When an 11-year-old steps away from something that’s been a major part of their life, like baseball after five seasons, it’s natural for a parent to wonder what’s next. For Kian and his family, what came next wasn’t just another sport. It was a turning point.
It started with a simple ask: Could he try golf with some friends in a local junior league? What followed was a summer that changed everything.
“That first walk with him is a memory I’ll carry for the rest of my life,” Jason, Kian’s das shared. “The weather was perfect. I walked as his caddy, teaching him club selection, course etiquette, and how to slow down and enjoy being outside. It took me back to when my own father first introduced me to golf. There we were, three generations of connection, one round at a time.”
That same day, Jason and Kian they heard about Youth on Course for the first time. When the club manager asked if they had a membership ID, they had no idea what that meant. But after learning about access to rounds for $5 or less, the lightbulb went off, not just for Jason, but for Kian too.
“Kian’s eyes lit up. He immediately realized he could pay for his own rounds through his summer business cleaning garbage and recycling bins for our neighbors. Access wasn’t just about affordability, it became a source of ownership and independence for him.”
This sense of independence began to ripple through other parts of his life. He learned how to book tee times, pay his own way, and take initiative, all because golf became something he owned. And thanks to Youth on Course, it was accessible.
As Kian spent more time on the course, something even more important began to happen: emotional growth. Like many young athletes, he was often hard on himself. But the nature of golf, where every hole offers a clean slate started to change that.
“Golf teaches you quickly that every hole is a fresh start, a new chance to reset your mindset and focus. With each new hole, I’ve watched him let go of the last mistake a little faster and approach the next one with more patience and determination. It’s been inspiring.”
Then came a moment that sealed it.
“We played a round with my best friend and his son, who was golfing for the first time. Kian was hitting the ball well, while his friend struggled to even get off the tee. After a few holes, Kian turned to him and said, ‘Don’t worry, this is your first time. You might only have one good shot today, but that’s all you need.’ It was the same thing I had told him on his first day out. I couldn’t have been prouder.”
That one good shot became the start of something much bigger, for Kian and his family. From new friendships to solo rounds, from learning patience to leading by example, the ripple effects of joining Youth on Course continue to grow.
“As a parent, seeing my son take to golf, through an organization like Youth on Course, means everything. Golf is more than just a sport. It’s social. It builds relationships. It teaches patience, humility, and grace. Whether he’s bonding with friends, one day building a partnership, or just clearing his head on a sunny afternoon, this game will serve him for the rest of his life.”
And maybe the best part? Kian’s story isn’t over.
“His journey has even inspired me to start thinking about how I can get my daughters into the game too. Because now, I’m not just thinking about the rounds we’ve already played, I’m thinking about all the ones still waiting for us.”
Moments like these happen every day because of Youth on Course. Whether you’re a young player finding your way or a parent hoping to spark something new, remember, every journey starts with one good shot.