First Tee of Chesterfield

The First Tee of Chesterfield facility in Richmond, Virginia, features a regulation-length course designed by Lester George, a regional architect who has worked on several golf projects in the Mid-Atlantic area. The course serves as the centerpiece of a First Tee chapter facility, part of the national youth development organization that introduces young people to golf while teaching life skills and core values. The design balances accessibility for junior golfers and beginners with enough challenge to provide a legitimate test for more experienced players. The routing takes advantage of the rolling terrain characteristic of the Richmond area, situated in Virginia's Piedmont region where the coastal plain meets the foothills. The property features a mix of open and wooded corridors, with natural elevation changes that add variety to the playing experience. As a First Tee facility, the course emphasizes walkability and pace of play, with strategic design elements that encourage decision-making and course management rather than relying solely on length or penal hazards. The facility supports both the organization's youth programming and public play, making it accessible to the broader Richmond golf community. The course provides an important resource in the region for introducing newcomers to the game while offering a straightforward, honest test of golf for players of all ages. The design reflects the First Tee mission of creating welcoming environments where golf serves as a vehicle for personal development and community engagement.