News Releases Archives - Page 4 of 6

First Tee – Greater Richmond Alumna Fei Roseboro Captures Richmond Women’s City Amateur

by Kaitlin Doherty, for First Tee – Greater Richmond

Integrity is cherished at First Tee. It is among the many values instilled in First Tee participants as they go through the First Tee various Program. Fei Roseboro is an extraordinary example of a First Tee – Greater Richmond alumna former participant that took this value to heart and carried it within herself once her days as a participant came to an end. Fei says this value has “kept me honest” as she’s continued playing golf, which helped her claim the winning title of the 95th Richmond Women’s City Amateur Championship at Lakeside Park Club on June 9.

A win like this takes a lot of good judgment calls – when to attack a pin, the proper putting line, and more. Integrity helped Fei with “knowing the difference between right and wrong,” making the journey to her win filled with good choices. Approaching each round with integrity lays the groundwork for success, and Fei showed that through her matchplay.

Fei won the tournament in a 2-and-1 victory over Helen Im after a week of hard work and skillful play. In the tournament played at Lakeside Country Club she went up against numerous opponents, six of which were previous winners of the tournament. True to her character, Fei is staying humble after this achievement saying “it’s just another win.”

Although Fei came to know First Tee – Greater Richmond at 7 years old, she ended up joining the team at Belmont as a part of the cart and range staff in high school. She says having a role at Belmont played a part in developing her golf game because “it definitely helped [me] to play and practice more.”

She said if she could give a piece of advice to current participants it would be to “have fun with it.” First Tee – Greater Richmond is proud to be building game changers like Fei, and look forward to seeing her golf game continue to develop!

First Tee – Greater Richmond Announces Staff Additions

RICHMOND, Va. (June 23, 2023) – First Tee – Greater Richmond has announced several additions to its full-time staff, adding Lee Coppock, Ana Ferreyra Heit, Grace Huffman, and Lauren Velardi to its staff as part of a continued organizational evolution. Additionally, the organization has hired nine summer interns to assist with First Tee Summer Camps and Programs.

“Our additions will all be instrumental in helping us forward our vision of strengthening the character of our community,” First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO Brent Schneider said. “Lee, Ana, Grace, and Lauren add to our dynamic team and I look forward to working with each of them.”

Coppock, who joined the organization in February, is serving as the organization’s Senior Director of Agronomy, overseeing the grounds at all three First Tee – Greater Richmond facilities. The Virginia Tech alumnus comes to First Tee – Greater Richmond from Salisbury Country Club, where he spent the last three years as its superintendent.

Ferreyra Heit and Huffman will both be Player Development Professionals, with Ferrerya Heit based at Belmont and Huffman at The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range. In their positions, they will work in both golf operations and youth programming roles.

Ferreyra Heit recently graduated from Delaware State University, where she starred on the women’s golf team. The Mar del Plata, Argentina-native collected All-Northeast Conference Women’s Golf First Team accolades in 2023 after a third-place finish at the NEC Championship. The year prior, Ferreyra Heit was selected to the All-Southland Conference Second Team and earned Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) All-American Scholar Team accolades.

A First Tee – Roanoke Valley alumna, Huffman completed her collegiate career at Longwood University, where she captained the women’s golf team. Huffman was the only Longwood player to compete in all 26 rounds in 2022-23, helping the Lancers to a fifth-place finish at the Big South Championship. At Rockbridge County High School, Huffman was the first female in Rockbridge County school history to play in the VHSL Girls State Championship and first to sign a national letter of intent to play for a Division I women’s golf team.

Velardi joins First Tee – Greater Richmond as its Chief of Staff from WNRN-FM, where she held several roles, most recently as the public radio station’s Director of Philanthropy. As Chief of Staff, Velardi will provide executive support with responsibilities related to day-to-day business operations including board communication, human resource administration, development management and event preparation.

Ward started as the Senior Assistant Golf Professional at Belmont in April after a year serving as an instructor and manager at The Edge Golf Academy in Richmond. The James Madison University alumnus previously spent over four years at Stonewall Golf Club as its Assistant Golf Professional before working as the assistant pro at Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View, Del., before returning to Virginia.

