Author: First Tee - Greater Richmond

Belmont Golf Course Launches Rebrand

RICHMOND, Va. (March 25, 2021) – Belmont Golf Course and First Tee – Greater Richmond, in conjunction with world-renowned artist Lee Wybranski, has revealed a rebrand of the course’s logos ahead of its opening to the public on May 29. The trio of logos reflects all three pieces of the property – Belmont, the 12-hole, restored A.W. Tillinghast-designed golf course; Little Bell, the 6-hole par-3 course that showcases four Tillinghast template holes and two from Belmont; and The Ringer, the 18-hole, reversible putting course that winds across nearly 31,000 square feet with 12 feet of elevation change. Belmont Logo Reveal Video Love Golf Design, co-founded by World Golf Hall of Fame member and 21-time PGA tour winner Davis Love III, led the renovations that started in May 2020, with a grand re-opening ceremony planned for May 24. The course will open to the public on May 29, with tee times available later this spring at PlayBelmontRVA.org. “Our goal throughout this process was to find an appropriate symbol to reflect the vision of First Tee – Greater Richmond: to strengthen the character of our community,” said First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO Brent Schneider. “We were thrilled to work with Lee to identify an appropriate symbol, and the bell was the perfect choice. The bell relates to the number ‘12’ because of clocks and time and is generally associated with community events of importance. So, it was natural for the bell to be the foundation for the Belmont brand.” In addition to the rebrand, a revamped PlayBelmontRVA.org and Belmont Facebook page also launched on Thursday. PlayBelmontRVA.org will allow patrons to book tee times, events, fittings and instructions from one easy location. All three logos were designed by Wybranski, one of the premier artists working in the golf industry. In addition to his classic, collectible work on behalf of The R&A, PGA of America and United States Golf Association, Wybranski’s logo design services have been used by many of golf’s most iconic clubs, championships, and organizations, including Cabot Links, Colonial C.C., Merion G.C., Pine Valley G.C. and Torrey Pines G.C. “It has been a professional and creative thrill to create branding for the new Belmont,” Wybranski said. “This  place is so unique in that it has all of the magic ingredients – starting with a community-based mission established and executed by the amazing people at First Tee – Greater Richmond. “It has an unbelievable history filled with names like Tillinghast, Ross, Hogan and Snead. Add to that the understated artistry of Love Golf Design, which has seamlessly restored and re-created 18 fantastic ‘Tillie’ golf holes. Lastly, the bold innovation of Belmont is what most impresses me. Belmont is going to be a busy, vibrant, inclusive hub for both the community and the game. I just wish I lived nearby.” Designed by famed architect A.W. Tillinghast in 1917 and renovated by Donald Ross a decade later, Belmont Golf Course hosted the 1945 Richmond Invitational, won by Ben Hogan, and the 1949 PGA Championship, won by Sam Snead. Belmont remains the only golf course in Virginia that has hosted a major championship and one of only two Tillinghast courses nationwide that has hosted a major and is still open for public play — the other being Bethpage Black.

Golf.com “Muni Mondays” Feature on Belmont

First Tee – Greater Richmond is thrilled to be opening the renovated Belmont Golf Course in late May. Already the course is drawing national attention, as Golf.com profiled the course for its “Muni Mondays” feature.
Putting their heads together with Scot Sherman of Love Golf Design, Schneider and his First Tee colleagues pitched the county with this proposal: they would transform Belmont into a multi-faceted facility, turning the 18-hole course into a 12-hole routing while converting the remaining ground into a community-focused hybrid, composed of a driving range and short-game area, an 18-hole putting course and a six-hole par-3 course. Inspiration for this blueprint came, in part, from other unconventional success stories around the country, including Sweetens Cove, in Tennessee, a nine-hole underdog-cum-architectural darling; Goat Hill Park, a come-one, come-all muni in Southern California; and Bobby Jones Golf Course, in Atlanta, where an 18-hole layout had been modified into a wildly entertaining, reversible nine-hole track.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL FEATURE ON GOLF.COM

Our Facilities: What Makes Our Chapter Unique

First Tee – Greater Richmond serves a unique role in our community. Not only are we a youth development organization delivering character education through the game of golf, but we also provide inclusive golf experiences for thousands of patrons annually at two (soon to be three) public golf facilities. All revenue generated from public use directly benefits youth programs. Read below to learn more about our facilities as well as upgrades we made in 2020.

