Category: Feature Stories

From course to career: Coach Stuart demonstrates the transformative power of First Tee mentors 

Accenture, a global professional services company and First Tee Trustee, hosts a personal development session for staff members at its Atlanta office on the first Friday of each month. Stuart Furlow had no idea one of these workshops would lead to one of the most rewarding experiences of his professional life. While working as a manufacturing and operations consultant, Stuart was also looking for a way to give back, and First Tee – Metro Atlanta provided the perfect opportunity. 

Growing up, Stuart learned golf from his father, uncle and cousin. The game had been a part of his life, but he’d never considered becoming a coach. “It was perfect timing,” Stuart said about discovering First Tee. “I just finished a project and heard about the volunteer opportunity. I wanted to be a mentor. I wanted to teach the game of golf and learn about First Tee.” Little did Stuart know, he would create a meaningful relationship with a participant named Ethan, helping to shape his bright future ahead. 

A mentorship built on more than golf 

Ethan Herndon didn’t take up golf by choice. When his dad first brought him to First Tee – Metro Atlanta at 8 years old, he went “begrudgingly,” following in his older sister’s footsteps. But that day changed everything. While golf can be portrayed as a sport for older and wealthier people, “First Tee is the opposite of that – it’s for everybody,” he said. 

For the next decade, Ethan returned to John A. White Golf Course every Saturday. By the time Stuart joined First Tee as a coach three years ago, Ethan was a high school freshman starting to think seriously about his future. 

Stuart immediately noticed something special about Ethan. “His work ethic: He was always one of the first kids out there, starting before we even got the chance to begin our actual lesson,” Stuart said. “We started talking and learning more about each other. I learned what he was interested in, what his aspirations were, and I started to add a little bit of feedback and my own perspective.” 

For Ethan, Stuart became more than just a golf coach. “He had a lot of advice that was very beneficial to me: looking at majors, programs, scholarships, things I hadn’t heard from other people before,” Ethan said. “He gave me a different outlook.” 

What made Stuart’s mentorship particularly meaningful was his genuine concern for Ethan’s overall wellbeing. “While shooting low scores and hitting good shots are important, Coach Stuart always wanted to make sure we were doing good in school, mentally, physically, and that everything was going well,” Ethan said. “He was truly concerned about our wellbeing and how we were as people versus just golfers.” 

The power of partnership 

Stuart’s commitment to First Tee reflects Accenture’s broader values. “The partnership between Accenture and First Tee is something that Accenture takes great pride in,” Stuart said. “We continuously talk about making an impact in the communities we serve.” 

But for Stuart, the impact goes beyond corporate social responsibility; it’s personal. Stuart sees his role as helping participants like Ethan navigate life with the benefit of his own experience. 

Through the Hope Tee Shot and other programs, Accenture’s support of First Tee and its Metro Atlanta chapter extend beyond participants’ time in high school. “It doesn’t stop after you leave the program,” Stuart said. “We want to continue supporting current students and alumni through all the avenues of life.” 

Today, Ethan has spent 10 years with First Tee – Metro Atlanta, transforming from a reluctant golfer into a young man with clear goals and the confidence to pursue them. Stuart’s mentorship played a crucial role in that journey, not just teaching him about golf, but helping him understand the possibilities ahead. 

Their story demonstrates the true mission of First Tee: using golf as a vehicle to build character and teach life skills that extend far beyond the course. And for volunteers like Stuart, it’s proof that giving back can be one of the most rewarding experiences of all. 

Learn more about how you can support young people like Ethan. 

Margaret Kerr of First Tee – Greater Houston, Julio Rodas-Rhim of First Tee – Metropolitan New York win pro-junior titles at 2025 PURE Insurance Championship  

Kerr and Rodas-Rhim were paired with pros Steven Alker and David Bransdon respectively 

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2025) – After a week of exciting competition and personal growth, Margaret Kerr of Friendswood, Texas, and Julio Rodas-Rhim of New York City are the junior winners of the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded Sunday at Pebble Beach.  

Both Kerr and Rodas-Rhim sealed their victories Sunday with birdies on Pebble Beach’s iconic par-3 17th hole. Kerr and Alker finished 18-under to win by one stroke. Rodas-Rhim and Bransdon finished 16-under and won in a scorecard playoff. 

For more than 20 years, the PURE Insurance Championship has provided First Tee participants with the unique opportunity to showcase the skills and values they’ve gained through the program. Held at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, the tournament pairs 80 standout teens from First Tee Chapters nationwide with PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business community. The annual event was broadcast internationally on Golf Channel. 

