Program Subsidizes Green Fees for Juniors
Youth on Course has made it to Alabama.
The non-profit organization that provides youngsters ages 6-18 access to opportunities through subsidized golf, college scholarships, paid internships and a caddie program – is now partnering with the Alabama Golf Association and the Alabama-Northwest Florida chapter of the PGA of America to introduce rounds for $5 or less in Alabama.
“The Alabama Golf Association is committed to growing the game of golf in our state. Partnering with Youth on Course is our next step towards fulfilling that commitment,” Andy Priest, executive director of Alabama Golf Association, said in a news release. “Youth on Course membership offers youth golfers from across the state very affordable facility access, not only in Alabama but nationally in participating states, along with opportunities for professional instruction, programming and competitions to provide a well-rounded golf experience.”
“It is important we consider the future of golf when making decisions around the strategy and direction of the Alabama-NW Florida Golf Foundation – Youth on Course will help us capture this vision,” AL-NW FL PGA Executive Director, Bart Rottie said. “Creating life-changing opportunities through the game of golf is a core principle we stand firm in. We are excited to begin this partnership with the AGA.”
RJT Courses Participate in Youth on Course
Starting with courses on the Alabama’s acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, which features some of the best golf courses in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Auburn/Opelika and Mobile, the Alabama Golf Association will announce partner facilities as they join the effort. Golfers in Alabama can sign up for a Youth on Course membership here: www.youthoncourse.org/join.
Young golfers that join the Youth on Course national network will gain access to golf for $5 or less at nearly 1,300 facilities nationwide, membership to their local state and regional golf association, ability to apply for college scholarships and the opportunity for paid internships.
Youth on Course has been recognized by The Golf Channel and Golf Digest as a valuable step toward bridging the gap between youth instruction and consistent play throughout adulthood. Alumni of YOC have moved forward as collegiate golfers and influential members in the industry altogether.
The partnership with Youth on Course opens the door for more than 2,000 golfers in Alabama ages 6-18 to play rounds of golf for $5 or less at participating facilities.
“Alabama’s junior golfers will have unprecedented access to one of the top golf experiences in the south through the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail,” said David Baker, Youth on Course Board chair. “We look forward not only to introducing accessible golf but making an impact on the community through opportunities to change lives.”
All Alabama-NW Florida PGA Junior Tour Members will have access to a 2020 Youth on Course Membership. To bolster the participation and create a larger community behind YOC Alabama, the Alabama-NW Florida PGA Junior Tour has agreed to include a Youth on Course membership as an option when players sign up for a 2020 Junior Tour Membership.
In addition to the membership fee, players will have the option to add a Youth on Course package to their membership – granting them benefits like a complimentary GHIN Handicap Index, access to AGA Championships, deals and discounts, and a complimentary Robert Trent Jones Trail Card.
Funds raised will go toward round subsidies as facilities across the state begin to adopt the initiative. Specifically, all Alabama-NW Florida PGA Junior Tour Members who opt in to this package will have access to play at the following facilities for $5 or less:
- RTJ Golf Trail at the Shoals, Muscle Shoals
- RTJ Golf Trail at Hampton Cove (all courses), Owens Cross Roads
- RTJ Golf Trail at Silver Lakes, Gadsden
- RTJ Golf Trail at Oxmoor Valley, Birmingham
- RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill, Prattville
- Gateway Golf Course, Montgomery
- Lagoon Park Golf Course, Montgomery
- RTJ Golf Trail Grand National, Opelika
- RTJ Golf Trail at Cambrian Ridge (all courses), Greenville
- RTJ Golf Trail at Highland Oaks, Dothan
- RTJ Golf Trail at Magnolia Grove (all courses), Mobile
- Glenlakes Golf Club (Lakes), Foley
Started by the Northern California Golf Association in 2006, Youth on Course subsidizes greens fees to remove cost as a barrier to entry for potential lifetime golfers. Operating in 36 states and Canada, more than 71,000 members have played close to one million rounds of golf while the organization has helped generate over $6.8 million in tee-time revenue back to individual golf courses.
Tennessee and Georgia are nearby states that have already been participating in the Youth on Course initiative. The organization’s goal is to be in all 50 states by the end of 2021.
By Alabama Golf News staff
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Photos: Youth on Course
