Category: Blog

Pathfinders Wrap Up an Exciting Summer

July 25, 2024 | Program Update

This week marks the end of our fourth annual Pathfinder Immersion Program summer camp. Program participants, grades 6 and up, have been meeting Monday-Friday for STEM activities, professional enrichment, and golf instruction. We will continue meeting with these participants each summer and on Saturdays throughout the school year until they graduate high school. That’s 7 years of impactful programming!

Pathfinder curriculum is designed to foster curiosity and personal growth, on and off the golf course. Our summer sessions feature a wide variety of engaging enrichment activities and memorable field trips. Here are just a few highlights from summer 2024…

Our camp kicked off with team-building games at Charleston Day School, which functioned as a home base for our Pathfinders this summer. This is our second year utilizing Charleston Day’s space, and we truly couldn’t do all that we are doing without the continued support of Catherine Skeen and the CD team.

Students have enjoyed a series of routine activities and outings each week. Routine activities included visits to Berkeley Country Club on Mondays where they received instruction from Coach Kara Cook, Coach Tank, and Coach John. Students also visited Topgolf once a week to sharpen their skills and had a chance to work with the Pros from Yeamans Hall Club (Alec Brown, Cameron Cappuzzo, Matt Harpster, Nicholas Villareal, and Tyler Morse) at Patriots Point Golf Links each Friday.

Students also participated in weekly mock trial practice sessions, etiquette lessons with Chris-Ann Streeter, chess lessons with Brian Jerauld, and STEM activities—coordinated by the YoArt team and Frank Hatten from Boeing SC’s Dream Learner Program.

A huge thank you goes to Amanda Perry, Esq. and Steve Smith, Esq. for practicing with our kids each week and organizing our fourth annual mock trial event, which took place at Mount Pleasant Town Hall July 19th. Special guests included Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, Esq. (acting as judge) and Officer Gause (acting as bailiff).

Etiquette lessons with Ms. Streeter will culminate in a special end-of-summer luncheon, and there have been whispers that our Executive Director, Bucky Dudley, intends to challenge Coach Jerauld’s most adept chess pupil to a match.

Our Pathfinders also enjoyed meeting local business leaders from Defense Engineering Services (DES), Main Ocean, Frampton Construction, Seafox Boats, Smithey Ironware, Synovus, and Volvo to learn about each respective industry.

Additional enrichments included a tour of the International African American History Museum, a horticulture therapy lesson at MUSC, visiting the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History at the College of Charleston, hands-on learning activities with the NASA Space Grant Consortium, and a boat-based field trip to the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve. Students also heard from guest speakers at Charleston Day School. Officer Rice taught us everything we need to know about routine traffic stops, and Dr. Anthony Oddo spoke with us about health and hygiene.

And what summer would be complete without outings that are purely fun? Play-based field trips included bowling, escape rooms, a ropes course, TIPS Golf Club, a girls’ outing at Wild Dunes to play with the Wild Dunes Ladies Golf Association, and a boys’ trip to Wedgefield Country Club in Georgetown. Our Pathfinders even had an opportunity to play a few holes at Kiawah Island Club’s beautiful Cassique course.

Hats off to our remarkable team, Lead Coach Lerone Johnson, Assistant Coach Maya Timmons, and Camp Counselors Mason Auker, Jermylah Breeland, Esther Etherington, and Larry Goss, for coordinating 6 amazing weeks of activities, meals, and transportation for our students. And, of course, none of that would be possible without tremendous community support.

There are many ways to get involved with our Pathfinder Immersion Program. Please contact Coach Johnson to explore mentor opportunities and enrichment partnerships, or consider a monthly gift to support continued program growth.

July 29, 2024 | UPDATE: Our Pathfinders celebrated the end of summer camp and all that they’ve learned with a special luncheon at Lamar’s Sporting Club. Thank you to our Etiquette instructor, Chris-Anne Streeter, for helping us develop the skills needed for such an occasion, and many thanks to Lamar Bonaparte and his team for their hospitality.

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

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].

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.