Youth On Course: Breaking Barriers in Kalamazoo

Celebrating 20 Years of Access and Opportunity for Junior Golfers

At Crestview Golf Club, we believe the price of a round of golf should never be a barrier to a young person who wants to play. That is why we are a proud partner of Youth on Course, a nonprofit organization celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2026. Youth On Course is a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing financial barriers so young golfers can enjoy the game.

What started in 2006 as a small pilot program has grown into a global movement, facilitating over 5 million rounds of golf for juniors. For two decades, Youth on Course has been transforming lives by providing affordable access to the game, fostering confidence, and building a community for the next generation of golfers.

Forget the digital noise—at Crestview, we believe true family connection happens on the fairway, not in front of a screen. As a proud Youth on Course (YOC) partner, we’ve transformed the standard afternoon into an accessible, full-day family adventure.

“Crestview is a place where tradition meets the next generation. We are proud to support a program that gets kids off the screens and onto the fairways for just $5.” — Bob Bales, PGA Professional

Through this impactful program, junior golfers ages 6 to 18 can play our course for just $5 or less. By eliminating cost as a barrier, we’re inviting the next generation to treat our 60-year-old grounds as their own second home. Whether it’s coaching a son through his first drive or celebrating a granddaughter’s first successful putt, YOC turns “Golf Day” into the undisputed highlight of the week.

Area Youth On Course Participants

Crestview serves as the ideal home base for these memories, though the journey often expands throughout the region. Our location just off US-131 puts you within 15 miles of several other YOC partner courses. You can plan a “Doubleheader Weekend” or a rotating “Sunday Family Circuit” at these local favorites:

• Olde Mill Golf Club (Schoolcraft): With 27 holes to choose from, it’s a great spot for juniors to see a variety of Michigan terrain.
• States Golf Course (Vicksburg): A beginner-friendly, 18-hole landscape featuring watered fairways and accessible greens.
• Eastern Hills Golf Course (Kalamazoo): With 27 holes to choose from, it’s a great spot for juniors to see a variety of Michigan terrain.
• Milham Park Golf Club (Kalamazoo): A historic, wooded challenge for juniors who are ready to test their accuracy.
• Red Arrow Golf Course (Kalamazoo): A quick 9-hole executive course that’s perfect for a “warm-up” round with the kids.
• Ridgeview Golf Course (Kalamazoo): Offers rolling hills and a different look just minutes down the road.

“Golf is one of the few sports where three generations can truly compete and laugh together on the same field,” says Bob. “At Crestview, we love seeing families make a day of it. Whether you’re teaching a junior their first grip or just enjoying the Michigan summer, it’s about creating memories that last much longer than the round.”

Ready to start the adventure? 

Join the Youth on Course program online today, grab your digital membership card, and book your next family tee time at Crestview.

• Join the Program: Sign your junior golfer up at YouthOnCourse.org. The annual membership is affordable and grants access to $5 rounds at over 2,000 courses nationwide, including Crestview.
• Download the App: Once registered, download the Youth on Course app on your smartphone. This serves as your digital member ID, which you’ll show our staff at check-in to secure your $5 rate.
• Book Your Family Adventure: Call the Crestview Pro Shop at (269) 349-1111 to schedule a tee time. Remember our YOC family hours:
  • Monday–Friday: Before 3:00 PM and after 6:00 PM.
  • Weekends & Holidays: After 1:00 PM.

Got questions about Crestview Golf or the surrounding area? Call the Proshop at (269) 349-1111.

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