JP West didn’t just start playing more golf. He found a place to breathe.
Before joining Youth on Course through Bank of America's Golf with Us, time on the course was limited. A few rounds here and there. Not enough to build rhythm or fully experience what the game could offer.
That changed with access.
With his Youth on Course membership, JP was able to play more often without the financial barrier that once held him back. What began as more time on the course quickly became something more meaningful.
“Being out on the course helps me clear my mind and stay calm,” JP shared. “It gives me a break from stress.”
Out on the course, distractions fade. Each shot requires focus, and that focus creates a sense of calm. The steady rhythm of walking, breathing, and playing gave JP something he hadn’t had before, a consistent way to reset.
Research shows that regular physical activity can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by up to 30%, reinforcing the connection between movement, time outdoors, and mental well-being. During Mental Health Awareness Month, stories like JP’s highlight how access to spaces like a golf course can provide young people with a meaningful outlet to slow down, reset, and recharge.
As JP continued to play, the impact showed up in new ways.
Confidence grew with consistency. He began to see progress not only in his game, but in how he approached challenges. Golf reinforced patience, resilience, and the ability to stay grounded when things didn’t go as planned.
It also created opportunities to connect.
Through Youth on Course, JP spent more time playing with friends and family, building relationships through shared rounds and experiences. The course became a place for conversation, encouragement, and connection.
“Since joining, I’ve been able to connect with people of different ages and backgrounds,” JP said. “It’s helped me grow both on and off the course.”
Those lessons carried into other parts of his life. The focus and discipline required in golf began to show up in school, helping him manage his time and stay motivated.
Having regular access to play gave JP more than just rounds of golf. It gave him a reliable outlet, somewhere he could step away from stress, refocus, and move forward with clarity.
Staying active became part of that experience as well. Walking the course and carrying his bag helped build strength and endurance, all while doing something he genuinely enjoys.
But what matters most isn’t just the improvement. It’s how the game makes him feel.
Whether it’s a quiet evening round or time spent laughing with friends, golf has become a steady presence in JP’s life, a place to reset, reconnect, and stay grounded.
Through Youth on Course and Bank of America’s Golf with Us, stories like JP’s show how access to the game can create impact far beyond the scorecard.
Because when young people are given the opportunity to play consistently and affordably, the game becomes more than just a sport. It becomes a place to breathe.
Learn more about Golf with Us and how to get started.