Category: Blog

First Tee – The Lowcountry Celebrates Leadership and Core Values at Annual Awards Banquet

First Tee – The Lowcountry honored a remarkable group of local leaders at its annual Community Leadership Awards Banquet, held April 15 at the Sea Pines Country Club. The event celebrated individuals who exemplify the organization’s Nine Core Values — Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, and Judgment — through their outstanding leadership and service.

Co-chaired by Lynn King and Bill Fuge, the evening spotlighted the deep connections between the First Tee’s mission and the community leaders who live out its values every day.

“Everyone we recognize exemplifies one, if not more, of the core values of First Tee,” said King. “It’s a win-win because it not only gives us a chance to celebrate them, it also introduces them to the heart of what we do with kids across the Lowcountry.”

2025 Community Leadership Honorees:

Mike Nevil – Honesty

Brennan Roedig – Sportsmanship

Eric Boberg – Perseverance

JR Richardson – Confidence

Dr. Jane Upshaw – Responsibility

Mayor Harry Williams – Judgment

Missy Santorum – Courtesy

Colonel Neal Pugliese – Integrity

Molly Hornbeck – Respect

Special Awards:

Three individuals received special recognition for their extraordinary contributions to First Tee – The Lowcountry:

Jim Ferree Legacy Award: John Bankhead, a national trustee and vital supporter of the organization’s scholarship fund.

Mike Davis Award: Mike Nevil, honored for his commitment as a lead coach in Beaufort and his efforts to expand First Tee’s presence in the region.

Paul Caruso Award: Brennan Roedig, recognized not only for his sportsmanship but for the positive transformation seen through his and his sister’s involvement with the program.

The banquet served as both a celebration of community excellence and a reflection of the lasting impact First Tee – The Lowcountry has on youth across the region with featured speaker PGA professional golfer, Brian Campbell. 

Game Recognizing Game: First Tee – The Lowcountry salutes leaders in our community.

First Tee – The Lowcountry’s Community Leadership Awards Banquet Set for April 15

At the heart of everything First Tee – The Lowcountry does — teaching young people the game of golf while building their character — are their Nine Core Values:
Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, and Judgment.

Each of these tenets work in concert to lift young golfers up and guide them toward a better life.

Once again this year, First Tee – The Lowcountry will celebrate these values through its annual Community Leadership Awards Banquet, recognizing local leaders who exemplify these core principles in their own lives.

📍 Event Details
🗓 April 15, 2025
📍 Sea Pines Country Club

“Everyone who we recognize exemplifies one, if not more, of the core values of First Tee,” said Lynn King, who will co-chair the event with Bill Fuge. “It’s a win-win because it not only gives us a chance to recognize them, it introduces them to what First Tee does.”

2025 Honorees – Celebrating Core Values

This year’s honorees represent a cross-section of our community — each inspiring in their own leadership:

  • Mike Nevil – Honesty
  • Brennan Roedig – Sportsmanship
  • Eric Boberg – Perseverance
  • JR Richardson – Confidence
  • Dr. Jane Upshaw – Responsibility
  • Mayor Harry Williams – Judgment
  • Missy Santorum – Courtesy
  • Colonel Neal Pugliese – Integrity
  • Molly Hornbeck – Respect

“I’ve known most of our recipients for a while,” said King. “It’s amazing because they’re all leaders in their own right.”

Special Recognition

The evening will also include the presentation of three special awards to those who have gone above and beyond in service to First Tee – The Lowcountry.

  • John Bankhead will receive the Jim Ferree Legacy Award. A national trustee for First Tee, Bankhead has played a critical role in building the local scholarship fund. “I don’t know how much bigger of a legacy you can have than that,” said Executive Director Pat Zuk.
  • In addition to being honored for Honesty, Mike Nevil will also receive the Mike Davis Award. “Mike is a tremendous volunteer and our lead coach in Beaufort. He’s also helping us secure a more permanent home there,” said Zuk.
  • Brennan Roedig will be recognized for Sportsmanship and awarded the Paul Caruso Award. “Watching the transformation of Brennan and his sister has been an absolute joy,” said Zuk.

