The Nature Valley First Tee Open in Pebble Beach, California is a 54-hole golf tournament that invites 81 junior golfers (15-18 years old) from across the United States. The tournament takes place Tuesday Sept. 22 – Sunday Sept. 27, and will be televised on Golf Channel starting Friday.

The golfers are elected based on an in depth application process that judges their involvement in the golf community, golf ability and other criteria including background and statistics.

In this tournament, each junior golfer is paired with a professional champions tour player. They compete side by side for the entire tournament.

There are five students from the Sacramento region that were invited to play: a boy from Granite Bay, a boy and a girl from Vista Del Lago, a boy from Jesuit and Rocklin’s Nicole Schroeder.

Nicole Schroeder is a senior at Rocklin High School who has been golfing for just over five years and has been involved with First Tee. Her dedication as a student and as a golfer eventually lead to an invite to the prestige tournament.

“I have no expectations on the outcome [of the tournament]. Of course I’m going into the tournament with the mentality of coming out on top, but I cannot ‘expect’ that. I’m just looking to go in and give it my all and just play my game as well as enjoying the time playing side by side with a legend,” said Nicole.

Nicole’s teammates and coaches recognize and admire her leadership ability and her perseverance on the course.

“Nicole Schroeder is an exceptional leader and golfer. She has a tremendous work ethic and works really hard.  She is finally getting recognized for her dedication and character on and off the course,” said golf coach Frank Shields.

Nicole is most excited for learning new golf tactics and listening to stories of the professional she is paired with.

“The opportunity I have to learn first hand from someone who has played golf at a high level is unbelieveable and a once in a lifetime chance, and I plan on being a sponge and taking in as much information as possible,” adds Nicole.

Nichole has been preparing for this tournament in many ways, including practicing and building up her skills and mindset.

“I have prepared by putting myself in pressure situations, trying to get used to having to perform under extreme circumstances. I should be nervous about what’s going to be on TV when it’s televised, but I can’t be nervous about what I don’t know,” said Nicole.

Nicole is nervous about the opportunity, yet she will not let her nerves overcast the entire experience.

“I’m most nervous for my very first tee shot on hole one. I feel like once I get over that, and get going in the tournament I will be fine,” Nicole added.

Overall, Nicole is exhilarated with the possibilities and outcomes that this tournament could yield. This tournament will help develop her overall skills as well as her confidence in her leadership and golfing capabilities.