Join us for the August Upstate Update as we dive into all things First Tee — Upstate South Carolina! This month, we’re sharing exciting updates on programming, fundraising, and upcoming events across the Upstate.

In this episode:

Programming Highlights: Fall registration is open! First Tee participants Julia and Spencer are attending national opportunities and we’re just five weeks away from the PURE Insurance Championship for Paul. Plus, get the latest on Girls Golf, PGA Jr. League All-Star highlights, and Watson Links updates.

Fundraising & Events: Catch up on the YPC Member-Guest recap and hear what’s coming next, including The Core Values Cup, The Passion ‘FORE’ Fashion Show, The Cyder Cup, and the 25th Anniversary Game Changers Gala!

Stay in the loop with everything First Tee Upstate – from fun events to leadership opportunities – and hear what’s on the horizon.

We’ll see you on The First Tee!

In this episode, we explore the key commitment of Pursuing Goals and our favorite techniques for achieving them. Our featured guest is Spencer Lengel, a true game changer who recently attended the First Tee Game Changers Academy and was selected for the PGA Tour Superstore Leadership Summit in Montana. Spencer shares his inspiring journey, the lessons learned from these transformative experiences, and how goal setting has fueled his growth both on and off the course.

This episode also kicks off our new podcast structure. Each episode will spotlight a guest and one of First Tee’s key commitments, with our Upstate Update now coming to you later in the month as its own standalone episode.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with motivation, practical tips, and insights to help you pursue your own goals.

In this episode, we dive into one of First Tee’s Five Key Commitments:

Collaborating with Others. Join us as we chat with Kaden Conrad, our Summer Intern for Tournament Operations, about the power of teamwork and what he’s learning behind the scenes. We’ll also collaborate with Biff Lathrop, Executive Director of the South Carolina Golf Association, to explore how partnerships strengthen our golf community.

In this episode of On the First Tee, Michael and Jared dive into First Tee’s Key Commitment of Growing Through Challenge. Joined by two of our three summer interns Kylie Rehberger and Johnny Schoenmaker, we explore how facing and overcoming challenges can shape character, build resilience, and lead to personal growth. From stepping outside their comfort zones to learning through experience, our interns share what this commitment means to them as they begin their journey with First Tee.

Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation filled with real stories, meaningful lessons, and the heart of what makes First Tee special.

Welcome back to On the First Tee with Michael Pius and Jared Crane! ⛳️ In Episode 3, we dive deep into one of First Tee’s most impactful Key Commitments: Building Positive Self-Identity 💪. This episode is all about helping young people develop the confidence, resilience, and self-worth they need to succeed—on the golf course and in life.

We’re thrilled to be joined by two inspiring guests:

🌟 Mark Good – 2024 Young Professional Council Member of the Year, First Tee – Upstate South Carolina. Mark shares how his journey with First Tee and the Young Professionals Council has helped him grow personally and professionally, and how he now pays it forward.

🏌️‍♂️ Steve Goforth – PGA Professional and host of the Goforth and Golf podcast. Steve brings a wealth of experience from both the teaching and playing sides of the game and offers valuable insight into how golf can shape character and build strong identities in youth.

Together, we unpack real stories, personal growth moments, and practical ways to support positive self-identity in young people. Whether you’re a coach, parent, supporter, or young professional, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready to help others believe in themselves 💬✨.

In this episode, we dive into one of First Tee’s Five Key Commitments: Collaborating with Others. Join us as we chat with Star Kinzer, First Tee’s Coach of the Year, about the power of teamwork in coaching. We’ll also collaborate with Tyler Emory, General Manager of our local PGA Tour Superstore, to explore how partnerships strengthen our golf community. Plus, don’t miss our Upstate Update for the latest news and happenings in First Tee – Upstate South Carolina.

Tune in and tee up for a great conversation! ⛳🎙️

In this episode, we dive into one of First Tee’s key commitments: Pursuing Goals. We explore effective goal-setting techniques like goal ladders and the four key components of setting goals. Joining us is First Tee – Upstate South Carolina participant Paul Ancona, who shares his inspiring journey to Augusta National to compete in the National Drive, Chip & Putt Championship and how goal setting played a crucial role in his success.

We also welcome Jim Hackenberg, inventor and owner of Orange Whip, golf’s #1 swing trainer, to discuss how goal setting applies to skill development in the game.

Finally, we wrap up with our Upstate Update, keeping you in the loop on all things First Tee – Upstate South Carolina.

Tune in for an episode packed with motivation, insight, and inspiration on the path to achieving your goals!

Join Michael Pius, Executive Director, and Jared Crane, Program Director of Operations, as they introduce the brand-new First Tee – Upstate South Carolina Podcast! In this teaser episode, we share what you can expect from future episodes, including:

🎙️ Deep dives into First Tee’s Key Commitments—our foundation for teaching life skills through golf.
🎤 Interviews with participants, alumni, coaches, volunteers, and board members.
🤝 Conversations with sponsors and supporters who help make our programs possible.
📢 The "Upstate Update" segment—recapping events, programs, and upcoming opportunities.

We’re excited to connect with our participants, supporters, and stakeholders in a whole new way—and we’re going to have fun doing it!

Want to be part of the podcast or have ideas for topics? Reach out and let us know!