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.
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.
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.
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.
In 2021, twelve high school graduates have been selected to the First Tee College Scholarship Program based on academic performance, length and involvement in First Tee programs, financial need and commitment to volunteerism. This class of scholars includes aspiring engineers, accountants, teachers and environmental activists, all of whom will be attending stand out colleges and universities, including Dartmouth University, University of Pennsylvania, Boston College, University of Indiana and other top institutions across the country. The Scholars also represent diverse backgrounds from communities across the First Tee network. The class is comprised of eight females and four males. The Scholars’ average GPA is 4.19 on a 4.0 scale and hold an average of 1,422 out of 1,600 on SAT and 31 out of 36 on ACT. Five of the Scholars will play on their college’s golf team.
First Tee College Scholarship Program supports selected alumni throughout their college career in an effort to further their life skill development and mentorship. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. The program also provides professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. One of the key factors of the program is pairing Scholars with a dedicated adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the four years.
Meet the Scholars
Claire Alford, First Tee — Central Coast
Santa Clara University
American Mathematics Champion, AP Scholar with Distinction and American Indian/Hispanic National Merit Scholar are just a few of the amazing individual achievements Claire has attained in her life. What is more impressive, though, is Claire’s drive to help her community and create outlets that impact others. Of the many clubs and funds Claire has created, one was Birdies for Baskets. This was an initiative by Claire, in which she played 65 holes of golf in a single day raising more than $1,000 providing food baskets for under privileged families. Graduating with a 4.56 GPA, Claire plans to major in Public Health and Biology with a goal of becoming an anesthesiologist.
Marion Caldwell, First Tee — Four Corners
Dartmouth University
Pursuing a future in teaching, Marion is passionate about passing down the knowledge she has obtained throughout her life to the children within her community. Marion will attend Dartmouth University where she will major in both English and History. Throughout high school, Marion achieved numerous academic honors such as national honor society and earning a cumulative 4.39 GPA. When asked who her dream golf foursome is, Caldwell said a close friend, someone to teach and someone to learn from. Marion’s enthusiasm for both teaching and learning aligns perfectly with the goals and values of First Tee. She is a 10-year participant at First Tee — Four Corners and is the first participant to achieve ACE certification, the highest designation in the First Tee program.
Natalie Cao, First Tee — Greater Houston
University of Pennsylvania
Earning a cumulative 4.37 GPA, Natalie strives for greatness in both the classroom and on the course. While at the University of Pennsylvania, Natalie will play on the women’s golf team and will major in economics. She has used her passion for economics to become a financial advisor to help her community, working as the sole junior cashier and assistant treasurer for a bi-monthly book sale, raising more than $12,000 each year for her library. An eight-year participant at First Tee — Greater Houston, Natalie has also been a First Tee Junior Mentor since 2015 making a monumental impact on many through both the game of golf, and her desire to help others. On her goal of becoming a financial advisory, Natalie thinks it’s very similar to mentoring kids at First Tee as she’ll give counsel to those who seek her assistance and knowledge, focusing on financial goals instead of golf goals.
Molly Castle, First Tee — Tennessee
University of Tennessee Knoxville
As a First Tee — Tennessee participant for seven years, Molly has achieved ACE certification, the highest designation in the First Tee program, and used that experience and her love of golf for helping others within her community. She is an active volunteer for Second Harvest Food Bank and the Tennessee School for the Blind, where she assists those who are visually impaired learn the game of golf. Molly is a triplet and while her siblings have decided to continue their golf careers in college, Molly has chosen to focus on her passion to study agriculture and her drive for continued academic success.
Malisone Chanthapanya, First Tee — Forth Worth
Texas Wesleyan University
A 12-year participant at First Tee — Fort Worth, Malisone is the youngest participant to ever achieve ACE Certification in the chapter’s history. She serves on the Chapter Junior Advisory Committee and will play in the 2021 First Tee National Championship. With a cumulative 4.0 GPA combined with her success on the course, Malison plans to continue her golf career at Texas Wesleyan University while double majoring in computer science and accounting.
