Category: Feature Stories

First Tee launches National Alumni Advisory Council to strengthen engagement across its growing Alumni Network 

The First Tee National Alumni Advisory Council held its first in-person meeting in Charlotte 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 15, 2025) – First Tee has launched a National Alumni Advisory Council, a group of 20 dynamic alumni who are business and community leaders from across the United States. The council will play a key role in shaping the future of the organization’s growing Alumni Network. 

The Alumni Council’s primary focus will be to guide and direct strategies that engage more alumni in meaningful ways — helping them stay connected to each other and to First Tee’s mission of empowering young people through golf and life skills programming. 

In addition to virtual meetings, the Alumni Council will gather annually, with its first session having taken place Sept. 12-14 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event is sponsored by Gallagher. 

“First Tee alumni are an essential part of our story and our future,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The Alumni Council will help ensure we are creating opportunities for them to continue to grow, give back and lead, while staying connected to the values they developed through First Tee.” 

The Alumni Council is co-chaired by Rayshon Payton of First Tee – Metropolitan Oklahoma City, who works as general counsel for Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt, and Sara Diaz of First Tee – San Antonio, a presenter for ESPN+ and PGA TOUR Live and vice president of recruiting for Capstone Hospitality. 

“I’m thrilled to come full circle with First Tee, an organization that has shaped not only my life but the lives of so many others,” Payton said. “Serving as board chair of the Alumni Council is a special opportunity to give back, support the next generation and help strengthen a community that continues to inspire growth on and off the course.” 

“I’m excited to continue being part of the First Tee, the program where my golf journey began,” Diaz said. “I’m truly honored to be selected as co-chair of the First Tee Alumni Council and look forward to expanding our Alumni Network to foster lasting connections and meaningful opportunities.” 

Council members represent a diverse group of graduates who embody the impact of First Tee programs. They were appointed and will serve terms of two, three or four years. Together, they will guide efforts to recruit alumni, design impactful engagement opportunities and drive alumni reconnection to local chapters. As ambassadors of the program, they will inspire current participants and help grow a powerful, united Alumni Network. 

The First Tee Alumni Network includes thousands of former participants who have carried the organization’s values into their careers, communities and lives. Since its launch in 2020, the First Tee Alumni Network has provided career assistance, professional and personal development opportunities and fun events for former participants. It’s free to join and open to all First Tee Alumni. 

For more information about the Alumni Network, visit firsttee.org/alumni. 

2025 Alumni Council members 

Rayshon Payton Metropolitan Oklahoma City General Counsel, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester 
Sara Diaz Greater San Antonio VP of Recruiting, Capstone Hospitality 
Anthony Bonales Central Valley Finance Manager, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling 
Grace Kehoe Greater Charlotte Media Logger, PGA TOUR 
Karrington Knight Greater New Orleans Staff Assistant, Rep. Jasmine Crockett 
Steven Outlaw, PGA Hammond (Historical) Director of Sales & Marketing, Troon 
Colm Parrish Pittsburgh Category Manager, Catalent Pharma Solutions 
Hannah Rens Siouxland Systems Engineer, Boeing 
Benjamin Nganga Tennessee Real Estate Valuations Analyst, Baker Tilly 
Ashley Noda Greater Sacramento Director of Outreach & Competitive Activities, First Tee – Greater Sacramento 
Alyssa Ramont Central Valley Executive Administrative Assistant, San Francisco Giants 
David Singh Tampa Bay Program Manager, Cleveland Clinic of Florida 
Blake Christenson Tennessee Designer, Cooper Carry 
Michelle Xie Silicon Valley Software Engineer, Dave 
Mia Bishop Metro Atlanta Psychotherapist 
Brittany Gill Greater Richmond Corporate Partnerships Manager, PGA TOUR 
Derrick Ow Monterey County Communications & Customer Service Coordinator, Northern California Golf Association 
Connor Shooks Benton Harbor Sports Management Student, University of Michigan 
Callen Williams Metropolitan New York Assistant Program Director, First Tee – Metropolitan New York 
Taryn Yee Greater Sacramento Program Manager, Meta 

Opening Doors: An Educator’s Perspective on Pathfinders

March 4, 2025 | Program Update

Ruth Sword has been a Physical Educator with Charleston County School District for 17 years. She got her start at Malcolm C. Hursey Montessori School in North Charleston and has supported many elementary schools in the area, including Montessori Community in West Ashley, where she’s been teaching for 14 years.

