The First Tee Course Reporters

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Editor's note: Sara Diaz, Evan Myer and Dexter Turner will be serving as Course Reporters from the World Golf Championships-CA Championship. All three are members of The First Tee.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES

By Dexter Turner

As we wrap up this incredible experience, I would like to give a very special thank you to: CA, The First Tee, Doral Golf Resort & Spa , Trish Lange and Jake Ricker for everything that they did for me. I certainly appreciate that they chose me to experience this great opportunity. I had a great time with everything that we did and will never forget any of it. Over the past five days, we have met multiple people with many jobs that make this whole event function. I have also learned so much information about being a caddy, a golfer, a CEO, a mayor, a television broadcaster and many other positions. If I ever have the opportunity to do anything like this again, I will not even hesitate to say "yes."

One of the most interesting parts of my time here was going inside the international broadcasting truck to see how they operate the televising of the golf tournament around the world. All of the jobs inside the truck seem extremely difficult, but I am glad that someone does it so I am able to watch the tournaments at home.

Unfortunately, there is a downfall to this event. That downfall is that I have to leave all of the fun because the tournament will be over at the end of the day. This whole place and time has been like a paradise for me. But this is not the last time everyone will hear from or about me in the golf world.

Once again, thank you to everyone who guided and granted me this once in a lifetime opportunity. I wholeheartedly appreciate it all.

TRUE AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY

By Sara Diaz

Of all the people I expected to meet this week, the Mayor of Doral was not one of them. But what was I thinking? How could he not be here? It's his city that's rolled out the red carpet for the World Golf Championships--CA Championship. The six-year-old city of Doral is the second best city in the country to live and start a business. The city deserves this title thanks to the vision and diligent work ethic of Mayor Bermudez and his Vice Mayor, Robert Van.

Mayor Bermudez is a true American success story. He came to the United States at the age of 3, attained a great education and returned to serve the people of South Florida. In 2003, he was elected the first mayor of the new City of Doral. This should inspire everyone to believe that we can reach a little higher.

This will be my last blog of a wonderful week at Doral. Afterwards, I will go out on the course to enjoy the players. The course is in beautiful shape and the weather has granted us its blessings. Everyone is anxious to see who will earn the right to call himself the best golfer in the world.

There are so many people I want to thank that it's hard to fit them all in this blog. But I do want to thank those who read my blogs this week, The First Tee of San Antonio and CA for making this a great experience. Before I close I have to publicly thank my English teacher, Mr. Steve Davidson. I came to this country not speaking English and it was in greatly because of his patience and instruction that I was able to share with you my experience at this wonderful place. I hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have.

THE FIRST TEE IN ACTION

By Evan Myer

My prophetic uncle, Larry Myer, once told me, "You are nothing without the people who got you there." These words of wisdom could not be more applicable than to this amazing week I had during the World Golf Championships--CA Championship.

When I was talking to Bill McCracken, the CEO of CA, he explained the origins of the CA Course Reporters program. He conveyed CA's passion toward supporting the charities that invest their resources and time in a game as beneficial as golf, as well as using the CA championship as "an opportunity to do more than just sign checks." I am eternally grateful to CA for having the vision and the optimism to endow three young reporters with an opportunity as rare as this.

Next, I would like to thank all of the media, national and local, for their help and valuable words of encouragement. Their help, along with the unparalleled resources provided by Doral Golf Resort & Spa, certainly augmented my transition to becoming a journalist this week. I want to express a special and very sincere gratitude to the kitchen here at Doral. That food was extraordinary and as one member of the media stated, "It's the best food we have all year." I eagerly anticipated each opportunity to sample the next brilliant dish.

This is the perfect platform to advocate the advantages of enrolling in The First Tee. The program is a prime opportunity to acquire life skills through a medium as enticing and simple as golf. Through conducting interviews with a wide variety of tournament personnel, it is clear that golf and business will have a ceaselessly intertwining relationship which will continue make The First Tee a vital tool for those hoping to develop both skills. I, along with my two fellow reporters, will undoubtedly endorse the endless opportunities that The First Tee provides.

