First Tee participant to represent Philadelphia at Pebble Beach

Daniel Gentilucci, a 17-year-old senior at Roman Catholic High School and an active member of The First Tee of Philadelphia, will participate in next weekend's Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach, Calif., a Champions Tour event.

Gentilucci was selected by a national panel of judges who measures an applicant's playing ability and his or her understanding of the life skills and other areas learned through their involvement with The First Tee.

More than 180 applications were submitted. Out of that total, the judges took 81 juniors involved with The First Tee, ages 15 through 18. Those chosen will team with 81 Champions Tour players and 162 amateurs in the tournament at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Del Monte Golf Course. The event runs from Friday through next Sunday (July 6-8).

Gentilucci, a member The First Tee of Philadelphia for five years, carries a USGA handicap of 3.6.

"Danny started with us and knew nothing about golf," said Jeff Middleton, site director for The First Tee facility at FDR Golf Course in South Philadelphia. "Now he's like a gym rat. He's evolved into a pretty good player."

--Joe Juliano