Booan, Bateman represent Roanoke Valley at PURE Insurance Championship

ROANOKE, Va. – Two young golfers from the Roanoke Valley are getting the opportunity of a lifetime this week at one of the most iconic venues in golf.

Angelina Booan and Michael “Mike” Bateman of First Tee – Roanoke Valley are among the participants selected for the 2026 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, which runs Sept. 15-20 at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California.

The event brings together First Tee participants from across the country with PGA TOUR Champions players and business leaders for a week centered on golf, mentorship and personal development.

Booan and Bateman are two of the more than 80 First Tee participants selected for this year’s national field. Both are representing the Roanoke Valley chapter on a stage that combines competitive golf with opportunities to build relationships and learn from accomplished professionals.

For Booan, the trip comes during an important stretch of her junior golf career. The Roanoke golfer, a member of Hidden Valley High School’s golf program, has competed in events throughout Virginia and was recently listed among the participants in the 2026 Virginia Regional Final.

Bateman also earned his place in the field as a representative of First Tee – Roanoke Valley. The chapter announced his selection in July, calling it a ticket to the prestigious event at Pebble Beach.

The PURE Insurance Championship is designed to give First Tee participants experiences that extend beyond the golf course. Each participant is paired with a golf legend who serves as a mentor while the juniors compete for the pro-junior title.

The week also includes networking opportunities with business leaders and PGA TOUR Champions players, a pairings party, an evening Legends & Leaders program and a chance to play The Hay, the nine-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods. The tournament is also televised on Golf Channel.

First Tee says participants are selected based on a combination of golf resume, personal growth through First Tee and socioeconomic need. The program emphasizes growing through challenge, pursuing goals and using good judgment.

For Booan and Bateman, the experience provides a chance to represent the Roanoke Valley while playing alongside some of the game’s biggest names at Pebble Beach.

And while the golf is taking place on one of the world’s most recognizable courses, the lessons learned away from the scorecard may ultimately be just as valuable.

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