Teen discusses Champions Tour pro-am experience

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Mark Jamroz/Bruno Event Team

Ian Evans (left) and Chris Starkjohann were paired together at the Regions Charity Classic pro-am.

Regions Financial Corporation, title sponsor of the Champions Tour's Regions Charity Classic, donated their allotment of Wed. pro-am spots to the Children's Hospital of Alabama to use as a fundraiser. One supporter of the hospital, Mike McLeod with the law firm of Kerrigan, Estess, Rankin, McLeod & Thompson in Pensacola, Fla., purchased a playing spot and asked the tournament to find a great young golfer who otherwise wouldn't have such an experience. The tournament worked with The First Tee of Birmingham, who identified Ian Evans, a 17-year-old senior at Shades Valley High School in Irondale, Ala., to play in the Wednesday pro-am with Chris Starkjohann. Evans provides an inside-the-ropes account from his round.

This is my first year playing in the CGI Pro-AM at the Regions Charity Classic. I have played in the Junior Pro-Am for the past two years. Last year, we won the Junior Pro-Am with our pro Allen Doyle. This year my pro was Chris Starkjohann. I was so excited about the opportunity to play in the adult Pro-Am. We didn't play very well as a team on Wednesday. Mr. Starkjohann fired a 71 and the team finished at 10 under. As a team, I felt we could have putted better. I struck the ball fairly well today. I really wanted to win the Pro-Am, so that I could make it back-to-back Junior Pro-Am and Pro-Am wins. We didn't win but we definitely enjoyed ourselves.

I have been playing golf for 10 years. I got started with The First Tee about five or six years ago. From the beginning, The First Tee gave me opportunities I couldn't dream of. Since joining The First Tee, I have not only grown as a golfer but as a person. I remember starting golf at this par-3 course near my house, where I would pay five dollars and play all day. Thanks to The First Tee, I was able to play Highland Park Golf Course all day for free. I am now a 1.9 handicap.

Today I was interviewed twice on the first tee. There was a gallery and cameras everywhere. I was the last player hitting and I was very nervous. I stepped up after taking a few breaths and hit a 300-yard drive straight down the middle. From the first hole of the day to the last, I was smiling. Although my group didn't win I got to miss school to play the game I love. I am thankful for all the opportunities given to me by The First Tee and Regions Bank.