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!