Category: News Releases

From our CEO: Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As we continue to monitor the rapidly changing developments regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), effective today, Wednesday, March 18th The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range will be closed until further notice. The safety of participants, patrons, employees, and volunteers is First Tee of Greater Richmond’s top priority. We intend to maintain our facilities with limited personnel on-site and will support our many other functions by working remotely where possible.

First Tee of Greater Richmond’s Plan of Action

Youth Programs, Community Events, Group Outings, etc. List of March Events:
  • Ace Workshops: March 28th –  format changed to a virtual meeting.
  • Belmont Information Presentation: March 19th – format changing to a virtual meeting. More information to follow.
  • Girls Golf Kick-Off: March 21st– CANCELLED
  • Winter League Party: March 26th – POSTPONED
  • Week-long Club Drive: March 30th – April 4th – TBD
  • PGA HOPE Series: March 31st – This is the series kick off date. The series is TBD
  • Swing into Spring: April 4th –  TBD
List of March Outings:
  • Bensley Elementary: March 16th – 20th –  CANCELLED
  • Harrowgate Elementary: March 23rd – March 27th –  CANCELLED
  • Wilder Middle School: March 24th –  CANCELLED
  • Ratcliffe Elementary: March 24th –  CANCELLED
  • Collegiate Golf Program: March 25th –  CANCELLED
Thank you for your dedication in helping us strengthen the character of our community and your partnership as we continue to review this situation in order to provide timely information and comfort  during these unsettling times. Please continue to take every precaution to stay healthy by following recommendations from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and local health administrators. Sincerely, Brent Schneider, President & CEO First Tee of Greater Richmond

The History of American Golf Meets the Future of American Golf

A NOTE FROM THE FIRST TEE OF GREATER RICHMOND
Dear Friends, I’m writing to you today to share some wonderful news regarding the future of The First Tee of Greater Richmond. Last night, the Henrico County Board of Supervisors voted to accept a proposal we made to lease Belmont Golf Course from the county for the next 20 years. Beginning Jan. 1, The First Tee of Greater Richmond will take over the operation and management of Belmont, the only golf course in Virginia to host a PGA major tournament. This incredible opportunity – made possible by the generous support of a group of dedicated donors – aligns perfectly with our vision to strengthen the character of our community and our mission 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. It also affords us the chance to impact more of Central Virginia’s youth from all walks of life. While we already reach more than 23,000 Henrico County youth in 44 schools through our National School Program, we expect to grow enrollment of Henrico County children and teens in our Life Skills Experience Program by more than 700. Because of our successful and longtime partnerships with Chesterfield County and the City of Richmond, we see this partnership as a perfect fit. Over the coming months, we will be transforming Belmont not only to fit the needs of our programming, but also to create a community-focused, inclusive and affordable golf facility for all ages and skill levels. We’ll be adding a driving range, a short-game practice area, a six-hole short course and a putting course to pair with a reimagined 12-hole championship course that celebrates the legendary design of course architect A.W. Tillinghast. We’ve enlisted Love Golf Design, led by former PGA star Davis Love III, to help us fulfill our vision for Belmont. Simply put, we envision Belmont to become a place where the history of American golf meets the future of American golf. We can’t thank each of you enough for all you have done to help us grow over the years. We look forward to keeping you updated with our progress at Belmont and encourage you to let us know if you have any questions. Sincerely, Brent Schneider, CEO The First Tee of Greater Richmond P.S. If you’d like to read more about our big news, see these stories by RichmondBizSense, the Henrico Citizen, and the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Nicole Chang to Attend Life Skills & Leadership Academy

RVA Teen Selected for The First Tee’s National Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy

96 teens tapped nationally to attend academy in Boise, Idaho July 24-30

(Richmond, Virginia) The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud to announce Nicole Chang, Ace Level participant, is headed to the Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. Life Skills & Leadership Academy in Boise, Idaho July 24-30. Nicole will join more than 90 junior golfers, ages 14-17, from The First Tee chapters around the country at the youth leadership event. Hosted by The First Tee headquarters, the academy recognizes and rewards exceptional teen participants who are prepared to build upon leadership skills introduced through programs at their local chapter. Top coaches in The First Tee’s network deliver the golf and leadership instruction that incorporate The First Tee’s Nine Core Values in a concentrated, week-long event. Participants build skills preparing them for success beyond the golf course. They will experience championship golf, career exploration, dorm living at Boise State University and meeting other teens from around the country sharing golf as their common bond.
The First Tee is an outstanding program that allows junior golfers to experience golf in a fun and safe environment. I am grateful to have this opportunity to travel to this camp and learn life skills, make new friends, and develop my game.” – Nicole Chang
Nicole Chang, 15, is a rising junior at Clover Hill High School in Midlothian, Virginia. Active in The First Tee of Greater Richmond for four years. She participates in Life Skills Experience Classes, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, and the Junior Leadership Board. She is also on the varsity golf team, public speaking/forensics team, service chair for YMCA Leaders Club, and student council for her junior class. “Nicole always goes above and beyond the expectation and represents The First Tee of Greater Richmond well,” said Berkley Jackson, Program Coordinator at The First Tee of Greater Richmond. “We are thrilled that Nicole will be attending this year’s Life Skills and Leadership Academy and are excited to hear about her experiences!” The First Tee is a youth development organization dedicated to helping youth build character through the game of golf. Through in-school and after-school programs, it helps shape young people’s lives by reinforcing values like integrity, respect, and perseverance embedded in the game of golf.

Learn more about national participant opportunities

With the help of The First Tee national corporate partners, more advanced participants can apply to attend these golf and leadership events. These events often become life-changing experiences. Click here to learn more.  

Over $170,000 raised for The First Tee’s Youth Programs at DECC Partnership Event

Dominion Energy Charity Classic and The First Tee of Greater Richmond partnered to bring charity event to The Country Club of Virginia 

Markel presented the inaugural event which raised over $170,000 for youth programs

Winning Foursome: Hourigan Construction Group
(RICHMOND, Virginia) – On Monday, April 22nd, 31 foursomes played in a captain’s choice scramble at the James River Course of the Country Club of Virginia. Each foursome represented a community supporter of The First Tee of Greater Richmond. Title sponsor, Markel, filled three foursomes with current and prospective friends of The First Tee. Junior participants of The First Tee joined the post-play reception to assist with award distribution and present the exclusive raffle ticket winner. The Dominion Energy Charity Classic donated one foursome in the Wednesday Pro-Am to be held on October 16th this fall. This raffle opportunity raised $20,000 for the chapter with ticket sales purchased from a variety of donors. “We are thrilled to build upon an existing relationship with the Dominion Energy Charity Classic in an annual event to raise awareness for our organization,” said Brent Schneider, CEO of The First Tee of Greater Richmond. “Not only did this serve as our primary fundraising event, but it will also allow us a platform to provide our supporters with an exceptional opportunity to play such a special PGA  TOUR-ready course while we fulfill our vision: to strengthen the character of our community.” The First Tee is national youth development organization teaching life skills and character education through the game of golf and the Greater Richmond chapter alone serves over 80,000 youth annually. The organization is growing the game both on and off the course at two programming facilities, in 127 area elementary schools, and in collaboration with numerous youth-serving partners.  
The First Tee is a great partner to us at the PGA TOUR, so we are thrilled to work with the Richmond chapter to bring this important event to life in 2019. Elevating local charities in the Richmond community continues to be a driving force for us at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic and we know this event will help to continue fostering lasting and impactful charitable contributions in our community.” – Dominion Energy Charity Classic Executive Director, Steve Schoenfeld
The Country Club of Virginia is excited to serve as the host site for the inaugural event. The development of junior golf is something we are passionate about for both our members and the community. The First Tee of Greater Richmond is an outstanding organization and we are honored to be a partner in this endeavor. – Club President, Pierce Walmsley. 
In addition to this event, The First Tee of Greater Richmond is one 140 nonprofits enrolled in Birdies for Charity presented by TowneBank, a program designed to give local charities an opportunity to generate contributions through flat donations or based on the number of “birdies” made by PGA TOUR Champions players during the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.

