Our goal at the First Tee is to help kids become better people through the game of golf. On October 22, we got to introduce members of the First Tee of the Coastal Carolinas to the man who best embodies the nine core values we work so hard to instill – Jack Nicklaus, golf’s greatest champion.
As part of an appearance the 18-time major winner made to celebrate the 30th birthdays of his designs at Pawleys Plantation and Long Bay Club, Nicklaus was part of a 45-minute First Tee clinic that was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our kids.
How often do you get the chance to meet someone who was the greatest to ever play their chosen sport? It was an advantage our kids were able to take advantage of, and Jack was typically gracious and accommodating.
The Golden Bear strolled onto a roped-off driving range at Pawleys Plantation and immediately began interacting with our players. A long-time advocate for the First Tee, Nicklaus was talking with kids, providing tips on the range, signing autographs and posing for pictures.
In short, he was everything you would hope one of the legends of the game would be.
The First Tee of the Coastal Carolinas is fortunate to host several high-profile events, including our annual Future Generations tournament that annually attracts the likes of Golf Channel stars Charlie Rymer and Kelly Tilghman, and the appearance of Nicklaus has made 2018 a year our organization will never forget.
The day concluded with a dinner experience that also served as a First Tee fundraiser. VIP guests got their picture taken with Nicklaus and all attendees enjoy a four-course meal at the Pawleys Plantation Conference Center.
The evening finished with a Q&A session between Jack and the crowd of 200 people that filled the room. Gary Schaal, a former president of the PGA of America, moderated the Q&A as Nicklaus opined on everything from the Ryder Cup to the health of the industry.
It was a great day for the First Tee and most importantly, our kids.
