Community Answers the Challenge

“Like the health of one’s body, it is important to also explore the health of one’s community and discover how one can give back and care for its environment and safety.” – Community, one of The First Tee’s Nine Healthy Habits The First Tee of the Sandhills footprint stretches across an incredibly rural area of North Carolina – where extremely diverse demographics are deeply intertwined throughout communities. It’s our goal to bring more kiddos into Life Skills Curriculum programs, those who may need a scholarship and additional support to get involved. Thanks to corporate and community partners we are able to make our multi week curriculum programs high quality while keeping the cost as affordable as possible. Four years ago The First Tee of the Sandhills created a formal scholarship for youth attending our golf and life skills programs. Implementing a policy to never turn a child away, regardless of circumstances. While ensuring all scholarship youth are afforded the same opportunities for participation, equipment check out and between session special events. Since inception, over 900 participants attending The First Tee of the Sandhills multi week programs requested financial aid with 100% being approved! Last year we realized raising awareness and needed funds for this initiative would be key in 2017 and beyond – and that’s where The Fall Classic was born. Community members associated with area golf courses raised their hand to volunteer as a Captain – covering seven golf courses in Moore County – Country Club of North Carolina, Forest Creek Golf Club, Mid Pines Golf Club, Mid South Club, Pinehurst No. 6 & 7 and Pinewild Country Club. They eagerly ‘got to work’ recruiting friends, colleagues and golf group buddies to support the cause by signing up to participate in a friendly nine hole golf competition, or by sponsoring a hole. The commitment? Sponsor a Child for a future scholarship at The First Tee of the Sandhills. Then, throughout the month of October, over 230 community members raised their hand in support of the mission. Some heading out for a late afternoon competition, other putting a stake in the ground to acknowledge their commitment. And, this week, to add a layer of comradery in, the winning foursome from each of the seven facilities earned a coveted spot to represent their club in the Finale at Pinehurst No. 4! Captains, fellow participants, and spouses came out to watch the action late Wednesday afternoon – cheering on their respective facility. And when it was all said and done, the 2018 winners represented Forest Creek Golf Club! But, everyone in attendance agreed, the real winners were the kids. Thanks to the generosity of these local facilities, the captains, participants and sponsors – 390 program scholarships were raised. Hats off to a great year two of The Fall Classic. It’s an amazing tally, a humble feat, a celebration of community coming together! As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” And much, they did, indeed.