Getting Started with Golf

Coach Ruth doesn’t consider herself a golfer or at least didn’t have any experience playing the sport until 2014. “My oldest son wanted to play, and we enrolled him in a First Tee program. It was a great experience, so I called Bucky about getting involved [in the In-School Program]. I remember him coming here and sitting down in my office. I didn’t know anything about golf… I remember him explaining the difference between birdie, bogey, and par in his excited Bucky way. He set up the whole lesson and stayed the whole day to help me teach it.”

Ruth Sword, Physical Educator & First Tee In-School Program Partner

Ruth has been teaching a golf unit every year since then. She also trains and chaperones a Montessori Community School team for Champions Cup, our annual Golf & Life Skills tournament for elementary students. Her team even won the tournament in 2016. Ruth keeps their Champions Cup plaque in her office and still recalls the students by name who played that year, most of whom are in college now.

Montessori Community School is all smiles after winning Champions Cup in 2016

Non-golfer to golf parent to golf coach and, more recently, a repeat RBC Heritage volunteer—it’s  hard to imagine Ruth Sword ever being intimidated by a sport that now occupies so much of her time, but she suspects the overwhelming nature of golf is what keeps most kids (and PE teachers) from giving it a try. She appreciates that First Tee keeps things simple (In-School Program curriculum focuses on using two clubs), and she believes the confidence found in demystifying an unfamiliar game will serve her students well in life, even if they never set foot on a golf course.

First Tee lesson at Montessori Community School introduces fundamentals with two clubs.

And confidence is just one of the Core Values being taught in Ruth’s First Tee lesson plans… “We go over those [Core Values] all the time, even when we aren’t in our golf unit. When students are struggling, I’ll ask ‘how can we use good judgment’ or ‘how can we show perseverance?’ The kids know exactly what I’m talking about.”

Coach Ruth’s students solve a Core Value Challenge at Champions Cup.

A Pathway to Pathfinders

Coach Ruth only sees her students for about 3 hours per week, but that isn’t stopping her from making waves beyond the classroom. Last year, she helped a child tap into life-changing support, information, and opportunities (something we call social capital).

As a First Tee parent and In-School Program partner, Ruth receives (and thankfully for us, also faithfully reads) our monthly newsletters. She’s been following our Pathfinder Immersion Program (PIP), a needs-based golf and STEM enrichment initiative for middle and high school students, since its inception in 2021. When a call for PIP applicants went out, Sword was committed to finding an ideal candidate, but she needed some help… “I only get to work with my classes for 45 minutes at a time so I don’t always know what their home life is like. When I got the email about Pathfinders, I forwarded it to our upper elementary teachers.”

Pathfinders visit local businesses to learn more about career opportunities.

The teachers at Montessori Community develop a unique understanding of their students, both academically and socially. Most students enroll early, around the age of 5. Lower and upper elementary teachers maintain the same students for at least three consecutive years (lower elementary teachers maintain the same students for grades K-3 and upper elementary for grades 4-6). When a new student transferred in at the age of 10 last year, Ruth recalls everyone taking notice. “[This new student] came in quiet… We have a lot of affluent families at Montessori Community, and those kids are busy with summer and weekend activities. [This student] was making friends, but the upper elementary teachers noticed [they] were having trouble with basic conversations about vacations, sports, and interests outside of school.”

The upper elementary teachers suspected some financial challenges at home, but didn’t fully know the extent until they teamed up with Coach Ruth to help the student apply for PIP. “There were a lot of challenges… like transportation. We didn’t want to get [this student’s] hopes up if we couldn’t make it work, so I emailed Coach Johnson. He assured me First Tee could provide a solution… We all cried when [they were] accepted. We were so excited.”

After a packed 6-week summer schedule (Monday – Friday) and a school year’s worth of Saturday enrichment activities, including chess lessons, etiquette classes, a robotics competition, fieldtrips, and playdays at some of Charleston’s most esteemed golf courses, Coach Sword and her colleagues can hardly believe the transformation… “[This student] now has something special in [their] life… something to talk about and look forward to—opportunities they wouldn’t have if First Tee didn’t offer this kind of program.”

Pathfinders visit Charleston Area courses, like Cassique, to work with pros & mentors.

The positive changes witnessed at school are consistent with social emotional surveys administered to Pathfinder Immersion Program participants, in which 71% of students demonstrate achievement or growth in social skills and 79% demonstrate a high level of academic self-efficacy (a perceived mastery over their own learning and academic potential) after program enrollment.

And this is only the beginning… Ruth’s student will continue with year-round golf and STEM enrichment at no cost—meals, activities, equipment, and transportation included—through high school graduation with an extended family of First Tee coaches and mentors to cheer them on thanks to generous community support and teacher advocates like the team at Montessori Community School.

Want to help Ruth’s student and other Pathfinders build life-changing social capital? We will add eight rising 6th graders to the program this summer, and the application window for 2025 is open now through April 14. Make your impact by sharing our application, volunteering as a mentor, or making a financial gift.