LASER LIGHT SHOW

By Dexter Turner

Wow! That's the only thing running through my mind right now. Today we were granted an incredible opportunity. We sat in the towers and used lasers to measure how far the balls on the green were away from the hole. That may not sound interesting to some people, but take it from me when I say it is amazing.

I was positioned on the fifth hole which was a short par 4. Just to be able to stand several feet above the green and watch your favorite players hit approach shots in to the green makes the day that much better. Some of the players played lower shots that hit about 20 feet behind the hole and spun within 4 feet of the hole. When the lower shots were hit, the ball's flight looked like it was going to take one bounce on the green and soar off the back of it. Boy, oh boy, did they fool me!

Other players would hit the ball high and land it soft on the first cut of the rough to watch it roll out toward the hole. Either way it was played, the level of excitement was the same. In my opinion, the best approach of the day came from Soren Hansen. Hansen hit a shot that took one bounce right next to the flagstick and then spun back to 4 feet from the hole. These players are able to do incredible things with a golf club. I wish my buddy Luke Lucero was here to see this with me because he would have enjoyed every single moment in that tower. Maybe one day we will be the ones hitting the shots into the greens while others are measuring how far our balls are from the hole.

INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS GROW GAME

By Evan Myer

In an era that's dominated by social networking and international expansion, nearly every sport is trying to extract some angle in order navigate the vast and relatively unexplored depths of the Asian and European markets. Some sports, like basketball and football, are exhibiting their sport with a select number of games across the ocean. But as Chris Reimer, a member of the PGA TOUR's public relations department, claims: "(Golf) is a different animal."

Although there are tours spanning the globe, the ultimate goal for the majority of golfers is to secure one of the elusive cards on the PGA TOUR. When one achieves this feat, one has the prestige of representing one's nation. However, what is perhaps the most important facet of an international field is something neither visible on television nor documented in the recap in the newspaper. Each international participant attracts a surplus of credentialed media personnel that undoubtedly and substantially promote not only the PGA TOUR, but the game of golf in general.

The young and phenomenal talents, like Ryuji Imada and Andres Romero, matured as athletes idolizing the legends of the game who represented their respective countries. As a result, these unique talents have the distinguished opportunity of continuing the legacy that was passed on to them by those who they aspired to become. These young and exciting golfer s are the archetype of what the TOUR continues to acquire. The maturing and buoyant golfers have been exceedingly beneficial to the growth of golf, and will certainly aid in bringing future PGA TOUR goals to fruition.

THE FUTURE IS HERE

By Sara Diaz

ShotLink is one of the most interesting machines I have ever encountered. This bright orange machine is a laser used to detect how far the golfers hit their shot and how far away they are from their targets. Although it seems very complicated at first glance, it works very simply. You aim the laser at the ball, press a button, and there you have it -- the distance from the tees and the distance to the pin. The data is then sent to the ShotLink trailer where it's revised and sent to PGATOUR.COM.

As I was stationed in the tower on the par-3 ninth hole, I had the opportunity to see many players approach the hole in different ways. Some went for the middle of the green. To me, this seemed to be the smartest play. The wind was very strong and the pin was placed in the front of the green, near the water. Others surprisingly were very successful in getting it close. These players were Alvaro Quiros, Tim Clark and Francisco Molinari. All finished the hole with birdies.

If people have come up with this kind of technology it makes me wonder what it is going to be like when our children grow up? Will tournaments need as many volunteers to get the statistics or will there be only one machine worked by one person that takes care of everything? What is this world coming to!??! Relax, I am kidding. It is only a laser. Still, it makes you wonder, doesn't it?

THANK GOODNESS FOR TECHNOLOGY

By Sara Diaz

Who is the guy constantly looking at his Blackberry while waking rapidly in all directions, making sure everything is running smoothly? He is Eddie Carbone, the tournament director for the World Golf Championships-CA Championship and I had the pleasure of meeting him earlier today. And if it wasn't for technology I would have probably met his assistant. A couple of years ago, when Eddie did not have a Blackberry, he had an assistant following him wherever he went, jotting down notes and reminders for Eddie as fast as she could. She must have had 10 notebooks filled with tons of scribbles! Thank God for technology!