Additionally, nine summer interns have joined the First Tee – Greater Richmond team. Summer interns will help run the day-to-day operations at summer camps and programs while also gaining insights into the organization’s golf course operations and external relations. The summer intern roster includes:

Will Abdi; Senior, Roanoke College
Matt Ellis; Senior, Bridgewater College
Trey Grzelecki; Junior; Longwood University
Annabelle Jennings; Senior, Longwood University
Nick Moore; Senior, Longwood University
Katelyn O’Donnell; Senior, Radford University
Randall Puente; Junior, James Madison University
Malcolm Goble Garatt; Senior, Virginia Tech
Tatum Walsh; Junior, James Madison University

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Atlanta Falcons’ Beadles, Lindstrom; Atlanta United’s Lagerwey headline First Tee’s inaugural Leadership Academy

Teens from across the U.S. will spend a week in PGA TOUR Superstore’s headquarters of Atlanta learning from Arthur M. Blank Family of businesses, civic and sports leader

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and ATLANTA, GA. (June 19, 2023) – Youth development organization First Tee will host its inaugural Leadership Academy in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore from June 19-23. The weeklong Atlanta event will bring together 48 teens from across the country who will learn about building and running a successful team.

First Tee uses golf as a vehicle through which to teach life skills and values. The nonprofit is collaborating with PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to host its inaugural Leadership Academy, which will feature workshops on cultivating authentic relationships, developing a winning culture and more. The Academy is taking place at various venues across the Atlanta area, including Atlanta Falcons Flowery Branch, Atlanta United Training Ground, Mercedes-Benz Stadium Georgia Institute of Technology, the Bobby Jones Golf Club and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Event highlights include:

Georgia Tech head women’s basketball coach Nell Fortner will share advice on achieving individual growth in a team setting during the opening keynote.
Atlanta Falcons President Greg Beadles will speak to participants before they explore the team’s Flowery Branch training facility.
Participants will hear from Atlanta United President/CEO Garth Lagerwey before attending a game to witness the team in action.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium executive Don Rovak will discuss the importance of supporting your team.
PGA TOUR Superstore President Jill Spiegel will address the teens at historic Bobby Jones Golf Club.
Participants will visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights where Atlanta Falcons guard Chris Lindstrom, the team’s 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year, will deliver the closing address.

Initially envisioned by PGA TOUR Superstore executive Ralph Stokes, who leads the brand’s diversity, partnerships and community efforts, the event’s curriculum was developed by First Tee and an independent youth development expert. Stokes recently became the first Black president of the Georgia State Golf Association and was among the first Black players on the University of Alabama football team, where he played under legendary coach Bear Bryant.

“From playing team sports, I learned that no matter how great an individual player is, you will not achieve success on your own. The team is no stronger than the weakest link,” Stokes said. “Golf is largely an individual sport, but we felt it was important to collaborate with First Tee on this event because these kids are part of families, communities, clubs and eventually workplaces where they need to function within a team.”

For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation have championed First Tee’s mission through charitable and in-kind donations across the country. In September 2020, PGA TOUR Superstore announced a new grant that will help First Tee reach more kids across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of the Leadership Series, held locally at PGA TOUR Superstores across the country, and the Leadership Summit, which takes place in Emigrant, Montana. The new Leadership Academy in Atlanta is the latest installment in this exciting portfolio of events. 

“Thank you to PGA TOUR Superstore and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for their ongoing support of First Tee,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “This new Leadership Academy will provide young people with an amazing and impactful experience.”  

The Leadership Academy is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to inspire and equip teens on a deeper level 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. 

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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. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually 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.   

About PGA TOUR Superstore 
PGA TOUR Superstore is operated by Golf & Tennis Pro Shop, Inc., a subsidiary of AMB Sports + Entertainment and is headquartered in metro-Atlanta. As the PGA TOUR’s exclusive off-course/off-airport retail partner in North America, PGA TOUR Superstore provides customers with access to the same technology and expertise as card-carrying PGA TOUR pros. All stores are staffed with teaching professionals and have multiple state-of-the-art swing simulators, practice hitting bays, and large putting greens. There is also an in-house club making and repair facility. Along with equipment and accessories, PGA TOUR Superstore has an unmatched selection of men’s, women’s and juniors’ apparel and footwear for golf and tennis. For more information, visit www.pgatoursuperstore.com. 

Contacts:  
Megan Hart, First Tee 
[email protected]

Megan Mahoney, PGA TOUR Superstore 
[email protected] 

24 high school seniors selected for First Tee’s Scholar program, receiving mentorship, professional development and financial support

Averaging nearly 10 years of First Tee participation, this year’s scholar class includes 3 first-generation students and 6 collegiate golfers

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (June 5, 2023) – The First Tee College Scholarship Program welcomes 24 new members to its 2023 class, bringing the total number of First Tee Scholars to 70. Each one of these scholars has demonstrated character and work ethic both on the golf course and in the classroom, which will help them succeed at schools across the country, including Howard University, the University of Southern California, Georgetown University, the University of Pennsylvania and Brown University.

The class of 2023 – comprised of 14 young women and 10 young men – was selected from a competitive national pool of First Tee teens. This diverse group of Scholars represents 21 First Tee chapters across 18 states. The Scholars’ future aspirations range from becoming doctors and lawyers to studying economics, biometric engineering, computer science, professional golf management and journalism. Six plan to play collegiate golf.

The First Tee College Scholarship Program aims to support alumni after high school graduation by pairing each Scholar with a trained adult mentor to provide guidance throughout their college careers and beyond. Each Scholar will also participate in professional development workshops and receive up to $5,000 per year towards tuition and expenses.

First Tee re-launched its Scholar program in 2020 to further serve some of its most engaged participants after high school graduation. Texas Wesleyan University’s Malisone Chanthapanya recently became the first First Tee Scholar to graduate from college this May. She earned her degree in finance.

“Welcome to our new class of Scholars and congratulations on being selected,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “The decision to embark on higher education is an important one and I am proud that First Tee can continue to support alumni through the process. Thank you to our partners who support the program and our mentors who provide year-round guidance.”

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, volunteerism and other criteria.

First Tee College Scholarship Class of 2023:

Average years with First Tee: 9.6
3 first-generation college students
71% ethnically diverse

2023 Collegiate Golfers:

Jeremiah Brown, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia: Catholic University
Mariane Johnson, First Tee – Gulf Coast: Palm Beach Atlantic University
Kyzar Joshi, First Tee – Massachusetts: Hamilton College
Falyn Lackey, First Tee – Southeastern New Mexico: Western New Mexico State University
Colin Vineberg, First Tee – Greater Baltimore: Dickinson College

Marlo Zamora, First Tee – Greater San Antonio: Trinity University

The 2023 Scholar class includes:

Daryn Dickens, First Tee – Greater Washington, DC
Howard University; Major: History
Daryn will be following in the footsteps of her mother, father and brother by attending Howard University where she will study history in preparation for law school.

BJ Little, First Tee – Metro Atlanta
Georgetown University; Major: Political Science
BJ was the president of the Student Government Association, a member of the Black Student Union and started the golf team at his high school.

Maria Ramos, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia
University of Pennsylvania; Major: Engineering
Maria is a first-generation college student that plans to study engineering; she has already been honored for her work with AI for creating a program that analyzes social media sentiments to predict stock market trends.

Visit firsttee.org/college-scholarship to learn more about the program. Learn more about the 2023 Scholar class and download their headshots here.

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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. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 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.  

Media Contact:
Megan Hart, First Tee
[email protected]

CapTech Opens State-of-the-Art Golf Innovation Center at First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Belmont Golf Course

RICHMOND, Va. (May 23, 2023) – CapTech, an award-winning technology consulting firm, and First Tee, a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, celebrated the grand opening of the CapTech Golf Innovation Center at First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Belmont golf course. The Innovation Center reflects the shared commitment to STEM education by CapTech and First Tee – Greater Richmond.

The opening event featured CapTech TOUR ambassadors, Lanto Griffin and Austin Ernst, and UNC-Chapel Hill basketball player and Richmond native Armando Bacot participating in a panel discussion and guiding a putting clinic, a par 3 challenge and tours of the new center.

“We are proud to announce the opening of the CapTech Golf Innovation Center at First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Belmont golf course,” said CapTech Chairman Sandy Williamson. “The center will foster collaboration and learning through cutting-edge applications of data, design, and technology. We hope that it helps spark participants’ interest in STEM and opens their minds to all of the possibilities that technology can create.”

The CapTech Golf Innovation Center will provide a dedicated space for First Tee participants to explore and learn from golf technologies to which they may not normally have access, including a newly-installed Zen Green Stage, which creates putting gradients and adjustable slopes. Participants will also benefit from a STEM-focused curriculum that incorporates engineering, innovation, and data and analytics challenges. In addition, the tools will capture participant data, which will help coaches customize training and help participants track improvement.

