Michigan Golf Journal April 2021

Youth on Course The Youth on Course program that runs nationally and is a significant partner in golf- rich Michigan, continues to grow and attract youth to the game of golf. The Covid-19 pandemic helped fuel that expansion last year as sports opportunities dried up. Youth on Course, in its shortest form, is a financial subsidy organization that costs only $15 per golfer to register, who then play golf for the cost of just $5 per round (or less) at any participating course – locally or nationwide. The overall principle is to break down the financial barriers for kids to access the game. Donors and sponsors are also sought out to support the organization, which reimburses golf courses for the cost difference per round for kids who play their property. There are annual fundraisers that occur like the 100 Hole Hike that GAM Executive Director Chris Whitten has participated in for the last 2 years. This event aims to secure money pledges per hole the person plays in one day, carrying and playing with just a few clubs to keep the weight of the marathon light. The Michigan Golf Journal is a financial supporter, and you can help too. The GAM Foundation administers the program in Michigan, and in 2020 retuned over $220,000 to 108 golf courses in the state. This subsidized almost 30,000 rounds played by more than 7,000 youth members. This compares to the program’s 2017 start year of 2,628 members, and 3,201 rounds played. Working with organizations like The First Tee, the Youth on Course program allows those kids and more the chance at the next step – easy access to golf courses. Kids were surveyed, which found that 88 percent said they exercised more, 82 percent said they spent more time with their families, and 80 percent said it’s helped their confidence and built better social skills, all through Youth on Course. MGJ Youth on Course Still Gaining Steam in Michigan To donate go to: www.GAM.org/Foundation By Tom Lang