It is my pleasure to present First Tee – Greater Richmond’s 2021 Annual Report. The numbers inside speak for themselves, but make no mistake, the numbers are only part of the story.
True to our vision, First Tee -Greater Richmond helped to strengthen the character of our community in 2021. Our programs provided valuable life skills training to greater Richmond-area youth and our public facilities provided safe, high-quality venues for our participants and patrons – all through the great game of golf.
Looking back on 2021, it was a tremendous year for our organization. After the challenges of 2020, we were able to resume in-person camps, clinics and programs, resulting in over 1,100 participants in First Tee – Greater Richmond programs – our highest number of participants in the last 5 years.
After a 17-month restoration and reimagination, we opened Belmont to great fanfare in May. Since opening on Memorial Day weekend, Belmont has seen over 24,000 rounds played across the facility in just seven months. Additionally, the new practice facilities have allowed more people to access Belmont, with the wedge range, chipping and putting greens, and range seeing daily use.
All three of our facilities serve as an entry point to the game and offer some of the best public golf facilities in the area, while also enhancing our community partnerships. Along those lines, we added to and expanded our community partnerships, working with the Henrico Police Athletic League, Henrico Education Foundation, Henrico Recreation and Parks, Kappa League of Petersburg, Target Ministries Group and Richmond City Parks and Recreation.
2021 has been a team effort and I am grateful to my colleagues for living our mission daily. I am inspired by the progress we have made and I’m encouraged about our future. Thank you for investing in the youth of our community and for being such an important part of our efforts.
Brent Schneider
CEO
First Tee – Greater Richmond