Category: Participant Spotlight

Quick 9 with Oliver About On-Course Golf & Life Skills

January 30, 2025 | Participant Spotlight

Our registration lottery for the spring season of On-Course Golf & Life Skills is open NOW through February 2, and spring classes will tee off the week of March 10.

We believe early exposure to First Tee Golf & Life Skills Curriculum can not only benefit a child’s golf game, it can also better prepare our kids for life beyond the course. But you don’t have to take our word for it…

Meet Oliver

1. How old are you?  

5

2. What are some of your favorite things to do outside of First Tee?

I play basketball and sing.    

3. Who is your First Tee coach?

Coach Herbie

4. What is your favorite thing about your coach?        

He teaches me fun golf games.

5. What do you think the word ‘respect’ means?                

Respect means to treat everyone nice.

6. How can you be respectful on the golf course, at school, or at home?         

 I can listen to my coach, teacher, and parents and try my best.

7. What do you think the word ‘confidence’ means?

…to believe in myself.

8. How can you use confidence on the golf course, at school, or at home?      

I believe I can do what my coach and teacher asks me.

9. What is your favorite part about playing golf?         

Getting better and better… I can’t wait to play again!

Thank you to Oliver for sharing his On-Course experience and for being a total pro!

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 seasonal registration lotteries to ensure all families have an equal opportunity to participate. Please visit our Registration Lottery Page to learn more, or subscribe to our monthly newsletter for lottery alerts.

Quick 9 with Tayah About On-Course Golf & Life Skills

December 12, 2024 | Participant Spotlight

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.”

5. What is your favorite Core Value?

Judgment

6. What are some of your goals for the next year?

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.

Quick 9 with Stella About On-Course Golf & Life Skills

November 20, 2024 | Participant Spotlight

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.

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!

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!

Alice Shifts Focus & Shoots Her Personal Best

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

October 24, 2023 | Participant Spotlight

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

This low-pressure playdate provided Alice with keen perspective…

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

– Alice Li, First Tee – Greater Charleston Program Participant

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

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

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

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

Rolex Girls Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament

May 3, 2023 | Program Spotlight

The Rolex Girls Junior Championship is returning to the Golf Club at Briar’s Creek Monday, June 19, and this year’s event will feature a Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament benefitting First Tee – Greater Charleston.

Annually, this championship attracts the best up-and-coming golfers (ages 12-19) in the nation, most of whom will go on to play Division 1 collegiate golf and potentially the LPGA Tour. The charity event presents an amazing play opportunity for any golfer—young women in particular.

Thanks to a generous gift, one of our program participants, Alice Li, was able to play the Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament when it was last at Briar’s Creek.

“The event showed me how serious I could be about golf, and it pushed me to pursue a role in my high school golf team. It also helped get me into bigger golf tournaments, like SCJGA and PKBGT… I wish others knew that you don’t have to be super good at golf to play in the Charity AM. When I played, I’m pretty sure my nine-hole average was in the 50s. It was really just a super fun experience to go out and play some tournament golf.”

– Alice Li, First Tee – Greater Charleston Program Participant

Alice brought home more than happy memories from the event. She also won a charity event contest, and her prize was a 60 degree wedge, a keepsake that she still loves and uses today.

Register to Play or Sponsor a Team

Register to play or give our program participants a chance to play with future LPGA stars by sponsoring a team. The cost is $500 per girl or $1500 per team. First Tee teams will feature three of our program participants paired with an aspiring pro.

100 Hole Golfathon: Meet Our First Tee Alumni Players

May 1, 2023 | Participant Spotlight

On May 22, Friends of First Tee – Greater Charleston will take on the incredible challenge of playing 100 holes of golf in one day at Wescott Golf Club. That’s a lot of golf! And while some might suggest that it’s too much golf, we promise it is for a good cause.

The 100 Hole Golfathon, formerly known as the 100 Hole Hike, got its start in 2019. To date, this fundraiser has sponsored 5,000+ FREE rounds of golf through our Swing it Forward program, 400+ rides to local golf courses and enrichment activities, and 1,200+ scholarships for on-course Golf & Life Skills classes. None of that would be possible without committed Golfathon-ers and the generous friends, family members, and colleagues who support them with pledges.

