Not Just Golfers: Youth on Course Members Do It All

Youth on Course Month is all about celebrating access, opportunity, and the young people shaping the future of golf. But what happens when golf is just one of many passions?

Across the country, Youth on Course members aren’t just showing up on the green, they’re excelling in multiple sports. These athletes prove that golf doesn’t have to be your only focus to make an impact. In fact, being a multi-sport athlete can sharpen your skills, boost your mindset, and make you a better teammate and person overall.

Meet Adam Filice, one of the four incredible Youth on Course members we’re spotlighting this month.

Adam is no stranger to commitment. He’s the captain of the U15 San Jose Earthquakes Academy team, a standout student with a 4.5 GPA in honors courses, and in 2023, was invited to the U-14 U.S. Youth National Team Talent ID Center in Northern California. Despite the demands of elite soccer, Adam has found space for something new: golf.

A Youth on Course member for 9 years with over 150 rounds played, Adam shares:

“After school on Friday I go play 9 holes with my friends for $5 or I go to the range to dial in my game. Youth on Course has helped me get 8 of my friends into golf. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars a week to play golf in the summer, we can spend less than $30 to play 6 full rounds.”

While soccer remains his primary focus, Adam sees how golf adds value, especially when it comes to mindset.

“Golf has taught me to have a positive mindset on the soccer field."

Adam’s long-term goal is to play soccer at the collegiate or professional level, while continuing to play golf as a way to decompress and stay grounded and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way.

Joya Gorden is the kind of athlete who makes balance look effortless, juggling skating, school, golf, and tennis with grace and grit. She holds the title of Pre-Teen Miss Michigan Juneteenth and actively gives back through fashion shows, podcast interviews, and volunteering with the Salvation Army. A proud multi-sport athlete, Joya brings intention and purpose to everything she does.

“As a multi-sport athlete, I approach each sport with seriousness and a competitive mindset not just to win, but to understand what's holding me back and push myself to grow. As a Black girl who plays golf, I know I’m not alone, but I also know we’re underrepresented. I want to be someone others can look up to—especially beginners who just need the confidence to take that first step into something new. I’m already proud to serve as a Diversify Ice Ambassador in figure skating, and I hope to represent something just as meaningful in golf. Inclusion matters, and I want to be part of the change.”

Joya hopes sports will play a big role in her future, each one teaching her something different, helping her grow, and opening doors to scholarships and meaningful opportunities ahead and we can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes.

Luca Maxim and Jace Andrews first connected on the soccer field and now they share a passion for golf as well. Both are standout goalkeepers competing at the highest levels of youth soccer and proud Youth on Course members who use golf to sharpen their focus, build friendships, and stay grounded off the pitch.

Luca currently anchors the net for Orlando City’s Academy, one of Major League Soccer’s top youth development programs.

Jace plays for the prestigious IMG Academy U-17 team and previously trained with Orlando City’s MLS NEXT Academy. 

Here’s a glimpse into their Youth on Course experience so far:

“I love using Youth on Course, it makes it so much easier and affordable to play golf. My favorite courses to play are Eagle Creek and Providence, both in the Orlando area and provide great golfing experiences for all types of golfers.” — Luca

“My favorite experience with Youth on Course so far has been playing Eagle Creek and filming our first videos there on our YouTube channel, Switchhand Golf.” — Jace

Despite the demands of elite soccer and school, both athletes find time to recharge on the golf course. As Luca says:

“It is difficult, yes, especially with the level of soccer we play at, but Youth on Course makes it reliable and affordable to relax and have fun.”

Beyond their athletic pursuits, Luca and Jace also run a YouTube channel, Switchhand Golf, where they share golf vlogs and other great content. Sports will always be a huge part of their lives as they aim to play soccer at the collegiate and professional levels, while continuing to grow their love for golf and we’re excited to see where the game takes them next..

Youth on Course members are proving every day that golf isn’t just a game, it can be a tool for growth, connection, and balance. Whether you’re balancing golf with other sports or extra curricular activities, we want to hear how you're making it work.