Category: Feature Stories

Charleston Area Elementary Students Demonstrate Golf & Life Skills at Champions Cup

March 27, 2024 | Program Update

Teams from 16 Charleston Area elementary schools traveled to Wescott Golf Club on March 20th to compete in our annual Champions Cup tournament. This event, which is made possible by Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation and generous community support, celebrates In-School Program participation, and it’s one of our favorites because many of the students have never seen or played on a golf course before.

Photos by Banner Photography

Participating students, who were selected by their PE teacher, demonstrated their knowledge of our Golf & Life Skills Curriculum by competing in 9 golf challenges and 9 core value challenges. Touring professional Kyle Westmoreland dropped by to demo our inflatable chipping hippo and cheer on the kids.

Students also had an opportunity to learn about golf course design from course architect Troy Miller, who redesigned Charleston Municipal.  

The following schools, all of which belong to our In-School Golf & Life Skills Program network, participated in Champions Cup:

Mt. Zion Elementary School
Charleston Development Academy
Orange Grove Elementary Charter School
Whitesville Elementary School
Lambs Elementary School
Montessori Community School
Charleston Progressive Academy
Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School
Goose Creek Elementary School
Stiles Point Elementary School
Chicora Elementary School
Julian Mitchell Elementary School
St. John’s Catholic School
Sanders Clyde Elementary School
James B. Edwards Elementary School
Oakland Elementary School

All teams had fun, played well, and exhibited First Tee’s Nine Core Values (respect, courtesy, responsibility, honesty, sportsmanship, confidence, judgment, perseverance, and integrity). 

Congratulations to Orange Grove Charter School on finishing third, Montessori Community School on finishing second, and this year’s champions Ashley River Creative Arts! The Ashley River Creative Arts team will be recognized at a special awards ceremony at their school and each team member will be presented with a free set of golf clubs. 

Many thanks to the donors, coaches, and volunteers who make Champions Cup possible!

About Our In-School Program & Champions Cup

First Tee’s In-School Program is open to any elementary school in Berkeley, Charleston, or Dorchester County. Age-appropriate equipment, curriculum, training, and coach support is all subsidized by generous First Tee donors. First Tee programming is currently offered in 41 schools, and all schools who join the In-School Network qualify for Champions Cup participation, at no cost.

The Champions Cup tournament is an annual event, presented by First Tee – Greater Charleston in partnership with the Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation. It celebrates In-School Golf & Life Skills Program participation. In addition to creating a feel-good field trip experience that exposes children to a new environment, this event is designed to reinforce core values and interpersonal skills that apply to life beyond the golf course.

School administrators and PE teachers who would like to get involved can email [email protected] to learn more.

Carolinas PGA Awards REACH Retired Professional of the Year to Tom Rader

February 21, 2024 | Press Release

Charleston, SC–Longtime Wescott Golf Club volunteer and beloved First Tee Coach Tom Rader has been named REACH Retired Professional of the Year by the Carolinas PGA.

This distinguished honor recognizes retired professionals who have given back to the game in extraordinary ways by supporting the three pillars of the PGA REACH Foundation—youth, military, and diversity.

Rader, who helps administer First Tee – Greater Charleston’s On-Course Golf & Life Skills Program at Wescott, has introduced hundreds of children to the game of golf and core value curriculum. The benefits of that work extend well-beyond the course, and Rader was recognized for his efforts as First Tee’s Volunteer of the Year in 2015. His faithfulness to the mission of positively impacting the lives of young people is as strong as ever nearly 10 years later.

“Coach Tom was one of our very first volunteers and has been with us for 15+ years,” says First Tee Program Director Meghan Taylor. “We are so grateful for him!”

Rader is also a long-time volunteer for two adaptive golf therapy initiatives at Wescott, PGA HOPE events for veterans/active duty military and the HERO Program for first responders.

Most would consider Rader an installation at Wescott. You can find him several days a week with Ziggy, Wescott’s unofficial mascot, in tow. The pair bring a smile to everyone they meet. And when they aren’t on the golf course, they’re making friends through ATD (Alliance of Therapy Dogs). Favorite ATD volunteer appearances include dog therapy days at local colleges during exam weeks.  

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. The organization reaches thousands of children each year in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties–19,869 young people in 2023 alone.

PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation

The PGA REACH Carolinas Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and philanthropic arm of the Carolinas PGA Section, the largest of the 41 sections in the United States of America. Carolinas members across North and South Carolina are committed to serving local communities and growing the game of golf through three pillars–Youth, Military, and Diversity/Inclusion.

Baron and Chandler Win 2nd Annual Mini Mentor Cup

Baron sinks four hole-in-ones to win 2nd Annual Mini Mentor Cup at Charleston Fun Park.

January 22, 2024 | Program Update

Thank you to all the mentors, kids, and volunteers who joined us for our 2nd Annual Mini Mentor Cup at Charleston Fun Park yesterday! We hosted 32 mentor/mentee teams who played a best ball format on 36 chilly and challenging holes. Teams submitted their best 18-hole score for a chance to win game cards. 14 year-old Baron, who made four hole-in-ones, and his mentor, Chandler, took home first place with an impressive 18-hole score of 31.

Jack and Trip brought home second place with a competitive score of 37.

All participants played well, and teams topped off the afternoon with complimentary games and go-kart rides, courtesy of Charleston Fun Park and generous donors.

Juan Acevedo Joins First Tee – Greater Charleston Board of Directors

January 16, 2024 | Press Release

We are pleased to welcome local entrepreneur Juan Acevedo to our Board of Directors! He is joining an active group of 19 returning directors, which brings total board membership to 20.

Born in Columbia, South America and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Juan Acevedo developed a passion for athletics at an early age. He was an All-American high school soccer player and went on to play for Ohio State University.  

After college, Acevedo ventured to South Florida where he opened several successful businesses. In 1995, he became a McDonald’s owner-operator and was awarded his first store in Ft. Lauderdale. In 1999, he relocated to Charleston, acquiring 7 McDonald’s restaurants and building 3 more stores.

Acevedo recently sold his McDonald’s restaurants but is still involved in the industry as a partner, investing in farm-to-table Mexican restaurants in San Diego (Lola 55).

In addition to serving Charleston Area youth through First Tee, Acevedo has been instrumental in the growth of the Ronald McDonald House Charity Golf Tournament in Charleston, an event that has raised more than $2,500,000 over the last 10 years to help families with children battling cancer.

Outside of work and community service, Juan enjoys spending time with his wife (Lina) and two children (Camille and Lucas).

Keeping Kids Engaged with Proven Teaching Strategies

December 19, 2023 | Coach Spotlight

Our very own Bucky Dudley, who also happens to be a Carolinas PGA Section Youth Player Development Award winner, recently shared some teaching insights with the PGA. Here are his thoughts on the importance of keeping students engaged…

Coaches must ensure their junior golfers are not only taking away an understanding of each lesson but are also enjoying the learning process. I employ a few teaching strategies… The first is ending the activity at the height of enjoyment. While this might sound counterintuitive, kids have a limited attention span. There is a limited amount of time before they get “bored” and their minds wander, creating unengaged participants and an unsafe environment. By only playing for a few minutes before shifting focus, participants will leave the activity with a positive experience and remember how much fun it was to play. They will want more! This also allows for the same games to be played week after week and for participants to see improvement across the weeks. This means that coaches must have at least two games or activities ready for each class. Consider using the change of activity as a water break to help refresh your participants for the next activity.

The second strategy is Play-Practice-Play, especially for older participants or those with more experience. I was introduced to this concept in First Tee Coach Training, and it was an “aha” moment in my professional development. The idea is to create games and activities for participants to quickly start playing after arrival, and to sandwich them around purposeful practice of the intended skill. For example, if the skill is putting, participants may immediately start play of a game where they need to putt the ball into a hole around obstacles. Finding it difficult at first, stopping for instruction and practice, and returning to the game afterwards can allow for improvement and increased enjoyment of the game during the second half.

Finally, the best coaches are master game creators. Drills are boring, but they are a great tool to help learn new techniques or skills. What if you could create games that bundle the skills needed to improve into a game that kids enjoy. Drills become less boring, and your students learn more quickly while having fun. Become a master game creator and your students will reap the rewards.

We may be biased, but we think Bucky’s advice rings true for all educators, regardless of subject matter. Hop over to our programs page to learn more about First Tee curriculum and how we utilize Bucky’s concepts to teach interpersonal skills through the game of golf.

Gene’s Dream Foundation Mentor Cup

Participant Spotlight | November 2, 2023

Clayton, Jayden, and Baron played the Gene’s Dream Foundation Mentor Cup in Myrtle Beach last weekend. They kicked things off on Friday with a meet-and-greet event at Topgolf. Jayden even got a few pointers from special guest Nancy Lopez!

On Saturday, Baron got closest to the pin on the #9 par 3 and won a pro shop gift card. He nearly holed it for an Ace! He tapped in a one-foot putt for birdie, his best hole ever.

Clayton and Jayden also played well. Here’s Clayton stripping a drive…

The Mentor Cup is an annual mentor/mentee team event dedicated to the memory of Gene Weldon, a 50-year PGA Professional who was instrumental in the foundation and development of a formidable junior golf program in Myrtle Beach. Gene believed that golf was a reflection of life—that friendships made and character developed on the course could be transformative. That spirit is captured in the Mentor Cup. Our mentor and mentee participants were touched by the level of community support. Each hole had volunteers handing out drinks, candy, golf balls, and other goodies, and comradery among teams was a major aspect of the event.

Coach Todd and Baron (left) pose with playing partners from First Tee – Greater Charlotte (right)

“It was great meeting representatives from other [First Tee] chapters… I really enjoyed it and think the event was great exposure for all three of our mentee participants!” – Coach Todd Murphy

Our superstars didn’t bring home the cup, but we certainly are proud of the way they represented Charleston! We hope to send more teams in 2024. Stay tuned for details and visit GenesDream.com to learn more.

Alice Shifts Focus & Shoots Her Personal Best

Alice (center) poses with Wando Lady Warrior Golf Team after winning the 2023 Region VI AAAAA Championship.

October 24, 2023 | Participant Spotlight

Earlier this month, Coach Todd Murphy played a round of golf with two program participants at Berkeley Country Club as part of his continuing education (Level 2 Coach Certification). One of those program participants was Alice, a senior at Wando High School who was preparing for the 2023 Region VI AAAAA Championship to be held at Berkeley on October 10th.

This low-pressure playdate provided Alice with keen perspective…

“The main reason I couldn’t break 80 was because I was getting in my head too much about my score… Playing a practice round with Coach Todd helped me relax and focus on each shot individually.”

– Alice Li, First Tee – Greater Charleston Program Participant

When Alice returned to Berkeley with the Wando Lady Warrior Golf Team, she broke 80 for the first time ever, shooting 77, and her team captured the title, setting a new Wando record of 310.

Coach Todd and Alice share Alice’s new personal best (77).

There’s a fine line between pursuing perfection and pursuing one’s personal best. Alice understands the difference, and lucky for us, she’s decided to share her constructive perspective with others as an Assistant Coach this season. (Thank you, Alice! We’re so proud of you!!)

Want to learn more about unique play/volunteer opportunities for a young person in your life? Email Meghan Taylor to learn more.

Let’s Talk Podcast with Carolyn Murray

August 28, 2023 | Feature Story

Our Executive Director, Bucky Dudley, sat down with WCBD News 2 Anchor and First Tee Board Member Carolyn Murray to explain what First Tee is all about and why he got involved.

Listen to Carolyn’s Let’s Talk podcast weekly for more local news, and contact Bucky to learn more about how you can get involved with Charleston Area youth development programs.

*Program cost is referenced in this podcast. 97% of First Tee – Greater Charleston program participants receive free programs in schools, through community partnerships and via on-course program scholarships. On-course program fees are $60 for families who do not qualify for financial aid.

Game Changers Hold Mock Trial Event at Charleston Historic Courthouse

Game Changers pose with mock trial volunteers at Charleston Historic Courthouse | Photo by Gabriel Conn

July 20, 2023 | Program Update

Program Update January 1, 2024: The Game Changers Immersion Program is now called Pathfinder Immersion Program.

Our Game Changers Immersion Program (GCIP) held its third annual mock trial event at Charleston’s Historic Courthouse yesterday. Amanda Perry, Esq. and Steven Smith, Esq. have been practicing with GCIP kids all summer in preparation for two cases—the State vs. Gold E. Locks and the State vs. Jack Robinson (of Jack and the Beanstalk).

