Who can play Youth on Course events?

Youth on Course serves junior golfers aged 18 and under. Every junior golfer who wants inexpensive practice rounds.

Where does Youth on Course hold tournaments?

Youth on Course operates nationwide through local chapters and tours. Use the official finder to locate the program nearest you.

How much does Youth on Course cost?

Varies by region; often bundled with a state golf association junior membership (e.g., $30 NCGA, $55 GSGA); financial assistance available. Fees are set by the organizer and can change each season; confirm on the official site before entering.

Do Youth on Course results count toward junior rankings?

Youth on Course is a developmental program and does not report to national junior ranking systems, which makes it a low-pressure place to learn tournament golf.

National program

Youth on Course

Youth on Course is a nonprofit that subsidizes rounds so members 18 and under pay $5 or less at more than 2,400 courses in the U.S., Canada and Australia — the cheapest way for a junior to get course reps.

About Youth on Course

456,000+ members and 2,400+ partner courses; 6.8 million rounds played to date
Rounds cost $5 or less at participating courses
Membership is typically sold through regional golf associations; many junior tours bundle it
Also runs Careers on Course internships, college scholarships and the DRIVE Club
Founded 2006 in Northern California; four-star Charity Navigator rating

Best for: Every junior golfer who wants inexpensive practice rounds.

Official site: youthoncourse.org →Find a local program →

Other junior programs with local chapters

Most families mix two or three programs in a season: a local tour for reps, an association tour for championships, a regional tour for rankings.

Drive, Chip & Putt

Nationwide

National program

Founded in 2013 by the Masters Tournament, USGA and PGA of America, Drive, Chip & Putt is a free nationwide skills competition whose winners play the National Finals at Augusta National on Golf Channel.

Ages 7–15 (Girls/Boys 7–9, 10–11, 12–13, 14–15)Local qualifying spring–summer; regionals late summer/fall; National Finals the Sunday before the Masters

First Tee

Nationwide

National program

First Tee is a 501(c)(3) youth development organization that teaches golf alongside life skills through 150 chapters (plus international sites), each running programs at multiple local courses.

Ages Youth through high school (typically 5–18; varies by chapter)Year-round, by chapter

IMG Academy Junior World Championship

Nationwide

National program

Founded in 1968 by the San Diego Junior Golf Association, the Junior World Championship draws about 1,250 players from 56 countries and 42 states each July, reached through designated qualifiers or open application.

Ages Through 18 (14-and-under and 15–18 groups)July (2027: July 12–15); registration opens Feb 10, open-registration deadline Mar 15

Junior PGA Championship (Section Qualifiers)

Nationwide

National program

The Junior PGA Championship is one of junior golf's majors; the way in is your PGA Section's Junior PGA Championship, held in every section each spring/summer, with all 41 section champions invited to nationals.

Ages Junior (section championships are generally for ages 13–18)Section championships May–July; national championship late July

LPGA*USGA Girls Golf

Nationwide

National program

Founded in 1989 in Phoenix, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf is the only junior program built specifically for girls 6–17, now at 700+ sites serving about 100,000 girls a year.

Ages 6–17 (girls)Year-round, by site

Operation 36

Nationwide

National program

Operation 36 is a progression-based learn-to-play program used at 800+ facilities in 22 countries; juniors start 25 yards from the green and earn their way back to the full tee box, with an app tracking every round.

Ages 6–18 (plus adult and family programs)Year-round, by facility

Good to know

Youth on Course frequently asked questions

Who can play Youth on Course events?: Youth on Course serves junior golfers aged 18 and under. Every junior golfer who wants inexpensive practice rounds.
Where does Youth on Course hold tournaments?: Youth on Course operates nationwide through local chapters and tours. Use the official finder to locate the program nearest you.
How much does Youth on Course cost?: Varies by region; often bundled with a state golf association junior membership (e.g., $30 NCGA, $55 GSGA); financial assistance available. Fees are set by the organizer and can change each season; confirm on the official site before entering.
Do Youth on Course results count toward junior rankings?: Youth on Course is a developmental program and does not report to national junior ranking systems, which makes it a low-pressure place to learn tournament golf.

Guides for new tournament families

For Parents

How Much Does Junior Golf Really Cost? A Parent's Honest Budget Guide

For Parents

How to Build the Right Junior Tournament Schedule (Without Burning Out Your Player or Your Budget)

Getting Started

How to Get Started in Junior Golf Tournaments: A Complete First-Timer's Guide

Browse all local junior golf tours, compare the national tours, or search the tournament directory.