“We are excited about the opening of the CapTech Golf Innovation Center and appreciate CapTech’s continued partnership,” said Brent Schneider, Executive Director of First Tee – Greater Richmond. “This center and the additional STEM curriculum will greatly enhance our efforts to impact the lives of young people while also ensuring Belmont remains a place where everyone can find their connection to golf.”

In 2019, 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.

CapTech is also a leader in transforming sports technology. Its work with multiple sports organizations and leagues has helped broaden fan engagement and open expansive new revenue streams by facilitating entrance in the evolving sports gaming market.

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Brandon Howard, PGA, Selected for 2023-24 PGA LEAD Class

RICHMOND, Va. (April 27, 2023) – Belmont Head Golf Professional Brandon Howard, PGA, has been selected as one of 15 PGA Members for the 2023-24 PGA LEAD class, the PGA of America recently announced.

Howard joined the First Tee – Greater Richmond organization in January as the head professional at Belmont and oversees the day-to-day operation of the historic facility, including staffing, sales, patron relationships, teaching and events. Howard came to Belmont with over 10 years of experience in the golf industry, including time as the Head Golf Professional at Somerby Golf Club in Rochester, Minn., and as the Player Development Coordinator for the City of Westminster, Colo.

“Brandon’s desire to grow the inclusivity of the game and industry was key in his selection to become our Head Professional at Belmont,” First Tee – Greater Richmond Vice President of Operations Mark Lynch, PGA, said. “His belief in making the game and facility welcoming to everyone drives our vision at Belmont and First Tee – Greater Richmond, and his efforts within PGA LEAD will continue to shape how we act and impact growth across the PGA of America.”

Established in 2016, PGA LEAD is the Association’s leadership development program, created to identify, mentor and progress PGA Members from diverse backgrounds along a guided path to volunteer leadership roles at the Chapter, Section and National levels of the Association. PGA LEAD also helps PGA Members who have a desire to serve and make an impact on nonprofit boards within the communities where they work and live.

This 18-month leadership development program reinforces the PGA of America’s commitment to create a game, workforce and industry supply chain that better mirror America’s demographics. More specifically, the PGA is committed to inclusive governance, environments, systems and structures that create the opportunity for all PGA Professionals to develop, grow and lead.

“I am excited to see the continued interest in PGA LEAD as it continues to thrive in helping PGA Members receive the training and skills needed to ascend into leadership positions throughout the Association,” said PGA of America President John Lindert, the Director of Golf at the Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. “This program helps bring a diverse cross section of talented PGA Members together as leaders in a host of important positions within the golf industry nationwide, which will help position the PGA of America’s overall growth and success for decades to come.”

PGA LEAD is a complement to PGA WORKS – a strategic initiative designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. Among the alumni of the PGA LEAD are three PGA Section presidents, three Section vice presidents, two Section secretaries, 19 Section board members and 19 national committee members.

2023-2024 PGA LEAD Class Members
Jackie Buckley, PGA – Scioto Country Club – Columbus, Ohio; Southern Ohio PGA Section
Jason Dochney, PGA – JSJ Inc. – Tulsa, Okla.; South Central PGA Section
Peyton Durham Hemme, PGA – Westchester Country Club – Rye, N.Y.; Metropolitan PGA Section
Langston Frazier, PGA – Belle Haven Country Club – Alexandria, Va.; Middle Atlantic PGA Section
Melissa Hatten, PGA – Talisker Club – Park City, Utah; Utah PGA Section
Marvin Gene Herrod Jr., PGA – Sunset Country Club – St. Charles, Mo.; Gateway PGA Section
Brandon Howard, PGA – Belmont Golf Course – Richmond, Va.; Middle Atlantic PGA Section
Cathy Kim, PGA – Baltimore Country Club – Baltimore, Md.; Middle Atlantic PGA Section
Heather King, PGA – MCAS Miramar Memorial – San Diego, Calif.; Southern California PGA Section
Brendan Locke, PGA – GOLFTEC Wisconsin – Madison, Wis.; Wisconsin PGA Section
Nolan Rheam, PGA – Olde Florida Golf Club – Naples, Fla.; South Florida PGA Section
Nick St. Onge, PGA – Country Club of Lincoln – Lincoln, Neb.; Nebraska PGA Section
Missy Williams, PGA – Tara Golf & Country Club – Bradenton, Fla.; North Florida PGA Section
Ronnie Valerio, PGA – Temecula, Calif.; Southern California PGA Section
Len Zamora, PGA – Scotts Park Golf Links – Albuquerque, N.M.; Sun Country PGA Section

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Dominion Energy Charity Classic – Community Invitational Raises Over $156,000 for First Tee – Greater Richmond

Annual tournament has raised over $770,000 in five years

RICHMOND, Va. (April 21, 2023) – The fifth annual Dominion Energy Charity Classic – Community Invitational raised over $156,000 on Monday, April 17, as community and corporate partners came together at The Country Club of Virginia’s James River Course for a charity scramble.

Twenty-nine foursomes took part in the captain’s choice scramble, which saw a team with First Tee – Greater Richmond participants tie for medalist honors. Foursomes also connected with First Tee – Greater Richmond participants on the 13^th hole, where they played through the hole using the same games and lessons as participants utilize and teach.

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners at the PGA TOUR, The Country Club of Virginia, and within the community for their support of our organization,” First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO Brent Schneider said. “Their support allows us to meet our vision of strengthening the character of community.”

Run in partnership with the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, the invitational offers corporate and community partners the opportunity to play on the same course as October’s PGA TOUR Champions event. Funds raised go directly towards helping First Tee – Greater Richmond impact the lives of area youth via First Tee Programs, School Programs, and Community Partnerships.

“It is a natural extension of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic to partner with First Tee – Greater Richmond on the Community Invitational,” said Steve Schoenfeld, Executive Director of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. “With the ultimate goal being to leave a charitable footprint in the local community, what better way to help accomplish this goal, while also enabling First Tee – Greater Richmond to generate funds that help make the game of golf more accessible to area youth.”

Over $770,000 has been raised through the DECC-CI since the introduction of the tournament in 2019. The tournament serves as First Tee – Greater Richmond’s largest single-day fundraiser of the year.

First Tee – Greater Richmond is celebrating its 25^th anniversary in 2023, and since incorporating in 1998 as one of First Tee’s first chapters, First Tee – Greater Richmond has steadily grown across the community, impacting nearly 75,000 youth in 2022. The organization also operates three public golf facilities in the Richmond area – Belmont, the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range, and The Tattersall Youth Development Center – offering affordable, accessible golf to the entire community.

To learn more about First Tee – Greater Richmond, its impact and future vision, please visit:

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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 more than 75,000 youth in 2022.

First Tee – Greater Richmond Celebrates 25 Years of Building Game Changers

Organization has been impacting the lives of youth in the community since 1998

RICHMOND, Va. (Feb. 28, 2023) – For 25 years, First Tee – Greater Richmond has used golf to impact the lives of young people. This week, the youth development organization is kicking off its 25^th anniversary with the first of many features and a new anniversary storytelling hub on firstteerva.org.

Since incorporating in 1998 as one of First Tee’s first chapters, First Tee – Greater Richmond has steadily grown across the community, culminating by impacting nearly 75,000 youth in 2022. The organization also operates three public golf facilities in the Richmond area – Belmont, the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range, and The Tattersall Youth Development Center – offering affordable, accessible golf to the entire community.

“There is little doubt that our chapter has grown significantly and had an indelible impact on thousands of young people during the last 25 years,” said Brent Schneider, First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO. “We are grateful for the vision of our founders, including Fred Tattersall, and for his leadership.

“Congratulations and thank you to all who have played an essential part in growing First Tee – our participants, coaches, volunteers, donors, team members and partners – who have helped create this impact over the last 25 years. We’re extremely excited about the future of our organization and how we can continue to strengthen the character of our community moving forward.”

First Tee – Greater Richmond recently completed a comprehensive strategic plan designed to carry the organization through 2025. The focus of the plan will be on Youth Development, Impactful Golf Operations, Sustainability, and Deeping Community Partnerships.

The first of several features on the organization focuses on its origins as one of First Tee’s pilot chapters. First Tee – Greater Richmond was officially incorporated on Feb. 26, 1998, and quickly became one of the bellwether chapters in the national organization through the leadership of Fred Tattersall, Bobby Ukrop, Bill Goodwin, and other Richmond community leaders.

Throughout 2023, First Tee – Greater Richmond will be shining a light on several facets of the chapter, including alumni, participants, coaches, donors, and its impact both locally and nationally. The organization will also be hosting several events, including its 25^th anniversary celebration on May 4.

To learn more about First Tee – Greater Richmond, its impact and future vision, please visit:

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Media Contact:
Bill Potter
317-625-5772

River City Collegiate Classic Nominated as RVA Sports Awards “Moment of the Year”

RICHMOND, Va. (Dec. 20, 2022) – The inaugural River City Collegiate Classic presented by Truist is among the three nominees for the RVA Sports Awards’ “Rebkee Moment of the Year,” it was announced on Friday. The “Moment of the Year” award is given to the participants in a moment in the past year that energized Richmond sports fans, displayed remarkable athletic skill, or demonstrated incredible sportsmanship.

The RVA Sports Awards recognize those athletes and leaders who have made a major impact on their community through sports. The second annual RVA Sports Awards show will air live from Altria Theater on Saturday, Feb. 4. The community can vote on the RVA Sports Awards – through Sunday, Jan. 15.

“We were thrilled to enter into the partnership with First Tee – Greater Richmond to create the River City Collegiate Classic as we continue our efforts to bring more diversity and accessibility to the game of golf,” said Steve Schoenfeld, Executive Director of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic. “The fact that the launch of the RCCC is a finalist for the RVA Sports Awards is unexpected, but certainly exciting!”

The inaugural River City Collegiate Classic was a partnership between First Tee – Greater Richmond, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic and The Country Club of Virginia, with seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) competing at both CCV’s James River Course and the renovated and reimagined Belmont Golf Course.

Virginia Union took the inaugural team championship, led by individual medalist Alkin Barkley. VUU head coach Lee Coble described the three days as a “breakthrough event for collegiate golf.”

“Thanks to the staffs at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, the Country Club of Virginia, Virginia Union and First Tee – Greater Richmond for their efforts to make this event possible,” said Kelly Brown, First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Vice President of Impact. “For our First Tee participants to get to play alongside these first-class student-athletes during the Am-Am furthers our vision to strengthen the character of our community.”

In addition to the two days of competition, the event also included the Harris Williams Am-Am at Belmont, where two amateurs from the Richmond business community were paired with one of the collegiate student-athletes and a junior golfer from First Tee – Greater Richmond.

Additional information on the RVA Sports Awards is available here.

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Virginia Union Claims Inaugural River City Collegiate Classic Title

RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 25, 2022) – Virginia Union claimed the inaugural River City Collegiate Classic presented by Truist, holding off Livingstone College by 10 strokes at historic Belmont Golf Course on Tuesday. The Panthers were led by medalist Alkin Barkley, who finished four shots clear of the field at 3-over par total.

After playing the same yardages and 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. In 2021, Belmont was reopened after a restoration and reimagination brought back 10 of the original 12 greens complexes to A.W. Tillinghast’s 1917 design. Student-athletes competed on holes 1-12 of the championship course, with holes 1-6 replayed to build a 6,865-yard, par-72 course.

Barkley paced Virginia Union, posting a 3-over par 75 in the final round. After an even-par 72 at CCV put him atop the leaderboard by four shots, Barkley was in control of the leaderboard throughout the day. The graduate student picked up key birdies on the 9^th and 12^th holes before his fourth birdie of the day came on the par-5 16^th, allowing him to cruise to a 4-shot win over teammate Hayden Garcia.

Garcia matched Barkley’s 75, as the duo tied with Livingstone College’s Christopher Baguma for low round of the day. Led by Barkley (72-75) and Garcia (76-75), VUU was eight shots better than Livingstone on the day, enabling the Panthers (316-310 – 626) to sit 10 shots clear of the Blue Bears (318-318 – 636) for the tournament.

Ahmad Reedus (82-81) tied for sixth for VUU, putting three Panthers into the top 10 of the field. Livingstone also placed three into the top 10, led by Baguma (80-75) and Xavier Proctor (78-77), who both tied for third. Joel Basalaine (81-84) was part of a four-way tie for ninth.

Virginia State’s Juan Ruiz Patino carded an 84 on Tuesday, taking fifth on the individual leaderboard (76-84), while teammate Michael Ebosh (83-82) was part of the quartet in ninth.

Playing with just four student-athletes, Winston-Salem State climbed the leaderboard in the second round behind ninth-place efforts from Alex Chenard (87-78) and Jacob Moore (80-85).

Johnson C. Smith was led by sixth-place results from both Isaiah Nickerson (74-89) and Isaiah Trollinger (81-82).

In addition to medalist honors, Barkley collected All-Tournament Team accolades alongside teammate Garcia. Joining the VUU duo on the team were Livingstone’s Baguma and Proctor alongside VSU’s Ruiz Patino.

The team title was the first of the fall season for Virginia Union.

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.

2022 River City Collegiate Classic presented by Truist All-Tournament Team
Christopher Baguma, Livingstone College
Alkin Barkley, Virginia Union (medalist)
Hayden Garcia, Virginia Union
Xavier Proctor, Livingston College
Juan Ruiz Patino, Virginia State

Virginia Union Leads After First Round of River City Collegiate Classic

RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 24, 2022) – Virginia Union owns the first round lead at the inaugural River City Collegiate Classic presented by Truist, posting a team score of 316 on a challenging afternoon at the Country Club of Virginia’s James River Course.

Playing the same yardages and layout as the PGA TOUR Champions did during Sunday’s Dominion Energy Charity Classic, VUU’s Alkin Barkley got out to hot start, birdieing four of his first six holes before settling for an even-par round of 72 on the 7,025-yard layout.

Barkley reeled off three straight birdies on holes 2-4, including the 183-yard par 3 4^th hole. The graduate student made the turn in 2-under 34 before two bogeys on the backside brought him home at even par.

After the first round, Barkley stands two shots clear of Johnson C. Smith University’s Isaiah Nickerson, who birdied two of his last four holes to come in at 2-over 74. Nickerson collected his second birdie of the day on the short par-4 15^th hole before another birdie on the par-5 16th.

Barkley (72) and Hayden Garcia (76) helped Virginia Union build a two-shot edge on the team leaderboard, where the Panthers are immediately followed by Livingstone College. The Blue Bears were led by Xavier Proctor (78) and Colline Ajidra (79), both of whom were among the seven student-athletes in the field to break 80 on the James River Course.

Behind Nickerson (74) and teammate Dylan Mauricette (79), Johnson C. Smith sits third, posting a team score of 325, trailing Virginia Union by nine strokes.

Virginia State (333) was led by Juan Ruiz Patino, who posted a 4-over 76 to sit tied with VUU’s Garcia for third on the individual leaderboard.

Winston-Salem State (345) is fifth, followed by Elizabeth City State (409) and St. Augustine’s (416).

All seven programs represent historically black colleges and universities from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

The second and final round of River City Collegiate Classic presented by Truist will start at 8:30 a.m., playing holes 1-12 of the championship course. Holes 1-6 will be replayed to create a 6,865-yard 18-hole layout.

Brittany Woo Nominated for LPGA*USGA Sandy LaBauve Spirit Award

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 19, 2022) – First Tee – Greater Richmond Senior Director of Programming Brittany Woo has been named as a nominee for the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Sandy LaBauve Spirit Award, the organization recently announced. Woo is one of 81 nominees across the country to be nominated by their Girls Golf parents and peers for this prestigious award.

Named after the founder of LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the Sandy LaBauve Spirit Award honors an individual who has gone above and beyond to inspire the lives of juniors through their passion and dedication to empowering girls through golf. LaBauve was an LPGA Teaching Professional in Phoenix, Ariz., and the mother of two daughters when she founded Girls Golf in 1989.

“Brittany embodies the mission of First Tee and LPGA*USGA Girls Golf and is most deserving of this nomination,” First Tee – Greater Richmond Vice President of Impact Kelly Brown said. “She is a great role model and inspires girls of all ages in our community to achieve anything they set their minds to. Through her leadership, our girls are more confident on and off the golf course.”

Nominees plan, organize and implement Girls Golf clinics, tournaments, field trips, social activities, and more, sharing their passion by providing girls with quality and memorable experiences that not only affect their lives but also help to shape their futures daily.

Woo has been part of the First Tee – Greater Richmond family since 2003, when she first enrolled in First Tee Programs. Today, she oversees the organization’s programming team, coaches and volunteers. Additionally, Woo helps coordinate programming schedules at all three First Tee – Greater Richmond facilities and collaborates with its partners to ensure the success of the First Tee Schools Program.

A two-time graduate of the University of Richmond, Woo worked as the school’s Major Gifts and Philanthropy Coordinator for almost two years before returning to First Tee – Greater Richmond in 2020.

Prior to that, she held several jobs in the golf industry, including internships with the PGA TOUR and First Tee Headquarters. While at the PGA TOUR, Woo was a Tournament Services Intern, managing 1,200 volunteers and supporting the Dominion Energy Charity Classic in Richmond. For more information on LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, visit www.girlsgolf.org.