Overview

Introduction to the Project

Greater Access by 2028

As a rural nine-county chapter of the First Tee network, we’ve spent the past decade building programs that meet kids where they are—ensuring they feel included, enriched, and engaged.

Our targeted efforts have expanded access in underserved areas, but limitations remain. We rely entirely on partner facility schedules, and many youth—especially those in the most underserved communities—live far from our Green Grass Host Facilities and can only access our School Programs.

Saturday programming is in high demand due to weekday conflicts, and our outdoor enrichment activities are often impacted by weather. To truly meet community needs, we must expand our reach and increase access to consistent, dedicated spaces.

The Community Hub will allow for high inclusion and reach with a focus on outdoor learning, education and engagement while ensuring all spaces are multi purpose, allowing for flexibility in usage and creativity throughout the year.

Click Here to Download Campaign Packet

First Tee – Sandhills Footprint Review

Over a 14-month window we reviewed 16+ land sites off the US 1 Corridor. This area of the community was targeted as the most strategic space to invest in the Community Hub, allowing for ease of access to our current partners and new access for future partners.

  • Multi-Color Circles + Red Stars have active programs at golf courses, partner facilities and schools
  • Black Stars are targeted future growth communities
  • Red Heart is 35 Acre Land Purchase off Read Rd in Cameron

Project Rundown

Key Outcomes
  • Provide year round access and engagement to Curriculum Program Participants
  • Enhance School Program partnership through continued learning Field Trips with PE and Science programs A home for Community Programs with like minded youth centric organizations
  • A permanent place to offer consistent weekend programs for families
  • A workforce development program for teens and young adults including skill development and source of income A community classroom & a place where all are welcome

 

Green Space Amenities
  • Multi Surface Driving Range | 30 Hitting Bays
  • 20,000 Square Foot Putting Green
  • 2 – 3 Acre Short Game Area with bunkering
  • Flat Recreational Grass Space | .5 Acre PE Field
  • Oversized Pavilion for 100 Guest
  • 5 Acre Natural areas for STEM Learning Lab

 

Facility Usage Impact
  • School Program Partner Field Trips
  • Community Partner Programs
  • First Tee Curriculum Programs + Camps
  • Adaptive + Veteran Groups
  • Community College Programs
  • Public Usage
Learning Lab Amenities
  • First Tee – Sandhills Admin Offices
  • Community Meeting Space
  • Teen Tech Lab
  • Indoor Putting + Full Swing Space
  • Program Equipment Storage
  • ReSale Store Front
Present Landscape

To support the design and construction of this project, we have established a committee of community advocates and key stakeholders to ensure an outcome that will meet our qualitative and quantitative goals.

Below is a snapshot of the key tasks we have accomplished since March 2024.

  • Land Plan Architect Secured | Richard Mandell Golf Architecture
  • Land Procured | 35 Acre property on Read Rd in Cameron
  • Project Team Identified including Field Specific Experts
  • Fundraising for Phase 2 in Progress
  • Loan Applications with Bank Partners
  • Best Practices Research with similar Community Projects and First Tee Chapters
  • Consultations with Land Conservation & Wetland Protection Specialist
  • Project Scope & Land Usage Approved by Town of Cameron Planning Board & County Commissioners

In working with financial partners, we have established budgetary needs for each phase of the Community Hub Project, taking into consideration the balance of development goals, cash flow and immediate opportunities for youth and family use on the space.

Phase 1 and 2 of the project will require a $1.5MM investment over a sixteen-month period. In total we estimate a $4.3MM investment to see all four phases of the project to completion.

Thanks to our Cash Operating Reserve Policy, established in 2017, and our generous Friends of First Tee fund, we currently sit in a sound financial position specific to our First Tee – Sandhills Operations Budget and financial forecasting twelve months in advance.

This said, we were able to pay cash for the 34 acre purchase in December 2024 at $345,000 while still ensuring our day to day operations and goals are able to continue at a high quality level without cutting corners.