I still remember the first time I ever played golf.
It was after a family trip to Alaska in August of 1997, when I was just 12 years old and getting ready to start 7th grade. Some guy named Tiger Woods had just burst onto the scene, pretty much influencing all of us nearly-teens to pick up our first pair of clubs.
That day I played with my dad and Uncle Chris at a par-3 course called Leisure Time — a course that was more known for its public pool and Slushies than its 18 holes. But it was cheap and the perfect place to learn the game.
I think I shot something like a 56 — which, to be honest, didn't mean a thing to me. But I do remember my Uncle shooting 3-over, which amazed me at the time. Was this guy secretly a pro?
Ah, yes, the pure bliss of learning something for the first time, with no expectations, little understanding of the rules, and knowing nearly nothing about the etiquette. Hell, I even left one of my rented wedges on a hole and got some serious eye rolls from my dad and Uncle for doing so.
Fast-forward almost 30 years, and here I am playing a major role in influencing the next generation of golfers: Being named a national ambassador for Youth on Course.
Growing the Game of Golf Hits Differently Now
I love golf, and have been beyond blessed to have the sport give me tons of memories over the years — and actually become my profession!
From that gritty Leisure Time course to playing some of the top-ranked golf courses in the country, working alongside the top golf coaches in the world, and even hitting balls next to Tiger Woods and his son Charlie (seriously, here's proof!), this sport has opened so many doors for me.
But since I'm just a big kid at heart, being named a Youth on Course ambassador is the most exciting thing this game has given me.
Not only do I get to help impact millions of kids around the world, but I also get to play a small role in making sure my daughter — and my nieces and nephews — have every opportunity to fall in love with this game.
That's a tremendous opportunity, and something that means the world to me.
Just like I did nearly 30 years ago with my dad and Uncle Chris, I can create experiences that, hopefully, stick with them for the rest of their lives, too. I just hope they don't expect me to shoot 3-over anytime soon...
What is Youth on Course?
Youth on Course has been a major influence on growing the game of golf for 20 years, even helping pro golfers like Jackson Koivun get their start on the course.
The organization helps make golf more accessible, while creating opportunities for kids to experience the benefits of the sport. In fact, a recent member survey highlighted the positive impact that a Youth on Course membership can have on participants:
- 98% said having a Youth on Course membership makes golf accessible and affordable for their family
- 86% said the benefits they get from their Youth on Course membership have positively impacted their life
- 79% said playing golf with their Youth on Course membership has helped improve their physical and mental health
With more than 2,300 golf courses in its network, and more than 400,000 members across the U.S., Canada, and Australia, Youth on Course has been at the forefront of golf's growth — with over 5 million rounds being played since the program started.
How to Get Involved With Youth on Course
At the end of the day, growing the game isn't just about creating better golfers — it's about creating more opportunities for kids to discover everything golf has to offer.
That's exactly what Youth on Course has been doing for the past two decades, helping subsidize rounds for members and allowing them to play at thousands of participating courses for just $5.
So if you'd like to help make that happen, whether by signing up a junior golfer, supporting the organization, or simply by spreading the word, you can learn more about Youth on Course and its mission on its official website.
Craving more golf swing tips and golf instruction? Be sure to follow Nick Dimengo on Instagram, and subscribe to Rainmakers Golf on YouTube for more relatable swing advice to help your game improve.
