Category: Blog

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.

Mentors make a difference: Scholar Nelia Leong shares tips for making a connection 

Young people have lots to navigate – not just school and career development, but they’re also building confidence, overcoming challenges and taking on their first leadership roles. These are all areas where a mentor can help. 

For many participants, First Tee coaches serve as early mentors, with parents seeing the benefits. According to research from First Tee and Harris Poll, parents turn to coaches to help teach their kids character, perseverance and leadership skills.  

Three-quarters of adults who were mentored in their youth say their mentor “contributed significantly to their success later in life.”  

With its many benefits, mentorship is an essential element of the First Tee College Scholarship Program which extends First Tee’s impact to alumni by providing support throughout their post-graduate career. In addition to receiving financial support and professional development opportunities, each First Tee Scholar is matched with an adult mentor to help support them during their college experience. 

“We’ve seen our Scholars buy into their mentorship connections and because of that, they have another layer of support to guide them through any obstacles and challenges they face in college,” said Robbie Lowman, who oversees the First Tee College Scholarship Program. “Our mentors help our Scholars become the best versions of themselves, which benefits them in the job market.” 

An alumna of First Tee – Upstate South Carolina, Scholar Nelia Leong is a junior at the University of Florida. As she prepares to apply to dental school, Nelia reflected on her connection with her mentor, Jennifer Weiler, senior vice president of network relations at First Tee.  

“The most important lesson I’ve learned from Jen is that it’s okay to ask for help,” Nelia. “In fact, it can lead to incredible opportunities.” 

Jen helped Nelia connect with a dentist in her network. Nelia has since been shadowing and assisting him for two years, and he’s writing a letter of recommendation for her dental school applications. 

“Jen’s mentorship has been one of the most important relationships in my life,” Nelia said. “We’ve built a strong, trusting bond where I feel comfortable sharing all aspects of my life, knowing she’ll listen and offer support.” 

Nelia said Jen was there for her during the stressful lead up to her Dental Admissions Test last year, and Jen was the first person she texted to celebrate after receiving an excellent score on the exam. 

While having a mentor on your side can be incredibly beneficial, it’s not always easy to build and maintain a relationship in a busy world. 

“I built a personal connection with my mentor by keeping her updated on both the big and small events in my life,” Nelia said. “She celebrates my successes and supports me through challenges.” 

In addition to texting, Nelia and Jen connect by Google Meet at least once per month. They especially relish opportunities to meet in person. 

Jen says she has enjoyed being Nelia’s mentor throughout her college journey. “It has been fun to connect with Nelia virtually, on the golf course and at First Tee scholar events. She is such an impressive young woman and has an incredible future ahead of her.” She added, “I am so proud to have been a very small part of her success in college.”  

Nelia’s tips for cultivating a strong mentor-mentee relationship: 

  • Try to connect at least once a month, and don’t be afraid to reach out about the small things. 
  • Share your struggles and your wins. 
  • Ask for help when you need it.  

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. 

Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month: Alex Yang reflects on the importance of community

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Alex Yang from First Tee – Coachella Valley shared his story of how the chapter has supported him through his diagnosis and treatment of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

“I joined First Tee about 3 years ago, right after the COVID-19 pandemic. I played soccer for nine years and never played golf before, but I wanted to try a new sport outside of my comfort zone. As soon as I joined the program, I immediately fell in love with it. Before joining First Tee, I assumed it was just about learning golf and nothing else. I had no idea about the incredible life lessons they taught or the value of them. As a beginner golfer, I was very nervous and anxious about my lack of golf knowledge and was unsure how I would fit in. However, the environment at First Tee – Coachella Valley was astonishing.

 It was a place where everybody was welcome, regardless of their background or skill level. All of the coaches and other participants were extremely supportive and encouraging to each other. As we learned about skills to use both on and off the course, it opened my eyes to how golf is more than just the sport. The lessons I learned through the core values and other curriculums helped me grow as a person and became a part of my identity.

As I continued with First Tee, I participated in many of their programs besides just their teen group classes such as the Divots and Diversity class, Evans Scholar Caddie Program, PGA TOUR Superstore Leadership Class, standard bearing at the American Express, giving speeches at First Tee events, and even being selected to go to the PGATSS Leadership Academy in Atlanta in 2023. Throughout all of these experiences, I was exposed to remarkable people as well as countless opportunities. This helped me to build my own self confidence and learn how to pursue the goals that I set for myself. As I expanded my horizons, I looked towards the many national opportunities that First Tee provides over the summer. Unfortunately, there were unexpected developments that prevented me from participating. 

Starting in October of 2023, I noticed some signs that something was out of the ordinary. I experienced extreme fatigue, which caused me to fall asleep in almost every single one of my classes each day, even with eight to nine hours of sleep a day. I had just assumed that schoolwork and my activities were taking a toll on me. In December and January, I got sick very easily and multiple times in a short period of time. Starting in February, I developed a cough that I believed was a seasonal cold. As the coughing got worse, I took three trips to urgent cares, which only provided antibiotics and inhalers as they believed it was just bronchitis or a common cold. My mother requested a chest X-ray each time but was turned down all three times. As the condition worsened, I started to have difficulty breathing. This was when my mother rushed me to the ER on March 1, 2024.

The doctors there immediately noticed my right lung sounded diminished and ordered a chest X-ray. They were surprised that none of the urgent care doctors offered an X-ray to us. The results from the X-ray showed that my right lung collapsed due to excessive amounts of fluid. They immediately took me to the procedure room and drained two liters of fluid. I was then admitted to the hospital for further monitoring of my condition, which at the time they assumed was pneumonia. The doctors scheduled a surgery to drain the rest of the fluid as well as install a chest tube. The night before the surgery, the doctors changed the preliminary scan from an X-ray to a CT scan. With this scan, they found a 12 cm mediastinal mass on top of my heart which was blocking my airways. During the surgery they installed a chest tube and took a biopsy of the mass. A few days later, the results came back which showed that it was positive for blood cancer.

I began chemotherapy treatment to start eliminating the mass. We stayed in the Loma Linda area for six weeks before finally returning home. Once we returned home, we spent the rest of our time going back and forth to the clinic with occasional hospitalizations. I was never aware of the severe side effects that come with chemotherapy and how scary they can be.

As my doctor went over my treatment plan, she recommended that I take a year off of school because of the countless side effects and intensive treatment. However, I did not want to postpone my education and fall behind in my goal of becoming an engineer. I finished my 10th grade year through the online Home and Hospital program. Throughout the summer, I continued my education by completing an online class through my local community college as well as homework for the next year. Although things were extremely tough and painful, I did not want to give up and pushed myself to reach my goals. 

Although treatment has not concluded yet, I cannot wait to return to First Tee and continue my journey with them. First Tee – Coachella Valley has continuously reached out to me and checked up on my condition. They try to help me in any way that they can, even starting a lemonade stand to raise funds for my treatments. Without the immense support that I received from coaches and fellow participants, it would’ve been a much harder journey. I had never realized how much support from loved ones and a strong community could make such an impact. It gave me the strength to push through the hardest times of my life. 

Going through all of this, I have learned the importance of having a strong and supportive community with people to help you. This is truly one of the most precious gifts that you could ever have. First Tee has created a community unlike any other, and I am honored to be a part of it. Once I am able to, I hope to return the kindness and hope that I have been given back to my community and help others who are going through their own struggles. I am so thankful for everything I learned and have received from First Tee.”