Record-breaking growth in membership and rounds played mark two decades of positively impacting youth experiences through access to golf
MONTEREY, CALIF. – Youth on Course – the nonprofit organization providing youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf, is opening pathways for youth to play the sport at a historic pace as it begins its twentieth year.
2025 Highlights:
- 394,000 members, a 59% increase year-over-year
- 1.52 million member rounds played, a 46% increase from the previous year
- 4.6 million hours spent outside on the course
- 5.7 million miles walked on the course
- $22.9 million dollars saved annually by families
- A record number of courses added to its network
“Celebrating twenty years is about more than numbers,” said Adam Heieck, CEO of Youth on Course. “It is about opportunity, community, and the countless lives golf can transform. We are building on two decades of momentum to reach more young people, expand our network of courses and facilities to keep pace with the demand for play, and create meaningful experiences on and off course for every member.”
What began in 2006 with a mission to provide access to golf for $5 or less has grown into a movement reshaping how kids, families, courses, and communities engage with the sport.
The organization surpassed 4 million rounds played in 2024 and reached 5 million only eight months later in August 2025, the fastest growth period in its history. This momentum extends beyond rounds played to membership growth as well, with total membership increasing from 247,000 in 2024 to 394,000 in 2025, a nearly 60 percent year-over-year increase that is double the historical growth rate. These milestones are a testament to the organization’s reach and reflect the rising demand for youth access to golf.
The impact of that access extends well beyond the scorecard, shaping how young people grow and engage with the world around them. More than 86% of members express Youth on Course has positively impacted their life, with 78% reporting increased confidence through participation in the game. Nearly two-thirds of members also share that the skills developed through golf have helped them become better students, reinforcing the role the game plays in supporting personal development both on and off the course.
Mental health, well-being and connection are central to the Youth on Course experience. 75% percent of members say golf improves their mental health and credit the organization with promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. 73% acknowledge it has helped develop social skills and foster a supportive, inclusive community. Youth on Course provides every young person the opportunity to access the transformative power of the sport, regardless of cost or circumstance.
This growth is not just about scale. It is about building programs and infrastructure that create sustainable pathways for youth to play, compete and thrive. As Youth on Course enters its twentieth year, it remains committed to sustaining momentum, expanding reach and reimagining access to golf for the next generation.
For more information about Youth on Course, visit youthoncourse.org.
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, the Vintage Cup, and the Online Auction, to help fund golf access for youth. More information about Youth on Course can be found by visiting youthoncourse.org or Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and X.
