The First Tee of Greater Charleston has 800 participants who take part in on-course activities each year. We are so proud of all of our participants’ successes on and off the golf course, using our Nine Core Values in their everyday lives. Our coaches are constantly sharing great stories about our participants, and we are excited to start a “Participant Spotlight” on our blog where we will honor different participants who are striving to be better people and golfers at The First Tee.
Jude Sword developed his love of golf after his father took him to the driving range at the age of five. The 9-year-old 4th grader at the Montessori Community School was the first to arrive and the last to leave each week on The First Tee’s PGA Junior League team and Summer Interleague team. Whether it’s hitting balls on the range, putting on the practice green, or practicing for the Drive, Chip and Putt Challenge, Jude is focused on improving as a golfer.
Jude playing the 17th hole at Patriots Point
With a low score of 40 on nine holes, Jude is starting his fourth year with The First Tee of Greater Charleson and has advanced to the Par level. He has participated at three locations, including Shadowmoss, Patriots Point and Wescott Plantation. “I’ve enjoyed playing on some of the best courses in Charleston,” he said, “while having fun.”
Jude loves the challenge of getting the ball in the hole in as few shots as possible and spends a lot of time practicing his chipping in the backyard. In fact, his baby brother learned how to set up a ball with a tee and hit the ball from watching Jude.
Jude plays soccer and basketball, but golf holds a special place in his heart. While on a vacation last year, Jude wanted to get his picture taken at the headquarters of The First Tee in Florida. He has also started a golf ball collection and every time he plays a new golf course he gets a ball with the course logo on it.
Jude has decided to be a golf professional when he gets older. His favorite Core Value is Honesty and notes how important it is to put the correct score on the scorecard. “If you make a double bogey on a hole but write down a par,” he said, “that is being dishonest.” His coaches have taken notice of his positive attitude and work ethic.
Jude (far left) at his very first Target class in 2015
Meghan Taylor, The First Tee’s Program Director, said, ” As a 6-year old, Jude was a participant in the chapter’s first ever Target level class held back in the spring of 2015. Coaching that class, it was quickly evident to me how much he loved the game of golf from the start. Now, two and a half years later, Jude is a Par level student who embodies the core values of respect and confidence. He constantly encourages his fellow participants and spends as much time as he can on the golf course. Congratulations on your selection as participant of the month, Jude!”
“Jude is one of our up and coming stars on our program and on our Junior Interclub League team,” said PGA Junior League Coach Bucky. “He has amazing support from his family as he makes them routinely show up early and stay late after matches/classes so he can get additional practice in. He is very polite, well mannered and listens to his coaches. Jude works well in a team setting and shows sportsmanship and courtesy to his playing partners during individual matches. Jude won “Best Use of Protective Eye wear” on this year’s Junior League team as you will rarely find him not sporting a cool pair of sunglasses. I am really proud of Jude and look forward to watching him use our program to grow into a great golfer and person.”
