22 recent college and university graduates from diverse backgrounds will discover what a career in the golf industry can provide
FRISCO, Texas – PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has announced the 2022 class for the PGA WORKS Fellowship.
The PGA WORKS Fellowship, established in 2017, provides the opportunity for a one-year, paid immersion in a PGA Section’s Foundation operations. PGA Sections oversee the 41 regions of the PGA of America across the United States, and help create the network of communication and community for PGA Professionals and amateur golfers nationwide.
The PGA WORKS Fellowship is one of the most valuable entry-level opportunities for individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry. The Fellowship gives recent college and university graduates a first-hand look at everything that a career in the golf industry can provide.
The primary responsibilities of this year’s class of 22 PGA WORKS Fellows are to support and execute philanthropic initiatives for the charitable foundations of their respective PGA Sections. This includes assisting with marketing, communications and fundraising activities, as well as PGA HOPE programming for Veterans and junior golf initiatives, such as PGA Jr. League and Drive, Chip & Putt.
“The PGA WORKS Fellows are an important part of the future of the PGA of America and the golf industry,” said PGA President Jim Richerson. “PGA WORKS offers fellowships, scholarships and career-exploration events that seek out and engage talent from across the country to pursue key employment opportunities. These positions present these 22 Fellows with an invaluable path to discover everything that a career in golf can bring.”
As part of PGA WORKS’ mission, the Fellows are encouraged to continue their careers in golf following their fellowships. Accordingly, Fellows receive direct access to both PGA Career Consultants and personal mentors to help them achieve their career goals.
Past Fellows have gone on to work for GOLFTEC, The Honda Classic, Westchester Country Club, the First Tee and The Club at the Strand, among other golf companies and organizations. Additionally, several Fellows have worked full-time in PGA Section Offices across the country, as well as for universities and sports teams. Others have continued their education in graduate school.
Among this year’s 22 Fellows is Howard University graduate Rosa Jones, who received the first-ever PGA WORKS Fellowship in collaboration with the Advocates Pro Golf Association (APGA) Tour. Established in 2010, the APGA Tour is a non-profit organization with the mission to prepare African Americans and other minority golfers to compete and win at the highest level of professional golf, both on Tour and in the golf industry.
