Record-breaking growth in membership and rounds played mark two decades of positively impacting youth experiences through access to golf
Monterey, Calif. – Youth on Course – the nonprofit organization providing youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf, is opening pathways for youth to play the sport at a historic pace as it begins its twentieth year.
2025 Highlights:
“Celebrating twenty years is about more than numbers,” said Adam Heieck, CEO of Youth on Course. “It is about opportunity, community, and the countless lives golf can transform. We are building on two decades of momentum to reach more young people, expand our network of courses and facilities to keep pace with the demand for play, and create meaningful experiences on and off course for every member.”
What began in 2006 with a mission to provide access to golf for $5 or less has grown into a movement reshaping how kids, families, courses, and communities engage with the sport.
The organization surpassed 4 million rounds played in 2024 and reached 5 million only eight months later in August 2025, the fastest growth period in its history. This momentum extends beyond rounds played to membership growth as well, with total membership increasing from 247,000 in 2024 to 394,000 in 2025, a nearly 60 percent year-over-year increase that is double the historical growth rate. These milestones are a testament to the organization’s reach and reflect the rising demand for youth access to golf.
The impact of that access extends well beyond the scorecard, shaping how young people grow and engage with the world around them. More than 86% of members express Youth on Course has positively impacted their life, with 78% reporting increased confidence through participation in the game. Nearly two-thirds of members also share that the skills developed through golf have helped them become better students, reinforcing the role the game plays in supporting personal development both on and off the course.
Mental health, well-being and connection are central to the Youth on Course experience. 75% percent of members say golf improves their mental health and credit the organization with promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. 73% acknowledge it has helped develop social skills and foster a supportive, inclusive community. Youth on Course provides every young person the opportunity to access the transformative power of the sport, regardless of cost or circumstance.
This growth is not just about scale. It is about building programs and infrastructure that create sustainable pathways for youth to play, compete and thrive. As Youth on Course enters its twentieth year, it remains committed to sustaining momentum, expanding reach and reimagining access to golf for the next generation.