Category: Events

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 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.

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.

First Tee National Championship: Lowcountry’s Own Jeep Patrick Shines on the Big Stage

This past June, young golfers from across the country made their way to the Palmetto State to test their golf game on the challenging links at Clemson University’s Walker Course during the 2024 First Tee National Championship. But these weren’t just any young golfers. These were the selected champions from nationwide chapters of The First Tee, an organization dedicated to teaching young people the fundamentals of golf and the importance of good character.

During the tournament, guest speakers led conversations around First Tee’s values and life skills experience, augmenting the challenge of the tournament with the personal development that sets the organization apart. And the players, all First Tee students, came from across the country to represent their home chapters.

A Hometown Champion

One competitor didn’t have to travel far.

“It was a great experience, being able to represent the Lowcountry,” said Jeep Patrick.

A long-time student of First Tee – The Lowcountry, Patrick began his journey when he was 11 years old. He has not only proven himself a phenomenal golfer, with impressive wins at regional tournaments against competitors much more experienced, but has also shown himself to be a standard-bearer for First Tee’s values.

A Strong Finish on the National Stage

“We are incredibly proud of Jeep and his performance at the First Tee National Championship,” said Executive Director and Patrick’s coach, Pat Zuk. “His dedication to the sport and his representation of our values both on and off the course are truly commendable. We look forward to supporting Jeep in his future endeavors and watching his continued success in the world of golf.”

With the support of First Tee – The Lowcountry, Patrick finished the 2024 First Tee National Championship in fourth place in a field of 24 other student-athletes, finishing five under par after 54 holes.

“I felt honored to represent First Tee – The Lowcountry. They’re the ones who got me into golf,” said Patrick. “Mr. Pat Zuk and the entire board at First Tee showed an immense amount of support throughout my high school career. I tried my best to represent the First Tee and walked away with a good result.”

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in Golf

The strong finish at nationals marks another stepping stone in a golf career that looks poised to take off.

“Next up, I’m playing in the U.S. Junior Amateur in Oakland Hills, Michigan,” said Patrick. “That will be my last junior golf tournament.”

In between that and the day he departs for college, Patrick is keeping his golf game sharp by caddying at Harbour Town Golf Links, studying under another legend of the game, John Farrell.

“He’s been a very good mentor, and it’s an honor to work with him,” Patrick shared.

The future looks bright for this young golfer and model of First Tee’s dedication to molding young people into champions—both on and off the course.

Celebrating 10 Years in 2024 – The First Tee-The Lowcountry will honor the community members who made it all possible.

For those familiar with First Tee – The Lowcountry, it’s clear that the organization is about far more than just golf. While students certainly develop their skills on the course, the true value of the program lies in its life lessons, mentorship, and character-building experiences that help guide young people toward a brighter future.

At the heart of these lessons are First Tee’s Nine Core Values, which serve as the foundation of its mission. Each year, these values take center stage at the Community Leadership Awards Banquet, where First Tee – The Lowcountry honors outstanding members of the community.

“Honoring the community is important to us because the community supports us,” said Executive Director Pat Zuk. “This year is a little different. As it’s our 10-year anniversary, we’re honoring people who had a significant impact on the development of our chapter.”

Recognizing Excellence in the Lowcountry

This year’s honorees have left a lasting impact on First Tee – The Lowcountry through their dedication, perseverance, and support.

🏆 Perseverance: Kim Likins

One of the founding figures of First Tee – The Lowcountry, Kim Likins played a crucial role in getting the chapter off the ground.

“Kim helped with everything—navigating government approvals, securing 501(c)(3) status, handling paperwork to build our facility on Gumtree Road. It took an incredible amount of perseverance,” said Zuk.

🏆 Confidence: Paul Caruso

As the first program director, Paul Caruso played a key role in developing First Tee’s curriculum and guiding young golfers.

“Paul has been a tremendous influence on the chapter, especially when it comes to building strong programs,” Zuk noted. “He’s been a true leader.”

🏆 Honesty: Herb Wehner (Volunteer of the Year & Mike Davis Award Winner)

A longtime leader of the First Tee Community Program at Red Cedar Elementary, Herb Wehner has gone above and beyond in his commitment to young golfers.

“Herb has truly taken ownership of our programs, and his dedication is unmatched,” said Zuk.

🏆 Responsibility: Clyde Johnston & Dr. Frank Rodriguez

  • Clyde Johnston, a renowned golf course designer, served on the First Tee board for six years, including two as chair, and was instrumental in designing the First Tee – The Lowcountry course.
  • Dr. Frank Rodriguez, Beaufort County Schools Superintendent, played a pivotal role in expanding First Tee’s school-based programs from just one school to 24.

“Both Clyde and Dr. Rodriguez have taken immense responsibility for ensuring the success of First Tee,” said Zuk.

🏆 Courtesy: The Devlin Foundation & Bruce Devlin

For years, the Devlin Foundation has provided financial support for First Tee. But their commitment to students extends far beyond funding.

“Bruce Devlin finished the design at Secession Golf Club, and every year they invite a group of First Tee students to their amateur tournament, treating them like kings,” said Zuk. “It’s an unforgettable experience for these kids.”

🏆 Integrity & Respect: Colleton River Club & Long Cove Club

Two of the Lowcountry’s most prestigious golf communities, Colleton River Club and Long Cove Club, are being honored for their years of unwavering support.

“These clubs have played a huge role in getting this facility up and running, and every year, we have volunteers from both communities. They have been tremendous supporters over the past decade,” Zuk shared.

Honoring a Legacy of Support

In addition to the Core Value Awards, two special Legacy Awards will be presented:

🏆 The Legacy Award: Ken & Joan Campbell

Ken and Joan Campbell were instrumental in fundraising for First Tee’s facility during its early stages.

“They did everything—the whole nine yards. Ken is someone I always look to for advice. He not only founded this chapter but also The First Tee of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky,” said Zuk.

🏆 Paul Caruso Award & Sportsmanship Participant of the Year: Paul Morrell

A standout student at First Tee – The Lowcountry, Paul Morrell is being recognized for his leadership and mentorship of younger golfers.

“He’s just one of those kids you’re glad to know,” Zuk said. “At 12, he’s already coaching younger kids, showing maturity well beyond his years.”

Join Us for the Community Leadership Awards Banquet

📅 Date: April 16
📍 Location: Sea Pines Country Club
🎟️ Tickets & More Info: firstteelowcountry.org/events
📞 Call: 843-686-2680

Join us in celebrating 10 years of First Tee – The Lowcountry and the incredible individuals who have helped shape its success!

Ten Years of First Tee – The Lowcountry

Celebrating 10 Years of First Tee – The Lowcountry: A Legacy of Impact

Over the last ten years, First Tee – The Lowcountry has inspired youth, built a top-tier facility, and expanded its programs into more schools than ever before. But beyond the numbers and milestones, the real success story lies in the growth of young athletes—not just as golfers, but as well-rounded individuals.

From its 6-hole par-3 course to the selfless dedication of its volunteers, First Tee – The Lowcountry has become a pillar of the community, fostering skills, values, and opportunities for local youth.

A Strong Foundation, Thanks to Community Support

None of these accomplishments are surprising. As a local chapter of a national organization known for its positive impact on children, First Tee – The Lowcountry has enjoyed overwhelming community support since day one.

“I remember hearing about the facility when I was first interviewing for the job and thinking about how much debt that was going to entail. But the day it opened, it had already been paid for,” said Pat Zuk, Executive Director for the past five years.

“That’s a great example of how effectively people have taken this organization to heart.”

At the annual awards banquet this spring, First Tee will honor both its student-athletes and the founding donors who have been there from the beginning. From the Town of Hilton Head Island to gated communities and private citizens, the organization’s success has been a coalition of community support.

“These founding donors have helped build a legacy that’s going to last a very long time,” added Zuk.

A Decade of Growth and Achievements

That legacy already boasts some incredible milestones:

✅ 7,200 patrons have visited the facility.
✅ 575+ kids have participated in programs.
✅ First Tee programs expanded from 1 school to 24.

But if you ask Zuk, the biggest accomplishments aren’t in the numbers—they’re in the success stories of First Tee students.

“We’ve had four of our participants selected for the Congaree Global Golf Initiative, which is a program that’s just beyond compare,” he shared.

“For the last two years, our team has finished second in the First Tee National Tournament. We have one student committed to playing D1 golf, and several others who have made verbal commitments.”

The Heart of First Tee: Its Volunteers

Despite these achievements, First Tee remains 95% volunteer-run, making the dedication of board members and coaches invaluable.

“It’s really gratifying because this chapter has grown so fast due to our excellent board of directors who have worked very hard and accomplished a lot,” said Zuk.

“And our volunteer coaches do tremendous work. The kids and their families are so grateful for the work they do, and they’re a real credit to this community.”

Join the Legacy: Get Involved

As First Tee – The Lowcountry celebrates its 10-year anniversary, it invites the community to continue supporting its mission of building character through golf.

🔗 Learn more about First Tee – The Lowcountry’s programs and history: firstteelowcountry.org

Iniakov, Ferguson win pro-junior titles at 2024 PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach

With an ace on Pebble Beach’s iconic No. 17 Sunday, Iniakov capped off a week of competition and mentorship at the 21st edition of the PURE Insurance Championship.

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2024) – After a week of exciting competition and personal growth, Nicole Iniakov and Daniel Ferguson are the junior winners of the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded Sunday at Pebble Beach.

Iniakov, representing First Tee – Monterey County and paired with Ernie Els, and Ferguson, representing First Tee – Greater Dallas and paired with Justin Leonard, claimed the girls’ and boys’ pro-junior titles, respectively. Iniakov and Els finished 23-under, while Ferguson and Leonard finished 19-under.

Els followed Iniakov’s ace on hole 17 with an eagle on hole 18 to finish with a 9-under 63 on Sunday. Ferguson made three birdies on the back nine Sunday, and Leonard also eagled hole 18 to give his team the lead on the pro-junior boys’ side. This is the second consecutive year that Leonard has teamed up with a First Tee – Greater Dallas participant to win this event. Leonard and Alyssa Stewart won the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship pro-junior girls’ title.

For more than two decades, the PURE Insurance Championship has brought First Tee participants to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, where they put into action the skills and values they developed at First Tee chapters across the country as they play alongside PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business world. The annual event was televised internationally on Golf Channel.

“The 80 young people who represented First Tee this week displayed perseverance, positive attitudes and impressive golf skills,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Congratulations to Nicole and Daniel on winning the tournament. Thank you to our partners, PURE Insurance, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, PGA TOUR Champions players, Golf Channel and all the sponsors, for making this a truly special week for First Tee.”

Iniakov is a high school senior with a 4.09 GPA, and she’s been playing golf for 10 years. She recorded more than 100 community service hours in 2023, volunteering with organizations like First Tee and Youth on Course. She organizes a golf tournament that raises money to help young golfers pay their tournament fees and has won multiple AJGA events.

“There are so many people that came out to support me: my friends, my family and other kids from First Tee – Monterey County,” Iniakov said. “I’m going to remember this moment until I’m 80. I’m so grateful for everyone that made this tournament happen.”

Ferguson is a high school senior with a 4.0 GPA, who’s been playing golf for 11 years. He coaches junior players at First Tee – Greater Dallas and has committed to play golf next year at Dallas Baptist University.

“Just to be here is incredible but to win it just feels amazing,” Ferguson said. “This week has been better than I ever could have dreamed.”

During the week, First Tee partners PURE Insurance and Chevron celebrated their commitment to First Tee’s mission and raised additional funds to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program through special events. The program pairs select First Tee alumni with a mentor and provides professional development workshops and financial assistance throughout their college experience.

This week, leaders from PURE Insurance surprised Hannah Stouder of First Tee – Greater Sacramento with an invitation to become the newest member of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Stouder will play collegiate golf next year at the University of Nevada, Reno. Stouder’s playing partner this week was the legendary Mark O’Meara, who was playing in his final professional tournament.

First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

To access photos from the event, visit here. For more information on the tournament, visit PUREInsuranceChampionship.com. To learn more about First Tee and see the full field list, visit TheFirstTee.org.

PURE Insurance Championship competitor makes positive change through ‘Hannah’s Care Closet’

At Father Keith B. Kenny Elementary School in Sacramento, there’s a resource for students who lack access to basic products like shampoo, detergent and soap. It’s called Hannah’s Care Closet, and it serves about 20 unhoused families. 

Hannah Stouder of First Tee – Greater Sacramento worked with a nonprofit called Growing Past Today to launch the endeavor, which has distributed more than $7,500 in hygiene items. 

“In November 2022, I had the opportunity to attend the First Tee Innovators Forum in Dallas, Texas,” Hannah said. “During the workshop, I learned how even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference when it comes to helping others. After my memorable experience in Dallas, I wanted to bring positive change to my community.” 

Through Hannah’s Care Closet and other volunteer projects, she logged about 250 community service hours in 2023.  

Hannah has been involved with First Tee for more than half her life. In addition to being active in her chapter, she’s also participated in many of First Tee’s national participant opportunities, including the Participant Advisory Council. This year, Hannah is one of eight teens providing feedback to First Tee executives. 

In addition to being a leader off the course, Hannah is an exceptional golfer. Captain of the team at Christian Brothers High School, she holds the school’s low-round record of 67. 

She’ll tee it up this weekend at the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs First Tee juniors with legends of the game at Pebble Beach Golf Links. Hannah is paired with Mark O’Meara – The Prince of Pebble Beach – in his last professional tournament. 

On Thursday, Hannah got a special surprise. Leaders from PURE Insurance surprised her with an invitation to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. The program provides mentorship, professional development opportunities and financial support for select First Tee alumni. 

“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with, and support of this incredible organization,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “It’s particularly gratifying to know that we can impact the remarkable young men and women of First Tee, like Hannah, in such a powerful way.” 

Hannah earned her spot through her dedication to golf, school and her First Tee chapter. After graduation this spring, Hannah will play golf at the University of Nevada, Reno. 

The PURE Insurance Championship will be broadcast on Golf Channel. Learn more. 

