Category: Blog

Values Instilled in Participant Tia MacDonald

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud of participants seeking outside opportunities to highlight their golf skills but with great excitement, we highlight participants expressing the life skills learned in our programs in other aspects of life. Tia MacDonald, Par Participant, sought an opportunity to share her understanding of core values honesty, sportsmanship, and integrity through the Annika Foundation “Share My Passion” Letter Contest. At a young age of 9 years old, Tia shares her insight to values, friendship, and the importance of practicing.

Annika FOUNDATION “Share My passion” Letter Contest

  This fall, along with Meg Lavinder, Tia mailed an letter into the Annika Foundation “Share My Passion” Letter Contest. Girls aged from 8-13 who reside in the United States are invited to write an open letter about their love of golf and why other girls should learn to play. The top 40 letters, as handpicked by LPGA Tour legend Annika Sorenstam and her selection committee, will then be invited to attend the “Share My Passion” LPGA*USGA Girls Golf clinic. Not only was Tia chosen as a finalist but she also was selected to participate in the 2019 LPGA*USGA Girls Golf “I Can!” PSA!  Click the image below to play the video – Tia comes in at 16 seconds. Her full letter reads:
Hi! My name is Tia! I am 9 years old. I love golf! In golf, you need lots of things. You need honesty because you keep track of your own score, so you need to be honest and tell the truth about it. You need sportsmanship because even if you lose, you need to be nice to your competitor. You need integrity because even if you are playing alone, you need to do the right thing. I learned all of these thins from playing golf. Golf gives you lots of friends. I have lots of friends from golf. It’s good when you have golf friends because you always have someone to practice with. You always learn from them and they always learn from you. Practicing is important. You don’t need to practice too much but you can. I learn a lot from practicing. My mom takes a video of me on her phone and we look at it, find out what’s wrong, and fix it! You might not notice your swing get better but it will. Golf is hard, but once you learn how to swing, you will get the hang of it. Practice every now and then… ta-da!! It’ll be a piece of cake! Who knows? You might be a pro! Sincerely, Tia MacDonald, Age 9
The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud of you both on and off the course – you will continue to inspire girls with your encouraging attitude and handwork. Thank you, Tia, for sharing your insight and your passion.
To learn more about the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program or The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s programs, please contact: Berkley Jackson, Program Coordinator – [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]
 

Three Goal Setting Steps to Make A Dream A Reality

Setting goals and working hard is the only way to make dreams a reality. Learning to set challenging, but realistic goals is a vital skill youth must learn. These three steps can help youth successful turn their dreams into achievable goals:

1. DEFINE YOUR DREAMS AND GOALS

Goals start with dreams. What do you dream of accomplishing in life? Where do you envision yourself? Once you clearly visualize where you want to be or what you want to do, start thinking about small goals to help you get there.

2. SET GOALS THAT ARE POSITIVE AND IMPORTANT TO YOU

It is easier to reach a goal that is stated positively. Stating what you WANT to happen in positive terms rather than what you don’t want to happen. Think about the WHY of your goal. If a goal is important to you, then you can pull from that motivation and will work harder to reach it.

3. SET GOALS THAT ARE SPECIFIC AND UNDER YOUR CONTROL

A goal that is specific says exactly what you want to accomplish so you will be able to measure it and know when you have reached it. As you begin to hit those goals, you can build off of that momentum and gain confidence.

OUR PROGRAM

At The First Tee of Greater Richmond, we encourage youth to dream big and practice effective goal-setting techniques they can use for life. From aces to triple bogeys, golf is a perfect platform for helping kids and teens develop character as it closely parallels real life. Just like in life, junior golfers experience the highs and lows of the game. Our curriculum was developed by experts in the field of positive youth development and is delivered by coaches trained through The First Tee Coach Program. Our goal is to help prepare kids and teens of all backgrounds for success in school, at home and in their community. Our locations offer fulls scholarships and reduces fee programming for those with financial needs so no one is ever turned away for inability to pay. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS  

A Message From Our CEO

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is strengthening the character of our community by providing programs that build resilience in our youth, teach critical life skills, and provide caring adult supervision in a safe environment. All of our programs are based on The First Tee Nine Core Values, which are essential for young people to make positive choices and overcome challenges. In a study of participants, 82% felt more confident in their engagement with peers because of their involvement with The First Tee, while 85% of alumni credit the program for helping them become better students. Our participants are learning more than just golf. We are impacting the lives of young people by providing programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices. In addition to our program offerings, we operate two public golf facilities: The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range near downtown Richmond and The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course. Both facilities provide an inclusive environment for both program participants and thousands of golf patrons annually, making our organization a multi-faceted resource for youth and families in our area. The time is now. Please join me by making an annual gift to The First Tee of Greater Richmond. Your support will allow us to continue addressing the needs of young people in our community by providing high-quality, positive youth development programs that build up children of all backgrounds. Sincerely, Brent Schneider, CEO [email protected] Click here & join our mission
     

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]
 

What Are You Waiting For? A Message from Participant Meg Lavinder

The First Tee teaches life skills and core values using golf as its context. It provides a platform to teach goal setting, opens doors for leadership opportunities, and allows youth a safe place with caring mentors to learn and thrive. Birdie participant, Meg Lavinder, is no exception to the power of our programs. At a young and mature age of 13, she seeks opportunities for growth within the sport and connects them to her school, community, and family life.

Annika FOUNDATION “Share My passion” Letter Contest

This summer, Meg mailed an letter into the Annika Foundation “Share My Passion” Letter Contest. Girls aged from 8-13 who reside in the United States are invited to write an open letter about their love of golf and why other girls should learn to play. The top 40 letters, as handpicked by LPGA Tour legend Annika Sorenstam and her selection committee, will then be invited to attend the “Share My Passion” LPGA*USGA Girls Golf clinic. And our very own Meg was one of the 40 finalists chosen. Unfortunately, late notice of her selection prevented her from attending the event in Naples, Florida, but the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program highlighted her letter publicly via social media:
I. LOVE. GOLF. The truth is without it, I honestly don’t know where I’d be. In a town like mine, girls are expected to play softball, soccer, or basketball. But those sports just aren’t the same. On the golf course, you feel safe, no one’s gonna judge you or yell at you, or put another girl before you. Golf has given me endless opportunities. You get to meet new people, work on social skills, and work hard at getting better at this great game. It will take lots of dedication and hard work but this game can take you sooo many places. So what are you waiting for? Go hit the range! – Meg Lavinder, Age 13
Thank you, Meg, for sharing your insight and your passion. The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud of you and your work both on and off the course – you will continue to inspire girls with your positivity and encouragement.
To learn more about the LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program or The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s programs, please contact: Berkley Jackson, Program Coordinator – [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]
 

Annual Champions Day Highlighted Exemplary Students in The First Tee National School Program

On Tuesday, The First Tee of Greater Richmond hosted its third annual Champions Day for Richmond City Public Schools at the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range. Each of the 26 elementary schools selected four exemplary students to represent their school based upon the student’s performance and understanding of golf skills and life skills taught through The First Tee National School Program. Champions Day gave students an opportunity to apply their knowledge and showcase their skills learned in physical education classes at a green grass facility. Students will rotated through a variety of stations including a combination of golf skills, The First Tee Nine Core Values, The First Tee Nine Healthy Habits, and STEM curriculum. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) has been used by the United States Golf Association as an exciting way to educate young people using the game of golf.

Thank you to our Champions Day partners!

The Richmond City Fire Department taught students the importance of fire safety with one of their fire engines present.
VCU Mary Frances Youth Center brought Lobs & Lessons to include a station with tennis, a sport using similar motor skills.
           
Adams Performance included a station activating youth fitness and strength in conjunction with the Healthy Habits curriculum taught in The First Tee Program.
The Science Museum of Virginia sent robots for the STEM station giving students the opportunity to navigate robotic “golf balls” by iPad to score points.
                  For all questions about Champions Day, please contact Berkley Jackson, Program Coordinator: [email protected]
 

Volunteers Raise $65,000 for Youth Programs

The Leadership Advisory Board and friends of The First Tee completed another successful year of the Longest Day of Golf and Birdies & Brews – two events that make up one major fundraising endeavor for the organization. In its fourth year, these valuable volunteers raised $65,000 for The First Tee of Greater Richmond. Support from special events provide the organization with needed support to carry out dynamic youth development programs to the young people of RVA.

The Longest day of golf

The two-day event kicked off on Friday, October 12th with the 2018 Longest Day of Golf. At The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course, 18 players played golf from 8am to 5pm while soliciting support through their individual fundraising pages.

Birdies & Brews

The following evening, Birdies & Brews completed the fun – open to the public, over 140 guests purchased tickets to receive unlimited golf, live music, and food and beverage at The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range. Thank you to our event entertainment sponsors:
BEVERAGE SPONSORS

Stone Brewing RVA

Belle Isle Craft Spirits

Richmond Wine Station

FOOD SPONSOR
Salt and Forge
Live Music
Stillwater Hum   We cannot wait until next year’s event – stay connected with us for a save the date in the upcoming months. We welcome new sponsors in 2019!
For all event questions, please contact: Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing & Events: [email protected]
     

Women & Golf – A Parfect Relationship

The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range hosted an event new to its kind on Thursday evening. Capital Bank and the City of Richmond gathered the community’s Women of Influence to network and introduce The First Tee through golf games – some of which taught by young women enrolled in our LPGA Girls Golf Program. Gail Letts, Board Member of The First Tee of Greater Richmond, lead efforts alongside Patricia Foster and Jane Ferrara. The diverse group of women talked about the importance of women participation in golf and the benefits it provides in networking – both in business life and in personal life.  Thanks to local food and beverage sponsors, guests enjoyed hor d’oeuvres from Soul N Vinegar, wine from Richmond Wine Station, and beer from Stone Brewing RVA.

