Greensboro, NC – What began as an experiment turned into a lifelong passion for Alina Amos. At just 9 years old, she was introduced to golf when her mom signed her up for a First Tee – Central Carolina program as a way to try out different sports. It didn’t take long for Alina to discover that golf was the one that stuck. She was immediately drawn to the challenge of the game, recognizing early on that it’s not something you can perfect, but something you can always get better at. That mindset still motivates her today.

Since then, Alina has immersed herself in the junior golf world, participating in programs like Drive, Chip & Putt and PGA Jr. League, both of which she credits for shaping her development on and off the course.

“Drive, Chip & Putt helped me get comfortable in pressure situations,” she says. “It pushed me to focus, stay confident, and still perform even when the nerves kicked in.”

When it comes to PGA Jr. League, Alina highlights the friendships and camaraderie that made the experience meaningful: “PGA Jr. League really helped me with my confidence and sportsmanship. I made a lot of friends and learned how to support my teammates. We all grew together, and it was fun to cheer each other on.”

Her involvement in PGA Jr. League even led to an incredible opportunity at the 2025 PGA Championship, where she represented the Youth pillar of PGA REACH and participated in the trophy ceremony on the 18th green. There, she got to take a photo with 2025 Champion and World No. 1, Scottie Scheffler!

Most recently, Alina was selected to compete in the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship benefiting First Tee, a prestigious PGA TOUR Champions event. “I’m excited to play on such beautiful courses, meet new people, and get the chance to play with a pro. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I am so thankful I was chosen, and I am so excited to go.”

Throughout her journey, First Tee has remained a central part of her growth. The organization’s Nine Core Values, honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment, have had a lasting impact. Alina strives to live by these values daily, using them both on and off the course to lead by example. She also credits First Tee’s coaches and mentors for helping her grow as both a player and a person. They encouraged her to apply for the PURE Championship, introduced her to volunteering and PGA Jr. League, and helped her find mentors like her swing coach. The First Tee also brought her one of her biggest supporters and PGA Jr. League coaches, Coach Bob Brooks, PGA. Bob is very special to Alina and her family, as he was her former formal coach, her PGA Jr. League coach, and someone who has given her countless opportunities. That is just a few of the impacts First Tee has had on Alina and her family, but most of all, they made golf fun. 

Looking ahead, Alina hopes to continue her golf journey into college and beyond. Whether she’s playing, coaching, or working in another part of the industry, she knows golf will always be a part of her life.

The PURE Insurance Championship benefiting First Tee is a PGA TOUR Champions event held at Pebble Beach that pairs junior golfers from First Tee chapters with PGA TOUR Champions professionals. More than just a tournament, it offers young players a remarkable opportunity to compete on a world-famous course, learn from the pros, and create lifelong memories and mentorship. The tournament will take place September 19–21, 2025, and will be broadcast on The Golf Channel and Fubo.

Click here to learn more about the PURE Insurance Championship!

Read here about the First Tee – Central Carolina!