Benefits of Being a Youth on Course Partner Club
Encouraged by a successful 2020 introductory campaign in San Antonio, the Texas Golf Association Foundation (TGAF), with the support of local golf clubs, is looking to expand the popular, nationwide Youth on Course (YOC) program throughout the rest of Texas in 2021.
Established in 2006 by the Northern California Golf Association, YOC, is a non-profit organization dedicated to opening doors, supporting dreams and transforming the lives of young people through opportunities on and off the course, including subsidized golf to make the game more appealing, inclusive and accessible to nurture the next generation of lovers of the game. YOC members may play rounds of golf for $5 or less at more than 1,400 participating courses across 40 states and Canada. Members also benefit from career opportunities through caddie and internship programs in various regions and nationwide college scholarships.
At the beginning of last year, the TGAF partnered with YOC to deliver affordable and accessible golf opportunities to young people in the Alamo City. Eleven San Antonio courses signed up for the YOC rollout and helped more than 450 juniors receive access to rounds of golf for $5 or less. (The TGAF paid a subsidy to the courses for each round played.) The program yielded an excess of 1,700 rounds played by juniors, which helped the participating courses in several ways.
In addition to helping the next generation of golfers play more rounds for less cost, the participating YOC courses were able to fill their unused rounds by designating tee times that are more difficult to fill for kids. The courses gained revenue from rounds, in part through TGAF subsidies, and those course operators reported that at least 60% of the time, a parent or guardian joined the junior golfer and paid full price for their round.
The courses also gained revenue through food and beverage purchases from the YOC members and their parents. Finally, the courses gained greater brand awareness through the nationwide YOC network and promotions while developing a young, loyal future customer base.
As the TGAF works to broaden the reach of YOC across the Lone Star State, it is looking for TGA Member Clubs to join the YOC network and help support young people in their communities. Participating courses have complete control over what tee times will be available for YOC members and typically include restrictions such as Twilight Only, Weekdays Only , Any time after 12 p.m., etc. Participating courses receive a check each month of successful round submissions in the easy-to-use YOC portal.
If you’re a decision-maker at a TGA Member Club and would like more information on how to become an official YOC course partner and fill unused tee times, drive revenue to your course and welcome in new and loyal customers – all without sacrificing your bottom line – please click here or send an email to Kelly Kilgo, Managing Director of the TGA Foundation.
