Shallotte Faces Uncertain Future as The First Tee Suspends Operations

Shallotte Faces Uncertain Future as The First Tee Suspends Operations

This past Friday, the beloved youth development organization, The First Tee of the Coastal Carolinas, announced it has suspended operations indefinitely due to financial strains. Once celebrated for its reach and service to thousands of kids in the area, including Horry, Georgetown, and Brunswick counties, the chapter now faces an uphill battle, leaving many in the community anxious about the future.

The Good Old Days

Back when The First Tee first came to the Grand Strand in 2005, it was heralded as a model chapter, and rightly so! Thousands of young people learned important golf skills and life values like respect and responsibility through its programs. As Jim Belvin, a board member who has dedicated 15 years to The First Tee, put it, “We view this as a pause rather than an end.”

The organization’s headquarters, The Golf Club at Cinghiale Creek in Shallotte, North Carolina, is currently on the market. Belvin explained, “Selling this property could provide us with the funds to reorganize and return to our mission.” He went on to emphasize how critical these programs are for the youth in the area. “We’re true believers in what The First Tee does for the young people here,” he said.

A Downturn After Pandemic

The struggles of The First Tee can largely be traced back to the financial challenges that arose during the pandemic. “Coming out of the pandemic, our resources were outstripped by our commitments,” Belvin noted. This dire situation led to a recent Zoom call involving board members, who collectively decided on the temporary halt of operations.

With a heavy heart, Belvin informed that the chapter had already let go of seven employees throughout Brunswick County, the Grand Strand, and Eastern North Carolina. But they’re not throwing in the towel just yet! Most board members have committed to staying involved even amid the inactivity, vowing to bring The First Tee back to life once financial stability is achieved.

A Bright Future Ahead?

If all goes according to plan, once the property’s sold, The First Tee intends to function like most other chapters, operating out of an office and collaborating with local golf courses for program activities. Belvin said, “We look forward to being a model program again.”

The primary focus remains on teaching not just golf skills but also essential life skills through nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and judgment. “This program is so important as it acts as a springboard into life for many young people,” Belvin stressed, affirming their unwavering dedication.

Community Impact

In Horry and Georgetown counties alone, The First Tee has made significant impacts, reaching over 10,000 kids. The organization has implemented in-school programs at various elementary schools, with fourth-graders being bussed to local golf courses for hands-on instruction. Additionally, more than 400 children enroll in after-school and summer programs, while over 150 participate in community collaborations.

The program had even expanded its reach earlier in the year by launching a teen center at PGA Tour Superstore in North Myrtle Beach, providing a fun and safe environment for teens to engage in various activities, from video games to golf practice.

Funding Challenges

Despite generous support from local volunteers and community partners, fundraising has not kept pace with the organization’s expenses. “We’re looking for fundraising opportunities everywhere we can,” acknowledged Belvin. While there are various initiatives like charity golf tournaments and partnerships with local businesses, donations remain significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels.

Though the first phase of this operation has come to an end, organizers, volunteers, and the community remain hopeful. “We’re very proud of what we’ve accomplished with The First Tee program and view this as just a bump in the road,” Belvin said, eyeing a brighter future ahead.

For now, the team holds onto optimism, determined to revive what has been a beacon of hope and guidance for youth in the Coastal Carolinas.