As you can imagine, Eddie is a busy man. But out of all the weeks in the year, this is the one he gets to "relax." Eddie has actually been working on planning this tournament for 51 weeks!! I know, I didn't believe him either. I felt kind of guilty not believing him right away, but felt better when he shared that not many people do.

There are many things to think about when directing a tournament: promoting the event throughout the year, getting hold of the media, organizing the volunteers and dealing with all the logistics of this event. Organizational skills are critical for this job, or at least that's what I thought. Surprisingly, Eddie admitted that his organizational skills were "terrible" but that he has an eye for everything else. Well you sure do Eddie, because this tournament has, so far, put on a great show.

EXCITEMENT BUILDS AS WEEKEND BEGINS

By Dexter Turner

As the day after the storm begins, spectators are anticipating great rounds out of the players. When these players approach the first tee box, fans gather around and wait in excitement as the player's names are announced. When the players line up to the ball, they try to determine how to play their next shot. Once every player hits the ball, the players stare in amazement as the ball soars in the air and then falls several yards shorter than normal.

As I mentioned on Thursday, many players are playing punch shots in order to avoid having their ball get caught up in the wind. Today, the winds are blowing, but they are not as strong as they were on Thursday. The only problem that the players might have with the wind is that it changes directions unexpectedly within a matter of seconds. More of the players will be using fairway woods and hybrids to reach greens than normal.

Yesterday during Ernie Els' interview, he mentioned that at one point in his round he received a chill because the wind changed direction in an instant. He also mentioned that he had never seen anything like that except in Scotland at St. Andrews when the tides would change in the ocean. If Ernie was thinking this, then most of the other players are probably stunned by this unique occurrence as well. Will the players resort back to punch shots? Will they try to hit balls harder and overpower the wind? We shall see as this wonderful event continues to unravel. Hopefully scores will be low and both the players and fans enjoy the day.

HOW ABOUT A SMILE?

By Sara Diaz

Are professional golfers having fun or is it all business?

By the look on their faces you would think they are negotiating the deal of their lives. But we cannot blame them for their seriousness when there's $1.4 million on the line. It does make me wonder, however, if they are having fun while they play.

Some players are very obvious about it. I had the pleasure of walking with Mr. Lee Trevino one year at a tournament in San Antonio, Texas. The man was all smile and funny stories. Among all the serious faces out there this week, it is great to see wonderful smiles like Phil Mickelson and Alvaro Quiros. As an aspiring golfer, I want to know if it is a life that's right for me.

I had the privilege of playing with Mr. Tom Watson, a wonderful human being, for 36 holes in Pebble Beach for The Wal-Mart First Tee Open. They were the most memorable holes of my life, and yet the advice that I remember the most is "Sara," (it sounded wonderful when he said it) "Don't forget to smell the flowers along the way."

So, guys, let us know that you are having fun. Offer us a smile once in a while.

FULL OF POTENTIAL

By Dexter Turner

The Boys and Girls Club of America and CA work together to grant opportunities for young boys and girls throughout the country. Today on the Red Course here at Doral, a clinic was held for the young boys and girls in order to teach them the fundamentals of golf. These boys and girls were chosen based upon their grades and attitudes.

After only a few minutes of instruction, these kids were ready to let it rip. Let me be the first to say that they have a bright future ahead of them if they continue to work at golf. Some of the kids made solid contact with the ball so often that it almost seemed second nature to them. Some of the kids could even play both a fade and draw without knowing what either of those terms mean.

The amazing part about the ball striking is that most of the kids have never played golf before today. The balls would occasionally fly around 70 yards. Although that may not sound far, it actually is for younger kids who just picked the game up today. Their core muscles have not developed yet, so they are still full of unbelievable amounts of potential. Watch out PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour, because here come some young guns ready to dominate you.

STAR IN WAITING?

By Evan Myer

"When he gets a break out here, you know, you're going to see the next superstar out of South Africa."

Big words coming from the Big Easy. Charl Schwartzel has been the buzz of the tournament over the past two days, shooting a flawless bogey-free first round and following it with second round under-par. His performance in this World Golf Championships event may have the potential to justify Ernie Els' comments and legitimize Schwartzel as one to contend with in the future. As a follow-up from my previous blog about the importance of winning, Els seemed convinced that Schwartzel is poised to place his name amongst the greats, after dominating lower tours and amateur events.

"You know, he won everything as a junior, very similar to Trevor Immelman. But he's even more impressive because he is longer," Els added. Starting with Gary Player and as recently as Ernie Els, South Africa has proved to be a dominating factor on the PGA TOUR. Everybody is looking for the next Tiger Woods, and after a brief stint with the likes of Michelle Wie, perhaps it would be more accurate to target those who have demonstrated their ability to embrace winning and have a proven pedigree.

"I've played golf with [Charl's] dad ... we won a tournament together in 1987," said Els.

However, as the weekend progresses and the Blue Monster starts to show its true rigor, we can finally gauge whether Schwartzel is deserving of such high praise.

SAGE ADVICE

By Sara DIaz

ĻIt is great to be in your dream job.Ļ

That's what stands out to me about Helenīs words. Helen Ross is the Chief of Correspondents for PGATOUR.COM. She has been involved in this job for 14 years.

When Helen was in high school she thought she could be a doctor until she took a chemistry course and realized that science was not for her. It took her father's wisdom to notice that she had a sincere love for sports. Sportswriting was a career she pursued with a passion and today she thoroughly enjoys what she is doing. She calls it her dream job.

I am currently in my senior year of high school. As seniors, we are faced with the decision of what we want to do the rest of our lives. This can be a scary thought. But the decision can be made easier if we do not see it as a definite decision. In the past week I have met some very interesting people who have very happy lives in a career they never considered when they were in high school. The decision can be made even easier if we have those who have a sincere interest in our success help us identify our talents and areas of interest. Helen was very fortunate to have a father to help her. But it also took flexibility and trust on Helenīs behalf to listen to her father. So to all those seniors out there: don't stress out, find out what you like, ask for help and then enjoy the ride. Good luck to all of you.

CA IMPACTS CHARITIES

By Evan Myer

In my first post, I briefly mentioned the impact that CA had on the charities in the local Miami area. Well, today I had a much better opportunity to explore all the charitable relationships CA has initiated since the inception of its title sponsorship. Each year, CA donates over 75,000 security licenses to the Boys and Girls Club of America. I had a chance to talk with the representatives of CA responsible for the relationships and inquired why CA feels an obligation to donate so much of its profit this week to local charities. Walking into a clinic held for local Boys and Girls club members made it undeniably clear why CA considers charity a preeminent responsibility of the week. As CA CEO William E. McCracken later emphatically stated, "You're our future. Young people are what it is all about."

The clinic was a complete success. Witnessing children who have never swung a club making their first apprehensive attempts at golf and having the determined nature to continue the process of developing a unique swing reaffirmed my thought that golf is paramount to character development. I later spoke to several of the children involved in the program, and they proved to be advocates and ideal icons for all of the charities CA represents. The game of golf truly is a multifaceted tool used in the business world. Along with closing deals, golf is instrumental in transferring the same characteristics businesses like CA seek in potential employees and clients. As McCracken later added, "High integrity is the most important thing you can have in the business world."

IMPRESSIVE MAN

By Dexter Turner

Meeting with important people is definitely one of the nice things about being down here at Doral. But meeting the CEO and chairman of CA today was the biggest plus we've had so far. William McCracken is a truly genuine man who, without a doubt, is the perfect man for his job.

Mr. McCracken worked his way through college because he was determined to be the best. He graduated with a double major in Physics and Math. After graduating, he moved on to work for IBM for 37 years. After IBM, he retired and settled down. But shortly after retiring, Mr. McCracken was asked to be both the CEO and chairman of CA. He is a true working man. Mr. McCracken believes that giving back to charity is extremely important because of the energy that the charities provide and the positive feeling that is left and received. The most important thing that people can do is have high integrity and be honest.

