Category: News Releases

Yang and Mierl claim 2024 First Tee National Championship 

Clemson, South Carolina (June 27, 2024) – Norah Yang of Los Altos, California, and Trent Mierl of Austin, Texas, won the girls’ and boys’ divisions of the 4th annual First Tee National Championship at the Walker Course at Clemson University. The event brought together First Tee’s elite golfers for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the confidence, perseverance and skills needed to play at the next level. 

Yang finished the tournament 6-under-par and shot a final round 69 to clench the victory on the girls’ side. She is a rising high school senior with a 4.0 GPA. She’s been a volunteer coach at First Tee – Silicon Valley for three years and finished 3rd at the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship, a PGA Tour Champions event that pairs First Tee juniors with professional players for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach.  

“It has been amazing playing at Clemson this week,” Yang said. “I have met so many amazing players from all the other chapters and had so many great experiences. Getting here and winning would not have been possible without First Tee and all the skills they have taught me.” 

Mierl, who will play golf at the University of Missouri next year, shot a blistering 65 in the final round to finish 9-under for the tournament. He’s been a member of First Tee for nine years and is a volunteer coach at his chapter. He’s the only player to compete in all four First Tee National Championships, with the inaugural event taking place in 2021, and said it was special to win in his final attempt. 

“I came up one shot short of the playoffs in the first National Championship,” he said. “I’ve met great people here and made so many great memories. This is my favorite junior golf event, and it feels like I came full circle in my final chance to win at the same golf course where I fell just short.” 

Both winners were awarded with the Tattersall Cup in honor of event chairman Fred Tattersall.  

Two players were also awarded exemptions to the 2024 PURE Insurance Championship. As First Tee juniors can only play in the PURE Insurance Championship once, this year’s exemptions went to Gianna Singh from First Tee – Greater Sacramento and Spencer Ives from First Tee – Naples/Collier. The tournament will be broadcast on Golf Channel, Sept. 20-22. 

Based on their play at the First Tee National Championship, two players will also earn spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, which aims to support talented golfers from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in the sport. The PGA TOUR will announce the full roster for its Pathways program, including the two players who earned their spots at the First Tee National Championship, in the coming days.

“Congratulations to all of our participants in the field and especially to Trent and Norah for an outstanding performance in becoming the 2024 First Tee National Champions,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This event plays an important role in helping these young people prepare for the next level. We are extremely proud of this event and of the teens who work hard on their game all year preparing. Thank you to Clemson University for hosting for the second time, we look forward to coming back again.”  

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college golf courses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country. Next year’s event will take place at Notre Dame University. 
  
The field included 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. A full list of results is available here.  
  
The National Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.  

First Tee returns to Clemson for 4th annual National Championship 

For the first time, this year’s tournament will be streamed on Gamekast with live scoring available on Golf Genius. 

Clemson, South Carolina – (June 21, 2024) – The Walker Course at Clemson University will host the First Tee National Championship next week, June 25-27, 2024, bringing together 48 of the organization’s top golfers for a 54-hole event designed to showcase how the program has helped them build the skills, positive attitude and perseverance needed to play collegiate golf. 

The field includes 24 boys and 24 girls, ages 14-18, who were selected based on their golf skills and competitive golf experience. Fourteen players in the field have already committed to college golf teams. First Tee held its inaugural National Championship at Clemson in 2021 and all six of the past winners are members of college golf teams. That includes 2023 winner Megan Meng of First Tee – Greater Trenton, who’s in the Top 10 in the AJGA Rankings and will begin her collegiate career at Northwestern this fall. 

In advance of this year’s competition, the event will feature a keynote address by First Tee – Greater Richmond alumnus Gavin Parker, PGA, who shares his love for the sport on his popular social media channels. Participants will also attend a careers in golf panel to learn more about working in the industry. 

“First Tee continues to play an important role in the development of teens, both on and off the course,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Our National Championship is an opportunity for participants who want to take their game to the next level to showcase their skills. The week provides them with competition and an enriching opportunity to get them ready for playing in college and beyond.” 

For the first time, viewers can stream the First Tee National Championship on Gamekast. Scoring will also be available on Golf Genius. 

In addition to crowning a male and female tournament winner, one boy and one girl from the field will be awarded spots in the PGA TOUR’s Pathways to Progression program, a player development program that aims to achieve greater diversity in golf through an increased focus on developing talent from diverse and historically underrepresented groups.  

First Tee – Greater Austin’s Danica Lundgren earned a spot in the Pathways program at last year’s National Championship, held at Stanford University. She’s back in the tournament field this year before joining the Nebraska Cornhuskers women’s golf team this fall. 

Two exemptions to this year’s PURE Insurance Championship will also be up for grabs. The PGA TOUR Champions event pairs pro and junior players for a week of competition and mentorship at Pebble Beach each September. 

The First Tee National Championship is held annually at various college campuses around the nation, providing First Tee participants the opportunity to network with others from across the country and take in the college experience. Next year’s event will take place at the University of Notre Dame. 

The Championship is one of more than 10 national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to empower and motivate teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. For more information on the tournament and First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.  

View the full list of selected participants here.  

First Tee Leadership Academy returns to Atlanta, headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore 

Teens from across the U.S. will learn about leadership from executives within the Arthur M. Blank family of businesses. 

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 17, 2024) – The First Tee Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore returns from June 17-22. The weeklong Atlanta event will bring together 48 teens from across the country who will learn about operating successful teams from executives within the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. 

The event is headlined by basketball legend Maya Moore, a 4-time WNBA, 2-time NCAA and 2-time Olympic champion, who off the court, has been a dedicated advocate of criminal justice reform. Participants will also hear from leaders like Atlanta United CEO Garth Lagerwey, Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles, PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman and CEO Dick Sullivan and Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Chief of Staff Kelley Gulley. 

It will feature workshops on communication, developing a winning culture and more. Attendees will get a taste of the college experience, with the Georgia Institute of Technology serving as its hub. The group will also visit sites across Atlanta, including the PGA TOUR Superstore Support Center, the Coda building, Atlanta United’s training facility, the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. 

“Our participants learn valuable skills at the First Tee Leadership Academy and have made friendships they will carry with them well beyond their time in Atlanta,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “We are grateful to PGA TOUR Superstore for supporting these truly life-changing events.” 

PGA TOUR Superstore has been a partner of First Tee for more than a decade, providing financial support and in-kind donations. It provides chapter grants to promote teen retention and supports national events like the Leadership Academy, Leadership Summit and Leadership Series. 

The First Tee Leadership Academy is one of ten national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters to inspire and empower teens as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.  

To be eligible to apply for the Academy, teens were required to participate in a five-week Leadership Series that was hosted at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country this past spring.  

Troutman Pepper to Serve as Presenting Sponsor at First Tee — Greater Richmond’s Redmond Cup

Redmond Cup Presented by Troutman Pepper will bring together First Tee participants for three days of golf and life skill applications

Richmond, Va. (June 5, 2024) – Troutman Pepper, a national law firm with more than 1,100 attorneys located in 20+ U.S. cities, including nearly 150 in Richmond, will serve as the presenting sponsor for the Redmond Cup July 9-11 at Belmont golf course. The Redmond Cup brings together First Tee chapters from across the East Coast for three days of applying the life and golf skills learned in First Tee curriculum.

“Troutman Pepper is a proud supporter of First Tee – Greater Richmond and the work it does impacting the lives of young people,” Mike McCann, Partner, Troutman Pepper, and Chair of the Board of Directors, First Tee – Greater Richmond, said.

“Our firm believes strongly in giving back to the communities in which we live and work, and our attorneys and professional staff volunteer hundreds of hours each year with community-based organizations. Supporting First Tee – Greater Richmond, generally, and the Redmond Cup, specifically, is a great way for us at Troutman Pepper to help young people in our community learn important life lessons that will benefit them, and their communities, for years to come.”

The 2024 Redmond Cup presented by Troutman Pepper will be the 10th edition of the event, which annually brings together 8-10 First Tee chapters. After a practice round on July 9, participants will compete on Belmont’s restored 12-hole A.W. Tillinghast layout July 10-11. Following the event’s first round, participants will hear from VCU men’s basketball head coach Ryan Odom during that evening’s dinner.

“We are grateful for Troutman Pepper’s support of the Redmond Cup,” First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO Brent Schneider said. “The support of our community enables us to impact the lives of 70,000 young people annually, and we look forward to welcoming participants from across the East Coast to Belmont in July.”

Inquiries regarding corporate sponsor opportunities for the Redmond Cup presented by Troutman Pepper and additional First Tee – Greater Richmond events can be made here.

***

About First Tee – Greater Richmond
First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission 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. Through three major programming areas, First Tee Programs, School Program and Community Partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond reaches approximately 70,000 youth annually. Learn more at www.FirstTeeRVA.org.

###

 24 exceptional First Tee alumni selected for First Tee College Scholarship Program

 Members of the First Tee College Scholarship Program receive financial support, mentorship and professional development opportunities. 

 Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. – (June 4, 2024) – First Tee is thrilled to welcome 24 new members to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. Entering its fifth year, the program recently celebrated its first graduating class, and now boasts 94 current or former members. Like those who have come before them, each of the new First Tee Scholars has shown dedication to school, extracurriculars, volunteerism and especially First Tee, averaging 9.5 years of involvement with the youth development organization. 

The 14 young women and 10 young men who comprise the 2024 Scholar class were selected from a pool of 150 applicants. They boast an average GPA of 4.0 and SAT score of 1350. Ten members of the new class are participants in the Ace Program, First Tee’s capstone experience. Four plan to play collegiate golf, including First Tee – West Virginia’s Argyle Downes, who will play Division I golf at Rutgers. 

Members of the First Tee College Scholarship program not only receive financial support, but they are also matched with an adult mentor and provided annual professional development opportunities. 

“Spring is an exciting time of the year when we welcome a new group of First Tee Scholars,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The scholarship program has grown significantly since it launched in 2020 thanks to our generous donors and sponsors. We look forward to supporting our Scholars on their path to success.” 

Ten First Tee Scholars graduated from college this spring. Several plan to attend graduate or medical school, while others are starting careers with companies like AWS, BNP Paribas Bank, PwC, Proctor & Gamble and the NFL. 

Participants across First Tee’s network submitted applications to be a part of the latest Scholar class. Following an online application process, finalists were selected by a committee 

for one-on-one interviews. In addition to academic performance, applicants were considered based on financial need, chapter involvement, community service and other criteria. 

Congratulations to the 2024 First Tee Scholars: 

NameChapterUniversity
Mahek Acharya Greater ChicagoIndiana University
Maia Alinskas DelawareUniversity of Delaware
Aditi Balakrishna Tri-ValleyUniversity of Illinois
Sarah Brannigan Metropolitan New YorkGeorgetown University
Nicholas Crawford* Roanoke ValleyEmory and Henry College 
Erika Dierke MinnesotaUniversity of Mississippi
Argyle Downes*West VirginiaRutgers University
Tyler Joplin Greater DallasBoston College
William Liu Greater SeattleStanford University
Emmy Martinez Greater DallasBentley University
Henry Mentzel Greater Cincinnati & Northern KentuckyUniversity of Kentucky
Gabriella Mercado Orange CountyUniversity of San Diego
Faith Ndichu Raritan ValleyLehigh University
Joseph Neddo North FloridaUniversity of Central Florida
David Nguyen Central IowaGrinnel College
Kylie Nguyen* Greater SeattleChapman University
Selam Olson ConnecticutTrinity College (CT)
Shae Patel Metropolitan Oklahoma CityUniversity of Oklahoma
Jaylyn Remolona San FranciscoSeattle University
Isabella Rubio Florida Gold CoastUniversity of Florida
Kailey Shapiro Northern NevadaTulane University
Leah Torres* Greater HoustonUniversity of St. Thomas,  Houston
Dimitri Vasilacopulos UtahSouthern Utah University
Nathan Vertes Florida Gold CoastUniversity of Florida

*Denotes collegiate golfer

Two First Tee – Greater Richmond Teens Selected for Game Changers Academy

Rita Eovino and Justin Hartsfield both chosen for the five-day learning and empowerment academy

Richmond, Va. (May 22, 2024) – Rita Eovino and Justin Hartsfield from First Tee — Greater Richmond have been selected to attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. in Minneapolis, July 9-13. Eovino and Hartsfield are two of 72 teens from the First Tee network who has been selected for the five-day learning and empowerment academy that is designed to enlighten, inspire, encourage, and position teens to be Game Changers in their current and future communities.

Eovino is a rising junior at Monacan High School and has been a First Tee – Greater Richmond participant for 10 years. She is currently the secretary of the Junior Advisory Board (JAB) and serves as a junior coach for First Tee Programs. Last summer, Eovino attended the Nike Junior Golf Camp at the University of Virginia.

Similarly, Hartsfield is a junior coach and is the treasurer of the JAB. A rising sophomore at L.C. Bird High School, Hartsfield has been a First Tee – Greater Richmond participant for the last four years. Hartsfield was part of First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Redmond Cup team in the summer of 2023.

“We are elated to have both Rita and Justin represent First Tee – Greater Richmond at the First Tee Game Changers Academy,” Kelly Brown, First Tee – Greater Richmond Vice President for Impact, said. “It has been wonderful to watch their growth both on and off the course over the last several years, and both have made a huge impact on our organization as participants and Junior Advisory Board members.

“I know they will have a similar impact at the Game Changers Academy, and we are excited to have them return and share the lessons learned in Minneapolis.”

During the Game Changers Academy, participants will take part in important conversations embracing topics of self-awareness, inclusivity, and community building. First Tee invites its partner, RISE, a national leader in the sports community championing social justice, to facilitate engaging and interactive workshops paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches.

The Academy is an evolution of First Tee’s longest-standing participant event, honoring First Tee’s former CEO, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., who led the organization from 2000 until his retirement in 2017. It’s one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.

***

About First Tee – Greater Richmond
First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission 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. Through three major programming areas, First Tee Programs, School Program and Community Partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond reaches approximately 70,000 youth annually. Learn more at www.FirstTeeRVA.org.

###

Belmont to Celebrate 75th Anniversary of PGA Championship

RICHMOND, Va. (May 21, 2024) – Seventy-five years to the day that Sam Snead collected the 1949 PGA Championship title at then-Hermitage Country Club, Belmont will celebrate the diamond anniversary of that win, hosting a throwback event in the afternoon of May 31.

The 1949 PGA Championship remains the only men’s major championship played in the state of Virginia, with Snead defeating Johnny Palmer, 3&2, in the 36-hole match play final. The victory gave Snead, a Virginia native, the first two legs of the Grand Slam following his Masters win in April.

The 75th anniversary celebration will kick off on Thursday, May 30, with greens fees set at $19.49. The following day will see Belmont’s 75th Anniversary celebration giving players the opportunity to hit similar clubs as Snead and his fellow competitors did on the recently restored and renovated Belmont layout. The event will be played as a 4-man scramble, with each group having a set of 1940’s era clubs and balls. Awards will be given to the best-dressed golfers alongside the winning team.

From 4:30-7 p.m., youth will be able to play Little Bell – Belmont’s 6-hole par-3 course – free of charge, utilizing the 1940’s era clubs and balls. All youth playing Little Bell will receive a complimentary “Belmont 1949” ball, as well. Parents and guardians are encouraged to join their children on Little Bell but will not receive the retro clubs or balls while on the par 3 course.

In 2020, First Tee – Greater Richmond, in partnership with Love Golf Design, embarked on an ambitious reimagination of World Golf Hall of Fame architect A.W. Tillinghast’s 1917 design. The project converted the 18-hole course into a championship 12 holes, restoring Tillinghast’s vision and bringing back 10 of 12 original green complexes; created a six-hole par-3 course featuring Tillinghast template holes; an 18-hole putting course that measures the largest in the state, checking in at over 34,000-square feet; and a full practice facility that allows Belmont to host First Tee camps, programs and clinics, while also allowing the public to utilize both driving and short game ranges.

To learn more about the event and to sign up, click here.

###

About First Tee – Greater Richmond

First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission 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. Through three major programming areas – First Tee Program, First Tee School Program, and Community Partnerships – First Tee – Greater Richmond reaches approximately 70,000 youth annually.

First Tee – Greater Richmond Announces “Courses That Build Character” Campaign

Campaign seeks to raise $8 million over next 3 years

RICHMOND, Va. (March 11, 2024) – First Tee – Greater Richmond is announcing its “Courses That Build Character” comprehensive campaign, which seeks to raise $8 million over the next three years. The campaign will focus on a renovation of the Tattersall Youth Development Center in Chesterfield, the development of operational capabilities needed to transform and grow the organization, and an expansion of First Tee Programs to new communities with enhanced financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

“While we are proud of all that we have accomplished over our last 25 years, we are just as energized to build upon that impact,” First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO Brent Schneider said. “This campaign will enable us to further use the game we love to positively impact as many people and communities as possible.”

Renovation work has already begun at the Tattersall Youth Development Center, with a tree-clearing project projected to end this month. Further work will commence in late summer of 2025, including renovations of greens complexes and bunkers, irrigation optimization and cart path repairs. Anticipated completion of the enhancements at The Tattersall are projected to be done in November 2025.

Campaign funds will also be directed to enable the organization to reach additional communities and schools through mission-aligned partnerships. Furthermore, First Tee – Greater Richmond will be enhancing its financial aid and scholarship opportunities for participants and their families via the campaign.

Further information about the “Courses That Build Character” campaign, including how the community can support the organization’s goals, can be found here.    

***

About First Tee – Greater Richmond

First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission 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. Through three major programming areas, First Tee Programs, School Program and Community Partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond reached nearly 70,000 youth in 2023. Learn more at www.FirstTeeRVA.org.

###

First Tee – Greater Richmond Facilities Earn GRAA Awards

RICHMOND, Va. (Jan. 18, 2024) – All three golf facilities operated by First Tee – Greater Richmond – Belmont, the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range, and the Tattersall Youth Development Center – earned 2023 Golf Range Association of America (GRAA) awards, the organization announced last week.

Both Belmont and the Tattersall Youth Development Center earned recognition in the “Top 50 Public Facilities” category, while the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range took honors as a “Top 50 Stand Alone Facility.”

“This accolade is a testament to the work of our PGA Professional staffs and grounds crews at our facilities,” First Tee – Greater Richmond Vice President of Operations Mark Lynch said. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure the highest-quality conditions – at affordable prices – and that each community member has the best experience as they find their connection to the game.”

All three First Tee – Greater Richmond facilities offer both green grass and turf driving ranges. In addition to its driving range, Belmont offers a wedge range, short game practice area, putting green, and recently opened the CapTech Innovation Center, which houses a Zen green stage putting table. Similarly, The Tattersall boasts a short game practice area, putting green, three-hole discovery course, and Trackman indoor hitting bay. Elson Redmond has a covered range to serve customers year-round, along with short game and putting areas, and a Trackman indoor hitting bay.

In its continued efforts to impact as many communities and youth as possible, all active First Tee – Greater Richmond participants can play and practice at the organization’s three facilities for free.

2024 marks the second straight year that all three First Tee – Greater Richmond facilities earned GRAA recognition. This year, Belmont and the Tattersall Youth Development Center shared top 50 recognition with some of the country’s most well-known golf courses and destinations, including Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Chambers Bay, The Greenbrier, and TPC Sawgrass.

***

Madison Allen, Kaitlin Doherty Join First Tee – Greater Richmond

RICHMOND, Va. (Jan. 16, 2024) – First Tee – Greater Richmond has announced the additions of Madison Allen and Kaitlin Doherty to its full-time staff as part of a continued organizational evolution. Both started with the organization earlier this month.

Allen joins the organization as its Program Coordinator, while Doherty will be First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Communications Manager.

A 2021 graduate of the College of William & Mary, Allen comes to First Tee – Greater Richmond from Amherst County Public Schools, where she has been a secondary social studies teacher since 2022. Prior to becoming a teacher, Allen was an Education and Outreach Coordinator with the Bower Center for the Arts where she developed short term and long-term plans for educational programs for a wide and diverse audience and managed over 20 different art instructors.

“We are thrilled to welcome Madison to our team,” said First Tee – Greater Richmond Vice President of Impact Kelly Brown. “Her previous work in education will enable us to enhance and expand on our First Tee School Program and Community Partnerships to ensure that we are reaching as many young people in as many communities as possible.”

In her role, Allen will support and assist the programming team with planning, scheduling, and communication to support the delivery of year-round programming throughout the greater Richmond area. Allen will also maintain the chapter’s Salesforce database for participants, volunteers, and coaches and assist with tracking the youth programming goals of the organization’s strategic plan.

A May 2023 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned her degree in Mass Communications, Doherty was a member of VCU’s Ad Club while focusing on copywriting work during her undergraduate tenure. While an undergraduate, she interned at Release the Hounds, working inside the advertising agency to assist clients and tell their stories.

At First Tee – Greater Richmond, Doherty will support all aspects of the organization’s marketing, external and internal communications, including oversight of its social media channels. Doherty will project manage the organization’s storytelling efforts and will assist with copywriting across a variety of platforms.

“Kaitlin is going to be a huge asset to our team,” said Bill Potter, First Tee – Greater Richmond Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “Her previous experience with our organization will be an asset as we look to tell comprehensive stories that showcase how our courses build character.”

***

28 First Tee teens to develop impactful community service projects during Innovators Forum featuring Billy Horschel

Up to $32,000 in scholarships will be awarded to participants whose projects generate the greatest impact

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – (Nov. 9, 2023) – Twenty-eight exemplary teens from across the U.S. will attend the First Tee Innovators Forum in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home of the PGA TOUR, from Nov. 9-12. Each student will spend four days conceptualizing an original community service project with guidance from First Tee and its partners. Participants will then implement the projects when they return home, with the opportunity to earn a share of up to $32,000 to support future educational pursuits.

During the event, participants will hear from seven-time PGA TOUR winner Billy Horschel, who has demonstrated his commitment to growing diversity in golf and supporting his neighbors in northeast Florida through his own philanthropic endeavors. The teens will participate in interactive workshops and small breakout sessions covering a variety of topics including education, healthcare advocacy and programming. 

They will also learn about sustainability on an eco-cruise through the estuaries of nearby St. Augustine with support from TruGreen and receive counsel on their projects from technology consulting firm CapTech, both First Tee Trustees.

Parts of the event will take place at PGA TOUR Global Home and TPC Sawgrass. The purpose of the event is to encourage participants to become innovators in their respective communities, culminating with each teen presenting the plans for their project.

“Our participants have produced creative and impactful community service projects since this event launched – addressing issues like food insecurity and environmental sustainability – and we look forward to seeing what this group of impressive teens will uncover throughout the event week,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Thank you to Doug MacKenzie for making this event possible, and for our partners CapTech and TruGreen for participating in the experience.”

The 28 teens attending the forum were selected based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation.   

First Tee is a youth development organization teaching life skills and helping kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The First Tee Innovators Forum is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward high school graduation.

For more information, visit FirstTee.org.   

About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)  

First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of kids and teens through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.  

Livingstone College Rallies to Claim 2023 River City Collegiate Classic

Fayetteville State’s Juan Lopez records medalist honors

RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 24, 2023) – Livingstone College rallied to claim the team title at the River City Collegiate Classic, posting the low team score in the second round to win by a single shot over Fayetteville State. Competing at historic Belmont Golf Course on Tuesday, Fayetteville State’s Juan Lopez earned the medalist title by a single shot at 1-over par total.

Denis Asaba led three Livingstone players in the top 10 of the event, posting a 1-over 75 at Belmont after firing a 75 in Monday’s first round at The Country Club of Virginia. Asaba’s eagle on No. 16 proved to be the difference-maker on the team leaderboard, helping Livingstone hold off Fayetteville State by a single stroke. The Blue Bears were five shots clear of Fayetteville on the day as they leapt from third to first on the leaderboard.

Asaba was joined by teammates Ibrahim Aliga (75-78=153), who tied for fifth, and Christopher Baguma (79-79=158) in the top 10 of the field. 

After playing the same layout as the PGA TOUR Champions did during the Dominion Energy Charity Classic at The Country Club of Virginia in Monday’s first round, competitors tackled the restored Belmont layout on Tuesday. Student-athletes competed on holes 1-12 of the championship course, with holes 1-6 replayed to build a 6,865-yard, par-74 course.

Lopez posted the low round of the day on his way to the individual title, recording an even-par 74 at Belmont. After going out in 1-over 38, Lopez was steady on the back nine, collecting a single birdie on the 14th hole to go with eight pars in collecting his first collegiate tournament title. In Monday’s first round, Lopez recorded a 3-over 75 and entered Tuesday’s final round tied for third.

Logan Atkins (75-79=154) took seventh on the leaderboard, while Shaun Wixon (76-83=159) tied for ninth to put three Broncos on the top 10 of the leaderboard.

Travon Willis (74-78=152) paced defending RCCC champion Virginia Union, tying for third with Virginia State’s David Chavez (76-76=152). Alkin Barkley, the 2022 River City Collegiate medalist, tied for fifth in this year’s edition. Barkley was the overnight leader after a first round 71 at CCV but was undone by a 10 at the par 4 14th hole.

Brady Wood (78-81=159) tied for ninth, putting three VUU players in the top 10 as the Panthers finished third on the team leaderboard, five shots behind Livingstone.

Led by Chavez, Virginia State was fourth, holding off Johnson C. Smith University by four shots. Winston-Salem State took sixth, while St. Augustine’s had three players compete as individuals.

In addition to medalist honors, Lopez collected All-Tournament Team accolades, alongside the Livingstone duo of Asaba and Aliga. VUU’s Willis and Barkley also made the team, as well as VSU’s Chavez.

The team title was the second in as many weeks for Livingstone, which took first at the SAS HBCU Invitational in Cary, N.C., last week.

All seven programs at the inaugural River City Collegiate Classic represented historically black colleges and universities from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The tournament came together as a partnership between First Tee – Greater Richmond, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, and the Country Club of Virginia.

2023 River City Collegiate Classic All-Tournament Team
Ibrahim Aliga, Livingstone College
Denis Asaba, Livingstone College
Alkin Barkley, Virginia Union University
David Chavez, Virginia State University
Juan Lopez, Fayetteville State (medalist)
Travon Willis, Virginia Union University


###

About First Tee – Greater Richmond

First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission 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. Through three major programming focuses – the First Tee Program, the First Tee School Program, and collaborative community partnerships – First Tee – Greater Richmond reached more than 97,000 youth in 2021.