If you told 13-year-old me that one day I’d be running my own golf brand and giving back to Youth on Course, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here I am–doing exactly that.
I was introduced to golf by my dad when I was seven years old. At first, it was just something we did together on weekends, but that all changed when I turned thirteen. Something just clicked. I started playing almost every day and couldn’t get enough of it. A few months into falling in love with the game, I became a Youth on Course member after finding out about it from a few friends I met at the course. We were just a group of junior golfers who kept showing up, pushing each other to improve, and genuinely loving every moment out there.
Back then, Santa Teresa Golf Club in San Jose was my home course. It was close to home, and it’s where all my friends were. It became my second home as I spent countless hours there. Looking back now, it’s kind of a full-circle moment knowing that Santa Teresa is the first and only course currently carrying my gloves in their pro shop. It means something to have started there as a kid with a dream and now see a piece of my brand on the shelf.
Youth on Course Made It Possible
Youth on Course made that dream possible and was a game changer for me and my family. It broke down the financial barriers that often come with golf and made it incredibly affordable for my parents to support my passion. It was so affordable that there were times I’d pay for my rounds using coins my mom had saved and rolled over the years. That’s how accessible it was. Being a Youth on Course member meant I never had to worry about whether I could afford to play. I could just focus on showing up, getting better, and enjoying the game I loved.
Building forelinksgolf
Years later, that same love for the game inspired me to start something of my own. I’ve always wanted to build something from the ground up, and combining that entrepreneurial spirit with my love for golf felt like the right path. When I first started forelinksgolf, it began as a clothing brand. I thought it made sense at the time, but I quickly realized fashion wasn’t really my thing. After about a year, I let it go and took a step back to think about what actually made sense for me.
While working behind the counter at Santa Teresa, which I still do every Sunday, I noticed something interesting. Golf gloves were the second most sold item in the shop.
Gloves are a product that wears out over time, which means if someone likes it, they’ll come back for another. That repeat opportunity caught my attention. I already had some experience with manufacturing and product development, so I thought, why not try to create something better? A glove that feels great, fits right, and gives players more confidence when they grip the club.
That idea led me to Indonesia, a place known for producing high-quality cabretta leather. I ended up finding a small golf glove factory tucked away in a quiet town. It wasn’t some huge operation, but that’s what made it special. I worked side-by-side with the artisans there, refining every little detail and going through countless samples until we created the perfect glove. That’s how the Cabsoft was born.
Why I Give Back
The decision to give back to Youth on Course came during a late night when I was feeling stuck. So I looked back on how I got here. The truth is, I wouldn’t be where I am without Youth on Course. That realization grounded me, and it made the decision to give back feel not just like a good idea, but the right one. It lined up with what I believe in, and it gave me a reason to move forward with more purpose.
Now, for every glove we sell at forelinksgolf.com, $2 is donated to Youth on Course. Even if the contribution isn’t massive, it’s a step towards making an impact. It’s my way of saying thank you to the organization that helped shape who I am. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without golf. It’s given me so much more than just a game. It gave me purpose, direction and a community I still feel connected to.
My hope is that this shows the next generation that it’s important to remember the people and opportunities that helped you along the way. Youth on Course was that for me. I wanted to go pro at one point, but eventually decided to go in a different direction. Still, I found a way to stay in the game and build something around it and it means everything to me.
If you asked me where I see this partnership with Youth on Course going next, I’d love to find ways to make the game even more accessible, especially for beginners. One day, I hope we can create a membership option where new players not only get access to those $5 rounds but also receive a full starter set of clubs. That would be such a powerful way to break down barriers and welcome more kids into the game. It’s an idea that feels ambitious but totally possible, and it’s something I’d be proud to help bring to life.
As for the future of forelinksgolf, I can’t say exactly where it’s headed. Things change all the time, and this industry is tough. But what I do know is that it’s going to take a lot of work, patience, and resilience to break through and really make a name for myself. Still, I feel confident because I truly love what I’m doing. My passion for golf runs deep, and that passion is what drives me every single day. I believe in what I’m building, and I genuinely think there’s something special ahead.
Learn more about Tyler and his incredible story: