There are few things more rewarding than watching a young person you have invested in step into a moment that is entirely their own. For First Tee – Orange County participant Brayden Batiste, that moment came on the fairways of Newport Beach Country Club at the 2026 HOAG Celebrity Classic — and he made the most of every single second of it.
Brayden was selected to play in the Celebrity Pro-Am this year, joining celebrities and golf enthusiasts on one of Orange County’s most prestigious courses for a day that went far beyond birdies and fairways. For a young man preparing to head to college and chart the next chapter of his life, the experience turned out to be as meaningful off the course as it was on it.
What made Brayden’s day truly special was not just the opportunity to compete on a world-class course — it was the conversations that happened along the way. Between holes, Brayden found himself in genuine dialogue with celebrities who generously shared their wisdom about career paths, networking, and planning for success. The kind of mentorship moments that are hard to manufacture and impossible to forget.
And then there was the 17th hole.
Brayden stepped up, read the green, and drained a long birdie putt — right in front of the stands. The crowd responded. The moment was real. And for a young golfer who once volunteered at this very same event, the full-circle nature of it was not lost on anyone watching.
Brayden put it best himself:
“I want to thank the First Tee for the chance to participate in the HOAG Celebrity Classic this year. It was an amazing opportunity getting to meet and play golf with the celebrities that participated. Not only did I get to play and talk about golf with them, but I also had valuable time to discuss the next steps in my life as I head to college. All of the celebrities I talked to had valuable advice about my career choice and how to start networking and planning for success in my career. This experience was also special because I had gotten the opportunity to volunteer at the HOAG Classic in the past, and being able to get to play such a great course alongside such cool people was amazing. My favorite memory from the event was making a long birdie putt on the 17th hole in front of the stands. I want to thank the First Tee for a memorable opportunity and for the support they have shown in my growth as a golfer and a person!”
Brayden’s story is a reminder of exactly what First Tee – Orange County exists to do. Not just to teach the game — but to use the game to open doors, build relationships, and prepare young people for everything that lies ahead. From volunteering on the sidelines to playing alongside celebrities on the same course, Brayden’s journey is proof that when you invest in a young person, there is no telling how far they will go.
We are so proud of you, Brayden. The best is still ahead.