#INVITEHER

This empowering event, Women & Golf – A Parfect Relationship, comes alongside a new campaign launch from LPGA*USGA Girls Golf. In coordination with the LPGA Women’s Network, LPGA Teaching & Club Professionals, and the We Are Golf Women’s Task Force, #inviteHER is nationwide. The LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program describes it as “a campaign to encourage golfers to inspire the women in their lives to play golf and will focus on the friendly invite to prospective golfers which can be initiated through a specific event, a visit to a local driving range or Topgolf, taking a lesson, or playing a few holes.” And The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range and The First Tee of Greater Richmond is a proud supporter of this invitation. 

Host your event with us!

For more information about hosting your next business outing, teambuilding activity, or networking event, please contact: Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations – [email protected].
 

Thank you, Richmond Wine Station!

In June, The First Tee of Greater Richmond served as the beneficiary of Richmond Wine Station‘s Inaugural Appreciation Month. This endeavor sparked from Jeff Wells, Senior Partner of RWS, and his thirst to give back to “good organizations that are delivering high quality services to our local people.” During Appreciation Months, 10% of revenue generated at Richmond Wine Station on Wednesdays and Sundays go back to a local organization. Thanks to this generous effort, The First Tee received over $1,200 in proceeds to ensure high quality, mission-driven ongoing youth programs.

Our youth are everything. If we can change the course of one child’s life then you indirectly change the lives of ten others.”

Jeff Wells*, Senior Partner, Richmond Wine Station

*A special thanks to Jeff for his pledge to match 100% of proceeds generated for The First Tee of Greater Richmond upon completion of the Richmond Wine Station Appreciation Month. His match is included in the total received.   Pictured Left: Representing the Richmond Wine Station, Angela Hall, General Manager, & Emerson Espinoza, Assistant Manager, present checks to Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing & Events from The First Tee of Greater Richmond.  

ABOUT RICHMOND WINE STATION

Locally rooted in Scott’s Addition, Richmond Wine Station brings fine wine and technology together. Through tastings or full glass options, over 60 wines poured through self-dispensing machines allow customers to enjoy themselves in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. In addition to wine, Richmond Wine Station also serves eight tap pour by the ounce craft beer options.
Visit the station: 2930 W. Broad Street, Richmond, VirginiA 23230
   

Hampton Roads Wins The 2018 Redmond Cup

Sam Rogers (left) and Benjamin Rogers
The Redmond Cup wrapped up at Salisbury Country Club on Wednesday, August 8th. In its 8th consecutive year, the event serves as a platform for participants of The First Tee from around the mid-Atlantic region to exhibit sportsmanship and fellowship in a friendly competition. The Redmond Cup Participant Dinner kicked off the two-day event on Tuesday, August 7th. Participants heard from two guests speakers, brothers Benjamin Rogers and Sam Rogers, about the importance of taking life skills learned from sports and translating them into their every day lives – at home, in the community, and at work. Benjamin spoke on responsibility and Sam spoke on perseverance, two of The First Tee Nine Core Values.               Chapters in attendance: Greater Richmond, Greater Charlotte, the Triangle, Hampton Roads, and Greater Washington, D.C.
2018 Redmond Cup Champions: The First Tee of Hampton Roads

The redmond cup

In six player teams, two 9-holers and four 18-holers, total scores determine the Redmond Cup winner.  For the first time since the event’s inception, The First Tee of Hampton Roads won The 2018 Redmond Cup with a total score of 179 (-1). Their win knocked off four-time defending champions from The First Tee of Greater Charlotte.

9-Hole Division

In a captain’s choice format, participant pairs played 9-holes on the Huguenot track of Salisbury Country Club. The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s Paul Ancona and Madison Lehr scored 34 (-2) placing first and The First Tee of Greater Charlotte’s Ella Kue and Samanyu Bedi won runner-up the division with a score of 36 (E).

18-HOLE DIVISION

In a best ball format, two participant pairs played 18-holes – both the Huguenot and Buckingham tracks of SCC. The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s D’yan Robinson and Noah Wheeler secured runner-up with a score of 70 (-2). The First Tee of Hampton Roads’ Gerry Jones, Jr. and Amber Mackiewicz took home the win with a tournament record score of 66 (-6).
9-hole Champions – From left to right: Madison Lehr, Scott Redmond, Paul Ancona
18-hole Champions – From left to right: Gerry Jones, Jr., Scott Redmond, Amber Mackiewicz
                Thank you, Scott Redmond of Redmond Asset Management for bringing this event to life. It is because of his vision and commitment that participants of The First Tee can gather for a special tournament at an exclusive country club each year.