There’s an old saying in golf: “Drive for show, putt for dough.” Essentially, it’s an adage about finishing strong. You can blast one 250 yards down the fairway and land it clean in the middle, but if you end up three putting, it’s still going to be a bogey.
This past year has seen First Tee – The Lowcountry soar to new heights, reaching more kids and making a bigger impact than ever before. And in the spirit of putting for dough, they’re not slowing.
With the launch of its annual appeal, “Finish Strong and Build Game Changers,” First Tee is calling on the community to help take this year’s incredible success to the pin.
“We’ve seen firsthand what’s possible when a community invests in kids,” said Pat Zuk, executive director of First Tee – The Lowcountry. “As we head into the final weeks of the year, we’re calling on everyone to help us finish strong and fuel the future for even more young people across the Lowcountry.”
In 2025 so far, the organization has shattered participation records, reaching more than 14,000 young people across Beaufort and Jasper counties. More than 600 of those students participated in the Life Skills Experience program, with more than half receiving scholarships to make participation possible. Through these efforts, First Tee awarded 291 Life Skills Program Scholarships and expanded its reach into 24 partner schools.
The Girls Golf Program also continued to thrive, empowering more than 50 young women with confidence, leadership, and community through the program’s dual focus on the game of golf and the development of character. “Girls Golf gave me a place where I feel seen, strong, and supported,” said participant Bebe King.
This year also brought important milestones in infrastructure and expansion with a new administrative office in Bluffton, creating greater access to youth on the mainland. Plus, in addition to its Gumtree Road Learning Center, which welcomed 7,000 guests this year, First Tee has broken ground on a new permanent golf facility in the Greater Beaufort area, set to open in 2026.
This organization has put up some serious numbers this year, but it’s the story of confidence, focus, and transformation behind those numbers that truly illustrates what sets First Tee apart.
“First Tee gave me the courage to try things I’d never done before,” said Jeep Patrick, now a Presbyterian College student and scholarship recipient. “I learned how to lead, how to stay patient, and how to stay focused when things don’t go my way.”
“We’re proud to say that no child is ever turned away due to cost. As we look ahead, the Finish Strong and Build Game Changers campaigns are working to raise vital funds by December 31 to build on our growing momentum. Each gift will help fund 300-plus Life Skills Program scholarships we estimate we will award in 2026,” Zuk said. “Behind every scholarship is a story of courage, growth, and possibility – and that story starts with a donor who said ‘yes.’”
To support the year-end appeal and help build the next generation of game changers, visit thefirstteelowcountry.org.
The First Tee Photo Shoot at Hunter’s Creek Golf Course in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, October 24, 2015.