Category: Blog

Keeping Kids Engaged with Proven Teaching Strategies

December 19, 2023 | Coach Spotlight

Our very own Bucky Dudley, who also happens to be a Carolinas PGA Section Youth Player Development Award winner, recently shared some teaching insights with the PGA. Here are his thoughts on the importance of keeping students engaged…

Coaches must ensure their junior golfers are not only taking away an understanding of each lesson but are also enjoying the learning process. I employ a few teaching strategies… The first is ending the activity at the height of enjoyment. While this might sound counterintuitive, kids have a limited attention span. There is a limited amount of time before they get “bored” and their minds wander, creating unengaged participants and an unsafe environment. By only playing for a few minutes before shifting focus, participants will leave the activity with a positive experience and remember how much fun it was to play. They will want more! This also allows for the same games to be played week after week and for participants to see improvement across the weeks. This means that coaches must have at least two games or activities ready for each class. Consider using the change of activity as a water break to help refresh your participants for the next activity.

The second strategy is Play-Practice-Play, especially for older participants or those with more experience. I was introduced to this concept in First Tee Coach Training, and it was an “aha” moment in my professional development. The idea is to create games and activities for participants to quickly start playing after arrival, and to sandwich them around purposeful practice of the intended skill. For example, if the skill is putting, participants may immediately start play of a game where they need to putt the ball into a hole around obstacles. Finding it difficult at first, stopping for instruction and practice, and returning to the game afterwards can allow for improvement and increased enjoyment of the game during the second half.

Finally, the best coaches are master game creators. Drills are boring, but they are a great tool to help learn new techniques or skills. What if you could create games that bundle the skills needed to improve into a game that kids enjoy. Drills become less boring, and your students learn more quickly while having fun. Become a master game creator and your students will reap the rewards.

We may be biased, but we think Bucky’s advice rings true for all educators, regardless of subject matter. Hop over to our programs page to learn more about First Tee curriculum and how we utilize Bucky’s concepts to teach interpersonal skills through the game of golf.

Madison Capital Group Invests $200k in First Tee Programs

November 20, 2023 | Press Release

First Tee – Greater Charleston (FTGC) hosted its annual Giving Days marathon November 15-16 to raise money for golf and life skills programs administered at golf courses, schools, and community centers throughout Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. This year’s campaign reached a record-breaking 536 donors in 48 hours culminating in a $200,000 gift from Charlotte/Charleston-based real estate firm, Madison Capital Group. 

“Giving Days is more than a fundraiser… It’s an awareness campaign,” says Bucky Dudley, Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Charleston. “Our goal is to reach as many donors as possible within 48 hours. Even if a donor only gives $1, that’s $1 that we can put to work in our community, and one more person who knows about our mission to help young people. This year we reached twice as many donors as last year, and I don’t think that would have been possible without Madison Capital Group’s support!”

A series of corporate sponsors pledged unlocking gifts for Giving Days, with Madison Capital Group offering $200,000 when the campaign reached a donor threshold of 350. 

“We are thrilled to invest in this wonderful organization,” says Ryan Hanks, Madison Capital’s Chief Executive Officer.  “Their work is inspiring and will have a generational impact on kids and families in the Charleston community for years to come.”  

Giving Days 2023 raised $311,005. $41,505 came from individual contributions and $269,500 from corporate sponsors including Madison Capital Group, Charles Schwab, Wadsworth Golf Charities Foundation, The Cassina Group, Banks Construction, and Selling Kiawah.  

Funds raised will help serve 17k+ kids each year and keep 97% of FTGC programs free for families in need.

“Madison Capital’s gift is transformative for a nonprofit like ours! It gives us the essential resources to not only grow programs to reach more kids but also to invest in program improvements such as training, equipment, and transportation,” says Bucky Dudley, Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Charleston. “We are tremendously grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to helping kids in our community!”

About Madison Capital Group

Madison Capital Group is a vertically integrated real estate investment firm specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of suburban, garden-style multifamily communities and self-storage facilities.  For more information, visit www.madisoncapgroup.com. 

About First Tee – Greater Charleston

Established in 2008, First Tee – Greater Charleston serves young people, ages 5-18, from all walks of life. The chapter offers on-course, in-school, and community programs to teach life-enhancing values and interpersonal skills through the game of golf. The organization reaches more than 17,000 children each year in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties–17,975 young people in 2022 alone. Visit firstteegreatercharleston.org to learn more.

AEC Cornhole Tournament Raises $15k for First Tee

Frampton Construction chooses First Tee – Greater Charleston as beneficiary for 2nd Annual Charleston AEC Industry Cornhole Tournament.

November 3, 2023 | Community Support

Our friends at Frampton Construction hosted the 2nd Annual Charleston AEC Industry Cornhole Tournament at Holy City Brewing yesterday and raised $15,000 with the help of industry partners for First Tee – Greater Charleston programs!

As reigning 2022 champs, Frampton was nominated to orchestrate the event and chose First Tee as beneficiary. Thank you, Team Frampton!

Teams from Seaman Whiteside took home first and second place, and will have the opportunity to host next year’s event.

A huge thank you goes to Triangle Lawn Games for coordinating tournament logistics and all participating teams: Frampton Construction, Terracon, Landmark Construction, Davis & Floyd, Lithko Contracting, Eldeco Inc, JE Dunn Construction, Steel Fab, Trident Construction, Quantum Commercial, Mashburn Construction, and Seamon Whiteside & Associates.

Want to host an event benefiting First Tee – Greater Charleston? Email Kendall to coordinate.

Gene’s Dream Foundation Mentor Cup

Participant Spotlight | November 2, 2023

Clayton, Jayden, and Baron played the Gene’s Dream Foundation Mentor Cup in Myrtle Beach last weekend. They kicked things off on Friday with a meet-and-greet event at Topgolf. Jayden even got a few pointers from special guest Nancy Lopez!

On Saturday, Baron got closest to the pin on the #9 par 3 and won a pro shop gift card. He nearly holed it for an Ace! He tapped in a one-foot putt for birdie, his best hole ever.

Clayton and Jayden also played well. Here’s Clayton stripping a drive…

The Mentor Cup is an annual mentor/mentee team event dedicated to the memory of Gene Weldon, a 50-year PGA Professional who was instrumental in the foundation and development of a formidable junior golf program in Myrtle Beach. Gene believed that golf was a reflection of life—that friendships made and character developed on the course could be transformative. That spirit is captured in the Mentor Cup. Our mentor and mentee participants were touched by the level of community support. Each hole had volunteers handing out drinks, candy, golf balls, and other goodies, and comradery among teams was a major aspect of the event.

Coach Todd and Baron (left) pose with playing partners from First Tee – Greater Charlotte (right)

“It was great meeting representatives from other [First Tee] chapters… I really enjoyed it and think the event was great exposure for all three of our mentee participants!” – Coach Todd Murphy

Our superstars didn’t bring home the cup, but we certainly are proud of the way they represented Charleston! We hope to send more teams in 2024. Stay tuned for details and visit GenesDream.com to learn more.

Alice Shifts Focus & Shoots Her Personal Best

Alice (center) poses with Wando Lady Warrior Golf Team after winning the 2023 Region VI AAAAA Championship.

October 24, 2023 | Participant Spotlight

Earlier this month, Coach Todd Murphy played a round of golf with two program participants at Berkeley Country Club as part of his continuing education (Level 2 Coach Certification). One of those program participants was Alice, a senior at Wando High School who was preparing for the 2023 Region VI AAAAA Championship to be held at Berkeley on October 10th.

This low-pressure playdate provided Alice with keen perspective…

“The main reason I couldn’t break 80 was because I was getting in my head too much about my score… Playing a practice round with Coach Todd helped me relax and focus on each shot individually.”

– Alice Li, First Tee – Greater Charleston Program Participant

When Alice returned to Berkeley with the Wando Lady Warrior Golf Team, she broke 80 for the first time ever, shooting 77, and her team captured the title, setting a new Wando record of 310.

Coach Todd and Alice share Alice’s new personal best (77).

There’s a fine line between pursuing perfection and pursuing one’s personal best. Alice understands the difference, and lucky for us, she’s decided to share her constructive perspective with others as an Assistant Coach this season. (Thank you, Alice! We’re so proud of you!!)

Want to learn more about unique play/volunteer opportunities for a young person in your life? Email Meghan Taylor to learn more.

USGA Grant Supports Academic, Athletic & Professional Enrichment for Underserved Youth

October 3, 2023 | Press Release

Program Update January 1, 2024: The Game Changers Immersion Program is now called the Pathfinder Immersion Program.

