By Jenna Stephens | The Phil – Inside Virginia’s Nonprofit Community (Article Link)
Sports can play a significant role in children’s lives. It can build community and teach important life skills, like how to set goals and work toward accomplishing them. At First Tee – Greater Richmond, kids can experience all of that and more while developing a love for golf, setting them up to succeed far beyond the green.
In 1997, the World of Golf Foundation created the First Tee initiative to increase golf accessibility and instill positive values among young people. After catching the attention of three prominent Richmond families (the Tattersalls, Goodwins and Ukrops), “Richmond First Tee” became one of the national organization’s earliest chapters and was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1998.
As programming teed off and golf facilities were acquired, what became known as First Tee – Greater Richmond quickly became a pillar of the community.
The Richmond (fair)way
With a focus on making the game of golf widely accessible, the organization’s work often begins with children whose families may not otherwise be able to afford membership or the fees associated with public course access.
First Tee operates three of its own facilities in the greater Richmond region: The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course (Chesterfield), The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range (Richmond) and Belmont Golf Course (Henrico). The courses are utilized for youth programming and events but are also open to the community, serving thousands of patrons and generating more than half of the nonprofit’s annual revenue.
Those funds directly support core programming and lessons, helping First Tee – Greater Richmond reach approximately 70,000 kids annually, with almost 70% participating at no cost to them.
Impact beyond the local green
Part of that core programming follows children off the golf course.
In 2010, First Tee adopted its National School Program, which introduces elementary-aged children to the game of golf through physical education classes. Beginning with just 10 Chesterfield County schools, First Tee – Greater Richmond now reaches 41 elementary schools across the region from Henrico to Hopewell.
Regardless of where instruction takes place, the nonprofit incorporates lessons that build confidence, collaboration and resilience across age groups. As they advance, participants receive additional mentorship to help them navigate the next chapter of their lives and become eligible for more opportunities, ranging from leadership academies to demonstrating their golf skills and acumen on larger stages.
“I think one of the greatest things about our age-based curriculum is that participants are receiving life skills that are appropriate for their specific age group,” said Kelly Brown, vice president of impact.
First Tee – Greater Richmond also works with a variety of community partners, such as the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Richmond, Henrico Police Athletic League and local parks and recreation, bringing camps and clinic opportunities to kids who may not otherwise have the resources to participate.
Staying on course
In addition to these programs and partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Leadership Advisory Board – a network of 20 young professionals with a passion for golf and empowering the youth – hosts Fairway Festival, a signature fundraising event each fall.
Previously named the “Longest Day of Golf,” the Fairway Festival brings golf and the wider community together. Earlier this month, the event kicked off with a 12-hole shamble tournament on the Belmont course and led to a night of live music, lawn games and tasty food and drinks.
The event raises money through ticket sales, donations and an auction. This year, First Tee surpassed its $75,000 goal and raised $103,000, directly supporting the nonprofit’s programming and reach.
“It’s no secret that golf can be fairly inaccessible to people just solely due to cost, and so being able to offer the programming and the equipment is just invaluable,” said Connor Hill, Leadership Advisory Board chair.
Building on the success of fundraisers like this, First Tee – Greater Richmond is looking to make a bigger impact on Richmond-area youth. Over the next few years, it hopes to serve more children with extended programming, optimized facility operations, increased staff support and strengthened sustainability.
“It’s also about how we deepen our connections,” Brown said. “How do we see more kids on a more consistent basis to really make the impact that our curriculum delivers?”
Community members can support its mission through donations, volunteering and participating on the Leadership Advisory Board.