About Us

“The mission of First Tee – Greater Richmond is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.  The program introduces kids to the game and its inherent values through programs in elementary schools, on golf courses and at youth centers around the country.

“First Tee – Greater Richmond will impact our community by positively influencing behaviors of young people and inspiring adults to mentor, coach, volunteer, donate to the cause and uphold mission, thus preparing youths to make sound decisions, exercise good character, and live satisfying, productive lives in which they can give back to the community.“

Through our First Tee Program, First Tee – Greater Richmond provides youth with golf skills – and life skills through weekly instruction. Our coaches are trained in First Tee teaching methods which include inquiry-based instruction, open-ended questioning, and reflection. Participants are organized around five age groups:

• Age 7-9: Introduces and engages participants with both golf and life skills. Kids get active and play golf with their peers
• Ages 10-11: Supports the exploration of both character and golf skills in active and collaborative ways
• Age 12-13: Empowers participants to explore both golf skills and character commitments through opportunities for mastery and growth
• Age 14+: Helps participants elaborate on their understanding and place a greater emphasis on their personal development

Ultimately, we are Building Game Changers by empowering kids and teens to be the best version of themselves. Through our programs, participants enjoy low student to coach ratios, free practice balls, opportunities for supplemental play, leagues, tournaments and more.

First Tee – Greater Richmond is proud of its relationship with Chesterfield County Public Schools, Richmond City Public Schools, Henrico County Public Schools, Hanover County Public Schools and three independent schools. At these 127 schools, students in grades K through 5 are receiving the First Tee School Program in which elementary students are instructed in our 5 key commitments and golf skills by their own physical education teachers trained by First Tee.

As a participant at First Tee – Greater Richmond, junior golfers have countless opportunities to showcase their golf skills and good character, some requiring an application process while others are open to all. These opportunities include First Tee College Scholarship Program, First Tee National Championship, First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., Participant Advisory Council, PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee, First Tee Drive Your Future Academy, First Tee Innovators Forum, and so much more!

At First Tee – Greater Richmond, we enable kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum, we create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry in everything they do.