First Tee – Greater Charleston is receiving a $7,500 IDEA grant from the United States Golf Association. Funds will support academic, athletic, and professional enrichment opportunities for local youth in underserved communities through First Tee’s Game Changers Immersion Program—a program that has garnered USGA support since its inception in 2021.

The USGA awards IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) grants to organizations that are expanding access to the game of golf and its inherent social emotional benefits.

Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA says, “The best way to introduce youth to the game is by meeting them where they are in their communities, and we are going to continue to drive resources toward the local level to ensure a more accessible and inclusive game for generations to come.”

Thanks to continued USGA funding and generous community support, First Tee – Greater Charleston is currently serving students grade 6-8 on a year-round basis. Participants meet with coaches and mentors Monday through Friday during the summer and on Saturdays throughout the school year for golf instruction and STEAM activities. All activities, transportation, snacks, meals, and equipment are provided at no cost to participating families.

The program is still very young, but First Tee is excited to share early trends and benefits. According to recent survey data (summer 2023), 100% of Immersion Program parents report that their child is more confident and more likely to exercise good judgment after spending time with First Tee coaches and mentors. 83% of parents report that their child is better able to cope with challenges.

“Access is important, but our primary objective isn’t access to the game. We want to provide children with access to game-changing learning opportunities. We want to help them build a toolbox for life. Confidence and coping skills are significant short-term outcomes, and we look forward to sharing more long-term program benefits as our Immersion Program matures,” says Bucky Dudley, Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Charleston.

The Game Changers Immersion Program accepts a new class of rising 6th graders each summer and is on track to serve more than 56 young people, grades 6-12, by 2027.

About First Tee – Greater Charleston

Established in 2008, First Tee – Greater Charleston serves young people, ages 5-18, from all walks of life. In addition to the Game Changers Immersion Program, the chapter offers on-course, in-school, and community programs to teach life skills using the game of golf and its inherent values to more than 17,000 children each year in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. 97% of participants receive free programming thanks to generous community support.

Contact [email protected] to learn more about how to get involved.

Let’s Talk Podcast with Carolyn Murray

August 28, 2023 | Feature Story

Our Executive Director, Bucky Dudley, sat down with WCBD News 2 Anchor and First Tee Board Member Carolyn Murray to explain what First Tee is all about and why he got involved.

Listen to Carolyn’s Let’s Talk podcast weekly for more local news, and contact Bucky to learn more about how you can get involved with Charleston Area youth development programs.

*Program cost is referenced in this podcast. 97% of First Tee – Greater Charleston program participants receive free programs in schools, through community partnerships and via on-course program scholarships. On-course program fees are $60 for families who do not qualify for financial aid.

Game Changers Hold Mock Trial Event at Charleston Historic Courthouse

Game Changers pose with mock trial volunteers at Charleston Historic Courthouse | Photo by Gabriel Conn

July 20, 2023 | Program Update

Program Update January 1, 2024: The Game Changers Immersion Program is now called Pathfinder Immersion Program.

Our Game Changers Immersion Program (GCIP) held its third annual mock trial event at Charleston’s Historic Courthouse yesterday. Amanda Perry, Esq. and Steven Smith, Esq. have been practicing with GCIP kids all summer in preparation for two cases—the State vs. Gold E. Locks and the State vs. Jack Robinson (of Jack and the Beanstalk).

First-year Game Changers (rising sixth graders) prosecuted and defended Jack. Second and third-year participants (rising seventh and eighth graders) represented Gold E. Locks and her accusers, the Bear family.

While all parties presented persuasive arguments, the jury reached unanimous verdicts in both cases. Gold E. Locks was found guilty of bad manners and theft. Jack Robinson was found not guilty of second degree intentional homicide.

Special thanks to Amanda Perry, Esq. and Steven Smith, Esq. who support this enrichment opportunity year after year with their time, talent, and energy. Our Game Changers have learned so much from you!

And thank you to the many volunteers and staff members who helped make this year’s event a success—Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, Esq. (judge), Officer Gause (bailiff), Officer Rice (bailiff), Ryan Webster, Esq. (juror), First Tee Program Director Meghan Taylor (juror), First Tee Marketing Director Kendall Flock (juror), Game Changers Immersion Program Director Lerone Johnson, and camp counselors Maddie, Antonio, Vada, Olivia, and Gabe.

