Minnesota Sets the Pace as Round 2 of the First Tee Champions Challenge Tees Off on the Gold Course at Tiburón
By Zoe Waltzer
NAPLES, Fla. – Round two of the First Tee Champions Tour Challenge teed off Saturday morning on the Gold Course at Tiburón Golf Club, with Minnesota’s Elizabeth Fong and Jayla Mao carrying the overnight lead into another exciting day of competition alongside the Chubb Classic.
After a strong opening round, the duo stayed grounded but confident heading into day two.
“It feels good that we were able to play well yesterday, and hopefully we can do the same thing today,” Mao said before the round.
Fong echoed that optimism. “I think it's pretty fun. Pretty exciting.”
The tournament, which places First Tee Champions Challenge participants competing on the same golf course as the professionals competing in the Chubb Classic, creates a unique atmosphere – a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For Mao, the moment hasn’t been lost.
“I’m grateful, and it's, like, almost like a dream because we get to play alongside all these pros, and being at this beautiful course, it's like, wow.”
Despite the big stage, Minnesota’s game plan remained simple heading into day two.
“I think we did pretty good yesterday, so probably just keep on going on that same kind of trend. See if we can make some more putts. We did pretty good though,” Fong said.
Mao kept it just as straightforward: “Do better than yesterday. And just have fun, as always.”
That mindset, light, positive and focused, is something their coach, Jim Triggs, has embraced as well.
“They have a good thing going. They have a great attitude when they hit a bad shot, they laugh. Just keep doing that, don't change anything. Enjoy the day. Who knows what's going to happen? Zero pressure,” said Triggs. “I’m more cheerleader than coach.”
Through two rounds, what has stood out most hasn’t just been the scores, but the chemistry.
That same appreciation and perspective has extended across the entire First Tee field. Players from every chapter have embraced the opportunity not just as a competition, but as a chance to grow.
Olivia Chadzik of First Tee Massachusetts reflected on that gratitude during round one, a mindset that has clearly carried into Saturday. “I've just been able to feel grateful for the fact that I'm here,” she said.
She also acknowledged the reality of tournament golf – and the importance of resilience. “I know some bad shots are bound to happen today, so just be able to pick yourself back up again and play your best.”
That balance of competitiveness and composure has defined round two. While the leaderboard continues to take shape on the Gold Course, the tone among participants remains overwhelmingly positive — focused on teamwork, learning and embracing the moment.
With steady play, contagious positivity and a no-pressure mindset, Minnesota’s pair and the rest of the participants continue to compete with confidence while staying rooted in gratitude — understanding that the experience itself is just as meaningful as the final score. The players are looking ahead to tomorrow’s final day.
