On Monday, May 11, Friends of First Tee – Greater Charleston 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 golf-based character development programs and game-changing transportation services.
Since 2019, the 100 Hole Golfathon has raised more than $800,000 to help First Tee – Greater Charleston serve young people at golf courses, schools, and community centers throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. This year’s event, presented by First Financial Group, will play a vital role in keeping First Tee programs free for 97% of participants. It will also fuel the four buses that make programming possible for children in underserved communities.
Here’s how it works:
Register for free by April 27. You can pick your own playing partner (just ask them to register as well), or we can find one for you.
Collect per-hole pledges and donations. Fundraising is easy; we supply a toolkit, and you will also have a personal fundraising web page. We ask that each golfer raise a minimum of $500 to play May 11.
Play as many holes as possible May 11! Check-in starts at 7:00am. Wacky golf attire, themed team outfits, golf cart decorations, and outlandish spectacles encouraged. Food and drinks will be served throughout the day to keep the energy level high.
Two-person teams will battle it out for Golfathon bragging rights in the following categories:
Fundraising Champs (team with most dollars raised)
Most Influential (team with most donors reached)
Most Spirited (team with best outfits and gimmicks)
Golfers of ANY skill level can register to play now through April 27. All are welcome, but space is limited.
This wild day of golf will make a meaningful difference in the lives of local young people. It’s also a lot of fun. But you don’t have to take our word for it. Check out highlights from last year…
Thank you to all the mentors, kids, and volunteers who joined us yesterday for Mini Mentor Cup! This was our 4th annual mentor/mentee mini golf tournament, generously sponsored by Charleston Fun Park.
26 mentor/mentee teams, played 36 challenging mini-golf holes, and submitted their best 18-hole score for chance to win the Mini Mentor Cup title. 15 year-old Isaiah, who has been part of our Pathfinder Immersion Program since 2021, and Glenn, one of our long-time Pathfinder/HV3 Foundation Mentors, captured first with a fantastically-low score of 33.
Joshia, age 16, and his mentor, Nick, placed second with a score of 35, and Cooper, age 8, and his mentor/dad, Andy, placed third with a score of 36.
All teams played well, exhibiting our Nine Core Values, and we thoroughly enjoyed all the games, go karts, and snacks that Charleston Fun Park has to offer before and after the tournament.
Want to get involved in events like Mini Mentor Cup? Subscribe to our newsletter for updates, or visit our Mentor Page to learn more about how you can help Charleston Area young people pursue their personal best.
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
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.
First Tee Family, please join us in congratulating three of our favorite Charleston Area PGA professionals. All three received top honors at the Carolinas PGA Special Awards Program February 15.
Perry Green pictured with Carolinas PGA President Josh Wagaman and Perry’s son, Brad, a combat medic injured in the Iraq war and an inspiration for Perry’s work with veterans through PGA Hope
Perry Green, PGA | Community Impact Award
Perry Green, Director of Instruction at Wescott Golf Club, Lead Coach for First Tee – Greater Charleston, and long-time supporter/instructor for PGA Hope, was recognized for exemplary compassion and service with the Carolinas PGA Community Impact Award. Perry has been a First Tee – Greater Charleston coach for 17 years and previously coached for First Tee – Greater Chicago before moving to Charleston. During his 17-year tenure with Charleston, he has clocked 500+ hours helping more than 2,500 kids and teens build resilience.
In her letter of recommendation for his award, Program Director, Meghan Taylor wrote that Coach Perry truly is the “role model for compassion that the Community Impact Award exemplifies, striving to make the world a better place by empowering the youth of tomorrow. He treats each of our First Tee participants as an expert on themselves, constantly asking open-ended questions like, ‘what do you think would happen if…?’ instead of forcing any single one-size-fits-all instruction model onto them. He allows them to be involved in the decision making of their own golf games. That keeps them coming back to continue to learn the important values inherent in the game of golf like how to use good judgment and build a positive self-identity.”
Alec Brown of Yeamans Hall Club pictured with wife, Megan, and parents at Carolinas PGA Special Awards Program
Alec Brown, PGA | Assistant Professional of the Year
Alec Brown, Assistant Teaching Professional at Yeamans Hall Club and Volunteer Coach for First Tee – Greater Charleston, was named Assistant Professional of the Year for showcasing overall excellence in his role. In addition to providing exemplary service at Yeamans Hall Club, Alec is also an amazing advocate for young golfers. He began volunteering with our On-Course Program in 2023 and expanded his volunteerism in 2024, when he began providing weekly summer golf instruction for our Pathfinder Immersion Program. He has also helped coordinate teen/mentor golf outings and supports program infrastructure through YAC board service.
Dylan Thew of Kiawah Island Club pictured with Bill Strausbaugh Award at Carolinas PGA Special Awards Program
Dylan Thew, PGA | Bill Strausbaugh Award
Dylan Thew, Director of Golf for Kiawah Island Club and valued First Tee – Greater Charleston partner, received the distinguished Bill Strausbaugh Award for community involvement and mentorship of fellow PGA Professionals. Dylan has been a tremendous help to our Pathfinder Immersion Program, coordinating clinics at Cassique in which program participants could experience one of South Carolina’s most exclusive courses while learning from PGA Associates who were working with Dylan to fulfill their PGA requirements. This creative combination of professional development and community service is precisely what the Bill Strasbaugh Award endeavors to honor and serves as an amazing example of Dylan’s leadership at the Kiawah Island Club.
The Carolinas PGA is the largest PGA section, covering South Carolina, North Carolina, and some of Virginia. With more than 2,300 professional members, it’s incredible that three of this year’s award recipients are from Charleston. Coach Perry, Coach Alec, and Coach Dylan are highly skilled teachers, and they are amazing testaments to the caliber of our local golf community. We are honored to know them and sincerely grateful for the tremendous amount of time and effort that they pour into helping young people through First Tee programs.
Tis the season for scholarship applications! Each year, we are pleased to present academic scholarships to graduating program participants and alumni, 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.
In celebration of scholarship season, we sat down with First Tee alum and scholar Olivia Erwin for a “quick 9” walk down memory lane and life update. Olivia, who started attending First Tee programs in 2012, graduated from James Island Charter in 2019. She went on to play golf for Limestone University, graduated in 2023, and earned her BSN from MUSC’s Nursing Program in 2024. First Tee support, financial and emotional, was there for it all.
When did you get into golf?
I started playing golf when I was 12 years old.
Why golf?
I had tried just about every sport growing up, and while I was athletic, nothing ever truly clicked for me. Golf was always a big topic of conversation among the men in my family (my grandfather, godfather, and uncles), and one afternoon, my grandfather and godfather invited me to the driving range… The rest was history.
What brought you to First Tee?
I fell in love with the game and wanted to keep getting better. I spent countless afternoons playing and practicing at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course. One day, the Muni was hosting a First Tee event, where the head golf professional (now general manager), Marshall Ormond, was helping with a class. Seeing kids my age learning the game in such a fun and welcoming environment immediately caught my attention. I signed up for a class, instantly connected with other kids, and felt supported by the staff.
What was your favorite part about being in First Tee’s On-Course Program?
It was comforting to learn such a challenging game alongside others who were in the same position. I looked forward to attending classes each week and enjoyed forming friendships with other participants.
What did you learn?
First Tee taught me that if you truly want something, you have to work for it. The program is built on core values that shape not only how you play golf, but who you are as a person. It instilled in me the understanding that good things take time and perseverance.
Was perseverance your biggest takeaway?
Perseverance and relationships… Building lifelong relationships with the First Tee staff has been incredibly meaningful. Having them be such an important part of my journey is something I will always cherish.
(We cherish you too, Olivia!)
How has the First Tee network helped you reach your goals?
I received endless encouragement from the staff and fellow participants, many of whom became close friends. Receiving undergraduate and graduate scholarship support helped me in ways I could never have imagined. Balancing being a student-athlete while completing nursing school was one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced, and First Tee gave me the perseverance and mindset needed to push through.
What are you up to now that you’ve graduated?
I am currently living in Charleston, working as an outpatient pediatric nurse. I continue to grow professionally in healthcare and remain passionate about mentorship and giving back, especially because First Tee played such a meaningful role in shaping my mindset and values.
(We can vouch for this one. Olivia has been a strong advocate for junior golfers and an amazing representative for First Tee. She routinely volunteers as an event speaker to help us garner crucial community support.)
What would you tell someone who thinks First Tee is just about learning to play golf?
I would tell them that First Tee is about so much more than golf. It’s a program that truly invests in children as people and teaches skills they will carry with them for life. No matter how you get involved, you will walk away impacted. I have lifelong friendships and connections because of First Tee that I wouldn’t trade for anything. It truly made a difference in my life, and I will forever be grateful for the role it played in shaping me as both a person and a player.
Join us for our fourth annual mentor-mentee mini golf tournament!
Sunday, March 15 11:30am-1:00pm Charleston Fun Park 3255 N Hwy 17 Mt. Pleasant
Tournament Format: Adult/child pairs will play best ball. Both teammates will play each hole. The team will record the best score. Each team is required to use at least four of their junior participant’s scores.
Teams: A child can team up with any adult (a parent, grandparent, neighbor, friend, coach or mentor). If your child does not have a teammate, please email [email protected]. We have volunteers on stand-by who would love to play!
Cost: A $10 donation per team includes 36 holes. Donation waived registration is available for families in need of financial assistance. Please email [email protected] for details.
Registration Deadline: February 23 (Please note that space is limited, and openings may fill up before the registration deadline.)
Presented By:
Register Your Team
Registration for this event is closed. Please subscribe to our newsletter for alerts regarding future opportunities.
2025 was our biggest year yet! Thanks to generous community support, we delivered golf-based character education programs to 26,503 kids, and 97% of those kids participated at no cost. Check out our 2025-2026 Impact Reportto learn more about how we’re helping kids develop confidence, social skills, and the desire to succeed, all through the game of golf.
Special thanks to our Legacy Partners, PNC, Hudnall Capital Advisors, Terracon, Middle Street Partners, and Pathfinder Foundation, and to our 2025 Program Location Partners Berkeley Country Club, Charleston Municipal, Dunes West Golf and River Club, Patriots Point Golf Links, The Club at Pine Forest, Shadowmoss Golf & Country Club, and Wescott Golf Club. We can’t do what we do without these amazing partners!
Our registration lottery for the spring season of On-Course Golf & Life Skills is open now through February 1! 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 February 2. 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 February 2. 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.
Charleston, SC—First Tee – Greater Charleston is pleased to welcome five new members to its Board of Directors. Nick Ferring, Olivia Hochschwender, Scott Kindorf, Kevin Murphy, and Aly Sterling will join 13 returning Directors to support the administration and growth of First Tee’s golf-based character education programs, which serve 22K+ young people annually in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.
Nick Ferring
Nick Ferring is an accomplished manufacturing and packaging executive with over 15 years of leadership experience in the industry. He’s a third-generation leader in the aerosol industry. Nick is currently the CEO of Custom Pak Products, a contract packager of aerosol spray paints and coatings. Prior to Custom Pak, Nick spent over a decade at PLZ Corp, a private equity-backed global leader in specialty aerosol and liquid product manufacturing, spending time with PLZ in Toronto, Chicago, and the Atlanta area. A passionate advocate for industry advancement, Nick has served on the National Aerosol Association Board of Directors for over eight years. He holds a B.A. from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA and an MBA from Boston College.
Nick grew up in St. Louis, MO, and now resides in Mount Pleasant, SC, with his wife, Meredith. They just welcomed their first child. Nick and Meredith are members of Daniel Island Club and Broomsedge Golf Club, in Rembert, S.C. In addition to supporting First Tee – Greater Charleston as a Pathfinder Immersion Program Mentor and Board Member, Nick is actively involved in his family’s charitable foundation based in St. Louis, MO, which has a history and mission of giving to early childhood education, the arts, and community development.
Olivia Hochschwender
Olivia Hochschwender was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. She earned her undergraduate degree at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and went on to obtain her law degree from the University of Akron School of Law. Following law school, Olivia worked at the National Labor Relations Board as a field attorney for several years and later transitioned to private practice as a management-side labor and employment attorney.
Olivia now resides on Daniel Island with her husband and two sons. When she’s not keeping up with her boys, you can find her on the golf course. A former collegiate golfer and proud First Tee alumna, Olivia continues to compete in US Mid-Am Championships and various state and local tournaments. Prior to First Tee – Greater Charleston service, Olivia served on the First Tee – Akron Board for eight years. She also chairs the Committee On Directors for the Board of the Old Trail School, an independent private school located in Akron, Ohio.
Scott Kindorf
Scott Kindorf is a Director in Manulife Investment Management’s Private Equity and Credit Group. He previously worked for the Bank of Ireland, Madison Capital Funding, and Ernst & Young. Over the course of his career, Scott has overseen more than $5 billion in financings. He holds a B.S. in Accounting and a master’s degree in Accountancy from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.
Scott grew up in the Chicago area before relocating to Charleston in 2021. He resides in Mount Pleasant with his wife and their two daughters, who are both First Tee participants. When he isn’t driving his kids around town, Scott enjoys golfing and traveling with his family.
Kevin Murphy
Kevin Murphy oversees all design and construction related projects for RCB, a privately held real estate development company headquartered in Charleston. Prior to RCB, he developed and led a team of project managers in JLL’s Charleston office, where they completed projects ranging from an 1,100 SF tenant upfit to an 172,000 SF build-to-suit office headquarters. Project types varied from commercial, industrial, historic renovation, and healthcare. Kevin holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Auburn University.
Kevin resides in Mount Pleasant with his wife, Meredith, and two sons.
Aly Sterling
Aly Sterling is the Founder and President of Aly Sterling Philanthropy, a nationally recognized consulting firm helping charitable foundations and passionate people create and meet their philanthropic goals. She serves on various boards—prioritizing those related to education, entrepreneurship, and leadership—including the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Bowling Green State University, The University of Toledo Family Business Center, Care for Kids, and First Tee – Greater Charleston. Aly holds a master’s degree from the University of Toledo and is an adjunct professor at Bowling Green State University where she teaches on topics related to women’s leadership, social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility. She is also a published author.
Aly splits time between Ohio and South Carolina, and aside from work and volunteerism, she enjoys spending time with her three daughters, playing tennis, and traveling.
About First Tee – Greater Charleston
Established in 2008, First Tee – Greater Charleston serves young people, ages 5-18, from all walks of life. The 501(c)3 offers On-Course, In-School, and Community Outreach Programs that teach life-enhancing values and interpersonal skills through the game of golf, reaching thousands of children each year in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties.
Our Pathfinders have been busy, busy, busy this fall, meeting on Saturdays for golf and life skill-building workshops.
We continued some of our summer themes with etiquette and chess instruction at Charleston Southern University. A huge thank you goes to CSU for opening their doors to us again this season and to our long-time enrichment partners, Mrs. Chris-Anne Streeter (etiquette coach) and Mr. Brian Gerauld (chess coach).
Our swings are looking as sharp as our chess skills and manners thanks to practice with Coach Jensen, Coach Johnson, and mentors at Topgolf and CHS Golf. Mentor outings were generously sponsored by the HV3 Foundation.
