Campaign seeks to raise $8 million over next 3 years
RICHMOND, Va. (March 11, 2024) – First Tee – Greater Richmond is announcing its “Courses That Build Character” comprehensive campaign, which seeks to raise $8 million over the next three years. The campaign will focus on a renovation of the Tattersall Youth Development Center in Chesterfield, the development of operational capabilities needed to transform and grow the organization, and an expansion of First Tee Programs to new communities with enhanced financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
“While we are proud of all that we have accomplished over our last 25 years, we are just as energized to build upon that impact,” First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO Brent Schneider said. “This campaign will enable us to further use the game we love to positively impact as many people and communities as possible.”
Renovation work has already begun at the Tattersall Youth Development Center, with a tree-clearing project projected to end this month. Further work will commence in late summer of 2025, including renovations of greens complexes and bunkers, irrigation optimization and cart path repairs. Anticipated completion of the enhancements at The Tattersall are projected to be done in November 2025.
Campaign funds will also be directed to enable the organization to reach additional communities and schools through mission-aligned partnerships. Furthermore, First Tee – Greater Richmond will be enhancing its financial aid and scholarship opportunities for participants and their families via the campaign.
Further information about the “Courses That Build Character” campaign, including how the community can support the organization’s goals, can be found here.
***
About First Tee – Greater Richmond
First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Through three major programming areas, First Tee Programs, School Program and Community Partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond reached nearly 70,000 youth in 2023. Learn more at www.FirstTeeRVA.org.
RICHMOND, Va. (Jan. 18, 2024) – All three golf facilities operated by First Tee – Greater Richmond – Belmont, the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range, and the Tattersall Youth Development Center – earned 2023 Golf Range Association of America (GRAA) awards, the organization announced last week.
Both Belmont and the Tattersall Youth Development Center earned recognition in the “Top 50 Public Facilities” category, while the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range took honors as a “Top 50 Stand Alone Facility.”
“This accolade is a testament to the work of our PGA Professional staffs and grounds crews at our facilities,” First Tee – Greater Richmond Vice President of Operations Mark Lynch said. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure the highest-quality conditions – at affordable prices – and that each community member has the best experience as they find their connection to the game.”
All three First Tee – Greater Richmond facilities offer both green grass and turf driving ranges. In addition to its driving range, Belmont offers a wedge range, short game practice area, putting green, and recently opened the CapTech Innovation Center, which houses a Zen green stage putting table. Similarly, The Tattersall boasts a short game practice area, putting green, three-hole discovery course, and Trackman indoor hitting bay. Elson Redmond has a covered range to serve customers year-round, along with short game and putting areas, and a Trackman indoor hitting bay.
In its continued efforts to impact as many communities and youth as possible, all active First Tee – Greater Richmond participants can play and practice at the organization’s three facilities for free.
2024 marks the second straight year that all three First Tee – Greater Richmond facilities earned GRAA recognition. This year, Belmont and the Tattersall Youth Development Center shared top 50 recognition with some of the country’s most well-known golf courses and destinations, including Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Chambers Bay, The Greenbrier, and TPC Sawgrass.
RICHMOND, Va. (Jan. 16, 2024) – First Tee – Greater Richmond has announced the additions of Madison Allen and Kaitlin Doherty to its full-time staff as part of a continued organizational evolution. Both started with the organization earlier this month.
Allen joins the organization as its Program Coordinator, while Doherty will be First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Communications Manager.
A 2021 graduate of the College of William & Mary, Allen comes to First Tee – Greater Richmond from Amherst County Public Schools, where she has been a secondary social studies teacher since 2022. Prior to becoming a teacher, Allen was an Education and Outreach Coordinator with the Bower Center for the Arts where she developed short term and long-term plans for educational programs for a wide and diverse audience and managed over 20 different art instructors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Madison to our team,” said First Tee – Greater Richmond Vice President of Impact Kelly Brown. “Her previous work in education will enable us to enhance and expand on our First Tee School Program and Community Partnerships to ensure that we are reaching as many young people in as many communities as possible.”
