Links at 28 golf courses in State Parks will be open free to young people aged 18 and under on July 20 as part of the state’s Junior Golf Day.

Governor Cuomo announced the event in May as part of the PGA Championship  at Bethpage State Park on Long Island.

Meant to encourage more young people to enjoy golf, the program offers a free, 18-hole round to state residents who are 18 years old or less.

“To the youth out there who already love to play, or might want to learn: This round is on us,” said State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid. “We want to encourage as many young people as possible to give the sport a try, and use some of best courses in the country to do it.”

The youth program does not guarantee a tee-time, so participants are urged to contact the appropriate golf course in advance to make a reservation. Online information on locating a course, as well as program terms and conditions, can be found here.

Most state parks have a four- to seven-day window for accepting reservations. Walk-ins are also welcomed, based on availability.

Brianna Sovring, Player Development Director at Central New York PGA, said, “We are thrilled that New York State officials are providing a Junior Golf Day. Golf is a lifelong outdoor sport that teaches core values such as honesty, integrity and sense of community. A free youth golf day helps break down all entry barriers into the game and allows those from all economic backgrounds the ability to play golf at a New York State Park Golf facility for free!  The Central New York PGA is excited to see the next generation of potential players and their families who come out and support some of the most scenic courses the state has to offer.”

As part of the event, packages of State Park’s themed golf tees will be available as giveaways to participants. The program does not include a cart, range balls, or food and beverage.

Approximately 600,000 rounds of golf are played at State Park golf courses each year, bringing in an average of $17 million in annual revenue.

The Free Junior Golf Day  is being offered at the following parks, some of which have more than one course:

Western New York

Beaver Island, Grand Island; 716.773.4668

Finger Lakes

Bonavista, Ovid; 607.869.9909

Indian Hills, Painted Post; 607.523.8060

Soaring Eagles at Mark Twain State Park, Horseheads; 607.739.0551

Springbrook Greens, Sterling; 315.947.6115

Central and Northern New York

Chenango Valley, Chenango Forks;607.648.9700

Green Lakes, Fayetteville; 315.637.6111

Battle Island, Fulton; 315.593.3408

Wellesley Island, Fineview; 315.482.9622

St. Lawrence, Ogdensburg; 315.393.2286

Saratoga-Capital District

Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs; 518.584.2006

Hudson Valley

James Baird, Pleasant Valley; 845.473.6200

Dinsmore, Staatsburg; 845.889.4071

Rockland Lake, Congers; 845.268.7275

NYC/Long Island

Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale; 516.249.0700

Sunken Meadow, Kings Park; 631.269.5351

Sag Harbor, Sag Harbor; 631.725.2503

Montauk Downs, Montauk; 631.668.5000

Robert Moses, Babylon; 631.669.0449

State Parks oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which were visited by a record 74 million people last year. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.