Meet Our First Tee Alumni Golfathon-ers

In the spirit of friendly competition, we’ve recruited two First Tee – Greater Charleston alumni to face off with board members, YAC members, PGA club professionals, and other seasoned golfers in the Charleston community.

Maya Timmons

Maya is a First Tee alum who participated in our Golf & Life Skills program for 12 years. She attended Ashley Ridge High School, certified Ace at First Tee in 2015, graduated high school 2017, attends Western Governors University, and works at Topgolf. She graciously volunteered to cheer on our teams at the 2022 100 Hole Golfathon. This will be her second year attending and first year captaining a team!

“I’m really excited about playing in the 100 Hole Golfathon… I wish more people knew about it so that we could get a bigger crowd of people fundraising for our kids! I also wish that people knew playing 100 holes isn’t as daunting as they may believe. Last year’s event was extremely fun!”

– Maya Timmons, First Tee – Greater Charleston Alum

Kyle Myers

Kyle is a First Tee alum with more than 10 years Golf & Life Skills experience. He attended Fort Dorchester High School (where he played on the golf team), certified Ace at First Tee in 2015, and graduated high school in 2016. He now coaches First Tee classes at Pine Forest Country Club in Summerville.

“I’m overjoyed to participate in the 100 Hole Golfathon, especially with it being hosted at my old stomping grounds, Wescott Golf Course. I am looking forward to some good shots and great memories while raising money and awareness for First Tee, an organization that I spent over a decade of taking golf classes from and now get the privilege of coaching classes of my own. First Tee provides a safe, positive and instructional environment to teach golf and life skills that can be used on and off the course. I can’t wait to tee off the first hole and make the most out of this great opportunity!”

– Kyle Myers, First Tee – Greater Charleston Alum

Help Maya & Kyle Keep Kids On Course

Maya, Kyle, and their teammates will battle it out for Golfathon 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!

Pledge for Maya
Pledge for Kyle

All per hole pledges and flat-rate donations welcome, and they add up to accomplish big things like scholarships for On Course Programming, and free rides to the golf course.

Visit our PledgeIt page to see fundraising progress, and tune into our Instagram and Facebook feeds on May 22 for day-of-play coverage.

First Tee – Greater Charleston Participant Spotlight: Meet Florence

December 5, 2022 | Participant Spotlight

We recently interviewed 10 year-old program participant Florence to learn more about her move from Washington DC and what she loves most about First Tee. Here’s what she had to say…

How long have you been involved with First Tee?

Florence: I’ve been playing golf my whole life. I’ve had little kits since I was one or two, but I’ve been playing with the First Tee for about four or five years. 

So you started with First Tee in DC before coming to Charleston?

Florence: Yes.

That’s quite a move! How did it make you feel?

Florence: It was a really big move, and I didn’t like it at first.

What do you like most about First Tee?

Florence: What I like most about First Tee is that they don’t just teach you how to play good golf; they teach you proper manners and how to act in situations.

Is First Tee – Greater Charleston different than First Tee – Greater Washington?

Florence: The accents are different… [At this point Florence delighted us with her best impression of a Southern accent, which we unfortunately did not catch on camera.]

Coach Charlie and Coach Chuck tell me that you’re a great golfer! How does that make you feel?

Florence: If someone says that I’m a good golfer, it makes me feel really proud because I’ve worked hard all of my life to achieve that. 

First Tee focuses on some important core values (honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment)… Can you think of a time when one of those values helped you accomplish a goal? 

Florence: I recently went to the CJ Cup with my dad and his friend, Mr. Russ. I used respect by being the only one asking for just a high five instead of asking for things. 

That’s awesome! I’m sure you impressed the pros..

Florence: Ooh! I got several people’s signatures there! …Shane Lowry, Collin Marikawa, and Rory McIlroy (aka the world’s best golfer).

Aside from golf, what do you like to do and/or who do you like to spend time with?

Florence: Aside from golf, I really like to spend time with my dog and to horse ride, but we’re having trouble finding a pony for me to ride down here. …But we are going to a hunt club this weekend, and I’ll get to ride there!

Do you think you’ll keep playing golf?