The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course

6736 Huntingcreek Drive, N. Chesterfield, VA 23237 | www.playgolfrva.org | @playgolfrva
In August of 2000, First Tee – Greater Richmond opened its golf course in Chesterfield County becoming the nation’s twentieth programming location. This 18-hole, par 66 golf course provides a challenge for all level of golfers. In addition to the 18-hole course, it includes great practice facilities complete with a driving range, practice greens, and a 3-hole development course focused on scoring distances developed by renowned architect Lester George. The Tattersall Youth Development Center focuses on providing opportunities to the local community, historically hosting County, Corporate, and fund raising events. The pro-shop attends to all golf needs – fittings, apparel, and equipment. After a five-month renovation, The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course reopened to rave reviews in May despite the clubhouse remaining closed due to COVID-19. The clubhouse was the centerpiece of the renovation. We transformed it into a youth-centric space that provides a safe, innovative learning environment for golfers of all ages. This provides the organization with a better space to serve the youth enrolled in our programming and patrons looking to improve their game and enjoy their golf outing. Improvements include:
  • The addition of an interactive community room
  • A Trackman 4 Dual Radar Launch Monitor and Simulator that enables users to choose from 20 famous golf courses to play virtually or analyze every facet of their swing through data-driven practice and custom club fitting opportunities with PGA professionals
  • A collaborative afterschool hangout to excite youth participants and enable coaches and mentors to increase the impact on all patrons
  • A small retail center
  • Expanded outdoor seating and hangout space
  • A new fleet of golf carts
  • Turf enhancements on holes 1 and 10 and bunker work that fixes drainage issues and adds sand for course consistency
  • Landscaping around the new clubhouse to create a more open overlook to the Discovery Course and practice area
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TATTERSALL’S OFFERINGS

The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range

400 School Street, Richmond, VA 23222 | www.playgolfrva.org | @playgolfrva
Originally built in 2003, The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range is a championship level practice facility for golfers of all skill sets. The First Tee of Greater Richmond operates this facility to fulfill its mission while hosting patrons and Virginia Commonwealth University’s Men’s Golf Team. The facility offers a 6-hole par-3 course with Bermuda grass and Champion Bermuda greens built by nationally acclaimed architect Lester George. Additionally, a large grass range, practice greens and bunker, and two Trackman 4 simulator bays promote a wide variety of practice opportunities. Located in the heart of downtown Richmond, The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range provides a premier experience for all golfers. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ELSON REDMOND’S OFFERINGS

The New Belmont Golf Course – coming May 2021!

1600 Hilliard Road, Henrico, VA 23228 | www.playbelmontrva.org | @playbelmontrva
After announcing plans for a multimillion-dollar renovation of Belmont Golf Course in Henrico County in December 2019, an extensive restoration and renovation began in May at Belmont, led by Love Golf Design and MacCurrach Golf Construction under the direction of First Tee – Greater Richmond. We could not be more excited to deliver on our promise of a community-focused, inclusive and affordable golf facility for all ages and skill levels. The facility will enable us to expand our youth programming to a new audience. We’re already delivering programming to more than 40 schools in Henrico County and look forward to welcoming these students and families to The New Belmont. As for the golf itself, we believe The New Belmont will have something to offer golfers of all skill levels.
  • The conversion of the 18-hole course to a 12-hole championship course that restores the final 12 holes in famed designer A.W. Tillinghast’s original routing
  • The construction of a six-hole short course inspired by Tillinghast Par-3s from around the country, including holes at Winged Foot, Quaker Ridge and San Francisco Golf Club
  • The addition of a 35,000 square-foot putting course that is free for all to enjoy
  • The creation of a practice area to include a grass-teed driving range with original Tillinghast greens as targets, a wedge range, short-game area and practice green
First Tee – Greater Richmond sees The New Belmont as a place where the history of American golf meets the future of American golf. Our targeted reopening is May of 2021. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEW BELMONT
   

From Participants To Mentors

We always love receiving updates from participants who have gone through our programs. In the case of two “alums” – Sterling Simmons and Brittany Woo – we’re getting to see their updates first-hand…they joined our team in 2020! Read below to hear more from Sterling and Brittany and learn how First Tee shaped them into who they are as mentors and why they chose to give back to the organization based upon their experiences in the program as youth participants.

Sterling Simmons, Player Development Instructor

Education
Old Dominion University, 2018 – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
In His Words
Sterling as a youth participant at First Tee.
The reason that I am giving back to our First Tee community is to help create special moments with participants the way my coach did for me when I was growing up. I remember volunteering with my old coach one day for a PLAYer class, and we were on the range about to start an activity. He asked me to demonstrate hitting a shot on the range, and I remembered I was really nervous to hit in front of the other participants. As I stepped up to the ball, he said, ‘You’ve got this,’ and in that moment I truly believed in myself. I proceeded to crush the ball down the middle of the range, and I walked back with a big smile on my face. He gave me a fist bump and told me it was a nice shot. After that, we didn’t talk about it, but that moment between us has always stuck with me, and I know when I hit in front of people I just think back to that moment and I have confidence in myself. I want to help create these small moments that have a big impact on our participants that they will remember for their lifetime.

Brittany Woo,  Director of Programming

Education
University of Richmond, 2018 — Bachelor of Science in Business Administration; currently earning her Master of Nonprofit Studies at the University of Richmond School of Professional and Continuing Studies
In Her Words
Brittany as a youth participant at First Tee.
First Tee — Greater Richmond has given me so many opportunities as a participant and continues to do so as a working professional in the ‘real world’ and an alumna of the organization. When my dad signed up for golf class 17 years ago, no one could’ve imagined it would lead into a leadership role within the organization itself. There are many moments that shaped or guided my First Tee experience as a participant, older sister of other First Tee participants, volunteer, coach, intern at the First Tee HQ and in my current role as the Director of Programming. One of those moments was when my First Tee coach at the time told me I was his on his ‘go-to’ team. As a 13-year-old participant, this meant the absolute world to me. Having my mentor tell me I was on his team meant the absolute world to me. I gained so much confidence and felt self-worth within the greater community. Another moment was when my First Tee coach came to one of my high school golf tournaments. I was not having the greatest front nine, but after a pep talk at the turn, I was able to shoot even par on the back nine. Having my First Tee coach support me in all of my endeavors, even outside of First Tee, was something I truly cherished growing up. These are very small moments, but ones that stick in my mind of what makes a great coach and mentor. My inspiration for giving back to First Tee — Greater Richmond is so I can also be that mentor in a young person’s life. I’m inspired by the young community and the great potential they have. Giving them the opportunity to grow, learn, lead and be the best they can be through the game of golf is what I strive for every day.
 

Giving Tuesday – Our 2019 Scorecard

First Tee – Greater Richmond enables kids and teens 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. The organization provides active learning experiences that develop inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry into everything they set out to accomplish. First Tee builds experiences that builds character: First Tee is building game changers.
In 2019, we delivered programming to more than 71,000 youth throughout Richmond. Some of the other impact we are making:

The Time is NOW

Today is Giving Tuesday – a national day to support nonprofits through their annual giving funds. Please join us by making a gift to First Tee – Greater Richmond. Your support will allow us to continue addressing the needs of young people in our community by providing high-quality, positive youth development programs that build game changers out of children from all backgrounds. JOIN OUR MISSION HERE
   

2020 Programming: A Recap

Despite the year of uncertainty, First Tee – Greater Richmond is pleased share a summary on a wonderful year of programs. 

Spring

Due to the national outbreak of COVID-19, in person programming came to a sudden halt. However, Director of Programming, Brittany Woo, and Player Development Instructor, Sterling Simmons, did not let that stop them from having a successful spring season. First Tee participants and coaches were all able to persevere during such an unusual time and host fun virtual classes through Zoom. You might have even seen First Tee on the local news!  Watch here!

Summer

This summer was remarkable. We had the most amazing group of interns lead seven weeks of summer camp for nearly 200 participants. Both the Tattersall Youth Development Center and Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range were packed with eager young golfers who made improvements day after day. Even through a pandemic, First Tee and its families came together, make new friends and improve our golf game. This season, we implemented the use of facemasks inside of the facility and we were able to do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within First Tee facilities.  We wrapped up the summer with the Junior Advisory Board’s annual Back to School Scramble which raised over $2,600 and 400 pieces of school supplies collected for the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond!

Fall

Fall classes were completely full this session. We even had to add a PLAYer class to the schedule in order to accommodate more participants! To wrap up the season, the Junior Advisory Board planned our annual Golf-o-Ween. The spirit of Halloween was still able to be celebrated by everyone as we had plenty of spooky activities and ghoulish treats to go around. Check out these fun and spooky pictures!

Upcoming Winter Programs

We are excited to see participants all year round, even if it is a bit chilly!  This winter, we are offering a Fast Track program for participants to move up to Par and Birdie within just four weeks. If you are an Ace level participant, sign up for our Winter Ace Workshops so you can work on Ace projects and develop your own personal goals. Prior to the spring season, participants can refine their skills in our Preseason Junior Golf Skills Clinic.  Click here to view our 2020 Winter Program schedules + REGISTER!

Our Commitment to Safety

First Tee – Greater Richmond thanks you for doing your part and adhering to the safety guidelines implemented over this past year. We have a commitment to keeping our environment fun and safe to ensure the continued success of our program. We truly appreciate your flexibility and positivity during this extraordinary time. We are very thankful for every single participant and family that help us strengthen the character of our community through the wonderful game of golf. 
Thank you to our VCU Center for Sport Leadership Graduate Assistant, Ashley Frederick for writing this review.

2019-2020 Year In Review

To say the past year has been unique is an understatement. At times, it’s been interesting, educational and challenging. But also, extremely rewarding and encouraging. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged most everyone, including the Richmond-area youth and families we serve. Thanks to your ongoing support and the poise and passion of our entire team, we’ve had an incredible year.
Early in the pandemic, we adapted quickly to ensure that we continued to carry out our vision: “To strengthen the character of our community.” Our team developed virtual programming that enabled families to enjoy fun learning experiences while at home throughout the spring. And when our participants were able to return to in-person learning, we established new protocols and procedures to provide safe experiences. Additionally, we revamped operations to promote socially distant interactions, ranging from outdoor registers for contact-free purchases to washing range balls with antibacterial disinfectant to ensure the utmost safety of our patrons. Speaking of facilities, we continue to be excited about our future. In May, we reopened The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course after a five-month renovation. Enhancements include a new clubhouse, a new fleet of golf carts and other subtle course improvements. Similar to the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range in downtown Richmond, we’ve added an interactive community room, a Trackman 4 Dual Radar Launch Monitor and Simulator and a collaborative hangout space for our youth participants. After coming to terms with Henrico County for a 20-year, long-term lease, we broke ground at Belmont Golf Course this spring. This multimillion-dollar renovation will include a restored 12-hole championship course comprised of the final holes of famed designer A.W. Tillinghast’s original 1917 routing, a new six-hole, par-3 short course, a putting course and a premier practice range. We look forward to welcoming the community to The New Belmont Golf Course in May 2021. I’m excited to share with you our year in review. It has been a team effort, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for making the most out of uncertainty. I’m inspired by the progress we’ve 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 CLICK HERE TO READ OUR 2019-2020 YEAR IN REVIEW  
Click Here & Join Our Mission

PGA TOUR Champion Kirk Triplett Gives Back to First Tee

In addition to getting youth on the golf course, First Tee – Greater Richmond offers exciting opportunities to put life skills learned in classes into action. With the help of our corporate partners, First Tee hosts multiple events per year to active participants giving them an outlet to exhibit the nine core values by meeting new people and playing extra golf around the country. One of the most notable events is the Pure Insurance Championship, an event where participants apply through a series of applications and interviews from all across the country and are selected to play at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course alongside PGA TOUR Champions players. In 2020, three of First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Ace  participants, Nicole Chang, Tyler Tingen, and D’yan Robinson, completed the extensive application and interview process to attend this unique opportunity. 

The Reality

Given the current public health crisis, First Tee Headquarters and the TOUR determined that this year’s PURE Insurance Championship should be played without First Tee participants.  Despite the unfortunate news, our teen participants kept their spirits high as they continued to volunteer and dedicate their time to our local chapter, host a Back to School Scramble fundraising and supply drive golf tournament, and organized one of the most fun events of the year, Golf-O-Ween. 

Kirk Triplett Gives Back

With PGA TOUR events moving forward without fans, one of the TOUR players still sought an opportunity to engage and impact the local community of First Tee participants. Kirk Triplett, professional golfer from the PGA Tour, Nationwide Tour, and PGA TOUR Champions, presented an idea to invite First Tee participants to play in the remaining Pro-Am at PGA TOUR Champions Events for 2020. Because of Kirk’s efforts,  First Tee – Greater Richmond’s three participants who applied for the Pure Insurance Championship were invited to play in the 2020 Dominion Energy Charity Classic Pro-Am with him! Another participant from First Tee – Hampton Roads also joined their group.  On October 15th, birdies and light hearted jokes gave the Ace participants’ experience playing alongside Kirk Triplett at The Country Club of Virginia’s James River Course memories of a lifetime. Nicole, Tyler, and D’yan cannot thank the TOUR and Kirk Triplett enough for their unforgettable experience. 
To play at CCV James River with Kirk Triplett was a memorable experience for me and I’m grateful for First Tee and the DECC for giving us this opportunity. – D’yan Robinson It was awesome to play with Kirk. He is such a nice, kind person and I loved the entire experience. – Nicole Chang I really enjoyed having this once in a lifetime opportunity! – Tyler Tingen
Click here to view a video of the day provided by the PGA TOUR Champions!

Event Photos  

 

First Tee Volunteers Shine in Annual Fundraiser

First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Leadership Advisory Board and friends plan and participate in a key annual event for our organization, the Longest Day of Golf. In its sixth year, these valuable volunteers raised over $71,000 for First Tee – Greater Richmond, a $5,000 increase from 2019. Revenue generated from special events provide the our youth programs with needed support to strengthen the character of our community.

The Longest day of Golf

The 2020 Longest Day of Golf took place on Friday, September 25th. 22 fundraisers played golf from 8am to 5pm at The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course while soliciting support through their individual fundraising pages. The participants’ supporters ranged from corporate sponsorships to local businesses to members of their personal network.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Mercedes Benz of Midlothian and Richmond Flourish Spaces Greenwood Financial Group Haley Auto Group Heritage Wealth Advisors Heartwood Wealth Advisors NorthMarq Poolhouse PwC South State Bank
Food & Beverage Sponsors
Blanchard’s Coffee Chick-Fil-A Boychick’s Deli

Brock’s BBQ

Center of the Universe Brewing Co.

For all event questions, please contact: Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing & Events: [email protected]
     

Building Our Growth Story

For two decades First Tee has helped kids write their growth story. Now, we are writing ours. We took a page out of our own yardage book. We’ve reflected on who we are, what makes our work meaningful, and how we can continue showing up in the ways that matter for kids today. Together, with our entire First Tee network that spans 150 chapters across the U.S. and select international chapters, we’re unveiling a refreshed First Tee as we bring our work to life in a new expression this week. Just like we guide kids in their journey — we’re not changing who we are; we’re growing into what we can become. Thank you for being a part of our growth story. Together, we’re Building Game Changers.   Follow us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
   

First Tee Unveils “The New Belmont” Campaign

Where the history of american golf meets the future of american golf

First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud to announce a new fundraising endeavor to gather needed support program development, provide capital improvements, and ensure the legacy of Belmont Golf Course.

The New Belmont Campaign Website: www.playbelmontrva.org

Follow Renovation Progress on Instagram: @playbelmontrva

About the project

The First Tee of Greater Richmond exists to strengthen the character of our community, and that is our aim for Belmont. Following a thoughtful and extensive renovation, “The New Belmont” will be a community-focused, inclusive and affordable public golf facility for all ages and skill levels. It will prominently showcase restored original Tillinghast holes, routing, and features — celebrating the brilliance of golf’s Golden Age of architecture. It will also provide new entry points and playing options for those who are new to golf or do not have four hours to invest in an 18-hole round. The New Belmont will join other recent and upcoming innovative public golf course projects — including Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta, Sweetens Cove in Tennessee, and the National Links Trust in Washington D.C. — in helping to usher in a new, more welcoming and inclusive era in golf.

MAKE A GIFT

Program Development

Support for program development will go towards enhancing experiences for the growing number of young people in The First Tee Greater Richmond’s programs and deepening community collaborations with other area youth service organizations. Program development includes building out the program team at Belmont that will require ongoing public relations initiatives and the necessary overhead to sustain growing operations.

Capital Improvements

Capital funds are necessary to ensure the proper upkeep and enhancement of facilities, equipment, and capital reserves.
Program Space

Funds will be used to renovate the current Proshop and turn it into an innovative and transformative youth-centric space. This reconditioned space will include an interactive classroom, a collaborative after school hangout that could deeply excite the minds of youth and enable coaches and mentors to increase the impact on the participants served. This renovation includes a welcoming public entrance to a First Tee branded building with a modest retail center.

Equipment

Funds will also be used to update ageing turf management equipment at Belmont.

Ensuring Legacy

Led by the spirit of our Founders, First Tee of Greater Richmond will create a Belmont reserve fund. This resource pool will provide for continual innovation and planning, help ensure long-term continuity and sustainability, and allow our organization to evolve to meet the changing needs of the youth we serve. MAKE A GIFT ONLINE Printable Pledge form

SCHEDULE A TOUR

You can receive a behind the scenes look of First Tee of Greater Richmond’s progress at The New Belmont Golf Course. Tours will take place Tuesdays from 12pm to 4pm and Fridays from 8am to 12pm and will last no longer than 1.5 hours. All scheduling is based upon availability.  

Meet Our 2020 Summer Interns

Join First Tee in welcoming seven new interns for this summer programming session! Ranging from law students to incoming college freshmen, these interns completed a rigorous interview process with a wide pool of applicants. While some are beginner golfers and others collegiate athletes, they represent a variety of colleges in the region.

Meet our 2020 interns

Lucia Eovino – Richmond | William and Mary 
Lucia is a sophomore at William and Mary studying Linguistics and Chinese. She has been involved with The First Tee from a young age, taking classes up through Ace level, going to the Life Skills and Leadership Academy, volunteering and working in the pro shop at Richmond. She is extremely excited to work with the campers and make sure they stay safe and have fun while learning about the core values and healthy habits. 
Emily Erickson – Green Bay | University of Lynchburg
Emily is a freshman at the University of Lynchburg and will be studying Marketing and Psychology. She is also a member of the women’s golf team at the university. Emily has been playing golf since she was seven. She is passionate about growing the game of junior golf and is excited to be working with the First Tee program this summer. She is looking forward to working with the campers and helping them develop a love for the game of golf. 
Michael Fortune – Richmond | James Madison University
Michael is a sophomore finance major at James Madison University and new to the First Tee. He is also new to the game of golf but is eager to learn the game. A graduate from Douglas Southall Freeman High School, Michael has been around sports his whole life having played basketball and baseball for as long as he remembers, and he loves to work in a sports environment. He is looking forward to working with campers and helping them grow as both athletes and individuals. 
Ashley Frederick – Richmond | University of Virginia
Ashley is a recent graduate of the University of Virginia. She majored in Kinesiology and has applied to the Center for Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University for graduate school. She has an interest in working with youth development programs and student athletes in the future. She is new to golf, but played volleyball in high school and is a recreational runner. Ashley is looking forward to meeting the campers and helping them integrate The Nine Core Values with lifelong golf skills.
Chae Han – Richmond | Randolph Macon
Chae is a current nursing student at Randolph Macon College. She double majors in Nursing and Asian studies. She is also a member of the golf team and has been a part of the First Tee at the age of ten. She looks forward to being involved with the First Tee programs again and to work with campers on life lessons by utilizing golf. 
Benjamin Lockhart – Raleigh | Wake Forest University 
Benjamin is an aspiring law student after the conclusion of his senior year at Wake Forest in 2021, where he will graduate as a Business Enterprise Management Major with a concentration in Business Law. He has been an avid golfer for most of his life, playing recreationally as well as competing at an amateur level. His background in instructing Tae Kwon Do has inspired him to get back into working with the campers here at the First Tee and he is most looking forward to getting to know the campers and working with them to become integral parts of the Greater Richmond community. 
Emma Whitten – Richmond | Campbell University School of Law
Emma received her Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Criminal Justice and Women and Gender Studies at James Madison University in 2018. She currently attends law school in Raleigh, North Carolina and just finished her 1L year. Her passion is human rights law and working with local non-profits. She has played golf recreationally since elementary school, attending summer camps similar to The First Tee. She comes from a family of Richmond natives and is excited to give back to her community through the game of golf. 
Summer is always an exciting time for First Tee of Greater Richmond. Every year, the interns bring new ideas, fresh perspective, and positive energy. I love sharing the First Tee’s mission to aspiring young talent. The team we have this year is superb and I have full confidence that they will positively impact every single participant they cross paths with. – Brittany Woo, Director of Programming

about first tee’s internship program

The First Tee Interns are responsible for helping to guide and coach young people to become responsible citizens and active golfers through the delivery of daily life skill and golf instruction in summer camp. The Summer Internship Program will:
  • Introduce interns to inspiring young people
  • Develop interactions with families, board members, staff and other constituents of First Tee of Greater Richmond
  • Expose interns to all elements of a thriving, growing, and successful nonprofit in the Richmond area including but not limited to marketing strategies, fundraising, and professional development. 
All of the interns are ready to work together to help run multiple camps over the summer ranging from the Little Legends Camp to the First Tee Golf Camp: Powered by Operation 36. Over the course of the summer the interns are committed to providing and operating a safe and fun environment for the campers as well as abiding by all the rules and regulations surrounding COVID-19.