ONE Hundred Hole Hike Raises Big Funding for Youth on Course
32,410 steps. 100 holes played. Over $3800 raised. One tired body.
By Janina Jacobs
Last month I completed my second 100 Hole Hike in two consecutive years for Youth on Course, a national program which subsidizes junior golf at member courses. GAM administers the program here in Michigan and in 2022, 6,955 young people played 17,443 rounds of golf with over $90,000 in subsidies paid to 79 member courses. The Hike is one way in which volunteers can seek pledges to support this effort.
So, what’s it like, really, to accomplish this feat? Questions immediately flashed into my 65-year-old brain: “Am I physically able to do this? How long will it take? What about bad weather? How will I feel afterwards? Will people support this? What happens if I don’t make it all the way?”
Turns out, the trepidation and fears were far worse than the reality. Truth is, if you prepare mentally, physically and logistically, you can do it… as I did.
I’ve always hoofed it when playing golf, and even with mandatory carts, sometimes an agreeable partner will drive. Understanding the huge benefits of walking, my usual routine has been 4-6 miles daily for decades. However, if you can’t trek 2-3 miles or easily walk 18 holes, this Hike is not for you.
We played the short course at the Country Club of Detroit, a lovely layout but definitely no pitch and putt. With two par-4’s and par-3’s ranging from 90-145 yards, many greens are surrounded by bunkers – LOTS of bunkers. I note this because it’s time-consuming getting in and out and the goal is to waste no time, no steps, or no energy as you play.
This year, experience taught me to streamline my process: Stuff a satchel with two pairs of shoes – mudders for morning dew – extra socks, a pullover, shirt, shorts and pants for our changing Michigan weather because anything can happen when you’re out there from 9am-4pm. You’ll work up a sweat and be hotter than you’d think. Add two gloves, lots of tees and golf balls because you shouldn’t lose any but they’ll get beat up over 100 holes. Stock a mini-bag with 3-4 clubs, putter and 3 golf balls, but also deposit your normal bag at the first tee to change out clubs as needed, after each loop.
Then, as Nike suggests, ‘Just do it’.
Thursday, October 6, 2022 dawned cloudy, finally hitting 70-degrees with a south wind kicking up. I nixed morning coffee because the nearest restroom is about 150 yards from the first tee and you’ll not welcome 300 extra yards.
Holes 30-40 on the trek are the toughest. After 50, some fatigue kicks in, but grab some fuel. GAM provides snacks, water, then lunch mid-day….but DO NOT sit down and eat. A couple bites and light hydration will do…..then move on. If you stop, it’s harder to get going again. Once you hit 70, the end is in sight and your will becomes strong. You cannot quit now!! At 90 holes, it’s all over…you KNOW you’ll finish.
Last year, the absolute worst part happened after I was finished at 5pm: pack-muling all my ‘stuff’ to the parking lot, up a slight incline and 200-yards away. Horrors! And afterwards, I still had to conduct 7pm choir practice at church. Playing piano while your hands, arms, and legs are cramping is a challenge.
This year, there were all-over cramps and charley-horses lasting into the evening, but thankfully, they were gone by the next morning. By Saturday, all was well. 100-Hole-Hike, I’m a-comin’ for ye in 2023!
This was a year of firsts for GAM – the first time hosting five separate hike sites, first time hosting an "unofficial" hike at the Little Hawk Putting Course near Lansing, and first time we had an entire girl's golf team (Bad Axe) raising money for Youth on Course by walking 100 holes. With all the efforts combined, our estimated total of donations raised for the 2022 100 Hole Hike supporting Youth on Course is $27,500.
