“It’s a win-win, because the courses get to fill unused inventory,” says Heieck. Every member of the
One of the most accomplished young women to come out of Northern California recently, Alexandra Wong, was an active participant in both the First Tee and Youth on Course.
First Tee is eligible for Youth on Course but must demonstrate a mastery of golf skills and etiquette before being allowed onto golf courses unchaperoned. Kids who aren’t part of the First Tee can join Youth on Course by taking an online test and having their playing ability verified by a PGA pro or school- affiliated coach. There are 8,000 participants in Northern California, and the program has been so successful that the model is spreading nationwide (Southern California and Oregon are examples of regional associations offer- ing the same program). One of the most ac-
High school junior Sebastian Crampton turned heads last spring by nearly playing his way into the U.S. Open.
complished young women to come out of North- ern California recently, Alexandra Wong, was an active participant in both the First Tee and Youth on Course. She grew up haunting Harding Park with her twin sister Andrea and sharpened her com- petitive instincts playing tournaments conducted by the Junior Golf Association of Northern California. “It’s amazing how many
opportunities there are out there for young golfers,” Alexandra says. “I feel very lucky to have learned the