Canaan and Michelle Win 3rd Annual Mini Mentor Cup

Canaan Adams pictured with his mentor/mom, Michelle

March 3, 2025 | Program Update

Thank you to all the mentors, kids, and volunteers who joined us yesterday for our 3rd Annual Mini Mentor Cup, and special thanks to Charleston Fun Park for sponsoring!

33 mentor/mentee teams, featuring youth participants from our On-Course and Pathfinder Immersion Program, played 36 challenging mini-golf holes, and submitted their best 18-hole score for chance to win the Mini Mentor Cup title and a Charleston Fun Park arcade card. 12 year-old Canaan Adams and his mentor/mom, Michelle, captured first with an impressive score of 35.

De’Marrion Ellison and his mentor, Glenn Hudock, placed second, and Miles Phelps and his mentor/dad, Donald, placed third. Both teams scored 36 on their best 18.

All of our teams played well, and we thoroughly enjoyed all the games and snacks that Charleston Fun Park has to offer 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.

Quick 9 with Tayah About On-Course Golf & Life Skills

December 12, 2024 | Participant Spotlight

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.”

5. What is your favorite Core Value?

Judgment

6. What are some of your goals for the next year?

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.

Meet Our 2024 Interns

June 6, 2024 | Program Update

Summer is an exciting season! When the school year ends, we reach hundreds of children through community partner organizations, and we host a full-day, Monday-Friday summer camp for our Pathfinder Immersion Program participants. This is in addition to summer Core Golf & Life Skills classes at seven course locations.

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.

Quick 9 with Hagan About Goals

June 3, 2024 | Participant/Volunteer Spotlight

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.

Explore Program Options
Explore Volunteer Opportunities for Teens

Meet Our 2024 Scholars


May 30, 2024 | Alumni Spotlight

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!

100 Hole Golfathon Impact 2024

Photos by Ron Grant, Red Multimedia

May 14, 2024 | Events

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.

Quick 9 with Coach Betty About Volunteering

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.

Quick 9 with Coach Jordan About Volunteering

April 19, 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 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.

Masters Monday with Aubrey and Kelly

April 11, 2024 | Participant Spotlight

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!

100 Hole Golfathon: Meet Our Alumni Team

April 9, 2024 | Alumni Spotlight

Since 2019, the 100 Hole Golfathon has raised more than $600,000 to Keep Kids On Course. Those funds have played a vital role in increasing golf access, providing transportation to those who need it most, and ensuring our character development programs remain free for 97% of participants.

On May 13, 2024, Friends of First Tee – Greater Charleston will take on the incredible challenge of playing 100 holes of golf in one day yet again at Wescott Golf Club to raise money and awareness for First Tee programs. Among them will be All-Star Alumni Maya Timmons and Jackie Freibert.

(Left) Maya poses with First Tee friends, Ricky and Kyle, after certifying Ace. (Right) Maya, Kyle and their childhood coach, Perry Green, pictured at the 5th Annual 100 Hole Golfathon.

Maya is a First Tee alum who participated in our On-Course Golf & Life Skills Program for 12 years. She attended Ashley Ridge High School, certified Ace at First Tee in 2015, graduated high school 2017, and now splits time between working at Topgolf and assisting with our Pathfinder Immersion Program. This will be her third Golfathon appearance and second year captaining a team.

(Left) Seven year-old Jackie poses on the First Tee putting green at Patriots Point Links. (Right) Coach Wayne thanks Jackie for her volunteer service.

Jackie has been attending our On-Course Golf & Life Skills Program for 10 years, and she’s also a volunteer coach at Patriots Point Links. She will be graduating from Oceanside Collegiate Academy this spring and entering Coastal Carolina’s PGA Golf Management Program in the fall. This will be her second year playing in our Golfathon fundraiser.

Pledge Your Support

Maya and Jackie will battle it out with other Golfathon-ers for bragging rights in the following categories:

  • Most funds raised
  • Most donor support (number of donors)

They will be out at Wescott Golf Club from sun-up to sun-down, walking, running, and riding 20+ miles—taking hundreds of swings along the way. We’re confident that they have what it takes to stay the course, but it’s going to be a long day. Support from you will keep them going, and it will also help us Keep Kids On Course throughout the year! Funds raised will be used to purchase a NEW bus to transport inner city school groups and Immersion Program participants to enrichment activities. Proceeds will also ensure FREE program access for families in need.

Help Maya and Jackie meet their 2,000 fundraising goal (or better yet, top our fundraising leaderboard) by making a per hole pledge or one-time, flat-rate gift.

Pledge Your Support