One day. One hundred holes. A commitment that leaves a lasting mark. Across the country, participants in Youth on Course’s annual 100 Hole Hike closed out a demanding day on the course with a shared sense of achievement and a clear view of the difference they are making in junior golf accessibility.
Golf Canada offers affordable access to the sport through Youth on Course, which provides members aged six to eighteen with subsidized green fees of $5 or less at over one hundred participating courses. The 100 Hole Hike is the program’s flagship fundraising initiative. Golfers walk one hundred holes in a single day to raise funds for local Youth on Course programs. Since 2019, over 120,000 rounds have been subsidized. This season alone, 8,154 members played nearly 50,000 subsidized rounds across the country.
Four Youth on Course 100 Hole Hikes took place from August to October at Silverwood Golf Club in Saskatoon, Sask.; Bic sur Mer in Rimouski, Que.; Mill Run Golf Club in Uxbridge, Ont.; and Cabot Cape Breton in Inverness, N.S. This included the second international Youth on Course Premier 100 Hole Hike, a three-day event.
A total of 44 Hikers participated this year, raising $92,800 to expand Youth on Course access in communities across Canada.
Each event showcased stories of resilience, purpose, and personal motivation.
Honouring a loved one
At the Ontario event, a foursome traveled from Collingwood early that morning to honour the late David Moser, a husband, friend, and avid supporter of junior golf.
“Golf played an instrumental role in David’s life,” said his wife, Janet. “He strongly believed in affordable junior golf, so Joy, Derek, Danielle and I were thrilled to honour him through this fundraiser.”
Support from media and influencers
At Cabot Cape Breton, media personalities and influencers joined the Premier Hike, lending their voices to the program’s mission.
“Golf is an incredible game that teaches different life lessons,” said Adam Scully, host and producer of Golf Talk Canada at TSN. “To support such an amazing cause that gives back to others who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play, at one of the greatest facilities in Canada, means the world to me.”
A challenge with purpose
From the first tee at sunrise to the final putt at dusk, participants embraced both the physical challenges and the purpose behind their efforts. Many shared the satisfaction that comes from helping to lower financial barriers for young golfers while taking on a test of endurance.
“For me personally, access to junior golf provided an opportunity to grow as a young man on and off the course,” said Hiker Chris Bowman, who took part to support his son’s continued involvement in the game. “There is so much value in what the game can teach our youth, and providing these benefits to juniors who normally would not have the chance makes a real impact.”
Impact on host facilities
For host clubs, the event underscored the tangible influence of Youth on Course and the enthusiasm of communities committed to growing the game.
“We have seen firsthand how Youth on Course benefits our junior golfers. Just this year, nearly 500 subsidised five-dollar rounds were provided to Youth on Course members at our facility,” said Matt Savage, general manager at Mill Run Golf Club. “Hosting the Hike was an easy decision, and our members were fully supportive.”
Looking ahead
The success of this year’s events shows both the dedication of participants and the ongoing demand for affordable junior golf opportunities. Golf Canada aims to build on this momentum next season by increasing the number of subsidised rounds offered through Youth on Course initiatives.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took on the challenge this season,” said Nathalie Mihalek, Golf Canada’s National Manager of Youth on Course. “Their efforts directly help more youth get out on the golf course, and we look forward to welcoming even more Hikers next year.”
For more information or to take part in a Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike next season, visit golfcanada.ca/youthoncourse/.
