Alumni Spotlight | February 2, 2026
Tis the season for scholarship applications! Each year, we are pleased to present academic scholarships to graduating program participants and alumni, who are enrolling in college, graduate school, or career training programs. Students are encouraged to apply now for 2026-2027 assistance, and applications are due April 19.
In celebration of scholarship season, we sat down with First Tee alum and scholar Olivia Erwin for a “quick 9” walk down memory lane and life update. Olivia, who started attending First Tee programs in 2012, graduated from James Island Charter in 2019. She went on to play golf for Limestone University, graduated in 2023, and earned her BSN from MUSC’s Nursing Program in 2024. First Tee support, financial and emotional, was there for it all.
When did you get into golf?
I started playing golf when I was 12 years old.
Why golf?
I had tried just about every sport growing up, and while I was athletic, nothing ever truly clicked for me. Golf was always a big topic of conversation among the men in my family (my grandfather, godfather, and uncles), and one afternoon, my grandfather and godfather invited me to the driving range… The rest was history.
What brought you to First Tee?
I fell in love with the game and wanted to keep getting better. I spent countless afternoons playing and practicing at the Charleston Municipal Golf Course. One day, the Muni was hosting a First Tee event, where the head golf professional (now general manager), Marshall Ormond, was helping with a class. Seeing kids my age learning the game in such a fun and welcoming environment immediately caught my attention. I signed up for a class, instantly connected with other kids, and felt supported by the staff.
What was your favorite part about being in First Tee’s On-Course Program?
It was comforting to learn such a challenging game alongside others who were in the same position. I looked forward to attending classes each week and enjoyed forming friendships with other participants.
What did you learn?
First Tee taught me that if you truly want something, you have to work for it. The program is built on core values that shape not only how you play golf, but who you are as a person. It instilled in me the understanding that good things take time and perseverance.
Was perseverance your biggest takeaway?
Perseverance and relationships… Building lifelong relationships with the First Tee staff has been incredibly meaningful. Having them be such an important part of my journey is something I will always cherish.
(We cherish you too, Olivia!)
How has the First Tee network helped you reach your goals?
I received endless encouragement from the staff and fellow participants, many of whom became close friends. Receiving undergraduate and graduate scholarship support helped me in ways I could never have imagined. Balancing being a student-athlete while completing nursing school was one of the hardest challenges I’ve faced, and First Tee gave me the perseverance and mindset needed to push through.
What are you up to now that you’ve graduated?
I am currently living in Charleston, working as an outpatient pediatric nurse. I continue to grow professionally in healthcare and remain passionate about mentorship and giving back, especially because First Tee played such a meaningful role in shaping my mindset and values.
(We can vouch for this one. Olivia has been a strong advocate for junior golfers and an amazing representative for First Tee. She routinely volunteers as an event speaker to help us garner crucial community support.)
What would you tell someone who thinks First Tee is just about learning to play golf?
I would tell them that First Tee is about so much more than golf. It’s a program that truly invests in children as people and teaches skills they will carry with them for life. No matter how you get involved, you will walk away impacted. I have lifelong friendships and connections because of First Tee that I wouldn’t trade for anything. It truly made a difference in my life, and I will forever be grateful for the role it played in shaping me as both a person and a player.