“This week, the 80 young representatives of First Tee demonstrated perseverance, personality and exceptional talent on the course,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of First Tee. “We extend our congratulations to Margaret and Julio on their outstanding victory. And we are sincerely grateful to PURE Insurance, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, PGA TOUR Champions players, Golf Channel and all our generous partners for helping make this an unforgettable experience for our participants.” 

First Tee – Greater Houston’s Margaret Kerr is a 16-year-old junior at Clear Springs High School, who’s been playing golf for 10 years. She referees lacrosse games, fosters dogs and completed Ace, First Tee’s capstone program designed to help teens prepare for the future. 

“I don’t even think I can put it in words; life doesn’t feel real right now,” Kerr said. “I was so supported this week by not only my pro, but his caddie, his family – everybody.” 

First Tee – Metropolitan New York’s Rodas-Rhim is a 17-year-old senior at Fordham Preparatory School. In addition to earning a black belt in martial arts, he has been playing golf for 13 years. He was the New York State Catholic High School Athletic Association’s 2025 individual champion, and he plans to attend college somewhere warm so he can play golf all year. 

“I’m very grateful for this experience,” Rodas-Rhim said. “I really wanted to make my grandparents proud because they got me into golf in the first place, and them getting to see me on TV is probably a dream come true of mine.” 

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 Malakai Jazayeri of First Tee – Phoenix and Ashton Washington of First Tee – Tampa Bay with invitations to become the newest members of the First Tee College Scholarship Program. 

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 FirstTee.org.  

Meet 2 PURE Insurance Championship juniors who are making an impact 

Many First Tee participants work for years to earn a spot in the PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA TOUR Champions event that pairs golf legends and business leaders with First Tee juniors for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach Golf Links. 

First Tee juniors are selected for the field based on their golf skills and their commitment to First Tee values. Two participants who excel in both areas are Malakai Jazayeri from First Tee – Phoenix and Ashton Washington from First Tee – Tampa Bay. 

Malakai is a senior from Gilbert, Arizona, with aspirations to play collegiate golf and experience new cultures after graduation. He’s been involved with First Tee – Phoenix for a decade, and he was named the chapter’s 2024 Player of the Year. He also works at Goodwill. 

Ashton will not only graduate from high school this spring, but he’ll also earn his associate’s degree in business administration. He aspires to play professional golf and work in real estate development. He’s a member of National Honor Society and he volunteers with organizations that address food insecurity in his community.  

On Thursday, PURE Insurance Championship executives surprised Malakai and Ashton with invitations to join the First Tee College Scholarship Program. 

The First Tee College Scholarship Program is building game changers 

Launched in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program provides selected alumni with financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities to help them succeed in college and beyond.  

Since its inception, more than 125 First Tee Scholars have benefited from this comprehensive support system, designed to prepare them for success both academically and personally. 

PURE Insurance has been the title sponsor of the PURE Insurance Championship since 2017 and is a dedicated partner of the First Tee College Scholarship Program.  

“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with, and support of, this incredible organization,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “Golf skills aside, the young men and women of First Tee excel in the classroom, give their time to their communities and lead in their First Tee chapters, their schools and beyond. They’re going to shape the future — and PURE is proud to support them and help share their stories.”

As they prepare to take this next step, Malakai and Ashton join a network of motivated alumni who represent the values and skills learned through First Tee.  

Learn more about the First Tee Alumni Network.

First Tee launches National Alumni Advisory Council to strengthen engagement across its growing Alumni Network 

The First Tee National Alumni Advisory Council held its first in-person meeting in Charlotte 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 15, 2025) – First Tee has launched a National Alumni Advisory Council, a group of 20 dynamic alumni who are business and community leaders from across the United States. The council will play a key role in shaping the future of the organization’s growing Alumni Network. 

The Alumni Council’s primary focus will be to guide and direct strategies that engage more alumni in meaningful ways — helping them stay connected to each other and to First Tee’s mission of empowering young people through golf and life skills programming. 

In addition to virtual meetings, the Alumni Council will gather annually, with its first session having taken place Sept. 12-14 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The event is sponsored by Gallagher. 

“First Tee alumni are an essential part of our story and our future,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The Alumni Council will help ensure we are creating opportunities for them to continue to grow, give back and lead, while staying connected to the values they developed through First Tee.” 

The Alumni Council is co-chaired by Rayshon Payton of First Tee – Metropolitan Oklahoma City, who works as general counsel for Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt, and Sara Diaz of First Tee – San Antonio, a presenter for ESPN+ and PGA TOUR Live and vice president of recruiting for Capstone Hospitality. 

