Tuesday, January 19, 2021

Youth on Course Expands Affordable Junior Golf Access Across All 50 States


Nationwide Membership Fueled By Landmark Year

(PEBBLE BEACH, Calif.) — Youth on Course — the non-profit organization dedicated to opening doors, supporting dreams and transforming the lives of young people through opportunities on and off the golf course – is expanding nationwide, bringing life-changing growth and learning experiences to 2.8 million junior golfers across all 50 states.

Leading up to this moment and amidst a pandemic, 2020 was historic for the organization. A few notable highlights include:

- A 56% increase in membership, now totaling more than 120,000 and eclipsing one million rounds played

- Subsidized a total of 400,000 rounds, an 100% increase from the previous year and generating a total of $2.8M back to golf courses from unused tee times

- Amidst a challenging year, fundraising support exceeded expectations with nearly $1M generated from the 100 Hole Hike and the establishment of a long-term partnership with NBC Sports’ GolfNow which includes a RoundUp donations program and development of a custom booking engine

Juniors nationwide ages 6-18 may sign up for a Youth on Course membership at www.youthoncourse.org/join. In partnership with Allied Golf Associations, GolfNow, PGA and LPGA Sections and golf course management companies, Youth on Course will sign on facilities in more than 10 new regions throughout the year to provide expanded access to affordable play and off-course growth and learning experiences.

“We are incredibly delighted by the successes our nonprofit had in 2020 and are thrilled to increase the momentum in 2021 with the initiation of our nationwide membership,” says Michael Lowe, vice president of programs for Youth on Course. “Knowing all the benefits that come with our sport, more and more families are introducing their children to golf, and Youth on Course is keeping kids involved into their teen years and beyond. Establishing a footprint in all 50 states is a testament to the positive influence Youth on Course has been for juniors over the years.” 

For individual courses looking to join Youth on Course’s network, general managers and head professionals can sign up their facilities by filling out an online interest form. In return, facilities will receive subsidies for each round played at $5 or less during one of the designated times for Youth on Course members.

Fueling the golf industry, Youth on Course subsidizes rounds for members and puts money back into allied golf associations and individual courses. The organization’s structure helps golf courses fill typically unused tee times and garner additional revenue with more than 40% of members playing with paying adults. The amount reimbursed back to participating courses has almost doubled in the past year, reaching close to $2.8 million this year alone and totaling nearly $8 million dating back to 2005.

No comments: