Liberty Corner, New Jersey, September 3, 2025
News Summary
A new initiative called the Pathways Launch program has been introduced to help students enter the golf industry. The program offers paid internships over three months, providing hands-on experience in various golf operations, mentorship, and leadership training. Supported by major golf organizations, this effort targets diversifying the golf workforce and begins with a recruiting event at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open. Applications are open until November 14, aiming to connect aspiring professionals with real opportunities in the golf sector.
Liberty Corner, New Jersey
New program aims to reshape how young people get into golf
There’s a fresh push to bring new faces into the game. The national golf body has rolled out a short-term, paid internship program designed to build future leaders in the sport, working together with several big-name golf organizations. The effort is meant to widen the pathway into careers in golf and sports, especially for students who might not otherwise see a clear way in.
The initiative, called the Pathways Launch program, runs for three months and is open to undergraduate and graduate students who show leadership potential and an interest in golf or sports careers. Interns will land placements across a network of golf organizations, companies, and resorts — with the program drawing support from eight major golf entities, including both the PGA Tour and the LPGA.
What the internship gives you
This isn’t just fetching coffee. Interns will get hands-on exposure to a wide range of golf operations. Expect to work in areas such as merchandise, hospitality, professional tournaments, fan engagement and other behind-the-scenes functions that keep golf events and venues humming. The program packs in leadership training, mentorship, and practical skill development to help participants move from student to pro.
Participating hosts will cover the hourly wage for interns, and some applicants may qualify for help with housing costs. That practical support makes the offer easier to accept for students who can’t afford to move for a short stint otherwise. The partnering organizations will also offer mentorship opportunities so interns can learn from people already working in the sport.
Where and when it starts
The program builds on an earlier pilot that launched in 2022 at a historic private club in Massachusetts. Now expanded, this rollout will kick off in a big way at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club in June. Finalists for the program will be invited to a recruiting event at the national headquarters in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, giving candidates a chance to meet potential hosts and program leaders in person.
How to apply and timeline
Applications are currently open and will close on November 14. Candidates who make it to the finalist stage will be invited to the recruiting event in New Jersey. Interested students can find the application on the organization’s careers page. The program seeks candidates who bring leadership potential, a willingness to learn, and a demonstrable interest in golf or sports careers.
Big picture: why this matters
This effort is aimed squarely at opening doors. By pooling resources across multiple organizations, the program hopes to create a wider, more diverse pipeline into golf jobs — from event operations to fan engagement and hospitality. Organizers emphasize collaboration and shared resources as a better path to growing the sport and expanding opportunity than any single group working on its own.
For golf fans and industry watchers, this is the kind of practical, boots-on-the-ground program that can change career trajectories. Instead of a one-off shadow day or unpaid internship, the Pathways Launch model offers pay, structure, and mentorship — all the things that make short-term work experience truly useful for building a career.
Who pays and who helps
Host organizations will be responsible for interns’ hourly wages. Some candidates may also receive housing assistance depending on need and host location. The program involves placements across nine different organizations, companies, or resorts as part of the experience.
Final nuts and bolts
- Program length: Three months
- Application deadline: November 14
- Start event: 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club in June
- Placement spots: Interns placed at one of nine host organizations
- Pay: Hourly wage covered by host organizations; housing support for some
FAQ
Who can apply?
Undergraduate and graduate students with leadership potential and an interest in golf or sports careers are eligible to apply.
How long is the internship?
The internship runs for three months and includes leadership training and mentorship.
Who pays the interns?
Host organizations will cover the hourly wage. Some applicants may also receive help with housing costs.
When does the program start?
The program is set to kick off at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club in June.
Where do finalists meet?
Finalists will be invited to a recruiting event at the headquarters in Liberty Corner, New Jersey.
Where do I apply?
Applications are available through the national golf body’s careers page. The deadline to apply is November 14.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Program name | Pathways Launch |
| Length | Three months |
| Application deadline | November 14 |
| Start | Begins with the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club in June |
| Who covers pay | Host organizations cover hourly wages; some housing help available |
| Where to apply | On the national golf body’s careers page |
If you’re a student who loves golf or wants a career in sports, this program is worth a serious look. It’s built to give real work experience, pay, and the kind of connections that can turn a summer internship into a career.
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Additional Resources
- Golf.com: PJ Boatwright USGA Legacy Internship & Golf Careers
- NewsBreak: USGA Launches New Internship Program
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Golf careers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
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