USC Aiken and First Tee of Aiken have partnered to construct a practice facility

First Tee is an organization that blends life skills with golf, creating a fail-safe environment and mentoring participants with skills that will better equip them for challenges they may face in the future. First Tee offers a variety of programs, with their introduction at ages 5 and up, rising up to “Ace” level, which has a minimum age requirement of 14 or reaching ninth grade.

According to the USC Aiken fundraising campaign, the facility will consist of nine holes. The benefits, according to First Tee of Aiken, include a practice area on campus without incurring maintenance, a recruiting tool for the University’s golf program, an opportunity for USC Aiken students, faculty and donors to learn golf and the ability for students to act in tutoring and mentoring programs. The vision of the campaign involves community strengthening and skill development.

USC Aiken is not the only beneficiary of the cooperation. First Tee will have a permanent home for its needs. It will also offer a more accessible location as well as a new area for participants with extended hours. It will also allow First Tee to have a venue for fundraising and host a tournament from their National School Program.