In the winter months, our coaches take a break from On-Course Programs to visit schools and community partners, and our administrative team spends time surveying parents and program participants (like 15 year-old Tayah) to better understand what matters most to First Tee families. We look forward to sharing all of those findings in our Annual Impact Report (coming soon). In the meantime, we hope Tayah’s On-Course experience will inspire you to register or volunteer for spring!
Meet Tayah
1. What are some of your favorite things to do outside of First Tee?
I like to hang out with friends, and my favorite school subject is science.
2. Who are some of your favorite First Tee Coaches?
Coach Perry and Coach Nick!
3. What is your favorite part about playing golf?
I like watching my score improve.
4. What have you learned through First Tee that applies to life beyond the golf course?
I never played golf or had been on a golf course before First Tee so I’ve learned, with practice, you can become good at anything.
“I’ve learned, with practice, you can become good at anything.”
Find a college where I can play golf and earn a scholarship.
7. How have you been preparing to achieve your goals?
I’m researching [schools]… getting more coaching and practicing!
8. What part of First Tee programs do you like best?
I like meeting new friends.
9. Is there anything else you wish people knew about First Tee?
It can open doors to more opportunities.
Thank you to Tayah for sharing her experience. Her future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store!
On-Course Golf & Life Skills classes are hosted at 7 Charleston Area golf courses in spring, summer, and fall for participants ages 5-18. Our next registration lottery will be January 27 – February 2, and spring classes will tee off the week of March 10. Please subscribe to our monthly newsletter for spring schedule updates and registration alerts, or contact our Program Director, Meghan Taylor, to learn more.
There are more than 150 First Tee chapters worldwide catering to children and teens, ages 7-18. At First Tee – Greater Charleston, we are incredibly proud and positively delighted to be working with children as young as 5. The ability to customize programming to better serve our community is one of the many benefits we enjoy as an independently operated 501(c)3. Thank you to all of our incredible local donors who make that possible!
We believe that early exposure to First Tee Golf & Life Skills Curriculum can not only benefit a child’s golf game, it can also better prepare our youngest participants for life beyond the course. But you don’t have to take our word for it…
Meet Stella
1. How old are you?
5
2. What are some of your favorite things to do outside of First Tee?
I enjoy catching lizards and frogs outside, dancing, and going camping and to the beach!
3. Who is your First Tee coach?
My coach was Coach Herbie!
4. What is your favorite thing about Coach Herbie?
He lets us pick from a treasure box after class and he would sit with us before each class [to go over the Core Value word of the day and what we would be doing].
5. What do you think the word respect means?
Respect means respect the golf course and other people.
6. How can you be respectful on the golf course?
By being quiet while the other people are golfing and make sure when the grass comes off that you put the grass back in the hole and you step on it to replace it back.
7. How can you be respectful at school or at home?
Make sure you use manners.
8. What is your favorite part about playing golf?
I like being with my friends.
9. Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your First Tee class?
Coach Herbie teaches us… he was kind and patient.
Thank you to Stella for sharing her experience and for being such a star student!
On-Course Golf & Life Skills classes are available in spring, summer, and fall for participants ages 5-18. Classes take place at 7 Charleston Area golf courses, and we host 5-6 year-old programs at two of those courses, Dunes West Golf & River Club and The Club at Pine Forest. Please subscribe to our monthly newsletter for registration alerts or contact our Program Director, Meghan Taylor, to learn more.
Zach Jefferies is like most middle school students. He enjoys spending time with friends. He likes sports and video games. He seems light-hearted and has a great sense humor. But Zach also possesses remarkable patience—an unusual quality for a young person, shaped by exceptionally challenging circumstances.
At the age of 10, Zach discovered unusual bruising on his feet after soccer practice. His local emergency room sent him to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent surgery and received his first chemotherapy treatment the same night.
Zach faced more than 100 chemotherapy treatments in the years to follow. On several occasions, he was admitted to the hospital for weeks at a time. And leukemia wasn’t his only battle. In 2021, Zach suffered an adverse reaction to chemotherapy resulting in Osteonecrosis in his ankles, legs and wrists. Pain, swelling, and muscle weakness confined him to a wheelchair for 9 months and limited his mobility in the years to follow. Physical activity became an extremely difficult albeit necessary part of his recovery.
In February of 2022, Zach picked up a golf club for the first time and was instantly hooked…
“Golf provided a way for Zach to step away from the stress of treatment and replaced the loss he felt from no longer being able to play soccer. He found serenity on the course and a sense of accomplishment as his ability to play improved.”
– Lisa Jefferies
In 2023, one of our favorite Community Partners, Camp Happy Days, introduced us to Zach and helped us surprise him with an early Christmas present, a set of clubs and an invitation to participate in our On-Course Golf & Life Skills Program in 2024.
We’re thrilled to share that Zach has completed treatment, is in remission, and has been enrolled in three seasons of on-course programming!
“He loves it… He has made friends and the staff is great. It has been wonderful to see him out having fun!”
– Lisa Jefferies
At First Tee, we talk a lot about Core Values and how they are applicable on the golf course and in life. Perseverance is one of our favorites, and when Zach is on-course, we can assure you that he is teaching as much as he is learning.
Our PGA Jr. League team had an amazing summer! Lead by Coach Wayne Nance, Coach Frank Moore, Ben Schwing (summer intern/2024 Christian Brothers University graduate), and Jake Stanbrough (summer intern/rising sophomore at The Citadel), this talented group won 2 and tied 1 out of 4 matches…
Congratulations to all of our hard-working team members… Ellie, Taylor, Clayton. Lilly, Vivian, Tommy, Truen, Eli, Crosby, Atticus, Chandler, Angelina, Blakely, Alec, Sam, Giada, Holden, Ellie Ann, Ava, Mara, Owen, Eli, Thad, and Lucas!
Victory at Country Club of Charleston
All Jr. League participants represented First Tee well, exhibiting respect, courtesy, and sportsmanship in the face of steep competition and perseverance through, what at least felt like, the hottest summer ever.
The weather was challenging in more ways than one, as we had 2 matches called for lightning. Even our final rain date was cancelled due to course conditions following Tropical Storm Debby.
Don’t let the jerseys confuse you. We don’t have a “home course” of our own, but we still rotate between orange and blue for “home” and “away” matches.
But the good far outweighed the bad this season. Everyone had a blast! Wednesday afternoon practices at Patriots Point Links and Saturday matches were a family affair. We enjoyed building friendships and making plans for the future. Our host courses were extremely generous. The kids even received special mementos to commemorate the season… balls from the US Open in Pinehurst courtesy of the USGA!
Playing with our lucky golf balls from the US Open.
To learn more about how to get your child enrolled visit pgajrleague.com, and stay tuned for registration information in our monthly newsletters.
This week marks the end of our fourth annual Pathfinder Immersion Program summer camp. Program participants, grades 6 and up, have been meeting Monday-Friday for STEM activities, professional enrichment, and golf instruction. We will continue meeting with these participants each summer and on Saturdays throughout the school year until they graduate high school. That’s 7 years of impactful programming!
Pathfinder curriculum is designed to foster curiosity and personal growth, on and off the golf course. Our summer sessions feature a wide variety of engaging enrichment activities and memorable field trips. Here are just a few highlights from summer 2024…
Our camp kicked off with team-building games at Charleston Day School, which functioned as a home base for our Pathfinders this summer. This is our second year utilizing Charleston Day’s space, and we truly couldn’t do all that we are doing without the continued support of Catherine Skeen and the CD team.
Students have enjoyed a series of routine activities and outings each week. Routine activities included visits to Berkeley Country Club on Mondays where they received instruction from Coach Kara Cook, Coach Tank, and Coach John. Students also visited Topgolf once a week to sharpen their skills and had a chance to work with the Pros from Yeamans Hall Club (Alec Brown, Cameron Cappuzzo, Matt Harpster, Nicholas Villareal, and Tyler Morse) at Patriots Point Golf Links each Friday.
Students also participated in weekly mock trial practice sessions, etiquette lessons with Chris-Ann Streeter, chess lessons with Brian Jerauld, and STEM activities—coordinated by the YoArt team and Frank Hatten from Boeing SC’s Dream Learner Program.
