First Tee of Aiken gets helping hand from area

Since The First Tee of Aiken began programming in January, it has maintained a close-knit relationship with Houndslake Country Club.

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First Tee of Aiken executive director Elizabeth Smith and Houndslake Country Club pro Derrick Martin show off a check for $8,005.50 to benefit the First Tee of Aiken. The money came from Houndslake (more than $6,000) and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (a donation of $2,000).

Houndslake has provided the organization with facilities to teach junior golfers in the Aiken area and offices for coordination.

During the week of March 27 through April 3, Houndslake gave even more.

The private golf course opened to the public for what was called "The First Tee of Aiken Week," in an effort to raise money for the fledgling program.

"We were really excited to have the support of (Houndslake Country Club)," said First Tee of Aiken executive director Elizabeth Smith. "They've done so much to help with our efforts to impact the community."

The club offered rounds of golf plus a cart for $25, with all proceeds going to support The First Tee of Aiken.

By week's end, the club had raised more than $6,000, which combined with a $2,000 donation from Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, totaled more than $8,000 in funds for The First Tee, which is a nonprofit organization.

"We knew local golfers would be keen to try out Houndslake's three excellent nine-hole courses while contributing to the next generation of golfers in Aiken," said Jeff Howell, general manager of Houndslake.

Houndslake will chip in again this weekend when the Regions Bank Amateur Series makes a stop at the course.

The First Tee of Aiken Invitational, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, will help generate additional funding by donating $10 from each player's entry fee to the junior organization.

"It's so exciting because the children of our community, of Aiken County altogether, deserve to have the opportunities that The First Tee provide," Smith said.

The First Tee certified 114 students during its initial classes in the winter and now instructs about 190 during the spring session.

The First Tee of Aiken also received a large donation from one of Aiken's other prominent private clubs.

The Reserve Club at Woodside Plantation raised roughly $3,500 from a wine and cheese evening benefit it held earlier this month. Several members of The Reserve Club are coaches and parents of students at the club who decided that it would be important to help out the youth of Aiken County.

"It takes the support of the community through volunteers and financial donations to make the program possible," Smith said.