Category: Feature Stories

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

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.