“I’m thrilled to come full circle with First Tee, an organization that has shaped not only my life but the lives of so many others,” Payton said. “Serving as board chair of the Alumni Council is a special opportunity to give back, support the next generation and help strengthen a community that continues to inspire growth on and off the course.” 

“I’m excited to continue being part of the First Tee, the program where my golf journey began,” Diaz said. “I’m truly honored to be selected as co-chair of the First Tee Alumni Council and look forward to expanding our Alumni Network to foster lasting connections and meaningful opportunities.” 

Council members represent a diverse group of graduates who embody the impact of First Tee programs. They were appointed and will serve terms of two, three or four years. Together, they will guide efforts to recruit alumni, design impactful engagement opportunities and drive alumni reconnection to local chapters. As ambassadors of the program, they will inspire current participants and help grow a powerful, united Alumni Network. 

The First Tee Alumni Network includes thousands of former participants who have carried the organization’s values into their careers, communities and lives. Since its launch in 2020, the First Tee Alumni Network has provided career assistance, professional and personal development opportunities and fun events for former participants. It’s free to join and open to all First Tee Alumni. 

For more information about the Alumni Network, visit firsttee.org/alumni. 

2025 Alumni Council members 

Rayshon Payton Metropolitan Oklahoma City General Counsel, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester 
Sara Diaz Greater San Antonio VP of Recruiting, Capstone Hospitality 
Anthony Bonales Central Valley Finance Manager, Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling 
Grace Kehoe Greater Charlotte Media Logger, PGA TOUR 
Karrington Knight Greater New Orleans Staff Assistant, Rep. Jasmine Crockett 
Steven Outlaw, PGA Hammond (Historical) Director of Sales & Marketing, Troon 
Colm Parrish Pittsburgh Category Manager, Catalent Pharma Solutions 
Hannah Rens Siouxland Systems Engineer, Boeing 
Benjamin Nganga Tennessee Real Estate Valuations Analyst, Baker Tilly 
Ashley Noda Greater Sacramento Director of Outreach & Competitive Activities, First Tee – Greater Sacramento 
Alyssa Ramont Central Valley Executive Administrative Assistant, San Francisco Giants 
David Singh Tampa Bay Program Manager, Cleveland Clinic of Florida 
Blake Christenson Tennessee Designer, Cooper Carry 
Michelle Xie Silicon Valley Software Engineer, Dave 
Mia Bishop Metro Atlanta Psychotherapist 
Brittany Gill Greater Richmond Corporate Partnerships Manager, PGA TOUR 
Derrick Ow Monterey County Communications & Customer Service Coordinator, Northern California Golf Association 
Connor Shooks Benton Harbor Sports Management Student, University of Michigan 
Callen Williams Metropolitan New York Assistant Program Director, First Tee – Metropolitan New York 
Taryn Yee Greater Sacramento Program Manager, Meta 

Guidance and growth: Inside the bond between a First Tee Scholar, mentor

One of the most impactful aspects of the First Tee College Scholarship Program is mentorship. Each Scholar is matched with a dedicated adult to support them as they enter college and prepare for life after graduation.

First Tee Scholar Esther Etherington is a senior at Franklin College, where she’s majoring in elementary education and nonprofit leadership with plans to enter the golf industry. Last summer, Esther interned with First Tee — Greater Charleston’s Pathfinder Program and served as a USGA Pathways intern at the U.S. Open. This past summer, Esther worked at her former chapter, First Tee — Indiana, as the site director in Richmond. Her team helped to successfully launch three new community partnerships with the Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc. and Townsend Community Center, reaching its highest number of participants since COVID-19, 160 youth.

Esther’s mentor is Hope Oaks, a Ball State University graduate. Hope is a health science systems specialist at Pfizer, Inc., and she currently serves on the board of directors for the Indiana Golf Foundation and the Indianapolis Jazz Foundation. 

They shared their experience and tips on building a successful mentor-mentee relationship.

FT: Describe your experience as a Scholar mentor.

HO: I felt honored when asked to be Esther’s mentor because I had already been a witness to her leadership at First Tee when she would speak at our fundraising events while she was in high school.  Her confidence, authenticity and desire to share the gifts she was given resonated with me. 

FT: How did you build trust with your mentee?  

HO: My experience has been that trust is built with time and keeping commitments with one another.  My mentors have set a good example for me by creating a safe space to share questions, challenges, goals, disappointments, frustrations and the emotions that go with them.  It’s vital to know you can 100% show up and express your true self.   

FT: What is one word you’d use to describe your mentoring relationship and why?  

HO: Joy. Whenever the next thing on the calendar is coming up that we have set, I know that our time together will result in a happy spirit and a positive memory.  Esther inspires me and we both have similar humor.   

FT: Describe a memorable moment you’ve shared with your mentee. 

HO: One of my favorite moments was this summer when I spent the day observing and volunteering at Esther’s First Tee location in Richmond. Her organization and leadership skills are to be coveted. It was so much fun to see it all in action with her coaches, volunteers and students.  She was truly sharing her gifts with the world. The parents were happy their kids were in the program, and you could see the kids were delighted to be there and having fun while learning. Esther is a connection and networking queen, and she built a successful program in less than six months from scratch because of her reputation and genuine relationships in her community. She connects with each child at their level: kindness, care, thoughtfulness and fun are all in her bag of superpowers. She continues to inspire me as an example and I’m grateful for the opportunity this program has afforded us.   

FT: How has your mentor helped you feel more confident or prepared for life after college?   

EE: Hope has helped me feel more prepared for life after college by celebrating and capitalizing on my strengths. Her perspective has provided valuable connections, advice and friendship which has made me a better and more well-rounded person.  

FT: How do you feel your relationship with your mentor has changed your college experience? 

EE: The relationship that I have with Hope has been a transformative part of my college experience because she is a close member on my “go to” team. Hope is always a phone call or text message away.  

FT: Drawing from what you’ve observed in your peers’ mentoring relationships, what advice would you share with someone just starting out as a mentor? 

EE: When you are just starting out as a mentor, it is important to remember that the mentor and mentee relationship is a two-way street. Your mentor is there for you in the highs and lows of college and beyond, so effort and transparency are important.  

FT: Describe a memorable moment you’ve shared with your mentor.   

EE: We have had many memorable moments including going to a Purdue basketball game, the Indy Jazz Kitchen and lots of golf together. At the top of the list includes Hope traveling from Indianapolis when I was the site director at First Tee – Indiana in Richmond to volunteer with the kids. 

Class is in Session – From September CH2 Magazine

The life-changing impact of First Tee goes beyond the green and into the classroom.

By Barry Kaufman

The start of the new school year means so many things. For some kids, they’re taking their first classes in a new school, moving up from elementary to middle to high school. For others, the fall means a new world of educational pursuits, moving up the ladder as they pursue their goals. But for all of those kids, at least in the 24 schools in Beaufort and Jasper County where First Tee – The Lowcountry is active, the start of a new school year means another chance to enjoy the game of golf while absorbing important life lessons.

“With the start of the new school year, the students are very excited for our golf unit,” said Stephen Reilly, a PE Teacher at Royal Live Oaks Academy. A public charter school serving K-12 studnets throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties. “I’m looking forward to seeing our kids continue to build their confidence, incorporate their math skills and motivate their classmates to try their best with this program.”

The program First Tee has cooked up for our schools is a multi-dynamic curriculum that incorporates several of the philosophies that have made their after-school, summer camp and in-facility programs such a success with area kids. Going beyond the fundamentals of golf, these lessons integrate life lessons centered on five core commitments: Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, and Using Good Judgment.

Each lesson is designed so that golf skills become a framework for character development. For example, setting targets on the course models how to set and pursue goals in life. Facing difficult shots helps participants embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Team-based activities emphasize collaboration, showing how working with others leads to success both on and off the course. Celebrating small wins and reflecting on strengths nurture a positive self-identity. Finally, learning when to take risks or play it safe highlights the importance of sound judgment.

“It’s really cool to get this program into schools because a lot of these kids are never going to get to play golf this early in their life,” said Ryan Wolfe, Program Manager and Lead Coach for First Tee – The Lowcountry. “It’s a great way to mix in those core values and key commitments we want to teach those kids.”

And while it’s the First Tee’s lesson plans, they trust in each teacher who takes on their curriculum to deliver those lessons in their own way, giving teachers freedom to lead their own classes.

“We actually send them lesson plans, plastic golf clubs and targets that are free for them to use,” said Wolfe. “But then they teach it how they would any other lessons. And a lot of those teachers have been working with us for many years.”

For kids, it’s an enjoyable way to tee off on the new school year. For First Tee, it’s one element in a multi-faceted approach that blends the game of golf with life lessons that enrich, educate and create better students.

⛳ FREE GOLF ALERT @ The Sarge ⛳

In celebration of the Arnold Palmer Cup at Congaree, Discover South Carolina and the Congaree Foundation are treating YOU to complimentary rounds of golf at Sergeant Jasper Golf Club! 🎉

📍 Sergeant Jasper Golf Club
📅 June 3–8, 2025
💵 FREE (yes, for everyone)
📞 Call (843) 361-5000 to reserve your tee time!

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.