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.
Charleston, SC—First Tee – Greater Charleston is pleased to welcome four new members to its Board of Directors. Aaron Brewer, Richard Daudelin, Derek Ramsey, and Mary Yarbrough will join 16 returning Directors to support the administration and growth of First Tee’s golf-based character education programs, which served 22,933 young people in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties last year.
Aaron Brewer
Aaron Brewer is a seasoned real estate developer with more than 22 years of expertise in commercial real estate. He’s financed more than $300m in projects throughout Charleston and the Coastal Carolina’s and has been a Managing Partner for Mid Atlantic Capital Partners since 2018. A South Carolina native, Aaron attended Clemson University and moved to the Charleston Area in 2000. He currently resides in Mt. Pleasant with his wife, Mary Helen, and their two sons, Davis and Hollings. Aaron is a member of Stella Maris Catholic Church and enjoys playing golf at Yeamans Hall and The Cliffs at Keowee Springs. In addition to supporting First Tee – Greater Charleston, Aaron has engaged in board work with Engaging Creative Minds, 180 Place, and The Lowcountry Food Bank.
Richard Daudelin
Richard Daudelin is an accomplished finance executive. He retired in 2022 after 34 years with Trane Technologies (formerly Ingersoll Rand). Having worked in finance for the entirety of his career, Richard held various positions including financial analyst, cost accountant, budgeting/planning analyst, controller, VP of Finance, VP of Audit, and Treasurer. He was born in Chicago, IL, attended grade school in Mt. Laurel, NJ, and moved seven times with Trane—to Charlotte, NC, Colorado Springs, CO, Anaheim, CA, Augusta, GA (where he spent time working at Club Car), Shippensburg, PA, Indianapolis, IN, and back to Charlotte, NC before moving to Charleston to enjoy retirement. Richard now resides on Daniel Island with his wife of 37 years, Carolyn. The couple has two adult daughters and welcomed their first grandchild in 2024. Richard is an avid sports fan and enjoys playing Bulls Bay and Daniel Island Club. In addition to First Tee board service, he supports United Way, Habitat for Humanity, and Ada Jenkins Center. He is also Chairman of the Board for Lion Services, LLC, a nonprofit in Charlotte NC that provides employment opportunities to the blind and visually impaired.
Derek Ramsey
Derek Ramsey has served as Executive Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer for Greystar Real Estate Partners since 2000 and is a member of Greystar’s Global Investment Committee, Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Under Derek’s leadership, Greystar has completed over $1.3 billion in balance sheet capital raising transactions, over $3.5 billion in new financings for Greystar sponsor equity investment vehicles, and has closed over $300 million in corporate merger/acquisition transactions. Derek hails from Houston, Texas and earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Finance from Southern Methodist University. He moved to the Charleston Area in 1998 and now resides on Daniel Island with his wife Ashley. The couple has two children, a daughter who attends the University of Georgia and a son who will be graduating from Philip Simmons High School in the Spring. Derek is a member of the Daniel Island Club and enjoys travel, golf and spending time with family. In addition to his board service with First Tee, Derek and his family are active supporters of the Tourette Association of America.
Mary Yarbrough
Mary Yarbrough is an accomplished executive with extensive experience building and developing new business lines and leading business transformation initiatives in the telecom industry. She currently serves as a Senior Advisor for Altman Solon, a global Telecom, Media and Technology Strategy Consulting firm. Previously, Mary held senior leadership positions in business development, marketing, product, global sales and operations during her 21-year career at Verizon Communications, most recently serving as SVP of the $3B Small Business segment. She joined Verizon after a 6-year career in investment banking, focused on the TMT segment. Mary and her husband, Stuart, moved to Daniel Island in the Charleston Area from Summit, NJ in 2022. The couple has two adult children. When Mary isn’t working, she enjoys staying active – golf, pickleball, tennis, and Paddle (platform tennis) are personal favorites. She is also an extremely active business mentor, currently mentoring 25+ young women who are navigating consulting and banking careers. Mary holds an MBA from Georgetown University and a B.S. in Finance from UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce.
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.
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.
In the winter months, our coaches take a break from On-Course Programs to visit schools and community partners, and our administrative team spends time surveying parents and program participants (like 15 year-old Tayah) to better understand what matters most to First Tee families. We look forward to sharing all of those findings in our Annual Impact Report (coming soon). In the meantime, we hope Tayah’s On-Course experience will inspire you to register or volunteer for spring!
Meet Tayah
1. What are some of your favorite things to do outside of First Tee?
I like to hang out with friends, and my favorite school subject is science.
2. Who are some of your favorite First Tee Coaches?
Coach Perry and Coach Nick!
3. What is your favorite part about playing golf?
I like watching my score improve.
4. What have you learned through First Tee that applies to life beyond the golf course?
I never played golf or had been on a golf course before First Tee so I’ve learned, with practice, you can become good at anything.
“I’ve learned, with practice, you can become good at anything.”
Find a college where I can play golf and earn a scholarship.
7. How have you been preparing to achieve your goals?
I’m researching [schools]… getting more coaching and practicing!
8. What part of First Tee programs do you like best?
I like meeting new friends.
9. Is there anything else you wish people knew about First Tee?
It can open doors to more opportunities.
Thank you to Tayah for sharing her experience. Her future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store!
On-Course Golf & Life Skills classes are hosted at 7 Charleston Area golf courses in spring, summer, and fall for participants ages 5-18. Our next registration lottery will be January 27 – February 2, and spring classes will tee off the week of March 10. Please subscribe to our monthly newsletter for spring schedule updates and registration alerts, or contact our Program Director, Meghan Taylor, to learn more.
There are more than 150 First Tee chapters worldwide catering to children and teens, ages 7-18. At First Tee – Greater Charleston, we are incredibly proud and positively delighted to be working with children as young as 5. The ability to customize programming to better serve our community is one of the many benefits we enjoy as an independently operated 501(c)3. Thank you to all of our incredible local donors who make that possible!
We believe that early exposure to First Tee Golf & Life Skills Curriculum can not only benefit a child’s golf game, it can also better prepare our youngest participants for life beyond the course. But you don’t have to take our word for it…
Meet Stella
1. How old are you?
5
2. What are some of your favorite things to do outside of First Tee?
I enjoy catching lizards and frogs outside, dancing, and going camping and to the beach!
3. Who is your First Tee coach?
My coach was Coach Herbie!
4. What is your favorite thing about Coach Herbie?
He lets us pick from a treasure box after class and he would sit with us before each class [to go over the Core Value word of the day and what we would be doing].
5. What do you think the word respect means?
Respect means respect the golf course and other people.
6. How can you be respectful on the golf course?
By being quiet while the other people are golfing and make sure when the grass comes off that you put the grass back in the hole and you step on it to replace it back.
7. How can you be respectful at school or at home?
Make sure you use manners.
8. What is your favorite part about playing golf?
I like being with my friends.
9. Is there anything else you would like to share with us about your First Tee class?
Coach Herbie teaches us… he was kind and patient.
Thank you to Stella for sharing her experience and for being such a star student!
On-Course Golf & Life Skills classes are available in spring, summer, and fall for participants ages 5-18. Classes take place at 7 Charleston Area golf courses, and we host 5-6 year-old programs at two of those courses, Dunes West Golf & River Club and The Club at Pine Forest. Please subscribe to our monthly newsletter for registration alerts or contact our Program Director, Meghan Taylor, to learn more.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
