While our community has long embraced First Tee – The Lowcountry for its singular determination in improving the lives of area youth, teaching them the game of golf while imparting vital life skills, what often goes unheralded is the brilliant way the organization has expanded that mission.
What started out as volunteers in schools and area golf courses reached a new level with construction of a beautiful facility on Gumtree Road, with courses and practice ranges ideally suited for their instruction. That began a period of expansion, with First Tee cementing their foothold in Bluffton with another office and partnerships with courses in Hardeeville, Beaufort, and Lady’s Island.
With their latest addition, First Tee’s leadership has shown a unique ability to think outside the tee box.
Supporters at Pleasant Point
“Other chapters have partnered with golf courses or taken over existing courses, but this is the first time I’ve heard about a partnership to improve an existing facility in exchange for a use agreement,” said Executive Director Pat Zuk.
Their agreement with The Landings Golf Course in Pleasant Point is a brilliant win-win for both the course and First Tee. Improvements to the course, provided by First Tee, included a 100-foot artificial tee line that enables the range to be used in wet conditions, as well as a Clyde Johnston-designed practice green near the 10th tee.
In exchange, First Tee was granted a 10-year use agreement at the course, enabling them to expand on their programs north of the Broad River. Zuk is quick to credit John Nesvold of the Pleasant Point POA with helping put the deal together, one that has tremendous benefits to both parties.
“In the past if we wanted to work on putting we’d use the 18th green, which was fun but limited what you could do, because if a group came up, we’d have to get out of the way,” Zuk said. This also limited the use of instructional gear like pool noodles and chalk lines, keeping kids from getting the full experience. “It’s going to be a much more enjoyable atmosphere for the kids.”
First Tee participants
Because ultimately, that’s what all this is about. Reaching kids, teaching them the game of golf, and providing them the tools to a better future, no matter where they live.
“We did summer camps north of the Broad last year, and it allowed us to expand into that area. As we grow north of the Broad, we’ll start doing multiple classes a week in the spring and the fall,” Zuk said. “We’ve reached a milestone of helping 600 kids this year, and we’re hoping this will be a way to reach hundreds more.”
To learn more, visit firstteelowcountry.org.