ORLANDO, FL (March 3, 2021) – GolfNow's integration of a custom, tee-time booking engine for Youth on Course (YOC) today offers its 100,000-plus junior members an easier and more convenient way to play their next round of golf, while promoting more play and generating more rounds and revenue for participating golf courses.
The functionality will be available in the YOC app, providing all members with 24/7 smartphone access to tee times at participating GolfNow golf courses in North America. This news comes on the heels of the Feb. 3 update about the partnership, which announced that all YOC members also have access to a complimentary GolfPass video subscription.
“Youth on Course members are playing more golf than ever before and the transition to online bookings via GolfNow is a giant leap forward for our members and for our participating facilities,” said YOC Chief Technology Officer Grant Gaudette. “GolfNow is the industry-leading tee-time marketplace and shares our vision that the future of this great sport starts with ensuring everyone has access to play. The YOC app now offers a portal for young people to learn how to shoot lower scores with GolfPass, then apply that new knowledge on the course with GolfNow.”
The custom booking engine represents the next step in the partnership between GolfNow and Youth on Course, designed to help grow the game through technology.
“It’s hard to find any youngster these days without a smartphone – it’s how they connect with the world,” said Jerramy Hainline, Senior Vice President & General Manager, GolfNow. “This custom-booking app puts golf front and center in their world and makes it easy and convenient for them play a round by themselves, with a fellow Youth on Course friend or with a family member.”
YOC statistics show more than 40 percent of its members also book for an accompanying adult when making plans to play.
“Youth on Course has allowed me to have more fun and positive experiences with my two sons,” said Lyle Krueger, a YOC parent from Bismarck, N.D. “We each love to golf but this has helped us to afford playing more. The additional time on the course has helped improve each of our games while getting some great exercise. I wish all courses in our area and state would be part of Youth on Course!”
GolfNow partner courses can help grow the game of golf in their communities by becoming an official YOC course partner, driving more rounds and revenue by filling unused tee times and growing their future customer base through youth participation. Golf courses seeking more information about how to participate can reach out to their local GolfNow representative or find it here.
The GolfNow-YOC partnership commenced in December 2020 and is taking major steps toward ensuring the vitality of golf as a recreational choice for kids. GolfNow’s custom technology and GolfPass’ digital content will continue to help YOC create more affordable and equal access to the sport for junior golfers in all 50 states, no matter their socio-economic circumstances.
About GolfNow
GolfNow is an innovative technology company that creates seamless ways for golfers and golf courses to better connect. GolfNow operates the largest online tee-time marketplace in the world, offering 3.5 million registered golfers a variety of ways to stay connected to their favorite courses and the ability to easily book tee times online and via mobile devices any time of day. GolfPass members receive special playing perks through GolfNow, including tee time credit and rewards. GolfNow, part of the NBC Sports Group with offices in Orlando, Fla., and Belfast, Northern Ireland, also provides technology, support and marketing services to more than 9,000 golf courses in 24 countries around the world.
About Youth on Course
Youth on Course helps young people grow and succeed both on and off the course by providing opportunities to play, learn, grow, and build relationships through affordable, inclusive access to play. More than 100,000 members play more than 1,400 courses for $5 or less, benefit from career opportunities through its caddie and internship programs and pursue higher education through college scholarships. Headquartered in Pebble Beach, Youth on Course is a 501(c)3 organization that began as the charitable arm of the Northern California Golf Association. Since 2006, more than 1 million rounds have been played by Youth on Course members and nearly $2 million has been awarded in college scholarships. Youth on Course serves young people, ages 6-18, across North America and parts of Canada, including Alberta and Ontario.
-NBC Sports Group-
Dan Higgins
NBC Sports Digital
Dan.Higgins@nbcuni.com
407-496-8107