Bucky Dudley, ED, First Tee Charleston

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February 8 – (In-Person and Zoom) – Bucky Dudley, Executive Director, First Tee Charleston. First Tee is an organization that is probably familiar to many golfers in our Club. It is a youth development organization. Sure, the kids get instruction in golf, but First Tee integrates the game of golf with a life skills curriculum that builds inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. They teach kids to focus on interpersonal and self-management skills on and off the course. There is an emphasis on setting goals and making them a reality. They learn conflict resolution, resilience, and how to plan for the future. And they learn the importance of giving back to the community. A number of names familiar to us are in leadership positions with First Tee – Greg Keating, Paul Heinauer (former owner of Glasspro), Bob Moran, Matt Sloan, and Darius Rucker. The group has what they call an Immersion Program where students on the brink of success meet Monday-Friday during the summer and on Saturdays during the school year for golf, mentoring, and various STEAM activities. Participants receive healthy meals, transportation and support from dedicated instructors. First Tee is not looking just for golfers, but for anybody with a special skill that can help these kids become successful adults. 

Required reading: 

https://firstteegreatercharleston.org/about/staff/ 

https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonFirstTee/