The late Gene Weldon, a revered PGA professional who was a mentor to both Tilghman and Rymer, helped found the event, and his memory was on everyone’s mind. Tilghman, a North Myrtle Beach native, and Rymer, who got know Weldon while vacationing and playing along the Grand Strand, were choked with emotion while talking about Weldon’s influence on their lives.
The high-profile pair emphasized to First Tee participants the positive role golf can play in their lives, on and off course, encouraging them to one day share the lessons they learn with others.
Weldon never dreamed the two kids he came to know so well at the old Gator Hole would go on to play at Duke (Tilghman) and Georgia Tech (Rymer) before playing professionally and ultimately settling into roles as national media personalities. The one thing Weldon always believed in were the values golf can instill in people, and his belief in the game was shared by more than 100 golfers who participated in the event.
The mission of The First Tee of the Grand Strand is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
The First Tee of the Grand Strand (TFTTGS) is working from a solid platform to expand its Life Skills Experience programs throughout the Grand Strand in partnership with schools, volunteers, golf industry leaders and the business community at large.
Along the Grand Strand, the Golf Capital of the World, the golf-driven lodging and entertainment industries employ more than 50 percent of the workforce and touches virtually every business.
Nowhere are The First Tee’s golf and character-building programs more compelling.