|
The 100-Hole Hike offers golfers the opportunity to raise funds for Youth on Course through pledging to play 100 holes of golf in one day . This program encourages those participating in the Hike to gain sponsorship from the golf community to pledge funds and sponsor their hike . The physically challenging and taxing day has a wildly positive outcome , raising large amounts of money for YOC .
In 2022 , funds raised from the Hike totaled $ 77,000 for sponsorship and donations . This year ’ s hike is set to take place on September 19 , with nearly 30 hikers currently signed up to participate at three locations — The Hollows Golf Club in Montpelier , Cedar Point Club in Suffolk , and The Schoolhouse Nine in Sperryville . After last year ’ s success and anticipation , there is no doubt that the 2023 100-Hole Hike will be just as successful .
The Hike gives golfers the opportunity to be hands-on in supporting the program by playing the sport they love for a great cause .
Debbie Hersman , a first time 100-Hole hiker in 2023 , has her own journey with golf and Youth on Course . For Hersman , participating in the hike is her way of giving back to the program that gave her and her son so much .
“ One of my favorite things about taking up golf is getting to play with my son , who is now a senior in high school . We would
|
drive to courses in the area that offered young golfers $ 5 rounds when he first started playing ,” Hersman said .
“ I ’ m hiking because I ’ d love to see more kids have access to a game that gets them outside for a few hours , and beyond the physical aspects of the driving , chipping and putting , it helps them understand how to think strategically and also how to manage their expectations and emotions both on and off the course ,” Hersman said .
The 100-Hole Hike is only part of the effort to encourage golf in junior divisions . Supporting junior golfers is a group effort , and the state of Virginia does its part to keep the passion for the game alive in all age groups .
All the way up to the scale of clubs and golf pros , down to the individual golfers and families , the effect of Youth on Course on golf is vast . The common theme Youth on Course supporters have is simply the
|
BELOW : VSGA Junior Golf Circuit members all benefit from the Youth On Course program .
dedication to paying it forward to future generations — with time , effort , and funding .
Those efforts for Youth on Course are setting up Virginia and many other states to have a lasting impact on the game of golf . It works to ensure interest and passion in the sport for years to come while focusing on one simple thing : the future of golf .
Abby All served as a P . J . Boatwright intern with the VSGA this past summer .
|
ABBY ALL |