This past June, young golfers from across the country made their way to the Palmetto State to test their golf game on the challenging links at Clemson University’s Walker Course during the 2024 First Tee National Championship.
Jeep Patrick, during the first round of the 2024 First Tee National Championship at the Walker Course at Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. (Chris Keane/First Tee)
But these weren’t just any young golfers. These were the selected champions from nationwide chapters of The First Tee, the organization dedicated to teaching young people the fundamentals of golf and the importance of good character.
During the tournament, guest speakers led conversations around First Tee’s values and life skills experience, augmenting the challenge of the tournament with the personal development that sets the organization apart.
One competitor didn’t have to travel far.
“It was a great experience, being able to represent the Lowcountry,” said Jeep Patrick. A long-time student of First Tee – The Lowcountry, Patrick began his journey when he was 11 years old. He has not only proven himself a phenomenal golfer, with impressive wins at regional tournaments against competitors much more experienced, but he has also shown himself to be a standard bearer for First Tee’s values.
“We are incredibly proud of Jeep and his performance at the First Tee National Championship,” said Pat Zuk, executive director of the local chapter. “His dedication to the sport and his representation of our values both on and off the course are truly commendable. We look forward to supporting Jeep in his future endeavors and watching his continued success in the world of golf.”
With the support of First Tee – The Lowcountry, Patrick finished out the 2024 First Tee National Championship with a strong fourth place finish in a field of 24 other student-athletes, finishing five under par after 54 holes.
“I felt honored to represent First Tee – The Lowcountry. They’re the ones who got me into golf,” Patrick said. “Mr. Pat Zuk and the entire board at First Tee showed an immense amount of support throughout my high school career. I tried my best to represent the First Tee and walked away with a good result.”
The strong finish at nationals marks another stepping stone in a golf career that looks poised to take off.
“Next up, I’m playing in the U.S. Junior Amateur in Oakland Hills, Michigan,” Patrick said. “That will be my last junior golf tournament.”
Between that and the day he departs for college, he’s keeping his golf game on point caddying at Harbour Town Golf Links, studying under another legend of the game, John Farrell. “He’s been a very good mentor and it’s an honor to work with him.”
The future looks bright for this young golfer and model of First Tee’s dedication to molding young people into champions, whether on and off the course.
To learn more about how to get your child involved in First Tee, visit firstteelowcountry.org/register.
