Three years ago, Jocelyn Mooney didn’t think of herself as much of a golfer. That all changed when the apparel company she worked with at the time launched a collaboration with The First Tee’s national organization, and she came face to face with the incredible work they do.
“Everyone at First Tee had such a passion for spreading their programs around the country, encouraging parents to let their children discover their programs,” she said. “When they found out I had a son who had never golfed, they were so encouraging. Had there been a First Tee chapter when I was growing up, it would have been a game changer.”
Having recently moved to Bluffton at the time, Mooney signed up her son, Liam, for First Tee classes, and an obsession was born.
Jocelyn and her family
“He took to golf like a moth to a flame. I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said. “We were so lucky to have that initial introduction, and after meeting (program director) Aaron Immel and some of the volunteer coaches, Liam just wanted to go there every day. It’s such a supportive environment.”
That support spurred Liam to greater heights as he pursued his new love of golf. He now travels to play in tournaments with the South Carolina Junior Golf Association and the PGA Junior League, is part of the tour card program at First Tee – The Lowcountry, and is a regular at Old South Golf Links.
“If you’d have told me three years ago we’d be scheduling him in competitive golf, I wouldn’t have believed you. The confidence I’ve seen in him is a true testament to First Tee,” Mooney said. “And it’s given him a greater appreciation for the sport. He’s always watching golf when it’s on and has memorized so many stats and facts. How many kids could tell you who won the British Open in 2002?” (It was Ernie Els, in case you lack Liam’s encyclopedic golf knowledge).
About a year ago, Liam’s infectious enthusiasm led Mooney to begin volunteering with First Tee – The Lowcountry, where she’s become a valued and vocal champion of the program. “They’ve entrusted me with a lot of behind-the-scenes office work and whatever else they need me to do. I basically just go in and ask ‘What do you need? What does the board need? What are we lacking?’ It’s the least I can do, because they’ve done so much for us. Honestly, I wish I could do more,” she said. “I’m always amazed at their outreach into so many different communities in Beaufort and Jasper counties. And the fact that the public has access to their facility is incredible.”
And when she’s not volunteering, Mooney is finally getting around to learning the game. “I just started. Liam’s my coach, and he’s tough on me,” she said, smiling. “But that’s the goal, to spend time with kids. Hopefully one day I’ll get good enough to go out on the course with him.”
View classes and volunteer opportunities with First Tee at firstteelowcountry.org