Headline: A Full Field of Participants Enjoy a Great Day of Golf at TPC Boston to Support The First Tee of Massachusetts and Junior Golf Across the Bay State

For Immediate Release: November 7, 2017

The First Tee of Massachusetts Golf Tournament raised important funds for junior golf in the Bay State.

Norton, Mass. – While Mother Nature may not have shown her best side, there was nothing but big smiles and great rounds of golf at TPC Boston on Monday for the full field of 120 golfers competing in the 11th Annual The First Tee of Massachusetts Golf Tournament sponsored by Walmart with support from Titleist, Liberty Mutual Insurance and First Rebublic Bank.

Played on the same 18-hole layout where Justin Thomas edged good friend Jordan Spieth just over two months ago to win the Dell Technologies Championship, the second leg of the FedEx Cup Playoff Series, many friends in the golf community both near and far came out to support the local chapter of The First Tee junior golf program.

Monday’s golf tournament, the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, netted key funds for the official charity of the Massachusetts Golf Association. Through Monday’s golf tournament and other fundraisers throughout the year, The First Tee of Massachusetts is able to provide the necessary resources and programs to help grow the game of golf for its youngest participants, as well as to bring the game to boys and girls who otherwise might not have the opportunity to pick up clubs and enjoy the many benefits of our great game.

Despite the tournament being held so late in the season, the sight of a full field of golfers was especially promising to The First Tee of Massachusetts Executive Director Joe McCabe, who helped lead the organization of the tournament and helped ensure smooth operation of the event.

"Today’s event was enjoyed by all and will help tremendously in our goals to help grow the great game of golf," said McCabe. "Today’s event and everything we do year round for the youth across Massachusetts wouldn’t be possible without the support of the very generous men and women who attend events like our annual golf tournament and who give back to ensure the success of our program. We are very grateful for all those who joined us at TPC Boston on Monday for this special event, as well as the generosity of our sponsors and our friends here at the club."

CLICK HERE for photos from this year's event.

Additionally, funds raised through Monday’s tournament will help send The First Tee of Massachusetts participants attend national events like The First Tee Life Skills & Leadership Academy and the Pure Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach.

The First Tee of Massachusetts, headquartered out of Norton at MGA Links at Mamantapett with program facilities at four additional places around the Commonwealth, also uses its specialized programs to teach individuals many life lessons, called The First Tee Nine Core Values, through the game of golf.

With a full field of golfers, Monday’s annual shotgun style tournament was once again a part of the Liberty Mutual Invitational Series, the nation’s top charity event in golf, attracting thousands of golfers across the country and mobilizing support for local charities in hundreds of American communities. While many in attendance brought their “A-Game,” only one group earned an invitation to advance to the Liberty Mutual Invitational Series National Finals, which is being contested at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort March 21-25, 2018.

Earning an invitation to the 2018 National Finals Monday were the foursome squad of Steve Connaughton, Jeff Graham, Dan Connelly and Aziz Syed, who finished with a gross score of 65 in the best ball format, edging the trio of Eric Kagan, Bob McIver and Joe DeStefano by one stroke.

Graham, Connelly and Syed all receive invitations to the Liberty Mutual Invitational Series National Finals for a second straight year after being part of the winning foursome a year ago.

Other winners on Monday included Closet to the Pin contestants Mark Crandle and longest drive contestants Ryan Riley and Sally DeGan.  

The First Tee is a youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. Through after-school and in-school programs, we help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf.

For more information on the program, visit www.thefirstteemass.org.