Alex Andrews & Tommy Hall Join First Tee – Greater Charleston Advisory Board

July 13, 2023 | Press Release

Charleston, SC–First Tee – Greater Charleston instated two new Advisory Board Members during a Board Meeting on July 12th. Alex Andrews and Tommy Hall, both long-time supporters, will be joining the ranks of other community leaders to enhance Charleston Area youth development programs.

First Tee Advisory Board Members serve in strategic planning, awareness, and fundraising capacities. Alex Andrews and Tommy Hall have a proven track record in all of these roles. 

Alex Andrews

Alex Andrews served on the First Tee – Greater Charleston Board of Directors for 6 years (2017-2022), where she spent four years as Secretary. She has played an instrumental role in organizing First Tee’s Annual Lowcountry GOLF&GALA event; she coordinated funding for First Tee through foundation support; and she also helped facilitate a corporate partnership with Renwick for Girls Golf programing.

Tommy Hall

Tommy Hall , CEO of Hall Management Group, served on the Board of Directors for 6 years (2017-2022). He has been influential in GOLF&GALA planning efforts, and he has hosted events at Halls and Halls 5 Faber to promote awareness of First Tee’s mission and impact. 

Bucky Dudley, Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Charleston says, “We are excited for Alex and Tommy to join the Board of Advisors. Their passion for local youth and advocacy for First Tee programs is as strong as ever, and as Advisors, we look forward to their continued involvement as we serve more children on the golf course and beyond.”

For a complete list of First Tee – Greater Charleston’s Board of Directors and Advisory Board Members, please visit our About Page.

Learning the Tournament Ropes at Briar’s Creek

First Tee – Greater Charleston program participants pose for a photo at the Rolex Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament at Briar’s Creek.

July 3, 2023 | Program Update

We love it when the Rolex Girls Junior Championship comes to town! This year’s event featured a fundraising tournament on June 19 benefiting First Tee – Greater Charleston. It’s an amazing opportunity for First Tee program participants like Lilly, age 10, to play with and learn from some of the best rising golf stars in the nation…

“I liked meeting and playing with Yurang Li. She was really nice and a good golfer. I liked riding with her and seeing how she warms up for a match and learning about her playing golf in college. I hope I can do that too one day.”

– Lilly, First Tee – Greater Charleston Program Participant

Thanks to a long-time partnership with AJGA and generous community support, we were able to send 20 participants to play in the fundraising tournament at Briar’s Creek, and some of those young people were afforded the opportunity to shadow tournament administration and support staff through AJGA’s Day In A Life program. Participants like Jackie, age 17, enjoyed learning about career opportunities in the industry beyond playing the game…

“I enjoyed playing with Megan Meng during the fundraising tournament, and I especially loved the Day In A Life program. It was great to experience how a tournament works. My favorite part was being able to track pace of play and talking with [AJGA interns] Helena and Mia! They were great to learn from, and I enjoyed getting to know more about how the intern program works because it relates to what I want to do in my future career. …These events are great opportunities for kids like me. It’s important to understand how much work staff puts into making tournaments possible. Participating in events like this is a great way to make new connections as well!”

– Jackie, First Tee – Greater Charleston Program Participant

We look forward to following the careers of all the golfers who played in this year’s Rolex Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament, and we hope that some of our program participants will follow in their footsteps or consider a career in tournament management!

Want to help us make educational opportunities like this accessible to kids from all walks of life? Email [email protected] to learn how you can get involved.

New Bus Opens Enrichment Doors for Charleston Area Youth

June 12, 2023 | Program Update

Thanks to generous community support, we were able to purchase a bus last month! This is our second vehicle and will play a critical role in getting kids to various enrichment activities.

Two vehicles will satisfy the transportation needs of our growing Game Changers Immersion Program, allowing more students to visit local businesses, college campuses, and golf courses Monday-Friday each summer and on Saturdays during the school year. A bus will also open doors for new partnerships with CCSD schools, equipping us to to transport up to five school groups to On-Course Golf & Life Skills classes this fall.

Additional vehicles or transportation partners will be needed as our Immersion Program grows. Want to help? Consider a monthly gift or email Bucky to learn more about how you can get involved.