Golf industry leaders have spent years searching for ways to attract younger players to the sport, and recent trends suggest those efforts are paying off.
With year-round golf entertainment venues such as Topgolf and Five Iron Golf helping introduce the game to a new generation, more young people are picking up clubs and heading to the course. That growth is evident locally through the Erie Region’s participation in the Under Armour Junior Golf League.
At Lakeview Country Club in North East, dozens of young golfers are getting opportunities to compete, learn, and develop their skills in a supportive environment. While the setting may resemble the type of experience typically reserved for seasoned golfers, these young athletes are proving they belong on the course.
Leading the local program is Erie native Brett Folga, who has overseen the league for the past five years. His mission extends beyond teaching players how to improve their swings or lower their scores. Folga says the game helps instill valuable life lessons, including patience, sportsmanship, responsibility, and confidence.
The league brings together boys and girls across several age divisions, allowing them to compete against their peers while experiencing some of the region’s top golf courses. For many participants, it provides a unique opportunity to develop their game in a competitive but encouraging atmosphere.
The benefits extend beyond the golfers themselves. Families often spend time together at tournaments and events, turning league play into an opportunity for parents and children to bond while enjoying the sport.
For Folga and the volunteers who help make the program successful, the ultimate goal is fostering a lifelong passion for golf. Whether participants go on to compete at higher levels or simply enjoy the game recreationally, organizers hope the experience leaves a lasting impact.
Anyone interested in joining the Under Armour Junior Golf League can find more information through the Junior Tour powered by Under Armour website. The Erie Region also maintains its own Facebook page with updates, schedules, and registration information.
While this season is winding down, Folga says the league will return in the spring and organizers are already preparing to accommodate a growing number of young golfers eager to get involved.