The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range at The First Tee of Greater Richmond

Facility Amenities:

• Grass Tees (16)
• Bays with Mats (13)
• Short Game Practice Area
• Lighting for Night Use
• Grass Putting Green
• Covered Areas

Additional Amenities:

• Heated Bays (13)
• Golf Shop (1,500 Sq. Ft.)
• Food & Beverage
• Indoor Simulator
• 6-Hole Par 3 Golf Course (yardages ranging from 145 to 45 yards)
• Trackman Hitting Bays (2)

Type of Range Targets:

• Flags
• Fairway Cuts
• Sonix Targets

Instruction provided.

Number of PGA Professional Instructors: 2

Clubfitting services provided.

Total number of visits to range per year: 19,070

Number of range balls dispensed on range per year: 1,436,550

Number of range balls in inventory: 25,000 + 6,000 for the VCU Golf Team

New balls are acquired: Annually

Best range promotion: The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range reopened in October of 2017. One of the best initial promotions the facility ran was a winter league on the brand new Trackman hitting bays which provided a unique way to promote golf courses from all over the world in our backyard at The First Tee of Greater Richmond. It also allowed for us to showcase the new technology offered at the facility in addition to touch points for future memberships once the traditional golf season started in March/April.

In addition to the winter Trackman leagues, another great promotion for the facility in 2018 included the Summer Happy Hour and Golf Series that was organized the last Wednesday of every month in May, June, July and August. This was an opportunity for the facility to partner with a local brewery, set-up ladder golf, corn hole, Kan Jam and play music on the range to create a different atmosphere than what our patrons may be accustom to during a standard week night. It also allowed us to invite the community, even the non-golf fans to enjoy what the driving range and par-3 golf course loop in addition to closest to the pin contesting in the Trackman bays.

Special programs: The mission of The First Tee of Greater Richmond 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. The program introduces kids to the game and its inherent values through programs in elementary schools, on golf courses and at youth centers around the country.

The First Tee of Greater Richmond impacts the community by positively influencing behaviors of young people and inspiring adults to mentor, coach, volunteer, donate to the cause and uphold mission, thus preparing youths to make sound decisions, exercise good character, and live satisfying, productive lives in which they can give back to the community.

Originally built in 2003, The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range is a championship level practice facility for golfers of all skill levels. The First Tee of Greater Richmond operates this facility to fulfill its mission while hosting patrons and the Virginia Commonwealth University’s Men’s Golf Team. The facility offers a 6-hole par-3 course with Bermuda grass and Champion Bermuda greens built by nationally acclaimed architect Lester George. Additionally, a large grass range, practice greens and bunker, and two Trackman 4 simulator bays promote a wide variety of practice opportunities. Located in the heart of downtown Richmond, The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range provides a premier experience for all golfers. Proceeds from the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range go back into serving the youth in our community through scholarship opportunities, The First Tee national playing opportunities, and funding equipment for our National School Programs.

As a non-profit ourselves we enjoy being a community partner and helping other non-profits by offering our classroom space for special events or back to school or networking functions. We closely partner with other organizations for field trips and golf instruction in conjunction with our life skills offerings. Some organizations include but are not limited to: LPGA Girls Golf Program, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Richmond City Schools, Chesterfield County Schools, Henrico County Schools, and Hanover County Schools.