Washington, D.C. – July 7, 2026 – An unprecedented four participants from First Tee-Greater Washington, DC have been selected to join the field of 80 exceptional teens set to compete in the 2026 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, to be held September 18–20, 2026 at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course.
The four First Tee-Greater Washington, DC participants selected are:
- Avery McGrath, Basis Independent School, McLean, VA
- Haleem El-Yacoubi, West Springfield High School, Springfield, VA
- Johann Aguillon, Linganore High School, Frederick, MD
- Jordan Wallace, Largo High School, Upper Marlboro, MD
“It’s a real honor to have four participants selected from our chapter to compete in this year’s PURE Insurance Championship and quite the testament to our coaches and programs,” said Katie Blodgett, Senior Director of Operations and Programs. “This is a wonderful opportunity for these participants to experience a professional golf tournament at one of the most iconic locations and to play on two of the top golf courses in the world, all while being paired with a PGA TOUR Champions player. Beyond the golf itself, they’ll also have the chance to build lasting connections with other First Tee participants and business leaders. I know they’re going to enjoy it.”
The annual tournament is hosted by PURE Insurance and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation and broadcast internationally on Golf Channel. It uniquely pairs First Tee participants with PGA TOUR Champions professionals and amateurs from the business world for a week of competition and mentorships. The teens, age 15-18, represent 53 chapters and will compete for the male and female pro-junior titles. The participants were chosen based on both their golf skills and personal growth through First Tee’s youth development programs.
“The PURE Insurance Championship is more than a golf tournament — it’s a celebration of the dedication, perseverance and character of First Tee juniors,” said Katie Krum, Chief Marketing Officer at PURE Insurance. “Having experienced firsthand the lasting impact of youth sports, I am proud to support such a worthy cause and thrilled to share that we have extended our title sponsorship commitment through 2029 and continue championing these inspiring young leaders.”
Additional First Tee-Greater Washington, DC participant information:
- Avery McGrath
- Winner: 2026 AJGA Lanto Jr. Championship at Blacksburg CC, Lynchburg, VA
- Winner: 2026 Primetime Jr. Invitational, Black Edition at Rio Pinar Golf, Orlando, FL
- Haleem El-Yacoubi
- Qualified: 2025 Mid-Atlantic Junior PGA Championship
- Competed: 2025 Junior Pan Arab Invitational in Cairo, Egypt
- Johann Aguillon
- Frederick County Public Schools Individual Champion
- First Team All-County selection
- Jordan Wallace
- Class of 2025 Congaree Global Golf Initiative
- Shot low scores of 68 at Forest Park GC and 67 at Enterprise GC
“Playing in the PURE Insurance Championship means so much to me because it gives me the opportunity to make new friendships, learn from professional golfers and compete on some of the most iconic golf courses.” – Avery McGrath
“It feels great to be able to represent First Tee-Greater Washington DC at the PURE Insurance Championship. It is one of the biggest honors and privileges in my golf career.” – Haleem El-Yacoubi
“Being selected to play in the PURE Insurance Championship means a lot to me because it gives me the chance to experience one of the greatest courses in the game of golf while also having the opportunity to make connections that will last a lifetime.” – Johann Aguillon
“Being selected for the PURE Insurance Championship means everything to me. It proves that hard work and dedication truly pay off. I’m excited to make the most of this opportunity and create memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.” – Jordan Wallace
Tournament play begins Friday on both Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course. Following Saturday’s rounds, the top 24 juniors will advance to Sunday’s final round at Pebble Beach, where one male and one female First Tee participant will be crowned champions.
The junior field for 2026 PURE Insurance Championshipcan be viewed here.
For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com. To learn more about First Tee, visit FirstTee.org.
About First Tee-Greater Washington, DC
First Tee-Greater Washington, DC is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. In 2024, the chapter celebrated its 25th anniversary. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee-Greater Washington, DC impacts more than 200,000 young people each year through programs delivered at 25 program locations, 300 schools and 30 community partners throughout Washington, DC, Northern Virginia, Montgomery County, MD and Prince George’s County, MD. Learn more at firstteedc.org.
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrated its 25th anniversary and has reached millions of youth through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz serves as the National Honorary Chairman. Learn more at firsttee.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Palmer Moody
Sr. Director of Communications and Advancement
First Tee-Greater Washington DC
847.804.2721 mobile