In its latest push to expand pathways into golf, the USGA announced a new internship program Wednesday in collaboration with eight other major golf entities, including the PGA Tour and LPGA.
The Pathways Launch program is designed to “widen the pipeline of golf’s future leaders,” according to a USGA press release. The three-month paid internship will take undergraduate and graduate students who have shown an aptitude for leadership and desire to work in golf or sports and place them into one of nine golf organizations, companies or resorts. The program will focus on leadership training, mentorship and developing hard skills.
“We can do more together than we can do alone, and we’re building on an already successful Pathways model to open opportunity to more people,” USGA CEO Mike Whan said in the release. “These rising professionals, each organization and ultimately the game all benefit from this next step forward, and we’re thankful that everyone involved has embraced its vision.”
The program will place interns with companies that touch every aspect of golf, from merchandise and hospitality to professional tournaments and fan engagement.
Here are the nine entities participating in the Pathways Launch program:
- USGA
- PGA Tour
- LPGA Tour
- Pebble Beach Company
- Pinehurst Resort and Country Club
- PGA of America
- Dick’s Sporting Goods/Golf Galaxy
- Golf Pride
- Top Golf Callaway Brands
Each intern will receive an hourly wage that is funded by the USGA and other participating organizations. Interns also can receive help with the cost of housing to open the door to applicants who would otherwise not apply. The internships will give students first-hand experience in the field and provide them with networking opportunities.
The Pathways Launch program was developed from the USGA’s Pathways Program, which launched in 2022 at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass. It is the latest move in the USGA’s investment in growing the next generation of leadership in golf, with an eye on giving more golf-career opportunities to people from all backgrounds.
“The energy and interest in golf have never been higher, thanks to this incredible community of players, volunteers and fellow industry colleagues who work with us every day to introduce more people to the game,” said USGA president Fred Perpall. “It’s because of the success of these efforts that we can take one more step forward together and leave a legacy that will have lasting impact.”
The applications for the Pathways Launch are now open and will close on Nov. 14. Finalists will be invited to a recruiting event at the USGA’s headquarters in Liberty Corner, N.J. The program will kick off at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club in early June.
Interested applicants can apply at the USGA’s career page here.
