(PEBBLE BEACH, CA) – Youth on Course — the non-profit organization providing affordable access to golf and more for children – was recently highlighted by Golf Channel’s Morning Drive program and host Matt Ginella during “Junior Golf Week.”
Speaking live from the organization’s backyard in Northern California, Ginella praised Youth on Course’s subsidized rounds of $5 or less policy, caddie initiatives and scholarship funding. “There’s really no reason why a course wouldn’t want to be a part of this,” continued Ginella. “I think you’re going to see a program like Youth on Course spreading across the country.”
Other statistics that were shared with the Golf Channel audience included:
• 10,000 Youth on Course members
• 380,000 subsidized rounds to date
• $360,000 in college scholarships
The segment is available at: http://www.golfchannel.com/media/ginella-success-junior-golf-programs-grow-game/
Growth Across the U.S.
Sprouting out of the Northern California Golf Association Foundation, Youth on Course has subsequently expanded into six adjacent western states – Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.
In the past year, 1,000 additional YOC members have joined the program in those states. This season also welcomed 40 new course partners in those states, added to the 50 new courses in California.
Equally impressive is the growth of the organization’s scholarship program – which in the past year has doubled the amount it awards deserving young golfers from roughly $140,000 to $282,000.
In a similar vein, the YOC caddie program has expanded to five more clubs – providing valuable mentorship opportunities, income and scholarship funds for each participant.
Director Completes 100 Hole Marathon
Michael Lowe, Program Director for Youth on Course, recently raised thousands of dollars for the organization by completing a “100 Hole Hike” in less than 24 hours.
Playing at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, Lowe walked 101 total holes across the resort’s par-3 and championship courses. His journey began shortly before sunrise and concluded around 8:00 p.m. The funds Michael collected online went toward both Youth on Course and Each One Reach One.
“I definitely hit a wall midway through the afternoon, but the support of my friends, family and colleagues helped me push through,” said Lowe. “Having someone like Jack Jaffe – a Youth on Course leadership council member and scholarship recipient – play a few holes with me really reinforced the purpose of the day.”
For additional information, as well as a full list of YOC Day courses, visit www.youthoncourse.org, or call 831.625.4653.
About Youth on Course
Headquartered in Pebble Beach, Youth on Course is a non-profit organization serving as the charitable arm of the Northern California Golf Association. The vision of YOC is to provide access to golf and its immeasurable benefits for children and teens regardless of socioeconomic status. This is achieved through initiatives that include subsidized rounds at partner courses, mentorship opportunities through caddie programs and paid internships, and scholarship grants for qualifying members. Currently, Youth on Course serves California, Oregon, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona and Utah, with plans to expand nationwide.
Contact:
Dan Shepherd
Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group
703.761.1444 ext. 1125
dshepherd@buffalobig.com
Tommy Glasgow
Buffalo Brand Invigoration Group
703.891.3348
tglasgow@buffalobig.com