Duration: 3+ Months (May/June – July/August 2027)
Location: Varies by placement (Currently: CA, CT, GA, FL, NJ, NC, PA, TX)
Compensation: $15–$25/hr + Housing & Travel Support*
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, over the last 5 years, the USGA has hired students to participate in Pathways Discover at the U.S. Open Championship.
The USGA is thrilled to introduce Pathways Launch, a dynamic 3+month internship program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in golf by placing talented individuals with prominent organizations across the industry, while fostering a cohesive and supportive community of peers. As a newly designed opportunity offered under Make Golf Your Thing, this unique experience welcomes students from a wide range of backgrounds and encourages you to apply, particularly if you:
- Are interested in pursuing a career in golf or the broader sports, hospitality and entertainment industries
- Have an appetite for future leadership roles
- Are open to a variety of experiences in order to broaden your skillset and network
- Are an undergraduate upperclassmen or graduate student
Through collaboration with participating organizations, Pathways Launch focuses on hard skills, mentorship, and career and leadership preparation. Students will have the opportunity to be placed at one of the following participating organizations, with additional organizations still being added:
- Callaway Golf
- DICK'S Sporting Goods/Golf Galaxy
- Golf Pride
- Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA)
- Pebble Beach Company
- Pinehurst Resorts
- PGA of America
- PGA TOUR
- PGA TOUR Superstore
- United States Golf Association (USGA)
- VERSANT/Golf Channel
Interns may be assigned to roles in the following areas, though this is not an exhaustive list:
- Marketing
- Business Operations
- Golf Operations
- Finance
- Data Analytics
- Supply Chain Management
- Communications
- Ticketing and Event Operations
- Merchandise & Licensing
- Human Resources
- Equipment Standards
Key Dates and Details:
- Application Period: August 17th – November 8h, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- In-Person Recruiting Summit: Friday, January 15-Sunday, January 17, 2027 at the USGA Headquarters in Liberty Corner, NJ
- Internship Selection: All offers will be extended by Friday, January 29th.
- Internship Dates/Duration: Will vary depending on placement. Generally, taking place May/June – July/August.
- In-Person Program Kick Off: Will take place at the 2027 U.S. Women’s Open at Inverness Club in Toledo, OH (June 3-6, 2027)
- Internship Location: Will vary depending on placement. Participating organizations are currently based in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Florida, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Applicants from outside of these areas are welcomed and encouraged.
- Compensation: Rates will vary depending on placement at participating organizations, ranging from $15-$25/hr+. Housing and travel support will be provided to all Pathways Launch interns and will look different depending on placement.
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:
- Professional Development Sessions
- Designated Mentorship
- Access to Leadership
- Facilitated Networking Opportunities
- Project Completion
- Coaching
What you bring to the program:
- Demonstrated maturity, dependability, integrity, and initiative to learn.
- Flexibility and adaptability.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to positively contribute to a work environment that emphasizes teamwork, respect for differences, and accepting and giving constructive feedback.
- Enrolled in an undergraduate (rising junior or above) or graduate program at an accredited college or university.
- Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- No prior experience working in golf is required for most opportunities, however, a demonstration of golf knowledge and strong interest in working in sports is preferred.
As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to answer open-ended question, 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
- Enrollment in an undergraduate program as a rising junior or above, or enrollment in a graduate program at an accredited college or university
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Maturity, dependability, integrity, initiative, flexibility, and adaptability
- Ability to contribute positively to a collaborative, respectful work environment and give and receive constructive feedback
- Interest in pursuing a career in golf, sports, hospitality, or entertainment
- Demonstrated golf knowledge and strong interest in working in sports
- Prior golf work experience
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.
