Special Events Archives - First Tee

Livingstone College Rallies to Claim 2023 River City Collegiate Classic

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 14^th 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 14^th 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

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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.

PGA TOUR Champion Kirk Triplett Gives Back to First Tee

In addition to getting youth on the golf course, First Tee – Greater Richmond offers exciting opportunities to put life skills learned in classes into action. With the help of our corporate partners, First Tee hosts multiple events per year to active participants giving them an outlet to exhibit the nine core values by meeting new people and playing extra golf around the country. One of the most notable events is the Pure Insurance Championship, an event where participants apply through a series of applications and interviews from all across the country and are selected to play at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Course alongside PGA TOUR Champions players. In 2020, three of First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Ace participants, Nicole Chang, Tyler Tingen, and D’yan Robinson, completed the extensive application and interview process to attend this unique opportunity.

The Reality

Given the current public health crisis, First Tee Headquarters and the TOUR determined that this year’s PURE Insurance Championship should be played without First Tee participants. Despite the unfortunate news, our teen participants kept their spirits high as they continued to volunteer and dedicate their time to our local chapter, host a Back to School Scramble fundraising and supply drive golf tournament, and organized one of the most fun events of the year, Golf-O-Ween.

Kirk Triplett Gives Back

With PGA TOUR events moving forward without fans, one of the TOUR players still sought an opportunity to engage and impact the local community of First Tee participants. Kirk Triplett, professional golfer from the PGA Tour, Nationwide Tour, and PGA TOUR Champions, presented an idea to invite First Tee participants to play in the remaining Pro-Am at PGA TOUR Champions Events for 2020. Because of Kirk’s efforts, First Tee – Greater Richmond’s three participants who applied for the Pure Insurance Championship were invited to play in the 2020 Dominion Energy Charity Classic Pro-Am with him! Another participant from First Tee – Hampton Roads also joined their group. On October 15th, birdies and light hearted jokes gave the Ace participants’ experience playing alongside Kirk Triplett at The Country Club of Virginia’s James River Course memories of a lifetime. Nicole, Tyler, and D’yan cannot thank the TOUR and Kirk Triplett enough for their unforgettable experience.

To play at CCV James River with Kirk Triplett was a memorable experience for me and I’m grateful for First Tee and the DECC for giving us this opportunity. – D’yan Robinson It was awesome to play with Kirk. He is such a nice, kind person and I loved the entire experience. – Nicole Chang I really enjoyed having this once in a lifetime opportunity! – Tyler Tingen

Click here to view a video of the day provided by the PGA TOUR Champions!

Event Photos

First Tee Volunteers Shine in Annual Fundraiser

First Tee – Greater Richmond’s Leadership Advisory Board and friends plan and participate in a key annual event for our organization, the Longest Day of Golf. In its sixth year, these valuable volunteers raised over $71,000 for First Tee – Greater Richmond, a $5,000 increase from 2019. Revenue generated from special events provide the our youth programs with needed support to strengthen the character of our community.

The Longest day of Golf

The 2020 Longest Day of Golf took place on Friday, September 25th. 22 fundraisers played golf from 8am to 5pm at The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course while soliciting support through their individual fundraising pages. The participants’ supporters ranged from corporate sponsorships to local businesses to members of their personal network.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Mercedes Benz of Midlothian and Richmond Flourish Spaces Greenwood Financial Group Haley Auto Group Heritage Wealth Advisors Heartwood Wealth Advisors NorthMarq Poolhouse PwC South State Bank

Food & Beverage Sponsors

Blanchard’s Coffee Chick-Fil-A Boychick’s Deli

Brock’s BBQ

Center of the Universe Brewing Co.

For all event questions, please contact: Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing & Events: [email protected]

Renovation Preview: The Tattersall Youth Development Center

Entire facility closed starting MOnday, December 9th

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is preparing for clubhouse renovations at The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course. The scheduled work will be very similar to the look and feel of the 2017 renovation at the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range clubhouse to foster a consistent energy and youth-centric feel at both locations.

The clubhouse at The Tattersall Youth Development Center was originally built in 1999 and The First Tee of Greater Richmond remains committed to providing first-class facilities for our youth participants, families, patrons, volunteers, and the community. Scheduled changes for the building include reshaping and repurposing the interior of the clubhouse, a new Trackman 4 Simulator, additional space for youth programs, and improved patio space and furniture for parents and golf outings. Beginning Monday, December 9^th, the clubhouse, programming classroom, golf course, and practice areas will be closed to the public and youth programs. The clubhouse and surrounding golf course will re-open in May 2020. Patrons with annual memberships or monthly dues at this facility will not be charged during the renovation. During the closure at Chesterfield, we welcome all golfers to visit our downtown practice facility, The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range (400 School Street, Richmond 23222), to utilize the practice areas, covered hitting bays, Trackman Simulators, and 6 hole par-3 course.

The First Tee of Greater Richmond invites parents, patrons, donors, and community partners to attend a Town Hall Meeting to learn more about the renovation, timeline, and ask questions of our leadership team.

When: Wednesday, November 13, 2019 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm

Where: 6736 Huntingcreek Drive, North Chesterfield, VA 23237

For all questions regarding facility renovations or operations, please contact Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations of The First Tee of Greater Richmond: [email protected]

RICHMOND BIZSENSE

Leadership Advisory Board Raises $70,000

Each year, The Leadership Advisory Board and friends of The First Tee plan and participate in a key combination event for our organization, the Longest Day of Golf and Birdies & Brews. In its fifth year, these valuable volunteers raised over 70,000 for The First Tee of Greater Richmond. Revenue generated from special events provide the our youth programs with needed support to strengthen the character of our community.

The Longest day of golf

The two-day event began with the 2019 Longest Day of Golf. On Friday, October 11th, 15 fundraisers played golf from 8am to 5pm at The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course while soliciting support through their individual fundraising pages.

Birdies & Brews

The following evening, Birdies & Brews wrapped up the fun – open to the public, 100 guests purchased tickets to receive unlimited golf, live music, and food and beverage at The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range.

Thank you to our event sponsors: Mercedes Benz of Midlothian and Richmond Thalhimer Heritage Wealth Advisors Heartwood Wealth Advisors

Michael McCann

Food & BEVERAGE SPONSORS

Home Sweet Home

Belle Isle Craft Spirits

Live Music

Stillwater Hum

For all event questions, please contact: Madison Medlin, Senior Director of Marketing & Events: [email protected]

Three Participants Play With Champions

On Monday, October 14th, three of The First Tee’s participants, D’yan Robinson (Ace), Ivan Chan (Ace), and Meg Lavinder (Eagle) played alongside Mike Goodes at The Kanawha Club in the “Four Amigos and Friends Golf Gala.” Hosted by Fred Funk, Gene Sauers, Bernhard Langer, and Mike Goodes, this event brings PGA Champions TOUR players together to raise money for Folds of Honor and Virginians for Veterans programs. D’yan, Ivan, and Meg filled a foursome with Goodes to shoot a score of 20 (-7) through 9-holes at Kanawha Club, a private 9-hole par-3 course in Manakin-Sabot, VA. They tied for first but finished second after a scorecard playoff.

Being able to share in this experience with The First Tee was absolutely amazing. The kids exhibited all of the core values throughout the day and received positive praise and feedback from the Pro Golfers. What a wonderful experience! – Denise Robinson, Parent of D’yan Robinson This is an amazing experience for the junior golfers to learn and to collaborate with the Pro Golfers. A great opportunity for the junior golfers to exercise the core values that are taught in The First Tee Program. Positive feedback and praise were received from all the participants. We are so proud of our amazing kids! – Kevin Chan, Parent of Ivan Chan

This event comes ahead of the 2019 Dominion Energy Charity Classic to be held at the Country Club of Virginia later this week.

More event photos

Thalhimer Gives Again

Last month, Thalhimer and their “Thalhimer Gives” program gave back to The First Tee by completing needed touch-ups in preparation for the clubhouse renovation coming this fall at The Tattersall Youth Development Center at The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course. For part two of their volunteer partnership, Thalhimer staffed the local Drive, Chip, and Putt Qualifier on June 27th. Over 14 representatives from Thalhimer joined The First Tee to staff registration, scoring, and meal preparation for 100+ youth and their families on Thursday. With their support, the event ran smoothly and efficiently so every attendee felt welcome as The First Tee showcased their popular programming facility. Congratulations to all junior golfers advancing to the next round at Salisbury Country Club!

About the Drive, chip, and putt QUALIFIER

The Drive, Chip, and Putt is a free nationwide junior golf development competition aimed at growing the game by focusing on the three fundamental skills employed in golf. ¹ The Tattersall Youth Development Center hosted the local qualifier with the Mid-Atlantic PGA where over 100 junior golfers from the region competed on the Road to Augusta. Participants who advance through local, sub-regional and qualifying in each age/gender category earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament.²

About the Thalhimer Gives Program

Thalhimer Gives is a company initiative focused on increasing community involvement and charitable giving. Through Thalhimer Gives, associates have the opportunity to actively engage in the community by donating financially, providing much-needed supplies, and giving generously of their time to local organizations.³

Engage with us!

The First Tee of Greater Richmond welcomes community partners seeking opportunities to engage with our organization. Through volunteer work, corporate events, or group golf outings, The First Tee’s programming facilities offer a space for collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. For all questions about community events or volunteer opportunities with The First Tee of Greater Richmond and their programming facilities, please contact Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations: [email protected].

Women In Golf: All Ages and Skill Levels

The First Tee of Greater Richmond is proud to develop the lives of youth regardless of background, age level, or golf experience. In addition to the chapter’s programs, partnerships provide the ability to expand opportunities for young people to allow relationships with mentors to deepen. The LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program & the LPGA Amateur Women’s Golf Association – RVA are two empowering organizations in which The First Tee partners with to drive females, both youth and adults, forward through the game of golf.

Girls Golf Participants attend Kingsmill

On Saturday May 25th, The First Tee of Greater Richmond‘s LPGA*USGA Girls Golf members attended a junior golf clinic and an exclusive behind the scenes tour at the LPGA Puresilk Championship on the Kingsmill River Course. Kingsmill’s Golf Academy Director of Instruction, Chris George, PGA, with special guest LPGA tour players, Katherine Perry and Robyn Choi led the junior clinic for 11 youth. Visit Williamsburg presented the behind the scenes tour of the Puresilk Championship allowing participants to visit the LPGA fitness

trailer, media center, rules office, club house, player dining, and more. Thank you Puresilk Championship tournament staff, Kingsmill Resort staff, and LPGA tour players for giving our participants a day to remember! JOIN THE LPGA*USGA Girls Golf Program today!

downtown facility hosts women’s golf day

Women’s Golf Day serves as a day of recognition for women in the sport to network, play golf, and socialize among other female leaders in the community. On June 4th, the LPGA Amateur Women’s Golf Association – RVA attended The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range for an exclusive event for all women and girls interested in growing the game of golf. Over 35 community members and The First Tee’s Girls Golf participants gathered for an evening of golf clinics and networking to honor female participation in the

sport. The First Tee is grateful for the LPGA Amateur Women’s Golf Association – RVA for seeking a thoughtful partnership within our organization! For all questions about hosing community events with The First Tee of Greater Richmond at one of two programming facilities, please contact Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations: [email protected].

Fairways for Warriors: Driven Forward by Golf

On Memorial Day, The First Tee of Greater Richmond sought an opportunity to honor our warriors. Whether their past consists of making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation or their present consists of serving throughout the community, the first annual Fairway for Warriors Memorial Tournament brought together the greatest among us. Similarly to The First Tee using golf as a method to teach life skills, Fairways for Warriors is a non-profit organization that uses golf to provide support to combat veterans for essential care. Stemmed from a partnership with veterans and service members throughout the state and Fort Lee, the connection between the two organizations is natural and mission-driven.

The camaraderie and challenges of golf aids combat wounded veteran’s journey towards rehabilitation and healing. – Fairway for Warriors ¹

Almost 60 players attended the event. Included in the pool was Command Sergeant major Michael J. Perry, III, the Combined Arms Support Command senior enlisted adviser, and two teams with The First Tee participants. Supported by local sponsors, this impactful outing raised nearly $5,000 for Fairways for Warriors towards establishing a chapter in Virginia. The First Tee seeks ways to be an asset to the RVA community and looks forward to supporting this organization and many others to honor those who have served and continue to do so.

Engage with us!

For all questions about community events or volunteer opportunities with The First Tee of Greater Richmond and their programming facilities, please contact Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations: [email protected].

Thalhimer Gives to The First Tee RVA

The First Tee of Greater Richmond welcomes community partners seeking opportunities to engage with our organization. Through volunteer work, corporate events, or group golf outings, The First Tee’s programming facilities offer a space for collaboration, innovation, and inclusion. Thanks to Thalhimer and their “Thalhimer Gives” program, The Tattersall Youth Development Center at

The First Tee Chesterfield Golf Course received needed touch-ups in preparation for the clubhouse renovation to begin this fall. The group assisted The First Tee with painting projects, clean-up inside and outside of the clubhouse, and golf cart refurbishment.

We are very grateful for Thalhimer and their employees who volunteered for various clean-up projects at The Tattersall Youth Development Center as we prepare for the upcoming clubhouse renovation. Their efforts certainly enhanced the first-impression of the facility for our participants, families, patrons, and community partners as we gear up for our popular Summer programs and camps. – Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations, The First Tee of Greater Richmond

About the Thalhimer Gives Program

Engage with us!

For all questions about community events or volutneer opportunities with The First Tee of Greater Richmond and their programming facilities, please contact Kelly McAnally, Senior VP of Operations: [email protected].

Downtown Facility Hosts Dominion Energy Charity Classic Charitable Impact Announcement

Downtown Facility Hosts Press Conference To Announce Charitable Impact Of 2018 Dominion Energy Charity Classic

Richmond-area charities receive more than $1.2 million as a result of last year’s event.

(RICHMOND, Virginia) – On February 12th, tournament officials announced that the 2018 Dominion Energy Charity Classic generated more than $1.2 million for charities in the Richmond region. The PGA TOUR hosted this event at The First Tee of Greater Richmond’s Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range.

Over 40 members of the community gathered at The First Tee on Tuesday morning.

The PGA TOUR Champions tournament, currently in its fourth year, is dedicated to giving back charitably in the local community, with a special focus on military support. As a result of the 2018 event, the tournament will distribute funds to the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation to benefit the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Virginia Values Veteran’s program, the Richmond Fisher House, as well as 144 additional non-profit organizations in Central Virginia, including The First Tee of Greater Richmond. “As its name suggests, the Charity Classic is all about goodwill and good works,” said Dominion Energy Chairman, President and CEO Thomas F. Farrell II. “That is why our company sponsors the event: We believe in helping others. The outpouring of generosity from the 2018 Classic is extremely gratifying, and it will make a lasting difference in the lives of veterans, their families, children in need, artists and countless others.”

The Charity Classic offers area non-profit organizations the opportunity to participate in the Birdies for Charity program presented by TowneBank. This program provides participating 501(c)3 organizations the ability to generate donations that the PGA TOUR bonuses by 10%. Patty Merrill, Vice Chair of The First Tee of Greater Richmond Board of Directors, spoke on behalf of Birdies for Charity. Patty is also the volunteer chair of Birdies for Charity and is leading a task force around the 2019 Dominion Energy Charity Classic Community Invitational benefitting The First Tee of Greater Richmond.

As the Dominion Energy Charity Classic continues to grow, so does our pursuit to maximize the charitable impact to the Richmond area. Our team feels a great sense of pride that the tournament serves as a conduit for charitable giving in our community and it’s encouraging to see the growth of the Birdies for Charity program each year.”
Steve Schoenfeld, Executive Director, Dominion Energy Charity Classic

The 2019 event will return to The Country Club of Virginia, James River Course, October 17-20.

MORE NEWS RELEASES

Richmond Times Dispatch PGA TOUR

Host your next event at our facility! Contact Mark Lynch, Senior Director of Golf of The First Tee of Greater Richmond: [email protected]

Volunteers Raise $65,000 for Youth Programs

The Leadership Advisory Board and friends of The First Tee completed another successful year of the Longest Day of Golf and Birdies & Brews – two events that make up one major fundraising endeavor for the organization. In its fourth year, these valuable volunteers raised $65,000 for The First Tee of Greater Richmond. Support from special events provide the organization with needed support to carry out dynamic youth development programs to the young people of RVA.