In her role, Allen will support and assist the programming team with planning, scheduling, and communication to support the delivery of year-round programming throughout the greater Richmond area. Allen will also maintain the chapter’s Salesforce database for participants, volunteers, and coaches and assist with tracking the youth programming goals of the organization’s strategic plan.
A May 2023 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned her degree in Mass Communications, Doherty was a member of VCU’s Ad Club while focusing on copywriting work during her undergraduate tenure. While an undergraduate, she interned at Release the Hounds, working inside the advertising agency to assist clients and tell their stories.
At First Tee – Greater Richmond, Doherty will support all aspects of the organization’s marketing, external and internal communications, including oversight of its social media channels. Doherty will project manage the organization’s storytelling efforts and will assist with copywriting across a variety of platforms.
“Kaitlin is going to be a huge asset to our team,” said Bill Potter, First Tee – Greater Richmond Vice President of Communications and Marketing. “Her previous experience with our organization will be an asset as we look to tell comprehensive stories that showcase how our courses build character.”
Up to $32,000 in scholarships will be awarded to participants whose projects generate the greatest impact
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – (Nov. 9, 2023) – Twenty-eight exemplary teens from across the U.S. will attend the First Tee Innovators Forum in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, home of the PGA TOUR, from Nov. 9-12. Each student will spend four days conceptualizing an original community service project with guidance from First Tee and its partners. Participants will then implement the projects when they return home, with the opportunity to earn a share of up to $32,000 to support future educational pursuits.
During the event, participants will hear from seven-time PGA TOUR winner Billy Horschel, who has demonstrated his commitment to growing diversity in golf and supporting his neighbors in northeast Florida through his own philanthropic endeavors. The teens will participate in interactive workshops and small breakout sessions covering a variety of topics including education, healthcare advocacy and programming.
They will also learn about sustainability on an eco-cruise through the estuaries of nearby St. Augustine with support from TruGreen and receive counsel on their projects from technology consulting firm CapTech, both First Tee Trustees.
Parts of the event will take place at PGA TOUR Global Home and TPC Sawgrass. The purpose of the event is to encourage participants to become innovators in their respective communities, culminating with each teen presenting the plans for their project.
“Our participants have produced creative and impactful community service projects since this event launched – addressing issues like food insecurity and environmental sustainability – and we look forward to seeing what this group of impressive teens will uncover throughout the event week,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Thank you to Doug MacKenzie for making this event possible, and for our partners CapTech and TruGreen for participating in the experience.”
The 28 teens attending the forum were selected based on academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation.
First Tee is a youth development organization teaching life skills and helping kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The First Tee Innovators Forum is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward high school graduation.
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. In 2022, First Tee celebrates its 25th anniversary and reaching millions of kids and teens through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
Fayetteville State’s Juan Lopez records medalist honors
RICHMOND, Va. (Oct. 24, 2023) – Livingstone College rallied to claim the team title at the River City Collegiate Classic, posting the low team score in the second round to win by a single shot over Fayetteville State. Competing at historic Belmont Golf Course on Tuesday, Fayetteville State’s Juan Lopez earned the medalist title by a single shot at 1-over par total.
Denis Asaba led three Livingstone players in the top 10 of the event, posting a 1-over 75 at Belmont after firing a 75 in Monday’s first round at The Country Club of Virginia. Asaba’s eagle on No. 16 proved to be the difference-maker on the team leaderboard, helping Livingstone hold off Fayetteville State by a single stroke. The Blue Bears were five shots clear of Fayetteville on the day as they leapt from third to first on the leaderboard.
Asaba was joined by teammates Ibrahim Aliga (75-78=153), who tied for fifth, and Christopher Baguma (79-79=158) in the top 10 of the field.
After playing the same layout as the PGA TOUR Champions did during the Dominion Energy Charity Classic at The Country Club of Virginia in Monday’s first round, competitors tackled the restored Belmont layout on Tuesday. Student-athletes competed on holes 1-12 of the championship course, with holes 1-6 replayed to build a 6,865-yard, par-74 course.
Lopez posted the low round of the day on his way to the individual title, recording an even-par 74 at Belmont. After going out in 1-over 38, Lopez was steady on the back nine, collecting a single birdie on the 14th hole to go with eight pars in collecting his first collegiate tournament title. In Monday’s first round, Lopez recorded a 3-over 75 and entered Tuesday’s final round tied for third.
Logan Atkins (75-79=154) took seventh on the leaderboard, while Shaun Wixon (76-83=159) tied for ninth to put three Broncos on the top 10 of the leaderboard.
Travon Willis (74-78=152) paced defending RCCC champion Virginia Union, tying for third with Virginia State’s David Chavez (76-76=152). Alkin Barkley, the 2022 River City Collegiate medalist, tied for fifth in this year’s edition. Barkley was the overnight leader after a first round 71 at CCV but was undone by a 10 at the par 4 14th hole.
Brady Wood (78-81=159) tied for ninth, putting three VUU players in the top 10 as the Panthers finished third on the team leaderboard, five shots behind Livingstone.
Led by Chavez, Virginia State was fourth, holding off Johnson C. Smith University by four shots. Winston-Salem State took sixth, while St. Augustine’s had three players compete as individuals.
In addition to medalist honors, Lopez collected All-Tournament Team accolades, alongside the Livingstone duo of Asaba and Aliga. VUU’s Willis and Barkley also made the team, as well as VSU’s Chavez.
The team title was the second in as many weeks for Livingstone, which took first at the SAS HBCU Invitational in Cary, N.C., last week.
All seven programs at the inaugural River City Collegiate Classic represented historically black colleges and universities from the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The tournament came together as a partnership between First Tee – Greater Richmond, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic, and the Country Club of Virginia.
2023 River City Collegiate Classic All-Tournament Team Ibrahim Aliga, Livingstone College Denis Asaba, Livingstone College Alkin Barkley, Virginia Union University David Chavez, Virginia State University Juan Lopez, Fayetteville State (medalist) Travon Willis, Virginia Union University
###
About First Tee – Greater Richmond
First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Through three major programming focuses – the First Tee Program, the First Tee School Program, and collaborative community partnerships – First Tee – Greater Richmond reached more than 97,000 youth in 2021.
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2023) – After a week of competition and mentorship, Alyssa Stewart and Brayden Casolari are the junior winners of the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee, an official PGA TOUR Champions event, which concluded Sunday at Pebble Beach.
Alyssa Stewart representing First Tee – Greater Dallas and paired with Justin Leonard, and Brayden Casolari representing First Tee – Pine Mountain and paired with Brian Gay, claimed the female and male Pro-Junior titles, respectively. Stewart and Leonard finished 28-under, while Casolari and Gay capped off the event 21-under, climbing three spots up the leaderboard Sunday to clinch the victory.
Stewart and Leonard took the lead Saturday after recording a 59 at Spyglass Hill and extended their advantage Sunday, shooting a 63 at Pebble Beach. Meanwhile, Casolari and Gay birdied 18 on Sunday to secure their come-from-behind victory in the Pro-Junior competition, shooting an 8-under 64 at Pebble Beach.
In its 20th year, the PURE Insurance Championship brings First Tee participants from chapters across the country to Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course, where they demonstrate the skills and values they’ve practiced at First Tee to play alongside PGA TOUR Champions players and amateurs from the business world. The annual event was televised internationally on Golf Channel.
“The 80 players in the junior field represented First Tee well this week,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Our program aims to instill confidence and perseverance in the young people it serves, and I think those traits were on display during the tournament. A special congratulations to Alyssa and Brayden for winning the Pro-Junior titles. Thank you to our partners – PURE Insurance, PGA TOUR Champions, Chevron, Monterey Peninsula Foundation and Golf Channel – for making this week an unforgettable experience for our participants.”
Stewart is a 17-year-old high school senior who is committed to play golf next year at Houston Christian University. With a +3.9 handicap, Stewart has set records at two courses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She aspires to play on the LPGA Tour and become a veterinarian.
“I feel amazing right now,” Stewart said after her victory. “Words can’t even describe it. I just have a lot of thanks for my mom, PURE Insurance, First Tee and the PGA TOUR Champions players. Something that I learned this week is that you can’t really dwell on one shot. You have to move forward.”
Casolari is a 15-year-old high school sophomore from Cumberland, Kentucky. He took up golf 8 years ago at Lynch Country Club in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky after borrowing a set of left-handed clubs. Casolari volunteers with the Empty Stocking Fund and Tri-City Little League. He aspires to play collegiate golf and works at a local course. His trip to the PURE Insurance Championship was his first time traveling by airplane.
“This has been a great experience,” said Casolari. “This is my first time out there, and I love this course. My pro and I hit some good shots out there.”
During the week, First Tee partners PURE Insurance and Chevron both celebrated their commitment to First Tee’s mission and raised additional funds to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program through special events. Leaders from PURE Insurance extended a surprise invitation to the scholarship program to 17-year-old Aditi Balakrishna, a high school senior from First Tee – Tri-Valley in Northern California. The program pairs Scholars with a mentor and provides professional development workshops and financial assistance throughout the college experience.
First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The PURE Insurance Championship is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee Headquarters to encourage and motivate participants as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities.
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About Monterey Peninsula Foundation
Surpassing $200 million in total donations, Monterey Peninsula Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that donates funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee at Pebble Beach, a PGA TOUR Champions tournament. The Foundation focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties.
Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) Insurance is a property and casualty insurance company designed exclusively for successful, responsible families. We opened for business more than 15 years ago with the goal of offering something different in the insurance space: a company focused on doing what’s right for our membership (policyholders), one that promotes transparency and alignment of interests, and delivers greater value. Today, after growing at least 15% in each year since we began, we are the most awarded insurer in our category, offer coverage in all 50 states that includes high value homeowners, automobile, collections, watercraft, personal excess liability, fraud & cyber and flood to a membership of more than 100,000 individuals and families.
Pureinsurance.com | 888.813.7873
About PGA TOUR Champions
PGA TOUR Champions is a membership organization of professional golfers age 50 and older, including 34 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Tour’s mission is to provide financial opportunities for its players, entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back and generate significant charitable and economic impact in tournament communities. Follow PGA TOUR Champions online at PGATOUR.com, at facebook.com/PGATOURChampions, on Twitter @ChampionsTour and on Instagram @pgatourchampions.
All events are televised in the United States, with most receiving complete coverage on Golf Channel, the exclusive cable-television partner of PGA TOUR Champions. Tournament programming is available via 25+ TV linear partners in 145+ countries and territories, with 25 channels carrying long-form and/or highlights coverage, and 200+ hours of live coverage distributed in 135+ countries and territories. Programming is also available via the OTT platform GOLFTV powered by PGA TOUR in every market outside of the United States, excluding China and Korea, with live coverage distributed in 130+ countries and territories.
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2023) – PURE Insurance continued its ongoing support of the First Tee College Scholarship Program Thursday during the PURE Insurance Championship impacting First Tee by surprising First Tee – Tri-Valley’s Aditi Balakrishna with an invitation to the program based on her academic record and commitment to helping others.
Balakrishna, who is participating in this week’s PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach, is a 17-year-old senior at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, California, where she is vice president of the Society of Women Engineers and president of the Neurodiversity Club. Balakrishna founded HappyArt, an organization that creates cards for Bay Area seniors, and she volunteers with First Tee – Tri-Valley and Special Olympics.
Launched in 2020, the First Tee College Scholarship Program currently serves 70 First Tee Scholars selected into the program based on their academic performance, involvement in First Tee programs, financial need and commitment to volunteerism.
PURE Insurance has served as title sponsor of the PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee since 2017. Since coming on board as title sponsor, PURE has continued to deepen its relationship with First Tee, including a commitment of $1M over five years to support the First Tee College Scholarship Program.
“I’m so proud to continue our involvement with, and support of, this incredible organization,” said Martin Leitch, CEO of PURE Insurance. “It’s particularly gratifying to know that we can impact the remarkable young men and women of First Tee, like Aditi, in such a powerful way.”
First Tee is a youth development organization that uses golf to teach life skills and values. The First Tee College Scholarship Program extends its impact to alumni by providing support throughout their post-graduate career with Scholars receiving mentorship, professional and personal development workshops and financial support. Select PURE Insurance associates will serve as mentors and the company will contribute to educational sessions, helping share industry knowledge and expertise with scholars who are interested in business and finance.
“Congratulations to Aditi for all her accomplishments in the classroom, on the golf course and in her community,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Thank you to PURE Insurance for its ongoing support of First Tee. By supporting the PURE Insurance Championship and the First Tee College Scholarship Program, PURE Insurance is supporting our efforts to empower youth and prepare them for the future. ”
First Tee College Scholarship Program is made possible by donors and corporate partners, like PURE Insurance, that stand behind the program and First Tee’s mission.
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 11,000 schools and 1,900 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About PURE Insurance
Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is dedicated to creating an exceptional experience for responsible high net worth families, providing customizable coverage for high-value homes, automobiles, jewelry, art, personal liability, watercraft, flood, fraud and cyber fraud. PURE’s low cost of capital, careful member selection and proactive risk management contribute to fair pricing and a Financial Strength Rating of “A (Excellent)” from A.M. Best Company, Inc. PURE has sustained at least 15% annual growth in each year since its inception and now serves more than 100,000 members across the United States.
RICHMOND, Va. (September 11, 2023) – First Tee – Greater Richmond has announced two additions to its full-time staff, adding Chevonne Braxton and Emily Weinstein to its staff as part of a continued organizational evolution.
“Both Chevonne and Emily will be instrumental in helping us provide courses that build character,” First Tee – Greater Richmond CEO Brent Schneider said. “They both add to our dynamic team, and I look forward to working with each of them to achieve our vision of strengthening the character of our community.”
Braxton is serving as the organization’s Director of Education and Outreach, where she will oversee First Tee – Greater Richmond’s School Program and Community Program initiatives. Braxton previously was the Director of Internships at Partnership for the Future, helping local high school students gain experiences with local businesses and organizations to place students on a clear path from high school to college to the workplace.
Previously, she spent 10 years with Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond where her last role was Senior Program Director, overseeing the day-to-day operations of youth programmatic services in addition to family and youth engagement. A graduate of Lynchburg College, Braxton was a member of the women’s basketball and track and field team.
Weinstein will lead the organization’s fundraising efforts as its Vice President of Development. A graduate of Duke University with a B.A. in Public Policy, she returns to First Tee – Greater Richmond after previously serving the organization in a variety of capacities from 2009-18. During her previous nine years with the chapter, Weinstein collaborated on strategic initiatives surrounding programming development and fundraising, developed and managed corporate partners, increased the organization’s annual giving campaign, and led quality improvement initiatives through the implementation of donor and program management software and tools.
Before returning to First Tee – Greater Richmond, Weinstein worked in talent acquisition for management consulting firms in the Richmond area, most recently as the Director of Talent at Thought Logic Consulting. While there, Weinstein led all talent initiatives for the Richmond office.
Braxton and Weinstein both started their tenures on Sept. 5.
###
About First Tee – Greater Richmond
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Through three major programming areas, First Tee Programs, School Program and Community Partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond reached more than 75,000 youth in 2022.
The international youth development organization recognized Brown for her ability to connect with students and spread her love for golf.
SAVANNAH, Ga. Aug. 24, 2023 – Ariel Brown, an elementary teacher at Savannah Legacy Academy, has been named 2023 Teacher of the Year by First Tee, an international youth development nonprofit that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf. The award is presented to one teacher each year who has gone above and beyond in delivering the First Tee School Program, which brings First Tee’s character-building curriculum to thousands of school gyms across the country.
Brown has been an elementary teacher at Savannah Legacy Academy since 2014. The school, located in downtown Savannah, was founded and operated by her parents. The Title 1 school serves 100% minority students, and Brown offers First Tee programming there on Fridays. Brown is also a First Tee alumna and was the first coach at First Tee – Savannah when the chapter relaunched in summer 2021.
“As a coach, Ariel thrived from the beginning,” said First Tee – Savannah program director John Parker. “She began encouraging the students in her elementary school classes to enroll in our off-site program. I can without hesitation say that some of our best kids in programming today are there because of Ariel.”
“It’s indeed an honor to see a former First Tee – Savannah participant become the National Teacher of the Year,” said First Tee – Savannah Board Member Teia Acker Moore. “This recognition shows Ariel’s deep passion for the sport and her desire to share her knowledge and skills with others. As a teacher, she has inspired and guided new generations of golfers, imparting not only technical expertise but also sportsmanship, teamwork and personal growth. This journey and Ariel’s achievement as Teacher of the Year highlights the positive impact that First Tee has on shaping individuals’ lives and fostering a sense of community within the golfing world.”
Brown was surprised with the award in her classroom at Savannah Legacy Academy, where she was presented with balloons, flowers and a video with congratulatory messages from colleagues and loved ones. Her achievement was highlighted by Golf Digest.
Since launching in 1997, First Tee has grown into a preeminent youth development organization seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum. Its network spans 150 chapters with programs delivered at 1,400 golf courses, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers in all 50 states and select international locations. In 2022, First Tee impacted more than 3.4 million kids and teens with more than 10,000 adults – from volunteers, coaches and board members – as well as teachers from schools across the country working tirelessly to help empower participants.
Through the First Tee Awards in partnership with Golf Digest, First Tee recognizes the dedicated adults and chapters who go above and beyond to bring its mission to life every day.
“The First Tee School Program reached more than 3 million kids last year,” said First Tee CEO Greg McLaughlin. “Obviously, it takes a lot of committed adults to make that happen. But our colleagues at First Tee – Savannah told us Brown stands out for her ability to connect with the kids she serves. Congratulations to Ariel on this well-deserved honor.”
###
About First Tee – Savannah
First Tee — Savannah is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee — Savannah reaches kids and teens through programs delivered at the 5 program locations, 20schools and 4 youth centers. Learn more at www.firstteesavannah.org.
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 14, 2023) – Youth development organization First Tee is excited to announce that it has expanded its School Program to 50 additional Title I schools thanks to $100,000 in matching grants from The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Program. First Tee golf equipment has already been shipped to 30 of the schools. The Title 1 schools selected serve a high percentage of kids from low-income families and 40% of students receive a free or reduced-price lunch.
First Tee’s School Program gives physical educators all the tools to begin implementing its curriculum, including training, equipment and lesson plans that integrate life skills with the game of golf. The curriculum is also designed to help children improve their motor skills through golf instruction. First Tee has been offering its programming in physical education classes in the United States and Canada since 2004, reaching more than 3 million kids last year.
“We created the School Program almost 20 years ago to make First Tee programming accessible to more kids,” said Jen Weiler, senior vice president of network relations at First Tee. “We are grateful to The DICK’S Foundation for helping us reach more students. Recent research shows that nearly 80 percent of parents believe golf can teach life skills and character. Now more kids have access to those lessons.”
Grants have been awarded to schools in California, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
DICK’S and The DICK’S Foundation are longtime partners of First Tee, providing more than $1.9 million to support First Tee’s character-building programs since 2008.
###
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”) First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach millions of kids annually through its network of 150 chapters, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
About The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to inspire and enable sports participation. It was created by DICK’S Sporting Goods as a private corporate foundation to support DICK’S charitable and philanthropic activities. Driven by its belief that sports have the power to change lives, The DICK’S Foundation champions youth sports and provides grants and support to under-resourced teams and athletes through its Sports Matter program and other community-based initiatives. Additional information about The DICK’S Foundation can be found on sportsmatter.org.
RICHMOND, Va. (Aug. 10, 2023) – First Tee – Greater Charlotte captured the ninth Redmond Cup on Thursday, overcoming the elements at Belmont in a regional competition hosted by First Tee – Greater Richmond.
In cloudy, rainy conditions, Wyatt Feuss and Rohil Pawar led the way for First Tee – Greater Charlotte, taking second in the 12-hole division after a tie-break with teammates Stephen Strong and George Philipps. Kate Jones and Isabella Mebane also won a tie-break to finish second in the 9-hole division, giving First Tee – Greater Charlotte a team total of 2-over par, four strokes in front of First Tee – Triangle’s 6-over total.
First Tee – Greater Richmond was third at its home course with a score of 13-over par.
First Tee – Triangle saw Eli Taylor earn the 12-hole division title at 2-under par, while First Tee – Greater Philadelphia’s Rory Jones and Gabriella Mango posted an even-par score in the 9-hole division to earn medalist honors.
The Redmond Cup brings together First Tee chapters from across the east coast, with First Tee – Blue Ridge Valley, First Tee – Greater Charlotte, First Tee – Greater Philadelphia, First Tee – Greater Richmond, First Tee – Greater Washington D.C., First Tee – Hampton Roads, First Tee – Roanoke Valley, and First Tee – Triangle all participating in this year’s competition.
Six participants were chosen to represent their respective chapter, with participants ages 14 or older competing on Belmont’s 12-hole restored A.W. Tillinghast layout. Participants aged 10-13 competed in the 9-hole division, which saw play on Belmont holes 1-3 and Little Bell 1-6.
The team title was the fifth in the past six Redmond Cups for First Tee – Greater Charlotte, including four consecutive titles from 2014-17.
Participants were welcomed to Richmond on Wednesday, with teams practicing at Belmont before gathering at Top Golf for an evening with fellow First Tee participants.
First Tee – Greater Richmond has hosted the Redmond Cup since 2011, with the 2023 edition marking its return after the COVID-19 pandemic.
***
About First Tee – Greater Richmond
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Through three major programming areas, First Tee Programs, School Program and Community Partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond reached more than 75,000 youth in 2022. Learn more at www.FirstTeeRVA.org.
Niki Chan is one of 72 teens chosen for the five-day learning and empowerment academy
Richmond, Va. (July 17, 2023) – Niki Chan from First Tee — Greater Richmond has been selected to attend the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. in Philadelphia, July 18-22. Chan is one of 72 teens from the First Tee network who has been selected for the five-day learning and empowerment academy and will participate in critical conversations around issues of identity, racism, equity and empathy.
Chan is a rising senior at Manchester High School in Midlothian and has been a First Tee – Greater Richmond participant for nine years.
“We are elated to have Niki represent First Tee – Greater Richmond at the First Tee Game Changers Academy,” Kelly Brown, First Tee – Greater Richmond Vice President for Impact, said. “When Niki began our program she was super quiet and soft spoken and to see her find her voice and come into her own is one of many examples of our evidence-based, life skills curriculum.
“I know Niki will make a huge impact at the Game Changers Academy, and we are excited to have her return and share the lessons learned in Philadelphia.”
The week will kick off with a ‘Critical Conversation’ hosted by RISE on Tuesday, July 18, featuring 8-year NFL veteran, Philadelphia native and member of the Baltimore Ravens Daryl Worley, First Tee – Greater Washington D.C. alumnus and professional golfer, Marcus Byrd, and Lodge Grass High School Head Basketball Coach Josh Stewart. Scarlen Martinez, the Sr. Director of Empowerment at RISE will moderate the panel about how sports lead to access and can help address societal inequalities.
RISE, a national nonprofit and leader in the sports community championing social justice and working to improve race relations, will also facilitate engaging and interactive workshops throughout the week. The workshops will explore a multitude of topics that encourage personal growth and understanding of diversity concepts that foster positive change in the community. The workshops will be paired with reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches, team-building activities such as the Villanova Challenge Course, and golf outings at Walnut Lane Golf Club where they will continue to build relationships with other participants from around the country and learn from each other’s unique perspectives.
This Academy is an evolution of First Tee’s longest-standing participant event. The Academy honors First Tee’s former CEO, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., who led the organization from 2000 until his retirement in 2017. It’s one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. .
Chan will be the first of two First Tee – Greater Richmond participants taking part in a First Tee national program this summer. Meg Lavinder will represent First Tee — Greater Richmond at the 2023 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee in September.
***
About First Tee – Greater Richmond Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2023, First Tee – Greater Richmond is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization whose mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Through three major programming areas, First Tee Programs, School Program and Community Partnerships, First Tee – Greater Richmond reached more than 75,000 youth in 2022. Learn more at www.FirstTeeRVA.org.
