NORTON, Massachusetts – Representatives from Mass Golf will participate in the 100 Hole Hike this fall to support Youth on Course, a national program offered by Mass Golf that provides aspiring young golfers affordable access to the sport and life-changing opportunities. Team Mass Golf will play 100 holes from sun up to sun down, raising funds and increasing awareness of the Youth on Course program.
“The 100 Hole Hike has become a staple on our annual schedule as it allows us to bring our community together to celebrate this incredible program, raise important funds and awareness, and have some fun while doing so,” Executive Director/CEO Jesse Menachem said. “It’s an intense day, but a rewarding one for so many reasons.”
The hike will take place on September 12 at The Links at Mass Golf, with a fundraising goal of $75,000. The 2022 goal represents a $25,000 increase from last year, when hikers surpassed targets by bringing in $55,263 for Youth on Course.
One of the hikers enabling those efforts is Joanne Gagnon (Renaissance), a member of the Board of Directors who also chairs Mass Golf’s Championship and Finance, Investment & General Admin Committees. Gagnon decided to participate in the fundraiser again this year after being part of Team Mass Golf in 2021.
“Golf is expensive,” Gagnon said. “I love the Youth on Course for kids, making it accessible for all. Growing up in an at-risk environment, I think about how a program like this could have impacted some of my decisions during that time. In addition to all the important life lessons, it is a physical outlet in the great outdoors, a distraction from devices and stress of everyday life.”
Gagnon also feels that young golfers can benefit by learning honesty, integrity and how to navigate adversity through the sport. “The earlier we learn them, the better,” she said.
Both Gagnon and Menachem recognize the importance of increasing opportunities for young golfers across the state to improve the future of Bay State golf.
“Our commitment to Youth on Course is significant as it complements our longstanding interest in introducing youth to the game as well as our partnership with First Tee,” Menachem said. “We’re developing our next generation of golfers — and great people — and we hope these golfers remain part of our community for their entire lives. Providing affordable access is key to breaking a significant barrier of the game and it allows us to spread opportunity to more youth and their families statewide.”
Support Team Mass Golf as they play golf all day long, walk more than 20 miles, and take hundreds of swings to raise money for Youth on Course. Your support will keep the team going!
Click HERE to donate. Donations will be accepted through early December, with a final date to be announced later.
Want to hike with Team Mass Golf? Contact Kyle Sherman via email (ksherman@massgolf.org) or at 774-430-9014 if you are interested in representing Mass Golf at the 100 Hole Hike.
Youth on Course serves more than 100,000 members who have access to play golf at more than 1,400 courses across the United States and Canada for $5 or less, giving them opportunities to learn lessons that only golf can teach. Beyond affordable golf, Youth on Course provides opportunities for young people to get the support they need to succeed through career prep, leadership and scholarship programs.
For more information on becoming a Youth on Course member through Mass Golf, please visit MassGolf.org/YouthOnCourse or contact Kyle Sherman with any questions.
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