First Tee names operations team for Belmont

First Tee-Greater Richmond has named its leadership team for the new-look Belmont Golf Course, which will open to the public May 29.

Mark Lynch will oversee the day-to-day operations at Belmont, while Dan Sabina will run the daily agronomy of the course. Lee Gordon will be Belmont’s food and beverage operations manager, while Tim Faerber will serve as the senior assistant golf professional.

“At Belmont, we are committed to providing first-class customer service and inclusive golf experiences with a focus on our vision to strengthen the character of our community,” said First Tee-Greater Richmond chief operating officer Kelly McAnally. “We are excited about the depth of knowledge, skill sets, and passion for serving others this team will bring to those efforts, and we look forward to welcoming patrons back to Belmont next month.”

Lynch, a five-year employee of First Tee-Greater Richmond, joined the organization in March 2016, becoming the director of golf of both First Tee – Greater Richmond golf facilities in March 2018.

A member of the PGA of America and Club Management Association of America, Lynch holds credentials as a Titleist Performance Institute Level 2 (Golf) certified instructor and Level II First Tee Coach. Lynch is a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves and with a total of more than 16 years of service.

Sabina joined First Tee – Greater Richmond in May 2020. Prior to taking over at Belmont, Sabina worked at The Federal Club in Glen Allen as well as The Governors Club in Nashville, Oakland Hills in Detroit, and Pumpkin Ridge near Portland. Sabina is a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.

Gordon arrives at Belmont with 15 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. At Belmont, Gordon will oversee all aspects of food and beverage operations, working closely with local vendors to maintain First Tee – Greater Richmond’s mission of serving the community and fostering local growth.

A native of the Philadelphia, Pa., area, Gordon began his food and beverage career at Merion Cricket Club, working alongside Certified Master Chef Olivier Andrieni. Across clubs throughout the Philadelphia and northern Virginia areas, Gordon has worked at every level of restaurant and golf course operations.

Faerber will have a wide array of responsibilities at Belmont, including assisting in the daily operations of the course, providing lessons and club fitting sessions, and overseeing the golf leagues, tournaments and patron relationships.

The four-year letterwinner on the College of Wooster men’s golf team, Faerber developed extensive club fitting experience during his time as a club fitter and sales representative at Miles of Golf, a Golf Digest Top 100 Club Fitter in his hometown of Ann Arbor, Mich. Faerber also has previous instructional experience as a golf instructor for children ages 5-16 at multiple summer camp programs.

Love Golf Design, co-founded by World Golf Hall of Fame member and 21-time PGA tour winner Davis Love III, led the renovations at Belmont that started in May 2020, with a grand re-opening ceremony planned for May 24. The course will open to the public on May 29, with tee times available later this spring at PlayBelmontRVA.org.