the players. He then sends the information to the Rules Officials, like Stephen Cox, who alters the pin locations in order to provide a fair and equal course for the players to compete. I also found out that the Rules Officials, along with enforcing the rules, also deals with the parings of the players, which I got to see before everyone else!

Nicholas and Eriyana met Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow on Tuesday.

The most interesting of the groups was ShotLink. ShotLink is the driving force behind what the public views on the screens. I was able to see all the technology and minds that operate the stats and details that we see on TV. The fascinating thing is that they look over everything that goes on and edit it before the world sees it. Now, when I watch golf I know what allows me to see the images and coverage that I watch.

The best part of my day was meeting Dennis Walters and Tim Tebow. Dennis Walters is a professional golfer who was injured in a horrible crash back in 1974. Despite all of the negativity, he was determined to continue what he loved to do. Along with his dog, Bucky, he put on a show for approximately 1500 kids to show that even people with disabilities can play golf, and be good. After talking to Mr. Walters, I met with Tim Tebow and I took a picture and he signed my favorite hat, full of other great people I have had the opportunity to meet.

Even though I did not have the opportunity to meet the players, it was a good experience to be able to sit in on some press conferences. What made it even cooler was that when we walked out of the conference room, it was just airing on television, which attributed to my sense of VIP status! That and my exclusive interview with Charl Schwartzel, who just won the Masters. Today was a fantastic day.

A look behind the scenes at a professional tournament
By Nicholas Dulko

Dulko

Visiting THE PLAYERS at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. is a thrill for everyone. From seeing the iconic 17th to challenging yourself with the 17th "Challenge Hole." All of this is made available to you through the 1,700 plus workers and volunteers that maintain the greens and set up the televisions and bleachers. Without them, you would have no golf tournament! Having a media pass has allowed me to have a totally new insight on what goes on behind the scenes at THE PLAYERS.

I had a real eye-opening to what it takes to run a golf tournament. So many different groups of people have to give information to another group for them to do there job and so on. Probably one of the most important jobs belongs to Wade Stettner who is the Chief Meteorologist for this event. Without him the Rules Officials and Agronomy won't know where to place the flags to give the golfers a fair chance. Then the players won't know which clubs to use at any given point in the tournament. If one person misses something or doesn't do something right, it could jeopardize the tournament for several players.

When you are watching golf at your house, have you ever wondered how they get all of the information? Like how many yards to the cup or how far the drive was? That's all done by ShotLink. They are a group of volunteers who have laser scanners that are all over the course that measures where the ball has been and where it traveled to. Computers do a little math and then they get all of those numbers.

Most of you have heard about Tiger's knee problems. During the events he plays in, at any time and he can receive therapeutic treatment for it. He just has to walk into the therapy truck where he will find Jeff Hendra. Jeff is a Physical Therapist for the PGA TOUR. "We get an average of about 40-60 players in here in a whole day. Some just come for stretches and others come for rehabilitation" said Hendra.

For everything that goes on at THE PLAYERS outside the ropes, there is even more going on inside the ropes. Truck after truck of golf clubs. Thousands of bottles of water. Tons and tons of food. All of this is taken care of by volunteers and employees of The PGA TOUR. I have a lot more respect for all the work done behind the scenes.

Eriyana Truesdale -- The First Tee of Jacksonville

Eriyana Truesdale is 16 years old and is a junior at the Bolles School. She is a participant at The First Tee of Jacksonville and is certified at the Eagle level. She has received Second Honors for her academic achievements. She is actively involved as a Bolles Bulldog as a member of the basketball, golf and track teams. She is also engaged in the following organizations: Youth Against Cancer, Habijax and Get Connected. Eriyana volunteers annually at the Second Harvest Food Bank as well as at Carolinas Medical Center (CMC). She loves participating at The First Tee of Jacksonville, spending time with friends and family, and watching the Golf Channel and Cake Boss.

Eriyana appreciates The First Tee for introducing her to the game of golf. She finds it challenging however she continues to practice towards her goal of excelling in all academic and athletic areas at the Bolles School. She plans to earn a college scholarship with the assistance of The First Tee of Jacksonville.

Nicholas Dulko -- The First Tee of St. John's County

Nicholas Dulko has been involved with The First Tee of St. Johns County since 2001. He is Birdie certified, and has participated in numerous chapter events through the years. Nicholas is a freshman at Ponte Vedra High School and plays offensive line for the Sharks undefeated football team.

Chase Killette -- The First Tee of Jacksonville

Chase spends most of his time at The First Tee trying to perfect his game. He has been playing golf since he was five years old. His accomplishments include making Honor Roll, consistently placing in the top-five of the golf tournaments he participates in, and being an active member of "Training of the Teen" where he learns about staying away from drugs and learning life skills

Chelsea Killette -- The First Tee of Jacksonville

Chelsea attends Stanton College Preparatory School. Her accomplishments include being involved in the high school recycling program and also being an active member of an organization called Training of Teens (TOT) that helps teens stay off drugs by volunteering in the community. She is also a member of the high school golf team and ranked the number four player in the district of Duval.

Aleeya Peete -- The First Tee of Jacksonville

I have been an active participant with The First Tee of Jacksonville for seven years. Although I have been a part of The First Tee since I was four. In fact I have pictures with our CEO Joe Barrow helping to promote The First Tee dating back as far as 2002. I attend programming at my chapter every Saturday for life skills and golf skills instruction. I'm an Eagle level participant, I volunteer as a junior coach for the PLAYer class, girls scouts golf program, and I am involved with the USGA-LPGA girl inc. I play on my high school golf team and was an honorable mention as an up and coming freshman 2010.

Volunteer /Extracurricular Activities: I participate with our local fundraiser for The First Tee of Jacksonville "A Taste of Golf" as a First Tee ambassador. I attend a local youth ministry called Youth Quake which instills morals and values through skit and musical productions. I'm also a member of Atlantic Coast Dance Studio with a focus on tap and jazz, and part of the performance dance team. I assist in a beginning tap class at my studio weekly.

Brandon Gilliland -- The First of St. John's County

I was born in Atlanta, Ga. Since then, I have been living in Florida for nine years. I have been actively involved in The First Tee program since I was nine years old. Throughout the program, I have learned to play golf, and I have learned skills that have paved the way for me to meet some awesome people. This golf season will be my third year playing for the Nease high school varsity golf team.

Amelia Kiewitt -- The First Tee of St. John's County

My name is Amelia Kiewitt and I am 15 years old. I home school and am a freshman. I have been part of The First Tee for about two years, am presently in the Birdie level and have been playing golf for three years. Since being a part of First Tee I have also volunteered, helping with the younger kids in their classes. I am also on the high school golf team. I hope to make golf part of my career someday and although golf is my passion, I also love photography. My all time favorite and respected golfer is Bobby Jones and more currently Adam Scott. My other interests are music and I am active in church activities.