As welcoming as we locals have historically been to visitors, there are a handful of secrets that we like to keep to themselves. We know which fishing spots to send visitors to, and we know which ones will remain a closely guarded secret. We know which restaurants to recommend, and which ones already have long enough lines just feeding locals.
As for our favorite spot to sneak in a quick round of golf on the cheap, well, we may as well let them know about it. Because it seems like the secret is already out on First Tee – The Lowcountry’s Gumtree Road campus.
Local moms Christina Dzendzel and Kim Crouch spend some quality time at First Tee — The Lowcountry with their daughters on a Wednesday afternoon.
“It’s become more and more popular. Last year was a record year for us, and we’re already 20% ahead of that this year,” said Pat Zuk.
In case you are one of the few locals who isn’t already intimately aware of the quick-and-easy golf experience at First Tee, let us be the ones to spill the beans. Just off Gumtree Road on the north end, the facility at First Tee gives you access to a whole golf experience for just a $10 donation. That incredibly modest fee gives you access to the whole facility – a 325-yard driving range, putting range, chipping green, and a six-hole par three course that you can play as many times as you’d like. With each hole ranging from 53 to 114 yards through forest, fairway, and lakes, it’s a breezy layout that challenges while giving you the perfect spot for a quick mid-day round.
So how is it that one of the best spots for locals to sneak in a quick round became a haven for visitors?
“It’s a very inviting and affordable environment. A family of four can come out and play the par three for just $40,” said Zuk. “We positioned it well in our marketing, but the biggest thing in my experience has been word of mouth. When we check people in for the first time and ask how they heard of us, it’s amazing how many people tell us that half of their friends told them about us.”
While we locals generally guard our secret spots with the fiercest vigilance, First Tee – The Lowcountry’s gorgeous facility might just be the one we’re willing to share. Because with each donation made, visitors are helping in First Tee’s mission to build strength and character in local youth through a comprehensive curriculum that pairs instruction in the game of golf with life skills lesson that enrich a child’s inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience.
“Spring classes have stared right now and summer camps are going on soon, but we keep that up to date on our website,” Zuk said. “But in between, we love letting the public bring in the whole family. Even if you’re not great golfers, we have equipment for you and people to show you around. And the secret is definitely out about us.”
Check firstteelowcountry.org for course hours and class schedules.
