Alana Sims, a junior at Riverwood International Charter School, will hit an opening tee shot at the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on Aug. 29.
Sims is one of two students to take the shot moments before the PGA Tour’s 30 best players begin the first round of competition. TOUR Championship partner Accenture will award her a $5,000 scholarship, a PGA Tour news release said.
Sims, 17, and Nigel Youmans, 16, a junior at Arabia Mountain High School, were chosen by nonprofit First Tee – Metro Atlanta members based on a selection process comprised of a golf competition, an essay contest, and interviews with tournament leadership.
The release said that the TOUR Championship has recognized members of First Tee – Metro Atlanta since 2008 who exemplify the “hope” that continues to build in the East Lake community and throughout Atlanta.
“The HOPE Tee Shot exemplifies all that makes the TOUR Championship unique to Atlanta,” said Alex Urban, executive director of the TOUR Championship. “The desire to create opportunities for the community and its youth is something this event and our partners have taken to heart.
Sims has been a member of First Tee – Metro Atlanta for six years. Throughout her golf career, Sims has relied on her commitment to integrity – one of First Tee’s Nine Core Values. This helped prepare her for the HOPE Tee Shot. She said her emphasis on integrity has deepened her sense of self-worth and accountability, and taught her that winning is not just about the result, but the journey and ethical choices made to get there.
When not golfing, Sims uses her artistic abilities to create ceramics and watches her favorite player, Collin Morikawa, compete on the PGA TOUR.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Alana and Nigel represent our chapter as the 2024 HOPE Tee Shot honorees,” said Jenae Jenkins, executive director of First Tee – Metro Atlanta. “Their growth in the program has been tremendous to watch, and their efforts to get to this point is what the HOPE Tee Shot represents.
The TOUR Championship returns to Labor Day weekend in 2024, with tournament dates set for Aug. 28 –Sept. 1, as the PGA TOUR’s top 30 players compete in the FedExCup Playoffs finale for their chance to win the FedExCup and the season title.
