Driven by Opportunity: DRIVE Club Member Gabriella Gu’s Story

Growing up in Irvine, California, Gabriella Gu was never far from a golf course. In Southern California, the game is woven into everyday life, and for Gabriella, golf entered her world naturally and without pressure.“Growing up in Southern California, I had the privilege of living in close vicinity to numerous golf courses, and I was exposed to the game from a young age,” she shares. Early on, golf was simply a way to be outside and enjoy time with friends and family. During the pandemic especially, it became an escape. “At first, it was just hitting balls and enjoying the game with friends and family without much pressure.”

As Gabriella continued to play, her connection to the game deepened. Improvement brought confidence, and confidence brought curiosity about what golf could become. 

That turning point came in 2022, when Gabriella began practicing more consistently and competing in junior tournaments. Like many junior golfers, she was motivated but unsure how to fully develop her game. “I was just starting to practice more consistently and compete in junior golf tournaments, and I struggled to figure out how to develop my game.”

A recommendation from a friend changed everything. “One of my friends had recommended Youth on Course to me as an organization dedicated to making golf more accessible and affordable.” With many of her local courses participating, the impact was immediate. “Youth on Course made it super convenient to get on the course and practice more often.”

Since joining, Gabriella has played more than 200 Youth on Course rounds, each one contributing to her growth as a player and competitor.

Being able to play affordable rounds gave her something every junior golfer needs: time on the course. Youth on Course didn’t just open doors locally, it helped Gabriella expand her game nationwide. “With over 2,000 partner courses in great condition across the U.S., I’ve been able to practice and have fun while traveling for tournaments, including playing Youth on Course rounds in Alabama, Georgia, Arizona, and many other states.” Each round became a new opportunity.

As Gabriella began competing in AJGA events and national championships, the foundation she built through Youth on Course became even more valuable. “Playing Youth on Course rounds gave me the chance to gain real on-course experience in a fun and low-pressure environment.” Long afternoons after school turned into lessons that went far beyond scorecards. “Spending countless hours after school on the golf course taught me important skills like course management and helped prepare me for bigger tournaments.”

She knows just how pivotal that access has been. “Without Youth on Course, I likely wouldn’t be playing golf at the level I am today just because of the financial and access barriers.” Along the way, the experience also brought lasting connections. “I’ve also met so many friends and created unforgettable memories through the organization.”

Golf can be an expensive sport, but Youth on Course allowed Gabriella to shift her focus from cost to growth. “Youth on Course really helped alleviate much of the financial stress that often comes with junior golf.” Instead of worrying about tee times and fees, she could fully enjoy the process. 

She also values the quality of the experiences she’s had. “I also love that so many of the organization’s partner courses are so beautiful and well known, which makes every round always exciting and meaningful.

Today, Gabriella continues to chase new milestones both on and off the course. “My goal is to continue competing at a high level in golf while pursuing a strong academic path.” As a member of Youth on Course’s DRIVE Club, she’s focused on giving back. “I hope to introduce more children to the game and share the amazing opportunities golf can provide, while also developing my leadership and sportsmanship skills.”

Looking ahead, she plans to challenge herself in every area of life. “I hope to play competitively in college and challenge myself both on and off the course… In the future, I hope to pursue the pre-med track and continue to make golf a central part of my life.”

When asked to sum up Youth on Course in a single word, Gabriella’s answer "transformative.”

“Youth on Course has completely changed the way I approach and experience golf, giving me access to opportunities and unforgettable experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise.” And perhaps most powerfully, she adds, “I wouldn’t have developed such a deep passion for the game without the chance to play on the course and create fun memories.”

For Gabriella Gu, Youth on Course didn’t just make golf more accessible, it helped shape who she is becoming. And her journey is only just beginning.