NBC Sports Next has Helped Raise More Than $3 Million in Donations for Youth on Course via its Leading Digital Tee Time Booking Platforms GolfNow and Tee Off
Inside the “Bounce House” at NBC Sports Next’s Orlando headquarters, Pro golfer and GolfPass co-founder Rory McIlroy presents a $3 million check to Youth on Course, representing a fundraising milestone raised by NBC Sports Next to help create more access to golf for kids. Pictured with McIlroy are (l to r) Will McIntosh, President, NBC Sports Next; Mike Tirico, Host & Play-by-Play, NBC Sports; Adam Heieck, CEO, Youth on Course; and Rick Cordella, President, NBC Sports
ORLANDO, Fla. – Golf superstar and one of the sport’s biggest advocates for growth, Rory McIlroy, on Tuesday celebrated a $3 million fundraising milestone with NBC Sports Next and Youth on Course that is providing opportunities for the next generation of golfers by giving youth more affordable access to the sport.
Over the course of a multi-year partnership with Youth on Course, NBC Sports Next, through its Better Together community impact initiative has helped facilitate more than $3 million in donations, enabling the organization to expand its national footprint and impact participation among junior golfers. A key element of the partnership has been the GolfNow and TeeOff “round-up” campaigns, which leverage NBC Sports Next’s innovative technology to create the opportunity for anyone booking a round of golf online via GolfNow or TeeOff to “round up” the total cost of the reservation to an even-dollar figure, with the round-up balance serving as a donation to Youth on Course. Youth on Course CEO Adam Heieck was on hand to accept a check from NBC Sports Next, which represented the more than $3 million raised to date.
“Our partnership with Youth on Course has truly been a win-win proposition for all parties involved,” said Jerramy Hainline, Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Next. “Not only are we able to give more affordable access to the sport we all love to millions of youth golfers, but we are also rewarding participating golf courses and giving them a pipeline of loyal golfers for generations to come.”
Youth on Course also recently announced another major milestone of 3 million rounds played by its youth members, an achievement nearly 20 years in the making and a testament to its efforts to provide access to transformative opportunities through golf via rounds of $5 or less.
Since NBC Sports Next’s “round-up” campaigns began, there have been more than 8 million contributions, raising the $3 million from an average contribution of $0.36. The total contribution has represented enough money to subsidize approximately 428,000 golf rounds for Youth on Course members.
“Our mission is all about access – to the game and to the life-changing opportunities golf provides,” said Heieck. “We’re grateful for our innovative partnership with NBC Sports Next that is driving growth, like our recent 3 million rounds milestone and creating access at courses around the country.”
Additional contributions from NBC Sports Next over the course of its partnership with Youth on Course have included the development of a custom Youth on Course booking engine, providing members the ability to book their rounds of golf through a dedicated app; and a complimentary GolfPass video subscription, providing access to instruction and other video content for golfers. The continued support from the golf brands of NBC Sports Next contributes to Youth on Course’s mission to provide youth with access to life-changing opportunities on and off the course.
About NBC Sports Next
NBC Sports Next is a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to all NBCUniversal digital applications in sports and technology within Golf and Youth & Recreational Sports. Known for its sports technology product innovation, NBC Sports Next equips more than 30 million players, coaches, athletes, sports administrators and fans in 40 countries with more than 25 sports solution products, including GolfNow, the leading online tee time marketplace and provider of golf course operations technology and services; GolfPass, ultimate golf membership that connects golfers to exclusive content, tee time credits, coaching, tips and other benefits; and SportsEngine, the industry leader in youth sports club, league and team management technology and youth sports editorial content. NBC Sports Next is fueled by its mission to innovate, create larger-than-life events and connect with sports fans through technology to provide the ultimate in immersive experiences.
About Youth on Course
Youth on Course is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf. Private funding makes it possible for members to have access to play for $5 or less through subsidies to thousands of courses throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. Members have the opportunity to succeed through Youth on Course programs: DRIVE Club, Careers on Course, Leadership Council and College Scholarships. In addition, Youth on Course has an Alumni Network which extends membership to those 19 and older. This elevated membership offers opportunities for young adults to connect at complementary events, access exclusive deals, find jobs, and much more. More information about Youth on Course can be found by visiting youthoncourse.org or Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and TikTok.
-NBC Sports Next-
Dan Higgins
NBC Sports Next
407-496-8107