Get Involved

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available!
Visit 👉 firstteelowcountry.org to learn more and support this impactful event.

First Tee – The Lowcountry Awards Two Post-Secondary Scholarships to Outstanding Participants

Hilton Head Island, SC – First Tee – The Lowcountry is proud to announce that Chris Nguyen and Jeep Patrick have been selected as recipients of the organization’s prestigious post-secondary scholarships. Their leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to First Tee’s core values made them standout candidates—so much so that the Board of Directors unanimously chose to award two scholarships this year.

Chris Nguyen, a senior at Hilton Head Christian Academy, has been awarded the Ken and Joan Campbell Scholarship. This four-year, $5,000-per-year award will support his studies at Georgia Tech, where he plans to pursue chemical engineering. Chris has been an active participant in First Tee – The Lowcountry programs and is known for his perseverance, integrity, and calm leadership on and off the golf course.

Jeep Patrick, a freshman at Presbyterian College, is also receiving a $5,000 annual scholarship. A long-time member of the First Tee community, Jeep recently represented the chapter at the First Tee National Championship. His commitment to mentoring younger golfers and staying connected to the game, even in college, highlights his dedication to the values that First Tee instills.

Chris’s Perspective:
“What started as a fun PE field trip in sixth grade turned into something much bigger for me. First Tee taught me how to think critically and stay calm under pressure—skills I’ve used not just in golf, but also as the manager of my school’s robotics team and in academics. When I struggled on the PSAT, I leaned into the perseverance I learned on the course and eventually became a National Merit Semifinalist. Volunteering with the younger groups reminded me how far I’ve come. I’m so grateful for everything First Tee has taught me.”

Jeep’s Perspective:
“I’ve been part of First Tee since 2015, and it’s helped shape who I am. Last year, I didn’t get this scholarship, but I kept working and came back stronger. Now, in college, I’m juggling classes, practice, and the costs of being a D1 golfer—but I’m staying focused on my goal of going pro. The relationships I’ve built through First Tee, the values I’ve learned, and the chance to mentor others have meant everything to me. I’m proud to represent this chapter.”

These scholarships reflect First Tee – The Lowcountry’s continued commitment to supporting young people as they pursue both academic and personal growth beyond the golf course.

About First Tee – The Lowcountry
First Tee – The Lowcountry is a youth development organization that uses golf to teach life skills and core values. Through inclusive programs and a supportive environment, First Tee empowers kids and teens to build character and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.

For more information, visit www.firstteelowcountry.org

Media Contact:
Pat Zuk, Executive Director
[email protected]

Jeep Patrick
Chris Nguyen

A Champion On and Off the Course: Trudy Backus’ Dedication to First Tee – The Lowcountry

It’s a beautiful day at First Tee – The Lowcountry’s Gumtree Road facility, and a young golfer, no older than seven, steps up to the tee. Keeping his instructor’s words in mind, he squares his shoulders, perfects his stance, and keeps his head down. Then, with all the energy that only a 7-year-old possesses, he whips his shoulders around in a wide arc, sending the ball flying—but also sending himself into a full 360-degree spin.

With saintlike patience, his instructor offers a gentle reminder:

“You swing the club, don’t let the club swing you.”

Building Character, One Swing at a Time

“That little guy will be a stellar athlete, you can tell already,” said his instructor, Trudy Backus, later on. “He will excel at a number of things, but he goes at things with abandon.”

As a volunteer coach at First Tee – The Lowcountry, Backus helps kids fine-tune their putting and chipping—admitting that her full swing is ‘a little inconsistent.’ But since she first volunteered in 2016, her role has extended far beyond golf instruction.

“What’s good about First Tee is we also talk to them about life values—courtesy, respect, responsibilities, sportsmanship, honesty—all of those kinds of things.”

Each session offers opportunities to recognize and reinforce these values, shaping young golfers into champions both on and off the course.

A Legacy of Mentorship

Backus fondly recalls a young girl she worked with from her first day at First Tee. Seven years later, that same girl stood as a standard bearer at the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing.