Quincy Crawford, First Tee — Greater Washington D.C.
University of Cincinnati
Being a part of the First Tee — Greater Washington D.C. for a decade, Quincy has been able to make an impact in his community using both his love for golf, and his passion to help others. Quincy has plans to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, but the impressive academic achievements do not stop there. Fluent in four languages – English, French, Italian, Russian – Quincy earned a cumulative 3.98 GPA while being on the honor roll all four years throughout high school. He was named captain of his high school golf team and plays bass in his school’s advanced orchestra. The First Tee Scholarship Program will empower him as he pursues his goal of using his Aerospace Engineering degree to create fuel-efficient aircrafts, lessoning the overall carbon footprint and possibly slow the rate of climate change.
Rebecca Jones, First Tee — Indiana
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
With goals of one day working on environmentally friendly engineering projects, Rebecca will be studying environmental engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. Holding a cumulative GPA of 3.39, the classroom is not the only place Rebecca exceled, as she was a three-sport athlete (Basketball, Golf, Track) in high school earning all-conference accolades in each. Being a member of the First Tee — Indiana for six years and achieving multiple medals as a competitor, Rebecca has been able to use golf as both an outlet to give back and succeed individually. Not only thriving in the classroom and athletic fields, she is a second-degree black belt in Taekwondo and a five-year president of the Orchestra Council. Rebecca is most excited about using her degree to earn a career focusing on land remediation and implementing new systems to reduce pollution, ultimately striving to make the area she grew up in a cleaner and greener place that will benefit the entire community.
Josh Lendach, First Tee — Triangle
University of Cincinnati
Through both his hard work in the classroom and on the golf course, Josh has earned the privilege to play golf at the University of Cincinnati. Josh has been a part of the First Tee — Triangle for 13 years and continues to use golf as an outlet to help others. He’s been a junior coach and mentor for the younger First Tee participants, raises money at an annual charity golf event benefiting the Nicklaus Children’s Foundation, and when schools closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, he founded Golf Gives Back with his fellow high school golf teammates to collect food for those in need. Hoping his passions for golf and environmental/atmospheric sciences collide, Josh wants to study how different environmental and atmospheric conditions could threaten the sustainability of golf course maintenance for future generations.
Meghna Mazumdar, First Tee — Connecticut
Boston College
Scoring a 1430 on her SATs while achieving a 4.12 cumulative GPA, Meghna will study Business Economics at Boston College in the fall. Her passion for investing in the stock market started at a young age which was featured on the Today Show when she was 13. Since 2011, her investment portfolio performance has consistently beat the S&P 500 index and she donates part of her investment gains to various charities and a First Tee — Connecticut Scholarship. Her love for investing and golf collided in 2016 when she was selected as winner of the Wells Fargo Succeeding Together contest, earning her the opportunity to play with PGA TOUR player Rory McIlroy in Wells Fargo Championship Pro-Am. Meghna is a 13-year participant at First Tee — Connecticut and her love of the game led her to be the founder of her high school’s first girl’s golf team. She was also recently elected as one of eight people from across the nation to serve on the First Tee’s Participant Advisory Council.
Benjamin Nganga, First Tee — Tennessee
University of Indiana
Benjamin’s excellent drive to succeed in the classroom has achieved him a 4.46 cumulative GPA earning him the prestigious Fry Scholarship to attend the University of Indiana Kelly Business School. Benjamin’s family immigrated to the U.S. from Kenya and could not be prouder of Benjamin becoming the first person in their family to attend college, with sights on a double major in Finance and Computer Science. Benjamin’s hard work was not limited to the classroom, as the seven-year First Tee — Tennessee participant was his high school golf team’s captain and in 2019 was named first team All-Metro. One of his future passions is to develop a non-profit that helps with the expenses of youth sports.
Kaleb Palm, First Tee — Central Florida
Florida Atlantic University
Kaleb is a six-year participant at First Tee — Central Florida whose passion and drive has helped him earn selection into many of First Tee’s national mentoring and empowerment events. Kaleb has earned a cumulative 4.69 GPA and PGA TOUR Champions player, Skip Kendall, says that “Kaleb has always been very positive and never lets adversity get in his way.” The son of a pastor, Kaleb uses what any adverse experience has taught him to help in many community outreach programs, such as helping the local food pantry in feeding less fortunate families.
Borina Sutikto, First Tee — Silicon Valley
Santa Clara University
With plans already in place to study Accounting & Information Systems while playing golf at Santa Clara University, Borina is passionate about the game both on and off the course. Earning both Junior Golf Association of Northern California Player of the Year honors along with the Girls Low Scoring Average Champion, Borina’s golf skill and love for the game is second to none. The trait that separates her from the pack is her passion to grow the game by helping others. She is a member of the Women’s Nine Hole Golf Association, an organization that helps promote the game of golf and inspire more women to play it. Having earned a 4.25 GPA, the nine-year participant at First Tee — Silicon Valley gives back to the younger participants as a junior coach and mentor.
First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible by donors and corporate partners who stand behind the program and First Tee’s mission, including Astros Golf Foundation, Peter A. Bonanni Scholarship Fund, Chevron Corporation, A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, Timothy W. Finchem Scholarship Fund, Paul and Ruth Flowers, Morrell Studios, Charles Schwab, TruGreen, Edward and Lisa Vaughan and Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund.
Rebecca Caimano, Assistant Executive Director, has been coaching with First Tee — Greater Philadelphia since 2011. Coach Rebecca started golfing at a young age and has a passion for introducing girls to the game.“Growing up playing golf I never imagined being in the golf industry. It was tough being the only female who played golf.”Having positive mentors and role models is important for all kids and teens. At First Tee, we provide a safe place for all youth to grow, learn and have fun through golf. Coach Rebecca knows maintaining a healthy mindset helps her be the best version of herself, and she’s passing that information on to the youth in her classes.“I spend time filling my mind and body with things that make me feel good and add to my happiness. Everyday I make sure I eat food that gives me energy and adds value to my journey along with drinking plenty of water! I also love to read good books and spend time doing things that add joy to my life. A Hallmark movie here or there doesn’t hurt either!”When she’s not coaching or playing, Coach Rebecca enjoys shopping for shoes and trying her hand at new cooking recipes. Learn more about her strategies for maintaining a healthy mindset.
1. Why do you think having a healthy mindset is important?
Having a healthy mindset is the first step to being a generally healthy person. If you have self-belief, confidence and a good work ethic you can accomplish so much.
2. How do you keep a healthy mindset?
It’s different for everyone, and the first important step is knowing yourself and what makes you tick. For me personally, staying physically active, maintaining a nutritious diet, and spending time with my wife and dog.
3. How do you prepare for school/work?
I always start my day with a big glass of water, some stretching and protein shake, but recently I’ve been doing breathwork right before leaving the house, which is quickly becoming a new habit.
4. How do you prepare for social activities (First Tee, other clubs, hanging out with friends)?
I like making my home comfortable and clean so I can have a calm environment to come home to. It also helps to get everything on your to-do list finished so you can fully enjoy having fun and being with friends without stressing about things on the back of your mind.
5. If you’re stressed, what do you do to relax?
Breathwork techniques have been incredibly helpful for relieving anxiety, and it’s actually something I’ve taken on the golf course as well. It’s also important to identify and name the thing giving you stress – you can’t solve a problem until you look it in the eye.
6. Who can you turn to if you need help?
I’m lucky to have so many people in my life who love me and are there for me. My wife McKenna helps me with things large and small every day, and my dad is always there to answer questions about my car or to just talk about life.
