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.