by Eloise Cox
I’d like to spotlight an awesome program for kids called Youth on Course. Youth on Course is a national nonprofit that opens doors & opportunities for kids through access to golf. For an annual membership fee of $30, youth ages 6-18 have access to unlimited rounds of golf at participating courses for $5 or less. Talk about amazing greens fees! There is a huge network of courses in the U.S., Canada, AND Australia! In fact, in the Lake Elmo & Stillwater area alone, there are 7 golf courses within 10 miles that participate in Youth on Course. I’ve regularly golfed at several of them this summer, with my favorites being Logger’s Trail and Oak Glen!
Responsibility, Opportunity & Fun!
A hidden benefit of being a member of Youth on Course is that the program helps teach us responsibility. We gain independence being on the course on our own, with our parents and the golf courses trusting us to be responsible and respectful. We problem-solve when needed, respect other golfers on the course, and follow the rules of play like keeping up the pace, letting faster players play through, repairing divots and ball marks, and staying quiet. It’s a privilege to be out there, and we want to keep on playing!
The benefits don’t stop there. Once you are older, former Youth on Course members have opportunities for college scholarships, internships, mentoring and leadership. With all of these perks, it’s easy to justify the $30 annual fee and $5 greens fees. I highly encourage my peers to check out the program! It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice golfer or on the golf team at school. Trust me, it’s an awesome opportunity kids will love!
I had no clue this program existed until a friend of mine mentioned it. Since then, it’s been such a fun addition to my summer. My brother and I golf with a couple of friends, on a weekly basis when we can. It’s a few hours of fun and the perfect way to soak up our awesome Minnesota summers.
I look forward to seeing you on the course!
