First Tee – Greater Charleston announces free golf at area courses beyond 2021

What:              First Tee – Greater Charleston, a nonprofit committed to providing the opportunity to learn the game of golf through structured, educational programs that build character and life-enhancing values in children and teens, will make an exciting announcement regarding its “Swing It Forward CHS” initiative during a press conference. The initiative removes the financial barrier to make the game of golf more accessible to all local youth.

Since its launch in January of 2021, more than 500 youth have participated and played free golf through the First Tee – Greater Charleston’s “Swing It Forward CHS” effort. Participating facilities in 2021 include:

• Berkeley Country Club, 772 Exeter Plantation Rd., Moncks Corner, S.C. 29461
• Charleston Municipal, 2110 Maybank Hwy, Charleston, S.C. 29412
• Patriots Point Links, 1 Patriots Point Rd., Mt. Pleasant, S.C. 29464
• Wescott Golf Club, 5000 Wescott Club Dr., Summerville, S.C. 29485
• Wrenwoods Golf Course, 100 Cusabee Trail, Joint Base Charleston, S.C. 29404

Why:               As a result of the success, The First Tee – Greater Charleston will announce its intention of making “Swing It Forward CHS” an annual effort. Through the “Swing It Forward CHS” initiative, all youth under the age of 18, will be able to play at no cost at select courses throughout the Lowcountry. With this announcement, there is no limit on how many times youth can play through the “Swing It Forward CHS” effort. During this media event, the press will be invited to hear brief remarks from city officials about how this effort is making impacts as well as stories from the families that are experiencing the positive impacts of “Swing It Forward CHS.”

Who:               Mayor John J. Tecklenburg, City of Charleston

      Bucky Dudley, Executive Director, First Tee – Greater Charleston

      Tracey Erwin, Mother of First Tee Alumni

      A parent of a “Swing It Forward” participant with an inspirational story.

Where:            Charleston Municipal Golf Course

            2110 Maybank Hwy

            Charleston, SC 29412

When:             Wednesday, May 19 at 1 p.m.

Individuals interested in supporting “Swing It Forward CHS” should contact, Ben Grandy, Director of Operations at [email protected]. Donations will help create and sustain this initiative for many more children and teens to play. To learn more about the “Swing it Forward CHS” initiative or to donate to help the organization sustain these initiative and other programs, visit: www.firstteegreatercharleston.org/swing-it-forward.

About First Tee – Greater Charleston

Swing It Forward CHS is a movement to create on-course golf experiences for all local kids from ages 18 and under. First Tee – Greater Charleston is a nonprofit with a mission to positively impact the lives of Charleston-area youth by providing structured educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. First Tee is reaching young people in all 50 states and select international locations on golf courses, in elementary schools, and through other youth-serving organizations. For more information, call (843) 864-4200 or visit www.firstteechs.org.