Youth on Course – an innovative program allowing children ages 6-18 to play golf for $5 or less – was recently covered by Cronkite News, tracing the money-saving program back to its roots in Northern California.
Active in Arizona since 2015, writer Payne Moses profiles the positive effects of Youth on Course, including the achievements and aspirations of local member Abigale Morris. The national program is administered locally by the Junior Golf Association of Arizona (JGAA), where it’s been thriving. Youth on Course memberships in the Grand Canyon State jumped from 1,000 to nearly 7,000 in the past 10 years.
The $30 Youth on Course annual fee is included with the $120 JGAA competition membership, and once up and running, more than 2,000-plus participating courses across the country are available at deeply discounted rates.
Youth on Course paid roughly $6 for more than 20,000 rounds in 2024. That same year, Scottsdale’s Starfire Golf Club lead field with nearly 7,000 rounds, believed to be the most nationwide.
The success of the Youth on Course program has gotten the attention of some heavy hitters. Bank of America announced a three-year partnership that extends free one-year memberships through the Golf with Us initiative.
With backing from the bank as well as the entire golf community, Youth on Course is set to grow even more, providing the next generation with affordable places to play.