In November, The College of Charleston Women’s Golf Team hosted some of our Pathfinders for a clinic at Stono Ferry. This was a truly inspiring experience for our girls, especially those who are playing or aspiring to play for their high school teams. After reviewing skills, Pathfinders each paired with a college golfer for a team chipping challenge, persevering through increasingly difficult obstacles.
After a few Saturdays of golf, we headed back to CSU for a crash course in filmmaking with YoArt. We threw a ball into the air, shot some footage, and learned how to make the ball “float” with a little movie magic in CapCut. We definitely have future actors/directors/editors in our Pathfinder group!
Cassique was one of our favorite outings this season. We met up with mentors for a chipping and putting workshop with a focus on setting personal goals and decision-making. The course was beautiful, the weather perfect, and Pathfinders and mentors alike were all smiles. Special thanks to Kiawah Island Club for coordinating this opportunity!
We have two more outings planned for this season—a playday at Charleston Fun Park and a financial education workshop/playday at Wescott Golf Club. Special thanks to Synovus Bank and their amazing staff for sharing their time and expertise with our Pathfinders season after season. We look forward to a fun class followed by a festive lunch and a few holes with mentors out on the golf course.
Saturday activities will resume in the new year, and we’re excited to add a new class of rising 6th graders this summer! If you know a current 5th grade student who could benefit from year-round enrichment, please encourage them to apply for our Pathfinder Immersion Program. Applications for summer 2026 are due February 27.
Want to get involved? Your support can make a tremendous difference in the lives of local young people. Consider volunteering as a Pathfinder mentor, or email [email protected] to explore partnership opportunities.
We are currently accepting applications for our Pathfinder Immersion Program! Fifth grade students who will complete elementary school as of spring 2026 are encouraged to apply now through February 27.
Ideal candidates should have an interest in learning golf and academic/professional development opportunities. No prior golf experience is required. Accepted students will participate in a 6-week summer camp (based out of Charleston Day School) followed by Saturday enrichment activities throughout the school year.
There is no cost to apply or to participate in this program. Activities, equipment, and transportation are all fully funded by generous community support.
As fall programs wind down and we begin to reflect on program impact, we are pleased to report that 82 young people received routine transportation to the golf course on a First Tee bus this year. Thanks to generous community support and some amazing chaperones, we were able to serve 10 after-school groups (50 students) from Oakland Elementary, Mt. Zion Elementary, Compass Collegiate Academy, A.C. Corcoran Elementary, Meeting Street Academy, and Chicora Elementary on a weekly basis over the spring and fall seasons. Participants in our Pathfinder Immersion Program (32 students) also received rides to golf courses and enrichment activities on Saturdays throughout the school year and Monday through Friday during the summer.
Transportation plays a crucial role in expanding access to our programs, and it has been a game-changer for children with working parents, according to Oakland Elementary PE Coach April Blanton… “The bus transportation has been awesome. It allows students who may not have after school transportation the opportunity to participate in an extracurricular activity.”
Coach Jordan Lewis, a dedicated volunteer who had a chance to work with Coach Blanton’s students at Shadowmoss Country Club, describes bus transportation as “the greatest,” and he really loves the energy that after-school groups bring to the golf course… “Not a single kid from Oakland has shown up grumpy. They’re all the most excited to learn and participate.”
It truly takes a village to make these bus rides happen. Thank you to the dedicated donors who keep our fleet fueled, to the site coordinators who provide vital connections, and to world’s most versatile bus drivers, Coach Johnson and Coach Jensen. Special thanks is also due to the teachers, teaching fellows, and parents who helped out as chaperones with after-school spring and fall programs: Dennis Wright (A.C. Corcoran), Bryan Linnen (Compass Collegiate), Derek Fangos (Compass Collegiate), Nick White (Meeting Street Academy), CJ Rozzi (Mt. Zion), Emma King (Oakland Elementary), April Blanton (Oakland Elementary), Dana Allen (Oakland Elementary), and Bree Jackson (Oakland Elementary).
Want to get involved? We’re eager to add a new bus driver to our roster for spring 2026. Click here to learn more.
