There are several ways to help give back to junior golf, but this might be the most fun you can have while doing it.
On Oct. 10, the TGA will embark on the 100-Hole Hike, an inventive Foundation fundraiser that will see philanthropic golfers playing 100 holes in a single day to raise money for the Youth on Course (YOC) program. The Hikers will play as many holes as possible – up to 100 – to raise money for Texas junior golfers.
Established in 2006, YOC is a non-profit organization that provides affordable access to golf for young people, while also creating life-changing opportunities for them. The TGA believes – hopefully you agree – the price of a round of golf should not be an obstacle for aspiring young golfers. YOC started the 100-Hole Hike in 2016; this is the first year it’ll happen here in Texas.
YOC’s main purpose is to allow young golfers to overcome the cost obstacle of taking their skills to the course and instead give them the opportunity to play golf at a low cost. YOC members pay $5 or less for each round at participating courses. YOC subsidizes the cost of members’ rounds to keep the price affordable and get more junior golfers playing. So far nearly 40 golf courses in Texas offer the YOC rate. Kelly Kilgo, Managing Director of the TGA Foundation and Outreach, said she hopes to get to 100 participating courses by the end of 2022.
Through donations, YOC also aids these young people in career prep, scholarships, and many more possibilities.
The TGA’s 100-Hole Hike will be played on Oct. 10 at Trinity Forest Golf Club just south of Dallas. It’s one of 10 sites across the U.S. that is participating in the fundraiser. Others include Pebble Beach and Sherwood Lake Club in California, Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, and Sweetens Cove in Tennessee to name a few.
The participating golfers will rally support from friends, family, and peers, who will commit to a dollar amount for each hole the golfer plays during the event. The concept is an homage to the old school “walkathons” you might remember from your youth. Supporters pledge a certain amount for each mile the participant walked to raise money for the cause.
Only in this case, the “Hikers” are playing golf!
Every dollar raised goes toward YOC and their mission to get more young people playing more golf and assist in their future professional opportunities.
Kilgo herself plans to participate in the 100-Hole Hike. As someone who oversees countless events throughout the year, she saw this one as something she couldn’t pass up taking part in.
“I’m excited for the opportunity for Youth on Course to come to Texas, and I’m looking forward to reaching my goal of raising $10,000,” Kilgo said. “This organization is a great avenue to get kids to continue playing golf and being more comfortable and confident in their games, while also developing their professional careers for the future.”
The Trinity Forest Hike’s goal is to raise at least $80,000 for YOC on Oct. 10. With your simple donation, that can be made possible. If you would like to support Kilgo’s 100-Hole Hike, you can donate here.
To sign up as a Hiker, click here. To learn more about Youth on Course and to donate to this organization, click here.
