Teeing Off for Homeownership: 9th Annual ‘Tees for Keys’ hits True Blue Golf Club to tackle local housing gap

By Karen Owens, Publisher

Next month, local golfers will trade the office for the fairways of True Blue Golf Club for a mission that reaches far beyond the 18th green. The 9th Annual Tees for Keys Golf Tournament returns on Thursday, February 19, raising critical funds for Georgetown County Habitat for Humanity and its mission to bring affordable homeownership within reach for local workers.

While the tournament is a staple for the local golf community, its true purpose is to fuel “workforce housing” —a term that describes the bridge between a dream and reality for many of Georgetown’s essential workers.

“There is a common misconception that we simply give homes away,” says Patrick Brannen, Marketing and Community Engagement Coordinator. “In reality, we provide a hand up, not a handout. We focus on affordable mortgages for people who have the drive and ability to pay but are priced out of the current market.”

Building More Than Just Houses

By leveraging volunteer labor and community donations, the Georgetown Habitat chapter completes two to three homes annually. Their impact has recently expanded through:

• The HOPE Program: An innovative initiative transforming shipping containers into modern, fully functional homes.
• Critical Repair Program: Helping low-income homeowners maintain safe, dignified living conditions in their existing residences.
• Sweat Equity: Every homeowner invests 200–300 hours of labor into their own home or community events, ensuring they are deeply rooted in their new neighborhood from day one.

Supporting the Backbone of Georgetown

The families benefiting from “Tees for Keys” are the heart of the community: the nurses, teachers, first responders, and service industry professionals who keep Georgetown running. These applicants typically earn between 35% and 80% of the area’s median income but face a housing market that is increasingly out of reach.

How to Get Involved

Registration is currently open for both individual golfers and teams, but spots are filling quickly.

“We are still looking for local businesses to join us as sponsors,” Brannen added. “It’s a powerful way for the business community to invest directly in the neighbors who make our local economy thrive—all while enjoying one of the most beautiful courses in the state.”

Event Details:

• What: 9th Annual Tees for Keys Golf Tournament
• When: Thursday, February 19
• Where: True Blue Golf Club – 900 Blue Stem Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585
• Registration: Visit HabitatGeorgetown.com to sign up or sponsor.

All proceeds benefit the mission of Habitat for Humanity for Georgetown County, SC, Inc., helping local families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership.