On The First Tee

Join hosts Michael Pius, PGA and Jared Crane for another Upstate Update as we walk through everything happening across First Tee — Upstate South Carolina.Tune in for all things First Tee in the Upstate and stay connected to the mission that’s helping kids grow on and off the course.

We’re excited to welcome back Steve Goforth for his second visit to On the First Tee!Steve is the Head PGA Professional at Cross Creek Plantation and host of the Goforth and Golf podcast. He brings a wealth of experience from both the teaching and playing sides of the game, along with a deep belief in golf’s ability to shape character and build strong identities in young people.In this episode, we catch up on all things Cross Creek — from the growth of First Tee programming at the club to the incredible impact of Coach Ansley and a thriving community of volunteer coaches who continue to pour into the next generation. Steve shares what it means to create a culture where kids feel welcomed, challenged, and inspired every time they step onto the course.We also dive into the Short Tee Shoot Out, a fun and uniquely formatted tournament that’s become a favorite at Cross Creek. Steve breaks down what makes the event special and why creative formats like this keep the game engaging for players of all ages.Whether you’re a coach, parent, golf professional, or someone who simply believes in the power of the game, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and a behind-the-scenes look at a growing golf community doing things the right way.Tune in and step On the First Tee with us!

In this episode, we sit down with Coach Laura Maurer to share her incredible full-circle journey with First Tee — Upstate South Carolina. A former participant turned coach and proud First Tee alum, Laura’s story is rooted in growth, service, and giving back to the game that helped shape her.From attending a national First Tee opportunity as a junior to now leading the next generation as a coach, Laura has made a lasting impact both on and off the course. She also played a key role in launching our Els for Autism program and currently serves as the Dorman High School girls head coach and assistant boys coach, continuing to create opportunities for young people through golf every day.Tune in for a conversation about mentorship, leadership, and the powerful ways golf can change lives — one relationship at a time.

Join hosts Michael Pius, PGA and Jared Crane for another Upstate Update as we walk through everything happening across First Tee — Upstate South Carolina.Tune in for all things First Tee in the Upstate and stay connected to the mission that’s helping kids grow on and off the course.

Join hosts Michael Pius, PGA and Jared Crane for another Upstate Update as we walk through everything happening across First Tee — Upstate South Carolina.We’ll break down our 2025 programming numbers, including a big highlight: over 800 participants with continued growth in girls’ participation. We’ll also share updates on our upcoming Winter Programs, including January classes at Topgolf, plus early details on the PGATSS Leadership Series for participants age 14+ who’ve been with us for more than two years. If you’re newer to First Tee, this is something to aim for… so stick around!We’ll cover key dates too — Spring Registration opens Monday, January 26th.On the fundraising side, we’ll talk about the Golf Passport, now officially on sale, the start of our Annual Appeal, and the launch of the First Tee — Upstate South Carolina Golf Shop. You’ll also hear an update from the FORE the Future Society (formerly Young Professionals Council) and important Save the Dates for our 2026 fundraising events.Tune in for all things First Tee in the Upstate and stay connected to the mission that’s helping kids grow on and off the course.

In this episode, we sit down with First Tee — Upstate South Carolina participant Julia Conroy to celebrate her recent achievements, including being selected for and attending two national First Tee opportunities. We also chat with Micah Candeletta-Burklin, owner of Rana Golf, about his journey, his vision for the brand, and the impact he hopes to make in the golf community.Tune in for an inspiring blend of youth success, entrepreneurship, and the power of golf to shape lives.

Join us as we dive into the excitement of the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach, CA, and its impact on First Tee. In this episode, we sit down with Paul Ancona, a First Tee – Upstate South Carolina participant who competed in the championship, to hear his firsthand experience on the course. We also chat with Jennifer Weiler, Senior Vice President of Network Relations at First Tee, about how this event helps advance First Tee’s mission and supports youth development through golf.From inspiring stories on the course to the lasting impact off it, this episode celebrates the ways the PURE Insurance Championship is shaping the future of young golfers.

Join us for the August Upstate Update as we dive into all things First Tee — Upstate South Carolina! This month, we’re sharing exciting updates on programming, fundraising, and upcoming events across the Upstate.In this episode:Programming Highlights: Fall registration is open! First Tee participants Julia and Spencer are attending national opportunities and we’re just five weeks away from the PURE Insurance Championship for Paul. Plus, get the latest on Girls Golf, PGA Jr. League All-Star highlights, and Watson Links updates.Fundraising & Events: Catch up on the YPC Member-Guest recap and hear what’s coming next, including The Core Values Cup, The Passion ‘FORE’ Fashion Show, The Cyder Cup, and the 25th Anniversary Game Changers Gala!Stay in the loop with everything First Tee Upstate – from fun events to leadership opportunities – and hear what’s on the horizon.We’ll see you on The First Tee!

In this episode, we explore the key commitment of Pursuing Goals and our favorite techniques for achieving them. Our featured guest is Spencer Lengel, a true game changer who recently attended the First Tee Game Changers Academy and was selected for the PGA Tour Superstore Leadership Summit in Montana. Spencer shares his inspiring journey, the lessons learned from these transformative experiences, and how goal setting has fueled his growth both on and off the course.This episode also kicks off our new podcast structure. Each episode will spotlight a guest and one of First Tee’s key commitments, with our Upstate Update now coming to you later in the month as its own standalone episode.Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with motivation, practical tips, and insights to help you pursue your own goals.

In this episode, we dive into one of First Tee’s Five Key Commitments:Collaborating with Others. Join us as we chat with Kaden Conrad, our Summer Intern for Tournament Operations, about the power of teamwork and what he’s learning behind the scenes. We’ll also collaborate with Biff Lathrop, Executive Director of the South Carolina Golf Association, to explore how partnerships strengthen our golf community.

In this episode of On the First Tee, Michael and Jared dive into First Tee’s Key Commitment of Growing Through Challenge. Joined by two of our three summer interns Kylie Rehberger and Johnny Schoenmaker, we explore how facing and overcoming challenges can shape character, build resilience, and lead to personal growth. From stepping outside their comfort zones to learning through experience, our interns share what this commitment means to them as they begin their journey with First Tee.Tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation filled with real stories, meaningful lessons, and the heart of what makes First Tee special.

Welcome back to On the First Tee with Michael Pius and Jared Crane! ⛳️ In Episode 3, we dive deep into one of First Tee’s most impactful Key Commitments: Building Positive Self-Identity 💪. This episode is all about helping young people develop the confidence, resilience, and self-worth they need to succeed—on the golf course and in life.We’re thrilled to be joined by two inspiring guests:🌟 Mark Good – 2024 Young Professional Council Member of the Year, First Tee – Upstate South Carolina. Mark shares how his journey with First Tee and the Young Professionals Council has helped him grow personally and professionally, and how he now pays it forward.🏌️‍♂️ Steve Goforth – PGA Professional and host of the Goforth and Golf podcast. Steve brings a wealth of experience from both the teaching and playing sides of the game and offers valuable insight into how golf can shape character and build strong identities in youth.Together, we unpack real stories, personal growth moments, and practical ways to support positive self-identity in young people. Whether you’re a coach, parent, supporter, or young professional, this episode will leave you feeling inspired and ready to help others believe in themselves 💬✨.

In this episode, we dive into one of First Tee’s Five Key Commitments: Collaborating with Others. Join us as we chat with Star Kinzer, First Tee’s Coach of the Year, about the power of teamwork in coaching. We’ll also collaborate with Tyler Emory, General Manager of our local PGA Tour Superstore, to explore how partnerships strengthen our golf community. Plus, don’t miss our Upstate Update for the latest news and happenings in First Tee – Upstate South Carolina.Tune in and tee up for a great conversation! ⛳🎙️

In this episode, we dive into one of First Tee’s key commitments: Pursuing Goals. We explore effective goal-setting techniques like goal ladders and the four key components of setting goals. Joining us is First Tee – Upstate South Carolina participant Paul Ancona, who shares his inspiring journey to Augusta National to compete in the National Drive, Chip & Putt Championship and how goal setting played a crucial role in his success.We also welcome Jim Hackenberg, inventor and owner of Orange Whip, golf’s #1 swing trainer, to discuss how goal setting applies to skill development in the game.Finally, we wrap up with our Upstate Update, keeping you in the loop on all things First Tee – Upstate South Carolina.Tune in for an episode packed with motivation, insight, and inspiration on the path to achieving your goals!

Join Michael Pius, Executive Director, and Jared Crane, Program Director of Operations, as they introduce the brand-new First Tee – Upstate South Carolina Podcast! In this teaser episode, we share what you can expect from future episodes, including:🎙️ Deep dives into First Tee’s Key Commitments—our foundation for teaching life skills through golf.🎤 Interviews with participants, alumni, coaches, volunteers, and board members.🤝 Conversations with sponsors and supporters who help make our programs possible.📢 The "Upstate Update" segment—recapping events, programs, and upcoming opportunities.We’re excited to connect with our participants, supporters, and stakeholders in a whole new way—and we’re going to have fun doing it!Want to be part of the podcast or have ideas for topics? Reach out and let us know!