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