“She stuck with us for all those years, and I’m just very, very proud of her.”

And she’s not the only one. There are countless students Backus takes pride in, ever since she retired to South Carolina and dedicated herself to First Tee after a 41-year career in insurance.

“One cannot go there with either performance or behavioral expectations. One must go there just prepared to cheer the students’ successes.”

In doing so, Backus has found that students deeply appreciate the attention and the encouragement they receive to achieve their goals.

Recognizing a True Champion

At the Champions Banquet this past April, Backus received the Mike Davis Award, the highest volunteer honor within First Tee – The Lowcountry. But for her, the true reward has been the time spent giving back.

“I consider moving here the best decision of my life,” she said, “but volunteering here has made that best decision 100% better.”

Join Trudy Backus in Making a Difference

If you’re inspired by Trudy Backus’ story and want to make an impact, consider volunteering at First Tee – The Lowcountry!

📩 Contact: Executive Director Pat Zuk
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: 843-686-2680

Meet a few locals who have made huge swings in making First Tee – The Lowcountry successful.

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.

First Tee – The Lowcountry Expands to Serve Even More Youth Across the Region

For the past 11 years, First Tee – The Lowcountry has been a driving force for positive change across Beaufort and Jasper Counties. From their beautiful facility on Gumtree Road in Hilton Head Island, the organization has reached far and wide to teach area youth the game of golf and the importance of strong moral character. Through school visits, clinics at courses across the Lowcountry, and life-changing programs, First Tee has set students up for success both on and off the course.

Although based on Hilton Head Island, their impact extends well beyond the island’s borders. From north of the Broad River to Jasper County and beyond, First Tee has met young people wherever they are, offering both a guiding hand and golf lessons to sharpen their backswing. While that sometimes meant extra travel, a new move is making it easier to reach the growing number of children in the region.

First Tee – The Lowcountry has opened a new space at Plantation Park in Bluffton, which will serve as their administrative headquarters and give the organization a foothold in one of the region’s fastest-growing areas.

“The idea is to get closer to where kids are and where the population is expanding,” said Pat Zuk, Executive Director. “The kid population is surging out there, so it puts us closer to them while not changing anything about how we do things on Hilton Head Island.”

As the number of participants in their programs grew, so did First Tee’s need for more space. The Hilton Head facility had reached full capacity, with one team member working from a makeshift office—a folding table in the lobby.

“It was time for some office space,” Zuk explained.

This new location not only provides much-needed administrative space but also helps First Tee better serve youth across the region, particularly in Jasper County and north of the Broad River. By reducing travel time, it allows instructors to spend more time teaching and exploring opportunities to add new venues and schools to their programs.

“This is going to make it much easier for our instructors to access all the places off-island where we’re already holding classes,” said Zuk. “Plus, it enables them to spend more time finding additional venues for classes and schools to add to our school program. It’s a much more convenient way for us to do business.”

When your business is transforming young people’s lives, every little improvement helps—whether it’s a generous community donation or a few minutes saved on a drive. It all serves the greater mission: teaching youth the game of golf while shaping them into future leaders of our community and beyond.

First Tee – The Lowcountry is grateful for the continued support of the community as they expand their reach and opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and lead.

Spring Registration Now Open

First Tee – The Lowcountry has officially opened registration for its 2025 Spring Classes, offering young golfers a chance to develop their skills, build confidence, and learn valuable life lessons through the game of golf. Classes run from March 10 to May 3, 2025, and are available at multiple locations across the Lowcountry.

Program Overview

The First Tee program is structured to accommodate young golfers of all skill levels, with sessions tailored for different age groups. Each class will have a maximum of 15 participants, ensuring personalized instruction and engagement.

Class Locations and Schedules

First Tee – The Lowcountry Campus (Hilton Head Island)

  • Ages 13+: Mondays, 6:00 – 7:15 PM (March 10 – April 28)
  • Ages 10-12: Mondays, 4:30 – 5:45 PM (March 10 – April 28)
  • Ages 7-9:
    • Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:45 PM (March 11 – April 29)
    • Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:15 PM (March 11 – April 29)
    • Saturdays, 10:30 – 11:45 AM (March 15 – May 3)

The Landings at Pleasant Point (Beaufort, SC)

  • Ages 7-9: Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:45 PM (March 11 – April 29)
  • Ages 10+: Tuesdays, 6:00 – 7:15 PM (March 11 – April 29)

Pinecrest Golf Club (Bluffton, SC)

  • Ages 7-9:
    • Wednesdays, 4:30 – 5:45 PM (March 12 – April 30)
    • Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:15 PM (March 12 – April 30)

The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes

  • Ages 10+:
    • Wednesdays, 4:30 – 5:45 PM (March 12 – April 30)
    • Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:15 PM (March 12 – April 30)

Affordable Pricing and Financial Aid

Each class is $80 per student, and financial aid is readily available, ensuring accessibility for all families interested in the program.

How to Register

Parents can register their children online by visiting www.firstteelowcountry.org/register. For more details, contact Aaron Immel at [email protected].

Why Join First Tee?

First Tee is more than just golf—it’s a youth development program that helps young people build character, resilience, and leadership skills while having fun on the course. Through engaging activities and expert instruction, participants learn important values like integrity, perseverance, and respect that will benefit them in all areas of life.

With limited spots available, parents are encouraged to register early to secure their child’s participation in this fantastic spring program!

For more information and updates, follow First Tee – The Lowcountry on social media and visit their official website.

A New Era for Junior Golf on Hilton Head Island

When the Hilton Head Island Junior Golf Association (HHIJGA) found itself without operational leadership earlier this year, it could have marked the end of an era for youth golf. The local chapter of the South Carolina Junior Golf Association (SCJGA) and the Hootie and the Blowfish Junior Golf Tour had been running youth golf tournaments for decades, serving as a launchpad for talented young golfers.

And were it not for one brilliant move, it could have all been over. Instead, the organization turned to a partner whose mission aligns perfectly with theirs: First Tee – The Lowcountry. Known for its commitment to developing young talent both on and off the course, First Tee stepped in to ensure that junior golf in the region would not only continue but thrive.

“Golf tournaments for kids—that’s right up our alley,” said First Tee Executive Director Pat Zuk. “Plus, this provides a great opportunity for our participants to be able to do things outside of the program.”

A Winning Partnership

Already, this partnership has proven to be mutually beneficial. First Tee – The Lowcountry has leveraged its expertise to keep HHIJGA moving forward, while the Junior Golf Association’s robust summer tournament schedule has provided First Tee students with a chance to test their skills in competitive play—when the weather has cooperated.

“It’s been a bit of a weather challenge. Our first event was rain-shortened after nine holes, our third event was heat-shortened, and our ninth event was right during Debby,” said Zuk. “But it’s been really fun. This has allowed our kids to play on a variety of courses, from Old South to the Country Club of Hilton Head. And one event was particularly special—a par three shootout on Colleton River’s par three course.”

While the majority of participants in these tournaments have come from the general public, First Tee is working to increase the involvement of its own students. “Right now, it’s probably about 15 percent First Tee kids, but this is just year one,” said Zuk. “That number will only grow as more of our kids participate.”

Success at the State Level

The impact of this partnership extends beyond Hilton Head. Two of First Tee’s standout participants, Daniel Morrell and his brother Paul, won their respective age groups at the statewide Tommy Cuthbert All-Star Tournament, which showcases the top junior golfers from across South Carolina.

“There’s a lot of competitive golf being played out there, and this is a great way for kids in our area to gain experience in a high-level tournament setting,” said Zuk. “It’s beneficial for those already competing, as well as those who want to see what competitive golf is all about.”

Thanks to First Tee – The Lowcountry’s leadership, the future of junior golf on Hilton Head Island is brighter than ever.

Girls Golf + First Tee Partnership!

2025 LPGA Girls Golf Program Now Open and FREE to First Tee Students.

What to Expect:

Develop golf skills, fitness, and character through engaging games and skill development.

Learn to play on the golf course, not just swing a club.

Progress through the “5 E’s of Girls Golf” (Empower, Enrich, Engage, Exercise, Energize) with age-specific skills challenges.

Coaching provided by LPGA and PGA Golf Professionals.

Start Date:

Kickoff Event: Sunday, February 2, 2025 | 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: The Zone, 108 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, SC

Regular Sessions:

Sundays, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Locations include:

First Tee – Low Country (Boys & Girls Club, Gumtree Road, Hilton Head Island)

Berkeley Hall (366 Good Hope Road, Bluffton, SC)

Ages:

Girls 6-16, all skill levels welcome (from beginners to competitive players).

Coaches:

Krista Dunton: Director of Instruction, Berkeley Hall; Golf Digest #1 Teacher in SC, LPGA Top 50 Teacher

Betty Kaufman: Former Men’s Coach at DePaul University, Former LPGA Tour Player

Julie Cole: Senior Instructor at Sea Pines Resort, LPGA Top 50 Teacher, Former LPGA Tour Player

Stephanie George: Head Golf Professional at Berkeley Hall, Former LPGA Tour Player

Jordan Britt: Epson LPGA Mini Tour Professional

Dona Lerner: LPGA Top 50 Teacher

Cost:

$170 for all sessions

Scholarships available (Contact Krista Dunton)

If you are enrolled in First Tee – The Lowcountry, this program is FREE!

Registration:

Download the LPGA Girls Golf App.

Email Krista Dunton at [email protected] with your child’s:

Shirt size

Age

Club requirement (if applicable)

For more details, visit the LPGA Girls Golf of Low Country Facebook Page or contact Krista Dunton at [email protected] | 843-290-8714.

First Tee- The Lowcountry – Creating Brighter Futures

The First Tee has always been an organization dedicated to creating brighter futures. Across schools and programs throughout the country, this network of 150 local chapters has helped countless students gain valuable life skills to propel them toward their goals.

Our local chapter, First Tee – The Lowcountry, has long been one of the broader organization’s most dynamic members. Through classes at their stunning Gumtree Road facility and in classrooms across Beaufort and Jasper counties, they have elevated our community’s youth and guided them to become exactly the kind of citizens we need.

This past year, they took their impact even further by granting one deserving student the inaugural First Tee – The Lowcountry Secondary Education Scholarship. Joshua Smith, last year’s recipient, is using the funds he received to finance his education at The United States Air Force Academy.

“One thing most people don’t realize about the service academies is that students still have to come up with a fair amount of tuition money on their own,” said Pat Zuk, Executive Director for First Tee – The Lowcountry. “Joshua is a really good kid. He actually just came back to update the board on how he’s doing. He’s getting really into engineering. He is not only going to be great for the community at large, but he’s also exactly who you want in the armed forces.”

Smith’s scholarship, presented this past April during the First Tee Gala, was spearheaded by national First Tee trustee and Palmetto Bluff resident John Bankhead. Awarding the scholarship in honor of his parents, Bankhead told C2 at the time:

“That’s one of the things that drew me to (First Tee) – working with youth and setting up scholarships.”

This year’s scholarship will be granted to a deserving student thanks to two stalwart benefactors of First Tee – The Lowcountry, Ken and Joan Campbell. One of the earliest donors to the then-fledgling program when it launched 11 years ago, the Campbells were only too happy to keep this invaluable scholarship going.

“When we explained it to Ken and Joan, they doubled the amount they were giving,” added Zuk.

Their generosity will help another student this year as the beneficiary of the 2025 First Tee – The Lowcountry Post-Secondary Education Scholarship. Eligible students must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a current or former First Tee – The Lowcountry participant.
  • Be in their senior year of high school or currently enrolled in a post-secondary two- or four-year program.
  • Have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
  • Exemplify First Tee’s dedication to community, embodying the nine core values, participating in Life Skills classes, and engaging in community service.

“For our donors like The Campbells and John Bankhead to make this kind of financial commitment is a real gift to us,” said Zuk. “Thanks to them, these young people can pursue whatever they want beyond high school, whether it’s a two- or four-year program or trade school.”

Interested students can apply through The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry or at firstteelowcountry.org.