By now, most people understand that the full mission of First Tee – The Lowcountry goes far beyond just golf. It’s common knowledge that a large part – perhaps the most important part – of their curriculum focuses not just on creating better golfers, but creating better people.
However, what might be most remarkable about what this program does for young people is how those lessons guide them long after they leave the nest and head to college.
Jeep Patrick, now a rising sophomore at Presbyterian College, describes it this way: “First Tee has been such an important part of preparing me for college golf. My coaches and mentors have helped me and are always there to cheer me on. The core values of First Tee are legit. It’s very cool that so many of the kids I started with at First Tee – The Lowcountry are playing college golf and will be friends for life. I will always be grateful to First Tee, and always tell anyone that asks my opinion on the best path to being a Division I golfer that it starts with First Tee. There isn’t a better foundation for a young golfer.”
As executive director, Pat Zuk has been fortunate to see these kids as they make the transition into adulthood, having watched their development from the beginning. “The first time I got to know Tag Graziano was during an Eagle level class. I didn’t know anything about him, but I just saw him hitting everything flush. Right in the middle of the face,” Zuk said. “I didn’t mean to say it out loud, but I let out ‘Jeez, does this kid ever miss the middle of the club face?’ Beyond that, he’s just a good kid. I know he’s a good teammate because I watched him in the state championships with Prep.”
Like Patrick, Graziano will be taking his talents to the golf team at Presbyterian College.
Lexi Milbrandt is another First Tee alum who will soon be playing for her college team. “She is a very sound player who has really worked hard on her game with Karen Ferree. She has the potential to be a really good player,” Zuk said. “She actually worked for us part-time a couple of winters ago and she did a phenomenal job. I’m so happy to hear that she’s going to play in college and that she’s following her dream.”
Ask any of the coaches at First Tee, and they’ll tell you what a joy it is to even have the slightest hand in the growth and development of these kids. But if you ask the kids, they’ll tell you that they definitely got the better end of the bargain.
“I am deeply grateful to the First Tee and its core values, which have shaped me far beyond the game of golf,” said Cade Kriscunas, who is University of Maryland-bound. “The lessons I have learned will stay with me for life! I especially want to thank the First Tee – The Lowcountry and its dedicated volunteers for their unwavering support and encouragement as I shift to collegiate golf.”
