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Three local teens to play in BMW Championship Pro-Am

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) — Sam Jean, Erica Shepherd, and Jeff Doty are getting ready for an opportunity of a lifetime. These three golfers from Indiana will take part in the BMW Championship Pro-Am on Wednesday at Crooked Stick. It’s an opportunity they still can’t believe.

“I think we’re a part of a select group. (It’s) not too often kids this age get an opportunity like this. It is really special and I’m thankful to everybody who made this possible,” said Doty

“This is so fortunate. Nobody my age really gets to have this opportunity, so I’m very grateful and trying to make the most of it,” said Shepherd.

“I’m just very thankful for the opportunity to come, and all the people who made it possible. It’s an amazing experience and one I’ll never forget,” said Jean.

But this priceless experience didn’t come without some hard work. 15-year-old Shepherd won the Girls Junior State title, Jean, who’s a junior at Center Grove was the Boys Junior State champion, and Doty, a senior from Carmel High School shot a 70 from the back tees at Crooked Stick in a playoff to win the club’s Junior Development program.

“It was really special, it was something I worked for the past couple of weeks. It was obviously a goal,” said Doty.

When asked if she felt any pressure, Shepherd said no. “I’m just really excited,” she said.

Jean admitted there may be some nerves mixed in with the excitement Wednesday.

“I think I’ll be a little nervous going off the first tee, but other than that I think it will be a great experience and try to enjoy it more than anything and learn from it,” Jean said.

Playing in the Pro-Am isn’t cheap. It costs $30,000 per team to walk inside the ropes with the pros. Crooked Stick members paid the entry fee for these students to have the chance to do something they’ll never forget.

“It’s a way for us to give back and we have three great kids,” said Tony Pancake, Crooked Stick Director of Golf. “They’re not only great players but they’re great kids. It’s going to be fun for them to kinda of realize a dream of a lifetime that day.”

The best part about playing in the Pro-Am is the chance to play with one of golf’s biggest stars and there’s one name right at the top of their list.

“I love Jordan Spieth,” Shepherd said.

“Definitely Jordan Spieth,” replied Jean.

“Jordan Spieth,” said Doty.

Regardless if it’s Jordan Spieth, Jason Day or another top player on tour, one thing is for sure: these three will be walking on Cloud Nine Wednesday.