Written By: Greg Johnson
FARMINGTON HILLS – Youth on Course Michigan is on course for another record-setting summer.
“We have surpassed everything that occurred last year and last year was a record-setting year,” says Laura Bavaird, director of the GAM Foundation and its work with Youth on Course Michigan.
This summer 11,500 golfers have been Youth on Course Michigan members, which is an increase by almost 2,500 youth golfers from last year.
They have played a record 41,000 rounds this summer.
And 100 Michigan courses have participated in the program, an increase of 13 from 2023.
Youth golfers ages 6-18 who are Youth on Course Michigan members pay as little as $5 per round, and in turn the participating courses receive per round subsidies from the donor-driven GAM Foundation for making the program work.
“It’s just amazing how much it has grown even in just the last couple of years,” Bavaird says. “It’s fantastic what has happened in just the last year. The word is getting out that kids love the opportunities to play golf for $5 or less.”
Bavaird said the original point of Youth on Course was to further grow the game with youth, but to do it by filling unused tee times at golf courses interested in building customer bases.
“That it can be $5 or less for the golfers and their families per round is the key,” Bavaird says. “Affordability makes it possible for anyone and everyone. The GAM Foundation’s is all about making golf affordable and accessible. Youth on Course is really the best vehicle for that.”
Bavaird believes the Youth on Course magic is in providing a bridge to the golf courses from partner programs like First Tee and TGA.
“First Tee, TGA, they are the boots on the ground introducing and teaching golf, and we are step two, giving an affordable option to practice and play and use the skills they have learned.”
Youth on Course Michigan is funded by the GAM Foundation, and Bavaird points out it remains a donor-driven program that has succeeded in large part by the success of 100-Hole Hike donations of recent years.
Three are currently planned in September in Michigan, including Sept. 26 at Cascade Hills Country Club in Grand Rapids, Sept. 30 at Verona Hills in Bad Axe, and Oct. 2 at Country Club of Detroit. A fourth is in the possible planning stages for October as well.
“Volunteers and GAM staff and golf professionals and GAM members serve as our Hikers, seek sponsorships and then play to raise funds for Youth on Course Michigan,” Bavaird says. “It’s been fun and supported the game and our youth, which is what makes it all work.”
Chris Whitten, the GAM’s executive director, says everything about the program makes perfect sense.
“It’s great to know that the word gets out to junior golfers in Michigan about this opportunity for them,” he says. “For anyone that plays more than a few rounds a summer this is a financial savings for them and their family. It’s especially fantastic that the GAM and the golf community come together to fundraise and make it all possible for junior golf in our state, too.”
For opportunities to support the GAM Foundation’s work with Youth on Course Michigan and support a Hiker go to 100 HOLE HIKE.
To learn more, go to the GAM Foundation website page. To join Youth on Course Michigan click here. CLICK HERE. Contact Laura Bavaird at [email protected] or 248-417-0428.
