Category: Uncategorized

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.

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.

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.

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.

July 16, 2025 | Participant Feature

Long-time program participant and volunteer coach Kelly traveled to Colorado this summer and had an opportunity to work in the tournament office at TPC Colorado during The Ascendant presented by Blue on the Korn Ferry Tour. Kelly says it was an INCREDIBLE experience…

“I did so many cool things, talked to so many amazing people (including PGA workers who had great advice), and even got a picture with the 2025 Champion of the Ascendant tournament, Neal Shipley!” – Kelly

Thanks for sharing this experience with us, Kelly! And special thanks to our friends at First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains for helping make Kelly feel at home.

June 4, 2025 | Program Update

Summer is a busy season! In addition to Core Golf & Life Skills classes at seven course locations, we reach hundreds of children through community partner organizations and our Pathfinder Summer Camp.

Thankfully, reinforcements have arrived! Meet our 2025 team of summer interns…

Maddi Cook | Pathfinder Immersion Program Intern

Maddi is from Saint Simons Island, Georgia, and she is a senior at the College of Coastal Georgia, after previously attending the University of Mississippi. She is majoring in Business with a concentration in Marketing. This summer, Maddi is excited to help kids grow in both golf and confidence—all while having fun.

Fun Fact: Maddi plays the piano and was formerly a coach for First Tee – Golden Isles!

Rori Mae Condon | Community Outreach Intern

Originally from Goose Creek, South Carolina, Rori Mae recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Clemson University with a degree in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, emphasizing Community Recreation and Sport Management. She also completed a minor in Business Administration. This summer, she is excited to teach kids the game of golf and share life lessons—making meaningful connections while having fun along the way. Rori Mae will be continuing her education in the fall at the College of Charleston, where she is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration.

Fun Fact: Rori Mae was bitten by a tiger when she was 8 years old!

Jackie Freibert | Community Outreach Intern

Jackie is from Charleston and is a rising sophomore at Coastal Carolina University. She is currently double majoring in Management and Hospitality Resort and Tourism Management with a specialization in PGA Management. This summer Jackie is excited to have fun with the kids and create memorable experiences like she had with First Tee.

Fun Fact: Jackie was born in Guatemala. She’s also a First Tee – Greater Charleston alum and has been with the program for over 10 years! 

Larry (L.J.) Goss | Pathfinder Immersion Program Intern

Back by popular demand, this will be Larry’s second summer as a Pathfinder Immersion Program intern. He hails from Charleston, and is a rising junior at the College of Charleston. He is majoring in Secondary Education with a focus in Sociology. This summer, Larry is excited to make a positive impact while having fun.

Fun Fact: Larry loves staying active—whether it’s hitting the gym or playing basketball.

Donovan Maclin | Pathfinder Immersion Program Intern & Dee M. Robinson Fellow

Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Donovan is a junior at Chicago State University, majoring in Business Administration with a focus on Management. This summer, he’s excited to make great memories, spend time near the beach, and share his love for golf with kids in the community. He plays on the Chicago State University Men’s Golf Team and grew up in Denver, Colorado before moving to Augusta at age 14. 

Fun Fact: Donovan collects playing cards and enjoys performing card tricks.

Sam Reising | Pathfinder Immersion Program Intern

Hailing from Richmond, Indiana, Sam is a rising junior at Purdue University majoring in Kinesiology with minors in Entrepreneurship, Business Management, and Sales. This summer, Sam is most excited to engage with young golfers who are passionate about the game and eager to grow both on and off the course. He looks forward to mentoring the next generation by fostering leadership, social skills, and a love for golf.

Fun Fact: Sam is a collegiate pickleball player, and he’s also a First Tee – Indiana alum!

BB Rujiranan | Pathfinder Immersion Program Intern

BB is from Pinehurst, North Carolina, and is a rising sophomore at UNC Charlotte. She is majoring in Mathematics with a concentration in Actuarial Science and plans to minor in Sports Analytics. This summer, BB is excited to spend quality time with the kids both on and off the golf course.

