Invited Celebrity Classic kicks off with Youth Clinic presented by Energy Transfer

In an Instagram post two weeks ago, a woman living in London updated social media followers that her 99-year-old grandfather had taken a turn for the worse and was hospitalized with age-related issues. In the post, she noted that her grandfather was so passionate about the game that – at the age of 98 – he was still playing golf.

By way of that enthusiasm, the game of golf is credited for extending the drive and purpose to a near-centenarian’s life.

On Tuesday of this week’s Invited Celebrity Classic in Irving, Texas, a host of kids at the other end of that age spectrum, though equally drawn to golf, stood poised to make their way into their next phase of life.

By way of enthusiasm, the game of golf is credited for creating drive and purpose in young peoples’ lives.

The Youth Clinic presented by Energy Transfer was free and open to children of all ages. It included kids from First Tee Greater Dallas, First Tee Fort Worth and Momentous Institute, which works at the heart of education and mental health to help young people and families live happier and healthier lives.

Those three organizations are primary beneficiaries of the Invited Celebrity Classic.

“We learned that First Tee was about so much more than just teaching kids golf,” said Sian Saechew, with regard to his 13-year-old son, Austin. “It also included learning a lot about life. We thought it would be a great way for Austin to get into golf, but also to grow and develop as a person.”

“In addition to golf, First Tee has really helped me with how I manage life skills,” said Austin Saechew. “First Tee helped expose me to the game and all the life lessons I’ve learned in the program. Really, it has helped me create structure for the way I handle myself on and off the golf course.”

“We don’t have a lot of money, but hoped there would be a way for Austin to get involved with golf, but not take on expenses beyond our means,” Saechew said. “Through First Tee, he’s meeting adults, which has helped him become more talkative, thoughtful. So, now when he goes out to play – or anywhere – he’s actually conversing in meaningful ways.”

Austin is now so taken by golf that he is poised to try and make the Plano West High School golf team.

“Through First Tee, Austin has gotten to play all kinds of golf courses and meet so many great people,” Sian said. “Just the way Austin interacts with people now….he’s a true young adult. If it wasn’t for First Tee, he likely wouldn’t have been exposed to any of these things. What I see now is a more mature kid. I see such a big difference in him from before First Tee to now, having been a part of First Tee.”

“First Tee is a wonderful avenue for kids to get out here and experience the game, many of whom wouldn’t have otherwise had the chance,” said PGA TOUR Champions winner, Ken Duke. “Just having the kids out here and getting a club in their hands is part of the overall building process. It’s not about hitting good shots every time but is so much more having fun.”

Now in its third year on the Champions Tour schedule, most of those responsible for getting the Invited Celebrity Classic off the ground remain on board to help ensure its continued ascent and evolution.

“The Youth Clinic Tuesday was a great way to kick off a great tournament in year three,” said Dylan Bramhall, Group CFO, Energy Transfer. “We just love it and think it’s so important to make golf available to people from all walks of life, because if we’re going to grow the game, making it more accessible to more people is important.”

“It’s always great to get in front of kids,” said PGA TOUR Champions player, Doug Barron, who offered instruction to the kids Tuesday. “It helps put life and golf in perspective.”

In addition to Energy Transfer’s involvement with the Youth Clinic and sponsorship of Saturday’s Military Day, which includes free admission, food and beverage, general admission to the Invited Celebrity Classic presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts is complimentary to all members and tournament guests, courtesy of Invited, Energy Transfer and Choctaw Casinos & Resorts.

“What we’re doing with the Invited Celebrity Classic checks a lot of important boxes for us,” Bramhall said. “This clinic is entirely about the kids. The military is one of Energy Transfer’s pillars we support a lot through our foundation. Then, there is the remarkable community of Dallas. This is a really strong event and is one we want to see as successful. Invited has done so much to get this tournament up and running. We really value the partnership with them, so we remain committed to doing all we can to keep building this tournament and make it a great DFW event.”

From building great events to paving the way to brighter futures, to preserving the memories of fulfilled pasts, the game of golf spans every spectrum and truly is one for the ages.

“It’s a wonderful sport people can enjoy for an entire lifetime,” Duke said. “No matter how young or old, golf is something that can be truly enjoyed for the entire duration of a life.”