GET INVOLVED in 2020

Sponsor prospects seeking naming rights or event participation should contact Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing and Events of The First Tee of Greater Richmond: [email protected]
 

Founding Board Member & National Trustee Inducted Into Robins School of Business Alumni Hall of Fame

Founding Board Member & National Trustee Inducted Into Robins School of Business Alumni Hall of Fame

Bobby Ukrop, Chairman and CEO of Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods, recognized on February 21, 2019.

(RICHMOND, Virginia) – Last week, Founding Board Member of The First Tee of Greater Richmond and National Trustee of The First Tee received recognition through the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business. The Robins School of Business Alumni Hall of Fame award and induction are given annually to recognize an alumnus or alumna of the University of Richmond who graduated 10 or more years previously and has made significant accomplishments in business and service 1. In addition to his 40-year career at Ukrop’s Super Markets, Bobby Ukrop is an accomplished community leader. Not only did he serve as a catalyst in starting The First Tee locally 20 years ago, he is currently an Emeritus Board Member of The First Tee of Greater Richmond offering annual support and guidance to chapter.
“Bobby Ukrop is a great example to us all; he’s a man who truly lives The First Tee’s Nine Core Values. He is a strategic visionary for good and has a unique ability to bring people together. Over the years, through his passion and nonstop energy Bobby has positively touched the lives of thousands of people in the Richmond community.”

– Brent Schneider, CEO, The First Tee of Greater Richmond

Thank you, Bobby, for your commitment to The First Tee of Greater Richmond and the surrounding community of RVA.

MORE NEWS RELEASES

Robins School of Business
       

Downtown Facility Hosts Dominion Energy Charity Classic Charitable Impact Announcement

Downtown Facility Hosts Press Conference To Announce Charitable Impact Of 2018 Dominion Energy Charity Classic

Richmond-area charities receive more than $1.2 million as a result of last year’s event.

(RICHMOND, Virginia) – On February 12th, tournament officials announced that the 2018 Dominion Energy Charity Classic generated more than $1.2 million for charities in the Richmond region. The PGA TOUR hosted this event at The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range. 
Over 40 members of the community gathered at The First Tee on Tuesday morning.
  The PGA TOUR Champions tournament, currently in its fourth year, is dedicated to giving back charitably in the local community, with a special focus on military support. As a result of the 2018 event, the tournament will distribute funds to the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation to benefit the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Virginia Values Veteran’s program, the Richmond Fisher House, as well as 144 additional non-profit organizations in Central Virginia, including The First Tee of Greater Richmond. “As its name suggests, the Charity Classic is all about goodwill and good works,” said Dominion Energy Chairman, President and CEO Thomas F. Farrell II. “That is why our company sponsors the event: We believe in helping others. The outpouring of generosity from the 2018 Classic is extremely gratifying, and it will make a lasting difference in the lives of veterans, their families, children in need, artists and countless others.” The Charity Classic offers area non-profit organizations the opportunity to participate in the Birdies for Charity program presented by TowneBank. This program provides participating 501(c)3 organizations the ability to generate donations that the PGA TOUR bonuses by 10%. Patty Merrill, Vice Chair of The First Tee of Greater Richmond Board of Directors, spoke on behalf of Birdies for Charity. Patty is also the volunteer chair of Birdies for Charity and is leading a task force around the 2019 Dominion Energy Charity Classic Community Invitational benefitting The First Tee of Greater Richmond.
As the Dominion Energy Charity Classic continues to grow, so does our pursuit to maximize the charitable impact to the Richmond area. Our team feels a great sense of pride that the tournament serves as a conduit for charitable giving in our community and it’s encouraging to see the growth of the Birdies for Charity program each year.”

Steve Schoenfeld, Executive Director, Dominion Energy Charity Classic

The 2019 event will return to The Country Club of Virginia, James River Course, October 17-20.

MORE NEWS RELEASES

Richmond Times Dispatch PGA TOUR
Host your next event at our facility! Contact Mark Lynch, Senior Director of Golf of The First Tee of Greater Richmond: [email protected]      

Training + Certification Coming to RVA with New Program Launch

Operation 36 to Host 2019 Certification in Richmond, VA

The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range

(RICHMOND, Virginia) – Operation 36, a player development program for new and beginner golfers, announces their 2019 Certification, which will take place at The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range on March 4th. Participants will spend the day working directly with the Co-Founders, Matt Reagan and Ryan Dailey, learning how to build out their programs for the year. Matt Reagan said, “We are excited to announce that we have upgraded the Level 1 and Level 2 Certification into into one day of training that we are coining simply the ‘2019 Operation 36 Certification.’” “This day of training will not only combine the best of Level 1 and Level 2 training, but also showcase exactly how the we would build, plan, and execute the programs with the latest features, programs and technology that are available to coaches. Our plan is to upgrade the training each year as we innovate, learn, and help coaches become more efficient at creating golfers and growing the game. We want coaches to walk out of the training knowing exactly how to implement cutting-edge strategies to build coaching programs that actually grow their business and the game.” Coaches are welcome to spend a day with the Operation 36 team and others in the Network as they cover the latest information and how to increase efficiency and to create golfers and grow the game. The curriculum will include:
  • How to plan and execute the Op 36 Golf Programming Model
  • How to actually measure you are creating golfers
  • How to create value for all – The Business & Science of Group Coaching
  • How to leverage Gamification & Engage Golfers with technology
This certification training is available to all coaches. Click here to sign up Operation 36 Network was founded by PGA golf pros Ryan Dailey and Matt Reagan to provide the #1 golf improvement experience for beginner and intermediate golfers. Operation 36 is used in over 380 golf facilities world-wide, with over 20,000 players actively using the curriculum and platform. The First Tee of Greater Richmond is launching the Player Development Academy powered by Op36 this spring.

Training + Certification Event Information

Date: Monday, March 4th, 8am to 5pm Location: 400 School Street, Richmond, VA 23222 Cost: $249 per person – this includes breakfast and lunch
For all questions regarding Operation36, youth programs, or this training, please contact Berkely Jackson, Program Coordinator of The First Tee of Greater Richmond: [email protected]      

Top 50 Stand Alone Facility

The First Tee of Greater Richmond facility named among top 50 driving ranges 

The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range

(RICHMOND, Virginia) – The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range has been named among the nation’s top 50 driving ranges in the Stand-Alone category by the Golf Range Association of America (GRAA). This marks the first time the facility has been recognized by the GRAA. This prestigious recognition in the golf industry comes only one year after reopening The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range after a $1.2 million renovation featuring turf improvements to the six-hole par 3 course, greens with Champion Bermuda grass, upgraded bunkers, upgraded practice tees, a clubhouse with youth-centric spaces, and two TrackMan 4 simulators to analyze swings or participation in Trackman Leagues. The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range at The First Tee of Greater Richmond was featured in the December 2018 issue of Golf Range Magazine alongside other recognized golf courses in the Richmond area including Independence Golf Club (Public Range category) and Kinloch (Private Range category).
The Golf Range Association of America takes this time to recognize the practice facilities and teaching professionals whose accomplishments stood out over the year.

