A New Wave of Young Golfers
Bank of America’s commitment to making golf accessible to youth through its initiative,
Golf with Us, has recently celebrated a significant milestone: young golfers have played more than
100,000 rounds at various courses across the United States. Launched in April 2025 amidst the excitement of the 2025 Masters Tournament, this program has seen an overwhelming response, with
over 86,000 children aged between 6 and 18 signing up for this opportunity to engage with the sport.
The
Golf with Us program provides an incredibly affordable entry point into golf, allowing members to access thousands of courses for
just $5 or less per round through a complimentary one-year membership to
Youth on Course. This initiative not only opens doors to new golfers but also fosters a sense of community among young players eager to learn the game.
Michele Barlow, Head of Enterprise Marketing for Bank of America, shared the program's vision, stating, "Through Golf with Us, tens of thousands of kids have learned valuable life lessons that golf can teach. Alongside
Youth on Course, we are creating widespread access while making a
positive impact in our communities."
Engaging Young Players
This summer, Bank of America took the initiative a step further by hosting approximately
1,500 children from partner organizations in Golf with Us clinics. Here, they learned essential golf skills and enjoyed life lessons from a range of celebrity guests, including golf legend
Annika Sorenstam and sports figures like
Terrell Davis (NFL),
Elena Delle Donne (WNBA), and
Jozy Altidore (MLS). These clinics aim to inspire and educate the next generation of golfers in a fun and engaging environment.
Moreover, Bank of America has financially supported the expansion of
over 100 municipal golf courses in Youth on Course’s network, thereby increasing accessibility for communities looking to introduce youth to the game of golf. Steve Martin, CMO of Youth on Course, remarked on the impact of this partnership, noting that the enthusiasm exhibited by the young players has accelerated their journey towards achieving
5 million rounds played at a remarkable pace.
Personal Stories of Engagement
Among those who have embraced this opportunity is
Peyton Powers, a nine-year-old who discovered the program while watching the Masters. Her father, Mike Powers, expressed their gratitude: "My daughter joined Youth on Course through the Golf with Us offer, and we've had an incredible time together on the course. We’re able to play multiple rounds for only $5 each, which has made golf accessible to us."
Golf course operators have also noticed a positive trend.
Aaron Kristopeit, Director of Golf at
Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City, highlighted the increase in junior golf participation noting, "Since partnering with Youth on Course, we've seen a
16% increase in junior golf rounds. It is exciting to witness an influx of young players, ensuring the future of golf remains bright."
A Broader Commitment to Youth Empowerment
Bank of America's involvement in golf extends beyond this initiative; it partners with prominent sports organizations to promote values of excellence and community engagement. Acting as a
Champion Partner for the Masters Tournament and affiliated with the
Augusta National Women's Amateur since 2019, Bank of America’s strategies resonate with its broader commitment to youth empowerment, financial education, and economic opportunity.
This initiative demonstrates how a brand can effectively utilize its resources and network to foster social change. It solidifies Bank of America’s position not only as a financial institution but as a proactive agent in encouraging youth participation in sports — a commitment that reflects its broader corporate social responsibility agenda.
For more information, visit
Bank of America's Sports Impact Page.
Bank of America serves millions of clients and businesses globally with a complete range of banking and financial solutions. Through initiatives like Golf with Us, it aims to create an empowering environment that promotes skill development and engagement in the community.
In conclusion, as Golf with Us reaches this significant threshold, it marks the beginning of an exciting journey for countless young golfers across the nation, ensuring that the game continues to thrive for generations to come.