Former Major League Baseball standout Jackie Bradley Jr. returned to his hometown region this month to help launch the 2026 edition of “Golf with Us,” a nationwide initiative aimed at making golf more affordable and accessible for young people.
Bradley joined representatives from Bank of America and Youth on Course at Belmont Golf Course in Lakeside for a kickoff event that brought together 50 children ages 8 to 12. The event also included support from organizations such as Fit4Kids, Richmond City Public Schools, Peter Paul Development Center, and First Tee Greater Richmond.
The program allows children ages 6 through 18 to play rounds of golf for $5 or less at participating courses across the country. Through the partnership, local kids and teens can also receive free one-year memberships, giving them access to thousands of participating golf courses nationwide.
Jackie Bradley Jr. Returns Home for Richmond Golf Event
For Bradley, the event carried personal significance. The Prince George County native built a successful baseball career after starring collegiately at the University of South Carolina and later helping the Boston Red Sox win a World Series championship. Returning to Central Virginia to introduce more children to golf was something he said mattered deeply to him.
“Coming home to Richmond and partnering with Bank of America again for its ‘Golf with Us’ clinics is special,” Bradley said. “Having found success through sport as a child, I deeply understand its impact; golf, specifically, teaches incredible focus and discipline that builds character. I’m excited to bring this game and its valuable life lessons to the next generation here in my hometown.”
Bank of America officials said the initiative is designed to remove cost barriers that often prevent children from trying the sport. The bank partnered with Youth on Course to dramatically expand access to municipal and public golf facilities and introduce first-time players to the game.
Program Aims to Expand Affordable Golf Access
“Teaming up with Youth on Course is a privilege for not only my Bank of America team, but also all of the children able to participate from the Richmond Region,” said Victor Branch, president of Bank of America Richmond. “Offering this inclusive and accessible opportunity for Richmond’s children is an honor to be a part of.”
The first year of the Golf with Us program produced major participation numbers nationwide. Bank of America reported that nearly 100,000 youth participants enrolled from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Those participants logged more than 100,000 rounds of golf during the inaugural year. More than 22,000 girls participated, including many who had never played golf before.
This year, organizers hope to increase participation to 150,000 children nationwide.
Youth on Course Expands National Reach
Youth on Course CEO Adam Heieck said the partnership has significantly accelerated the organization’s growth while helping expand affordable golf opportunities in local communities.
“Our partnership with Bank of America has been a game-changer for Youth on Course, accelerating our mission and scaling our impact in communities across the country,” Heieck said. “As Youth on Course proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary, Bank of America’s support has not only inspired tens of thousands of new young golfers, but also expanded our network by adding over 100 municipal course locations and counting, ensuring that kids have safe, affordable places to play in their communities.”
Enrollment in Golf with Us is free for the first 150,000 new participants who sign up before June 15. Returning participants can renew their annual memberships at a 20% discount through the Bank of America partnership. Families interested in enrolling can visit BofA.com/GolfwithUs for more information.