– Golf Range Magazine, December 2018

To join the Winter Trackman League, book a tee time, or inquire about corporate outings and lessons, please contact Mark Lynch, Director of Golf at The First Tee of Greater Richmond: mark@thefirstteerva.org or call (804) 728-3857. For all questions regarding facility renovations or operations, please contact Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations of The First Tee of Greater Richmond: [email protected]
 

Renovations Coming to Chesterfield Location in 2019

The First Tee of Greater Richmond Announces Chesterfield Location Renovation and Renaming in Honor of Founder Mr. Fred T. Tattersall

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

(CHESTERFIELD, Virginia) – The First Tee is more than a game. It is a place of youth development for all kids teaching life skills and healthy habits through the game of golf. In 1998, Mr. Fred Tattersall set his vision on creating more facilities for youth to practice, play, and learn the game all over the country – and Chesterfield, Virginia is home to the flagship project.
Fred Tattersall with fall program participants at the dedication ceremony on November 1st.
Designed specifically for youth, a full 18-hole par 66 golf course behind Harry G. Daniel Park of Chesterfield, Virginia serves as a public golf course while hosting year-round programs and summer camps for youth enrolled in The First Tee. On November 1st, The First Tee of Greater Richmond dedicated the facility under its new name in honor of The First Tee Founder: The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course. In addition to the new name, The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course will undergo a series of future renovations to convert the golf shop into a youth-centric space. This new building will contain a TrackMan Swing Lab, a community meeting space, and an updated program room for The First Tee participants to gather for programs. Last Fall, The First Tee reopened their Richmond golf facility, The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range, after extensive renovations to their clubhouse, 6-hole course, and driving range.

READ MOre

Richmond Bizsense For all questions regarding facility renovations or operations, please contact Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations of The First Tee of Greater Richmond: [email protected]
 

COMING APRIL 2019: CCV hosts The First Tee & DECC Partnership Event

Dominion Energy Charity Classic and The First Tee of Greater Richmond partner to bring charity event to The Country Club of Virginia in 2019

The inaugural event will feature sponsored foursomes for junior participants of The First Tee of Greater Richmond.

(RICHMOND, Virginia) – Tournament officials are pleased to announce a new charitable event benefitting The First Tee of Greater Richmond to be held next spring. The inaugural event will take place on Monday, April 22, 2019 at The Country Club of Virginia’s James River Course and will feature sponsor foursomes and junior participants of The First Tee program. “We are thrilled to build upon an existing relationship with the Dominion Energy Charity Classic in an annual event to raise awareness for our organization,” said Brent Schneider, CEO of The First Tee of Greater Richmond. “Not only will this serve as our primary fundraising event, but it will also allow us a platform to provide our supporters with an exceptional opportunity to play such a special PGA TOUR-ready course while we fulfill our vision: to strengthen the character of our community.” The First Tee is national youth development organization teaching life skills and character education through the game of golf and the Greater Richmond chapter alone serves over 80,000 youth annually. The organization is growing the game both on and off the course at two programming facilities, in 127 area elementary schools, and in collaboration with numerous youth-serving partners. “The First Tee is a great partner to us at the PGA TOUR, so we are thrilled to work with the Richmond chapter to bring this important event to life in 2019,” said Dominion Energy Charity Classic Executive Director Steve Schoenfeld. “Elevating local charities in the Richmond community continues to be a driving force for us at the Dominion Energy Charity Classic and we know this event will help to continue fostering lasting and impactful charitable contributions in our community.”
The Country Club of Virginia is excited to serve as the host site for the inaugural event. The development of junior golf is something we are passionate about for both our members and the community. The First Tee of Greater Richmond is an outstanding organization and we are honored to be a partner in this endeavor. – Club President, Pierce Walmsley. 
In addition to this event, The First Tee of Greater Richmond is one 140 nonprofits enrolled in Birdies for Charity presented by TowneBank, a program designed to give local charities an opportunity to generate contributions through flat donations or based on the number of “birdies” made by PGA TOUR Champions players during the Dominion Energy Charity Classic.

GET INVOLVED

Sponsor prospects seeking naming rights or event participation should contact Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing and Events of The First Tee of Greater Richmond: [email protected]