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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
