The Pacific Invitational: Opening Day Is One For All Ages

The Pacific Invitational kicked off under sunny skies and smiling faces Saturday. And it was one for the ages—literally—at Van Buskirk Park Course.

As a warm-up for team competition in this golf classic featuring 14 teams, the University of Pacific golf team put on a clinic with 50 underprivileged youngsters in conjunction with The First Tee of San Joaquin. The clinic, sponsored by the Port of Stockton, was a day of fun, and a day to remember.

The Stockton Sports Commission Pacific Invitational, presented by Ron Berberian, Bank of Agriculture & Commerce and Berberian European Motors, begins Monday at Brookside Country Club, with daily 8 a.m. tee times. The event brings showcase golf to Stockton—including such teams as No. 1-ranked Charlotte, BYU, Oregon, Marquette, Ohio State, Rice and Kansas State to name a few. Admission if free.

But Saturday belonged to the kids.

From two foot tall carrying their own golf bags, to wide-eyed teens, the event drew a myriad of eager youngsters who regularly are under the golf tutelage of The First Tee of San Joaquin. Stockton Mayor Ed Chavez addressed the kids telling them, “There are many things in golf that you can apply in life and mastering those things while learning to play golf will be important. Golf is a lot more than a game."

The Pacific golf team gave one-on-one lessons on putting, chipping and driving. But the highlight was a 20-minutes Q&A session from the kids with the Pacific student athletes. Consider some of the questions form the precautious kids of the First Tee:

Q. Are you going to be a pro someday?
A. Chris Rosenau, Pacific senior, “I came to Pacific to get an education, but I would love to be a professional golfer someday.”

Q. What inspired you to play golf?
A. Charlie Van Sicklen, Pacific junior, “I started playing when I was your age and I’ve never quit. I hope I’m still playing when I’m 100.”

Q. Will you ever be like Tiger Woods?
A. Bayhaan Lakadawala, Pacific sophomore “I hope I can be like him someday because he sets a great example for everyone. He’s not just a great golfer; he’s a great leader and person.”
The First Tee San Joaquin works with youth of San Joaquin County to provide them equipment, facilities, and comprehensive instruction to learn and actively grow with the game of golf. As part of this program, the kids learn life skills and The First Tee’s nine core values: Sportsmanship, confidence, integrity, perseverance, respect, responsibility, judgment, courtesy and honesty

“This simply was a great day for everyone, especially the kids,” said Pacific golf coach Brandon Goethals. “If one kid gets something positive out of this—from the lessons to the questions and answers—then we’ve given back to the community and we are doing our jobs.”