A huge thank you goes to Amanda Perry, Esq. and Steve Smith, Esq. for practicing with our kids each week and organizing our fourth annual mock trial event, which took place at Mount Pleasant Town Hall July 19th. Special guests included Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, Esq. (acting as judge) and Officer Gause (acting as bailiff).
Etiquette lessons with Ms. Streeter will culminate in a special end-of-summer luncheon, and there have been whispers that our Executive Director, Bucky Dudley, intends to challenge Coach Jerauld’s most adept chess pupil to a match.
Our Pathfinders also enjoyed meeting local business leaders from Defense Engineering Services (DES), Main Ocean, Frampton Construction, Seafox Boats, Smithey Ironware, Synovus, and Volvo to learn about each respective industry.
Additional enrichments included a tour of the International African American History Museum, a horticulture therapy lesson at MUSC, visiting the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History at the College of Charleston, hands-on learning activities with the NASA Space Grant Consortium, and a boat-based field trip to the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve. Students also heard from guest speakers at Charleston Day School. Officer Rice taught us everything we need to know about routine traffic stops, and Dr. Anthony Oddo spoke with us about health and hygiene.
And what summer would be complete without outings that are purely fun? Play-based field trips included bowling, escape rooms, a ropes course, TIPS Golf Club, a girls’ outing at Wild Dunes to play with the Wild Dunes Ladies Golf Association, and a boys’ trip to Wedgefield Country Club in Georgetown. Our Pathfinders even had an opportunity to play a few holes at Kiawah Island Club’s beautiful Cassique course.
Hats off to our remarkable team, Lead Coach Lerone Johnson, Assistant Coach Maya Timmons, and Camp Counselors Mason Auker, Jermylah Breeland, Esther Etherington, and Larry Goss, for coordinating 6 amazing weeks of activities, meals, and transportation for our students. And, of course, none of that would be possible without tremendous community support.
There are many ways to get involved with our Pathfinder Immersion Program. Please contact Coach Johnson to explore mentor opportunities and enrichment partnerships, or consider a monthly gift to support continued program growth.
July 29, 2024 | UPDATE: Our Pathfinders celebrated the end of summer camp and all that they’ve learned with a special luncheon at Lamar’s Sporting Club. Thank you to our Etiquette instructor, Chris-Anne Streeter, for helping us develop the skills needed for such an occasion, and many thanks to Lamar Bonaparte and his team for their hospitality.
Thankfully, reinforcements have arrived! Meet our 2024 team of interns…
Mason Auker
Mason just finished his senior year at University of Southern Indiana and graduated with a Sports Management major. While at USI, he worked with the women’s basketball team while they claimed OVC Regular Season and Tournament Champ titles. He’ll be assisting with our Pathfinder Immersion Program, and says he’s “excited about coaching the next generation of golfers, meeting new people, and spending the summer in such a beautiful environment.”
Jermylah Breeland
Jermylah recently earned her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the Honors College at South Carolina State University. At just 20 years old, she graduated early and Summa Cum Laude! Jermylah will be assisting with our Pathfinders, and says she’s most excited to “meet new people and try new things.”
Esther Etherington
Esther attends Franklin College and just finished her sophomore year as an Elementary Education major. She also happens to be a First Tee National Scholar. Esther will be coaching our Pathfinders and says she is excited about “watching the growth and development of First Tee – Greater Charleston youth, both on and off the golf course!”
Larry Goss
Larry Goss attends Coastal Carolina University and just finished freshman year as an Exercise Science major. He says he loves the gym, and he’ll be sharing his love of health and wellness with our Pathfinder Immersion Program.
Ben Schwing
Ben attends Christian Brothers University and just finished his senior year as a Marketing Major. He also played soccer for Christian Brothers and says he’s one of 7 kids! Sounds like he will have no trouble adjusting to large camps of young people as a community outreach intern.
Jake Stanbrough
Jake hails from Texas but is almost local… He just finished his knob year at The Citadel where he’s studying mechanical and electrical engineering. Fun Fact: Jake helped design and make a golf ball picker for his high school. He’ll be putting that resourcefulness to work as a community outreach intern and says he’s “excited to educate.”
We are SO GRATEFUL these young people have chosen to spend their summer with us, helping Charleston Area youth develop interpersonal skills and life-changing values through the game of golf!
If you know a young person who would like to join us for summer 2025, it’s never too early to start planning. Email [email protected] to learn more, and subscribe to our newsletter for application reminders.
Hagan Smith is a former program participant who fell in love with the game of golf and the opportunities for self-discovery it presents. He later joined his high school golf team, and chose to give back to our Golf & Life Skills Program as a volunteer coach at Shadowmoss Golf & Country Club.
A new graduate of West Ashley High School, Hagan has accepted an Air Force Academy appointment—an achievement that speaks volumes of Hagan’s academic ability, work-ethic, and character. (Congratulations, Hagan!!)
We recently asked Hagan to share a little about his First Tee experiences and how those played a role in his journey. Here’s what he had to say…
1. What is your favorite part about playing golf?
My favorite part about playing golf is the challenge. I love a good challenge and pushing myself not only physically but also mentally. Playing with friends and being outside are also things I really enjoy.
2. What has First Tee taught you that applies to life beyond the course?
Golf has many outside advantages, it teaches integrity, respect, self-control, and lots of perseverance. All of which I arguably use in everyday life, whether it’s in school, at an event, in the gym, at practice, or even at home.
3. Why do you think a positive attitude is important?
A positive attitude is monumental to all things. A positive attitude allows your mind to open up past what it could when shut down and fogged. With an open and clear mind you can do anything, you can perform, put on your best face, and just be yourself which brings out the good.
Hagan with fellow volunteers and program participants at Country Club of Charleston.
4. How do you maintain a positive attitude?
I stay determined by not dwelling on the last shot, or what I could’ve done better. I like to focus on what the next task or current task is. This keeps my head clear, focused, and open to a new opportunity.
5. Why are goals important?
Goals are important because they not only give you motivation and a reward you can grasp, but can also act as a guideline so you can stay on track.
6. What are some of your goals for the next year?
Strive in college, find and meet new friends and new people, figure out what I am really made of, challenge myself, and push myself to be my best.
Hagan with fellow volunteers and program participants at Country Club of Charleston.
7. How have you been preparing to achieve those goals?
I’ve been enrolled in difficult classes so the workload ahead will not as much of a surprise. I am trying to meet new people and new faces all the time to get better at that skill.
8. Who can you turn to if you need help? Do you feel like you have a ‘go-to team’?
I can turn to many people… mainly my parents and close friends. However, I know many trusted adults such as coaches, counselors, and teachers, and family friends.
9. What part of First Tee programming has been most impactful for you?
The most important things I’m taking away from my time with First Tee are the life lessons and the people I’ve met… friends and adults who cared and were there to make a positive impact. Looking back on what I learned and diving deeper at a more mature level helped me understand that it was much more than golf.
Thank you to Hagan for sharing and for volunteering his time to help other young people develop important social skills and positive self-identity!
Learn More
If you know a teen who would like to join us on-course, please share our program options and youth volunteer opportunities.
Each year, we are pleased to present academic scholarships to First Tee alumni who are enrolled in post-secondary education programs. This year’s class features five graduating seniors and five renewing scholars.
Ben Cuff
Ben is a renewing scholar attending Clemson University’s Honors College. He’s a rising sophomore and is majoring in Computer Science with a Finance minor.
Cate Cuff
Cate is a renewing scholar entering her sophomore year at Clemson University.
Olivia Erwin
Olivia is a renewing scholar who graduated from Limestone University in 2023. She is entering her last semester at MUSC’s College of Nursing.
David Fahrer
David is a renewing scholar attending the University of South Carolina. He’s expected to graduate in December with a major in finance and minor in sport and entertainment management.
Otis Franklin III
Otis is a 2024 graduate (home school) and College of Charleston ARCH Honors Scholar. He plans to major in computing and minor in music.
Jackie Freibert
Jackie is a 2024 Oceanside Academy graduate and will enter Coastal Carolina University’s PGA Golf Management program in the fall.
