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!
Attention Junior Golfers!
The summer tournament season is here! Get your clubs ready and mark your calendars for the
2025 HHIJGA Tournament Schedule. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills or
compete at the next level, we’ve got you covered!
Registration Now Open! Spots are filling fast—don’t miss your chance to compete!
Divisions:
Boys: 7-9, 10-12, 13-14, 15-18
Girls: 7-9, 10-12, 13-18
Let’s hit the course and show off those skills!
For more information visit our website at https://hhijga.com/home.html
More than nine in 10 parents with adult children aged 18-35 say they’ve seen how youth sports can shape a child’s future
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (May 8, 2025) – Despite an unsteady economy, nearly nine in 10 American parents say they are making room in the budget for extracurricular activities (88%), including sports. Nine in 10 parents say playing sports helps children build character (92%) and teaches them important life skills (90%), according to new research from The Harris Poll and First Tee.
The global consulting and market research firm teamed up with the nonprofit youth development organization to explore the value parents place on youth sports, with a particular focus on the long-term impact of coaches. The Harris Poll surveyed 2,042 U.S. adults in March 2025 and analyzed the data by gender, age, race, education and income, among other characteristics.
While few young athletes ultimately turn professional, parents believe youth sports can have lifelong benefits off the field. Nearly nine in 10 parents strongly recommend youth sports to other parents, believing that coaches can impact a child’s ability to work well with others (89%), respect others (89%) and be resilient in the face of challenges (88%).
“According to this new research, parents with adult children say the confidence their child built through sports continues to shape their success today, a data point that reinforces First Tee’s mission of teaching not only golf skills but also life skills and values that equip kids to face new challenges,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “While we have heard success stories from countless First Tee alumni, we are grateful to Harris Poll for helping us quantify the incredible impact of extracurricular activities.”
Generations of Americans have been shaped by youth sports, with nearly 70% of parents who grew up with coaches saying they wouldn’t be where they are today without those influential adults in their life (67%). First Tee knows its coaches are the key to its success, which is why it’s celebrating them during First Tee Week, May 19-25. The new brand awareness campaign will mark the launch of a PSA titled “Dear Coach” and feature a panel discussion on the impact of coaches at the PGA TOUR’s Charles Schwab Challenge.
Other key findings from the survey include:
“Even amid economic uncertainty, parents see youth sports as a non-negotiable investment in their child’s future,” said Abbey Lunney, Managing Director of the Trends and Thought Leadership Practice at The Harris Poll. “Nearly 9 in 10 say the experience helped prepare their children for the future. Our data shows they’re not just hoping for athletic success—they’re prioritizing confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills shaped by meaningful coaching.”
This is the third annual research collaboration between The Harris Poll and First Tee.
Download the full 2025 report.
For the results of the 2024 parent survey, click here.
The Liberty National Foundation announced earlier today an extension of its long-standing support through 2029.
Committing an additional $1 million, this latest gift brings the Fireman family and Liberty National Foundation’s total contribution to First Tee to $8 million since its first commitment in 2012.
The announcement was made during a special event at Liberty National Golf Club, where the Fireman family was celebrated for their continued support of First Tee’s mission to build character in young people through the game of golf. The new commitment will primarily support four First Tee chapters across New Jersey, which collectively impacted nearly 29,000 youth in 2024.
Jennifer Weiler, Senior Vice President of Network Relations at First Tee, joined Liberty National Foundation and New Jersey’s First Tee chapter leaders at the event.
“What makes this partnership so meaningful is how it helps us shape young potential into lifelong character,” said Weiler. “The continued support from the Liberty National Foundation allows us to reach thousands of children across New Jersey, particularly in underserved communities where access to character-building programs like ours can be transformative.”
Dan Fireman, Founder of the Liberty National Foundation, emphasized the alignment between First Tee’s mission and his family’s values.
“Through this continued partnership with First Tee, we’re committed to ensuring that more young people, especially those from underserved communities, have access to the character-building power of this great game,” said Fireman.
Dan’s father, Paul Fireman, was recognized last November when First Tee honored him with the Lifetime Achievement award.
First Tee has grown into a global youth development organization impacting more than 3.1 million kids and teens annually through its network of 150 Chapters with programs delivered at more than 1,700 golf facilities, as well as in nearly 12,000 schools and more than 2,000 youth centers. The organization has expanded internationally, with programs now in Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, and Morocco.
The Liberty National Foundation’s gift will help further First Tee’s commitment to providing inclusive access to its programs, with a focus on reaching young people from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.
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.
Register Here for Summer 2025 camps in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton for First Tee – The Lowcountry.
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.”
This year’s honorees represent a cross-section of our community — each inspiring in their own leadership:
“I’ve known most of our recipients for a while,” said King. “It’s amazing because they’re all leaders in their own right.”
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.
Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available!
Visit 👉 firstteelowcountry.org to learn more and support this impactful event.
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]
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.”
“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.
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.
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.”
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
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.
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.
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.”
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.