Fun Fact: BB started playing golf because she wanted to beat her brother at the driving range as a kid. Now she’s a member of the UNC Charlotte Women’s Golf Team!

We sincerely appreciate that these young men and women have chosen to spend their summer with us, helping Charleston Area youth develop character through the game of golf!

If you know a young person who would like to join us for summer 2026, it’s never too early to start planning. Email [email protected] to learn more, and subscribe to our newsletter for application reminders.

May 27, 2025 | Alumni Spotlight

Each year, we are thrilled to provide academic scholarships to First Tee – Greater Charleston alumni who are enrolled in post-secondary education programs. This year’s class features nine scholars, four of whom have been generously sponsored by Yeamans Hall…

Ben Cuff

Ben is a renewing scholar attending Clemson University. He’s a rising junior majoring in Computer Science and will be interning with Meta as a software engineer this summer.

Cate Cuff

Cate is a renewing scholar entering her junior year as a Nutrition Major at Clemson University.

Otis Franklin

Otis is a renewing scholar entering his sophomore year at the College of Charleston, where he plans to major in African American Studies.

Jackie Freibert

Jackie is a renewing scholar entering her sophomore year at Coastal Carolina University. She is studying Professional Golf Management and will join First Tee – Greater Charleston as a Community Outreach Intern over the summer.

Alice Li

Alice is a renewing scholar entering her sophomore year as an Engineering Major at Columbia University.

Mackenzie Manning

Mackenzie is a new scholar graduating this spring from Ashley Ridge High School. She will attend Berry College in the fall where she will be playing golf.

Kate Nyers

Kate is a renewing scholar and rising senior at Belmont Abbey. She plays on Belmont’s golf team, plans to major in marketing, and will complete an internship with Kiawah Partners this summer.

Joseph Terry

Joseph is a new scholar graduating from Palmetto Christian Academy. He plans to attend Auburn University in the fall.

Nathan Thomas

Nathan is a renewing scholar entering his sophomore year as an Engineering Major at Clemson University Honors College.

We are incredibly proud of these young people and wish them well in their continued success!

May 13, 2025 | Event

Friends of First Tee – Greater Charleston showed up and showed out yesterday for the 7th Annual 100 Hole Golfathon presented by JM2. Many thanks to the players who braved intense rain for a long (but fun) day of golf. We are also grateful to the generous donors who supported their journey, collectively raising $61,302 to keep kids on course!

Event proceeds help fund golf-based character education programs for 22k+ annually in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, ensuring that 97% of kids participate at no cost and fueling three vehicles to provide game-changing transportation services for families in underserved communities.

This year’s event featured 27 dedicated teams. Each played 100-109 holes in less than ideal weather. Finishing the day was an accomplishment in itself, but we are eager to extend an extra special congratulations to this year’s top finishers…

John Michael Moore & Weston Peters
Fundraising Champs
$10,065 Raised

Jeff McDowell & Tony Polichemi
Second Place
$7,175 Raised

Jordan Lewis & Logan Heydt
Third Place & Most Spirited
$4,775 Raised

Jordan and Logan claimed our Most Spirited Award with an amazing spectacle for passersby to enjoy. Their giant duck was as dependable as he was adorable, staying put all day through downpours and the low clearance tunnel at Wescott Golf Club.

The Mystery Inc gang (First Tee Alum Maya Timmons and friends Zoe Mills, Tyasia Knight, and Tyana Knight) are also deserving of spirited praise for setting the mood bar high.

Thank you to the many players, donors, and sponsors (including JM2, Biggby Coffee, Verde, and Home Team BBQ) who made this wild and rainy event a success. We can’t wait to do it again next year!

May 2, 2025 | Participant Spotlight

Each year, Coaches for Character partners with Charleston County School District to recognize students who have overcome tremendous odds to achieve amazing things. CHAMP Awards are given to students who demonstrate strong character, academic effort, community involvement, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Willie Lofton, who joined our Pathfinder Immersion Program in 2022, without a doubt embodies all of those things. A talented musician attending Allegro Charter School of Music, a committed golfer, and a friend to all, Willie was presented with a CHAMP Award on April 26th during a ceremony at Trident Tech featuring special guests Cade Klubnik, Clemson Quarterback, and Lanorris Sellers, USC Quarterback.

And our very own Coach Johnson was, of course, honored to attend…

Congratulations, Willie! It is an absolute privilege to know you.

April 7, 2025 | Program Update

On March 26, teams from 17 Charleston Area elementary schools traveled to Wescott Golf Club to compete in Champions Cup, our annual Golf & Life Skills tournament. This year’s event was generously sponsored by the Henry & Sylvia Yaschik Foundation and Bear the Palm.

Photos by Banner Photography

Students, who were selected to participate by their PE teachers, demonstrated their knowledge of our Golf & Life Skills Curriculum by competing in 9 golf challenges (such as chipping a ball into the mouth of a larger-than-life-sized inflatable hippo) and 9 Core Value challenges. 

The following schools, all of which belong to our In-School Program network, participated in the tournament:

Ashley River Creative Arts
Charleston Development Academy
Charleston Progressive Academy
Chicora Elementary
Goose Creek Elementary
James B. Edwards Elementary
Julian Mitchell Elementary
Lambs Elementary
Marrington Elementary
Montessori Community School
Mount Zion Elementary
Oakland Elementary
Orange Grove Charter School
St. John Catholic School
Stiles Point Elementary
Sullivan’s Island Elementary
Whitesville Elementary

Volunteers from the Lucy Beckham Girls Golf Team were also on-hand to help our Coaches and Board Members with games and scoring.

All teams had fun, played well, and exhibited First Tee’s Nine Core Values (respect, courtesy, responsibility, honesty, sportsmanship, confidence, judgment, perseverance, and integrity). They also took home commemorative pullovers from Bear the Palm and fee-waived invitations to participate in additional First Tee programs at seven Charleston Area golf courses. 

Whitesville Elementary and Chicora Elementary

It was an extremely close contest, and as with any golf match, lowest score wins. Whitesville Elementary finished third with a score of 136, Chicora Elementary finished second with a score of 128, and Stiles Point Elementary took home the Champions Cup title with a score of 127! The Stiles Point team will be recognized at a special awards ceremony at their school and each team member will receive a free set of age-appropriate golf clubs.

Stiles Point Elementary, our 2025 Tournament Champions

We had such an amazing day, our best Champions Cup yet! Many thanks to the volunteers, PE Coaches, chaperones, kids, and donors who made it possible.

Want to support school outreach? Email [email protected], to learn more about how you can get involved.

March 25, 2025 | Event

On May 12, 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 to raise money and awareness for our golf-based character development programs and game-changing transportation services.

Since 2019, Golfathon-ers have raised more than $700,000 to fund youth enrichment opportunities at Charleston Area courses, schools, and community centers—all by collecting pledges and playing as many holes as humanly possible. Their efforts play a vital role in keeping our programs free for 97% of participants, and since 2021, this event has funded and fueled the buses needed to make programming possible for kids who live furthest from the golf course.

Two-person teams will compete for top Golfathon honors, including:

• Fundraising Champs (team with most dollars raised)
• Most Influential (team with most donors reached)
• Most Spirited (team with best outfits and gimmicks)

Golfers can register to play now through April 11 (simply register as an individual and encourage your teammate to do the same; our staff will handle the rest). All are welcome, but space is limited.

Corporate teams are encouraged, and we (not so secretly) hope you will invite colleagues and competitors to battle it out on course in over-the-top branded costumes for Most Spirited. Event sponsorships are also available. Please email [email protected] to learn more.

See you May 12!

March 14, 2025 | Program Update

We are currently accepting applications for our Pathfinder Immersion Program! Any rising 6th grader is eligible to apply now through April 14.

Ideal candidates should have an interest in learning golf, engaging in STEM curriculum, and exploring 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 participate in this program. Activities, equipment (including golf clubs), transportation, and meals are all fully funded by generous community support. 

Families and professionals working with youth in underserved communities, are encouraged to contact [email protected] learn more.