Author: kflock

Photos by RebornKreationz

May 14, 2026 | Events

ARCO Design/Build hosted their 3rd Annual Pickleball Tournament last week and we were honored to be included, alongside Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, as a beneficiary. Participating local businesses raised an incredible $22,660 for both missions!

Our CEO, Bucky Dudley, teamed up with Vice Chair of our Board of Directors Mary Yarbrough to create the ultimate First Tee team. The two left if all on the court and placed first! In addition to shiny trophies, their prize package included experiences with On Purpose Adventures and Nature Adventures, which we look forward to using as immersion program enrichment activities this summer.

Thank you to the ARCO team for coordinating such an amazing fundraiser and to all who supported. We can’t wait to put your donations to work serving youth in our community!

May 12, 2026 | Events

Thank you to everyone who to everyone who supported this year’s 100 Hole Golfathon, including our amazing players, donors, sponsors, and presenting partner, First Financial Group! Together, we raised $43k+ for First Tee kids. These funds will help sustain program impact (reaching 26k young people annually) and expand game-changing bus transportation services.

Special thanks and congratulations goes to our 2026 Golfathon Champions…

Fundraising Champions
Tony Polichemi & Mike Burcin
$9,050 raised & 25 donors reached

Most Influential
Cormick Brennan & Ryan Brennan
$3,495 raised & 43 donors reached

Most Spirited
Maya Timmons, Jadyn Linney, Tyanna Knight & Tyasia Knight

We can’t wait to do it again next year! Interested in joining us? Please subscribe to our newsletter for event notifications.

Event Highlights

Presenting Partner

May 11, 2026 | Coach Spotlight

Please join us in congratulating Coach Johnson, who received a Community Service Award for outstanding achievements in educational development from the Charleston Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Coach Johnson was recognized at the chapter’s May Week celebration of community impact on May 3rd.

Their program provided a thoughtful tribute to Coach Johnson’s amazing work as an educator and coach…

Lerone Johnson, Sr., a lifelong resident of the city of Charleston, is highly engaged in student activism within the local community, particularly through sports. He served for many years as a physical education teacher for Charleston County School District at Sanders Clyde Elementary School and Charleston Development Academy and as a baseball coach at Burke High School. In addition to being a student mentor, he also served on the Altar of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church starting as an altar boy and mow as a member of the Eucharistic Ministry. Mr. Johnson attributes the development of his lifelong skills to the guidance and mentorship of his grandmother and aunt, both of whom played a significant role in shaping his character. Mr. Johnson began as a volunteer at First Tee – Greater Charleston, a local 501(c)(3) serving youth throughout the Tri-County Area. In his role with First Tee, he teaches life skills to students through the game of golf, currently reaching 48 schools and after-school programs as far as Hollywood. Golf, a sport traditionally less popular among minority communities compared to football and basketball, has seen a significant rise in interest due to these initiatives. Golf cultivates essential life skills as taught by Mr. Johnson, promoting integrity, patience, and emotional regulation. The sport enhances discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking through regular practice, informed decision-making, and overcoming challenges. By requiring individuals to perform under pressure in quiet environments, golf equips students to approach adversity with composure and strength of character. Mr. Johnson’s commitment and accomplishments as a volunteer from 2008 to 2022 led to his appointment as a full-time coach in 2022. He currently serves as First Tee – Greater Charleston’s Community Outreach Director, managing school engagement and Pathfinders, First Tee’s golf and STEM immersion program.

Congratulations, Coach Johnson! Your commitment to youth and community development is truly inspiring.

Program Update | May 4, 2026

Our registration lottery for the summer season of On-Course Golf & Life Skills is open now through May 10! Please register at your convenience during the lottery period. Selections will be made at random (not first come first served).

Random drawings will occur the week of May 11. We will email you if your name is selected. You will not receive an email if you are not selected, but your name will remain on our waitlist. Please monitor your inbox and check spam folders for notifications throughout the week of May 11. If you receive an email confirming your child has been selected, you must log back in to finalize your program registration within 48 hours. If registration is not finalized within 48 hours, your spot will be awarded to our next wait-listed family.

Most summer classes will tee off the week of June 8, with some beginning the week of June 15. Start dates for three-day mini camps will vary. Please check out our summer schedule for details and email [email protected] if you have questions. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on-course this summer!

April 31, 2026 | Alumni Spotlight

Graduation season is a favorite among our staff as we get to announce scholarship recipients and share their exciting post-secondary education plans. (Stay tuned for a post about that later this month.) We also have the pleasure of catching up with alumni, like Kate Nyers, who are transitioning from college to careers.

We recently sat down with Kate, a First Tee – Greater Charleston scholar and collegiate golfer set to graduate from Belmont Abbey this month, to learn more about how First Tee and playing golf prepared her for life beyond the golf course. Here’s what she had to say…  

How did you get into golf?

I got into golf through my dad. He introduced me to the game when I was around 8 years old, and shortly after, I began participating in First Tee.

What was your favorite part about being in First Tee programs?

What I appreciated most was that it was never just about golf. While I loved learning the game and improving my skills, the real impact came from the environment. It was such a positive and encouraging space, where I felt both supported and challenged. The coaches invested in us as people, teaching confidence, respect, integrity, and teamwork in ways that naturally carried over into everyday life. Those lessons have stayed with me far beyond the course, and that’s what made the experience so meaningful.

Can you share a favorite moment?

One memory that really stands out to me was when my class had the opportunity to meet professional golfer Russell Henley. He joined our class for the day and helped us with our putting. Something I still remember to this day is his advice to always get the ball to the hole. Since then, it’s been exciting to watch him excel on the PGA Tour and see how successful he has become.

Do you have a favorite core value?

Honesty is my favorite core value of First Tee. [My coaches] taught the importance of being truthful, taking responsibility for your actions, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. I love that honesty helps to build trust and respect in all areas of life, not just in sports.

What was the most meaningful thing you learned on the golf course?

My biggest takeaway from First Tee was confidence. When I first joined, I was a shy girl who was hesitant to try new things and step outside my comfort zone. Through the program, I learned important life skills, such as how to introduce myself properly and build meaningful connections with both my peers and coaches. Those experiences helped me become more comfortable speaking up, taking on new opportunities, and believing in myself, which are skills that still benefit me today.

First Tee curriculum pushes participants to build a go-to team as they set goals for themselves. Can you tell us about your experience building a go-to team?

First Tee provided a strong support system that extended far beyond the program itself. Through building my go-to team, I formed relationships with mentors and peers I still rely on today, and I’ve stayed connected with them even after completing the program. They continue to offer guidance and encouragement, which played a major role in helping me secure an internship this past summer and showed me how genuinely invested First Tee is in the long-term success of its participants.

What are you up to now?

I am graduating this month from Belmont Abbey College with a major in marketing and minors in social media and digital marketing.

(Congratulations, Kate! We hope you are as proud of your accomplishments as we are.)

What’s next?

I am currently pursuing a marketing position in the Charleston Area. I am focused on finding a role that aligns with my skills while allowing me to continue to gain experience and grow professionally. 

What would you tell someone who is on the fence about getting involved as a program participant, volunteer, or donor?

I would tell them that First Tee is about so much more than just golf; it’s about building confidence, character, and skills that genuinely change lives. As a participant, you gain mentorship and values that stick with you far beyond the course. As a volunteer, you get to directly shape young people’s futures and be part of something bigger than yourself. And as a donor, you’re investing in real, lasting impact within your community.  No matter how you get involved, First Tee leaves a lasting impact on both the people you serve and yourself.  I can’t wait to remain part of this program and see how it continues to grow and impact youth in the Charleston community. 

(Kate’s words are so kind and compelling that she’s already helped us recruit a few volunteers, including her dad who will be coaching at Patriots Point Links this year. Thank you, Kate! Your future in marketing is sure to be bright!!)

Donate now through May 11 to support Maya as she completes her FIFTH 100 Hole Golfathon to Keep Kids On Course!

April 27, 2026 | Alumni Spotlight

On May 11, Golfathon-ers will take on the incredible challenge of playing 100 holes of golf in one day at Legend Oaks Golf Club to raise money and awareness for First Tee – Greater Charleston programs. Among them will be all-star alum Maya Timmons, who is eager to tackle her FIFTH 100 Hole Golfathon.

Maya and friends as program participants circa 2017 and Maya’s first Golfathon with fellow alum in 2022.

“It’s so fun to play the courses I grew up playing with First Tee. I love giving back and helping the kids so [Golfathon] is a no brainer! I’m looking forward to our costume and cart theme this year and bringing more friends to the event to help fundraise.”

– Maya Timmons, First Tee Alum

Maya prefers to play 100 holes in crocs, as seen with First Tee – Greater Charleston CEO (and Maya’s former coach) Bucky Dudley in 2023 and 2024.

After 12 years in our On-Course Golf & Life Skills Program, Maya understands first-hand how the game of golf builds confidence and character. She also witnessed youth growing through the game as a summer coach for our Pathfinder Immersion Program back in 2024, mentoring young people who received free equipment, bus rides, and rounds of golf thanks in part to Maya’s Golfathon fundraising efforts. Maya will return to our Pathfinder coaching staff this summer after graduating from Valdosta State University, and we hope you will help us celebrate the amazing impact that Maya has and will continue to make in the Charleston community by supporting her Golfathon journey with a personal gift or per hole pledge.

Maya and friends were all smiles at the 2025 100 Hole Golfathon in spite of the occasional downpour.

April 13, 2026 | Participant Spotlight

Last year, Masters Monday tickets became an unexpected lesson in patience and perseverance for two of our Pathfinders, Jael and Jamie. The sisters were nominated by their coaches to receive passes from a generous donor. They were excited to attend, but after making the drive to Augusta and waiting for hours, Jael and Jamie had to turn back. The 2025 practice round was rained out.

The girls spent the next year watching the PGA Tour more closely and dreaming of a second chance.

Earlier this spring, the same donor who donated tickets in 2025 reached back out in hopes of making Jael and Jamie’s Masters dreams come true. Jael and Jamie, drove back to Augusta National last Monday, made it in, and had the most amazing day under sunny skies!

UPADATE: Watch Jael and Jamie’s April 17 interview with News 4!

April 2, 2026 | Program Update

On March 26, teams from 16 Charleston Area elementary schools, along with student volunteers from Cane Bay High, traveled to Wescott Golf Club for Champions Cup, our annual golf and life skills tournament.

Tournament photos by Banner Photography.

The following schools, all of which offer First Tee’s In-School Program as a Physical Education unit, participated in the tournament at no cost thanks to a generous gift from the Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation:

Charleston Development Academy
Charleston Progressive Academy
Chicora Elementary School
Compass Collegiate Academy
Goose Creek Elementary School
H.E. Bonner Elementary School
James B. Edwards Elementary School
Johns Island Elementary School
Julian Mitchell Elementary School
Marrington Elementary School
Montessori Community School
Oakland Elementary School
Orange Grove Elementary Charter School
St. Johns Catholic School
Stiles Point Elementary School
Whitesville Elementary School 

Coach Jefferson strikes a pose with students from Compass Collegiate, and Cane Bay volunteers cheer James B. Edwards through a Core Value Challenge

The tournament featured 9 golf challenges and 9 core value challenges. Participating students showcased great confidence, integrity, respect, courtesy, judgment, responsibility, honesty, perseverance, and sportsmanship—the cornerstones of our curriculum—while putting, chipping, and driving their way through a mix of traditional golf holes and exciting inflatable targets, including our giant hippo and shark. Students also learned about golf course design and played “pin the hazard on the dogleg” with our friend, Troy Miller—the architect behind Charleston Municipal’s widely-celebrated renovation.

Coach Yakes and his students from Charleston Progressive Academy bring big energy to the golf course.

Kids, coaches, and volunteers alike were all smiles for what First Tee Board Member and long-time Champions Cup volunteer Kelly Lyle calls the “best day ever.”

James B. Edwards Elementary finished third and Oakland Elementary finished second.

As with any golf tournament, teams attempted to shoot the lowest score, and the contest was exceptionally close. James B. Edwards Elementary finished third with a score of 149; Oakland Elementary finished second with a score of 147; and Whitesville Elementary won the day with a score of 142. Whitesville’s team will be recognized at a special awards ceremony at a later date, during which each team member will receive a free set of age-appropriate golf clubs. 

Volunteers from Cane Bay High celebrate an amazing chip that contributed to Whitesville Elementary’s first place finish.

Our In-School Program is available to any elementary school in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester county. Some middle schools are also eligible, thanks to a 2026 pilot initiative. Equipment, curriculum, training, and coaching support is all subsidized by generous First Tee donors, and elementary schools who join our In-School Program network are eligible to participate in Champions Cup at no cost. 

Want to join us next year? Email [email protected] to learn more about getting involved as a school partner or volunteer.

April 1, 2026 | Program Update

Our team is thrilled to be expanding our In-School Program to three middle schools this spring! This pilot initiative will adapt golf and life skills curriculum, currently available in 48 Charleston Area elementary schools, for grades 6-8. Students will learn fundamental golf skills through game-based curriculum that emphasizes collaboration, judgment, awareness, and good decision-making.

In addition to revised curriculum, middle school pilot partners will also receive adapted sets of golf/life skills equipment, which feature longer clubs for taller students and enough flag targets for schools to design a full golf course.

Coach Johnson pictured with Coach Steven McLaren and Charleston County School of the Arts students trying out their First Tee equipment.

Middle school pilot partners include Sedgefield Middle School (Berkeley County School District), Charleston County School of the Arts Middle (Charleston County School District), and Oakbrook Middle (Dorchester School District 2). Oakbrook is our first school partner in DD2, and with expanded curriculum/equipment offerings, we’re optimistic about adding more schools in Dorchester County soon.

Coach Jensen pictured with Coach Frasier at Oakbrook Middle and Coach Johnson pictured with Coach Mitchum at Sedgefield Middle.

Many thanks to the Physical Educators who are championing middle school golf curriculum: Cole Mitchum, Pablo Mena-Morales, and Tamara Washington of Sedgefield Middle; Steven McLaren of Charleston County School of the Arts; and Jessica Frasier and Andrew Bishop of Oakbrook Middle.

Advocacy plays a critical role in launching all school programs, and we would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Ezra Cowan and Coach McLaren for waving the First Tee flag over and over again in multiple schools. Dr. Cowan, who is now the Interim Principal at Sedgefield Middle, helped launch our partnership with Charleston Progressive Academy as a PE Coach back in 2011, and Coach McLaren, who is now teaching at Charleston County School of the Arts, formerly taught First Tee curriculum at Westview Primary and Midland Park Primary, dating back to 2014.

All In-School Programs are made possible by generous community support. Donate today to help us reach more students, or email [email protected] to recommend a Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester county school.