Golf is often called a mental game and for junior golfers, the lessons learned on the course extend far beyond the fairway.
For Youth on Course member Amelia Choi, those lessons have shaped not only the golfer she has become, but the student and leader she is today.
Growing up in Southern California, Amelia has played more than 300 rounds through her Youth on Course membership, experiences that have taught her that success isn't about perfection, it's about persistence.
At the beginning of the school year, Amelia found herself struggling in math class. Her test scores weren't where she wanted them to be. Eventually, she realized the problem wasn't her ability, it was the amount of time and effort she was putting into mastering the material. That realization felt familiar.
“In golf, in order to play well, I need to work diligently and hard on all aspects of my game,” Amelia shared. “Just like that, I realized that in my studies, I also needed to put effort into solidifying what I had learned.”
Through golf, Amelia developed a mindset rooted in hard work and perseverance. The same skills that help golfers stay patient through challenging rounds have helped her approach obstacles in the classroom with greater confidence and determination.
“Although these lessons were not fun or easy to gain, and often took many failures to understand, they have shaped me into a better version of myself, and are worth every minute I've spent.”
While having access to play different courses, the true highlight of her Youth on Course journey is the community she has found along the way.
“Through golf, I have been able to meet many other players, young and old, and learn from their experiences,” she said. “The best part of golf is its community.”
As a Youth on Course DRIVE Club member, Amelia is passionate about creating more opportunities for young people to experience those same benefits. She hopes to see more girls and underrepresented groups welcomed into the game and believes that access to affordable golf can make a lasting impact on a young person's life.
“Youth on Course has allowed me to play many rounds for an affordable price, and with it, I've been able to visit 81 courses and play a countless amount of rounds” Amelia shared. “It also provides kids, who otherwise wouldn't be able to play due to finances, the opportunity to partake in this great sport.”
For Amelia, golf will always be part of her future, not because of the scores she shoots or the number of courses she's played, but because of the person it has helped her become.
“Personally, I plan on playing golf for as long as possible,” she said. "I know that wherever my future goes, golf will always be a part of it.”
This Youth on Course Month, we’re celebrating the stories that make our community so special. Whether golf has helped you build confidence, find lifelong friendships, or discover new opportunities, we invite our members to share their journey with us to inspire the next generation and celebrate the impact of making golf more accessible for all.