Though Bernhard Langer is the defending champion of the PURE Insurance Championship, he knows that this event has a much stronger meaning than his name engraved on the trophy. The 61-year-old has been a big proponent of this unique tournament since its inception 15 years ago.
The Pure Insurance Championship teams up a Champions Tour player with a teenager from the First Tee Program for the tournament held at Pebble Beach Golf Links. First Tee is a partnership among the LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, the PGA Tour, and the USGA to provide low-cost golfing opportunities to youth in low- income areas. There are programs in 22 states.
Every year First Tee has an application process for teenagers 14-18 to get one of the coveted 81 spots. Prospective youths must complete an essay and an interview.
Stephanie Heimler was one of the 81 chosen to play, and told the San Diego Union Tribune that the golf will be easy compared to what she had to do to be selected.
“It was so nerve wracking,” Heimler said. “I don’t like interviews at all, so it was really scary. But it was fun, too, and there was a good payoff.”
Junior-Senior Format
Langer seems to enjoys playing with the juniors, saying the Pure Insurance tourney is one of the most satisfying stops all year.
“The tournament is just a lot fun being with the juniors,” Langer said. “You see how they love the game and how they develop. You give them a couple of pointers and help them get over being nervous and all of that. It’s got to be an awesome experience, I would think, for them to be out here with us and other amateurs and to play in front of live television. It’s a big stage which most of them probably haven’t experienced before.”
Though there is the extra distraction with the teenagers, Langer still has business to attend to. Despite only winning once this year, Langer was an 11/2 favorite to win this event, which began on Friday. If he could win this week, it would continue his 10th consecutive year winning more than one tournament.
“There’s no extra pressure this week to defend my title,” Langer said. “I have high expectations of myself every week I tee it up, whether I am defending or not. I just enjoy going to places where I have had success before.”
Durant a Dark Horse at Pebble Beach
Joe Durant, who was a 17/1 pick to win, has been mentioned as a longshot for this week’s event. The 54-year-old won the Chubb Classic in February, and has eight other top-10 finishes.
Durant’s 69.84 scoring average is sixth bets on the tour. He is also first in all-around ranking, with top 10 spots in ball striking and overall driving.
Another golfer that could win is Kirk Triplett. He has won here in 2012 and 2013. The 56-year-old has three top 20 finishes in the last three weeks, including a tie for second at the Shaw Charity Classic at the beginning of September.