Based on what Evan, Sara, and I heard from Mr. McCracken today, he is a man who lives by what he speaks. When Mr. McCracken is not busy with his job, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family. For those of you who do not know this man, I strongly encourage you to do your best to meet him. For those of us who have met him, we should consider ourselves lucky that we have been granted to opportunity to meet someone with such positive influence on society.

BAD DAY AT THE OFFICE

By Sara Diaz

There is nothing that can provoke TPC Blue Monster to show its fangs more than the wind we saw out there today. In the last 24 hours the weather gave a full turn, changing dramatically to an overcast, windy morning. On a course that can be challenging on a normal day, the players have nothing in their bag to help them tame the most formidable threat the Blue Monster possesses.

For those of you who are not golfers, the weather conditions the pros were playing under would be analogous to a stressful day at the office. You arrive late, your boss yells at you and you spill your coffee on your favorite shirt. But unlike these office guys who might decide to go home early, the pros are staying here to endure whatever conditions the weather might bring.

The players started off their day playing very conservative. On a hole where I would be anxious to bomb my driver, the pros secure the fairway by teeing off with irons. This is another reason why these guys are so impressive, why "These guys are good."

Even though you may get on a roll, it is very difficult to feel confident when the wind is swirling in unpredictable conditions. The wind was so hard that if you didn't hold on to your hat it would blow it off. Anthony Kim was very gracious in giving back the hat to a lady after the wind had kicked it off to the 16th green while he, Angel Cabrera and Graeme McDowell were putting. The only forgiving factor was provided by the unusual cold weather last week that did not allow the grass to grow to championship standards. Many people thought that with the rough being short there would be lower scores than last year.

While the pros are facing the challenge of the wind and the possible rainy days to come, the fans, especially those who are not from here, are enjoying it, making it possible to stand the Miami heat.

FIGHT FOR FLIGHT

By Dexter Turner

As the opening round of the tournament kicks off, spectators will be entertained all day as the players try to overpower the course's circumstances. With the wind howling and the constant sound of airplanes flying overhead, their mental focus is functioning at its highest level. Watching all of the special types of shots that each player hits is a truly incredible experience. The absolute precision and accuracy that these professionals play with is superb. Though some players are having magnificent rounds, everyone has to deal with difficult conditions.

The most common shot for most players today is the punch shot. But these punch shots are not your everyday low, running shots. As soon as the players make crisp contact with the ball, they fly a few feet above the ground for about 70 percent of the ball flight. Once the ball hits a certain point in flight, it begins to rise in levels as though it is climbing stairs. When most punch shots land, they usually roll out a few more yards. Because the players compress the ball so well and trap it against the club face, when their punch shots hit the green, most of the balls two-hop and then stop. Although most of the players are playing lower-flight shots, they are still bombing the balls down the fairways.

Once the players pull out the flat stick though, their level of unease becomes more apparent. For some of the players, taking second and third looks at putts is becoming part of the routine in these windy conditions. Although they are battling the elements, the thought that they are professionals comes to mind and this is what they live for. This is their career and livelihood and they are the best in the world.

IT'S SIMPLE: JUST WIN

By Evan Myer

Throughout all the interviews that I've conducted with various golf personnel, there is one central theme that unites all of the players and caddies out on the golf course: winning. There is no second place or silver lining from a top-10 finish. Every individual playing golf this weekend has the same objective -- and that is holding the trophy on Sunday. Both Camilo Villegas and Retief Goosen told me that winning is not just a priority, but a responsibility they hold to everybody who has invested time or money to their successes. "Winning is what it is about. That is what the sponsors expect and that is what I expect" said Goosen, later commenting, "The key is to play enough tournaments and experience winning before you move up to the next tour.".

Just from studying the players' approaches on the range and especially the putting green, one can truly recognize and appreciate the dedication and precision each pro possesses during practice in anticipation of the weekend. The habits each player possesses are methodically mapped out to a science and range from the broad and general superstitions to commence each round to something as specific as the pre-shot routine aptly executed to perfection before each stroke. The routines of endless practice, strenuous workouts and intense psychological sessions are sieved together during the golf season, yet are only genuinely validated with a win. Although the routines are nearly identical and encompass the same strategies and intentions, few can elevate themselves to the elite status. This fact enables everybody, including the media and fans, to realize that money comes with a top-10 finish, but sustained fame and fortune -- something every pro strives to acquire -- comes by winning.

FASHION FORWARD ON COURSE

By Sara Diaz

Ladies, pay attention. Besides the talent, there is another reason why we should come out here to the World Golf Championships-CA Championship. To our delight, players not only care about how many birdies they make for the day, but also how well they look doing it.

Staying fit gives your sponsors something else to sell. To take note of the extra effort these young men make to look good, it is worthy of praise. This is something that men may recognize, but not care too much about. However, these fashionable young men do not go unnoticed to the eye of an impressionable young woman. Golfers are not shy about posing for the camera; it seems to me that anytime they are interviewed they are posing and displaying their well-cared physiques.

Ian Poulter and Camilo Villegas are both very much into promoting fashion -- the selling of clothes. The opportunity to be innovative is wide-open, especially in a sport that tends to be conservative. Although they may appear to be very daring in trying something new, the idea is not. It was done many years ago when Jack Nicklaus had a major makeover. He went from a crew cut to long blonde hair and from wearing khakis to plaid pants. I think this was very daring for those times. Now that I think about it, it could be another reason we can add to why Jack was the greatest player of all-time. Ian's hair style can also be said to be from way back. Ever heard of Rod Stewart? Ian Poulter reminds me of him with a visor, very chic. Although the idea may not be new, I give a lot of credit to Ian because what you wear may not be as important as how you wear it.

These fashionable young men are off to a great start. Watch out ladies, here they come.

MILITARY RECOGNITION WELL-DESERVED

By Dexter Turner

Today, we found out what type of support the World Golf Championships-CA Championship provides to the United States Armed Forces. There are several PGA TOUR events that allow military personal and their families into the tournaments for free. There are numerous advantages that the families are granted at the tournaments. CA is one sponsor that makes all of these advantages and opportunities possible. Without sponsors such as CA, our troops would not receive the recognition that they more than deserve.

Today there was a start to the golf tournament that most people do not know about. Around 10 a.m., we sat at on the first tee and watched as the military presented the colors. It was an incredible moment as we stood in silence and listened to the National Anthem. As the Anthem was being sung, I saw that the majority of the players on the practice green stopped what they were doing in order to remove their hats and pay their respect. This just goes to show that even the players take time out of their essential practice to support those they love. After the Anthem was completed, there was a sensation in the air that gave me goose bumps. I felt proud that I could be there for that moment and I am pleased to see all of the support that our military deserves on display here at Doral.

WORLD NO. 1 NOT FORGOTTEN

By Evan Myer

Allow me to me to disregard the weather when I say that a gray and ominous fog has seemingly captivated the entire golf community here at the World Golf Championships-CA Championship. While I fully confess to being an outsider this week, even I can pick up on the tacit agreement among staff, players and media not to use or allude to the No. 1 player in golf and perhaps the most renowned athlete in the world. Alas, I have no fear. Tiger. Tiger. Tiger. There I said it!

Everybody here -- including the spectators -- is cognizant of the omnipresence Tiger brings to a tournament, even during his current hiatus. Yet, a name ubiquitous to golf is now considered almost blasphemous to use in public. People have freely used his name during private interviews that I have had during the week, but using his name during a press conferences seems taboo. In Camilo Villegas' interview, the media hesitantly used distinct aliases including "the No. 1" to address questions concerning he-who-must-not-be-named.

Maybe it is just me, but if I were on the TOUR, I would consider any tournament without the No. 1 player to be an auspicious opportunity to network my name. Camilo emitted his opinion that everybody here has a legitimate opportunity to capture the elusive title that was seemingly conceded to the No. 1 in years past: "We have one guy that makes us look bad all the time ... guys don't win that much out here. That shows the depth of the field." It is clear the elephant in the room, or should I say the tiger in the room, will continue to have a lasting impression on everybody involved in the tournament. As well, it is clear this nonsense will not stop until the return of the phenomena that is Tiger Woods is official.

INTEGRITY, RESPONSIBILITY, RESPECT

By Evan Myer

My first day at Doral was surreal. It was filled with opportunities to meet people most hope to only see on television or perhaps behind the ropes. However, I also had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Hallahan and Bill Hughes -- two members of CA's extensive corporate communications team. Using their words as encouragement, I thought my first blog entry would be most beneficial if I explored the more encompassing theme of sponsorship, for without it, I wouldn't be here.

In a time of economic turbulence, few venues have been able to avoid setbacks. As companies who seem to affiliate themselves with sponsorships continue to diminish extraneous expenses in an attempt to regain stability, potential advertisement opportunities tend to be deferred on the list of priorities.

In order to maintain the status quo, the PGA TOUR needs to rely on the sponsors. Here lies the reciprocal nature of CA. The responsibility CA has demonstrated since the inception of its sponsorship of the World Golf Championships-CA Championship in 2007 provides a template for nearly every other tournament to adhere and follow.

Not only has CA provided a well-run tournament, but what is perhaps CA's most resounding contribution is its dedication to social responsibility. the CA Championship has reached the $4 million plateau for charities over the past three years.

Integrity, responsibility and respect can all be applied to CA's performance as the leading sponsor of the CA Championship. Ironically, these principles are three of the nine core values of the First Tee. These characteristics, synonymous with both CA and The First Tee, are perhaps the best explanation of why the relationship between the two enterprises is growing exponentially.

Character development is one of the greatest commodities in business as well as golf, and is why CA's and The First Tee's involvement with the PGA TOUR has been so successful.

WELL-OILED MACHINES

By Dexter Turner

Professional golfers, their caddies, and their sponsors all have a long adventure ahead of them at the beginning of the season. Most players grow up with idols who they would love to be.

Some of the idols for Retief Goosen are Gary Player, Nick Faldo, and Jack Nicklaus. In order to be like their idols, players eat certain ways so they can perform at their highest level.

For example, Goosen likes to eat ham sandwiches and fruit. Although food is important to these golfers, workouts and hydration are just as important. With advances in technology and players' abilities, all of these golfers must be on top of their physical game in order to compete at a championship-caliber event.

Caddies are enormous support systems for golfers. They make a commitment to be the best at what they do in order to help their golfers endure all of the hardships that courses bring them.

One caddie that we met, Paul Tesori, is on the road 26 weeks out of the year to help Sean O'Hair. For Paul, he fulfills part of his duty as a caddie by walking the courses on Mondays in order to get yardages for every possible shot that Sean may want to play. The caddies talk to the players in order to keep them focused on the task, though caddies and their players talk about multiple subjects besides golf in order to keep their sanity.

Sponsors are always prepared to accommodate the athletes that they endorse. Most equipment sponsors send a truck to every tournament so that their players have the equipment that best suits them at that time.

In order for the equipment to be right and ready, the workers must function like at NASCAR pit crew. For the TaylorMade truck, they know the specifics for every one of their players. They also can build a driver in five minutes and a whole set of irons in 30 minutes.

So you see, the players, caddies, and sponsors work like a well-oiled machine.

BALANCING HARD WORK AND REST

By Sara Diaz

The beautiful weather of Doral, Fla., arrived along with the top players in the world, inviting them to have a great week. Ultimately, it's up to these players to make the best of it by performing well in the World Golf Championships-CA Championship, facing the challenging Blue Monster. As course reporters we had a chance to interview one of players who has played in this tournament for many years.

When asked about how he prepared himself for the tournament, Retief Goosen replied, "(I) eat as much as I can before the tournament round."

