In a first for NSW and the ACT, kids on the South Coast will have the opportunity to play our great game for just five dollars or less, with Club Catalina Golf & Country Club becoming the State’s first venue for the new TeeMates/Youth on Course national initiative.
TeeMates is a fun and interactive virtual golf membership designed to support all kids on their golfing journeys.
Through the program and its affiliation with Youth on Course, TeeMates members can play golf for $5 at a selection of golf courses across the country and receive an official GA handicap.
Youth on Course expanded into Australia in April to help break down the barriers that limit children from playing golf. The groundbreaking initiative not only promotes the game among kids but also makes it more accessible for families, giving the chance to uncover young talent who might not have otherwise been exposed to the sport.
The program also boasts a range of other benefits for children under the age of 18 including:
- A membership gift
- Opportunities to play events specifically for kids and teenagers.
- Free Local Tour registration with U.S. Kids Golf
- Free Jack Newton Junior Golf Tour Membership for all NSW/A.C.T Juniors
Over 650,000 kids participated in some form of the sport in 2021-22. Sadly, less than four per cent of the 420,000+ golfers in Australia’s club membership were juniors.
Currently just over 30 clubs across the country have partnered with Youth on Course, with Club Catalina now the first in New South Wales.
By lowering the entry barrier, clubs like Catalina are creating a pathway for young players to develop their skills, potentially leading to competitive play, scholarships, and even professional careers in the sport.
It also allows clubs to nurture junior golfers who can enjoy the benefits of the sport from an early age. Encouraging kids to pick up a golf club and head out to the course fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion, as they learn to navigate the intricacies of the game and build relationships with fellow players.
Club Catalina’s Director of Golf, Rodney Booth, said the club was proud to partner to be the first club in New South Wales to be a Youth on Course host venue.
“Club Catalina takes pride in the strength and involvement of its junior program so it was an easy decision to align ourselves with the program.
“The Youth on Course program aligns well with our Club mission statement as well as our values in promoting the game of Golf and fostering the next generation of golfers.
“We encourage all clubs to consider this opportunity in the future for the good of golf,” Mr Booth said.
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