The $1.6 billionUnited Federal Credit Union announced it will help send a younggolfer to play with the pros in a tournament at the famed PebbleBeach Golf Course in Monterey, Calif.

According to a release issued by UFCU, Ian Bellisario was among80 junior golfers selected for the Nature Valley First Tee Open, anofficial Champions Tour event this weekend. The tournament will betelevised on the Golf Channel.

The 17-year-old golfer is a participant in The First Tee of FortSmith, an Arkansas organization that teaches young people life-longskills through the game of golf, said Noel Sanger, market VP forUFCU in Fort Smith, Ark.

Sanger, who is among five finalists for the 2014 CUES Next TopCredit Union Exec Challenge, is treasurer of The First Tee of FortSmith and spearheads UFCU's support for the organization.

“These kids learn to face challenges at home, school and play ina constructive manner, he said. “They learn that it takes patienceto develop a skill, and that hard work pays off. United Federal Credit Union is happy to have such a positiveimpact on their lives.”

Headquartered in St. Joseph, Mich., UFCU has branches in sixstates, including two in Ft. Smith.

During the tournament, Bellisario and the other young golferswill be teamed with 81 Champion Tour players and 162 amateurs asthey compete for the pro-junior title, the credit union said.

Bellisario was selected by a national panel of judges whoevaluated playing ability, and comprehension of the life skills andcharacter education learned through his involvement with The FirstTee, the credit union said.

“I am recognized as a leader by my peers and adults both on andoff the course,” Bellisario stated in the press release. “I havelearned to maintain my composure on the course no matter how theround is going and help my teammates relax and stay on game.”

Champion Tour players committed to play include two-time NatureValley First Tee Open winner and defending champion Kirk Triplett,Charles Schwab Cup contenders Jay Haas and Kenny Perry, and anumber of World Golf Hall of Fame members.

“I will be playing alongside some of golf's greatest players,”Bellisario added. “This will be a life changing experience forme.”

Kris Scott, executive director of The First Tee of Fort Smith,said participating in the tournament represents a culmination ofcountless hours of hard work and practice by Bellisario.

“Ian came to us at age 10 with very little knowledge about thegame of golf,” Scott stated in the press release. “Now he is avolunteer coach and mentor to younger players and is on track toplay golf in college. We are incredibly grateful to United FederalCredit Union and our other sponsors for supporting thisprogram.”

The credit union also supports many other charitablegroups within the communities it serves.