This September, 80 First Tee participants from across the country will arrive at Pebble Beach for the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee. Among them is 16-year-old Henry Seufert from East Grand Rapids, Michigan, who will be following in the footsteps of his two older brothers.
Henry joined First Tee – West Michigan at 7 with his older brothers, Charlie and Jack. At 15 he became a First Tee junior coach like both of his brothers before him.
“I aspire to one day become a lead coach, like Charlie, and one day inspire other young golfers as Charlie influenced me,” Henry said.
Henry comes from a family of golfers, so his parents enrolled him in First Tee for the life skills and youth development aspects of the program. Throughout their time in the program, his brothers forged a reputation of exceptional dedication and leadership, and Henry’s coaches say he has diligently done the same.
In 2022, shortly after he played in the PURE Insurance Championship, Henry’s older brother Charlie received a heart transplant.
“After Charlie’s heart transplant, golf became his inspiration: His goal was to recover to play varsity golf two months later,” said Henry. “He achieved this goal, with the best season of his high school career. His story motivates me throughout life, especially on the golf course, proving to me that anybody can do anything.”
As Henry prepares for Pebble Beach, he carries with him the lessons learned from a decade in First Tee and the inspiration of his older brothers. Watching his brother’s recovery reinforced the lessons of perseverance and goal-setting that Henry has been learning as a First Tee participant.
Now, as Henry prepares for his own championship experience, he carries not just his family’s golfing tradition, but their commitment to First Tee’s mission. As a junior coach, he works with younger participants, sharing the same enthusiasm and dedication that his brothers once brought to their coaching roles.
The PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee represents more than just a prestigious golf tournament; it’s a celebration of the young people who embody First Tee’s values both on and off the course. For Henry, earning his spot among the 80 participants nationwide validates years of hard work and growth within the program, he said.
Participants at the championship will engage with PGA Tour Champions professionals and experience one of golf’s most iconic venues.
See more about the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee here and support the work of a First Tee Chapter near you.