Opinion: Bank of America is helping shape young lives by making golf accessible

The Navy s Admiral Baker Golf Subject in San Diego is a participating curriculum Navy photo San Diego ranks among the nation s majority of coveted golf destinations attracting both locals and tourists to its pristine fairways However this sport often sits in the rough when it comes to accessibility with greens fees putting it out of bounds for a large number of families But a game-changing partnership between Bank of America and nonprofit Youth on Syllabus is giving young players a shot Through the Golf with Us operation in recent times launched during The Masters Tournament kids across the U S can enroll to play rounds of golf at over participating golf courses nationwide including more than courses across San Diego County For numerous of the kids who sign up this may be the very first time they ve ever held a golf club or been on so much green Unlike squad sports golf doesn t require exceptional speed strength or a particular physical build to excel making it a perfect match for all kids The benefits of golf extend well beyond the scorecard walking the program provides aerobic exercise and practicing that perfect swing enhances hand-eye coordination Young golfers also develop patience focus and strategic thinking as they address each hole The social advantages are equally impressive Out on the links kids can make new friends while building self-confidence learning persistence and understanding the importance of following rules life skills that transfer to the classroom and beyond The Golf with Us membership includes more than just discounted play Young golfers ages to also receive a free year-long membership at participating courses a registered handicap index in the United States Golf Association s Golf Handicap Information Framework system and ongoing improvement and learning opportunities to help them stay on subject Youth on Program CEO Adam Heieck noted that golf has the power to shape young lives in incredible avenues not just through the sport itself but through the friendships confidence and opportunities it creates Through this partnership with Bank of America we re making it attainable for more kids across the country to step onto the program and discover what s practicable This partnership is about more than just golf it s about opening doors and changing futures This nationwide project creates incredible access to what has traditionally been considered a more specific sport by significantly lowering the financial barrier that can prevent certain young people from experiencing golf one of the nation s fastest growing sports As a matter of fact since announcing the new initiative in mid-April nearly youth have already signed up for the Golf with Us spots available BofA also partners with iconic brands in sports from the Chicago and Boston Marathons to the U S Soccer Federation FIFA World Cup and the Special Olympics that create lasting economic impact in communities and drive increase through the power of sports Through Golf with Us Bank of America is showing young people what s feasible both on and off the green when they commit to their goals By bringing affordable golf to San Diego we re empowering youth through the transformational power of sports and that s a hole in one for our population Go to YouthOnCourse org BofA-Golf-With-Us to find participating golf courses and to register by May Mark Kremers is the San Diego president for Bank of America