First Tee, a program of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, introduces young people to golf to empower them through the game.
The YMCA leases public land near the Virginia Beach National Golf Club. First Tee is known for its programs, for making the game accessible and has fans on and off the course.
“It’s just a fun place to play,” Paxton Sanders, 9, said while working on his putting game Tuesday.
Supporters are just down the road at the municipal center, too.
On Tuesday, City Council asked staff to pursue transferring the land First Tee has operated on for 25 years to the YMCA, which could help the program make improvements and raise money. A transfer also might ease concerns that changes at the wider VB National property could affect First Tee.
“As long as it’s the First Tee and they keep that mission, I think they should own it themselves,” Vice Mayor Rosemary Wilson said.
Last year, the city requested proposals from entities to buy VB National and additional nearby property and received nine plans. Some plans could add development into the mix while maintaining a course. Officials are interviewing a short list of candidates.
Officials have said their main concern about the course is the expense of maintaining it. About 350 acres, including 50 undeveloped near the course, could come off the city’s hands. The city estimates the First Tee property is nearly 80 acres of that.
The city said proposals needed to “honor the lease agreement currently in place” for the Y.
First Tee's site features a 9-hole junior course, a driving range and a clubhouse with indoor training spaces and a golf simulator. The location serves thousands of young people each year, according to the YMCA.
Council didn't vote Tuesday but told staff to work out a transfer or sale of the First Tee acreage after Deputy City Manager Amanda Jarratt described options.
The city owns the land and leases it to the Virginia Beach Development Authority, which in turn subleases it to the YMCA. Terms of the lease run through 2037, according to the city.
“The YMCA has requested either a long-term extension of the lease or to take title of the property so they can continue to invest in the program and make necessary capital expenditures into the program and property,” Jarratt said.
A reversion clause could be put in place if its use changes.
“Let’s go forward and get it done,” Mayor Bobby Dyer said.
Kristen Howard, the YMCA’s vice president of public relations and communications, said the property matters to a program that has called it home since 2001.
The First Tee chapter operates throughout Hampton Roads, including outreach to schools, parks and other golf facilities; the Virginia Beach site is where much of its programming takes place.
“We open our doors to everyone,” Howard said. “We break down as many barriers as we can to the game of golf. So we will never turn anybody away because of the cost or because of how they’re dressed or anything.”