Alumni Spotlight | February 26, 2026
Each year, we are pleased to present academic scholarships to graduating program participants and alumni, like David Faherer, who are enrolling in college, graduate school, or career training programs. Students are encouraged to apply now for 2026-2027 assistance, and applications are due April 19.
David started receiving scholarship support from First Tee and Yeamans Hall Club in 2022, but his First Tee story started long before college. Read on to learn more about David’s journey from junior golfer to driven professional.
How did you get into golf?
My parents enrolled me in First Tee classes when I was five years old living in Connecticut. I have been playing ever since. I joined First Tee – Greater Charleston when I moved to Charleston in 2014, and participated in the program until I graduated high school. First Tee really helped me find my love for golf and gave me lessons I still use on and off the course to this day.
Why golf?
Golf was special to me because you never know how the round is going to go. With most other sports, normally there is a baseline of how many points you’ll score or catches you’ll get, but in golf, conditions can change at any moment and make or break your round.
David (in yellow) poses with PGA Jr. League competitors
What was your journey with First Tee like?
I joined First Tee – Fairchild Wheeler in Connecticut in 2008, where I participated until I moved to Charleston in 2014. [At First Tee – Greater Charleston] I got as involved as possible… playing PGA Jr League, [after-school] classes, and summer camps. When I was in college, one summer I even had the opportunity to intern with First Tee – Greater Charleston and be on the coaching side of all the activities I once participated in.
What was your favorite part about being in First Tee’s On-Course Program?
My favorite part was the variety we got to experience. It was always a surprise what we would be doing, whether it be range sessions, drills, getting on the course, or even golf baseball, the coaches always made it interesting and interactive.
My favorite memory was when ex-NFL kicker Chandler Catanzaro came and played with us. We played a makeshift par 3 scramble, and I stuck my tee shot, made the putt, and beat him on the hole. Probably wouldn’t have happened in a full round, but I’m keeping it as my claim to fame.
David (#5) working with his teammates to read a putt at Country Club of Charleston
Do you have a favorite Core Value?
Confidence is something a lot of people struggle with on and off the golf course, so I love that First Tee emphasizes it. Golf is very much a mental game, and confidence is key.
What was your biggest takeaway from your time with First Tee?
Golf is for everyone. I got to see first-hand through all the different backgrounds of people I worked with during my First Tee internship. People across all walks of life like to golf…. First Tee showed me how golf allows you to meet all sorts of people, and I am grateful to have had that opportunity.
Coach David and Coach Wayne providing an epic summer camp experience at Patriots Point Golf Links
What have you been up to?
I received the First Tee – Greater Charleston post-secondary scholarship in 2022, and I was the first non-club member to receive Yeamans Hall scholarship support through First Tee. This helped me succeed in my undergraduate career at USC (Go Gamecocks!). I was even able to graduate a semester early from the Honors College and Moore School of Business in December of 2024. I had the opportunity to intern with First Tee – Greater Charleston after my sophomore year of college, which gave me experience towards my undergraduate minor of Sports Management and helped me give back to the Charleston community.
I now work as an Accountant at PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists in New Jersey. Additionally, I am back in school taking online classes pursuing a masters degree in accounting that I should complete by July of 2027.
Everything has been going great, but I definitely miss that Charleston golf weather!
(Charleston misses you too, David!)
What’s next?
My current goal ladder is working up to attaining my CPA certification. This will take some time, and I need to finish my masters degree first, but I believe it is attainable within 2-3 years. I am still only 22, so hopefully I will be a CPA by 25!
Do you have any advice for other First Tee – Greater Charleston program participants?
Jump at every opportunity First Tee gives you. Whether it’s assisting the coaches or working a tournament or charity event, do it. These opportunities improved my golf game and knowledge, and even landed me an internship, and they can for you too. First Tee is there to help you succeed on and off the course, make the most of it.
I am forever grateful for the opportunities I got from the First Tee, they definitely helped me get to where I am today.