The First Tee – The Lowcountry’s mission was built on the support of the community around it. In the early days, it was the communities that opened their gates and hosted students on their golf courses. Then, as now, it was the generosity of your friends and neighbors who gave so freely that children in the Lowcountry could gain the confidence, character, and skills that First Tee builds. It was the willingness of a small army of volunteers to spend time with these kids, teaching them not just the game of golf but the rules for living their best life.
That spirit of giving, which has always been a hallmark of our community, has paid massive dividends to kids across the Lowcountry, from Hilton Head Island into Jasper County, north of the Broad River, and everywhere in between.
Learning Beyond the Game Lessons put Nine Core Values at the forefront, helping young golfers build character, confidence, and life skills both on and off the course.
This year saw First Tee – The Lowcountry making an impact on the lives of more than 14,000 young people, at First Tee’s Gumtree Road facility and within 25 different partner schools. This expanded footprint brought them to a partnership with Pleasant Point, establishing a permanent presence in Beaufort. And they’ve broadened the way they help these young people as well, granting more than 300 students scholarships to build on the success they achieved through First Tee.
“At First Tee, young people build more than a golf game — they build life skills, confidence, and connections that help them take their next step, on and off the course,” said Cari Schmitt, development specialist with First Tee – The Lowcountry.
Coaching Every Player Our certified coaches work with players of all skill levels, meeting each golfer where they are and helping them grow their skills, confidence, and love for the game.
Schmitt points to great successes the organization has enjoyed through various programs such as Teen Pathways, which invites students who participated in First Tee programs as kids to come back and lead the next generation. Another feather in their cap is the ACE program, creating opportunities for students to connect with mentors and explore careers and internships.
The ultimate goal is to ensure these lessons remain a key part of a student’s future success. “The skills young people build through our programs — like goal setting, honesty, and staying calm — can help them well beyond the golf course,” said Schmitt. “Donations help make our programs possible — from schools and life skills to Teen Pathways, girls’ golf, and national opportunities — opening doors young people might not otherwise have.”
Welcome, Little Golfers! We love welcoming our littlest players to the facility as they begin their First Tee journey!
And thanks to one generous donor, your dollar goes even further this year. The Charles Schwab Challenge Grant, a $25 million commitment to First Tee, runs through 2026, providing chapters up to $1 for every $2 of eligible year-over-year growth in donor-generated revenue, subject to program limits.
“Every young person deserves the chance to take their next step. Our programs help them build the skills, confidence, and connections to do that,” Schmitt said. “Your gift can help us meet that challenge.”
Visit firstteelowcountry.org to make a donation today.