7. If you make a mistake, how do you learn from it and move forward?
Everyone makes mistakes, but that’s never much of a comfort when you make them. Always do your best in life, even the smallest things, because then your mistakes are at least made with your best effort. Mistakes sting worse when they’re born from laziness or a lack of care. When you do inevitably make a mistake, ask what the mistake has to teach you. There are always lessons in doing things the wrong way, but they’re only valuable if they sink in.
8. If you see a friend or family member in need, what can you do to encourage them?
Approach them in a way that’s compassionate to them and considerate of their feelings. People in need of help often don’t want to ask for it, and helping out doesn’t always mean directly solving their problem for them. The best way to be an ally to a loved one during their time of need is offering a patient and empathetic ear.
9. What has First Tee taught you about a healthy mindset?
A lot! It’s easy to cultivate a healthy mindset by being outdoors, playing golf and being with friends. I love seeing young participants’ small moments of kindness toward one another during class and I think it’s made me a more empathetic person.
1. Why do you think having a healthy mindset is important?
Having a healthy mindset is important because it sets you up for not just your day, but also the rest of your life. Making sure you have a happy and healthy mindset helps you to embrace every moment and take on life, not only helping you but everyone in your life as well. Without a healthy mindset, you can get caught up on one thing and not be able to see the beauty in others.
2. How do you keep a healthy mindset?
I keep a healthy mindset by making sure that I take time for myself. In the middle of all this craziness, it is important to take time for yourself and recharge. Without this time, it can be difficult for me to keep doing my best.
3. How do you prepare for school/work?
I prepare for school and work by making sure I get up and have everything I need for the day’s activities.
Sometimes that means planning a day ahead or just getting a few items ready before I leave. Keeping a planner is a very important tool that I use to not only prepare for school but also write down thoughts I have throughout the day. By doing this I am mentally prepared to start my day.
4. How do you prepare for social activities (First Tee, other clubs, hanging out with friends)?
How I prepare for social activities depends on the activity. When I prepare for an activity for my Guide Dogs for the Blind club, I have to look at what type of training we are doing that day and what tools it requires. If I am just going to hang out with friends, it usually takes less preparation and only myself is required.
5. If you’re stressed, what do you do to relax?
When I get stressed some things that help me relax are drawing, coloring, watching TV, or snuggling up with my dog. All of these activities help me to forget about what is stressing me out and lets me focus on myself.
6. Who can you turn to if you need help?
I am very thankful that I have so many people in my life that I can turn to if I need help. My family is a big support in my life and are always willing to help me if I need it. I am also lucky to have a very supportive boyfriend and friends that help me every day even if it is something small.
7. If you make a mistake, how do you learn from it and move forward?
If I make a mistake I like to go back and look at what went wrong and how I can improve. By looking at what went right and what needs some tweaking I can implement improvements in the future for a better outcome.
8. If you see a friend or family member in need, what can you do to encourage them?
In these situations, I like to tailor the type of encouragement to that person because people have different reactions to certain situations. With some friends, I find that just being there for them to talk to is great because they just need an ear to listen. Other people respond well to validating their emotions and letting them know that it will be ok, and everything will work out. It is important to know who you are encouraging so you can best help them to get back into a healthy mindset.
9. What has First Tee taught you about a healthy mindset?
The First Tee and its core values have taught me so much about having a healthy mindset. Each core value has a lesson in it whether it is obvious or not. For example, respect tells us to respect ourselves, others, and our surroundings. Having respect for ourselves helps us to know our limits and to be sure we take the time to take care of ourselves, so we can have a healthy mindset. After this, we can then go on to respect others and pass on a healthy mindset to them.
Together we can spread happiness and care to make everyone better.
1.Why do you think having a healthy mindset is important?
A healthy mindset is both your physical and mental wellbeing. You must take care of yourself physically, which is getting the right amount of sleep, eating healthy, and incorporating a heathy day to day habit of physical fitness. Mentally it’s being open to your emotions, setting realistic goals, and having an open and positive outlook to everything. It’s important to have a healthy mindset because it brings you clarity and you are able to make the right decision. You are also less distracted by outside things that will inhibit you from achieving a task which can affect your long-term goal(s).
