In Memory of Rick Kaiser
Coach Rick, a transplant from Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, joined the volunteer assistant coach team at First Tee – Sandhills in 2016, soon after relocating to our area. As a semi – retiree, he wanted to find an organization to volunteer with to keep busy while engaging in the community. He enjoyed coaching earlier in his life – football, baseball, wrestling, lacrosse, soccer and basketball – and felt this was a great way to give back in the Sandhills.
Coach Rick spent over five years giving back through our programs at First Tee – Sandhills. A natural lefty, Rick swung righty from the fairways while putting lefty on the greens. When not playing golf and exploring with his wife, Rick loved watching all University of Tennessee sports – maybe he was a bit partial, as his daughter is a UT alum! Go Vols!
Rick loved the chance to meet new participants throughout the year, as different kiddos participate in different sessions (spring, summer, fall), while working side by side with fellow volunteers that he described as enthusiastic and fun to be around. When working with the participants during programs, Coach Rick especially loved watching them practice their full swing on the driving range. He would say when they ‘connected’ with a ‘big’ shot, their reaction was priceless!
Coach Rick thought the mission of First Tee – Sandhills was a good enough reason to invite others to get involved on our volunteer team. He was a consistent member of the Knollwood Fairways coaching team, and always jumped at the first opportunity to substitute at other classes or fill in when needed.
Coach Rick will be tremendously missed by our community, fellow coaches, and the kiddos he mentored. We are thankful he chose to spend his spare time with our organization, and know he made a lasting impression in so many of our lives. Thanks, Coach Rick, for all you did for First Tee – Sandhills. We loved having you on our team.
We are humbled and appreciative that Rick’s family has chosen First Tee – Sandhills as an avenue to honor his enthusiasm, support, and passion for teaching young people the game of golf.
Your donation will be acknowledged to his family in a timely manner, as well as a personal acknowledgement for your contribution. Thank you for choosing to support Rick’s passions through our mission.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 19, at 11:00 a.m. at Boles Funeral Home, 425 W. Pennsylvania Ave., Southern Pines.
Donations may be made via cash or check via mail to:
First Tee – Sandhills
PO Box 3791 | Pinehurst, NC 28374
Donations may be made via credit card online through our secure PayPal server: