Liberty Corner, New Jersey, United States: As part of its continued investment in the game, the United States Golf Association (USGA) is helping to cultivate the next generation of golf industry talent by funding 153 paid internships in 2019 through its annual PJ Boatwright Internship Programme.
The internships provide college students and additional qualified applicants with valuable experience as staff members at the USGA’s network of Allied Golf Associations, where they prepare for careers in golf administration.
Since its inception in 1991, the PJ Boatwright Internship Programme, named for one of the USGA’s most respected executive directors, has provided nearly US$30 million to fund more than 2,500 internships at the state and regional golf association level. The value of the internship funding in 2019 alone totals more than US$1.6 million.
All 59 Allied Golf Associations in the United States, Puerto Rico and Mexico were granted funding for the 2019 class. Lasting between three and 12 months, the internships provide experience in managing all aspects of the game, including conducting competitions, junior golf programmes and supporting membership initiatives.
“Through the PJ Boatwright Internship Programme, we’ve been able to make a meaningful impact on both individuals and countless golf organisations and a significant contribution to the future of our industry,” said Mike Davis, Chief Executive Officer of the USGA. “We are preparing future generations of talent to take on key leadership roles within the game.”
The internship programme included a two-day summit sponsored by the USGA in which 81 Boatwright interns from around the country visited the USGA campus in Liberty Corner. The programme offered professional development sessions on topics such as championship administration, community outreach programming, course rating, agronomy, rules, partnerships and the USGA Handicap System and provided interns with the opportunity to network with each other and with various members of the USGA staff.
Alumni of the Boatwright programme have advanced to successful golf careers throughout the world, including nearly 150 current employees of state and regional golf associations, 16 current USGA staff members and many golf companies and courses throughout the country.