Become a Coach or Volunteer and Make a Difference

First Tee — Upstate South Carolina is dedicated to helping young people build character, confidence, and life skills through the game of golf. By joining our team, you play an important role in creating fun, safe, and impactful experiences for our participants while helping our chapter thrive. We’re always in need and grateful to anyone who would like to volunteer their time or talents. Our programs are successful due to the support of dedicated coaches and volunteers. We welcome people who can help in all areas, including coaching, assistant coaching, administration and assistance with special events. You don’t need to have experience as a golfer or in the golf industry to make a positive contribution to our efforts.

We have several ways for you to get involved:

Volunteer: Assist with fun and meaningful events like our Kentucky Derby Party, Girls FORE Fashion Show, and other Girls Golf events, as well as special events throughout the year. Volunteers can also help with managing club donations, office tasks such as thank-you notes, and more.

Volunteer Coach: Work alongside a Lead Coach to support our 6-week Life Skills curriculum. Training is provided, and volunteer coaches help ensure each participant has a positive and educational experience.

Lead Coach: Lead a team for our 6-week Life Skills curriculum as a paid coach. This role includes additional online training and offers the opportunity to pursue Level 2 certification and beyond. Lead Coaches play a critical role in mentoring both participants and volunteer coaches.

The first step to becoming a volunteer or coach with our chapter is to complete our interest form. By sharing your information and interests, you help us match you with the opportunities that best fit your skills and schedule, while making a meaningful impact on young people through the game of golf.

Click Here to Complete Volunteer or Coach Interest Form

You must complete an interest and screening process, which will include a criminal background check and Safesport training. You will also receive online & in-person training about your volunteer or coaching role and behavioral expectations.

Our Philosophy

Without caring mentors, positive youth development just doesn’t happen. At First Tee – Upstate South Carolina, we take coaching seriously. We believe that a meaningful, quality relationship between coach and participant is vital to our program.

“Young people don’t care what a coach knows until they know a coach cares.”

As you consider volunteering for our chapter, know that the safety of our kids is our first priority.  Please read our Prevention Policies to see how we conduct programs and activities at our chapter.

Prevention Policy

We’re Looking for You!

Nationwide, we currently have more than 3,700 coaches signed up with First Tee, including PGA and LPGA pros, as well as volunteers. But you don’t have to be a golf pro or even a good golfer. With the First Tee Coach Program, we provide the training you need.

Developed with input from leading experts in the field of positive youth development, our program focuses on empowering participants through decision-making and exploring options. This helps foster positive relationships between coaches and young people, inspiring the golfers of tomorrow to look to the future, set goals, and unlock their potential.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Derek Kinzer, Program Director at [email protected]