40 First Tee Teens invited to First Tee Leadership Summit in Partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore  

Actors Michael Peña and Kathryn Newton will headline the two weeklong retreats focused on sharpening leadership skills. 

WEST CREEK RANCH, Mont. (August 5, 2024) – First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore are set to host 40 teens from across the country at West Creek Ranch, an intimate setting in Montana for leadership development, community building and connection. Owned by PGA TOUR Superstore chairman and First Tee board member Arthur M. Blank, the picturesque ranch is the perfect setting for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for these teens to explore leadership development, community building and problem solving. Students spend much of the time in outdoor interactions including whitewater rafting, horseback riding and archery, based on the belief that connections made in nature provide benefits that cannot be replicated in the classroom.   

Each week will tee off with keynote speakers who will discuss their individual leadership, share life experiences and examine how they have grown through opportunities and challenges. The first week will feature actor Michael Peña, while actor and First Tee alumnus Kathryn Newton will be the featured speaker during the second week. 

The First Tee Leadership Summit is designed to help teens grow their leadership skills through hands-on activities that require teamwork and personal strength. Daily leadership themes include pursuing goals, growing through challenges and building positive self-identity.  

This is the fourth consecutive year that nonprofit youth development organization First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore will hold this event at West Creek Ranch. This year’s group comes from 25 cities across the country, with 20 teens attending each week. West Creek Ranch is a 6,600-acre working ranch in Emigrant, Montana, that is bordered by the Yellowstone River and Gallatin National Forest.  

“We are excited to host these 40 impressive teens for an unforgettable week of personal growth and relationship building,” said Dick Sullivan, Executive Chairman & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “So many lessons from golf can be applied to life, and we truly believe in the positive impact sports can have on kids and teens, which is why we’re proud to support this event and partner with First Tee chapters across the country.” 

“Thank you to Arthur Blank and PGA TOUR Superstore for their continued generosity in supporting this event,” added Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “The lessons these young leaders will take away from Montana will shape their futures in remarkable ways.”  

At the conclusion of the Summit, four students will be selected for the First Tee College Scholarship Program and will receive financial support as well as access to mentorship and professional development opportunities throughout college. 

To be eligible for the Summit, teens completed a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstore locations across the country, before completing applications that outlined their leadership experience and goals. For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and Arthur Blank have championed First Tee’s mission through donations and by supporting participant events, including the Leadership Summit and the Leadership Academy, which is held in Atlanta. 

The Leadership Summit is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee to expose teens to new challenges and inspire them as they prepare to embark on life after high school.  

See the full field of participants.

Mackenzie Mack talks about the lasting impact of First Tee

“I wouldn’t be where I am now without First Tee.” 

For Mackenzie Mack, the impact of First Tee goes beyond the golf course. The skills, access and values she learned play an integral part in her life to this day.  

With her mom looking for opportunities to help her gain college scholarships, Mackenzie began taking golf lessons. Little did she know she’d end up working in the industry. 

The golf course became a safe place where she would hang out, create a family atmosphere and build a community while growing up, as an alumna of former chapter First Tee – Southern Nevada. 

First Tee gave Mackenzie her first job, the opportunity to play different courses and her current network and friends, crediting a lot of her achievements and her impact to the program.  

“Had I not had such a good program director and such a good program, I would not have felt inclined to pass it forward,” she said. “All of that came from my experience and time with First Tee.” 

Through her current role as the director of DE&I and engagement at Topgolf Callaway Brands, Mackenzie follows her passions by working with employees – an aspect of her job that comes naturally after years coaching with First Tee, she said – as well as the larger golf community. 

Topgolf Callaway Brand has become a major supporter of First Tee, and when talking about the relationship between her employer and First Tee she said, “I am happy and lucky to be at a company that is just as passionate about the program as I am.” 

Now as a First Tee alumna representing her company as a Trustee of First Tee, she provides unique insights based on her own experience. 

Inclusivity is baked into First Tee’s DNA, and First Tee and Topgolf Callaway Brands are partnering on the Game Changers Academy this July. The weeklong event brings together 72 First Tee teens from across the country to facilitate important conversations around issues of identity, diversity and equity. Mackenzie sat on the opening night panel with NFL legends John Randle and Eric Enron, Dr. Shelby Johnson of Mayo Clinic and Ebony Taylor or AWS.

“The world is changing,” said Mackenzie. “We are a leader in changing with it, especially in the golf industry, and as the global leader in modern golf we strive to make golf more welcoming and providing options so that everyone can enjoy the game in the way they choose to enjoy it.”  

She included that there is much more to golf than the competition. This sport gives individuals valuable networking opportunities, physical and health benefits, and can help you navigate career paths in the future.  

Mackenzie will be a panelist at the Game Changers Academy. Learn more about the event.