FOR RELEASE                                          Contact:  Mandy Riceman, The First Tee
June 18, 2008                                                           (904) 940-4324, mriceman@thefirsttee.org

Emily Powers

FORMER PARTICIPANT OF THE FIRST TEE QUALIFIES FOR U.S. WOMEN'S OPEN

ST AUGUSTINE, FL. - 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 available 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 United States Golf Association is a Founding Partner of The First Tee and the largest financial supporter of The First Tee Chapters. 

About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org) is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Augustine, Fla. at World Golf Village, home of the World Golf Hall of Fame. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants and students in 48 states and four international locations - Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and Singapore.  Former President George Bush serves as honorary chairman.  The Founding Partners of The First Tee are Augusta National Golf Club, the LPGA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, and United States Golf Association.

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As Founding Corporate Partner of The First Tee, Shell Oil Company has provided financial resources to support the development of this charitable youth initiative aimed at promoting character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.  Because of Shell's initial contribution, The First Tee has garnered the support of hundreds of corporations and organizations that have provided financial or promotional support to The First Tee and its Chapters.