About Us

Coach Al’s golf career began at Clear Creek Golf Course in 2000, as a First Assistant and Tournament Director. In 2003, he became the First Assistant at Gordon Lakes Golf Course (Augusta, GA). After a short period away from golf, he began his journey into Junior golf as the Program Director at The First Tee of Augusta. After seven years of service to The First Tee of Augusta, Coach Al accepted a position as the Program Director with The First Tee of Nashville (TN). With the chapter’s ever expanding footprint, and the acquisition of the Vinny Links Golf Course, Coach Al became the Director of Golf/Outreach/Special Events and LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, and managed over 35 D.R.I.V.E. locations, fifty-two National School Program (NSP) locations, hosted an ACE Life Skills Academy and delived statewide trainings at more than 10 program locations. Coach Al has been a member of The First Tee National Program Director Council, a Color Group Leader at The First Tee National Academies, and a Participant Opportunities Judge. Coach Al is a member of the PGA of America and is a scratch golfer. He is married to Allison Ashford and has two children, Courtney and Alexis, and four grandchildren.

executive director

Brown earned a BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina A&T State University and an MBA from Augusta State University. Jill enjoyed a 15-year career as a Mechanical Engineer in Design Engineering and Long Range Planning at Westinghouse Savannah River Company, before joining The First Tee of Augusta. She also developed and conducted many youth development and educational outreach activities throughout the community and as a Savannah River Site representative.  She is married to Patrick Brown and is the mother of Bradley and Lauren Brown.  She is not a golfer, but learning to play in on her bucket list!  She loves trying new foods, grilling and spending time with her family and friends.

Lashunda has been a part of The First Tee organization for 12 years. She began her journey with The
First Tee of Augusta as the Operational Manager for 7 years. Lashunda furthered her passion in coaching
and went to The First Tee of East Lake as a Life and Golf Skills Coach. Now as the Program Director,
Lashunda hopes to continue to grow the program, grow as a coach and bring awareness to the
community about all that The First Tee of Augusta has to offer.  Lashunda earned a B. A. Degree in Social Work from Augusta State University.

Golf Course Superintendent/coach

Phone: 706-951-3351
Email: gasmann@thefirstteeaugusta.org

Greg is an Augusta native. He holds a degree in Turf Grass management from Pennsylvania State University and additional course work in Agronomy and Turf Grass Management from the University of Georgia. Greg is an experienced Superintendent and comes to us with high recommendations.

Coach Garreth is a graduate of Westside High School and a former First Tee – Augusta participant.  He is a graduate of North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina where he played collegiate golf.

volunteer coach

Phone: 706-364-4653
Email: coaches@thefirstteeaugusta.org 

Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Charles H. Miller was born in Oakland, California on 27 October 1964. He enlisted in the Army on 6 November 1984, and completed Basic Training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Upon completion of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Gordon, Georgia, he was assigned to B Co, 34th Signal Battalion, Wurzburg, Germany. In January 1987, Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Miller was assigned to HHB, 6/43 Air Defense Artillery Battalion, Fort Bliss, Texas where he served as a Multi Channel Communication Equipment Operator. In October 1987, the unit was moved to Ansbach, Germany, where he served as a Communications Relay Group Team Chief. In October 1991, Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Miller was assigned to
B Co, 121st Signal Battalion, Fort Riley, Kansas and served as a Multi Channel Team Chief. In October 1993 he was assigned to B Co, 123rd Signal Battalion, Kitzingen, Germany which was later Reflagged to the 121st Signal Battalion where he served as a Node Center Supervisor and later reassigned to HHC as a Network Controller. In August 1998, he was assigned to A Co, 44th Signal Battalion, Mannheim, Germany where he served as a Small Extension Node Supervisor. In January 2002, he was assigned to 385th Signal Co, Camp Doha, Kuwait where he served as an Operations NCOIC. In September 2002, he was assigned to 550th Signal Company, Camp Assalyiah, Qatar where he served as the Company First Sergeant. In September 2003, he activated the 25th Signal Battalion in Qatar where he served as the HHD Detachment Sergeant. In April 2004, he was assigned to the 67th Signal Battalion, Fort Gordon, Georgia where he served as the Rear Detachment First Sergeant. In March 2005, he was assigned to Alpha Company 67th Signal Battalion where he served as the First Sergeant. In July 2008 he was assigned to the NCSA Sector Naples where he served as the Sector Sergeant Major. In 2009 – 2012 he was assigned to the 39th Signal Battalion as the Command Sergeant Major. He retired from the Military June 2012 with 27.5 years of Active Military Service. Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Miller has deployed to Operation Joint Guard, Bosnia; Operation Enduring Freedom #1, Kosovo; Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Qatar. Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Miller’s leadership positions include Team Chief, Section Sergeant, Section Supervisor, Operation Sergeant, S-3 Network Controller, Task Force NCOIC, First Sergeant, Sector Sergeant Major and Command Sergeant Major. His military schooling includes: USASMA Class 58, PCC Class 007, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer’s Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer’s Course (Honor Graduate), Primary Leadership Development Course, Tactical Circuit Controller Course, Combat Lifesavers Course and the LTACS Course. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award), Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (10th Award), Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with Bronze Service star,
National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal, NCO Professional Development ribbon (with numeral 4), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. Overseas Service ribbon (with numeral 8), Gold German Weapons Badge, V Corps Distinguished Leadership Badge, and Army FORSCOM Red Newman Award, United States Signal Corps Bronze Order of Mercury.

Golf Course Superintendent/coach

Phone: 706-951-3351
Email: gasmann@thefirstteeaugusta.org

Greg is an Augusta native. He holds a degree in Turf Grass management from Pennsylvania State University and additional course work in Agronomy and Turf Grass Management from the University of Georgia. Greg is an experienced Superintendent and comes to us with high recommendations.