When the Hilton Head Island Junior Golf Association found itself without operational leadership earlier this year, it could have marked the end of an era for youth golf. The local chapter of the South Carolina Junior Golf Association (SCJGA) and the Hootie and the Blowfish Junior Golf Tour had been running youth golf tournaments for decades, establishing itself as a launchpad for talented young golfers.
Were it not for one brilliant move, it could have all been over. Instead, they turned to an organization whose mission to develop young talent dovetails with their own to showcase that talent. First Tee – The Lowcountry is renowned in our area for its youth development programs that pair instruction in the game with direction for young peoples’ character. Having them take over operations of HHIJGA was, in hindsight, a no-brainer.
“Golf tournaments for kids, that’s right up our alley,” said Pat Zuk, First Tee executive director. “Plus, this provides a great opportunity for our participants to be able to do things outside of the program.”
Already this partnership has proven to be beneficial to both. The First Tee has been able to leverage its expertise in keeping this extraordinary golf organization moving forward, while the HHIJGA’s robust schedule of summer events has provided First Tee students with a way to get into the swing of competition. That is, when the weather has cooperated.
“It’s been a bit of a weather challenge. Our first event was rain-shortened out after nine holes, our third event was heat-shortened after nine holes, and our ninth event was right during Tropical Storm Debby,” Zuk said. “But it has been really fun. This has allowed our kids to play on a variety of golf courses from Old South to Country Club of Hilton Head. And we had one event that was amazing – a par three shootout on Colleton River’s par three course.”
While the majority of participants in these events have come from the general public, the First Tee has made a concerted effort to get its own kids involved.
“Right now, it’s probably about 15% First Tee kids, but it’s just year one,” Zuk said. “That number will only grow among our participants, while growing the tournament series as more of our kids participate.”
The impact of this partnership has been felt far beyond the local level. Two of the First Tee’s participants, Daniel Morrell and his brother Paul, were able to win their respective age groups at the statewide Tommy Cuthbert All-Star Tournament, a competition that brings together the top junior golfers from across South Carolina.
“There’s a lot of competitive golf being played out there, and this is a great way for the kids of this area, and the First Tee as well, to get their feet wet in a pretty competitive situation with something on the line – qualifying for a larger statewide tournament,” Zuk said. “So, it’s good experience for the kids who are already playing golf competitively, and also for those who want to see what it’s like.”
