Promoting Youth Golf Access: U.S. Bank & Collin Morikawa's Partnership with Youth on Course
Despite the rainy weather in Los Angeles, golfers enthusiastically participated in the recent U.S. Bank Access Open, undeterred by the conditions. Among the participants were notable figures such as PGA Tour Pro Collin Morikawa, PGA Tour caddie Jonathan “JJ” Jakovac, local U.S. Bank market leaders, and young golfers who have benefited from the collaboration between U.S. Bank, Morikawa, and Youth on Course.
The event featured nearly 30 youth members engaging in a shotgun-style tournament, with a U.S. Bank leader serving as their team host.
Carl Jordan, California’s regional leader for branch and small business banking, emphasized the significance of community service and promoting equity and accessibility for all. He highlighted the transformative potential of golf for young individuals but acknowledged the financial barriers associated with the sport. Through partnerships with Collin Morikawa and Youth on Course, U.S. Bank aims to remove these barriers and provide opportunities for talented young players.
The tournament took place at Maggie Hathaway Golf Course, a par-3 course located in the heart of Los Angeles. Named after the influential Black actress, singer, and activist Maggie Hathaway, the course reflects her dedication to equality in golf. Managed by the Los Angeles Parks & Recreation department, the course offers an affordable option for golfers seeking to play or practice at the driving range.
In addition to the tournament, U.S. Bank contributed $200,000 towards the course's revitalization efforts, collaborating with the Southern California Golf Association to enhance the facility.
“Access to the game is huge – it’s an expensive sport,” said Morikawa. “To be able to give back to a place like Maggie Hathaway, it’s just phenomenal.”
In 2023, U.S. Bank pledged to donate five memberships to Youth on Course for every birdie Collin Morikawa scored during the PGA Tour season, resulting in a total of 1,585 memberships being contributed. This initiative aims to support Youth on Course's mission of enhancing golf accessibility for young people from diverse backgrounds by subsidizing rounds of golf at participating courses across the nation.
Adam Heieck, CEO of Youth on Course, expressed gratitude for the partnership with U.S. Bank and highlighted the positive impact of programs like the Birdie Challenge in breaking down barriers and fostering change in communities nationwide. He emphasized how such initiatives provide thousands of young individuals with affordable golfing opportunities, making rounds accessible for less than the cost of a bucket of balls.
During the U.S. Bank Access Open, Morikawa, Youth on Course, and U.S. Bank announced the continuation of their partnership and the renewal of the Birdie Challenge for the 2024 PGA Tour season, reaffirming their commitment to promoting golf accessibility and inclusivity.
“To have a partner like U.S. Bank that cares about the things I care about and the communities I care about, what more can I ask for,” said Morikawa.
The event featured nearly 30 youth members engaging in a shotgun-style tournament, with a U.S. Bank leader serving as their team host.
Carl Jordan, California’s regional leader for branch and small business banking, emphasized the significance of community service and promoting equity and accessibility for all. He highlighted the transformative potential of golf for young individuals but acknowledged the financial barriers associated with the sport. Through partnerships with Collin Morikawa and Youth on Course, U.S. Bank aims to remove these barriers and provide opportunities for talented young players.
The tournament took place at Maggie Hathaway Golf Course, a par-3 course located in the heart of Los Angeles. Named after the influential Black actress, singer, and activist Maggie Hathaway, the course reflects her dedication to equality in golf. Managed by the Los Angeles Parks & Recreation department, the course offers an affordable option for golfers seeking to play or practice at the driving range.
In addition to the tournament, U.S. Bank contributed $200,000 towards the course's revitalization efforts, collaborating with the Southern California Golf Association to enhance the facility.
“Access to the game is huge – it’s an expensive sport,” said Morikawa. “To be able to give back to a place like Maggie Hathaway, it’s just phenomenal.”
In 2023, U.S. Bank pledged to donate five memberships to Youth on Course for every birdie Collin Morikawa scored during the PGA Tour season, resulting in a total of 1,585 memberships being contributed. This initiative aims to support Youth on Course's mission of enhancing golf accessibility for young people from diverse backgrounds by subsidizing rounds of golf at participating courses across the nation.
Adam Heieck, CEO of Youth on Course, expressed gratitude for the partnership with U.S. Bank and highlighted the positive impact of programs like the Birdie Challenge in breaking down barriers and fostering change in communities nationwide. He emphasized how such initiatives provide thousands of young individuals with affordable golfing opportunities, making rounds accessible for less than the cost of a bucket of balls.
During the U.S. Bank Access Open, Morikawa, Youth on Course, and U.S. Bank announced the continuation of their partnership and the renewal of the Birdie Challenge for the 2024 PGA Tour season, reaffirming their commitment to promoting golf accessibility and inclusivity.
“To have a partner like U.S. Bank that cares about the things I care about and the communities I care about, what more can I ask for,” said Morikawa.
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