Youth on Course has partnered with the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) to bring affordable junior golf to the oldest regional golf association in the United States.
Members ages 6-18 in this territory will be able to join the Youth on Course national network and access unlimited golf for $5 or less per round at 700 facilities across 23 states. Having more than 200 golf courses that stretch across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, the GAP plans to announce the selection of participating courses in early 2018.
“Golf Association of Philadelphia has always prioritized growing golf through financial accessibility,” says Adam Heieck, Youth on Course Executive Director. “We’re thrilled to help them build upon that mantra and develop relationships with young people who might not have otherwise entered the sport.”
Having already partnered with four other golf associations in 2018 (Colorado Golf Association, Greater Cincinnati Golf Association, Iowa Golf Association, Maryland State Golf Association), Youth on Course continues to gain momentum. Operating in every U.S. region, Youth on Course has upwards of 30,000 active members. Since 2006, juniors have completed 650,000 rounds.
“Youth on Course is an ideal partner for our association, as they align perfectly with our mission to preserve, protect and promote the game of golf,” says Mark Peterson, GAP Executive Director. “With this additional offering, the GAP now has a proven model of providing junior golfers with affordable access to area courses. This program will help allow junior golf participation to rapidly expand across the GAP.”
In addition to promoting the game through affordable access to golf, nearly 200 individuals have benefited from Youth on Course scholarships totaling $1.25 million in financial support. The current college scholarship retention rate is 98 percent, with 53 students already graduated from a four-year university.
About the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP)
Founded in 1897, the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) is the oldest regional or state golf association in the United States. It serves as the principal ruling body of amateur golf in its region. The Association’s 200 Full Member Clubs and 70,000 individual members are spread across Eastern Pennsylvania and parts of New Jersey and Delaware. Recognized as Philadelphia’s Most Trusted Source of Golf Information, the Golf Association of Philadelphia’s mission is to promote, preserve and protect the game of golf.