Florence: I think I’ll continue to play golf because it’s a great way to spend time outside and get fresh air. 

At First Tee – Greater Charleston, we’re teaching more than golf. We want to help kids build confidence and resilience that are applicable to all aspects of life. Email [email protected] to learn more about ways to get involved.

First Tee Game Changers Play Port City Golf Club Fall Classic Amateur Tournament at Charleston Municipal

Photo courtesy of Toby Jenkins | Isaiah Myers (far left); Macio Jacobs Sr. (left); Josiah Myers (right); and Eduardo Curry Jr. (far right) pose with teammates at the 2nd Annual Fall Classic Amateur Golf Tournament

October 27, 2022 | Participant Spotlight

First Tee Game Changers Isaiah and Josiah Myers attended Port City Golf Club’s Fall Classic Amateur Golf Tournament at Charleston Municipal Golf Course on Saturday, October 22nd. Accompanied by mentor and friend Eduardo Curry Jr., the brothers played 9 holes in a competitive youth event ahead of adult participants.

Isaiah (age 12) started strong, hitting well off of the tee box on the first hole and putting skillfully on the green. Josiah (age 13) got off to a slower start, but as the day heated up so did his game. We’re proud to have both of these fine young men representing us in the community!

When asked how they liked participating in the tournament, Isaiah and Josiah expressed sincere appreciation for the chance to play. Thank you to Macio Jacobs Sr., President of Port City Golf Club for providing the opportunity and to Eduardo for accompanying!

Eduardo is a mentor and School Engagement Program Manager for Charleston Promise Neighborhood, a local nonprofit working to improve academic, health, and social outcomes for underserved youth. Visit charlestonpromise.org to learn more. He also serves on a nominations task force for our Game Changers Immersion Program.

Isaiah and Josiah are both second-year Game Changers, and they are part of our original immersion program class (Class of 2028). They meet with First Tee coaches Monday-Friday each summer and on Saturdays during the school year for on-course instruction and off-course enrichment activities.

We add a new class of Game Changers each summer (rising 6th graders), and we intend to offer year-round support to all immersion program participants through high school graduation. Email [email protected] to learn more about ways to get involved!

Participant Spotlight: Fall Program Assessments

This Fall, our chapter had a record number of participants enrolled in Core Golf & Life Skills Programs with a total of 348 young people across 8 locations.  At the end of each season, participants at the PLAYer, Advanced PLAYer, Par, Teen, Birdie, and Eagle levels have the option to take an assessment to see if they are ready to certify to the next progressive program level.  These assessments are completed separately from Core classes and include written golf & life skill tests as well as playing, putting, chipping, and full swing component.  Most important is the coaches’ observation of participants’ understanding of the life skills learned at that level.  At the PLAYer level, coaches are looking to see that participants are respectful of their playing partners and honest in their scoring, while at the Par level, demonstrating the 4Rs (replay, relax, ready, redo) after each shot shows coaches that participants understood what they were taught in class. Over the last month, 89 participants attempted assessments across 5 eligible programming levels.  On average, it takes participants 3-5 full 8-week seasons at a given level to successfully certify to the next one.  We are very proud to share that 49 participants have successfully completed each program component for their current level and will be starting 2019 in a new class!

PLAYer to Advanced PLAYer certified: Emma B, Noah B, Sheppard B, Charlie C, Clayton C, John Robert D, Hunter E, Layne F, Ruby G, Samuel G, Burns H, Aiden K, Andrew K, Gray L, Emily M, Sophia M, Trig N, Cooper P, Thomas R, Ray S, Andrew T, Asa W, and Kyle W

Advanced PLAYer to Par certified: Bailey B, Claire B, Lincoln B, McCrae B, Tripp B, Robert C, Samantha C, Tobias C, Charlie D, Mason J, Aidyn M, Andrew M, Madison M, Gavin P, Jackson S, Lindsey S, Sam S, Inman W, and Olivia W

Par/Teen to Birdie certified: Luke B, Carson D, Ichiwa D, Dalton E, Jacob M, Cade S, and Mark S

Congratulations to all of our Fall Core Golf & Life Skills participants on a fantastic season!  If you would like to read more about The First Tee’s progressive levels, please click here or more about the assessment process, please click here.