Quality childcare is a critical need for families across Coastal Georgia, and the YMCA of Coastal Georgia is bringing the community together to help meet that need. On Friday, September 11, the YMCA will host its first-ever Tee Up for Tots Golf Tournament, benefiting the YMCA’s early learning programs.

The tournament will take place at Crosswinds Golf Club, 232 James B. Blackburn Drive in Savannah, with registration at 8 a.m. and a 9 a.m. start. Teams are invited to register and tee up for local children and families.

The YMCA operates two full-time early learning centers in Savannah and Pooler, serving 422 children in 2025. Today, 26% of children enrolled receive financial assistance, helping families access childcare they may otherwise struggle to afford. The average cost of childcare without financial assistance is approximately $13,400 per year, while Georgia’s CAPS program reaches only 17.2% of eligible children.

“Quality early learning gives children the foundation they need to learn, grow and thrive,” said Becky Lehto, Vice President of Early Learning for the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “We’re excited to bring our community together for our first Tee Up for Tots golf tournament and turn that support into opportunities for children and families.”

The tournament also comes as the YMCA’s Child Learning Centers officially transition to their new name, Nurtured Minds Academy. The rebrand creates a unified identity across the YMCA’s early learning centers while better reflecting the quality and intentional care provided to children. The mission of Nurtured Minds Academy is simple: to nurture confident, curious learners by developing the whole child in mind, body, and spirit.

“Our community needs childcare that families can trust and afford,” said Joel Smoker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Georgia. “Supporting early learning is an investment in children, families and the future of our community.”

Through Nurtured Minds Academy, the YMCA partners with families, tracks each child's progress, and welcomes both YMCA members and non-members to experience high-quality early education at our Pooler and Savannah locations.

Tee Up for Tots Golf Tournament
Friday, September 11, 2026
Crosswinds Golf Club
232 James B. Blackburn Drive, Savannah, GA 31408
Registration: 8 a.m. | Tournament: 9 a.m.

Teams are still being accepted. Businesses, organizations and community members are encouraged to register and support quality early learning in Coastal Georgia.

Register here: https://www.ymcaofcoastalga.org/programs/167/special-events/#division_4396