Preparation seems to be the key for success, and sometimes many young amateur players underestimate the importance of what stretching for an hour on the driving range before the tournament round can do.

Unlike many players, the older Goosen gets, the better his scoring average is. This, he explained, is due to the hard work he has put in with his golf coach. Together, they have improved his putting and made some swing changes that have allowed him to improve.

Although working hard is very important, professional golfers seem to also understand the importance of having relaxation time. As Camilo Villegas explained in his news conference Wednesday afternoon, "When it's time to rest, it's time to rest."

Traveling and being away from home and families can be tiring, and seems to be the biggest thing players dislike about their careers. But how about the personal care that pros get for simply being the best? Nearly 20 trailers of golf club equipment follow the players to all the PGA TOUR events to provide whatever they need. That's right. These guys are there for the players if they need any kind of repairing, re-griping, or if they simply want to test a new product.

This golf equipment traveling originally started for "emergency use" in the mid-80s but now it's routine to have the expertise of the people who can make a driver from scratch in five minutes or a whole set of irons in just 30 minutes onsite. It's this kind of care that allows great players perform their best in PGA TOUR events.

Behind the scenes, everybody seems to be jumping up and down, just waiting for Thursday to come and get some action out on the course. Who will hold his cool until the end of the week making enough birdies to win the championship? That is something we will soon find out!

SARA DIAZ

Diaz

Sara has been a part of The First Tee of San Antonio since 2005. She is currently a senior at Douglas MacArthur High School in San Antonio, Texas. She was the first participant at the Chapter to achieve Ace level certification in The First Tee Life Skills Experience. Sara moved to the Unites States from Mexico with her family at the age of twelve, a fact that makes her stellar grades in high school even more impressive. Her rigorous academic course load includes Advanced Placement English, Government, Calculus and Economics. Sara plays a very active roll at her school and is involved in National Honor Society and the Mexican American Physicians Hispanic Association. She also devotes several hours per week to her varsity golf team. Sara qualified for the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach in both 2008 and 2009. Each week, Sara shares her passion for golf and appreciation for The First Tee Nine Core Values by mentoring younger participants at her local First Tee Chapter.

Sara has maintained a 4.03 GPA throughout her high school career. She was designated a 2010 First Tee Scholar in December 2009. She is unsure of where she will attend college, but she knows she will major in Business Administration and play golf. She aspires to work in the golf industry in either the advertising or marketing arenas.

EVAN MYER

Myer

Evan Myer is a participant at The First Tee of Pittsburgh and has been involved for the past five years, both as a member and volunteer. He is Birdie Certified in The First Tee Life Skills Experience. He is currently a senior at Allderdice High School in Pittsburgh, Pa., and is heavily involved in school, extracurricular, and community activities. On campus, he is involved in the National Honor Society, Student Union, and the Environmental Club. Myer is the captain of his school's varsity golf team. In the Pittsburgh community, Evan is the founder of Project Madhatter, which distributes hats to children with cancer, and he is a Team Leader on Costa Rican humanitarian projects.

At Allderdice High School, Evan maintains a 4.0 GPA by earning straight A's. As an accomplished young person at school and in the community, he was designated as a First Tee Scholar in the Class of 2010. Upon graduation, Evan plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in Biochemistry at University of Michigan in hopes of one day becoming a doctor.

DEXTER TURNER

Turner

Dexter Turner joined The First Tee of Denver in the spring of 2007. He has achieved Eagle level in The First Tee Life Skills Experience, but more importantly, has dedicated himself to the betterment of others. He is a dedicated mentor to his community's elementary school children and students new to his school. Dexter is currently a senior at Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colo. Through his membership in several clubs, he has taken an active role in his education. He is also the Head Student Athletic Trainer and assists the school's athletic teams to reduce injury and train new students in the program. He has dedicated countless hours to his church as Altar Server and youth coordinator.

Academically, Dexter currently maintains a 3.23 GPA. Through his hard work and determination, The First Tee designated him a Scholar - Class of 2010. Dexter plans to pursue a degree in Biology and eventually practice pediatrics.