Player Development Academy

The goal of First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Player Development Academy is to shoot even par on 9 holes.

By working from green to tee box versus the traditional tee box to green, it lowers the challenge point for participants and is a motivating way to learn and progress in the sport. As players progress through the academy, coaches will issue participants a series of goals and objectives that are not only educational but provide a long term road map for success.

This program serves as a supplement to the First Tee Program for players seeking additional playing opportunities.

All participants must be enrolled in the First Tee Program (within an annual year) prior to enrolling in the Player Development Academy.

Register for the Player Development Academy & First Tee Matches

2023 PLAYER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY SCHEDULES

When registering for the Player Development Academy, you are registering for both the classes and all the matches.

Spring 2023 PDA Classes will be held at 2 locations. Participants can choose 1 class option:

  • Richmond (Elson Redmond) on Tuesdays (March 14-May 2), 4:30-5:30 p.m.
  • Chesterfield (The Tattersall Youth Development Center) on Thursdays (March 16-May 4), 4:30-5:30 p.m.

First Tee Matches will be held on Saturdays at The Tattersall, beginning at 3 p.m. ET each Saturday.

Pricing & Financial Aid

First Tee Matches: $85 for 4; $25 per match
First Tee Matches + PDA Classes: $170
**Please note there is not an option to just sign up for the PDA Classes. Our goal of the program is to help participants in playing on the golf course and progressing in the matches.

A founding purpose of First Tee 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 play. 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.

  • ​We cannot offer any ​prorated pricing for ​the ​Life Skills Experience Classes or Summer Camps.
  • Refunds ​will be subject to a $​15​.00 administrative fee.
  • Participants receiving financial aid are ​expected to have attendance records in good standing to ​remain eligible for future aid.

For further information, please contact Sterling Simmons: [email protected]

MATCH DIVISION DESCRIPTIONS

Division I

Starts golfers 25 yards from the hole with the goal to shoot even par on 9-holes. Introduction to basic golf skills through skill driven games and drills. Minimum age 7. 

Division II

Continued goal to shoot even par on 9-holes while starting golfers 50 yards from the hole. Learn appropriate golf rules and etiquette while further developing golf skills. Must complete Division I.

Division III

Continued goal to shoot even par on 9-holes while starting golfers 100 yards from the hole.  Emphasis on rules of play and course management strategies. Must complete Division II.

Division IV

Continued goal to shoot even par on 9-holes while starting golfers 150 yards from the hole. Focus on goal setting while continuing to emphasize rules and etiquette, course management strategies, and golf skills. Must complete Division III.

Division V

Continued goal to shoot even par on 9-holes while starting golfers 200 yards from the hole. Prioritize goal setting, course management strategies, and conflict resolution while advancing golf skills and knowledge.  Must complete Division IV.

Division VI

Continued goal to shoot even par on 9-holes while starting golfers from the full tee box.  Assess all golf rules and etiquette, golf skills, course management strategies, goal setting, and conflict resolution while perfecting technique. Must complete Division V.