The resort’s vibrant short-course gathering raises funds to help the next generation access golf.
PINEHURST, N.C. – Few places at Pinehurst bring people together quite like The Cradle, especially when the Cradle Knockout is in full swing.
On any Cradle Knockout night, juniors, parents, resort guests, community residents, and golfers of all skill levels gather around the short course for an evening of competition, laughter, and community. In the elimination-style contest, players test their skills in a fast-paced single-shot format until only a winner remains. It’s golf at its most approachable and most social.
That spirit is one reason Pinehurst Resort has named Youth on Course as the charitable beneficiary of the 2026 Cradle Knockout series.
The announcement was made during October’s Cradle Knockout event, which included participation from Youth on Course members and representatives. The series will present a donation later this fall in support of Youth on Course’s mission to make golf more affordable and accessible for young people.
“The Cradle is golf at its best. It brings people together and breaks down barriers that keep people from the game. Using a fun community event like the Cradle Knockout to support Youth on Course makes perfect sense,” says Tom Pashley, President of Pinehurst Resort.
Pinehurst’s relationship with Youth on Course dates back to 2018. Since then, Youth on Course members have played thousands of rounds across Pinehurst courses, creating meaningful opportunities for juniors and families to experience golf at the Cradle of American Golf. In 2026 alone, Youth on Course members have played more than 2,300 rounds at Pinehurst, bringing the lifetime total to more than 15,000 rounds since the partnership began.
“The Cradle Knockout is everything we love about golf: kids, parents and lifelong golfers sharing the same tee, cheering each other on,” said Adam Heieck, Youth on Course CEO. “We’re grateful to Pinehurst Resort and the Carolinas Golf Association, whose support over the years has welcomed thousands of youth into golf. This donation will continue to fuel our mission, helping more kids play for $5 or less. That affordable access opens the doors to the friendships, mentors and opportunities that can positively impact a young person’s life.”
The announcement comes just days after Pinehurst hosted the Carolinas Golf Association’s 100-Hole Hike on The Cradle, a fundraising event benefiting Youth on Course and its mission of expanding access to the game.
“Pinehurst is a tremendous partner in our mission to grow the game,” said Andy Priest, Carolinas Golf Association Executive Director. “Their continued support through events like this directly fuels our ability to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for kids across the Carolinas.”
Together, the Cradle Knockout and the recent 100-Hole Hike highlight a shared commitment among Pinehurst, Youth on Course and the Carolinas Golf Association to creating more opportunities for young people to experience the game. As Pinehurst continues its support of Youth on Course, both organizations remain focused on ensuring the next generation can discover golf’s community, lessons, and lifelong enjoyment.
About Pinehurst Resort
Established in 1895 in the Sandhills of North Carolina, Pinehurst Resort & Country Club is a 2,200-acre property featuring 10 outstanding golf courses, The Cradle nine-hole par-3 short course, 75,000 square-foot putting course (Thistle Dhu), 16 clay tennis courts, an award-winning spa, other recreation and social activities for families, and elegant accommodations across one hotel, two inns, villas and condos.
Widely known as the Cradle of American Golf, Pinehurst has hosted more single golf championships, including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, and PGA TOUR Championship, than any other site in North America. Golfers enjoy layouts designed by the game’s greatest architects, including Donald Ross, Tom Doak, Gil Hanse, Jack Nicklaus, Rees Jones, Tom Fazio and Ellis Maples.
Pinehurst Resort, in concert with the United States Golf Association (USGA), was named as the first U.S. Open Anchor Site and will host the championship in 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047. The resort is slightly more than an hour from Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 90 minutes from Charlotte Douglas International Airport and only a half-day drive from many East Coast cities. To book tee times and golf packages: www.pinehurstresort.com, 855.235.8507.
About Youth on Course
Youth on Course, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Monterey, Calif., provides youth 18 and under access to life-changing opportunities through golf. Since its inception in 2006, Youth on Course members have played more than 5 million subsidized rounds of golf for $5 or less at thousands of partner courses throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia. Its members include the top juniors in the sport, competing on the AJGA and Underrated Tours, the inaugural United States Golf Association U.S. National Development Team, and all collegiate levels. The organization forges new pathways for youth to grow in the game via opportunities including the DRIVE Club, Careers on Course, Leadership Council, and its annual College Scholarship awards. The Youth on Course Alumni Network extends membership to those 19 and older, offering opportunities for young adults to connect at complementary events, access exclusive deals, and network with the top employers in the golf industry. Supporters can participate in various initiatives, including the Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike, Vintage Cup and Online Auction to help fund golf access for youth. More information about Youth on Course can be found at youthoncourse.org or on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X.
About The Carolinas Golf Association
The Carolinas Golf Association (CGA), founded in 1909, is a nonprofit organization that connects, grows, and administers the game of golf across North and South Carolina. The CGA serves more than 230,000 members and 700 member clubs, making it one of the largest USGA Allied Golf Associations in the country.
Through championships, tournaments, handicapping services, and member programs, the CGA supports golfers of all ages and skill levels while protecting the integrity of the game. The organization is also focused on expanding access, engaging new audiences, and strengthening its role as a leader in the Carolinas golf community. To learn more, visit www.CarolinasGolf.org.
Media Contacts:
Pinehurst: Ethan Ganot, ethan.ganot@pinehurst.com
Youth on Course: Olivia Prentice, Buffalo Groupe, oprentice@buffalogroupe.com
