News Releases Archives

First Tee recognizes 2025 Ace recipients

Ace is First Tee’s rigorous capstone program, which helps teens gameplan for the future

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (Dec. 8, 2025) – First Tee is proud to announce that 14 participants have successfully completed the Ace program, the organization’s premier achievement, which guides young people in planning their futures through hands-on projects and real-world skill development.

“Achieving Ace requires considerable time, dedication and self-reflection,” said Ryan Graff, vice president of programs at First Tee. “These teens have demonstrated an incredible commitment to personal growth, and we are proud of their achievements and excited to see where their futures take them.”

The 2025 Ace achievers represent seven First Tee chapters across the country:

Will Berthiaume, First Tee – Connecticut
Abelina Wakeland, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast
Annika Collado, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast
Elise Rivas-Mucklow, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast*
Jenna Misset, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast
Colby Townsend, First Tee – Greater Charlotte
Colin Watson, First Tee – Greater Dallas
Daniel Ferguson, First Tee – Greater Dallas
Jacob Lewallen, First Tee – Greater Dallas*
Aarya Shewale, First Tee – Greater Houston*
Arden Han-Wei, First Tee – Greater Sacramento*
Hannah Stouder, First Tee – Greater Sacramento*
Evan Santoso, First Tee – Silicon Valley
Tristan Hipolito, First Tee – Silicon Valley*

*Indicates Make Your Mark grant recipient

Through the Ace program, participants explore their interests and potential career paths, while creating actionable goals. To achieve Ace, participants must complete four comprehensive projects focusing on golf, education, career and community service.

Based on their community service projects, participants can earn grants for their local chapters to expand their impact. In 2025, six Ace participants secured Make Your Mark grants totaling $41,000 for initiatives addressing critical needs in their communities. These grants allow Ace participants to leave a legacy at their chapter and inspire future participants to do the same.

First Tee – Greater Sacramento received $10,000 in recognition of Hannah Stouder’s “Hannah’s Care Closet,” which provides free essential items to elementary school students in need. First Tee – Greater Houston received $10,000 in recognition of Aarya Shewale’s “Katy Chess Academy,” which helps kids develop life skills through chess instruction.

For more information about the Ace program and how to get involved, visit firsttee.org/ace.

First Tee, Golf Digest honor 2025 network award winners advancing youth through golf

Golf Digest awards $175,000 to winning First Tee chapters in celebration of their impact

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (Nov. 5, 2025) – In partnership with Golf Digest, First Tee is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 network awards, recognizing outstanding individuals and chapters who exemplify the organization’s mission to empower young people through golf.

“First Tee has more than 10,000 passionate and committed adults who are involved in supporting chapters throughout the network,” said CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Congratulations to those selected for our 2025 network awards. Our mission would not be possible without their involvement and leadership. We are also very grateful to Golf Digest for their continued support of First Tee and our chapters.”

The awards celebrate the transformative work of coaches, volunteers, educators and leaders across the First Tee network. In recognition of their achievements, Golf Digest will award $175,000 in grants to support the honorees and their chapters.

“We are proud to honor these inspiring individuals and chapters who bring the game of golf to kids of all backgrounds,” said Chris Reynolds, general manager of Golf Digest. “Their dedication helps shape character and confidence far beyond the course.”

First Tee offers programming at golf courses, schools and community sites across the country and in select international locations, impacting more than 3.1 million youth annually. It celebrates its annual award winners each fall. This year’s recipients are:

Tim Finchem Leadership Award: Andrew Hunt, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast
Founder of First Tee – Treasure Coast (now part of First Tee – Florida Gold Coast), Hunt has served as a board member and passionate mentor since 2012. His personal contributions total more than $3.5 million to various First Tee chapters and national initiatives. Most notably, he provided $450,000 to establish a new learning center in Fort Pierce, First Tee – Florida Gold Coast’s most underserved community.

Coach of the Year: Anthony Rodriguez, First Tee – Metropolitan New York
With 15 years of dedicated service, “Coach Arod” contributed more than a thousand hours of instruction in the past year alone. He’s been an integral part of the chapter’s efforts to make golf more accessible to New York City kids and teens, including an outreach initiative at Mosholu Golf Course in the Bronx.

George H.W. Bush Volunteer of the Year: Allen Doyle, First Tee – Troup County
A former professional golfer, Doyle has led First Tee – Troup County for two decades as its board president and largest donor. Known for his hands-on approach, he mows grass, repairs clubs and coaches at the chapter every weekend.

Teacher of the Year: Michelle Phillips LeBlanc, First Tee – Atlantic
Based at Forest Glen School in New Brunswick, Phillips LeBlanc has introduced over 400 students to the game of golf. She’s organized golf course field trips and a STEM mini golf challenge, where students design a course in the gym and welcome parents to play.

Each of the chapters will receive $25,000 from Golf Digest to further their impact. First Tee – Canada will split its prize with Forest Glen School. Additionally, Golf Digest will make financial contributions to three chapters that are being recognized with the Barbara A. Douglas & Dr. William J. Powell Community Award, which celebrates chapters that are championing access and inclusivity.

First Tee – Greater Richmond ($35,000)
Hosting over 25 annual field trips for Title I schools, this chapter has impacted 500+ kids through partnerships with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club and Police Athletic League.
First Tee – Birmingham ($25,000)
The chapter boasts a diverse roster of board members and coaches, ensuring every participant has an advocate or mentor with whom they identify. It also offers scholarships to all participants on free- or reduced-lunch programs.
First Tee – East Baton Rouge Parish ($15,000)
Led by executive director Henry Pointer, Louisiana’s first Black PGA professional, this chapter maintains deep partnerships with local schools and nonprofits.

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

First Tee – Greater Charleston Hosting Spring Program Lottery

January 27, 2025 | Press Release

Charleston, SC—First Tee – Greater Charleston is hosting a registration lottery January 27-February 2 for spring programs at seven Charleston Area golf courses. Spring programs, which meet once a week for 8 weeks, will tee off the week of March 10, and First Tee’s On-Course Golf & Life Skills curriculum is suitable for children ages 5-18.

No golf knowledge or prior experience is required for lottery entry or program participation, and no equipment purchase is necessary. First Tee supplies everything a child needs to get started.

Families are encouraged to register at their convenience during the lottery period at FirstTeeCHS.org/register. To ensure all children have an equal opportunity at limited golf course openings, selections will be made at random.

Random drawings will occur February 3-4. First Tee will only contact families who are selected, and families will have 48 hours to accept electronically. Program registrations that are not finalized within 48 hours, will pass to another applicant. Selections will continue until all openings are filled.

First Tee – Greater Charleston will host three On-Course Golf & Life Skills lotteries this year and expects to serve about 1,200 young people at Berkeley Country Club, Charleston Municipal, The Club at Pine Forest, Dunes West Golf & River Club, Patriots Point Golf Links, Shadowmoss Golf Club, and Wescott Golf Club.

The organization expects to serve an additional 22,000 children at Charleston Area schools and community centers.

Volunteer coaches and mentors play a vital role in First Tee’s mission to help kids build character through the game of golf. All skill levels (including teens ages 16 and up) are welcome! Apply now at FirstTeeCHS.org/volunteer to get involved in spring programs.

Investing with Integrity: Hudnall Capital Advisors Donates $30,000 to First Tee Programs

January 6, 2025 | Partner Spotlight

Charleston, SC–First Tee – Greater Charleston (FTGC) is pleased to announce a continued partnership with Ry Hudnall, who has pledged $30,000 to support local youth development programs that teach interpersonal skills and life-enhancing values through the game of golf at Charleston Area golf courses, schools, and community centers.

Hudnall, the former President and CEO of a local Fortune 100 Wealth Management franchise and founder of Hudnall Capital Advisors, has been a long-time supporter of FTGC…

“First Tee – Greater Charleston is working hard to teach values like honesty and integrity to young people in our community. I’ve always believed in the transformative power of that work, and I’ve been fortunate enough to support First Tee programs personally and in previous positions as a corporate sponsor over the years. It only makes sense to further that commitment with Hudnall Capital Advisors,” says Hudnall.

At the end of 2024, Hudnall launched Hudnall Capital Advisors, a new “people-first” investment firm catering to clientele who appreciate radical transparency.

Hudnall has expressed his intention to make this year’s gift to FTGC an annual commitment via Legacy Partner sponsorship. Legacy Partners, First Tee Ambassadors (individuals making an annual gift), and long-term golf course partners play an essential role in the sustainability of FTGC programs, which collectively served 22,933 young people last year. Hudnall Capital Advisors will join the ranks of four renewing Legacy Partners in 2025–The Pathfinder Foundation, PNC Bank, Middle Street Partners, and Terracon–all of which make an annual contribution in excess of $20,000. Renewing course partners include Berkeley Country Club, Charleston Municipal, The Club at Pine Forest, Dunes West Golf & River Club, Patriots Point Golf Links, Shadowmoss Golf Club, and Wescott Golf Club.

About Hudnall Capital Advisors

Hudnall Capital Advisors is a Charleston-based financial planning firm specializing in investment management, retirement income planning, tax mitigation support, income protection, life insurance, and estate planning. Based on 50+ years of industry experience, the firm endeavors to create customer-first culture with world-class service and simplified fee structures. For more information, visit hudcapadvisors.com.

About First Tee – Greater Charleston

Established in 2008, First Tee – Greater Charleston serves young people, ages 5-18, from all walks of life. The 501(c)3 offers On-Course, In-School, and Community Outreach Programs that teach life-enhancing values and interpersonal skills through the game of golf, reaching thousands of children each year in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties–22,933 in 2024 alone.

New Program Location for 5-6 Year Old Participants Effective Summer 2024

April 9, 2024 | Program Update

With the introduction of an age-based curriculum in 2023, we experienced amazing program growth among older participants (teen participation increased 107% from the previous year). To accommodate a growing number of families on our waitlist without over-extending our generous golf course partners, we’ve made the difficult decision to move our 5-6 year-old programming in Mount Pleasant to an off-golf course setting.

Effective summer 2024 (and for all seasons beyond that), our 5-6 year-old classes in Mount Pleasant will move to the lawn adjacent to Dunes West Golf & River Club’s pool on Friday afternoons. The program will continue to be an introduction to First Tee’s Golf & Life Skills curriculum. Instructors and participants will exclusively use SNAG equipment and focus on important fundamental abilities like balance, flexibility, and object control. Click here to learn more about SNAG, which we also use in our In-School Program.

There will be no change to current programming (spring 2024). The Mount Pleasant program location change will go into effect summer 2024 and will be in effect for all future seasons. Additionally, our Summerville area 5-6 year old classes will remain unchanged at The Club at Pine Forest. Our summer registration lottery for all ages and locations of programs will take place April 29-May 5. Click here to learn more about our registration process.

We are extremely grateful to Dunes West Golf & River Club for allowing us to utilize their lawn and look forward to a fun-filled summer season!

If you have any questions, please reach out to Program Director, Meghan Taylor: [email protected].

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.

Meet Our New Philanthropy Director

February 5, 2024 | Press Release

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Conor O’Rourke as our new Philanthropy Director!

Conor has over a decade of fundraising experience in both independent and higher education sectors. He has dedicated his career to supporting advancement opportunities for young people. Most recently, he served as Director of Development at Rocky Hill Country Day School in Rhode Island and has held various development roles at St. George’s School (Newport, RI) and Brown University. The son of a PGA Professional, Conor developed a keen interest in golf at an early age and benefited significantly from lessons learned on the golf course. He is excited to contribute to similar hands-on learning experiences for youth in the Charleston area.

Conor hails from New England but has strong family ties to Charleston and is eager to be an active member of the community.

Conor enjoys history, cooking, and spending time with his wife, Amy, and daughter, Finley Anne. He also loves to play golf, particularly with pre-1930 hickory clubs that he collects and restores.

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).

Game Changers Immersion Program Has a New Name

Pathfinder Immersion Program participants visit College of Charleston for a robotics lesson.

January 1, 2024 | Press Release

First Tee – Greater Charleston is kicking off the New Year with a new name for its golf and STEM enrichment program. The Pathfinder Immersion Program, which launched under the name Game Changers in 2021, will continue providing year-round athletic, academic, and social/emotional support to students grades 6-12. The rebrand, set in motion by a Board of Directors vote in November, simply aims to more clearly communicate program objectives.

“We say it all the time… ‘First Tee – Greater Charleston is Building Game Changers.’ That means all of our programs–immersion, on-course/after-school, in-school, and community outreach–are Building Game Changers,” says Bucky Dudley, Executive Director. “Rebranding the immersion program is just a formality, but we hope the distinction between our tagline and this specific program will help people better understand what we’re trying to accomplish–at an organizational and program level.”

First Tee’s mission is to positively impact the lives of youth by providing structured educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choice through the game of golf. The newly dubbed Pathfinder Immersion Program is merely one tool in First Tee – Greater Charleston’s toolbox.

Dudley says “It’s still the same great program.” That means Pathfinder Immersion Program participants will continue to enjoy a full day of enrichment activities Monday through Friday each summer and Saturday meetups during the school year with all transportation, meals, and equipment provided at no cost thanks to generous donations.

A major component of the program, since its inception, has been and will continue to be professional development and STEM curriculum administered through enrichment partners such as Boeing, Synovus, College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University, Terracon, Frampton Construction, Main Ocean Logistics, Seafox Boats, and others. Pathfinder Immersion Program Director Lerone Johnson, Sr. says, “Our goal is to expose young people to a variety of educational options and career paths in hopes that they will be prepared to make informed choices as they mature into positive productive adults.”

Pathfinders visit Frampton Construction for a professional enrichment presentation.

The Pathfinder Immersion Program, will continue accepting a new class of rising sixth graders each summer and relies heavily on community support for continued expansion. Individuals who want to explore volunteer or enrichment partner opportunities are encouraged to contact Coach Johnson ([email protected]).

About First Tee – Greater Charleston

About the Pathfinder Immersion Program

The Pathfinder Immersion Program launched in summer 2021 with six students. In 2022, the program earned the Barbara A. Douglass and Dr. William J. Powell Diversity Award from The TORO Foundation and was featured on the Golf Channel. In 2023, program participation increased to 22 students thanks to generous community support and USGA IDEA Grant funding. First Tee – Greater Charleston endeavors to serve more than 50 students through the Pathfinder Immersion Program by summer 2027. Visit FirstTeeCHS.org/pathfinders to learn more.

Madison Capital Group Invests $200k in First Tee Programs

November 20, 2023 | Press Release

First Tee – Greater Charleston (FTGC) hosted its annual Giving Days marathon November 15-16 to raise money for golf and life skills programs administered at golf courses, schools, and community centers throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. This year’s campaign reached a record-breaking 536 donors in 48 hours culminating in a $200,000 gift from Charlotte/Charleston-based real estate firm, Madison Capital Group.

“Giving Days is more than a fundraiser… It’s an awareness campaign,” says Bucky Dudley, Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Charleston. “Our goal is to reach as many donors as possible within 48 hours. Even if a donor only gives $1, that’s $1 that we can put to work in our community, and one more person who knows about our mission to help young people. This year we reached twice as many donors as last year, and I don’t think that would have been possible without Madison Capital Group’s support!”