First-year Game Changers (rising sixth graders) prosecuted and defended Jack. Second and third-year participants (rising seventh and eighth graders) represented Gold E. Locks and her accusers, the Bear family.

While all parties presented persuasive arguments, the jury reached unanimous verdicts in both cases. Gold E. Locks was found guilty of bad manners and theft. Jack Robinson was found not guilty of second degree intentional homicide.

Special thanks to Amanda Perry, Esq. and Steven Smith, Esq. who support this enrichment opportunity year after year with their time, talent, and energy. Our Game Changers have learned so much from you!

And thank you to the many volunteers and staff members who helped make this year’s event a success—Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, Esq. (judge), Officer Gause (bailiff), Officer Rice (bailiff), Ryan Webster, Esq. (juror), First Tee Program Director Meghan Taylor (juror), First Tee Marketing Director Kendall Flock (juror), Game Changers Immersion Program Director Lerone Johnson, and camp counselors Maddie, Antonio, Vada, Olivia, and Gabe.

Alex Andrews & Tommy Hall Join First Tee – Greater Charleston Advisory Board

July 13, 2023 | Press Release

Charleston, SC–First Tee – Greater Charleston instated two new Advisory Board Members during a Board Meeting on July 12th. Alex Andrews and Tommy Hall, both long-time supporters, will be joining the ranks of other community leaders to enhance Charleston Area youth development programs.

First Tee Advisory Board Members serve in strategic planning, awareness, and fundraising capacities. Alex Andrews and Tommy Hall have a proven track record in all of these roles. 

Alex Andrews

Alex Andrews served on the First Tee – Greater Charleston Board of Directors for 6 years (2017-2022), where she spent four years as Secretary. She has played an instrumental role in organizing First Tee’s Annual Lowcountry GOLF&GALA event; she coordinated funding for First Tee through foundation support; and she also helped facilitate a corporate partnership with Renwick for Girls Golf programing.

Tommy Hall

Tommy Hall , CEO of Hall Management Group, served on the Board of Directors for 6 years (2017-2022). He has been influential in GOLF&GALA planning efforts, and he has hosted events at Halls and Halls 5 Faber to promote awareness of First Tee’s mission and impact. 

Bucky Dudley, Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Charleston says, “We are excited for Alex and Tommy to join the Board of Advisors. Their passion for local youth and advocacy for First Tee programs is as strong as ever, and as Advisors, we look forward to their continued involvement as we serve more children on the golf course and beyond.”

For a complete list of First Tee – Greater Charleston’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board Members, please visit our About Page.

Learning the Tournament Ropes at Briar’s Creek

First Tee – Greater Charleston program participants pose for a photo at the Rolex Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament at Briar’s Creek.

July 3, 2023 | Program Update

We love it when the Rolex Girls Junior Championship comes to town! This year’s event featured a fundraising tournament on June 19 benefiting First Tee – Greater Charleston. It’s an amazing opportunity for First Tee program participants like Lilly, age 10, to play with and learn from some of the best rising golf stars in the nation…

“I liked meeting and playing with Yurang Li. She was really nice and a good golfer. I liked riding with her and seeing how she warms up for a match and learning about her playing golf in college. I hope I can do that too one day.”

– Lilly, First Tee – Greater Charleston Program Participant

Thanks to a long-time partnership with AJGA and generous community support, we were able to send 20 participants to play in the fundraising tournament at Briar’s Creek, and some of those young people were afforded the opportunity to shadow tournament administration and support staff through AJGA’s Day In A Life program. Participants like Jackie, age 17, enjoyed learning about career opportunities in the industry beyond playing the game…

“I enjoyed playing with Megan Meng during the fundraising tournament, and I especially loved the Day In A Life program. It was great to experience how a tournament works. My favorite part was being able to track pace of play and talking with [AJGA interns] Helena and Mia! They were great to learn from, and I enjoyed getting to know more about how the intern program works because it relates to what I want to do in my future career. …These events are great opportunities for kids like me. It’s important to understand how much work staff puts into making tournaments possible. Participating in events like this is a great way to make new connections as well!”

– Jackie, First Tee – Greater Charleston Program Participant

We look forward to following the careers of all the golfers who played in this year’s Rolex Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament, and we hope that some of our program participants will follow in their footsteps or consider a career in tournament management!

Want to help us make educational opportunities like this accessible to kids from all walks of life? Email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.