First Tee — Upstate South Carolina

What First Tee — Upstate South Carolina does

First Tee — Upstate South Carolina is a not-for-profit youth development organization founded in 2000 and headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina. It operates as a regional chapter of the national First Tee network (managed by PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation, Inc.) and serves children and teens ages 7-18 across the Upstate region through golf-based programming that integrates on-course instruction with a structured life-skills curriculum built around five Key Commitments (Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, Using Good Judgement). Delivery occurs through 12+ partner golf facilities (including Carolina Country Club, The Preserve at Verdae, and Links O' Tryon), PGA Tour Superstore and Topgolf program locations, and a school-based PE curriculum deployed in 100+ elementary schools across four counties.

The organization's portfolio includes a proprietary mobile app (iOS/Android/web) with offline capability, PGA Junior League team play, a STEMLinks Summer Camp, the Caddies to College program feeding the Chick Evans Scholarship pathway, an Operation 36 structured development track, the Golf Passport annual discount program, and specialized offerings for girls (LPGA/USGA Girls Golf) and individuals with autism (Els for Autism #GameOn). Participant registration is centralized through a Salesforce-based portal.

Revenue is generated through donations (the primary source, including the PwC-funded Successful Kids Scholarship), merchandise sales via an online storefront, and Golf Passport sales ($85 single book / $150 for both books). The organization is staffed by 7 employees led by Executive Director Michael Pius (PGA), Program Director Derek Kinzer (PGA), and Director of Instruction Matt Sharkey, and is supported by a deep partner ecosystem including AWS, BMW Charity Pro-Am, WSPA media partnership, Youth On Course, and Glassy Cliffs Residents Outreach.

Name

First Tee — Upstate South Carolina

Legal name

First Tee — Upstate South Carolina

Website

https://firstteeupstate.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

First Tee — Upstate South Carolina is a Greenville-based nonprofit youth development chapter using golf to teach life skills and character to children and teens ages 7-18 across the Upstate region via school PE partnerships, partner golf facilities, scholarships, and national First Tee programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development and Junior Golf Programs

NAICS

Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Amateur & Grassroots Sport Associations (Community/Youth Governing Orgs) (MPAKAFAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Golf Equipment, Apparel & Pro Shop Retail (CRAMABAG)

Keywords

• Youth development programs
• Junior golf instruction
• Character education curriculum
• Life skills coaching
• School PE partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Greenville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization is a not-for-profit corporation that relies on charitable contributions to fund operations and scholarships. Donations are solicited through the website with a registered charitable solicitation in South Carolina.
2. Merchandise Sales: The organization operates an online store selling apparel and accessories (mens, ladies, and juniors) from brands such as Adidas, Columbia, and Gildan. A percentage of purchases benefit the chapter.
3. Golf Passport Program: The organization sells Golf Passports (booklets of discounted golf rounds at area courses) for $85 per book or $150 for both books, providing 60 rounds of discounted golf for $150 total.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

First Tee — Upstate South Carolina is a non-profit youth development organization that delivers golf-based life skills and character education programming to children and teens ages 7-18 across the Upstate region of South Carolina. Core offerings include in-school PE curriculum (active in 100+ elementary schools across four counties), PGA Junior League competitive team golf, STEMLinks Summer Camp, Caddies to College scholarship pathway, the First Tee mobile/web app, and specialized programs for girls (LPGA/USGA Girls Golf), individuals with autism (Els for Autism #GameON), and mentorship (Watson Links). Programs are structured around five Key Commitments and supported by a Salesforce-based parent registration portal and partnerships with 12+ regional golf facilities.

Product overview

First Tee — Upstate South Carolina is a youth development organization that uses golf as a vehicle to build character and life skills. The organization operates as a portfolio of interconnected programs rather than a single unified product. Core youth programs include the First Tee App (mobile application with games, challenges, and progress tracking), PGA Junior League (competitive team golf), School Program (in-school PE delivery), STEMLinks Summer Camp (week-long STEM curriculum), Caddies to College (caddying and scholarship pathway), and Youth on Course (discounted green fees). Supporting offerings include Golf Passport (annual discount program), various scholarship programs (Founders, Successful Kids, Bob Thomas, Olin Calicutt), specialized programs for girls (LPGA/USGA Girls Golf), autism support (Els for Autism #GameOn), the Watson Links mentorship program, Ace capstone program for teens, Game Changers Academy national events, Operation 36 golf development, the On The First Tee Podcast, and a Golf Store. Programs are structured around five Key Commitments (Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, Using Good Judgement) with age-appropriate tracks for ages 7-9, 10-11, 12-13, and 14+. Registration is handled through a Salesforce-based parent registration portal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• School Program
• PGA Junior League
• STEMLinks Summer Camp
• Caddies to College
• First Tee App
• 2026 Golf Passport
• Youth on Course Membership
• Successful Kids Scholarship Program
• Founders Scholarship Program
• LPGA/USGA Girls Golf
• Els for Autism #GameOn Programming
• Watson Links
• Ace Program
• Operation 36
• Game Changers Academy
• First Tee Online Store

Quantifiable outcome

• Participants develop through five Key Commitments: Pursuing Goals, Growing through Challenge, Collaborating with Others, Building Positive Self-Identity, and Using Good Judgement