2. How do you keep a healthy mindset?
I try to prevent creating stressors in my life. I plan ahead so that I can get things done in a timely manner, such as getting my homework done early so I have time to possibly ask questions as well as preventing myself from doing more than one homework assignment that is due on the same day prior to the due date.
3. How do you prepare for school/work?
Every morning I wake up, I stretch and/or go on a morning run to wake me up. I always eat breakfast because it is the most important meal of the day. When you are sitting in class or work you don’t want to be distracted by the gurgling in your stomach. The night prior I get what I need for school ready for the next day to ensure that I don’t forget anything as well as not putting myself in a position where I have to rush.
4. How do you prepare for social activities (First Tee, other clubs, hanging out with friends)?
I make sure nothing is going to prohibit me from attending social activities and distract me. I get my homework done in advance so I can focus on my friends and or the event I am attending. I want to focus on having fun. I know when I was in First Tee, I always cleaned my clubs the night before. I made sure I had water, snacks, sunscreen, and weather gear in my bag so that I was prepared. I also made sure I was drinking a lot of water to ensure I am hydrated for the day of playing outdoors.
5. If you’re stressed, what do you do to relax?
When I am stressed, I like to take small breaks from what I am doing (i.e. homework, squad job) I get up and walk around a little bit or I go down to the gym and work out. In the moment when I feel like I must get many things done and it’s impossible I always remind myself “take one thing at a time”. If you stress about all the things, then you are sitting here worrying about it rather than accomplishing them. I sometimes even meet up with friends for lunch or dinner so that I have social interactions and forget about some things that are stressing me out.
6. Who can you turn to if you need help?
When I need help or guidance I can always turn to my parents. I give either one of them a phone call and I just talk to them. They always give great advice, but they also are great listeners when I need to rant. In my squadron at the Air Force Academy, I could always go to my squadron leadership and ask them advice in what I needed help with, whether that was preparing for being an officer in the Air Force or even life advice for after academy life. Never be too afraid to ask anyone for help, there is always someone who will want to help you out.
7. If you make a mistake, how do you learn from it and move forward?
Everyone makes a mistake, even I have made mistakes throughout my life. The first thing I do is own up to my mistake. I reflect on the action that occurred that led to the mistake and I also reflect on the outcome of that mistake and how it affects me but also others around me. I then talk to someone that could give me advice and give me suggestions on what I can do to improve to avoid the same mistake in the future.
8. If you see a friend or family member in need, what can you do to encourage them?
When I see a friend or family member in need, I always reach out to them and ask them if they are okay. Sometimes they will say no, and I ask why, I always tell them that they are not acting their normal self and that’s when they normally break down their guard and tell me what is wrong. If they need someone to talk to, I always make sure they have my attention, I put my phone away out of view and I always engage in a conversation with them. I always let my friends and family know that I care about them and I am always there for them.
9. What has First Tee taught you about a healthy mindset?
First Tee has taught me how important a healthy mindset is. It can affect the way that you play in golf, but it can also affect you mentally and physically outside of the game. Having a healthy mental mindset is not just for the game of golf, it is also for your day to day life. First Tee has taught me how to not dwell on the past or on negative things because it will be overwhelming. But First Tee has also taught me to have a positive outlook and how to handle different situations that may not be in my control.
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.
RICHMOND, Va. – (Wednesday, May 19, 2021) – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to announce a new partnership with First Tee – Greater Richmond, who will feature on the front of the Kickers’ new alternate black kit. First Tee – Greater Richmond is the first non-profit to feature on the front of a Richmond Kickers’ kit in the club’s 29 seasons.
“We are excited to partner with First Tee – Greater Richmond because of our similar missions to strengthen community connections,” said Kickers Chairman, Rob Ukrop. “The values learned at the golf course and on the soccer field will help prepare the next generation of young people to lead. We believe introducing both soccer and golf to the wider RVA community will make us stronger together.”
First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 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 71,000 youth in 2019.
“We are proud to be included on the Kickers’ alternate kit and partner with another like-minded organization,” added Brent Schneider, Chief Executive Officer of First Tee of Greater Richmond. “Through their commitment to the community and to making soccer accessible for all, they were a natural fit within our vision at First Tee – Greater Richmond: to strengthen the character of our community.
“We look forward to the partnership and collaborating on additional ways where our organizations can work together within the greater Richmond community.”
As with the primary and secondary kits, Bon Secours will feature on the back of the alternate kit during the 2021 season.
Bon Secours enters their seventh year as a partner of the Kickers. As the Official Healthcare Services Provider of the Richmond Kickers, Bon Secours brings a full spectrum of high-quality sports medicine care and services to both the Kickers professional team and youth players, including concussion awareness and management, orthopedic care, sports performance services, physical therapy, safety education, and injury prevention practices.
“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Richmond Kickers, and we are proud of the work we have done together over the last several years to strengthen the health of our community by helping Richmond’s youth stay active,” added Ryan Stuhlreyer, Vice President of Service Line Strategy, Bon Secours Richmond. “We look forward to maintaining this momentum into another great year and season ahead.”
The Kickers will debut the new alternate black kit in front of the home fans at City Stadium this Saturday night against North Carolina FC. Kickoff for that match is set for 6:30 p.m. The match will also stream live on ESPN+, and locally in Richmond on WTVR CBS 6.3 (Comcast 206, Verizon FiOS 466). A limited number of tickets are still available at RichmondKickers.com/tickets.
This month, we had the privilege of hearing from a participant and a coach, from First Tee – South Puget Sound, about their thoughts on keeping a healthy mindset.
Mason G., 10 years old
1.Why do you think having a healthy mindset is important?
When you have a healthy mindset you feel good about yourself and others.
2. How do you keep a healthy mindset?
By listening to music, and thinking about positive things in my life.
3. How do you prepare for school/work?
Eating a good breakfast.
4. How do you prepare for social activities (First Tee, other clubs, hanging out with friends)?
By just having fun….
5. If you’re stressed, what do you do to relax?
I lay down and get comfortable and watch some YouTube videos or TV.
6. Who can you turn to if you need help?
Mom and Dad.
Mason and Coach Frank
7. If you make a mistake, how do you learn from it and move forward?
I think about what I did wrong and how I can do better next time.
8. If you see a friend or family member in need, what can you do to encourage them?
I talk to them and ask them what’s wrong and tell them that it’s the past and to move on.
9. What has First Tee taught you about a healthy mindset?
First Tee has taught me good manners, positive habits and how to behave on the golf course. Thank you to all my First Tee Coaches – special shout out to Coach Frank.
In 2021, twelve high school graduates have been selected to the First Tee College Scholarship Program based on academic performance, length and involvement in First Tee programs, financial need and commitment to volunteerism. This class of scholars includes aspiring engineers, accountants, teachers and environmental activists, all of whom will be attending stand out colleges and universities, including Dartmouth University, University of Pennsylvania, Boston College, University of Indiana and other top institutions across the country. The Scholars also represent diverse backgrounds from communities across the First Tee network. The class is comprised of eight females and four males. The Scholars’ average GPA is 4.19 on a 4.0 scale and hold an average of 1,422 out of 1,600 on SAT and 31 out of 36 on ACT. Five of the Scholars will play on their college’s golf team.
First Tee College Scholarship Program supports selected alumni throughout their college career in an effort to further their life skill development and mentorship. The need and merit-based program provides scholarships up to $5,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of college admission. The program also provides professional development workshops, access to internships and full-time employment placement post-graduation. One of the key factors of the program is pairing Scholars with a dedicated adult mentor who will help encourage and guide them throughout the four years.
Coach Nic Thacker, First Tee – South Puget Sound
6. Who can you turn to if you need help?
