At this summer’s Eastside Golf Community Day in Greensboro, NC, 10 standout college interns from The First Tee of Central Carolina brought energy, professionalism and purpose to Gillespie Golf Course – helping to both support and bring the event to life.
Hailing from Greensboro and surrounding communities, many of these young leaders once learned the game at the same First Tee program they’re now giving back to. Today, they’re student-athletes, dream-chasers and changemakers – representing HBCUs and universities across the Carolina, Georgia and Texas, including North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Prairie View A&M, Johnson C. Smith University, Savannah State, Miles College, Texas Southern University and UNC Greensboro.
From running operations and welcoming guests to giving lessons and serving as caddies in the a Celebrity 3-Hole Match (pictured below) that featured the likes of Jonathan Stewart, Eric Ebron and Gerald Henderson among others, these ten young adults made a lasting impression – and a powerful statement about the future of the game.
“It’s incredible to watch these students come full circle – from learning golf at First Tee to stepping up as leaders at a major event like this,” said Ryan Wilson, Executive Director of The First Tee of Central North Carolina. “I’m proud of their hard work, their commitment to community and the way they carried themselves with confidence and class all day long.”
During their summer internship, the students are being mentored by PGA Professional Craig Wood, The First Tee chapter’s Director of Coaching. Wood is known for his rare ability to teach life through the lens of golf, and his past students include PGA Pro Gavin Parker – a Golf Digest Best Young Teacher in America, Middle Atlanta PGA Youth Development award winner and longtime Eastside Golf ambassador.
As part of the Community Day experience, Eastside outfitted each intern in exclusive pieces from the brand’s latest collection – providing them with the kind of confidence, style and swag most college students only dream of. They also participated in a professional Eastside Golf photoshoot, a resume-building moment and creative experience of a lifetime.
Meet the Interns
Jamaal Hutchinson – North Carolina Central
DJ Belcher – North Carolina A&T
Sophie Lauture – UNC Greensboro
Jesse Williams – Miles College
Derrius Gillis – Miles College
Jordan Williams – Texas Southern
Pedro Haddad – Johnson C. Smith University
Briann Briggs – Prairie View A&M
Kola Abudu – Prairie View A&M
Jerina Hill – Savannah State
Special shoutout to DJ, Jesse, Derrius, Jordan, Jamaal and Kola — the six interns who caddied in the celebrity match, carrying more than bags: they carried the spirit of the next generation of golf.
Scroll down for a behind-the-scenes look at their day in front of the camera.
