Greenville, S.C. – For Paul Ancona, the game of golf began as a simple father-son outing. But, a summer camp with First Tee in Richmond, VA quickly turned into a full-blown passion. Nearly nine years later, Paul has gone from a beginner who couldn’t wait to hit the course every day to a junior coach and nationally recognized junior golfer.

Paul’s journey includes one of the most coveted experiences in junior golf: competing in the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club (2022). Reflecting on that day, Paul calls it the “most memorable golf experience of my whole life.” From driving down Magnolia Lane to shaking hands with Condoleezza Rice and putting on the legendary 18th green, it’s a memory he’ll never forget. “Knowing that legends have won Masters on that green and I was on it putting was incredible,” he said.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. After missing both drives in the first skill of the competition, Paul relied on the core value of perseverance, instilled in him through First Tee. With support from his home First Tee chapter and the determination to stay focused, he rallied with strong chipping and putting rounds. “Even when things aren’t looking good, you just have to keep trying and don’t look back,” Paul shared.

Now a rising Junior in High School, Paul’s golf story continues at one of the most iconic venues in the sport, Pebble Beach, as he competes in the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship benefiting First Tee. “I’m looking forward to everything,” he said. “It’s such an honor to represent my chapter. I want to make core memories, play with a PGA TOUR pro, and learn as much as I can.”

First Tee has been foundational in Paul’s development, not just as a golfer, but as a person. “Golf is an up and down sport,” he explained. “One day you play great, the next is a struggle. First Tee taught me to use values like perseverance and confidence to overcome challenges.” He credits mentors like PGA Professional, Michael Pius, PGA (Executive Director for First Tee – Upstate South Carolina), for shaping his experience and pushing him to grow both on and off the course.

As for the future, college golf is definitely on Paul’s radar. “If I can’t play for a team, I’ll definitely play club golf,” he said. Off the course, he has his sights set on a career as a nurse anesthetist, a testament to the balance, discipline, and passion that drive him both on the fairway and in 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 more about First Tee – Upstate South Carolina!