RICHMOND, VA (Nov 5, 2025) – First Tee – Greater Richmond has been awarded the Barbara A. Douglas and Dr. William J. Powell Community Award, a national recognition celebrating the chapter’s outstanding leadership and commitment to reaching underserved and underrepresented youth while promoting inclusion across the game of golf and beyond.
Named in honor of two pioneers whose lives transformed the landscape of golf, Barbara A. Douglas, the first minority chair of the USGA Women’s Committee, and Dr. William J. Powell, the only African American to design, build, own, and operate a golf course, this award recognizes chapters that embody their legacy of access, diversity, and community impact.
“This award celebrates the power of partnership,” said Chevonne Braxton, Director of Education and Outreach. “Our mission-aligned community partners and dedicated staff and coaches live our mission every day by welcoming every participant to our facilities and helping them build the confidence and character to excel on and off the golf course.”
Over the past two years, First Tee – Greater Richmond has deepened its community reach through strategic partnerships and program expansion across the region. Through these efforts, the chapter:
- Expanded partnerships with organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, Henrico Police Athletic League, Sportable, and the YMCA of Greater Richmond increasing access to golf and character education for youth from underserved and underrepresented communities.
- Collaborated with schools and community partners to expand access to First Tee School Programs, including Anna Julia Cooper School, Cristo Rey High School, hosting over 25 annual field trips for Title I schools, and ongoing partnerships with Henrico County Public Schools, Richmond Public Schools, Chesterfield County Public Schools, Hanover County Public Schools, Petersburg City Public Schools, and the chapter’s newest 2025 partner, Hopewell City Public Schools.
- Continued hosting inclusive events and engaging First Tee Programs at Belmont, The Tattersall Youth Development Center at the First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course, and the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range.
First Tee – Greater Richmond’s golf course facilities play a critical role in supporting these programs. Every dollar spent on a bucket of balls or a tee time directly fuels youth programming throughout the region, ensuring more children have access to the game, life skills education, and mentorship opportunities.
Through these partnerships and initiatives, First Tee – Greater Richmond continues to advance its vision of strengthening the character of our community and serving as a gateway to personal growth for every young person, no matter their zip code or background.
“This award is a testament to what can happen when we work together,” said Mike McCann, Board Chair of First Tee – Greater Richmond. “By building authentic partnerships and removing barriers to participation, we are helping young people learn life skills through the game of golf and encouraging them to see themselves as the leaders they can become.”
