We are thrilled to report that in 2025, female participation in First Tee — Upstate SC programs surged to an all-time high of nearly 44%!
Your past support has directly created these opportunities:
- Program Funding: Receiving the $3,000 LPGA/USGA Enrich Grant allowed us to expand critical program elements.
- Coaching Excellence: Thanks to dedicated leaders like Star Kinzer and Brenda Rutledge, and their volunteer coaches, our girls-only classes offer focused, inspiring instruction.
- National Recognition: Two of our female participants earned highly competitive national selections: Londyn Doogan was invited to the LPGA/USGA Girls Golf Academy in Pinehurst, and Julia Conroy attended the First Tee Leadership Summit in Montana and the First Tee Drive Your Future Academy in Florida. These opportunities showcase the caliber of talent and character we are proud to foster.
- Retention & Belonging: The success of our LPGA/USGA Girls Golf events shows the strength of our community in keeping girls engaged and passionate about the game.
Behind Every Girl Who Picks Up a Club are the Women Leading the Way
From volunteers and coaches to staff and board leadership—women are driving our mission forward at every level.
Meet some of the women making it happen:
Volunteers: Judy Henderson and Stacy Albright
Coaches: Brenda Rutledge, Star Kinzer, Laura Mauer and Maddie Carraway
Staff: Lauren Haas and Kylie Rehberger
Board Members: Stephanie Ancona, Jennifer Paradis and Johanna Ward
These women aren’t just participating in our programs—they’re shaping the future of girls’ golf in the Upstate.
From the Upstate to the National Stage
Three Students. Six Destinations.
Lifelong Memories.
Not one. Not two. But THREE First Tee — Upstate South Carolina participants were selected for national opportunities in 2025—representing our chapter alongside the best young golfers from across America.
Julia Conroy had an exceptional year on the national stage. She traveled to Montana for First Tee Leadership Summit, then was selected for the First Tee Drive Your Future Academy in Florida—connecting with First Tee participants from across America who share her passion for golf, character development, and community service.
Spencer Lengel didn’t stop at one either — he attended both the First Tee Leadership Summit in both Montana and the First Tee Game Changers Academy in Minnesota, building relationships from coast to coast.
And Paul Ancona? He went to the First Tee Leadership Acadmey in Atlanta, then earned the opportunity to play in the 2025 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach!
From building relationships at national leadership summits to competing at world-class courses, our participants are proving what’s possible.
Every Student. Every Background. Every Dream.
No matter who walks through our doors—whether it’s a girl picking up a club for the first time, or a dedicated player heading to a national opportunity—they all deserve the same thing: the chance to discover what they’re capable of.
Your support makes stories like Nelia, Julia, Spencer, and Paul’s possible. It funds coaching, equipment, and opportunities that change trajectories.
Thank you for believing in our participants. Thank you for showing them that golf—and their potential—has no limits.
