WELCOME
Founded in 2008 by Bo and Bob Van Pelt, First Tee – Indiana in Richmond is currently impacting over 200 Richmond youth ages 7-18. The Bo Van Pelt/Cross Learning Center at Glen Miller Driving Range is home to our practice facility. In addition to a driving range and three hole par three course, we have our own building with access to a kitchen, computers, and learning space. Our eight-week classes cost $35 and start June 7th. Find out more information about what we are doing on our Facebook Page.

SCHOLARSHIPS
First Tee – Indiana in Richmond offers scholarships to kids on a need basis. Our goal as a community is to ensure every kid has a place to learn, have fun, and cultivate friendships. If you would like to apply for financial assistance, you will have the option to do so during the on-line registration process. For further questions, please contact Luci Ross at lross@indianagolf.org

CLASS SCHEDULE

Lead Coach Sam Witherby and others will offer the following First Tee classes for 2021. All age divisions will offer two sessions: Monday/Wednesday or  Tuesday/Thursday. Classes start the week of June 7th and end the last week of July (no classes the week of July 5th – 9th). All classes will be at the Cross/Van Pelt Learning Center at Glenn Miller Golf Course.  Look for dates for Volunteer Orientation and the End of the Summer Celebration to be posted soon.

Richmond will host sign-up date at the Cross/VanPelt Learning Center on May 8, 15, and 22.  If you have any questions about registration and classes, please contact Coach Sam Witherby at smw3210@gmail.com. A year-end celebration is planned for July 30th.

Cross/Van Pelt Learning Center

REGISTER 

REGISTER

REGISTER

Sam Roberts Becomes Indiana’s First ACE Level Participant

Hear from Sam about his journey to First Tee’s highest achievement.

When I joined the First Tee program, I thought it was for beginners. I was already a golfer and former Gongaware Academy camp participant, and I didn’t understand what First Tee was all about. After some convincing from my parents, I reluctantly attended my first class. To my surprise, I learned that First Tee offered various levels for golfers to advance through with the goal of achieving Ace status – the highest level offered in the program, and a level no participant had yet achieved in Indiana. 

Achieving Ace status quickly became my goal, and before long, I was hooked on the First Tee! Unlike other sports programs, First Tee taught me so much more than just golf skills. It taught me the importance of character, developed my confidence, and made me want to be the best version of myself. I also started performing a lot better academically and became valedictorian of my Centerville High School class.

I spent about eight years advancing through all of First Tee’s skill levels. The Ace Level focuses on personal planning and reinforces skills like self-management, goal setting, and interpersonal communication. Using these skills, I had to complete four projects that would help me in college and in my future career. Project topics included: Community Service, Career, College, and Golf.

In 2020, I did it! I became the first and only participant to ever achieve Ace Level status in Indiana. This was such a humbling experience for me, and it was awesome to know that the hard work I put into the program really paid off. Being the “first” is not something you hear often, and I’m very proud. I now consider myself to be an advocate for Indiana Golf and First Tee-Indiana.

After completing the First Tee program, I went on to become a coach at First Tee-Indiana in Richmond, alongside my former coaches, Bob Van Pelt and Sam Witherby. My favorite part of coaching has been seeing my players continuously improve, no matter their skill level.

I also joined the men’s golf team at IU East and have been fortunate to make the Dean’s List every semester since starting my college career. In 2020, I was also the recipient of the Male Lingle Scholar Award for outstanding freshman.

If it weren’t for my parents’ encouragement, I never would have joined the First Tee
program. To my coaches – thank you for believing in me and for teaching me so much
more than just how to improve my golf game.

Sam Roberts Video

THE GOLF CHANNEL

In 2016, we were featured on The Golf Channel’s Morning Drive as part of their #ThxPGAPro 100 year celebration. Check out the video below of our program and one of our participants, Jacey Cornett.

.

VOLUNTEERING

As a nonprofit, we rely on volunteers to help run our programs. We currently have 17 summer volunteers who help deliver our green-grass Certifying Program. Along with teaching golf skills, our volunteers act as mentors to our participants. As a volunteer, you will be looked upon as a trustworthy, caring adult who models The First Tee’s Nine Core Values: Honesty, Integrity, Perseverance, Judgment, Responsibility, Respect, Courtesy, Confidence, and Sportsmanship.  Please use the above VOLUNTEER button for more information.