TOUR Championship announces Ariel Collins and Jacob Smith as 2026 HOPE Tee Shot Honorees

ATLANTA – The TOUR Championship announced its 2026 HOPE Tee Shot honorees with First Tee – Metro Atlanta members Ariel Collins and Jacob Smith selected to each hit the opening tee shots at the PGA TOUR’s finale event on Thursday, August 27, moments before the TOUR’s 30 best players begin the first round of competition. As part of the annual tournament tradition, both honorees also receive a scholarship on behalf of TOUR Championship Proud Partner Accenture.

“The HOPE Tee Shot is one of the most meaningful traditions of TOUR Championship week,” said TOUR Championship Executive Director Alex Urban. “Before the competition gets underway, it shines a spotlight on extraordinary young people and the organizations that help them thrive. We’re proud to provide a platform that celebrates their accomplishments and creates memories that will last a lifetime.”

Since 2008, the TOUR Championship alongside its Proud Partners, Accenture, Coca-Cola and Southern Company, has recognized First Tee – Metro Atlanta who exemplify the “HOPE” that continues to build in the East Lake community and throughout Atlanta. Each year, both honorees emerge from an intense selection process comprised of a golf competition, essay contest and interviews with tournament leadership. Collins, 16, and Smith, 14, will be honored during the HOPE Tee Shot Opening Ceremony on Thursday, August 27 on the No. 1 tee box at East Lake Golf Club.

"At Accenture, we believe the most meaningful partnerships create impact beyond the event itself," said Americas Chief Marketing Officer Elise Cornille. "As a Proud Partner of the TOUR Championship, we're investing in the Atlanta community by supporting programs like First Tee that help young people develop the confidence, leadership, and life skills to reach their full potential. We're honored to celebrate Ariel and Jacob and support the next chapter of their journeys."

Ariel Collins

Collins, a rising junior at Acellus Academy, has been a member of First Tee – Metro Atlanta for nine years. Throughout her golf career, Ariel has relied on her commitment to Respect – one of First Tee’s Nine Core Values – which has become the foundation for every aspect of her life. Collins has come to understand that Respect isn’t just about others, but about yourself and she uses that frame of mind to better serve as a positive mentor both on and off the course.

When not playing golf, Collins is coaching golf. Ariel volunteers as head golf coach for the Henry County Special Olympics Golf Team, which has enriched her life with purpose, joy and inspiration. Ariel also enjoys watching her favorite player, Nelly Korda, compete on the LPGA Tour.

Jacob Smith

Smith has been an active participant within First Tee – Metro Atlanta since 2017. As a rising freshman at Drew Charter School, Jacob has leaned on Perseverance – another one of First Tee’s Nine Core Values – to keep him working hard even when things get difficult. He’s learned that improvement comes from staying committed and continuing to push forward no matter what happens, which has guided his approach to golf and life.

Smith’s favorite PGA TOUR player is Jordan Spieth, and when he’s not playing golf, he enjoys watching college football. One of his proudest moments on the golf course to date was his hole-in-one on No. 8 at the John A. White Golf Course.

“At First Tee – Metro Atlanta, we believe golf is a vehicle for teaching life skills and supporting the overall well-being of young people,” said Steven D. Wooten, Interim Executive Director of First Tee – Metro Atlanta. “Ariel and Jacob exemplify confidence, perseverance and integrity both on and off the course. Their selection reflects what is possible when young people are empowered to grow as leaders and embrace new challenges. We are grateful to the TOUR Championship and our proud partners, Accenture, Coca-Cola Company and Southern Company, for investing in our program and creating opportunities that inspire the next generation to be successful in all their endeavors.”

Earlier this year, the TOUR Championship hosted video auditions for Atlanta’s local talent to perform the National Anthem at the HOPE Tee Shot Opening Ceremony. Angel Daniels, a 9-year-old originally from Acworth, Georgia, was selected for this year’s rendition.

For more information about the 2026 event, visit TOURChampionship.com. Fans are encouraged to follow the TOUR Championship on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for tournament updates.