Youth on Course, an international organization providing affordable opportunities to play golf for juniors from age 6 through 18 has expanded in Chautauqua County with support from the New York State Golf Association.

Youth on Course was established as a 501c(3) non-profit organization in Northern California with six participating golf courses in 2006. Since then, it has grown to a national and international program with more than 2,200 participating courses in the U.S., Canada and Australia, and millions of rounds played.

The success of the organization is based on making golf affordable. Junior golfers join by paying a $30 annual membership fee. Then, they can play either 9 or 18 holes at participating golf courses for $5 or less. The Youth on Course organization provides the golf course with a small subsidy above the junior fee. And, junior golfers are often accompanied by an adult paying the regular green fee.

The membership includes a free GHIN handicap for the junior golfer through the NYSGA. Another positive feature is that participating youth are encouraged to take an on-line course on golf etiquette and rules.

Participating golf courses in Chautauqua County include Bemus Point Golf Course, Breezewood Links in Falconer, Cassadaga Country Club, Chautauqua Golf Club and Pinehurst Golf Club in Westfield. Each golf course establishes tee time policies that encourage junior play at less busy times of the week. Management at these courses recognizes the benefits in growing the game of golf by making it more accessible for junior golfers.

For more information, to see other golf courses involved state-wide or nationally, or to join, see www.youthoncourse.org or www.NYSGA.org/foundation-youth-on-course.