April marks Arab Heritage Month and at Youth on Course, we are proud to celebrate our diverse community by sharing the voices of those who embody our mission and inspire the next generation of golfers.
Meet Julia Hashem, a DriveClub member and proud Arab American who finds strength and joy in her heritage.
“For us Arab Americans to be celebrated and recognized as fellow Americans here in the U.S. and to also stay tied to our roots is everything. My family celebrates our heritage every day by spending time with each other and acknowledging the blessings that have allowed us to live our lives the way we do in the United States of America.”
Through Youth on Course, Julia has found community, opportunity, and inspiration.
“My experience as a Youth on Course member has been nothing but astounding. There really is no other organization like it. Making golf much more accessible to juniors who otherwise would not have been able to afford it is amazing. The mission of Youth on Course is one I will always stand by.”
Her favorite course? Phoenixville Country Club, a course where she’s made unforgettable memories on and off the green. We're proud to partner with the Golf Association of Philadelphia, whose support has helped open doors for members like Julia to experience the game in meaningful ways. Looking ahead, Julia is dreaming big. She’s heading to Methodist University to pursue a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in PGA Golf Management.
Diversity is woven into the fabric of our entire Youth on Course community — not just through our members, but across the partners, leaders, and programs that make this work possible.
Meet Tamara Sabella, the director of community engagement at Corica Park Golf Course. When it comes to Arab American Heritage Month, Tamara shares:
“For me and my family, celebrating our ancestry and raising awareness is a continual thing. Recognizing and celebrating Arab history this month gives us a platform where folks can learn and see us..”
At Corica Park, Tamara and her team are deeply committed to turning inclusion into action — creating real, lasting impact through intentional, community-focused initiatives. The partnership between Youth on Course and Corica Park is rooted in a shared vision of accessibility.
“I often hear our coaches and guests speak of Youth on Course as how they got into the game. When I first met Michael Lowe (Head of Impact), it was an instant synergy; breaking down barriers is at the heart of what we do. Folks should be able to start young and the beautiful thing is you can’t age out of this sport. Multigenerational golfing, families out playing together - I see it all the time. This shared vision and deep partnership between Greenway and Youth on Course is part of our Corica Fam vibes. We are very grateful for this community.”
With the growing success of Youth on Course across the U.S., we’re proud to see our mission of accessibility, community, and diversity reaching even further — across borders and into Canada. Our impact doesn’t stop at the state line, and neither does the spirit of our members.
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Meet Ali Naqib, a Youth on Course member whose passion for golf is deeply connected to his culture and community.
"This month is a time for me to reflect on where I come from and appreciate the strength and resilience of my community. It's a reminder for me to stay proud of my roots and share my culture with others. I celebrate it by spending time with my family, having traditional home-cooked meals and just taking a moment to be grateful for how far we've come."
Through Youth on Course, Ali has found not only access to golf, but meaningful connections along the way. One of his favorite memories? Introducing a beginner friend to Youth on Course and witnessing a special moment:
“He put it just a few feet next to the hole for his first ever birdie on a par 3. It’s in moments like those that grow our love for the game of golf."
Looking ahead, Ali is set to attend the University of British Columbia to study Kinesiology, where he hopes to blend his interest in human movement with his love for golf to continue growing both on and off the course.
We’re proud to stand alongside members, partners, and advocates who are shaping a more inclusive future in golf. Because when everyone has the opportunity to belong, we all rise together.