Supplemental and Advanced Programs
Take your participant’s golf game to the next level with First Tee – Greater Richmond’s supplemental programs, including matches, tournaments, and advanced classes! These opportunities provide participants with hands-on experience in competitive play while refining their skills and strategy. Our structured pathway helps players build confidence, resilience, and sportsmanship—valuable traits that extend far beyond the course. Whether your child or teen is looking to test their skills in friendly matches, compete in organized tournaments, or advance their technique in player development classes, we have programs to support their growth. With expert coaching and a positive learning environment, we’re committed to helping every participant reach their full potential.
First Tee Matches
First Tee Matches provide participants the opportunity to apply the skills they are learning in their First Tee courses out on the golf course. The goal is to shoot even par on 9-holes or 12-holes, by working from green to tee box versus the traditional tee box to green to build confidence and provide a motivating way to learn and progress in the sport. Once participants are able to shoot even par from their division, they will advance to the next division. You must be an active participant enrolled in a First Tee course to participate in the First Tee Matches.
Division I – 25 yards
Division II – 50 yards
Division III – 100 yards
Divison IV – 150 yards
Division X – 200 yards
Division XI – Full Tee Box
First Tee Matches cost $25.
If you have questions about First Tee Matches or are wondering if your child is ready to take the next step in golf, our Player Development Professionals can assist in providing readiness recommendations.
Ana Ferreyra Heit, Player Development Professional at Belmont
Sterling Simmons III, Player Development Professional at The Tattersall Youth Development Center
Grace Huffman, Player Development Professional at the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range
First Tee Tournament Series
The First Tee Tournament Series is designed for participants and non-participants ages 10-18 to further their competitive golf journey by competing in 18-hole tournaments at two of First Tee – Greater Richmond’s premier facilities, Belmont and The Tattersall Youth Development Center. These tournaments are restricted by age (10-18) and are recommended for junior golfers interested in participating in other competitive junior tours, playing high school golf, or competing at the collegiate level. This tournament series is also a great preparation tool for First Tee participants seeking to attend regional and national First Tee opportunities. Juniors will play from the full tee boxes and must meet the requirements below: I have a Golf Handicap (GHIN) – these are free for all junior golfers, to get set-up with an official golf handicap, please contact Ana Ferreyra Heit or Sterling Simmons III.
- I have my own set of golf clubs
- I am able to carry or push my own golf bag on a golf course for 18 holes
- I have played multiple 9 hole, 12 hole, or 18 hole rounds of golf
Each First Tee Tournament entry fee is $50.
Player Development Academy Courses
First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Player Development Academy is a supplemental program for participants ages 10+ seeking more competitive practice and playing experiences. Through these weekly advanced courses, Player Development Professionals collaborate with participants to identify short term and long term goals and objectives to create a road map for success on and off the golf course.
All participants seeking to enroll in a Player Development Academy course must have been enrolled in an age-based First Tee Program within the last year.
Player Development Academy courses are limited to 16 participants to provide more individual based instruction.
If your participant has expressed interest in more competitive opportunities, please contact Ana Ferreyra Heit, Player Development Professional at Belmont to learn more and to determine participant readiness.
Financial Aid
A founding purpose of First Tee – Greater Richmond is to make golf more accessible to all youth, particularly young people who otherwise may not have an opportunity to learn and play the game. Our policy is to provide access to programs regardless of a participant’s ability to pay. Our financial aid program is funded by generous donors. Parents/guardians may apply for financial aid as part of the online registration process. Once you have applied for financial aid through the online registration, you will receive an email notification and can then complete the registration. Participants receiving financial aid are expected to have attendance records in good standing to remain eligible for future aid.