Category: Uncategorized

Pathfinder Immersion Program Fall Recap

December 1, 2025 | Program Update

Our Pathfinders have been busy, busy, busy this fall, meeting on Saturdays for golf and life skill-building workshops.

We continued some of our summer themes with etiquette and chess instruction at Charleston Southern University. A huge thank you goes to CSU for opening their doors to us again this season and to our long-time enrichment partners, Mrs. Chris-Anne Streeter (etiquette coach) and Mr. Brian Gerauld (chess coach).

Our swings are looking as sharp as our chess skills and manners thanks to practice with Coach Jensen, Coach Johnson, and mentors at Topgolf and CHS Golf. Mentor outings were generously sponsored by the HV3 Foundation.

In November, The College of Charleston Women’s Golf Team hosted some of our Pathfinders for a clinic at Stono Ferry. This was a truly inspiring experience for our girls, especially those who are playing or aspiring to play for their high school teams. After reviewing skills, Pathfinders each paired with a college golfer for a team chipping challenge, persevering through increasingly difficult obstacles.

After a few Saturdays of golf, we headed back to CSU for a crash course in filmmaking with YoArt. We threw a ball into the air, shot some footage, and learned how to make the ball “float” with a little movie magic in CapCut. We definitely have future actors/directors/editors in our Pathfinder group!

Cassique was one of our favorite outings this season. We met up with mentors for a chipping and putting workshop with a focus on setting personal goals and decision-making. The course was beautiful, the weather perfect, and Pathfinders and mentors alike were all smiles. Special thanks to Kiawah Island Club for coordinating this opportunity!

We have two more outings planned for this season—a playday at Charleston Fun Park and a financial education workshop/playday at Wescott Golf Club. Special thanks to Synovus Bank and their amazing staff for sharing their time and expertise with our Pathfinders season after season. We look forward to a fun class followed by a festive lunch and a few holes with mentors out on the golf course.

Saturday activities will resume in the new year, and we’re excited to add a new class of rising 6th graders this summer! If you know a current 5th grade student who could benefit from year-round enrichment, please encourage them to apply for our Pathfinder Immersion Program. Applications for summer 2026 are due February 27.

Want to get involved? Your support can make a tremendous difference in the lives of local young people. Consider volunteering as a Pathfinder mentor, or email [email protected] to explore partnership opportunities.

Now Accepting Pathfinder Immersion Program Applications

November 19, 2025 | Program Update

We are currently accepting applications for our Pathfinder Immersion Program! Fifth grade students who will complete elementary school as of spring 2026 are encouraged to apply now through February 27.

Ideal candidates should have an interest in learning golf and academic/professional development opportunities. No prior golf experience is required. Accepted students will participate in a 6-week summer camp (based out of Charleston Day School) followed by Saturday enrichment activities throughout the school year. 

There is no cost to apply or to participate in this program. Activities, equipment, and transportation are all fully funded by generous community support. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Getting to the Golf Course: 2025 Transportation Triumphs

October 30, 2025 | Program Update

As fall programs wind down and we begin to reflect on program impact, we are pleased to report that 82 young people received routine transportation to the golf course on a First Tee bus this year. Thanks to generous community support and some amazing chaperones, we were able to serve 10 after-school groups (50 students) from Oakland Elementary, Mt. Zion Elementary, Compass Collegiate Academy, A.C. Corcoran Elementary, Meeting Street Academy, and Chicora Elementary on a weekly basis over the spring and fall seasons. Participants in our Pathfinder Immersion Program (32 students) also received rides to golf courses and enrichment activities on Saturdays throughout the school year and Monday through Friday during the summer.

Transportation plays a crucial role in expanding access to our programs, and it has been a game-changer for children with working parents, according to Oakland Elementary PE Coach April Blanton… “The bus transportation has been awesome. It allows students who may not have after school transportation the opportunity to participate in an extracurricular activity.”

Coach Jordan Lewis, a dedicated volunteer who had a chance to work with Coach Blanton’s students at Shadowmoss Country Club, describes bus transportation as “the greatest,” and he really loves the energy that after-school groups bring to the golf course… “Not a single kid from Oakland has shown up grumpy. They’re all the most excited to learn and participate.”

It truly takes a village to make these bus rides happen. Thank you to the dedicated donors who keep our fleet fueled, to the site coordinators who provide vital connections, and to world’s most versatile bus drivers, Coach Johnson and Coach Jensen. Special thanks is also due to the teachers, teaching fellows, and parents who helped out as chaperones with after-school spring and fall programs: Dennis Wright (A.C. Corcoran), Bryan Linnen (Compass Collegiate), Derek Fangos (Compass Collegiate), Nick White (Meeting Street Academy), CJ Rozzi (Mt. Zion), Emma King (Oakland Elementary), April Blanton (Oakland Elementary), Dana Allen (Oakland Elementary), and Bree Jackson (Oakland Elementary).

