Recent studies show that the game of golf employs 1.6 million people in the U.S. but only a small fraction are held by those from underrepresented communities. As part of the ongoing effort to address those imbalances and foster a more inclusive game, the USGA annually hires students to participate in the Pathways Discover Program at the U.S. Open Championship.
The primary mission of the program is to expose college and graduate school students to the multitude of job opportunities and pathways in the business of golf. The USGA is committed to continue the program in 2027 at the U.S. Open and advancing continued long-term change in the golf industry by creating pathways to careers beyond the tee.
The Pathways Discover Program is a one of a kind 10 day internship, held during the U.S. Open in Pebble Beach, California (June 11-21, 2027). The program aims to create a behind-the-scenes U.S. Open experience for college and graduate students from underrepresented backgrounds in golf by:
- Exposure to numerous career opportunities within the industry.
- Providing classroom and real-world opportunities to enhance their professional development capabilities.
- Creating networking opportunities with industry leaders in the Raleigh/Charlotte community.
- Providing career building opportunities with pre-identified segmented championship leaders.
The USGA is a leader in the global golf industry, whose purpose is to unify the game, showcase the best talent in golf, provide impartial governance and advance our impact on critical issues such as sustainability, accessibility and inclusion.
Components of the program will come to life through the following:
- Leadership and Navigating the Corporate World
- Career Development Sessions
- Industry Leadership Panels
- Community Impact Opportunity
- Professional Networking Opportunities
- On-The-Job-Training” and Shadowing Experiences
- Case Study Pitch Competition
What you bring to the USGA:
- Demonstrated maturity, dependability, integrity, and initiative to learn.
- Ability to positively contribute to a work environment that emphasizes teamwork, respect for differences, and accepting and giving constructive feedback.
- No prior experience working in golf is required, but a demonstration of strong interest in working in sports is preferred.
- Enrolled in an undergraduate (rising sophomore or above) or graduate program at an accredited college or university.
Program Specifics
Dates: June 11–21, 2027 (arrival: Friday, June 11; departure: Monday, June 21). This is an unpaid internship. Interns receive a stipend to help offset expenses.
The following will be paid by the USGA:
- If not from the local Pebble Beach area - roundtrip travel from home airport/train/bus station
- Room and board for the duration of the program
- Meals, snacks and related program expenses
- Intern uniforms will be provided
Application Timeline
- Application Period: August 31, 2026 – December 4, 2026
- Completed applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- The Selection Committee will conduct virtual interviews with the final pool of candidates.
- All offers will be extended by Friday, March 12, 2027
As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to answer 8 open-ended questions. These are designed to help us get to know you—your ideas, your perspective, and your voice. We strongly encourage you to answer honestly and in your own words, without the use of AI tools. We’re not looking for “perfect” answers—we’re looking for your authentic thoughts and experiences.
Skills Required
- Enrolled in an undergraduate program as a rising sophomore or above, or enrolled in a graduate program
- Attendance at the 10-day program in Pebble Beach, California, from June 11-21, 2027
- Enrollment at an accredited college or university
- Demonstrated maturity, dependability, integrity, and initiative to learn
- Ability to contribute positively to a collaborative work environment emphasizing teamwork, respect, and constructive feedback
- Strong interest in working in sports
- Prior experience working in golf
What We Do
The United States Golf Association (USGA) is a mission-based nonprofit that unifies the golf community through handicapping and grassroots programs, showcases elite talent through the U.S. Open, U.S. Women's Open and other national championships, governs playing and equipment rules with The R&A, and advances golf's future through sustainability, accessibility and inclusion. It also manages the U.S. National Development Program and World Golf Hall of Fame.
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