A series of corporate sponsors pledged unlocking gifts for Giving Days, with Madison Capital Group offering $200,000 when the campaign reached a donor threshold of 350.

“We are thrilled to invest in this wonderful organization,” says Ryan Hanks, Madison Capital’s Chief Executive Officer. “Their work is inspiring and will have a generational impact on kids and families in the Charleston community for years to come.”

Giving Days 2023 raised $311,005. $41,505 came from individual contributions and $269,500 from corporate sponsors including Madison Capital Group, Charles Schwab, Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, The Cassina Group, Banks Construction, and Selling Kiawah.

Funds raised will help serve 17k+ kids each year and keep 97% of FTGC programs free for families in need.

“Madison Capital’s gift is transformative for a nonprofit like ours! It gives us the essential resources to not only grow programs to reach more kids but also to invest in program improvements such as training, equipment, and transportation,” says Bucky Dudley, Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Charleston. “We are tremendously grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to helping kids in our community!”

About Madison Capital Group

Madison Capital Group is a vertically integrated real estate investment firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of suburban, garden-style multifamily communities and self-storage facilities. For more information, visit www.madisoncapgroup.com.

About First Tee – Greater Charleston

Established in 2008, First Tee – Greater Charleston serves young people, ages 5-18, from all walks of life. The chapter offers on-course, in-school, and community programs to teach life-enhancing values and interpersonal skills through the game of golf. The organization reaches more than 17,000 children each year in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties–17,975 young people in 2022 alone. Visit firstteegreatercharleston.org to learn more.

USGA Grant Supports Academic, Athletic & Professional Enrichment for Underserved Youth

October 3, 2023 | Press Release

Program Update January 1, 2024: The Game Changers Immersion Program is now called Pathfinder Immersion Program. Learn more about the switch and our vision for Pathfinders here.

First Tee – Greater Charleston is receiving a $7,500 IDEA grant from the United States Golf Association. Funds will support academic, athletic, and professional enrichment opportunities for local youth in underserved communities through First Tee’s Game Changers Immersion Program—a program that has garnered USGA support since its inception in 2021.

The USGA awards IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) grants to organizations that are expanding access to the game of golf and its inherent social emotional benefits.

Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA says, “The best way to introduce youth to the game is by meeting them where they are in their communities, and we are going to continue to drive resources toward the local level to ensure a more accessible and inclusive game for generations to come.”

Thanks to continued USGA funding and generous community support, First Tee – Greater Charleston is currently serving students grade 6-8 on a year-round basis. Participants meet with coaches and mentors Monday through Friday during the summer and on Saturdays throughout the school year for golf instruction and STEAM activities. All activities, transportation, snacks, meals, and equipment are provided at no cost to participating families.

The program is still very young, but First Tee is excited to share early trends and benefits. According to recent survey data (summer 2023), 100% of Immersion Program parents report that their child is more confident and more likely to exercise good judgment after spending time with First Tee coaches and mentors. 83% of parents report that their child is better able to cope with challenges.

“Access is important, but our primary objective isn’t access to the game. We want to provide children with access to game-changing learning opportunities. We want to help them build a toolbox for life. Confidence and coping skills are significant short-term outcomes, and we look forward to sharing more long-term program benefits as our Immersion Program matures,” says Bucky Dudley, Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Charleston.

The Game Changers Immersion Program accepts a new class of rising 6^th graders each summer and is on track to serve more than 56 young people, grades 6-12, by 2027.

About First Tee – Greater Charleston

Established in 2008, First Tee – Greater Charleston serves young people, ages 5-18, from all walks of life. In addition to the Game Changers Immersion Program, the chapter offers on-course, in-school, and community programs to teach life skills using the game of golf and its inherent values to more than 17,000 children each year in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. 97% of participants receive free programming thanks to generous community support.

Contact [email protected] to learn more about how to get involved.