First Tee participant qualifies for U.S. Women's Open

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St. Augustine, Fla. - Emily Powers of Quincy, Ill., a rising senior at the University of Kansas, is believed to be the first participant of The First Tee to qualify for a major championship.

After shooting 78-76 (154) on June 9 at the U.S. Women's Open qualifier at Skokie Country Club (Glencoe, Ill.), she competed in a nine-way playoff the following day to determine the final two spots. A par on the first hole (422-yard, par-4) secured her a berth in the 2008 U.S. Women's Open, which will be played June 26-29 at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minn.

Powers was an alternate for the Glencoe site until she received a call on June 8 to compete in the sectional qualifier. She and her family drove six hours from Quincy, Ill., and arrived just before dark. The 20-year-old walked the course that evening, but was unable to play a practice round.

"It was a little nerve-wracking. The course was wet after three inches of rain fell on Sunday and Monday," said Powers. "I'm very excited and just happy I had the opportunity to qualify."

A participant at The First Tee of Great River in Quincy for three years during high school, Powers played in the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach with Champions Tour player Peter Jacobsen in 2005. She was a mentor to younger participants at her Chapter and still draws from that experience when she plays. "The First Tee taught me a lot of values, and when I help other kids, it reminds me to use a lot of those same skills when I play," said Powers.

Her younger sister, Raychel, is a participant at The First Tee of Great River. She will try to earn a berth in the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach when she attends The First Tee selection process for girls in Rye, N.H., July 23-27.

The USGA is a Founding Partner of The First Tee and the largest financial supporter of The First Tee Chapters.