Want to get involved? We’re eager to add a new bus driver to our roster for spring 2026. Click here to learn more.

2nd Annual ARCO Design/Build Pickleball Tournament is Making an Impact

Photos by RebornKreationz

September 23, 2025 | Events

ARCO Design/Build hosted their 2nd Annual Pickleball Tournament last week, and raised an incredible $22,300 for First Tee – Greater Charleston and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston! We can’t wait to put those funds to work serving youth in our community.

Greystar’s team took home shiny trophies, but First Tee and RMHC were the real winners!

Thank you to the ARCO team for coordinating such an amazing fundraiser and to the many sponsors who left it all on the court in support of local missions.

Representing First Tee in the Community: 2025 High School Girls Golf

September 22, 2025 | Participant Feature

We are thrilled to share that we have ELEVEN First Tee – Greater Charleston program participants playing for their high school golf teams this fall. These young ladies have been involved in a variety of programs, including On-Course Golf & Life Skills, Teen Advisory Council (TAC), Girls Golf, and Pathfinders (our golf, life skill, and STEM immersion initiative).

Congratulations to Lilly (Bishop England), Aubrey (Bishop England), Kelly (Bishop England), Jamie (Fort Dorchester), Jael (Fort Dorchester), Sarafrances (Oceanside), Adley (Pinewood), Emily (Stratford), Keelan (Stratford), Nahla (Stratford), and Angelina (Wando)! We know that all of these ladies will embody our Core Values of respect, courtesy, integrity, and sportsmanship as they represent themselves and their schools in the community.

Bishop England Golfers: Kelly, Lilly, and Aubrey

Golfers like Kelly and Aubrey are now old enough to give back as volunteer coaches, and they are growing the game by teaching young golfers (7-9 year olds) on course and mentoring peers (like Lilly, Jael, Jamie, and Nahla) at Girls Golf and Teen Advisory Council events.

Fort Dorchester Golfers: Jael and Jamie

“I love seeing the next generation of female golfers developing,” says Kelly and Aubrey’s mom, Jackie. “Because of First Tee – Greater Charleston and their partnerships with local courses, my daughters have been able to develop their skills… It is a fun and accessible program for all children to learn the game of golf. It has taught them patience, confidence, and honesty. I have enjoyed watching their golf journey evolve from youth programs to tournaments and high school golf. Maybe collegiate golf will be in the future.”

Oceanside Collegiate Academy Golfer: Sarafrances

Other familiar faces about town include Sarafrances (Oceanside Collegiate Academy) and Adley (Pinewood Prep). We’re eager to get updates from our high school golfers as worlds collide on course. Pinewood is scheduled to face-off against Stratford this afternoon, one of many First Tee v. First Tee matchups.

Pinewood Prep Golfer: Adley

But with three First Tee-ers, Emily, Keelan, and Nahla, on their roster, we suspect Stratford will offer some stiff competition.

Stratford High School Golfers: Keelan, Emily, and Nahla

This is Emily’s first year playing high school golf, and Emily’s mom, Rebecca, credits First Tee coaches with providing the encouragement needed to pursue competitive play… “First Tee is wonderful. If not for this program, Coach Perry, Coach Herbie, and everyone involved, Emily wouldn’t have gotten to this point.”

Wando Golfer: Angelina

Angelina’s mom, Lianying, says “Angelina [a 7th grade student] has grown and built confidence through First Tee training,” and she’s looking forward to getting back into On-Course Golf & Life Skills when the high school season concludes.

Angelina, Adley, Emily, Keelan, Nahla, Lilly, Aubrey, Kelly, Jamie, Jael, and Sarafrances, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish this season!

Do you have a high school golfer that you would like to see featured on our blog or social media channels? Email us a photo. We would love to share it!

Not quite ready for high school level play? Email Coach Jensen to learn more about TAC.

This Silent Auction is Building Game Changers

August 28, 2025 | Events

Our annual silent auction is happening NOW through Friday, September 5! Bid on unique dining, travel, and golf experiences (including coveted Top 100 courses), jewelry, art, and more to help sustain golf-based youth development programs for 22k+ Charleston Area young people.

Creating a Safe and Supportive Learning Environment: Why Class Management Matters at First Tee

August 25, 2025 | From First Tee Headquarters
By Kristin Westberg – Senior Director, Training & Evaluation

At First Tee, we believe every child deserves a safe, welcoming and empowering space to grow — both on and off the golf course. That’s why we place such a strong emphasis on class management. But what does that mean for your child? 

It means we’re committed to creating an environment where your child feels seen, supported and inspired — not just to learn golf, but to build confidence, character and life skills. 

Building relationships first 

Our coaches start by getting to know each participant. Greeting kids by name, asking about their day and showing genuine interest helps your child feel like they belong. When children feel respected and valued, they’re more likely to engage positively and feel confident in their surroundings. 

Clear expectations = safe kids 

We work with participants to set clear, age-appropriate expectations that keep everyone safe and focused. For example: 

  • “Stop, look and listen on the coach’s signal.” 
  • “Stay in the safety zone when not hitting.” 
  • “Only swing in the hitting area.” 

By involving kids in creating these expectations, they understand not just the rules, but the reasons behind them. This helps them take ownership of their behavior and feel more invested in the group’s success. 

Keeping kids engaged and active 

We know that kids learn best when they’re active and having fun. That’s why our sessions are designed to keep everyone moving, learning and participating. We use stations, group rotations and fun visuals to keep things fresh and safe. Even when it’s not their turn, kids are encouraged to help a partner or review what they’ve learned. 

And safety isn’t just physical — it’s emotional too. Our coaches use positive reinforcement and fair, consistent responses to behavior, helping every child feel secure and supported. 

Consistency builds confidence 

Simple cues like a whistle or a phrase (“1, 2, 3, all eyes on me”) help coaches get kids’ attention quickly and respectfully. Using the same cues across all classes helps your child know what to expect, which builds confidence and comfort. 

Our coaches are trained to support your child 

At First Tee, our coaches are more than instructors — they’re mentors. Each coach receives training in youth development, class management and safety practices. We also partner with trusted organizations like the Positive Coaching Alliance to ensure our team is equipped with the latest tools and strategies to support your child’s growth — on and off the course. Through ongoing learning and development, our coaches are prepared to create a positive, inclusive and empowering experience for every participant. 

Together, we’re creating a space where your child can feel safe, supported and ready to grow — not just as a golfer, but as a person. Because when we manage our classes with care, we make room for character to shine. 

Find a First Tee Chapter near you!

Pathfinder Immersion Program Summer Recap

July 28, 2025 | Program Update

That’s a wrap! Our Pathfinder Immersion Program (PIP) participants celebrated the end of an INCREDIBLE season with a talent show and award ceremony at Charleston Day School last Friday. We also said some tearful goodbyes to our amazing PIP intern coaches, BB, Donovan, Larry, Maddi, and Sam, who will hopefully come back and join us again next year!

Our Pathfinders, grades 6-10, have been meeting Monday-Friday for STEM activities, professional enrichment, and golf instruction. We will continue meeting with these young people each summer and on Saturdays throughout the school year until they graduate high school. Some of our Pathfinders have been with us for 5 summers already, and it has been a joy to watch them grow—as golfers, students, and friends.

Pathfinder Immersion Program curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and personal growth, on and off the golf course. Our most recent summer session featured a variety of engaging enrichment activities and memorable field trips.

Camp kicked off in June with team-building games at Charleston Day School, which functioned as our home base for the summer. This is our third 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 Charleston Day team.

Our courageous Pathfinders put their trust in each other and their coaches to the test with a fieldtrip to the James Island County Park climbing wall and challenge course.

Our Pathfinders enjoyed a series of routine activities each week including etiquette classes, chess lessons, mock trial practice, Topgolf playdays with mentors (mentor activities generously sponsored by the HV3 Foundation), and STEM activities (coordinated in partnership with YoArt and Frank Hatten from Boeing SC’s Dream Learner Program).

Golf instruction, led by Coach Jensen Tomberlin, included visits to Old Barnwell, Seabrook Island Club, Wild Dunes, Berkeley Country Club, Patriots Point Golf Links, Legend Oaks Golf Club, TIPS Golf Club, and CHS Golf. Many thanks to our golf course and simulator club partners for hosting us, and special thanks to the Yeamans Hall Club pros for joining us at Patriots Point for the second year in a row!

Off-course enrichment activities, organized by our Director of Community Outreach and PIP Lead Coach, Lerone Johnson, exposed Pathfinders to diverse topics and industries. We learned about engineering and armored vehicles from our friends at DES. We spent a day with Frampton to learn about construction and visited Seafox to learn about boat design and manufacturing processes. Synovus led a financial education class to get our Pathfinders thinking about spending habits, and we got a healthy dose of science from MUSC and the College of Charleston, including a visit with MUSC’s horticulture therapy program and hands-on learning at CofC thanks to the NASA Space Grant Consortium. We also enjoyed a boat tour of the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve thanks to DNR.

We look forward to adding a new class of rising 6th grade students to this camp next summer! Join our email list for alerts about Pathfinder Immersion Program enrollment for 2026.

To learn more about how you can play a part the continued growth of our Pathfinder Immersion Program and educational enrichment opportunities, please contact Conor O’Rourke.

First Tee Partners with Hudnall Capital Advisors to Host 17th Annual GOLF&GALA

July 25, 2025 | Press Release

Charleston, SC–First Tee – Greater Charleston has partnered with Hudnall Capital Advisors to host its largest celebration of the year at Wild Dunes Resort September 5-7.

The 17th Annual Lowcountry GOLF&GALA presented by Hudnall Capital Advisors will feature a full weekend of FUNdraising and entertainment, including a golf tournament (sponsored by the Daniel Island Club) at the Wild Dunes Links Course and a gala reception at the Sweetgrass Inn on Friday, September 5. Gala guests are encouraged to keep the party going on Saturday, September 6, with a pickleball social, pool party, and a Caddyshack themed party/benefit concert at Islander 71. 

Event proceeds will fund golf-based character education programs administered by First Tee at local golf courses, schools, and community centers throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. 

As of July 28, a limited number of GOLF&GALA Birdie and Eagle packages are available. Learn more at FirstTeeCHS.org/golfgala.

Saturday packages, featuring pool party, pickleball, and Caddyshack Shakedown, are available for those who are unable to take part in the Friday golf tournament. Learn more about the 2nd Annual Caddyshack Shakedown, presented by Nicole Smith of Abode Real Estate and Patrick Smith of Northwestern Mutual, at FirstTeeCHS.org/shakedwon.

Pathfinders Hold Mock Trial Event at Charleston’s Historic Courthouse

July 22, 2025 | Program Update

We hosted our 5th annual Pathfinder Immersion Program mock trial event at Charleston’s Historic Courthouse on July 18th, and the kids absolutely blew us away!

Generous local attorneys, Steve Smith, Tim Flowers, and Jeff Kuykendall, have been practicing with our Pathfinder participants all summer in preparation for two cases—the State vs. Gold E. Locks and the State vs. Jack Robinson (of Jack and the Beanstalk).

First-year Pathfinders (rising sixth graders) prosecuted and defended Jack, who was standing trial for giant murder charges, while our second and third-year participants (rising seventh and eighth graders) prosecuted and defended Gold E. Locks, who stood accused of bear burglary.

Officer Rice and Officer Capers of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department participated as bailiffs, and Solicitor Scarlett Wilson presided as our judge.

All of our Pathfinders presented persuasive arguments, but the jury, comprised of our 9th and 10th grade students, reached unanimous verdicts in both cases. Gold E. Locks was found guilty of bad manners and trespassing, and Jack Robinson was found not guilty of second degree murder.

Special thanks to Amanda Perry, Esq. for bringing this event to life in 2021, to Jessica Smith (Charleston County) who helped us reserve the courtroom this year, and to all of our mock trial volunteers.

We look forward to adding a new class of rising 6th grade students to this event next summer! Join our email list for alerts about Pathfinder Immersion Program enrollment for 2026.

To learn more about how you can play a part the continued growth of our Pathfinder Immersion Program and educational enrichment opportunities, please contact Conor O’Rourke.

First Tee to Host 2nd Annual Caddyshack Shakedown

July 21, 2025 | Press Release

Charleston, SC–Charleston’s best Caddyshack themed party is back by popular demand! First Tee – Greater Charleston’s 2nd Annual Caddyshack Shakedown, presented by Nicole Smith of Abode Real Estate and Patrick Smith of Northwestern Mutual, will be held Saturday, September 6th at Islander 71.

The party will feature live music, raffle prizes, delicious food and drinks, and a Caddyshack costume contest. Themed attire is encouraged. Party starts at 5:00pm, and Shane Rivers Band will perform hits from the 80s, 90s, and beyond from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. All-inclusive tickets and staycation packages featuring a night at Wild Dunes Resort and shuttle transportation are on sale now at FirstTeeCHS.org/shakedown.

All party proceeds to benefit First Tee – Greater Charleston’s golf-based character development programs which serve 22k+ young people throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties annually.