New Internship Program Launched for Aspiring Golf Professionals

, September 3, 2025

News Summary

The United States Golf Association has introduced a three-month paid internship program called Pathways Launch, aimed at helping college students and early-career professionals gain experience in the golf industry. Participants will be placed with various organizations to receive hands-on training, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The initiative seeks to enhance career prospects, especially for individuals from diverse backgrounds, as interest in golf continues to grow. Applications are now open until November 14, with the first group starting at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open.

Liberty Corner, N.J. — Big new pathway opens for students aiming at golf careers

A fresh program is rolling out that aims to get more college students and early-career pros into the business side of golf. The United States Golf Association has launched a new three-month paid internship called Pathways Launch, created with eight major golf organizations to give students real-world experience, training, and networking across the sport.

What this program is — in plain terms

Pathways Launch is a short-term paid internship meant for undergraduate and graduate students who show leadership potential and have an interest in golf or sports. Interns will be placed with one of nine participating organizations, companies, or resorts that represent different corners of the industry — from merchandise and hospitality to tournament operations and fan engagement.

How it works

The internship lasts three months and focuses on leadership training, mentorship, and practical skill development. Host organizations will pitch in to fund interns’ hourly wages along with the USGA, and support is available to help with housing costs so students who might otherwise be priced out can apply. In short, the program pairs hands-on work with training and a chance to meet people who can help open doors later.

Why this matters right now

The program is designed to widen the pipeline of talent and create more career opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds. This comes as interest in golf and community outreach around the sport are growing, and organizers see a need to bring more young, prepared leaders into the game’s many business roles.

Background and history

Pathways Launch builds on an earlier effort that started at the U.S. Open in 2022. That original initiative, now rebranded as Pathways Discover, offered a 10-day introduction to careers in golf and has already given nearly 100 students a first look into the industry. The new three-month program expands that idea to give longer, deeper experience across a wider set of places.

Where and when it starts

The inaugural group of interns will begin at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club, with finalists invited to a recruiting event at the USGA headquarters in Liberty Corner, N.J. Applications are open now and accepted through November 14. Interested students can apply via the USGA’s career page.

What participants will get — and what they’ll give back

Participants will gain practical, hands-on experience in areas like event operations, merchandise, hospitality, marketing, and fan engagement. The program emphasizes mentorship and leadership development so interns don’t just do tasks, they learn how to lead projects and teams. In return, organizations get motivated, trainable talent who can help on-site and bring fresh ideas.

Who’s involved

Eight major golf organizations have teamed up with the USGA for this program, representing a range of industry roles. The collaboration is intended to give interns exposure to multiple facets of the business side of golf and broaden their professional networks.

Practical notes for applicants

• Program length: three months
• Start event: 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club
• Application deadline: November 14
• Compensation: hourly wage funded by the USGA and the host organization
• Housing assistance: available for applicants who need it
• How to apply: via the USGA career page

Final take

For students who love golf and want a real shot at a career in the sport, this is a practical, structured way to get started. It mixes actual job experience, leadership coaching, and networking in a compact package — and it tries to keep money and accessibility from blocking promising candidates.

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Additional Resources

• Golf.com: USGA Internship Program
• PGA.com: Interning at the PGA of America
• Golf Course Industry: Wonderful Women of Golf Architecture
• Golf Business News: USGA Selects Pathway Internship Students
• Wikipedia: Internship

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