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The dog days of summer have come to a close, the kids are back in school and are getting in some rounds of golf either on the weekends or after school. Youth on Course Michigan has seen an incredible increase in participation this year over lastand has even surpassed our banner year of 2020. For example, at the end of 2022, YOC Michigan had 6,955 members that played just over 21,000 rounds which equated to almost $105,000 in subsidies. There are now almost 9,000 YOC members who have played just over 30,000 rounds through the middle of September which has resulted in $156,000 in subsidies to our 87 participating clubs. The GAM Foundation provides a subsidy to the participating course for each YOC round played at their club, keeping much of the financial burden away from our Michigan families and junior golfers.

Due to the unforeseen drastic increase over last year, financial support is more important than ever to support this incredible amount of juniors who are golfing more than ever. A $25 donation to the GAM Foundation can support one YOC member for the entire year, as they play for $5 or less at any of the 87 participating courses in Michigan.

Below you will find recaps from the summer months as well as what is yet to come.

2023 was the second season of supporting GAM junior tournament players and their families through the GAM Foundation. Applications will remain open through the end of September should your family request financial assistance from participating within GAM junior tournaments or in USGA qualifiers/championships. All applications from the season will be reviewed, including those that were given a partial grant earlier in the season. Applications can be completed by going to the GAM website or clicking HERE.

Every year, as part of the YOC national initiative, the GAM finds hikers and hosts multiple hike sites across the state. This year there are four total hike sites, including the “unofficial” hike site called “Hike at the Hawk” – allowing participants to play 100 holes of golf on the Little Hawk Putting Course at Hawk Hollow Golf Course, making the day more inclusive for those who cannot physically play 100 holes of regulation golf. The 100 Hole Hike has historically been the GAM Foundation’s primary fundraiser and we need your help again this year! Please consider supporting one of our many hikers, who are doing their part to raise funds and awareness for Youth on Course in Michigan. Donations can be made by clicking HERE.

2023 Hike Sites and Dates:

• September 27 – Hike at the Hawk – Little Hawk Putting Course (Hawk Hollow)
• September 28 – 100 Hole Hike – Cascade Hills CC Par 3 Course “The Park”
• October 3 – 100 Hole Hike – Country Club of Detroit Par 3 Course
• October 9 – 100 Hole Hike – Verona Hills CC – “The Hive”