Blog Archives - Page 18 of 20 - First Tee

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 1^st, 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.

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

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.

Summer Happy Hour Powered by Dominion Energy

With the Dominion Energy Charity Classic around the corner, The First Tee of Greater Richmond is collaborating with Dominion Energy for an employee volunteer event followed by the final Summer Happy Hour event of its series on Wednesday, August 29th. Connecting community service and patron engagement, this event is powered by Dominion Energy and benefitting The First Tee of Greater Richmond.

Community SERVICE

Dominion Energy is proud of its employees for their thirst to give back to RVA. Thanks to their eagerness to engage with the community, over 30 employees will enhance the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range through a landscape revival project including weeding, planting, mulching, and picking up trash along the fence-line on School Street. Upon completion, employees of Dominion Energy will further connect with The First Tee at the final Summer Happy Hour event.

Patron Engagement

Digging deeper into a partnership with the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, The First Tee of Greater Richmond is promoting Birdies for Charity presented by Towne Bank, a fundraising platform in which all donations receive a 10% bonus.

You Donate, We both benefit

You can benefit in more ways than a tax exemption!

From August 1st until October 21st, all donors who give through Birdies for Charity to The First Tee will be entered to win a Callaway Odyssey Putter.
On August 29th, all donors who give through Birdies for Charity at the Summer Happy Hour Series will be entered to win a dozen ProVIs.

Donate today!

About the Summer Happy Hour and Golf Series

New this summer, The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range began a series of happy hours targeted toward building impactful partnerships with the RVA food and beverage industry while hosting its patrons. These monthly events allowed The First Tee of Greater Richmond to benefit from local brewery partnerships, specifically Stone Brewing, food trucks such as Boka Tako, and first class golf vendors, Titleist and Callaway.

For questions about this event or partnership, please contact: Kelly McAnally, [email protected]

Caddie for a PGA TOUR Champions Pro & Support The First Tee

Are you looking for a way to have the golf experience of a lifetime caddying for one of the world’s best golfers while benefiting The First Tee of Greater Richmond? On Monday, October 15th, The Kanawha Club is hosting a morning pro-am + PGA TOUR Champions skins challenge fundraiser featuring 18 PGA TOUR Champions Professionals including: Fred Funk, Bernard Langer, Tom Lehman, Jerry Kelly, and more. Seeking a way to support our mission, hosts of this event asked The First Tee to provide the caddies for the PGA TOUR Champions.

A minimum of $1,000 paid to The First Tee of Greater Richmond secures your placement.

Each caddie will receive:

A bag of one of the PGA TOUR Champions for the morning pro-am and the skins shootout
A still and “action work” photo with you and your PGA TOUR Champion
An invite to pro-am luncheon at Kanawha Club following play
An Imperial The First Tee of Greater Richmond hat along with a Kanawha caddie bib

Due to the anticipated popularity of this opportunity, caddie assignment is first come, first serve & determined by random drawing from the chapter.

For all questions and to fulfill payment, please contact:

Brent Schneider, CEO, The First Tee of Greater Richmond

[email protected] | 804-378-2188

9211 Forest Hill Avenue, Suite 104, Richmond, VA 23235

Caraballo, Aulger Win National Par-3 Championship

The results are in! The First Tee National Par-3 Championship successfully completed its fourth year in Richmond over the weekend. 32 participants of The First Tee competed in 36-holes of individual stroke play at The Kanawha Club to determine a boys and girls champion and runner-up.

Girls Division

Saturday’s round ended in a tie with Alisa Caraballo representing The First Tee of Roanoke Valley and Jaclyn Kenzel representing The First Tee of the Sandhills (North Carolina) both at nine over par (117). In a playoff on the ninth hole, Caraballo took home the championship declaring Kenzel the runner-up.

Boys Division

The boys division closed with a two-stroke difference between Ty Aulger, The First Tee of Northwest Florida, and Drew Greene, The First Tee of Aiken. Aulger clinched the championship with a score of four over par (112) and Greene finished as runner-up with a score of six over par (116).

Click here to view full results Thank you to all volunteers, sponsors, and staff who made this event possible for 32 deserving young adults. We look forward to continued success hosting local, regional, and national opportunities for our youth.

Over $90,000 Raised for National Event

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is hosting The First Tee National Par-3 Championship this week at The Kanawha Club in Manakin-Sabot, VA. While this event is a national participant opportunity, it also serves as a major fundraising event for the local host chapter. 16 event sponsors, both corporate and individual, contributed over $90,000 in funds to support ongoing youth programs for The First Tee of Greater Richmond.

The First Tee National Par-3 Championship Kick-Off Dinner

The week kicked off on Wednesday evening with a celebratory dinner gathering sponsors, guests, Board members, and 32 participants of The First Tee from around the country. Special Guest Jim Dodson also joined the evening to deliver a message about the game of golf and its positive impact on his life, relating to all guests present.

The First Tee National Par-3 Championship Junior/Am Tournament

The excitement continued into Thursday as sponsor foursomes joined participants of The First Tee in a 9-hole competition spread across two waves in a best two balls format. Guests also experienced The First Tee firsthand through a putting contest with SNAG equipment. Congratulations to the following winners: 9am wave: Interface and Elena Anderson (-3), Champion; 1607 Capital Partners and Madison Harwell/Ty Aulger (-2), Runner-Up 3pm wave: Mike Walton and Courtney Cervelle/Drew Greene (-3), Champion; Spider Management and Meredith Kiernan/Bradley Wong (E), Runner-Up

Thank you to everyone who made this fundraising event possible. Because of you, The First Tee of Greater Richmond is able to continue positively impacting the lives of youth in our community.

Category: Blog