Kate Nyers
Kate is a renewing scholar and rising junior at Belmont Abbey. She plays on Belmont’s golf team and plans to major in marketing.
Nathan Thomas
Nathan is a 2024 graduate of Lucy Beckham High School. He will attend Clemson’s Honors College in the fall to study pre-health science.
Maryn Tombs
Maryn is a 2024 Acadmic Magnet graduate. She will attend Georgia Tech in the fall and plans to study industrial engineering.
Alice Li
Alice is a 2024 Wando High School graduate. She will attend Columbia University in the fall to study mechanical engineering.
We are so proud of these young people and wish them well in their continued success!
On May 13, Friends of First Tee – Greater Charleston gathered to play 100 holes of golf at Wescott Golf Club. We teed off at 7:30am, and our last team finished the challenge at 6:40pm.
Teams collectively raised $110,586 to keep kids on course, and we are sincerely grateful for every gift and per-hole pledge! Event proceeds will cover the cost of a new bus (our third vehicle) and will help ensure that 97% of our kids can participate in programs free of charge.
Bucky Dudley, First Tee – Greater Charleston’s Executive Director, gives First Tee Alumni, Maya and Jackie, a pit-stop pep talk
Each year, we crown two winning teams: the team who raised the most money and the team who reached the most donors. This year, for the first time in Golfathon history, one team won BOTH categories. With $32,720 raised and 131 donors reached, the 2024 100 Hole Golfathon Champions are Jared Black and Jim Mackey!
Fundraising Champions Jim Mackey and Jared Black
James Becherer also made Golfathon history, by scoring his first ever hole-in-one on hole 3 of Wescott’s Oak Forest course.
This event makes a meaningful difference in the lives of Charleston Area young people, and we can’t thank our players and donors enough for supporting!
Our next 100 Hole Golfathon will be Monday, May 12, 2025. If you’re ready to play 100 holes in a day for an amazing cause, subscribe to our newsletter for registration alerts, or email [email protected] to learn more.
Coach Betty Palmer pictured with fellow volunteers/Board Members at Champions Cup 2024. Left to right: Phil Tralies, Betty Palmer, Juan Acevedo, Cynthia Hubbard-Schools, Kelly Lyle, and Jim Mackey
April 24, 2024 | Volunteer Spotlight
In 2023, First Tee – Greater Charleston provided character-building golf programs to 19,869 kids. 125 generous volunteer coaches helped make that possible… Volunteers like Betty Palmer. Betty serves on our Board of Directors, helps gather auction items for our annual GOLF&GALA fundraiser, assists with our Champions Cup tournament, coordinates classroom space for our Pathfinder Immersion Program, and serves as a volunteer coach for On-Course Golf & Life Skills classes at Wescott Golf Club.
1. How long have you been a volunteer for First Tee?
I believe this is my 3rd year.
2. What does life outside of First Tee look like?
I began working at Charleston Southern University as the Associate AD for Academics in 2016 and continued in this role until August of 2022. In August of 2022, I assumed the role of Director of Development for the University. My husband and I enjoy playing golf every weekend, if the weather cooperates, at our home course, Coosaw Creek Country Club. We have one daughter who also lives in Charleston.
3. What inspired you to become a volunteer?
I have always been associated with junior golf through the junior programs I experienced as a child. After my college graduation, I went on to be an assistant women’s golf coach at Mississippi State and Georgia prior to taking the head coaching position at the University of Alabama. I also worked with the American Junior Golf Association briefly before taking the Alabama job. Working with junior golfers is essential to the growth of the game, and I appreciate First Tee’s approach to developing interpersonal skills and values.
4. What traits have served you well as a volunteer?
Just having the background of working with so many camps over the years… Having worked junior golf camps at different universities and golf facilities provided me a solid background for working with kids and teaching the game.
5. What First Tee games or activities do you enjoy most?
ALL OF THEM! If I had to pick just one it would be the pink Hippo activity.
6. What is your favorite Core Value or Life Skill to teach?
Gratitude and Respect. Gratitude for the opportunity to be outside with friends, old and new, to learn a game that requires respect for the people around you and for the course itself. Experiencing these two values, along with all the other values that are taught, are beneficial to see. They help us understand ourselves and the world around us.
