Affordable Junior Golf Program Expands to 700 Courses in 23 States

Youth on Course — the non-profit providing young people with subsidized golf, college scholarships, caddie programs and paid internships – partners with the Iowa Golf Association (IGA) to bring affordable junior golf to the Hawkeye state.

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 member golf courses that stretch across the state, the IGA plans to announce the selection of participating courses in coming weeks.

“Iowa’s junior golf population is rapidly growing, and we believe affordable access will help take it to the next level,” says Adam Heieck, Youth on Course Executive Director. “As we continue adding partner courses, local juniors will have their pick of reasonably priced golf options.”

Having already partnered with four other golf associations in 2018 (Colorado Golf Association, Greater Cincinnati Golf Association, Golf Association of Philadelphia, 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.

“We’ve been looking for ways to do more for our juniors and I have no doubt adding the Youth on Course program state-wide will be a home run,” says Chad Pitts, IGA Executive Director. “The benefits to the kids are first and foremost, but our member clubs will also experience increased traffic during non-peak hours.”

Support for Youth on Course drives the organization’s growth across America. Many view the initiative as a bridge between youth instruction and consistent play throughout adulthood, as well as an opportunity for junior golfers to interact outside of a competition setting.

In addition to promoting the game through affordable access to golf, nearly 200 individuals have benefited from Youth on Course scholarships totaling $1.2 million in financial support. The current college scholarship retention rate is 98 percent, with 46 students already graduated from a four-year university.

A list of participating IGA member courses will be announced in early April. Be sure to check back for more information.

About Youth on Course

The core purpose of Youth on Course is to provide juniors with access to life-changing opportunities through golf. Members play hundreds of courses for $5 or less, benefit from employment through the Caddie Academy and internship program, and receive college scholarships. Headquartered in Pebble Beach, Youth on Course is a 501(c)3 organization that began as the charitable arm of the Northern California Golf Association. Since 2006, nearly 650,000 rounds have been played by Youth on Course participants and more than $1.2 million has been raised for college scholarships. Currently, Youth on Course serves Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin with the goal of delivering affordable golf in all 50 states by 2020.

About the Iowa Golf Association (IGA)

The Iowa Golf Association serves as the governing body of golf for the state of Iowa. Run by amateur golfers the IGA provides a variety of programs and services that benefit everyone who plays the game. The IGA is an Allied Golf Association of the United States Golf Association.

The IGA’s most visible role is to conduct state championships for men, women and juniors, including the Iowa Amateur for more than 100 years. The IGA also conducts USGA qualifiers and offers a series of for-fun events called the “Member Play Days” which is open to IGA members of all skill levels.

The IGA provides services to nearly 200 member golf clubs and courses and over 20,000 individual members.  The Iowa Golf Hall of Fame, the IGA Scholarship programs and Youth on Course programs are administered under the IGA Foundation, a 501 c3 non-profit entity.

For complete information on the IGA please visit www.iowagolf.org.