United Golfers Association and Youth on Course Partner to Increase Game’s Exposure to Black Youth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 16, 2021
MEDIA CONTACTS:
A. Waldron
press@uga.golf
United Golfers Association and Youth on Course Partner to Increase
Game’s Exposure to Black Youth
(Windermere, Florida) — United Golfers Association (UGA) — the non-profit organization that is committed to increasing the introduction, development and advancement of Black youth and adults within the sport of golf has partnered with Youth on Course (YOC) to increase access and exposure to the sport of golf for Black youth.
While the golf industry is slowly working on creating councils and committees to solve a 100 year old problem to make the sport more inclusive, there are two organizations who are committed to take action and execute a plan today! This partnership between UGA and YOC provides all of UGA Juniors between the ages of 6 – 18 the opportunity to play rounds for $5 or less at more than 1,400 golf courses nationwide, have access to the GolfPass online learning center plus enjoy the perks of the GolfNow Access Portal. Junior Members will also benefit from career opportunities through the YOC caddie and internship program, as well as college scholarships.
“We’re working to increase the diversity throughout the sport with more Black junior golfers nationwide, and a key part of that strategy is fostering relationships with mission-driven organizations that have established platforms like Youth on Course. This is a game changer for our youth,” says Tarek “Ty” DeLavallade, Executive Director of UGA. “Accessibility and affordability have always been an issue for our underserved youth in mostly urban communities. “Together with Youth on Course which has built a community of more than 100,000 junior golfers, we will get this done at a rate much faster than expected.”
We will diversify this sport today, so that we can inspire and usher in our new generation of golfers for tomorrow. This is how we change golf.”
“We recognize that providing access to play golf affordably and opening doors of opportunity are important vehicles in creating a more inclusive space for young people of color, from the first time a kid steps foot on a course, to teeing it up against the world’s best.” says Michael Lowe, vice president of programs for Youth on Course. “Had the UGA not been created in 1925, the lack of diversity we see in golf today would be even greater, so we are thankful for UGA members and supporters, past, present, and future, and are honored to be working collaboratively to make meaningful change.”
Juniors nationwide ages 6-18 who seek to benefit from the new partnership may sign up for a UGA Junior Plus Membership http://www.unitedgolfersassociation.org.
More information: 888.842.1925
About UGA
The mission of the UGA is to foster an inclusive culture for black golfers and contribute to the evolution of the sport by offering resources to golf professionals, tour players, golf enthusiasts, and youth in golf. United Golfers Association (UGA) [Founded in 1925] is a 501(c)3 organization that is committed to increasing the introduction, development and advancement of African American youth to the sport of golf. The UGA Developmental Golf Academy will provide these golfers with the resources and direction to cultivate their passion for the sport as competitors and professionals in the industry. The UGA Golf Academy is designed to prepare them mentally, physically and professionally to compete as Future Tour Players and Golf Professionals throughout the world.
About Youth on Course
The core purpose of Youth on Course is to help young people grow and succeed both on and off the course by providing opportunities to play, learn, grow, and build relationships through affordable, inclusive access to play. More than 100,000 members play more than one thousand golf courses for $5 or less, benefit from career opportunities through the caddie 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, more than one million subsidized rounds have been played by Youth on Course members and nearly $2 million has been awarded in college scholarships. Across North America, Youth on Course serves all of the United States of America and parts of Canada.