The SCGA Foundation has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the United States Golf Association, to help support its successful Youth on Course program.
Launched in 2008, Youth on Course makes golf affordable and accessible for certified youth throughout Southern California. In the program’s first 18 months, the SCGA Foundation certified more than 2,500 young golfers, who in turn were able to play more than 13,000 rounds of golf for $1-$5 green fees. Additionally, Youth on Course allows juniors to hit range balls for $1, accounting for more than 18,000 buckets of balls hit since inception.
“The USGA has provided significant support to help us get this program started and now to continue its expansion,” said SCGA Foundation President Peter James. “With their support, we are ensuring that any youth that finds a passion for the game is truly given the opportunity to play. We believe the game instills integrity, character, and responsibility, and this program keeps youth on the course to continue learning these important life values.”
The USGA’s support will specifically fund the subsidies that the SCGA Foundation provides to the golf course, to allow the junior green fees to remain at $1-$5. In total, there are currently more than 85 participating facilities offering Youth on Course in Southern California. In conjunction with the Northern California Golf Association and its NCGA Foundation, Youth on Course is a statewide initiative, and all certified participants have access to the more than 210 California golf facilities that offer the program.
“This is an opportunity to say thank you once again for your support of junior golf,” said James Mai, parent of three Youth on Course members. “Many golf practices for us this past year wouldn't have been possible without the Youth on Course program.”
