Category: News Releases

Henry Powell Selected to First Tee Innovators Forum

RICHMOND, Va. (Sept. 15, 2022) – Henry Powell from First Tee — Greater Richmond has been selected to attend the First Tee Innovators Forum November 16-19 in Dallas, Texas. The forum will empower First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focusing on raising awareness on issues surrounding education, health and sustainability.

Powell, 15, is sophomore at Appomattox Regional Governor’s School and has been a participant at First Tee – Greater Richmond for five years. He serves on the organization’s Junior Advisory Board in addition to volunteering and coaching with First Tee – Greater Richmond and competing on the Dragons’ varsity golf team.

Interactive workshops and small breakout sessions during the forum will cover a variety of topics including the importance of community service, volunteerism, and environmental sustainability, and will be presented by experts in the respective fields. During the workshops, Powell will have the opportunity to learn from global industry leaders at the three-day summit. At the end of the forum, a total of $32,000 will be awarded to eight attending participants to further their educational pursuits.

“Congratulations to Henry on earning this national opportunity.” said Brittany Woo, Senior Director of Programming at First Tee – Greater Richmond. “Henry has been a shining star since coming to our organization five years ago and is now embracing being a mentor to our life-skills experience participants. We’re excited for him to have another opportunity to meet with other like-minded participants from across the country and continue his path of positively impacting lives in and around Richmond.”

Powell is one of 28 participants selected to attend the Innovators Forum from across First Tee chapters across the country and was selected based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation. This marks the second consecutive year a participant from First Tee – Greater Richmond was selected to the Innovators Forum, with D’yan Robinson having attended last year.

For more information on First Tee – Greater Richmond, visit www.firstteerva.org.

Four Teens Earn Selection into the First Tee College Scholarship Program

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL.  (September 12, 2022) – First Tee participants from Minnesota, Massachusetts, San Francisco and Orange County, Calif. have each been awarded scholarships and selection in to the First Tee College Scholarship Program. The teens were selected following their participation in the First Tee Leadership Series and Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore based on their intentional and innovative commitment to personal growth and development as leaders throughout the course of the program.

First Tee and PGA TOUR Superstore congratulate:

  • Gabriella Mercado from First Tee – Orange County:  Gabriella is a 16-year-old high school junior from Placentia, Calif. She’s been involved with First Tee for seven years. She holds a 4.0 GPA and has aspirations of playing college golf and then becoming a sports lawyer.  Gabriella enjoys community service and in her first two years of high school accumulated more than 225 hours.
  • Jaylyn Remolona from First Tee – San Francisco: Jaylynis a 15-year-old high school junior from San Francisco.  Jaylyn attends Mercy High School in Burlingame has been involved with First Tee for seven years. She holds a 3.65 and outside of school her two hobbies are golf and singing.  
  • Kyzar Joshi from First Tee — Massachusetts: Kyzar is 17-year-old high school senior at Ashland High School in Ashland, Mass.He has been involved with First Tee for more than 10 years. He holds a 4.12 GPA and his career aspirations include playing college golf and majoring in finance or economics in college.  Kyzar serves as his class treasurer, and helped lead the Ashland High School golf team to the state section tournament. Kyzar is in the process of completing the ACE level of the First Tee Curriculum.
  • Saloni Somia from First Tee – Minnesota:  Saloni, from Plymouth, Minn.,is a17-year-old high school senior at Minnetonka High School. She has been involved with First Tee for four years. She holds a 4.0 GPA and serves as the President of her school’s National Honor Society, Captain of the Minnetonka Girls Golf Team, Founder and President of Everyone Eats (an organization that provides homeless youth allergy friendly foods) and co-founded a teen-led YouTube channel that gives good allergy advice to teens.

As First Tee Scholars, the teens will receive support throughout their post-graduate careers. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. In addition, each scholar is paired with a dedicated, trained adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the college experience, including virtual and in person meetups. The program also provides professional development workshops held in person throughout the year.

“We are very proud of these four deserving teens from across the country,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “They each showed dedication and impressive character traits throughout the Leadership Series and Summit.  They are leaders in their schools, at home and at their First Tee chapters. Through the First Tee College Scholarship Program, we will continue to support them in their personal and professional development and empower them to hone their leadership skills as they pursue their careers. We’re thankful for partners like PGA TOUR Superstore who support these game changing initiatives.”

The four teens were selected from the more than 250 participants who attended the Leadership Series and Summit.  Boasting an average GPA of 3.9 the teens meet the College Scholarship Program eligibility requirements which are based on academic performance, length and involvement in First Tee programs, financial need and commitment to volunteerism.

First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible by donors and corporate partners who stand behind the program and First Tee’s mission. For more than a decade, PGA TOUR Superstore and PGA TOUR Superstore Chairman Arthur M. Blank 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 youth across the U.S. and strengthen its curriculum for teenage participants, including the development of the Leadership Series and Summit.

“We are committed to being a positive influence in our communities and truly believe in the positive impact sports has in developing and supporting youth,” said Dick Sullivan, President & CEO, PGA TOUR Superstore. “We are proud to partner with the First Tee to empower young people with values-based leadership skills that will help them succeed throughout the course of their life. Congratulations Gabriella, Jaylyn, Kyzar and Saloni.”

Photos and broll of the Scholars is available here.

Dominion Energy Charity Classic and First Tee – Greater Richmond to Partner on River City Collegiate Classic

RICHMOND, Virginia – Officials from the Dominion Energy Charity Classic and First Tee – Greater Richmond announced today that the inaugural River City Collegiate Classic will take place this October 23-25 at Belmont Golf Course and The Country Club of Virginia’s James River Course. Truist will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the event.

Seven Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) will compete in the 36-hole event. These include Elizabeth City State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University. The first round will be played at the James River Course on October 24, the day following the conclusion of the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.

The final round will be contested on October 25 over the 18 holes that make up the recently reimagined and renovated Belmont.

“Dominion Energy long has believed in the mission of HBCUs and supported and partnered with them with scholarships, capital improvements, and more,” said Robert M. Blue, Dominion Energy’s Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited to expand our partnership with these excellent colleges and universities to the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.”

“It is of paramount importance to the PGA TOUR, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, and First Tee to continue to grow the game of golf while also bringing increased diversity to the sport,” said Dominion Energy Charity Classic Executive Director Steve Schoenfeld. “It was an easy conversation with First Tee, Virginia Union University and The Country Club of Virginia to bring this concept to life.”

The event will also include an Am-Am on Sunday, October 23 at Belmont, where two amateurs will be paired with one of the collegiate competitors as well as a junior golfer from First Tee – Greater Richmond.

“Our vision at First Tee – Greater Richmond is to strengthen the character of our community, and this event is a wonderful reflection of that commitment,” said First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO Brent Schneider. “We are grateful to work with like-minded partners at Virginia Union, the PGA TOUR, and the Dominion Energy Charity Classic to make an impact in the lives of young people and to deepen the relationships across all of the organizations involved.”

“Truist’s partnership and engagement with HBCUs across the markets we serve is one of the many ways we inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Thomas Ransom, Virginia Regional President for Truist. “Serving as the presenting sponsor of the inaugural River City Collegiate Classic allows us to continue our support of HBCU students in their endeavors – both on and off the golf course.”

In addition to Truist as the event’s overall presenting sponsor, Harris Williams will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Am-Am. Lowe, Brockenbrough & Company is the presenting sponsor of a reception on Monday evening for participants.

“There is a long and rich tradition of the game of golf for students, alumni, and supporters of HBCUs; especially the HBCUs that will be participating in this historic inaugural event,” said E. Lee Coble, Assistant Athletic Director for Student-Athletes Academic Support and Head Golf Coach at Virginia Union University, and President of the CIAA Golf Coaches Association. “This event is a breakthrough ‘first’ for CIAA collegiate golf. We are proud to be partners with those, along with us, who had the vision and commitment to bring the River City Collegiate Classic to life.”

“We are proud to support the River City Collegiate Classic, the schools and student athletes competing,” said Phil Keister, General Manager at The Country Club of Virginia. “We are excited for the collegiate competitors to play the James River Couse and experience the same CCV hospitality as the PGA TOUR Champions professionals do during the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.”

ABOUT THE DOMINION ENERGY CHARITY CLASSIC
The Dominion Energy Charity Classic is the first of three PGA TOUR Champions season-ending playoff events to determine the annual Charles Schwab Cup Champion. The 2022 tournament is scheduled for October 20-23 at The Country Club of Virginia, James River Course. A field of 72 professionals will compete for a share of the $2.2 million purse and a spot in the 54-player field the following week. All three rounds of the event will be broadcast on Golf Channel. For corporate sponsorship, volunteer opportunities or ticket information, please visit the official tournament website at www.deccgolf.com or see our pages on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (@DECCGolf) and LinkedIn.

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, the First Tee Life Skills Experience, the First Tee School Program, and collaborative community partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond reached more than 97,000 youth in 2021.

PGA TOUR Professional Austin Smotherman Joins First Tee as an Official Ambassador

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL., (July 12, 2022) – PGA TOUR professional and First Tee alumnus Austin Smotherman has been named an official ambassador of First Tee. A Loomis, Calif. native, Smotherman participated in the Greater Sacramento chapter from age seven until 18 and developed his golf game and character during his time in the program. As an ambassador, Smotherman will showcase his involvement with the youth development organization and the impact it has on his life to help inspire the next generation.

Smotherman is debuting the First Tee logo on his bag this week during the Barracuda Championship in support of the program and its mission to empower kids and teens to build their strength of character through golf. As an ambassador, he will also give his time to meet with participants, donors, and chapter leadership to inspire more support of its mission and participation of the program.

“I’m honored to take on this role as First Tee Ambassador,” said Smotherman. “Looking back at my time as a participant, I really value the balance of developing my character while I was also developing my golf swing. Those experiences and the skills I acquired helped shape who I am as a person and now as a professional athlete. They still guide me today as I navigate the ups and downs of this game that I love.”

“On behalf of the PGA TOUR, congratulations to Austin Smotherman on today’s announcement regarding his new role as official ambassador of First Tee,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Competing on the PGA TOUR requires hard work and perseverance and his story and the character strengths he developed during his time in First Tee will help inspire many kids and teens as they explore the many opportunities golf can provide. Austin paying it forward is another example of what makes the PGA TOUR – and our members  – so special.”

During his time in First Tee, Smotherman progressed through the program, transitioning from a participant to a junior coach and mentor to the younger kids. In 2009 and 2010 he played in the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee and in 2011 he earned First Tee – Greater Sacramento’s Core Value Award.

In 2016, he graduated from Southern Methodist University where he played on the men’s golf team. After competing for two seasons on PGA TOUR Latinoamérica (2017 –2018) he transitioned to the Korn Ferry Tour (2019-2021) until he earned his PGA TOUR card in August 2021. Smotherman is the third First Tee alum, following Scott Langley (retired) and Cameron Champ, to achieve this milestone.

“We are proud to welcome Austin as our First Tee ambassador,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “This is a special moment as we celebrate our 25th anniversary and the lasting impact we are having on youth and alumni across the country as they pursue their careers and passions, both on and off the golf course.  His commitment to giving back and dedication to living out his values is an inspiration and will impact many lives.”

Launching in 1997, First Tee is celebrating 25 years of enabling kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and at six international locations.

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 youth 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.  

Contacts:
Sara Henika
[email protected]
(904)881-7398

First Tee – Greater Richmond Selected to Receive Funds Through Industry’s ‘Make Golf Your Thing’ Grant Program

RICHMOND, Va. (June 15, 2022) – First Tee – Greater Richmond has been selected to receive funding through a dedicated grant program operated by the golf industry’s DEI campaign, Make Golf Your Thing. As one of 81 designated organizations across the U.S., First Tee – Greater Richmond was chosen for its efforts to increase golf participation among underrepresented populations of the sport.

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

Initially introduced in 2021, the grant program – through its latest round of funding – has now issued 155 grants to 111 unique organizations overall, totaling more than $1 million to-date.

“We are grateful for this funding to continue to make our programs and facilities inclusive and accessible for people of all backgrounds and skill levels,” said Kelly Brown, Vice President of Impact at First Tee – Greater Richmond. “This grant affords us the opportunity to make a deeper impact on young people in our community alongside our like-minded partners.”

The grant program was established to support organizations or programs dedicated to increasing golf participation among underrepresented populations in the sport (i.e., Black, Latinx, Asian, Indigenous communities, as well as women, LGBTQI+ individuals, veterans, and individuals with disabilities). The program is being financially supported by industry partners committed to helping make the game more welcoming and inclusive for all.

In 2021, First Tee – Greater Richmond impacted the lives of more than 97,000 youth across its life-skills education programs, camps, and community and school program participants.

Formally launched in May 2021, Make Golf Your Thing is the industry’s movement to make golf accessible to individuals from all backgrounds. Led by six cross-industry work groups, the initiative is specifically focused on: education & skill development, talent acquisition, procurement, human resources, youth & adult player development, and marketing/communications.

The grant program is being administered by the American Golf Industry Coalition, a partnership among golf’s leading organizations to promote and advocate for the collective interests of the sport. Funding for the program is led by a contingent of industry supporters committed to making the sport more welcoming and inclusive for all.

For more information on First Tee – Greater Richmond, visit FirstTeeRVA.org.

For more information on Make Golf Your Thing, visit https://makegolfyourthing.org/.

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First Tee – Greater Richmond Announces Hirings of Katie Guerin, Rachel Higgins

Guerin Joins as Vice President, Advancement; Higgins as Executive Assistant

RICHMOND, Va. (May 27, 2022) – First Tee – Greater Richmond has announced that Katie Guerin and Rachel Higgins have joined its staff as part of a continued organizational evolution.

“Katie and Rachel will both be instrumental in helping us forward our vision of strengthening the character of our community,” First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO Brent Schneider said. “We continue to add dynamic, mission-minded leaders to our team, and I am grateful that Katie and Rachel are joining us.”

Guerin brings over 12 years of fundraising experience to the organization and will be responsible for all aspects of charitable giving, including strategy, research, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Additionally, she will serve on Schneider’s Senior Leadership Team.

Before coming to First Tee – Greater Richmond, Guerin served as the Director of Development and Communications for the City Kids Wilderness Project, which saw her manage and execute City Kids’ annual development and communications plan, stewarding an existing portfolio of individual and foundation major donors and building an individual giving pipeline.

Higgins, a mathematics major from UNCW and former flight attendant for American Airlines, will oversee day-to-day operations for the administrative office and lead scheduling, donor database administration, and board communications. Additionally, she will participate in institutional planning initiatives and assist as needed with special project management.

Guerin and Higgins both started in their positions earlier in May.

First Tee – Greater Richmond Named Honorable Mention Recipient in Prestigious PR Daily Social Media & Digital Awards

Belmont Reopening Campaign Garners National Recognition

RICHMOND, Va. (May 11, 2022) – First Tee – Greater Richmond has been named an honorable mention recipient of PR Daily’s Social Media & Digital Awards in the Media Relations Campaign category for its successful Belmont Reopening campaign.

PR Daily’s Social Media & Digital Awards celebrates the teams, organizations and agencies who have redefined the field with their groundbreaking work. First Tee – Greater Richmond was chosen from a wide pool of entries to receive an honorable mention in the media relations campaign for the impact of its Belmont reopening campaign.

The campaign encompassed both traditional and non-traditional media, including article placement with Golf.com, Golfweek, and Golf Digest, podcasts and an event with The Golfers Journal and video features in The Fire Pit Collective. In total, over 40 pieces of earned media generated over 110,000,000 total impressions and over $1 million estimated media value.

“First Tee – Greater Richmond set themselves apart from an outstanding field of applicants. Their work was exceptional and displayed their innovative strategies for achieving success. Congratulations, First Tee – Greater Richmond, and we look forward to your continued success,” said Brendan Gannon, Senior Marketing Manager for Awards Programs at Ragan Communications. 

American Humane was the category winner for its Hero Dog Awards campaign. Nominees in the Media Relations Campaign category were:

  • ECMC Group: ECMC Group Helps Teens Question The Quo in Education
  • Endo International, plc: Endo’s Qwo® (collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes): The First and Only FDA-Approved Injectable for Cellulite
  • First Tee – Greater Richmond: Belmont Reopening
  • Lobeline Communications: The Original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit
  • SlicedBrand: Wasteless – Using AI to eliminate food waste and help the climate
  • United States Postal Service: Package Machine Deployment

Belmont reopened on May 24, 2021, with the historic A.W. Tillinghast design reimagined and renovated by Love Golf Design. The course features 12 restored A.W. Tillinghast holes – including 10 original greens complexes, alongside Little Bell, a 6-hole par 3 course; and The Ringer, a reversible 18-hole putting course; a driving range and practice area.

In 2021, Belmont saw 650 youth programming registrations for First Tee – Greater Richmond’s evidence-based life skills programs and camps, serving over 500 area youth. Over 20,000 rounds of golf was played on the property in just seven months from its opening through the end of 2021.

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About Ragan Communications

Ragan Communications and PR Daily run 15 awards programs each year, including the prestigious PR Daily Awards, Top Women in Communications Awards and Digital Marketing and Social Media Awards. Judged by globally regarded experts and featuring multiple categories, these programs honor the top work in communications, PR, marketing, media and HR.

Ragan Communications has been delivering trusted news, training and intelligence for more than 50 years to internal and external communicators and business executives via its conferences, webinars, training, awards, subscriptions and its membership divisions. Its daily news sites—PRDaily.com,  Ragan.com and RaganWellness.com—are read by more than 600,000 internal and external communicators and HR professionals monthly.

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, the First Tee Life Skills Experience, the First Tee School Program, and collaborative community partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond reached more than 70,050 youth in 2021.

D’yan Robinson Selected for First Tee Innovators Forum

RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 28, 2021) – D’yan Robinson from First Tee — Greater Richmond has been selected to attend the First Tee Innovators Forum October 8–11 in San Jose, Calif. The forum will empower First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focusing on raising awareness on issues surrounding education, health and sustainability. Robinson, 17, is a senior at Collegiate School in Richmond and has been a participant at First Tee – Greater Richmond for 12 years. Earlier this summer, she participated in the First Tee Game Changers Academy in Philadelphia, which focused on issues of diversity, equality and inclusion. Interactive workshops and small breakout sessions during the forum will cover a variety of topics including the importance of community service, volunteerism, and environmental sustainability, and will be presented by experts in the respective fields. During the workshops, Robinson will have the opportunity to learn from global industry leaders at the three-day summit. At the end of the forum, a total of $32,000 will be awarded to eight attending participants to further their educational pursuits. “Congratulations to D’yan on earning this national opportunity.” said Kelly McAnally, Chief Operating Officer of First Tee – Greater Richmond.  “D’yan is one of First Tee’s shining stars, having been part of the Game Changers Academy in addition to being a First Tee – Greater Richmond participant over the last 12 years. We’re excited for her to have another opportunity to meet with other like-minded participants from across the country and continue on her path of positively impacting lives in and around Richmond.” Robinson is one of 28 participants selected to attend the Innovators Forum and was selected based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation. First Tee – Greater Richmond is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee – Greater Richmond creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.

Belmont Announces Food & Beverage Partners

RICHMOND, Va. (July 9, 2021) – First Tee — Greater Richmond has announced its local food and beverage partners for Belmont, which opened to the public on May 29. Among the food and beverage partners are Birdie’s Pimento Cheese, Route 11 Potato Chips, Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, Belle Isle Moonshine, Fore Craft Cocktails and Väsen Brewing Company. Additionally, Belmont is working with local restaurants and caterers to develop menu items to feature at Belmont and is continually accepting inquiries from interested event catering partners. “These partnerships continue to reflect the vision of First Tee – Greater Richmond: to strengthen the character of our community,” Belmont Food and Beverage Manager Lee Gordon said. “As a community golf course, we are proud to provide a venue for local food and beverage specialties to shine. We hope that in trying a local option at Belmont, our patrons will then support our partners off the course as well.” Birdie’s, Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, and Route 11 have been featured at Belmont since earlier this month following the completion of the turn house behind the course’s third hole. Based in South Hill, Va., Birdie’s Pimento Cheese offers a curious twist on a traditional southern staple. Priding itself on big flavor and quality ingredients, Birdie’s variety of pimento cheeses are offered as sandwiches and stand-alone dip at Belmont. A Richmond staple since 1937, Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods continues to offer ready-to-heat meals, sides, salads, and delicious baked goods to grocers and retailers across Virginia. Ukrop’s famous chicken salad sandwich is among Belmont’s menu offerings, while the company’s homestyle sides are a feature of Belmont’s events and catering options this summer. Opened in Middletown, Va., in 1992, Route 11 has risen to prominence through its commitment to traditional, small-batch cooking of its potato chips. The company offers nine flavors of its award-winning chips, five of which are offered at Belmont, including the popular Chesapeake Crab, Sour Cream and Chive, and Mama Zuma’s Revenge. Started in 2013 between brothers-in-law, Belle Isle has been a pioneer in the distribution of premium moonshine within Virginia. Belle Isle continues that tradition with its line of canned cocktails, several of which will be carried at Belmont. Fore Craft Cocktails was founded in 2021, focusing exclusively on canned transfusion cocktails. Based in Richmond, Fore Craft enjoys wide distribution around golf courses in the Richmond metropolitan area, including Belmont. Founded in 2017, Väsen Brewing Company produces balanced, sessional beers that are perfect for long days outside. Väsen is committed to celebrating those who share an appreciation for the outdoors and sparking positive change in their communities. Belmont will offer several Väsen options, including Hefeweizen, Läger and Radapils Pilsner. 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. Restored and reimagined by Love Golf Design in 2021, Belmont remains the only golf course in Virginia that has hosted a men’s 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.

First Tee – Greater Richmond Announces Staff Additions

RICHMOND, Va. (July 2, 2021) – First Tee – Greater Richmond has announced that Demitri Keopradit and Chandler Scott have joined the operations staff, both as Assistant Golf Professionals. Keopradit will be primarily based out of The Tattersall Youth Development Center in Chesterfield, while Scott is working at The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range in downtown Richmond. Both collegiate golfers, Keopradit and Scott will have a wide array of responsibilities, including assisting in the daily operations at The Tattersall and Elson Redmond, providing lessons and club fitting sessions, and overseeing golf leagues, tournaments, and patron relationships. “Chandler and Demitri are great additions to our growing team and will make an immediate impact at our facilities,” First Tee – Greater Richmond Chief Operating Officer Kelly McAnally said. “With their collegiate golf experience in addition to previous positions at high end courses in the Mid-Atlantic region, they are excellent role models for our First Tee participants in addition to providing first class customer service to the Greater Richmond community.” Keopradit comes to First Tee – Greater Richmond after working at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm shortly after concluding his collegiate career. At Wilson College, Keopradit was chosen to the 2014-15 North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) All-Conference Second Team, becoming the first male athlete to be named on an NEAC all-conference team. The opportunity at First Tee – Greater Richmond brings Keopradit, a native of Springfield, Va., back to his home state. Scott started at First Tee – Greater Richmond in late May after a successful career on the Virginia Wesleyan University men’s golf team. Scott joined the Marlins during his sophomore year, becoming a consistent fixture in the team’s five-man lineup. A native of Chesapeake, Va., Scott brings a lineage of golf professionals to First Tee – Greater Richmond, as his father was a PGA Professional. First Tee – Greater Richmond is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee – Greater Richmond creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. For more information on First Tee – Greater Richmond, visit www.firstteerva.org.

D’Yan Robinson Selected for First Tee Game Changers Academy

RICHMOND, Va. (June 11, 2021) – D’yan Robinson from First Tee — Greater Richmond has been selected to attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. in Philadelphia, July 20-24, 2021. Robinson is one of 48 teens from the First Tee network who has been selected for the five-day learning and empowerment academy and will participate in critical conversations around issues of identity, racism, equity and empathy.

Robinson, 17, is a rising senior at Collegiate School in Richmond and has been a participant at First Tee – Greater Richmond for 12 years.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion have been part of the fabric of First Tee since the beginning, and we are proud to provide an event that allows teens from across the country to go deeper on the subject,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “First Tee is about empowering these young people to be game changers in their community. Congratulations to D’yon for being selected from a national pool of candidates to represent First Tee – Greater Richmond at this event.”

The event will feature engaging and interactive workshops facilitated by RISE, a national nonprofit and leader in the sports community championing social justice and working to improve race relations. The workshops will explore a multitude of topics that encourage personal growth and understanding of diversity concepts that foster positive change in the community.

The workshops will be paired with reflections led by nationally trained First Tee coaches, team building activities such as a scavenger hunt in the city of Philadelphia and a community outreach project, and keynote speakers from the sports industry including Vice-President, Community & Inclusion for the PGA TOUR Marsha Oliver.

First Tee – Greater Philadelphia will host the teens for golf outings at John F. Byrne Golf Course where they will continue to build upon their connections with other participants from around the country and hear different perspectives from their peers.

First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is 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. The Academy honors First Tee’s former CEO, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., who led the organization from 2000 until his retirement in 2017.

First Tee – Greater Richmond is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee – Greater Richmond creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.

For more information on First Tee – Greater Richmond, visit www.firstteerva.org.

Belmont Announces Corporate Partners

RICHMOND, Va. (May 20, 2021) – First Tee — Greater Richmond has announced its corporate partners for Belmont, which will open to the public on Saturday, May 29. Included among the corporate partners are CapTech Consulting, Dynamic Brands, Peebles Golf Carts, Peter Millar and Revels Turf and Tractor. “These partnerships reflect the vision of First Tee – Greater Richmond: to strengthen the character of our community,” First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO Brent Schneider said. “All of our partners are locally and regionally based, and we are grateful that they share in our mission of making Belmont an entry point to the game of golf for all.” CapTech, a Richmond-based national technology consulting firm, will be part of the Phase 2 developments at Belmont which will include the development of a state-of-the-art golf technology lab in the former pro shop. With an emphasis on inclusivity, the lab will support training and development for all skill levels through the innovative use of data, design and technology. A central goal of the lab is to connect and integrate data from golf training tools, mobile devices and third-party sources. Additional details, including renderings of the lab, will be shared later this year with an anticipated opening in the spring of 2022. Dynamic Brands will be providing Bag Boy push carts and Devant Sport Towels at Belmont, including the award-winning Nitron™ auto-open push cart. The Nitron’s revolutionary, one-step auto open technology makes it the easiest opening cart in golf, and Devant Sport Towels is known as the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality custom towels. In addition, Bag Boy will be the exclusive rental cart provider to Belmont. Dynamic Brands will also be hosting a special 75th anniversary “Walk the Course” event at Belmont on June 5. Established in 2004, Dynamic Brands is the Richmond-based parent company for a portfolio of premium brands committed to the development of innovative, quality products and outstanding customer service in the sporting goods industry. Golf and recreational products are offered through Bag Boy®, Burton®, Datrek® Golf, Devant Sport Towels®, Haas-Jordan™, IGOTCHA®, SEARCH ‘N RESCUE® and FLAGPOLE-TO-GO® brands, and include walking carts, golf bags, travel covers, umbrellas, custom sport towels, bag tags, golf ball retrievers, flags and accessories. First Tee – Greater Richmond’s partnership with Peebles Golf Carts also extends to The Tattersall Youth Development Center, with the Glen Allen-based business delivering a fleet of Club Cars at both facilities. The Belmont-branded golf carts will also be equipped with dual USB ports for the ease of charging phones and speakers. Peter Millar will be the official apparel provider and retailer at Belmont. The Raleigh, N.C.-based company will outfit Belmont staff, while patrons of Belmont will also be able to purchase Peter Millar polos, belts and additional apparel on site. The Official Golf Equipment Supplier for the PGA Tour, Revels Turf and Tractor is providing Belmont with a full line of John Deere golf turf equipment, including fairway and green mowers, Gator utility vehicles and aerators. Additionally, the partnership will provide funding for four scholarship positions designed to bring people into the world of golf course maintenance. The scholarships will fund two technical, mechanical positions at Belmont along with two agronomy-focused jobs at the course. Love Golf Design, co-founded by World Golf Hall of Fame member and 21-time PGA tour winner Davis Love III, led the renovations at Belmont that started in May 2020, with a grand re-opening ceremony on May 24. The course will open to the public on May 29, with tee times available later this spring at PlayBelmontRVA.org. 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.