7. Are the kids teaching you anything?
Always learning from the kids. They have no idea how they help adults continue to grow in the game of life.
8. What part of programming do you think is most impactful for the kids?
I volunteer at Wescott so I get to witness the greatness of Coach Perry and Coach Tom each week. They have such a wonderful way about them of explaining the day’s activity, the word of the day, and expressing how fun and enjoyable the game of golf can be.
9. What part of programming is most impactful for you?
Working with Coach Perry and Coach Tom and seeing the look in a child’s eye when they sink a putt or make a good swing or hit a straight shot. I get a thrill out of hearing the kids talk about how they are going to be a professional golfer one day. They are getting hooked on a game of a lifetime and one that will bring them much happiness.
A huge THANK YOU goes to the many volunteers who make First Tee programming possible, and special thanks to Betty for sharing her experience.
Ready to join Betty on course? Please visit our volunteer page to learn more.
In 2023, First Tee – Greater Charleston provided character-building golf programs to 19,869 kids. 125 generous volunteer coaches helped make that possible… Volunteers like Jordan Lewis, who helps run On-Course Golf & Life Skills classes at Shadowmoss Golf Club.
1. How long have you been a volunteer for First Tee?
I have been a volunteer for 1 year now, starting spring 2023.
2. What does life outside of First Tee look like?
I live in West Ashley with my wife Emily and golden retriever CJ. I work from home as a Data Engineer and have been in Charleston for 4 years, moving here from Atlanta. I love to golf, I love to cook (especially Greek food), take CJ on walks around the neighborhood and to the beach, and to travel and visit friends, I also love going to see live music.
3. What inspired you to become a volunteer?
I wanted to find a way to volunteer my time, and this felt like a great fit with a game I love.
4. What traits have served you well as a volunteer?
I love to play games, whether it be sports or otherwise. I enjoy teaching people things and seeing them grow… And I love golf! I’ve been playing since I had plastic clubs in the backyard with my Dad.
5. What First Tee games or activities do you enjoy most?
I don’t think there’s any specific game I like best (other than end of session golf baseball), but I love when the kids get excited and invested in what we’re doing and in their own progress.
6. What is your favorite Core Value or Life Skill to teach?
Judgement… Getting the kids, who all want to swing as hard as possible, to slow down and understand that you don’t always have to swing out of your shoes has been so cool to see.
7. Are the kids teaching you anything?
They are teaching me patience (haha) and have helped me learn how to connect and teach people who learn differently than I do.
8. What part of programming do you think is most impactful for the kids?
The part I think is the most impactful is probably when they start to see progress. When they start to understand how making a change in grip or swing or etc, they can see the progress and start to put it all together. That’s when they get really excited.
9. What part of programming is most impactful for you?
Same as the kids… I love seeing it click in their heads and how excited they get. There’s nothing better!
A huge THANK YOU goes to the many volunteers who make First Tee programming possible, and special thanks to Jordan for sharing his experience.
Ready to join Jordan on course? Visit our volunteer page to learn more.
Two of our program participants, who also belong to our Teen Advisory Council and serve as volunteer coaches, got a special treat this week thanks to a long-time supporter. Aubrey and Kelly took their first trip to Augusta National on Monday. The sisters visited the practice range, shopped, ate amazing food, walked about 8 miles, and had an opportunity to follow Rickie Fowler for a while…
“My favorite part was seeing golfers in person that I grew up watching on TV. I knew I wanted to see the famous bridges on the 12th hole, and getting to see players like Rickie Fowler cross it was really special.”
– Kelly, First Tee Program Participant
Aubrey (left) and Kelly (right) visit Augusta National
Masters Monday was made even more memorable because it coincided with the eclipse. Aubrey and Kelly received commemorative glasses to take home. Their keepsake is one-of-a-kind considering this is the first time the Masters has been impacted by an eclipse since 1940.
“Seeing the course in real life was even more beautiful than it looks on tv. It was so perfect it almost didn’t seem real.“
– Aubrey, First Tee Program Participant
These memories will last a lifetime, and we are so glad that Kelly and Aubrey could take part in such a special occasion!
