Youth on Course Alumni: Shaping the Future On and Off the Green

Youth on Course is more than just affordable golf; it's a vibrant and expanding community with over 250,000 active members and over 100,000 alumni, all contributing to the development of the next generation both on and off the course. Youth on Course unlocks doors to opportunity, growth, and lifelong connections, whether members are pursuing championship aspirations, collegiate golf, or simply enjoying the game. Let's explore the inspiring stories of Youth on Course alumni who have leveraged their experiences to achieve remarkable success and give back to the community that supported them.

Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams

Many alumni credit Youth on Course with making golf accessible and affordable, removing financial obstacles that would have otherwise prevented them from pursuing their passion. One such alumnus, J.T. B. from Carmel, California, was introduced to golf in middle school. His dad sought affordable options, leading him to Youth on Course. For J.T. B., golf provides a meditative escape into nature.

J.T. B.: From Affordable Rounds to Building a Golf Brand

J.T. B.'s story exemplifies how Youth on Course can ignite a lifelong passion and inspire entrepreneurial endeavors. He recalls that when he was 13 years old, he would not have believed that one day he would be running his own golf brand and giving back to Youth on Course. He was introduced to golf by his dad when he was seven years old. At first, it was just something they did together on weekends, but that all changed when he turned thirteen. Something just clicked. He started playing almost every day and couldn’t get enough of it. A few months into falling in love with the game, he became a Youth on Course member after finding out about it from a few friends he met at the course. Back then, Santa Teresa Golf Club in San Jose was his home course. It was close to home, and it’s where all his friends were. It became his second home as he spent countless hours there.

Youth on Course made that dream possible and was a game changer for him and his family. It broke down the financial barriers that often come with golf and made it incredibly affordable for his parents to support his passion. It was so affordable that there were times he’d pay for his rounds using coins his mom had saved and rolled over the years. Being a Youth on Course member meant he never had to worry about whether he could afford to play.

Years later, that same love for the game inspired him to start something of his own. He’s always wanted to build something from the ground up, and combining that entrepreneurial spirit with his love for golf felt like the right path. When he first started forelinksgolf, it began as a clothing brand. He thought it made sense at the time, but he quickly realized fashion wasn’t really his thing. After about a year, he let it go and took a step back to think about what actually made sense for him. While working behind the counter at Santa Teresa, which he still does every Sunday, he noticed something interesting. Gloves are a product that wears out over time, which means if someone likes it, they’ll come back for another. That repeat opportunity caught his attention. He already had some experience with manufacturing and product development, so he thought, why not try to create something better? That idea led him to Indonesia, a place known for producing high-quality cabretta leather. He ended up finding a small golf glove factory tucked away in a quiet town. It wasn’t some huge operation, but that’s what made it special. He worked side-by-side with the artisans there, refining every little detail and going through countless samples until they created the perfect glove.

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The decision to give back to Youth on Course came during a late night when he was feeling stuck. So he looked back on how he got here. He wouldn’t be where he is without Youth on Course. That realization grounded him, and it made the decision to give back feel not just like a good idea, but the right one. Now, for every glove he sells at forelinksgolf.com, $2 is donated to Youth on Course. Even if the contribution isn’t massive, it’s a step towards making an impact. It’s his way of saying thank you to the organization that helped shape who he is.

He honestly doesn’t know where he’d be without golf. It’s given him so much more than just a game. His hope is that this shows the next generation that it’s important to remember the people and opportunities that helped you along the way. Youth on Course was that for him. He wanted to go pro at one point, but eventually decided to go in a different direction. He would love to find ways to make the game even more accessible, especially for beginners. One day, he hopes we can create a membership option where new players not only get access to those $5 rounds but also receive a full starter set of clubs. That would be such a powerful way to break down barriers and welcome more kids into the game. As for the future of forelinksgolf, he can’t say exactly where it’s headed. Things change all the time, and this industry is tough. But what he does know is that it’s going to take a lot of work, patience, and resilience to break through and really make a name for himself. Still, he feels confident because he truly love what he’s doing. His passion for golf runs deep, and that passion is what drives him every single day. Looking back now, it’s kind of a full-circle moment knowing that Santa Teresa is the first and only course currently carrying his gloves in their pro shop.

Adrian Sahagun: Inspiring the Next Generation

Adrian Sahagun, a physical education teacher at Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, fondly remembers his time as a Youth on Course member. Growing up in Salinas, California, Adrian took full advantage of playing as many of the YOC courses as he could and quickly realized something the game was beginning to teach him, perseverance. “Golf is hard, and being out there, it taught me to just keep going. Like many college students, Adrian found it challenging to find the time and the resources to continue to play golf while attending San Francisco State University, but that didn’t deter him from finding a way to stay close to the game. “It was so expensive to play golf when I got to the city, I even got a job at a golf course so I could still be involved, but even then, it was hard to find the money to keep playing. Now that I have a job and time I have begun to play more consistently the last few years.” Now that he has a job and time he has begun to play more consistently the last few years.”

When he isn’t playing, he is working hard to find resources and opportunities for his students to get out on the links and learn to play. “I am starting a golf team so our students can compete for the first time on an actual team. Adrian’s passion for his students to be exposed to the game of golf is what continues to drive him. “I have had a few conversations where people are telling me to look for students that have golf experience and have an idea of what they are doing, but for me, that’s not what it is about. If we have a program where the priority is simply exposure to the game of golf, then we are doing something right.” Although Adrian is passionate about showing his students all he can about the game, finding equipment is proving to be a challenge. As he continues to inspire his students in the classroom and soon, on the links, he reflects on his time as a member and now this journey as a YOC Alum. “I think it is so important to continue to build community through golf, finding family, friends, classmates, work colleagues that might love this game and help them find a way out there to play.

Amber G.: From $5 Rounds to College Graduate

Amber G. from Livermore, California, who grew up playing at the Las Positas Golf Course, shares her appreciation for the Youth on Course College Scholarship opportunity and the Alumni Network. Without the Youth on Course College Scholarship, she would not have been able to attend college and would not be where she is now experience/career wise because of her education. She attended Santa Clara University, graduated this past June, majoring in neuroscience and minoring in Biology. She joined the Alumni Network to stay in touch and give back when she can to Youth on Course.

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A: Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Mentors

A YOC member was first introduced to her by the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside where she was learning golf in an after school program for middle school girls. After long weeks and days at school, oftentimes she felt overwhelmed with academics and used golf as one of her outlets to de-stress. Coming from a low income family, YOC was able to provide that space for her and her friends to enjoy the game of golf without having to worry about financial issues. Currently she is a third year student at the University of California Berkeley studying Integrative Biology with an emphasis in Human Biology and minoring in Spanish Linguistics. Apart from being a pre-med student full time for most of the year, In the summers she goes back to work as a Youth Development Professional at the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastside where she was once a member.

Her time as a YOC member has really shown her what it means to be a strong woman. In her golf program, oftentimes they would have older women from the coast come out and lead us through a scramble with a few girls. On these afternoons she was inspired after hearing stories from all these ladies really getting to know some strong women in our community. Through these scramble nights she was able to find some of her greatest mentors who she is still in close contact with today. Hearing how these women used golf not only as a sport but to build themselves professionally has been one of her key takeaways. In her future she hopes to eventually go to medical school and become a Pediatrician. One day as a doctor she hopes to help inspire other young latina and first generation women to pursue their dreams and at the same time be able to serve my community. After graduating college her next steps would be to continue furthering her education either with a Post-Bacc program or a Masters degree and work in a clinical setting before applying to medical school. In the future she also hopes to keep golf close to her whether it be using it professionally as a tool to build her network, or just to have a little fun once in a while with her friends.

Celebrating Diversity and Heritage

Youth on Course proudly celebrates the diversity within its community, recognizing the unique experiences and perspectives that members from various backgrounds bring to the game.

AAPI Heritage Month Spotlights

During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Youth on Course highlighted several incredible individuals:

Aidan Tran: A proud Vietnamese-American, Aidan was a Youth on Course member for over ten years. "It was incredibly helpful for my family. I have three siblings who also play golf. “My Vietnamese background has instilled in me resilience and a strong work ethic. After completing his bachelor’s degree at Georgia Tech in just three years, Aidan is pursuing a master’s degree and competing in his final year of NCAA eligibility.
Isabel Helgemoe: Isabel is a proud daughter of South Korean immigrants. Whether through language, traditions, or community, staying connected to her heritage has always been important. “Being able to see Korean female golfers dominate the LPGA has been an inspiration.
Neil Awasthi: Neil identifies as American with Indian heritage. His family's immigrant story continues to inspire him, especially when facing challenges on the course. After a tough shot or game, he’s learned to stay resilient and keep pushing forward. Neil has been a Youth on Course member for three years.
Emily Lee: A first-generation Korean American, Emily is proud to be part of the AAPI community. “To have the opportunity to carry forward traditions that not only honor my family but also my culture brings me joy and a sense of purpose. Emily is currently a freshman at Texas Tech University, and we are excited to see all of the amazing things she will accomplish in her collegiate career.
Dorris Gutual: Born in the Philippines, Dorris identifies proudly as Filipino and cherishes her large, close-knit family. Her favorite tradition? Four months into her role as a Development Manager for Youth on Course, Dorris says: “What’s been most meaningful is seeing the real impact Youth on Course has on our members and their journey with the sport.

Each of these individuals adds to the fabric of the Youth on Course community, representing the depth and diversity of the AAPI experience.

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From Youth on Course to the Fairway of Dreams

Youth on Course plays a pivotal role in the journey of any junior golfer striving to take their game to the next level, and Parker’s story is a perfect example of that impact.

Parker Bunn: Chasing PGA TOUR Dreams

Meet Parker Bunn, a Youth on Course Alumni from Ogden Utah, whose journey began at just 9 years old. What started as a fun hobby quickly turned into a competitive pursuit when Parker entered his first golf tournament at age 10. One of Parker’s most unforgettable moments on the course? Parker shares, “Shooting a 59 there is something I’ll never forget. Youth on Course made it super fun and easy to play,” he says. Now a freshman at Oklahoma State University, Parker is majoring in Marketing while competing on one of the top college golf teams in the country. “Our team is playing really well this season,” Parker notes. Looking ahead, Parker’s goals are set high. “I want to be an All-American for at least three out of my four years,” he says. Ultimately, Parker has his sights set on the PGA TOUR.

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