Optum surprises 75 golf kids with tickets to THE PLAYERS Championship

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Some lucky young golfers get to watch THE PLAYERS Championship in person these next couple days.

Seventy-five kids from a youth organization known as First Tee were surprised with tickets thanks to Optum, one of the tournament’s top three sponsors.

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“It’s great, a lot of fun out here,” Ashtin Arlaud said.

First Tee golfers told Action News Jax they weren’t expecting the surprise.

“I was excited. I love golf and I love the sport,” Rebeka Cordero added.

Arlaud’s favorite golfer is Xander Schauffele. When Action News Jax talked to the kids, they were getting ready to go see him.

“It’s been a great experience, watching all the different players,” Gabriel Korkes said.

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Naomi Cordero agreed, saying, “We’re learning so much through the First Tee.”

First Tee puts golf into communities throughout Northeast Florida, some of which might not have been able to offer golfing opportunities otherwise.

Cox Media Group