The Travelers Championship brings some of golf’s biggest names to Connecticut each year, but for First Tee Connecticut, the tournament is also an opportunity to invest in the next generation of golfers.

The organization held its 18th annual First Tee Breakfast on Saturday at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, bringing together student scholars, donors, community partners and supporters of the youth golf program.

First Tee Connecticut works to expand access to golf while providing scholarships and character-building opportunities for young people across the state.

Among those attending was program alumnus P.J. Cavaliere, who said First Tee helped shape his connection to both golf and the Travelers Championship.

“I’m a lifelong resident of Connecticut,” Cavaliere said. “And this event is really a flagship event for Connecticut. I spent many years around this tournament, both with First Tee and just as a volunteer in the tournament.”

Cavaliere is a former participant and alumnus of First Tee Connecticut, which is headquartered at TPC River Highlands.

During Saturday’s breakfast, First Tee Connecticut awarded $61,000 in scholarships to 34 students, helping them continue their education and pursue opportunities in golf through high school and college.

Ken Baldwin, who is preparing to step down as chairman of the organization’s board, said the program teaches lessons that extend far beyond the golf course.

“When they finish a round of golf, right? They take their hats off, they take each other’s hands, caddies and players. That’s one of the things we taught kids like PJ when he was little. From day one,” Baldwin said. “You look somebody in the eye, you take your hat off, you take their hand, you introduce yourself. Those core values are so important to this institution.”

Organizers said the annual breakfast has become a key part of Travelers Championship week, highlighting the organization’s mission to grow the game while helping young people develop both on and off the course.

People interested in learning more about First Tee Connecticut can find additional information on the organization’s website.