Since its inception 10 years ago, First Tee – The Lowcountry has been a testament to our community’s commitment to giving back. What started as an idea—an organization dedicated to teaching area youth the finer points of golf while instilling in them life skills and values—only became a reality thanks to the dedication of volunteers and advocates.
In its early days, First Tee depended on the generosity of those willing to turn vision into reality. They worked with town and community partners to build support and sought individual donors to establish funding. Today, that generosity continues, with community members seeing firsthand the profound impact First Tee has on local youth.
A Growing Commitment to Giving Back
That generosity has not only continued but has grown—thanks in part to two individuals who now call Palmetto Bluff home.
“Many communities in the area have supported First Tee – The Lowcountry,” says board member Joe Dattilo. “Recently, that support took a huge new turn.”
Late last year, First Tee – St. Augustine reached out to Dattilo with exciting news. They had a potential national trustee, a part-time Palmetto Bluff resident, who wanted to learn more about the Hilton Head Island chapter. Dattilo was asked to engage with him, provide background, and offer a tour of the facility.
That individual was Rick Van Benschoten, a longtime part-time resident from New York City. His commitment to serve as a national trustee for First Tee meant he could allocate up to half of his total donation to the local chapter.
“A friend of mine was starting the Puerto Rico chapter, so I had allocated some there, but then I realized I wanted to be involved on-site and meet the kids. That’s when this Hilton Head opportunity came up,” Van Benschoten said.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Van Benschoten’s support didn’t stop there. He introduced John Bankhead, a fellow part-time Palmetto Bluff resident and longtime friend, to First Tee – The Lowcountry. Bankhead, also a newly named national trustee, needed little convincing to invest in the local chapter.
“I’ve been coming down here from Boston for 30 years to attend the Heritage, and I’ve had a home in Palmetto Bluff for 15 years,” Bankhead shared. “In a major city like Boston, there are plenty of donors to support these programs. I felt like I could reach more kids down here.”
Bankhead’s first priority? Setting up a college scholarship fund for First Tee students.
“That’s one of the things that drew me to it—working with youth and setting up scholarships,” he said. And at the First Tee Gala on April 16, Bankhead awarded the inaugural First Tee – The Lowcountry Secondary Education Scholarship to a deserving student.
“It seems like we all came together at the right time.”
A Deeper Involvement
After attending the gala and witnessing First Tee’s impact firsthand, Van Benschoten also directed a portion of his financial commitment to First Tee – The Lowcountry.
“You’re giving money, and that’s all they ask of a trustee. But I feel like you’re kind of cheating if you don’t give your time and get involved,” Van Benschoten said. “When you see these kids speak at a trustee event, it blows your mind how mature they are and how First Tee has helped them position themselves. It’s really inspiring.”
Thanks to their generosity and leadership, the future of First Tee – The Lowcountry looks even brighter, ensuring that more young people will benefit from the program’s mentorship, values, and opportunities for years to come.