Golf has long been an expensive sport, but Youth on Course is working to change that. The nonprofit allows kids and teens to play at participating courses for $5 or less, giving young athletes a chance to pick up the game for only $40 a year. To put this into perspective, $40 is the average price of only 12 golf balls or one round at many public courses. With over 390,000 members across the United States, Canada and Australia, and over 2,000 courses participating, this program has facilitated upwards of five million rounds of golf since its founding in 2006.
For Redwood recreational golfers such as junior Ash Weir, the program has been a game-changer.
“It doesn’t make money an issue,” Weir said. “Recently, I’ve been playing every weekend, and it’s really nice just going out there and not having to worry about how much you’re spending. It just makes golf really accessible.”
Weir plays all around Marin and San Francisco, enjoying courses such as McInnis and Lincoln Park.
Junior Kaz Rubel touches on how Youth on Course has allowed him to put money toward improving his game.
“Most importantly, it makes golf cheaper. I can spend less money on playing and more on lessons, equipment and getting better. Instead of spending money on courses I was able to get some new wedges,” Rubel said.
The money they are saving has made it easier for students to play more often with others. Weir said the extra time on the course has helped him meet people and new friends he otherwise wouldn’t have.
“I remember my friend and I played with a father and son,” Rubel said. “I don’t even remember how any of us did, or even their names, but it was just a really great experience to get to know them.”
For students unsure about trying golf, Rubel and Weir recommend starting simple. Borrowing or buying used clubs can help, and the Youth on Course membership pays for itself quickly.
“Once you play two or three rounds with Youth on Course, you’ve already
paid off the membership,” Rubel said.
Rubel emphasizes that skills golf has taught him help on and off the course, such as patience and perspective.
“Sometimes you have good rounds, sometimes you have bad rounds, but it’s more important to see the overall trend line,” he said. “Focus on your last 10 rounds, not your last two.”
For Weir and Rubel, the program has done more than cut costs. It has built friendships, taught life skills and given them an important connection to the game.
