Monterey-based nonprofit drives access to life-changing opportunities through the game of golf
MONTEREY, Calif. — Youth on Course today announced a major milestone of three million rounds played by its members. The achievement is 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.
The organization was founded in Monterey in 2006, on the belief that the price of a round of golf should not be a barrier for a young person who wants to play. The organization began with only six golf courses in Northern California. Since then, Youth on Course has experienced remarkable growth over its eighteen-year evolution, becoming a vital force for positive change within the golf community.
“Our core mission is driving increased access to golf by ensuring that the price of a round isn’t a barrier to the life-changing opportunities this great game provides,” said Adam Heieck, CEO of Youth on Course. “This milestone is about young people having access to play and it represents countless stories we hear from families about the positive change Youth on Course is making within their kids and their households. Three million rounds played by our members is a significant step towards making golf an inclusive and transformative opportunity for future generations.”
The nonprofit reached its first million rounds played by members in 14 years, the second million in 28 months, and the third million in just 17 months – a testament to the accelerating growth of the program. Youth on Course now boasts nearly 200,000 members with access to play golf for $5 or less at more than 2,000 courses throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia.
The three millionth round was played by Youth on Course member Cruz Amador of Whittier, CA, at Don Knabe Golf Center, a Community Hub facility in Norwalk, CA. Amador, who joined Youth on Course in June 2023 through the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) Junior Golf Club, expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided, stating, “Being part of Youth on Course has been a game-changer for me. It’s not just about playing golf; it’s about pursuing my passion and seizing opportunities I never imagined. Playing the three millionth round at Don Knabe Golf Center is an honor, and I’m grateful for the support and doors that Youth on Course has opened for me.”
Jorge Badel, Community Engagement Director for American Golf Corporation, the golf course operator, echoed the sentiment, sharing, “Partnering with Youth on Course has been an honor. Witnessing its profound impact on young golf enthusiasts like Cruz Amador is truly gratifying. With a total of 4,481 rounds played by members at our facility so far, we are proud to continue supporting this ever-growing group of young golfers in our community.”
Youth on Course established Community Hub facilities in partnership with TaylorMade to offer a welcoming place for underserved youth to gain access to free TaylorMade rental equipment, knowledge, and caring mentors. The facilities are an extension of the DRIVE Club and are strategically located in major urban centers.
The impact of Youth on Course extends beyond providing affordable golf access. Earlier this year, the organization launched the Alumni Network, uniting over 75,000 young adults nationwide who share a connection with the game of golf. For $20 per year, former Youth on Course members 19 and older are invited to join a unique community that builds meaningful connections, supports personal growth, and provides opportunities through social networking events and exclusive benefits that will complement any lifestyle.
Alumni can access exclusive benefits and opportunities valued at over $500 through the Youth on Course mobile app. From complimentary subscriptions to NBC Sports Next’s GolfPass and Peacock streaming to discounts on renowned golf brands like TaylorMade Golf and LinkSoul and exclusive app access to ParPoints, the Alumni Network offers an array of perks.
For more information about Youth on Course, visit youthoncourse.org.
A high-resolution image of Youth on Course member Cruz Amador is available for download here.
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 recently launched 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.
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