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• The Cliffs (Glassy)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerGlassy Cliffs Residents Outreach has invested over $30,000 in participants since 2023 through partnerships with Greenville Public School, Spartanburg District 1, Hope Academy, and expansion of School Program Team Challenge Events.
• Rana GolfcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFamily-founded brand based in Greenville making golf more accessible for young kids. Provides 10% discount to participants using code FTUPSTATE and donates a portion of sales back to First Tee.
• Carolinas Golf FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides $8,500 annual grant supporting coach development initiatives by enabling coaches to attend national training programs for youth development, program delivery, and inclusive environments.
• Bobby Jones LawminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGreenville-based personal injury attorney providing financial support as part of Corporate Partnership Program with visibility at events throughout 2024.
• BMW Charity Pro-AmcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGolf tournament bringing 160 Korn Ferry Tour pros paired with amateurs and celebrities. Partnership provides visibility and connections for First Tee in the Upstate community.
• ChippominorGTM or Marketing PartnerBackyard golf game company. Provides promo code TFTU giving 10% discount to participants and another 10% donated back to First Tee. Winner of Best New Product Award at PGA Merchandise Show 2018.
• Elliott DavisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional services firm providing support through time, talent, volunteerism, board membership, fundraising, and financial contributions to the Upstate community.
• Orange WhipminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGolf training aid company. Promo code TFTU gives $10 off purchases and $20 donation to First Tee. Partner for STEMLinks camp facility tours.
• Youth On CoursecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides members ability to play at 1,000+ courses for $5 or less. Membership is FREE to First Tee — Upstate South Carolina Active Participants using code FirstTee2023.
• Delaney's Irish PubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle Sponsor of The Spartanburg County Amateur Championships.
• Budweiser of SpartanburgminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBeverage distributor supporting First Tee programs and events.
• PGA TOUR ChampionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual PURE Insurance Championship pairs First Tee teens with PGA TOUR Champions professionals and business leaders for competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach.
• PGA TOUR SuperstoreminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProgramming location partner providing space for junior golf instruction.
• WSPAcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTelevision station producing The First Tee Series featuring stories about participants, scholarships, coaches, and programs.
• PricewaterhouseCooperscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLead donor for 'Successful Kids' Scholarship Program providing paid-in-full annual tuition for deserving students recommended by PE teachers.
• South Carolina Junior Golf FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides generous funding making STEMLinks Summer Camp a completely free experience for selected participants ages 11-17.
• TaylorMade Golf Ball FactoryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSTEMLinks partner providing factory tours as part of the golf industry education curriculum.
• Beau Welling Golf Course DesignminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSTEMLinks partner providing course design education and tours as part of the program.
• OrangeWhip Golf Swing Training AidminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSTEMLinks partner providing facility tours and golf swing training education.
• TopgolfcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Topgolf provides summer camp programs and is integral to stories of participants discovering golf. Partner for Game Changers Academy.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of Game Changers Academy, providing financial support and leading activities and sessions throughout the week-long leadership event.
• 3M OpencoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPGA Tour event partnering with Game Changers Academy, where teens participate in clinics led by First Tee Ambassador Austin Smotherman.
• TopgolfcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegral partner for Game Changers Academy and entry point for young golfers. Featured in national participant event programming.
• Western Golf AssociationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports the Chick Evans Scholarship for caddies since 1930, with over 10,800 graduates as Evans Scholars. First Tee helps prepare participants for caddying pathway to this scholarship.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Larger-scale youth development nonprofit network. Comparable in targeting underserved youth (ages 6-18) with structured after-school programming, though not golf-specific. Competes for the same charitable dollars and parent mindshare in the youth-development space.
• USGA Foundation: Charitable arm of the United States Golf Association funding youth and community golf initiatives. Comparable as a national governing-body-affiliated nonprofit funding local youth golf access, with overlapping sponsor and donor pools.
• First Tee (PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation): National parent organization of the subject chapter. Operates the umbrella First Tee network of 52 chapters reaching 2.2M youth with the same life-skills-through-golf curriculum, and is the direct governing body of the Upstate South Carolina chapter.

Direct peers

• Youth on Course: Subsidized-access junior golf program offering rounds for $5 or less at 1,000+ courses, distributed free to First Tee — Upstate SC active participants. Targets the same youth golfer segment with complementary course-access value proposition.
• Els for Autism Foundation: Ernie Els's autism-focused golf foundation. First Tee — Upstate SC delivers the Els for Autism #GameOn curriculum locally; comparable mission of using golf as a developmental intervention for a specific underserved population.
• PGA Junior League Golf: PGA-operated team-based junior golf league that First Tee — Upstate SC runs locally with 30 participants per season. Targets the same 7-13 youth demographic through a team-competition format, providing overlapping programming and competing for the same parent/participant pool.
• The First Tee of Greater Atlanta: Peer First Tee chapter serving the Atlanta metro area. Comparable in mission (youth development through golf), governance (PGA-credentialed leadership, local non-profit chapter), and program mix (school delivery, junior league, scholarships).
• LPGA Foundation (LPGA/USGA Girls Golf): National girls-in-golf initiative. First Tee — Upstate SC delivers the LPGA/USGA Girls Golf curriculum locally, making the LPGA Foundation both a programming partner and a comparable youth-golf-recruitment organization.

Others

• Western Golf Association: Operator of the Chick Evans Scholarship for caddies (10,800+ graduates since 1930). First Tee — Upstate SC's Caddies-to-College program feeds directly into the WGA scholarship pipeline, making it the closest outcome-comparable peer for college-access impact.
• PGA Reach: Charitable foundation of the PGA of America supporting PGA professionals' community impact. Directly relevant as the umbrella under which PGA-credentialed staff at First Tee — Upstate SC connect to coach training, scholarships, and national programming.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/firstteeupstate
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtp-V7QKIKRMzQOuGQG2Fpg
• Facebookfacebook.com/The-First-Tee-of-the-Upstate-336494734063
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/thefirstteeupstate
• Instagraminstagram.com/firstteeupstate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about First Tee — Upstate South Carolina