The First Tee – The Lowcountry has never operated in a vacuum. From the earliest days of our local chapter, the organization has worked alongside leaders and community members to help build their programs. The people of the Lowcountry have never hesitated to share their support, funding programs that change young people’s lives and helping build a magnificent facility on Gumtree Road.
One part-time local, however, has truly gone above and beyond. Billionaire Arthur Blank has, through his Arthur M. Blank Foundation, not only raised tens of thousands of dollars for First Tee – The Lowcountry, he has helped spread that love to chapters across the country.
Working in partnership with PGA Tour Superstore, the foundation has pledged a five-year, $10 million grant to First Tee in 2025, ensuring that thousands of kids nationwide would gain access to programs that blend golf instruction with life lessons in character, confidence, and leadership.
For the Lowcountry, this national investment translates into consistent, meaningful local impact. Each year, the Arthur M. Blank Foundation directs $15,000 to First Tee – The Lowcountry, a vital boost that allows the chapter to expand programming and reach more kids in Beaufort and Jasper counties.
“They have been tremendous supporters of not just our chapter, but every chapter that has a PGA Tour Superstore in their area,” said Pat Zuk, executive director of First Tee – The Lowcountry. “They recognized the fact that we’re changing young people’s lives and pledged their support. But they help in other ways too, beyond the financial assistance.”
One of the most visible ways they’ve given beyond the check is the Blank Foundation-supported leadership program, hosted by PGA Tour Superstore general managers across the country. Teenagers ages 13 to 17 from First Tee – The Lowcountry have joined the five-week series, where they learn skills that extend beyond the fairways. Participants are challenged to take initiative, practice public speaking, and apply the values of perseverance, respect, and integrity in real-world scenarios.
“If the kids do well, they do a presentation and go through the leadership class either at Arthur Blank’s ranch in Montana or in Atlanta,” Zuk said.
Behind the scenes, local champions have been instrumental in ensuring the success of First Tee – The Lowcountry. Among them is PGA Tour Superstore former general manager and former board member Bill Fuentes, who has long shared Arthur Blank’s passion for youth development. Fuentes helped establish the Annual Building Futures Fund, an initiative that provides long-term financial stability for First Tee programs while supporting scholarships for participants. He has also played a key role in organizing the First Tee – The Lowcountry Champions Golf Tournament, the chapter’s largest annual fundraiser, which unites the community in supporting the next generation of leaders.
“We’re very grateful for this because it makes accomplishing our mission of character education and youth development so much easier to have this kind of support,” Zuk said.
Through the leadership of the Arthur M. Blank Foundation, the engagement of PGA Tour Superstore, and the dedication of local advocates like Fuentes, First Tee – The Lowcountry continues to thrive. Each swing, each lesson, and each moment of mentorship is shaping young people into the game changers of tomorrow, with a little help from the game changers of today.
