The Hay at Pebble Beach

Justin Ray, a contributor to The Athletic’s golf coverage, interviewed Youth on Course CEO Adam Heieck, VP of Programs Michael Lowe, and DRIVE Club member Allison Chan to educate readers on the impact the organization and the 100 Hole Hike has on increasing the accessibility of golf for youth. Continue reading for highlights from the piece. The full article, “Ray: How the 100 Hole Hike for Youth on Course is getting kids into golf” can be found here. 

“Few sports can impose more barriers to participation than golf” writes Ray. “Proper equipment is expensive. Access to practice facilities can be difficult or impractical. Approximately one-quarter of U.S. golf facilities are private. According to the National Golf Foundation, the median cost for a round of golf, in peak season, is nearly $50.”

The core purpose of Youth on Course is to break down these barriers by providing youth ages 6-18 with access to rounds of golf for $5 or less. Members also have access to opportunities to succeed off the green through Careers on Course, leadership council, The DRIVE Club and college scholarship programs. 

CEO Adam Heieck shared the reason why Youth on Course began. “When we started this we knew there were many barriers to the game. Cost, equipment, transportation. If you get a kid excited about golf watching Rory McIlroy or Jennifer Kupcho on TV, they get intrigued by the sport — then go to play and realize how expensive it is. Historically, the game hasn’t been all that welcoming to many groups of people. Access is the whole ballgame. We want to change the economics of golf, period.”

Michael Lowe VP of Programs reiterated the importance of providing youth with the opportunity to play golf and the responsibility the industry has to make it accessible.  “We believe that kids have the right to play sports. If kids can’t afford to do so, then we are not doing our part as a sport or industry to ensure that right. Sports have the power to change kids’ lives in many ways, and we have to ensure they get those opportunities.”

Youth on Course and DRIVE Club member Allison Chan, 13, shared her first-hand experience on how the programs have impacted her life. “Golf has taught me how to be a leader,” says Chan. “It’s taught me how to work in stressful situations, how to step out of my comfort zone, and how to be independent and responsible.”

On Nov. 13, Ray will participate in the Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike by attempting to play 100 holes in one day at The Hay at Pebble Beach. To contribute to his charitable effort, click here.