Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, United States: PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has announced the 2021 class for the PGA WORKS Fellowship.

Established in 2017, The PGA WORKS Fellowship provides the opportunity for a one-year, paid immersion in a PGA Section’s Foundation operations. This employment experience offers a view of what a career in the golf industry can provide.

The PGA WORKS Fellowship aspires to be the most valuable entry-level opportunity for individuals from diverse and under-represented backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry.

PGA Section Offices oversee the 41 regions across the United States. These offices help create the network of communication and community for PGA Members and amateur golfers nationwide.

“PGA WORKS is designed to further diversify the golf industry’s workforce, so it becomes more reflective of the consumers the golf industry collectively aspires to attract,” said Rachel Mabee, PGA WORKS Programme Lead.

“The purpose of PGA WORKS is to inspire individuals from all backgrounds to pursue the exciting career opportunities golf offers,” added Mabee.

The primary responsibilities of this year’s class of PGA WORKS Fellows are to support and execute philanthropic initiatives for the charitable foundations of their respective PGA Sections.

This includes assisting with marketing, communications and fund-raising activities, as well as PGA HOPE programming for Veterans and junior golf initiatives, such as PGA Jr League and Drive, Chip & Putt.

As part of PGA WORKS’ mission, the Fellows are encouraged to continue their careers in golf following their fellowships. Accordingly, Fellows receive direct access to both PGA Career Consultants and personal mentors to help them achieve their career goals.

Past Fellows have worked for GOLFTEC, The Honda Classic, Westchester Country Club, the First Tee and The Club at the Strand, among others golf companies and organisations.

Additionally, several Fellows have gone on to work full-time in PGA Section offices throughout the country. Since the programme’s inception in 2017, PGA WORKS Fellows have experienced an 80 per cent job placement rate following their fellowship.

The PGA of America is an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.